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  • JUST IN: Shettima receives Oborevwori, Okowa, PDP members to APC in Delta

    JUST IN: Shettima receives Oborevwori, Okowa, PDP members to APC in Delta

    It was a carnival-like atmosphere on Monday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, as a massive crowd of Deltans gathered to witness Vice President Kashim Shettima formally receive Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Cenotaph, venue of the event, was transformed into a sea of yellow — the signature colour of Governor Oborevwori’s political family — as party faithful turned out in their thousands, defying the scorching sun to dance and celebrate to music blaring from strategically positioned loudspeakers.

    The grand event attracted an array of dignitaries, including APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, 16 APC governors, members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), federal lawmakers, and ministers.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Shettima, described the political realignment as a “tsunami of unimaginable proportions,” praising Governor Oborevwori and immediate past Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for their statesmanship and the unity displayed in leading the defection to the APC.

    Tinubu commended the cordial relationship between the two Delta leaders, expressing confidence that their move would strengthen the APC’s dominance and foster greater political stability in the state and the nation at large.

    He said: “What can be greater than the promise of this day. This is a political tsunami of unimaginable proportions that has never happened in the history of the South-South region and barely in the history of this country.

    “A political tsunami of this proportion has never happened where all the members of the upper chamber of the National Assembly are in the APC.

    “The Speaker and all the members of the House of Assembly. So many members of the House of Representatives, the Governor and his entire cabinet, and 500 councillors across the 25 local government areas of this great state. What testimony do you have greater than this?

    “The true measure of a political party lies not merely in the industry, the very name of its members, but in the conviction. It is, in fact, among those who once stood across from them.

    “This vindication is even more fundamental. When those who once saw us as outsiders and opponents crossed the lines of difference to become part of the enduring family we have built.

    “This historic day, therefore, is both a celebration of the enduring promise of the APC and a tribute to the vision, courage, and foresight of the great giants we have come to welcome into the hall of fame of our political party, along with their devoted followers who are joining us today.

    “I want to pay special tribute to Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for the wonderful relationship that exists between him and his successor

    “Senator Okowa, you are indeed a great leader and Governor Oborevwori, for embracing him, for treating him with respect and decorum, you are even a greater leader,” he said.

    “We are here with our unshaken belief in the power of collaboration, the understanding that we are stronger together than we can ever be apart.

    “What sets the APC apart is not an illusion of uniformity; it is our accepting that differences are inevitable and that greatness lies in managing them.

    “Our tables have always been tables of dialogue, places where every member, no matter how big or small, is welcome to air their grievances.

    “Your Excellencies, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the other great men and women, we welcome you to the APC today.

    “I bring them the warm assurance of His Excellency President Bola, Ahmed Tendul, GCFR, and all members of the APC.

    “Now that you have come we are all co-owners because according to the constitution of the party, the Governor of the party is the leader of the party in the state, this is now as much as your party as it is ours.

    “You have brought to us a wealth of experience, a breath of wisdom and a measure of strength for which we shall always remain grateful.

    “This is a declaration that the strength of our great nation is alive, a spirit that brings your ambition, your party alliance and sees the larger set of history.

    “Nigeria is greater than all of us, and what we do here today is a step towards strengthening our promise. We welcome you, Your Excellency, not as defectors but as brothers and sisters who have found your rightful place amongst us.

    “We welcome you not as guests but as family, we welcome you as fellow architects of a better Nigeria and may this day be remembered not just by what it signifies today but for the enduring fraternity and vision of source for tomorrow.”

    Responding, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described the defection as a historic movement in the best interest of the state.

    He pledged to unify the party to ensure total victory for the party in the coming elections.

    “What you have seen here today is a movement, it’s not a defection, it’s a movement. We have done consultation with the National Assembly, with leadership, with stakeholders at the state level, at the senatorial level, at the local government level, at the ward level, and we all decided that we must all join.”

    “This is Delta state we cannot carry last, when we stand for something we remain committed to it, we have been in opposition for almost 10 years.

    “Do we need that? Mr. President has supported us, he has shown us love. We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. The love that he has shown to us in Delta State, we need to reciprocate it.

    “We cannot do it in our own party. You have to be inside to do it, and to do it well. We have to do it at our party.

    “When you consult widely, you see everybody will come with you, and you can see that the love is organic, you can see my relationship with governors, you see all the governors here

    you see the large numbers of governors yesterday 9 came yesterday and slept today see all of them here I want to bless all of you. I want to thank all of you.

    This is a movement, this is not defection. We have agreed we will move together and when we move together, what is in the national we will be able to grab it.

    “Our members in the National Assembly they are all the next, they have agreed they will all defect on the floor of the house.  Mr Speaker and we have justification to move.

    “All of us want to be in the Renew Hope Agenda, which is in line with my MORE Agenda.

    “For us in Delta State, it’s a statement, and I believe other governors will join because it’s a movement, and when you have a movement, you don’t fail.

    “There are some things people say in the newspaper, that there is confusion, there is a faction.

    “As I have come, there will be no faction again. Let me tell you, APC is not like PDP. The Governor takes charge, and we are taking charge.

    “I don’t believe in any faction, everybody must queue and we will unite the party to move this state forward for the benefit of our people and to bring development, peace and unity to our state and Nigeria.”

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, applauded the cordial relationship between the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Ganduje said the National Working Committee of the party was highly impressed because of the cordial relationship existing between the predecessor and successor which, according to him, is very difficult see in the country.

    “So, we have to thank Dr. Okowa for that good relationship. Ladies and gentlemen, my job is very important, which is accepting, welcoming, and also embracing the Governor and the people of Delta State into our great party, the APC.

    “Mr. Governor, what l would like to tell you while accepting you into our party, is that our core value in APC is progressive leadership and coincidentally, from what we have seen on the ground in respect of your programmes and your projects, you are a progressive Governor.

    “So, we are welcoming you for coming home. We believe in progressive ideas, we believe in proximity, interacting with different levels of our party; we believe in openness, we believe in internal democracy, we believe in self accountability and we thank you for coming in,” he said.

    Read Also: Shettima arrives Asaba to receive Oborevwori into APC fold

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said the ceremony was quite historic and special in the life of the APC as a political party in Nigeria.

    Senator Uzodinma who disclosed that members of the APC were happy with the new political development in Delta State, said that the All Progressives Congress meant well for the country.

    “We are here to identify with you. We, therefore, urged all Deltans to continue to support their Governor as he consolidates on the achievements his administration has recorded so far,” he added.

    On his part, the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, explained that the decision to change political direction was made for the common good and in the best interest of the state.

    “It was not about personal ambitions but the need to connect to Abuja, where significant goodwill and resources exist, especially since the state is a major contributor.

    Reflecting on his experience as a former governor in opposition, Okowa emphasised that while Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is performing well, aligning with Abuja would strengthen his efforts.

    “After thorough consultations with stakeholders, it was clear that a bold, strategic, and patriotic move was necessary for the state’s future.”

    He stressed the importance of unity among all members, both old and new, encouraging everyone to embrace each other and work together with a shared purpose.

    He called for strong support for both the President and the Governor, believing that this unity would allow them to dominate the political landscape of Delta State. 

  • Shettima arrives Asaba to receive Oborevwori into APC fold

    Shettima arrives Asaba to receive Oborevwori into APC fold

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Monday, arrived in Asaba, Delta, to formally receive Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and other leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on arrival at the Asaba International Airport, Shettima was received by governors of Nasarawa, Imo, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kogi, Gombe, Lagos, Benue, Yobe and other APC controlled states.

    Also on ground to receive the Vice-President were Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of APC; Mr Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives; Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, among others.

    Read Also: Shettima, Ganduje, governors to receive Oborevwori into APC

    NAN reports that Oborevwori of Delta, on Wednesday, April 23 formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

    Announcing the defection in Asaba, Sen. James Manager, who addressed the press after a meeting of the PDP stakeholders at the Government House said a formal declaration would be made on Monday.

    He said the governor’s defection to the ruling party was for the interest and the overall development of Delta.

    (NAN)

  • Shettima, Ganduje, APC govs storm Delta Monday to welcome Oborevwori, Okowa, others to APC 

    Shettima, Ganduje, APC govs storm Delta Monday to welcome Oborevwori, Okowa, others to APC 

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma, and twenty other APC governors, will on Monday formally welcome Delta State Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, into the ruling party.

    The Nation gathered that as of Sunday, 27, ten APC governors — including those of Imo, Cross River, Edo, Kogi, Ekiti, Kwara, Ogun, Yobe, Katsina, and Gombe states — had already arrived in Asaba, the Delta State capital, ahead of the event.

    More governors are expected to arrive on Monday to join the high-profile ceremony.

    Also present in Asaba are APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and former APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

    The defection ceremony is scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m. at the Cenotaph in Asaba, with the venue already adorned with fresh coats of paint and APC flags fluttering at strategic locations.

    Meanwhile, the leadership of Delta APC has urged members to welcome the influx of new members with open arms, describing it as a sign of consolidation and growth ahead of future elections.

    In a statement, APC State Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo hailed the defection as a “landmark event” that has “shattered the political firmament” of Delta State.

    The statement reads, “Marks a new dawn for the progressive family in Delta State and symbolizes unity, inclusivity and our collective commitment to the growth and development of our dear Delta State under the leadership and guidance of our amiable governor, H.E. Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as he charts a new course for the destiny of the State through the M.O.R.E. agenda in conjunction with the Renewed Hope agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.

    Read Also: Shettima champions Nigeria’s human capital drive at World Bank/IMF Spring meetings

    Former Deputy Senate President, Oharisi Ovie Omo-Agege also welcomed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the party.

    In a statement he personally signed, lauded President Tinubu’s “political sagacity and visionary leadership,” expressing gratitude also to the APC National Chairman and the National Working Committee for their steadfast support.

    He assured that all arising issues are being addressed “with prudence and foresight,” following thorough consultations with the APC national leadership, the Progressive Governors Forum, and local stakeholders.

    “This is a moment for unity, understanding, and a shared commitment to the progress of Delta State and Nigeria,” he stated, while calling on party members, executives, and supporters to storm Asaba on Monday, April 28, 2025, for a massive welcome rally.

    The defection, according to Omo-Agege, “reaffirms our commitment to progressive governance, promising a brighter future for our people and a more prosperous, secure, and united Nigeria.”

    The Executive Director (Business Development), NEXIM Bank, Stella Okotete expressed excitement at the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    In welcoming Governor Oborevwori and several prominent PDP leaders, including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, into the governing party, Okotete, a former APC National Woman Leader, said this development will not only strengthen the party but also enhance its chances of achieving greater success in the coming years, particularly in the South-South geopolitical zone and beyond.

    Okotete, in a statement, said: “This momentous decision marks not just a political transition, but a bold affirmation of vision, courage, and commitment to the development of Delta State through inclusive, progressive governance. Your Excellency, your entry into the APC is a powerful testament to our party’s rising influence and capacity to unite all well-meaning leaders under one formidable umbrella of growth and transformation.

    “As we welcome the Governor and all the PDP members in Delta state into our fold, I call on every APC member—leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots supporters alike—to embrace this new era with open arms and renewed purpose. Let us put aside all divisive tendencies and prioritize loyalty to the party, unity of purpose, and service-driven governance.

    “Our collective strength lies in our unity. And today, with Delta State now firmly aligned with the centre, we stand at the threshold of greatness. Together, let us consolidate our efforts towards the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, support the leadership of Governor Oborevwori, and ensure the continuous growth and dominance of the APC in every corner of our state.

    “A progressive Delta is not a dream—it is our present reality. Let us build it, protect it, and be proud of it”. 

    Recall that several APC leaders including Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo SAN, Delta APC Founding Leader, Olorogun Otega Emerhor; former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe; Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Sen. Joel Onowakpo-Thomas; his Delta Central counterpart, Sen. Ede Dafinone have all welcomed the defection of the governor to the party.

    Also, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi hailed the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other key member from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a bold and strategic move.

    In a statement by his media aide Mr.Ike Abiagom, Nwaoboshi said Delta State APC family welcomes Governor Oborevwori and other PDP leaders into its fold, describing their entry as a significant boost to the party’s strength and structure across the state.

    Nwaoboshi said the political realignment would bolster President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign. 

    He described the development as a game changer for Delta APC,and praised the governor’s bold decision to join the APC.

    He added it was a strategic step toward unity, progress, and the advancement of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    Nwaoboshi maintained that the defection signifies a turning point for governance and political collaboration in the state and urged all APC members to embrace the new entrants with open arms, stressing that unity within the party would be crucial for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

    He said, “As you step into this new chapter with the APC, be assured of my unwavering support and that of many other progressives who believe in building bridges rather than walls. Together, we shall work to consolidate this momentum and build a Delta State that is not only united but strategically positioned to benefit immensely from its new alignment with the Federal Government.

    “We look forward to working together for the betterment of Delta State and in strong support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership.I urge all APC faithful to welcome Governor Oborevwori and incoming members with open arms.”

  • 2025 Hajj: NAHCON chair lauds Tinubu, Shettima over intervention on cash BTA for Pilgrims

    2025 Hajj: NAHCON chair lauds Tinubu, Shettima over intervention on cash BTA for Pilgrims

    The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof Abdullahi Usman, has commended President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima over their interventions on cash Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for intending pilgrims to perform the 2025 Hajj.

    Usman said that the cashless payment method of BTA for intending pilgrims introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would have affected the commission’s arrangements for the seamless 2025 Hajj exercise.

    The CBN had approved the commission’s request to grant cash transactions for pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj exercise.

    He said the commission would work closely with relevant stakeholders, especially the CBN, to resolve the issue.

    Usman said, “I must sincerely commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Their interventions reinforced their commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

    “We will work closely with relevant stakeholders especially the CBN to resolve the BTA via ATM or cash riddles. The world is fast changing. This has made it imperative for Hajj handlers to be proactive in keeping pace with technological advancements.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s annual nursing enrolment rises to 115,000 — FG

    “Our major concern here is that the majority of Nigerian pilgrims are rural dwellers who are not conversant with Nigeria’s banking processes.

    “However, ATMs in the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are grossly inadequate to cover the needs of over two or three million pilgrims. One hardly finds five such machines in the vicinity where the pilgrims stay in the two holy cities.

    “But after this year’s Hajj exercise, the commission would sit with stakeholders under the guidance of the Vice President to find a lasting solution to the challenges.”

    Usman revealed that an advance team of the National Medical Team would depart Nigeria for Saudi Arabia on the 30th of this month.

    He added that the team was inaugurated under his able leadership.

    He stated. “The advanced medical team was expected to be in Saudi Arabia at least nine days before the arrival of the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims to the holy land.

    “They will be adequately prepared for the tasks ahead of them. We assure our pilgrims that the team is more capable of attending to their health needs throughout their stay.”

    The Chairman further stated that the team needed to be on the ground to ensure that all Nigeria’s clinics in both Makkah and Madinah are fully stocked with the necessary drugs and other sundry medical requirements.

    He advised pilgrims with health challenges to disclose them to relevant authorities for proper documentation, adequate provision of medications, and or professional advice.

    He stated: “I also call on state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies, and commissions to adequately educate their pilgrims on the need to guard themselves against the forecast heatwave in the holy land during this year’s Hajj exercise.

    “All pilgrims should avoid loitering and wandering to protect themselves from sun and or heat strokes.”

  • Shettima champions Nigeria’s human capital drive at World Bank/IMF Spring meetings

    Shettima champions Nigeria’s human capital drive at World Bank/IMF Spring meetings

    • Calls for evidence-based interventions, deeper global partnerships

    In a renewed push to accelerate Nigeria’s human capital growth, Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for stronger international collaboration and data-driven strategies to advance the country’s Human Capital Development 2.0 (HCD 2.0) agenda.

     Speaking virtually at a high-level roundtable on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s unwavering commitment to placing human potential at the center of Nigeria’s development plans.

     According to a statement issued yesterday  by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the success of HCD 2.0 will hinge on data-driven, evidence-based interventions and sustained political will.

     The HCD 2.0 programme is designed to elevate Nigeria’s Human Capital Index (HCI) and equip Nigeria to face both national and global challenges, including climate change and digital transformation.

     The Vice President pointed out that the meeting was necessitated by the urgency to invest in the Nigerians and by the recognition that true national wealth is found not in natural resources, but in human potential.

    Read Also: Pope Francis: The reformist who divided opinion

     “This meeting, for us, is not just another item on our global agenda. It is a continuation of a journey whose beginnings I had the privilege of witnessing about seven years ago. True national wealth is found not in natural resources, but in human potential.

     “We will offer our HCD 2.0 Strategy the political backing it deserves to be the priority of our nation, and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has never wavered on this,” he said.

     The session featured key stakeholders from the World Bank, including Executive Director, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed; Regional Director for Human Development in the Western and Central Africa, Trina Haque; Senior Social Protection Specialist and Regional Task Team Leader, Africa West & Central region, Tina George, and Chief Economist for Human Development in the World Bank Group, Norbert Shady.

     The Nigerian delegation included the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President/ Chair of the HCD Core Working Group, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia and Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council & Climate Change/National Coordinator of HCD programme, Rukaiya El-Rufai.

     VP Shettima reiterated the federal government’s determination to ensure the continuity and deepening of the HCD agenda.

     “Government is a continuum. Nowhere is this truer than in programmes that demand patience, vision, and long-term commitment—programmes such as our Human Capital Development programme,” he noted.

     He revealed that under HCD 2.0, six priority indicators from the health, education, and labour force sectors have been selected as “quick wins” to guide policy interventions and track measurable progress.

     “We have carefully curated priority indicators and an HCD Dashboard to track them. This allows us to make informed policy decisions and measure our progress against tangible benchmarks,” Senator Shettima said.

     The Nigerian Vice President also reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to remain transparent and results-oriented to achieve measurable outcomes.

     “We will continue to hold ourselves accountable and press forward toward our bold goal to elevate Nigeria among the top 80 countries in Human Capital Index rankings,” he said.

     Senator Shettima also called on the World Bank and other development partners to support the availability of disaggregated, state-level Human Capital Index (HCI) data to enable more targeted interventions.

     Stressing the need for equity and inclusiveness in implementing the HCD 2.0 strategy, he said, “We are leaving no sub-national in Nigeria behind. Some of the states have already set a template for the others, having localised the HCD strategies to align with the peculiarities of their people while, of course, aligning them with the national strategy.”

     The World Bank representatives at the meeting committed to strengthening the bank’s partnership with Nigeria to improve the country’s Human Capital Index and proposed senior-level stakeholder engagement to identify optimal areas for technical support.

  • BREAKING: Shettima presides over NEC meeting at Aso Villa

    BREAKING: Shettima presides over NEC meeting at Aso Villa

    Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently presiding over the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja. 

    Several key national issues, including insecurity and state policing, are expected to dominate the agenda.

    The state governors and several deputy governors attend the Council Chambers meeting.

    Among those in attendance is the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), who is attending the NEC for the first time since his appointment. 

    Also present is Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Other governors in attendance include the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara); Hyacinth Alia (Benue); Bassey Otu (Cross River); Monday Okpebholo (Edo); Uba Sani (Kaduna); and Alex Otti (Abia), among others. 

    Their deputy governors represent a sizable number of the states. 

    The National Economic Council, which is chaired by the Vice President and comprises all 36 state governors, the Central Bank Governor, and other key officials, meets periodically to deliberate on economic and developmental matters and to advise the President accordingly.

    Among the pressing issues on the table is the growing insecurity in parts of the country, particularly in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, and Kwara states. 

    The council is expected to review ongoing security strategies and the status of state-level consensus on the establishment of state police.

    The last NEC meeting, held on February 20, saw the launch of the Nutrition 774 Initiative, a nationwide program designed to tackle malnutrition in all local government areas across the country.

    The outcome of the ongoing meeting is expected to shape federal and state-level collaborations in tackling insecurity, boosting economic growth, and enhancing governance in Nigeria.

  • Shettima rallies stakeholders to unite for national skills development

    Shettima rallies stakeholders to unite for national skills development

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for stronger collaboration among government ministries, agencies, the private sector, and development partners to drive Nigeria’s skills development agenda, emphasizing the need for a unified national strategy to harness the country’s vast human capital.

    The Vice President made the remarks on Wednesday while chairing the 5th meeting of the National Council on Skills at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 

    The high-level gathering brought together key stakeholders to review progress and fine-tune the nation’s skills development framework in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    This was contained in a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

    He noted that the demographic dividends accruable to Nigeria can be best maximized if the workforce and the youth are adequately skilled in critical sectors of the economy.

    “We know that isolated programmes, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot substitute for a unified national strategy, that is why this council’s work remains indispensable. There are challenges but we can conquer them if we act with unity, urgency, and foresight,” Shettima stated.

    Read Also: Shettima not ‘flat spare tyre’, Fasua replies ex-SGF Lawal

    The council also deliberated on strategies for advancing Nigeria’s skills landscape and ensuring alignment with the 8-point agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, even as it commended the proposed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scheduled for unveiling on May 16, 2025. 

    The Council urged improved consultations with sister ministries and departments regarding the initiative, emphasizing the need to prioritize digital skills training, especially among youths.

    It reiterated its commitment to ensuring coherence in skills development policies, monitoring implementation effectively, and adapting strategies to meet emerging labour market trends.

    The body also approved the adoption of National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certifications for skills training centres across MDAs, the 36 states of the federation, and the private sector, just as it acknowledged the crucial role of the private sector in skills development in the country. 

    Present at the meeting were the Ministers of Education, Youth Development, Communications & Digital Economy, Industry Trade & Investment, Works and Women Affairs; representatives of state governments, Heads of agencies, the organised private sector and development partners.

  • Shettima not ‘flat spare tyre’, Fasua replies ex-SGF Lawal

    Shettima not ‘flat spare tyre’, Fasua replies ex-SGF Lawal

    Chairman of Lagos Airport Hotel, a subsidiary of the O’dua Group of Companies, Prince Peter Oyeleye Fasua, has hit back at those he described as “fifth columnists” and “some power-drunk northern politicians,” blaming them for orchestrated attempts to undermine Vice President Kashim Shettima and destabilise President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Reacting to the controversial statement by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), Babachir Lawal, who called Shettima a “flat spare tyre” and advised him to resign, Fasua said the comment was not only reckless but an extension of a larger northern political agenda to retain power at all costs.

    Read Also: North will back Tinubu again in 2027, says Sule

    According to Fasua, the current agitation from the North stems from an unhealthy obsession with political power.

    “A few elements from the North are power drunk and power drunkards. What exactly is their problem? Power left them less than two years ago, and they are already dying for it again?”, he queried.

    Fasua noted that past presidents like Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who was terminally ill, and Muhammadu Buhari, who spent months abroad on medical treatment, had genuine reasons to hand over power temporarily.

  • Reported access denial to Shettima ‘totally fabricated’-Presidency

    Reported access denial to Shettima ‘totally fabricated’-Presidency

    The Presidency has firmly denied recent media reports suggesting that Vice President Kashim Shettima was denied access to the Presidential Villa, describing the claims as “mischievous” and “totally fabricated.”

    In a statement on Saturday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Presidency condemned the reports as part of a “deliberate and well-planned orchestration of falsehood” aimed at sowing discord within the top echelon of government.

    “The latest in this string of disinformation is a report claiming that the Vice President has been refused entry to the Villa. For the record, nothing of the sort ever happened”, the statement read.

    Nkwocha described the claims, reportedly originating from obscure blogs, as “a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima.” 

    He characterised the story of armed military units blocking the Vice President’s access to the seat of power as “the wildest expression of wishful thinking” and “a clear indication that the purveyors of these tales have exhausted both ink and imagination.”

    According to the statement, the Vice President continues to discharge his duties with diligence and remains focused on supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in realizing the aspirations of the Nigerian people. 

    “He does not have the luxury of time for distractions, particularly those born of the imagination of individuals intent on creating smoke where there is no fire,” it said.

    This is not the first time the Presidency has responded to what it describes as “fake news.” 

    Earlier in the week, it similarly dismissed reports involving the circulation of campaign posters bearing the images of President Tinubu, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated.

    Nkwocha emphasised that the unity and cooperation between the President and the Vice President remain strong, despite repeated attempts by what he called “mischief-makers” to drive a wedge between them.

    “It is understandable, though regrettable, that the mischief-makers continue to underestimate the strength of the bond and goodwill between the President and the Vice President. These fairy tales they publish serve no purpose beyond mischief and distraction,” he said. 

    He also praised Nigerians who have chosen to resist the spread of misinformation and who continue to stand behind the Tinubu-Shettima administration.

    “We commend Nigerians across all divides who continue to express goodwill towards this administration and who have taken it upon themselves to fight the spread of fake news. Your trust and support are deeply appreciated,” the statement added.

    Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to constitutional governance and transparency, Nkwocha urged media practitioners to seek information from credible sources and to handle sensational claims with due caution.

    “No amount of falsehood or manufactured tension can shake the foundation of the democratic mandate that brought this government to power. Not under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, he asserted. 

    He however called for unity and vigilance in the face of continued attempts to destabilize the nation through disinformation.

  • Shettima, others launch LEEP initiative to equip youths for future work

    Shettima, others launch LEEP initiative to equip youths for future work

    In a decisive move to combat unemployment and prepare Nigerians for the demands of a fast-evolving global economy, the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) officially launched on April 15 in Abuja.

    The LEEP Initiative, founded by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, is designed to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s abundant human potential and modern job market. 

    Through a combination of digital skills training, entrepreneurship mentorship, and structured employment pathways, the programme is set to empower thousands of young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed in their careers.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma and Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite the Minister of State for Finance, including members of the Nigerian Labour Congress and representatives from various organisations.witnessed the launch. 

    Onyejeocha emphasised that LEEP is not merely another job creation scheme, but one that focuses on sustainable career development rather than short-term employment, a means of reducing the rate of poverty in Nigeria.

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    Echoing this vision, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, described the LEEP initiative as a “transformational step” that aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to her, the initiative represents a deep understanding of the urgency to equip Nigerians with the skills, opportunities, and platforms necessary to thrive in workplace.

    “LEEP speaks directly to our national priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and its design reflects an understanding of the urgent need to empower Nigerians with the skills, opportunities, and platforms required to compete on a global scale. It is a transformational step towards positioning Nigeria as a hub of innovation, talent, and enterprise,” Uzoka-Anite stated.

    LEEP aims not just to create jobs but to prepare young Nigerians for a sustainable career. 

    This initiative is designed to address skills gap and bridge reduce unemployment by offering Nigerians access to digital trainings, entrepreneurial coaching and direct pathways to employment.

    As Nigeria navigates the challenges of global economic shifts and technology, LEEP Initiative provides a proactive solution to the growing need for workforce adaptability. The LEEP Initiative hopes to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and reduce its reliance on traditional employment models.

    Young Nigerians are encouraged to seize this opportunity by signing up to access the training, mentorship, and employment platforms the programme offers.