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  • Nigeria, Colombia open new diplomatic chapter as Shettima hosts Márquez in Abuja

    Nigeria, Colombia open new diplomatic chapter as Shettima hosts Márquez in Abuja

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the official visit of his Colombian counterpart, Francia Márquez, as the beginning of a new era in Nigeria–Colombia relations, stressing that both countries are bound by a deeper call of shared humanity and a common destiny.

    Speaking at a gala dinner in honour of the Colombian Vice President on Sunday night at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima said the three-day engagements would lay the foundation for “deeper political cooperation, bolder economic ventures, and richer people-to-people exchanges.” 

    He conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians to the visiting delegation, noting that the historic visit signaled the start of a fraternal union between the two nations.

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “this is why this historic visit and tomorrow’s engagements will be the gateway to a new chapter. 

    “More than ever, Nigeria is inspired to plant the seeds of trust, water them with dialogue, and nurture them into fruits of prosperity that our children and grandchildren shall one day harvest. For fifty-one years, Nigeria and Colombia have journeyed side by side. We are bound not only by the ties of diplomacy but also by the deeper call of shared humanity”, Shettima said.

    Raising a toast, the Vice President prayed that the visit would yield the fruits both countries earnestly desire.

    In her remarks, Vice President Márquez described the trip as strategic and historic, underscoring the shared heritage and values that unite Colombia and Nigeria. 

    Read Also: VP Shettima attends wedding of late Buhari’s granddaughter in Kaduna

    As a woman of African descent, she said her visit held personal and cultural significance, while also carrying a diplomatic mission to deepen cooperation in social justice, peace, tourism, health, culture, and education.

    She pledged that Colombia would leverage its position in South America to strengthen trade relations with Africa and expand diplomatic ties with Nigeria. 

    Márquez also conveyed the condolences of Colombian President Gustavo Petro to Nigeria over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, earlier described the gala as a symbolic homecoming for Márquez and her delegation. 

    He emphasized that both countries share unique values and potentials which, if harnessed, could transform their economies.

    The evening featured cultural showcases celebrating Nigerian and Colombian traditions, with ministers and senior government officials from both sides in attendance.

  • VP Shettima attends wedding of late Buhari’s granddaughter in Kaduna

    VP Shettima attends wedding of late Buhari’s granddaughter in Kaduna

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Saturday attended the wedding fatiha of Ms Halima Junaid, the granddaughter of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and Mr Walid Muazu, the son of Iyan Katagum.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the wedding held at the Yahaya Road Juma’at Mosque, Ungwan Rimi, in Kaduna metropolis.

    Shettima was accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Sa’idu Alkali and Rep. Lawal Zannah.

    The Vice- President stood for the bride Halima Junaid, while Alhaji Shehu Mauzu stood for the groom.
    Dignitaries presence are; Abubakar Malami SAN, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Abdulraseed Bawa,Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, and the former Director-General, State Security Service, Malam Yusuf Bichi.
    Others are: Alhaji Tahir Muhammad Tahir, former Special Adviser to the President on Religious Affairs, prominent personalities within and outside Kaduna.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that immediately after the wedding fatiha, Shettima proceeded to the residence of the former Nigerian leader, Buhari and greeted the widow, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari.

    Shettima said he was specifically directed by President Bola Tinubu to extend his warm regards and reassure the family of his continued support.

    He also offered words of comfort and encouragement to the widow of the late President, Aisha Buhari, noting that late President Buhari will forever remain dear to both President Tinubu and himself.

    Shettima said, “I came to Kaduna to attend the wedding of Halima Junaid and after the wedding I decided to come and greet you and also to once again console you.

    Read Also: Shettima represents Tinubu at Sambo son’s wedding in Kano

    “I cannot come to Kaduna and go without coming to this house. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannah and may Allah give you the fortitude to bear the loss. ”
    Similarly, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, paid a condolence visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman (North West), Alhaji Garba Datti Muhammad, over the demise of his son.

    He said ” When I was informed by my boss, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu that I was going to Kaduna to attend the wedding of the granddaughter of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “He (Tinubu) said it is absolutely essential that you should represent me at the wedding fatiha and most importantly, go and pay a condolence visit to the National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who lost a son..

    “On behalf of President Bola  Tinubu, I want to convey our deep sympathy and condolences to our boss, our party leader, and to the governor of Kaduna state,” Shettima said.

    (NAN)

  • Shettima represents Tinubu at Sambo son’s wedding in Kano

    Shettima represents Tinubu at Sambo son’s wedding in Kano

    Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday  represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the wedding fatiha of Abdullah, son of former Vice President Namadi Sambo, in Kano.

    Shettima was warmly received on arrival by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who stood in for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as Sambo himself, Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, and other top government officials.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the ceremony, which joined Abdullah Sambo and the daughter of Prof. Abdullahi Umar in matrimony, was held at the Al-Furqan Mosque.

    It was solemnised by the Chief Imam, Sheikh Bashir Umar, after the payment of N500,000 as bride price.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Shettima, other dignitaries to attend GbaramatuVoice 10th anniversary in Abuja

    In the course of the rites, Vice President Shettima stood in for the father of the bride, while Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, represented the father of the groom.

    Delivering President Tinubu’s goodwill message, Shettima prayed Almighty Allah to bless the union with joy, peace, and prosperity.

    The Kano wedding attracted dignitaries from across political divides, including the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido; PDP National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagun; and Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, among others.

    Shortly after returning from Kano, the Vice President was also present at another wedding fatiha in Abuja, where Khalifa Ishaq Baffa Jibrin was joined in matrimony with Maryam Amani Yahaya at the National Mosque. 

    The solemnization was presided over by the Chief Imam, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Adam, alongside other clerics, after the payment of N500,000 as dowry.

    At the Abuja ceremony, Shettima gave out the bride on behalf of her family. 

    The event drew a large crowd, including Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Borno State Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur.

  • Shettima represents Tinubu at Sambo son’s wedding in Kano

    Shettima represents Tinubu at Sambo son’s wedding in Kano

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the wedding fatiha of Abdullah, son of former Vice President Namadi Sambo, in Kano.

    Shettima was warmly received on arrival by Kano Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who stood in for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as Sambo himself, Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje and other top government officials.

    According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the ceremony, which joined Abdullah Sambo and the daughter of Prof. Abdullahi Umar in matrimony, held at the Al-Furqan Mosque. 

    It was solemnised by the Chief Imam, Sheikh Bashir Umar, after the payment of N500,000 as bride price. 

    Read Also: Tinubu, Shettima, other dignitaries to attend GbaramatuVoice 10th anniversary in Abuja

    In the course of the rites, Vice President Shettima stood in for the father of the bride, while Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, represented the father of the groom.

    Delivering President Tinubu’s goodwill message, Shettima prayed Almighty Allah to bless the union with joy, peace, and prosperity.

    The Kano wedding attracted dignitaries from across political divides, including the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido; PDP National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagun; and Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, among others.

    Shortly after returning from Kano, the Vice President was also present at another wedding fatiha in Abuja, where Khalifa Ishaq Baffa Jibrin was joined in matrimony with Maryam Amani Yahaya at the National Mosque. 

    The solemnization was presided over by the Chief Imam, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Adam, alongside other clerics, after the payment of N500,000 as dowry.

    At the Abuja ceremony, Shettima gave out the bride on behalf of her family. 

    The event drew a large crowd, including Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal and Borno Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur.

  • Fed Govt seeks collaboration to unlock geo-heritage potential – Shettima

    Fed Govt seeks collaboration to unlock geo-heritage potential – Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the determination of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to harness the vast socio-economic opportunities embedded in Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites, stressing that the federal government is ready to partner with stakeholders to achieve the goal.

    Speaking on Thursday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) Nigeria National Committee, led by its chairman, Dr Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, Shettima said government’s “doors are open for collaboration,” particularly with subnational governments.

    “It is better late than never to explore the economic and developmental benefits of geo-heritage sites for the betterment of the nation,” the Vice President said, adding that the Tinubu administration is repositioning the country across all sectors.

    According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “We have changed the narrative in all spheres of our national life whether social, economic, cultural, sports, agriculture, education, international diplomacy.”

    Shettima commended the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, for their contributions to preserving the nation’s geo-heritage sites. 

    Read Also: Tinubu, Shettima, other dignitaries to attend GbaramatuVoice 10th anniversary in Abuja

    He further hailed the alignment of UNESCO IGGP’s mission with the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that their work on climate change, hydro-geology, geo-hazards, geo-dynamics, and geo-heritage was critical to national development.

    The Vice President encouraged the committee to expand its reach across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, while assuring them of the federal government’s support. 

    “There are a lot of economic and development benefits of geo-heritage – jobs, sustainable tourism and of course, peace in host communities and international research funding. This country is a blessed country, hence, all hands must be on deck to make it work. I urge you to come on board, let us work as a team to reposition this country,” he said.

  • 2027: APC forum advises Tinubu to retain Shettima, dismisses calls for change

    2027: APC forum advises Tinubu to retain Shettima, dismisses calls for change

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has cautioned President Bola Tinubu not to succumb to pressure to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2027 presidential election.

    The Forum described the growing calls for a change as a strategic move by opposition groups to destabilise the party and weaken Tinubu’s chances by alienating northern Muslim voters.

    Its chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, in a statement on Saturday, dismissed concerns raised by critics, including the Northern Ethnic Nationality Forum, who argued that the Muslim-Muslim ticket hurt APC’s performance in states like Nasarawa, Plateau, and the FCT during the 2023 elections.

    Zazzaga maintained that the Muslim-Muslim ticket would not affect Tinubu’s support in the Middle Belt, noting that Christians from the region already hold key positions in the APC government.

    “We can guarantee that Tinubu will get 90 percent of the votes from the North-Central. His performance in office will speak for him, so there is no need to take the needless risk of changing a winning team.”

    The Forum pointed to the presence of high-ranking Christian leaders from the Middle Belt, such as APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as proof that the administration has not sidelined Christians.

    “Those calling for Shettima’s removal are not real supporters of the President. In 2023, most of these communities voted for Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

    “If Obi contests again in 2027, what guarantee is there that they will vote for Tinubu even if he replaces Shettima with a Christian? These calls are politically motivated and meant to mislead the President.”

    The Forum advised against alienating northern Muslim communities while courting Christian voters, warning that such strategies would backfire.

    Read Also: I’m not desperate to be president –Atiku

    “This is dangerous and will hurt the APC’s chances. If Christian communities vote for Obi again and Muslims feel neglected, President Tinubu risks losing both blocs of votes,” the statement read.

    Urging President Tinubu to remain loyal to Shettima, describing him as a trusted ally who played a pivotal role in his 2023 victory, the Forum stressed, “Those advocating for Shettima’s removal don’t mean well for Tinubu or the APC.

    “They are trying to deceive Mr. President into abandoning those who worked tirelessly for his victory.

    “Changing Shettima will not produce any positive result; rather, it will weaken the APC’s electoral advantage.”

    The Forum argued that the political calculus of 2027 is unlikely to change significantly, predicting that Christian-dominated northern states would still vote largely for the opposition.

    It stressed that President Tinubu’s strength lies in consolidating Muslim support, which could be jeopardised if he drops Shettima.

    “Looking at the results of the 2023 election, all the Christian-dominated areas in the North voted for Peter Obi, and we don’t expect a different outcome in 2027.

    “Rather than gamble with his chances, the President should double down on what worked. Dropping Shettima would alienate northern Muslims, even if he is replaced with another Muslim. The best approach is to maintain the status quo.

    “President Tinubu will lose 80 percent of northern Muslim votes if he decides to change Shettima. This is not a risk he should take.

    “We advise the President to ignore the critics and focus on delivering governance. His performance and Shettima’s loyalty will be enough to guarantee a second term.”

  • Shettima leads tributes at state funeral of Emir of Zuru

    Shettima leads tributes at state funeral of Emir of Zuru

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday led the Federal Government delegation to the state funeral of the late Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (rtd), paying glowing tribute to the monarch’s enduring legacy and extending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolences to the people of Kebbi State.

    Speaking at the solemn ceremony in Zuru, Shettima described the late emir as a revered traditional ruler whose lifetime of service to Nigeria and humanity would be remembered for generations. 

    He said President Tinubu shared deeply in the grief of the royal family, the government, and people of Kebbi State over the passing of the monarch, who died on August 16 in London after a protracted illness.

    According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “I am here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally convey his deepest condolences to the governor of Kebbi State, the immediate family of the deceased, the entire people of Zuru, and all Nigerians over this great loss.

    Read Also: ASUP gives FG 21-day strike notice, lists demands 

    “It is a sad day for the nation as our royal father is laid to rest. His legacies will always be remembered because he used his entire life in serving the nation and humanity”, the Vice President said. 

    Shettima prayed for the peaceful repose of the late emir’s soul and urged continued unity and peace across Nigeria, stressing the vital role traditional institutions play in sustaining harmony in the country.

    Responding on behalf of the family, the emir’s eldest son, Sadiq Sani Sami, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the show of support, noting that his late father was widely known for his humility, generosity, and commitment to community service. 

    “Our father taught us humility and hard work. He also impacted his community and the nation,” he said.

    The late Emir’s remains were later interred in a garden within his private residence in Zuru, in line with his wishes. 

    Officers and men of the Nigerian Army, where he had served with distinction, rendered full military honours in his memory.

    The funeral was attended by an array of dignitaries including Kebbi Governor Nasiru Idris; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III; the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; former Niger State Governor, Sani Bello; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu; former Interior Minister, Abdulrahman Danbazau; APC National Organizing Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, as well as several traditional rulers and political leaders.

  • Shettima leads Fed Govt delegation on condolence visit to Kogi governor

    Shettima leads Fed Govt delegation on condolence visit to Kogi governor

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday led a high-powered federal government delegation to Okene, Kogi State, to commiserate with Governor Usman Ododo over the passing of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo.

    Shettima, who was accompanied by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolences to the Ododo family and the people of Kogi State.

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha Shettima said, “We are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with the Ododo family over the demise of the patriarch of the family, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo.

    “May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljana Firdaus, and his family and the good people of Kogi State, the fortitude to bear the loss. May Allah continue to unite the people of Kogi and may peace continue to reign supreme in the state”, the Vice President said.

    Governor Ododo, in his response, expressed appreciation for the Vice President’s visit, describing it as a source of comfort during the period of mourning.

    “Your presence here today has brought comfort and strength while we mourn the passing of my beloved father. People really don’t know who you are. Your support is a testament to the values of leadership, solidarity and compassion of a leader. We thank you most sincerely for your leadership style,” he said.

    Other dignitaries present at the condolence visit included the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu; former Governor Yahaya Bello; members of the State Executive Council; and lawmakers from the Kogi State House of Assembly.

    Read Also: Shettima mourns Emir of Zuru, describes him as bridge between military and tradition

    Before travelling to Kogi, Vice President Shettima also attended the third-day prayers for his late in-law, Muhammad Modu Manga, in Maiduguri.

    Manga, who passed away on August 18, was married to Hajja Zara Shettima, an elder sister of the Vice President, and is survived by four children.

    The prayer session drew prominent personalities, including Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Minister Abubakar Kyari, members of the House of Representatives, the Borno State House of Assembly, as well as religious leaders, business leaders, and other sympathisers.

  • Shettima hails Zenith Bank’s 35years of innovation, integrity

    Shettima hails Zenith Bank’s 35years of innovation, integrity

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended Zenith Bank for embedding innovation and integrity into Nigeria’s financial landscape, describing the institution as a symbol of excellence and a benchmark in African enterprise.

    Speaking in Lagos yesterday at the bank’s 35th anniversary, Shettima said Zenith Bank has not only safeguarded Nigeria’s wealth but also nurtured national dreams, retaining its position as the country’s largest bank by Tier-One capital for 16 consecutive years.

    In a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “today, we are honouring a culture—a culture where innovation is instinct, where integrity is non-negotiable, and where service to humanity is as important as service to shareholders.”

    Shettima, who noted that he was also attending as a “proud alumnus” of the bank, lauded its founder, Chief Jim Ovia, as a visionary who foresaw the central role of technology in global finance.

    “Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking,” he said, describing the pioneer as a “master of foresight” and “the architect of dreams.”

    The Vice President also praised the bank’s succession model, which elevated Dr. Adaora Umeoji as its first female Group Managing Director/CEO after nearly three decades of service.

    “Her journey demonstrates the succession planning that characterises Jim Ovia’s school of leadership,” he said.

    Read Also: Shettima commissions FGs ultra-modern ICT hub, two state aircraft in Cross River

    In her remarks, Umeoji highlighted Zenith Bank’s financial strength, noting that it holds a market capitalisation of ₦3 trillion and shareholders’ funds of ₦4.44 trillion, the highest in the Nigerian banking industry.

    “From humble beginnings in a converted residential building, Zenith Bank has grown into a globally recognised financial institution and the most profitable bank in Nigeria,” she said.

    Chief Ovia expressed gratitude to the Vice President for attending the event and thanked customers for their trust, assuring them of improved services.

    Dignitaries at the anniversary included Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, and Kefas Agbu of Taraba, as well as former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, among others.

  • Why Tinubu priotises MSMEs – Shettima

    Why Tinubu priotises MSMEs – Shettima

    The President Bola Tinubu’s Administration priotises Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) because, beyond being the lifeline of the citizens, they are the pillars upon which the nation’s economy stands.

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima, disclosed this on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Federal Government’s state-of-the-art Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Hub for MSMEs in Calabar, Cross River.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Shettima also inaugurated the newly refurbished State Library Complex housing the hub and two newly acquired Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets (100-seat capacity each) for use by the state-owned airline – Cally Air.

    The Vice-President noted that no nation in the world can prosper beyond what its small businesses promises.

    He stressed that, at the core of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,  is a commitment to create an environment where MSMEs not only survive, but thrive.

    “When His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, took charge, he did not only guarantee access to capital, he pledged to support every venture that dares to redefine the future of work, skills, and industries.

    “We are here in pursuit of our promise to build an ecosystem that eases the struggles of our entrepreneurs, provides the infrastructure that fuels creativity, and unleashes the innovative spirit of our people,” he declared.

    “The world today is shaped by the wave of digital technology, and so the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Information, Communication and Technology Hub for MSMEs in this beautiful state could not have come at a better time.

    “This is our eighth Expanded National MSME Clinics, and like those before it, the hub we commission today is our investment in tomorrow.

    ” We are living in a digital century where technology is no longer a luxury but a lifeline,” he said.

    Shettima added that the clinic was part of efforts by the Tinubu’ administration to bring the Federal Government’s support directly to the doorstep of businesses across the country.

    “The MSME Clinics, such as the one we launch today, are designed to bring the Federal Government’s support directly to your doorstep.

    “Here, entrepreneurs can interact with the Corporate Affairs Commission, NAFDAC, the Bank of Industry, SMEDAN, and other critical agencies. Here, challenges are met with solutions, not promises deferred,” he said.

    Shettima announced the disbursement of N250,000 unconditional grant, each to outstanding business owners in Cross River, as part of ongoing efforts to support MSMEs across the country.

    This is not a loan. It is a gift to accelerate your journey,” he said.

    Read Also: Shettima commissions FGs ultra-modern ICT hub, two state aircraft in Cross River

    Shettima drew attention to other interventions under the Tinubu administration such as the creation of a N75 billion MSME Intervention Fund being administered by the Bank of Industry (BoI).

    He listed the N50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to support one million nano businesses across the 774 local government areas of Nigeria with grants of N50,000 each.

    He also listed the N75 billion Fund for manufacturers to access up to N1 billion in funding at a 9 per cent interest rate.

    The Vice-President hailed  Gov. Bassey Otu for his support and leadership in promoting infrastructure in Cross River.

    He noted that  the commissioning of two Bombardier CRJ1000 aircrafts “to boost air travel, will not only invites the world to the People’s Paradise but also makes it a safe destination for investments”.

    Corroborating the Vice-President, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Tinubu remained unwavering in his support for small businesses in Nigeria.

    He added that Tinubu demonstrated same through policy reforms, special interventions and provision of critical infrastructure across the country.

    He commended the passion and determination of the Vice-President for the MSME space by personally encouraging and supporting activities in the sector through the clinics and related interventions.

    The minister noted that the efforts will positively transform the space in the near future.

    Speaking in the same veins, the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSME, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, described the MSME Clinics as a unique initiative of the Federal Government that is transforming ideas of budding and established entrepreneur across different sectors.

    He said the vision of establishing shared facilities for MSMEs across the country was prompted by the desire of the Federal Government to intentionally address key challenges confronting small businesses.

    Earlier,  Ottu said the state government believed in the reforms of the Tinubu administration and is keying into every facet of the reforms.

    According to him, the administration is building a formidable economy that will sustain and stand the test of time.

    Out pledged the support of the government and people of Cross River  for Tinubu’s government and its aspirations.

    The governor reeled out what his administration is doing to support growth and development of MSMEs across the state.

    (NAN)