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  • Tinubu targets 7m youths for digital literacy in 2 years

    Tinubu targets 7m youths for digital literacy in 2 years

    President Bola Tinubu says his administration is set to empower seven million young Nigerians with digital and professional skills, aiming to create millions of job opportunities in the next two years.

    Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Strategic Youth Leadership Conference 2025.

    The conference organised by Federal Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with National Defence College, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the strategic thinking and leadership tools to become proactive agents of national development.

    The President said that his administration was poised to position Nigerians in the global talent of digital literacy and ensure effective youth participation in the global digital economy.

    He outlined key strategies for youth development under the renewable agenda, including the Nigerian Youth Academy and the National Learning Platform.

    “At this point, let me mention the plan of our administration and intent to put a pathway for our new development under the Nigerian Youth Academy.

    “This national learning platform is targeted for seven million young Nigerians with digital and vocational skills and aim to create doors of the millions of opportunity for the young people by 2027,” he said.

    According to him, there are three entities, which is a three million technical talent programme focuses on advancing digital skills, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering.

    “The administration aims to achieve 70 per cent national digital literacy by 2027 to ensure effective youth participation in the global digital economy.

    “We have a labour, and employment programme, which targets 2.5 million jobs through enterprise trainings and employment matches,’’ he said.

    Tinubu emphasised the importance of creating the right environment for youth to gain mentorship, quality education, economic empowerment, and inclusive governance.

    According to him, the administration believes in a Nigeria, where every young person has the opportunity to lead and contribute to national development.

    “The future of Nigeria is in the hand and mind of our young people today. The energy, the creativity and the courage of our youths are the greatest national asset we have.

    “However, energy without directions and potential without preparation can lead to frustration.

    “That is why this conference is so timely and apt; it is about developing strategies, inducing sustainable leadership.

    “It’s also about building the values of service, accountability, innovation and national building in the next generation,” he said.

    He said that the Federal Government student’s loan scheme initiative aimed at reducing non-school activities, focusing on education and career development.

    He noted that the Nigerian Youth Fellowship and the U.S. initiative aimed to develop youth leaders in all 774 local government areas to strengthen primary health and public health awareness.

    He said that the Federal Government youth agricultural scheme empowered over 100,000 youths as entrepreneurs to ensure food security and achieve rural development goals.

    Tinubu said that the country was at the unique junction in its national journey and there was the need to continue to shape the character of the youth.

    The Minister of Youth Development remarked that the conference was a critical event aimed at shaping the future of Nigerian youths, with over 70 per cent population under the youth age bracket.

    Olawande, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mohammed Abdullahi, highlighted the importance of youth leadership, stating that the nation’s wealth lay in its vibrant youth, not in natural resources like oil or gas.

    He emphasised the importance of the conference in shaping the next generation of strategic leaders for Nigeria and Africa.

    According to him, the conference is seen as an opportunity for young leaders to engage, learn, and develop strategies to lead the nation effectively.

    He noted that the collaboration between the ministry and the National Defence College presented a strategic decision to foster these values among participants.

    Read Also: Tinubu pledges tech-driven growth, food security at Brazil diaspora meeting

    He urged everyone to make the conference a significant event in their efforts to build a better future for the nation.

    The Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Adm. James Okosun, described the conference as a deliberate national investment aligned with the President’s renewable agenda, focusing on youth development and national transformation.

    He said that the theme of the conference: “Youth and Leadership: Building the Foundation for Sustainable, Strategic Leadership,” was timely.
    He noted that the conference aimed to equip young Nigerians with strategic thinking and leadership tools to become proactive agents of national security.

    Okosun said that the vision for Nigeria was one led by young men and women who understood the dignity of leadership and the value of service. 

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu pledges tech-driven growth, food security at Brazil diaspora meeting

    Tinubu pledges tech-driven growth, food security at Brazil diaspora meeting

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, promising a new era of prosperity anchored on innovation and reform.

    Speaking on Tuesday during an interactive session with Nigerians in Brazil, the President said his government is determined to replicate the success models of emerging economies, drawing lessons from Brazil’s transformation in technology and agriculture.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said, “we must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny. 

    “Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today—its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act”, Tinubu declared.

    The President hailed the vibrant Nigerian diaspora community as key stakeholders in nation-building, urging them to channel their resources and expertise into driving innovation, culture, and shared responsibility. 

    “You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment—it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” he said.

    Acknowledging the difficulties arising from ongoing reforms, Tinubu likened them to “bitter medicine” that will ultimately yield long-term stability. 

    He also highlighted his diplomatic engagements as part of a broader effort to lay foundations for global partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.

    In a symbolic gesture, the President voiced support for an upcoming voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, describing it as a cultural initiative rooted in dreams of national renewal. 

    “If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realized. The time is now,” Tinubu affirmed.

    Responding to calls for new consulates in São Paulo and other cities, the President urged patience, assuring that limited resources were being managed prudently to sustain efficient foreign missions.

    Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora, Brazil Chapter, Chika Emmanuel, praised Tinubu’s leadership and revealed a dramatic rise in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil, from three to nearly 300 within 18 months, largely on scholarships. 

    Read Also: Tinubu commends capital market growth, meets NGX Board, SEC DG in Brazil

    He pledged that the diaspora would remain a development partner, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, and human capacity.

    Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the engagement as historic, stressing the cultural and historical bonds between Nigeria and Brazil. 

    Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, commended Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting that investor confidence has been boosted by clearing a $7 billion forex backlog and eliminating multiple exchange rates.

    The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged Nigerians in São Paulo to continue utilizing existing liaison facilities until upgrades are completed.

    The event, anchored by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chair, Abike Dabiri, was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, and Information Minister Mohammed Idris.

  • ‎Tinubu assures tech-led growth, food security, adopts Brazil model

    ‎Tinubu assures tech-led growth, food security, adopts Brazil model

    President Bola Tinubu has pledged to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, aligning with the success models of emerging economies like Brazil.

    ‎‎Speaking during a Tuesday evening meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora in Brazil, Tinubu emphasised his administration’s commitment to transformation through innovation, reform, and inclusive growth.

    ‎‎“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” Tinubu declared.

    ‎‎The President described his state-visit as a strategic move to deepen bilateral ties and draw inspiration from Brazil’s impressive development trajectory.

    ‎‎He noted that both nations once shared similar economic starting points.

    ‎‎“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today, its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t?” he retorted.

    ‎‎“We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act.”

    ‎‎Commending the vibrant Nigerian Diaspora community, Tinubu urged them to see themselves as key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria rooted in innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.

    ‎‎“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment, it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,’’ he said.

    ‎‎The President acknowledged the difficulties citizens are facing, due to ongoing economic reforms, but insisted they are essential steps toward long-term stability and prosperity.

    ‎‎“Yes, the reforms are tough, like bitter medicine. But, once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” Tinubu explained.

    ‎‎Referencing his recent diplomatic shuttles, the President said his government is laying the groundwork for global partnerships that can unlock Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.

    ‎‎“We can manufacture. We can design. We can build a nation that works, purposefully and prosperously for all of us,” he said.

    ‎‎Tinubu also voiced support for an upcoming voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, inspired by a cultural initiative he began while serving as Lagos State governor.

    ‎‎“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realized. The time is now,” Tinubu stressed.

    ‎‎He appealed passionately for Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora to foster unity, peace and passion to develop a Nigeria everybody can truly be proud to call home.

    ‎‎Earlier, Mr Chika Emmanuel, President, Nigerian Diaspora Organisation of Brazil, hailed President Bola Tinubu for fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Brazil, while pledging the diaspora’s active support for national development.

    ‎‎“First of all I want to thank you and your team for the incredible job you’re doing for us.

    `We have never denied the fact that we do have challenges. We know, but, we have stopped complaining, and we have chosen to work.”

    ‎‎He emphasised the Diaspora’s role as a development partner, highlighting the rise in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil.

    ‎‎‎“Before my election, we had only three PhD students, but right now, which is a year and half after my assumption of office, we now have 296 PhD students here in Brazil, and all on scholarships, s

    “We are also looking for direct investment back home, especially in the area of agriculture, technology and infrastructure.

    ‎‎“We would like to be a channel to this national development,’’ he said.

    ‎‎Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the meeting as a moment of great historical significance, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s engagement with its global community.

    ‎‎He acknowledged the deep-rooted historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil ties forged through centuries of migration and cultural exchange, while stressing the need to rekindling those bonds.

    ‎‎The Speaker lauded President Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening bilateral ties with Brazil, noting that recent diplomatic and cultural initiatives have laid the groundwork for future collaborations between the two nations.

    ‎‎Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who spoke on behalf of governors on President Tinubu’s delegation, praised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration as transformational.

    Read Also: Tinubu commends capital market growth, meets NGX Board, SEC DG in Brazil

    ‎‎“In the past, it was almost impossible to convince any investor to come to Nigeria,

    ‎“But just last year, Mr. President cleared a 7 billion dollar forex backlog, a major intervention.”

    ‎‎According to the governor, Nigeria now offers an environment where investors can bring in capital and repatriate profits without facing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles or foreign exchange crises.

    ‎‎“Before, even Nigerians in Nigeria, couldn’t invest freely. But now, any investor can come in, do business, and take their profits out without stress.”

    ‎‎He credited the elimination of multiple exchange rates and improved transparency in the financial system, as key factors building investor’s confidence.

    ‎‎‎‎Speaker Abass said that the introduction of direct flights from Lagos to São Paulo is expected to boost economic activity around the route, potentially creating the need for a Nigerian consulate in the city.

    ‎‎ He assured that the National Assembly stands ready to support President Tinubu in advancing the initiative.

    ‎‎Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged Nigerians residing in São Paulo and surrounding areas to continue utilizing the existing liaison office, until necessary upgrades are implemented.

    ‎‎The meeting anchored by the CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri was attended by top government officials including Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.

    ‎‎Others are: Ministers of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Trade, Jumoke Oduwole, Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, as well as representatives of Nigerians living in Brazil, students, diplomats and cultural ambassadors.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu commends capital market growth, meets NGX Board, SEC DG in Brazil

    Tinubu commends capital market growth, meets NGX Board, SEC DG in Brazil

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the rapid growth of Nigeria’s capital market, describing it as a reflection of investor confidence in his administration’s reforms.

    The President made the remarks on Tuesday in Brasília, Brazil, where he received the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, and the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX).

    Tinubu noted that market capitalisation and trading activity have witnessed phenomenal expansion since he assumed office, creating broader opportunities for both local and international investors.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga the President said: “Nigeria’s markets must be a trusted engine of enterprise and prosperity. My government will continue to pursue reforms that unlock capital, protect investors, and drive innovation, so that our economy works for every Nigerian”.

    He praised the NGX Board and SEC leadership for their commitment to strengthening the financial ecosystem and pledged continued support for capital market reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    He stressed that collaboration with stakeholders remained vital to positioning Nigeria as Africa’s foremost investment hub.

    Read Also: ‘Tinubu’s re-election good for Osun’

    SEC Director-General Agama hailed the signing of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, describing it as one of the continent’s most comprehensive legal frameworks. 

    He projected that the law would push Nigeria towards a ₦300 trillion market, while ensuring equitable wealth distribution through enhanced investor protection and regulatory clarity.

    NGX Group Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, highlighted that trading volumes and market values have nearly tripled under the current administration. 

    He called for fast-tracking the listing of major state-owned enterprises, including NNPC Limited, and urged the introduction of tax incentives to sustain growth. 

    He also extended an invitation to President Tinubu to visit the NGX trading floor.

    Group CEO Temi Popoola underscored the importance of building global partnerships, modernising infrastructure, and expanding retail investor participation through digital channels, which he said would ensure inclusive market growth.

    Another board member, Nonso Okpala, credited the administration’s reforms, particularly exchange rate stability and macroeconomic predictability, as key drivers of growth. 

    He encouraged more Nigerian businesses to list on the Exchange to democratise wealth and broaden participation.

  • ‘Tinubu’s re-election good for Osun’

    ‘Tinubu’s re-election good for Osun’

    The re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 will usher in opportunities to the people of Osun State when All Progressives Congress (APC) wins the off-cycle governorship election slated for next year, Omooba Dotun Babayemi has said.

    Babayemi, a leading contender for the APC governorship ticket in the 2026 governorship election, said a victory for the party in Osun and at the federal level would engender a synergy that would be beneficial to the state and its people.

    He spoke during the continuation of his statewide ward-to-ward visits to Ila and Obokun local governments where he touched 10 wards across the two councils.

    Besides employment opportunities that would be available to the youth in the state, Babayemi said the benefits of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda would trickle down to the grassroots.

    READ ALSO; What does Remi Tinubu want?

    “Our victory at next year’s governorship election in Osun State and President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, as well as our control of the local government administration, will definitely beyond the rhetoric, bring about tangible deliveries to our people across the state” he stressed.

    The governorship hopeful visited the following five wards in Ila Local Government: Ward 11, Ajaba/Edemosi/Aba Orangun, Ward 2- Ejigbo 2,Ward 9-Oke Ede,Ward 4-Isedo 1, and Ward 5-Isedo 2, as well as five wards in Obokun Council  which include Esa Oke- Ward 7,Esa Odo-Ward 9,Ilare-Ward 10, Otan Ile-Ward 8, and Imesi-Ward 6.

    The people of the areas commended Babayemi for taking time to be in their wards, urging him to ensure their needs at the grassroots were met when given the chance to lead the state in the long run.

  • Tinubu to unveil revised national counter-terrorism strategy October

    Tinubu to unveil revised national counter-terrorism strategy October

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to unveil Nigeria’s revised National Counter-Terrorism Strategy in October.

    This followed an extensive review process designed to align the nation’s security framework with emerging threats.

    The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka announced this at the third-quarter stakeholders’ meeting of NACTEST yesterday in Abuja.

    He said the document had been finalised and forwarded to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for approval.

    Read Also: UPDATED: No safe haven for criminals, says Ribadu

    “I am pleased to report that the review process has now reached a decisive milestone. The revised draft National Counter Terrorism Strategy, which incorporates all feedback received during the validation exercise, has been finalised and forwarded to the NSA for approval.

    “The final step will be to secure a suitable date for His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to officially launch the revised National Counter Terrorism Strategy.

    “This launch will mark the culmination of our collective efforts and the beginning of a new phase in our national counter-terrorism expedition,” he said.

    Laka explained that the review, initiated in February, was necessitated by the evolving nature of terrorism, including shifting tactics, the use of new technologies, and the exploitation of social and economic vulnerabilities.

    According to him, the revised strategy was enriched through consultations, workshops, validation sessions, and technical reviews that brought together government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, academia, the private sector, and international partners.

  • Council seeks monthly prayers for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

    Council seeks monthly prayers for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

    The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has called on the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ikeja Chapter, to initiate a monthly prayer meeting dedicated to the peace, progress, and leadership of Nigeria.

    Speaking during a visit by the religious body to his office at Ikeja House, Dauda specifically urged that the prayers be focused on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and Member of the House of Representatives, James Abiodun Faleke.

    He recalled that the historic 2023 presidential victory of President Tinubu had its spiritual roots in the massive interdenominational prayer rally organised by Faleke at the LTV 8 Blueroof in Ikeja.

    “That prayer laid the foundation for divine intervention and national victory. As we look forward to 2027, we must not relent in seeking God’s face,” he said.

    Read Also: Customs hands over N3.7b expired drugs to NAFDAC in Lagos

    The council chief stressed the importance of consistent spiritual backing for those in leadership positions, noting that prayers should also cover the people of Ikeja, the government of Lagos State, and the entire nation, asking for divine protection, wisdom, peace, and stability.

    “This monthly initiative,” he said, “is not just symbolic; it is strategic. We must sustain a spiritual atmosphere of unity and progress to continue reaping the fruits of good governance.”

    Dauda’s advocacy signals a renewed commitment from Ikeja Local Government to blend faith and governance as tools for national development.

    He assured CAN of the local government’s readiness to support this initiative in every possible way.

    Also present at the meeting were the Vice Chairman of the council, Abisola Omisore and the Council Manager, Mrs. Juliana Odubeko.

  • Fadahunsi to governors: respect Tinubu’s executive order on local development amid huge allocation

    Fadahunsi to governors: respect Tinubu’s executive order on local development amid huge allocation

    Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has cautioned state governors to comply with President Bola Tinubu’s executive order directing that increased federal allocations be invested in grassroots and local community development.

    Speaking to journalists at his residence in Ilase-Ijesa, Fadahunsi said governors who fail to implement the directive risk losing public trust and credibility.

    He noted that while Nigeria’s economic challenges predate Tinubu’s administration, the president is working tirelessly through reform policies to restore stability and put the country back on track.

    The lawmaker said, “Look at where he governed. Apart from traffic, which is a result of the influx of people, he doesn’t have any problems with bad roads here and there, and the federal government’s presence is always there.

    “We asked him to bring that to this place. He has agreed to the road, and I am very sure he might have awarded it or summoned the minister and the permanent secretary. So before this rainy season is over, you will see machines on the road.”

    Read Also: Enugu APC stakeholders blast ADC coalition, endorse Tinubu for 2027

    He noted that “the current hardship will go down, but as regards the hardship I will want our people to embrace farming. I am farming, everybody should farm, If there is no hunger, automatically we will be thinking right. The development is coming, what I have seen in the National Assemblies is real.

    “Automatically before the end of this year, things will go down. Just recently when we went for the NEC meeting, he advised the Governors to go deep into the local areas and invest more. That’s an executive order and I am very sure any Governor that does not do that will lose his credibility because of the quantum of money being allocated to them.”

    He noted that Federal government can not single handedly rework the economy of the country, saying “we must team up to make Nigeria great. That is why I will be distributing funds and food items from the next two weeks.”

    He urged Nigerians to embrace farming to tackle hardship and hunger in the country.

    Speaking about the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), said the people in his senatorial district have been participating in the process.

    “I have personally gone round ensuring that stakeholders that will facilitate the process are actively onboard. Particularly, reaching the kings, and community leaders, thereby, arousing the community people to register, including the long-time settlers in our environment, the Hausa farmers, Fulani herdsmen and the Igedes. They all must register.

    “There are 52 communities in Ibadan having not less than 30,000 Ijesha people and persons conducting voter registration are sent to get the people registered. Based on the foregoing, it can be boldly affirmed that the registered populace would drastically increase.”

  • Tinubu 2027: Niger APC chair, coordinators to tour 36 states for re-election campaign

    Tinubu 2027: Niger APC chair, coordinators to tour 36 states for re-election campaign

    The Niger state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Aminu Musa Bobi, has thrown his weight behind plans by the Niger state coordinators forum to embark on a nationwide tour in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

    Bobi gave the endorsement when members of the forum visited him at the APC secretariat in Minna to seek his blessings and support describing the initiative as a step in the right direction, coming after Governor Mohammed Umar Bago declared himself Director General of the Tinubu 2027 Presidential Campaign.

    The APC chairman assured that he and his team will not only join the tour across the 36 states and the FCT but will also provide financial and logistical support, including feeding, transportation, and accommodation, to ensure its success.

    Read Also: Enugu APC stakeholders blast ADC coalition, endorse Tinubu for 2027

    “Governor Bago’s declaration is a call to action. It is a task that must be accomplished, and we will give it all the seriousness it deserves,” Bobi said.

    Chairman of the coordinators forum, Dr. Umar Mohammed Dyadya, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to grassroots mobilization for Tinubu, stressing that the movement will secure another resounding victory for the president in 2027.

    He also announced the appointment of Bobi as patron of the forum, adding that their mission equally includes working for Governor Bago’s second term in Niger State.

    “With Governor Bago’s declaration, it is clear he is not eyeing the vice-presidential slot. Our duty is to work round the clock for Tinubu’s re-election and for the continuity of our governor in 2027,” Dyadya said.

  • APC to Obi: Military record praises Tinubu’s remarkable progress on security

    APC to Obi: Military record praises Tinubu’s remarkable progress on security

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State chapter, has dismissed the statement attributed to Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Labour in 2023, that Nigeria is now a killing field.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that Obi, in a post on his official X handle on Monday, said that more than 10,000 lives have been lost to terrorists, bandits and other criminal gangs in just two years.

    According to Obi, the figure was released by the Amnesty International.

    But in a swift reaction, APC Lagos State Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, said that there were evidential proofs that Tinubu’s administration had made significant progress in securing Nigeria.

    Oladejo said: “APC utterly rejects and condemns the allegation by Mr Peter Obi that Nigeria is now a killing field with more than 10,000 deaths under Tinubu’s watch.

    “These sensationalist claims are not only baseless they are a disgraceful distortion of reality made in bad faith to score political points.

    “Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s Armed Forces have delivered extraordinary successes, dismantling terror infrastructure and restoring stability to previously threatened communities.”

    According to him, from the hard data, (not hype) the defence ministry midterm report (Aug. 2023–April 2025) revealed that 9,415 terrorists neutralised, more than 3,159 suspects arrested while 5,449 hostages rescued.

    He added that the data from the defence headquarters’ two-year summarised that 6,260 terrorists killed, 14,138 terrorists and criminals apprehended while 5,365 civilians rescued.

    He said that the data showed that N83 billion worth of stolen crude recovered.

    On military operations across the zones, Oladejo said that in the North-East (Operation Hadin Kai), no fewer than 1,246 terrorists killed, 2,467 arrested, 1,920 civilians rescued.

    According to him, in the North-west (Operation Fasan Yamma), data showed that 1,374 bandits killed, 2,160 surrendered or arrested, while 3,288 hostages rescued.

    “These are not statistics they are lives saved, communities secured and terrorists dismantled.

    “Just recently, the military air strikes in Katsina freed 76 hostages, including children some kidnapped during a mosque attack that claimed at least 50 lives.

    “One child, tragically, died during the rescue, illustrating both the danger and the bravery involved.

    Additionally, air strikes eliminated 35 militants in the same region.

    “In Borno, precision air strikes killed 35 militants, restoring critical ground communications and stabilising the area.

    “A week-long operation in Borno earlier this year neutralised 76 extremists, arrested 72 suspects and rescued eight hostages,” he added.

    On the technological and structural strengthening of the military, Oladejo said that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Nigerian Air Force had been transformed with modern acquisitions.

    He listed these to include purchase of 24 M 346 attack jets, 10 AW 109 Trekker helicopters, among others.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army and Navy have also received cutting-edge hardware from tactical vehicles to patrol vessels strengthening ground and maritime security effectiveness.

    “Local defense manufacturing is booming: DICON has produced more than 4.6 million rounds of ammunition, 53 MRAPs, 14,040 PPE units and even drones, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers,” he said.

    He said that the administration had also received credible recognition for the remarkable progress Tinubu’s administration had made in the fight against banditry and terrorism.

    Read Also: Education cornerstone of Tinubu’s administration -Akume

    According to him, the Coalition for Human Rights and Freedom (CHRF), has commended the armed forces’ performance, citing that more than 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued under coordinated operations.

    “These are tangible, verifiable successes, adding that nothing like the exaggerated sensationalism offered by Mr Obi.

    “The Nigerian Armed Forces, under this administration, are not only standing tall, but they are also striking back aggressively, saving lives and securing our nation.

    “The Lagos APC stands firmly behind the leadership of President Tinubu and our military heroes on the frontline.

    “We invite Mr Obi and others to acknowledge the progress made or risk being left behind in baseless political dramatics.” (NAN)