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  • Nigerians will determine Tinubu’s successor, says Deputy Speaker

    Nigerians will determine Tinubu’s successor, says Deputy Speaker

    • •Urges Igbo politicians to reach out to other parts of the country

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s successor will be decided by Nigerians at the polls.

    Kalu said this while speaking with journalists yesterday, at his Bende country home in Bende Local Government Area, Abia State.

    While reacting to the question on the possibility of President Tinubu handing over power to a successor from the Southeast in 2031, reminded the Igbos of the need to reach out and solidify their relationship with other parts of the zones in the country, the same way the late President Muhammadu Buhari did, which helped him to secure victory in other zones of the country.

    Kalu, who believed that President Tinubu has been able to move Nigeria better than where he met it, said, “The President is a democrat. It is not in the powers of the President to hand over to anybody. It is in the hands of Nigerians to decide where power goes.

    “This is why I have always asked our people to extend a handshake across the Niger. They should embrace other sections of the country.

    “They should stop talking down on any other sections of the country. The loudest on social media are the Igbos. We should relate and partner with one another; that is what national cohesion is all about.

    “Now that power is in the Southern political corridor. The man at the helm of affairs is from the southern political corridor; this is the time to solidify. This is the time to shake hands with the Southwest firmly so that when the time comes that we need a handshake, they will reciprocate.

    “But if we stay here and throw stones morning and night, they are watching. When it is your time, they will partner with those who partnered with them. It is all about partnership.

    “Who are we partnering with now as Igbos? Igbos alone cannot make themselves the President.

    “The late President Muhammadu Buhari tried it many times, but he couldn’t do it. It became possible when he shook hands with other regions. Can we forget the past and begin to reach out?

    “We (Igbos) do business with every part of Nigeria. We are nationalistic. We live in every part of the country. But can we partner with other parts of the country politically? Can we have the courage to embrace others in politics the same way we embrace other zones in business?

    “If we do that, that will be the time, the political development of the southeast will return to what it used to be like in the days of Azikiwe and all the people who played major roles in our political spheres.

    “If the President comes back and is done with his device in 2031, any person who is going to replace him will be decided by Nigerians.”

    Read Also: If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    On the creation of an additional state in the Southeast, Kalu who disclosed that the national assembly has agreed on the creation of another state in the Southeast, added that the House of Representatives and the Senate would look at the concerns raised by some of the lawmakers from the South-South to ensure fairness.

    The Deputy Speaker, who used the opportunity to clear fears of Nigerians on the new Tax Law, disclosed that the bold and courageous step taken by the President now gives opportunity for the stabilisation of the country’s economy, adding that it will help the government to make projections.

    On his 2027 political interest, Kalu disclosed that his interest is to ensure that he mobilizes people of Abia and Southeast to boost the support of the President and the party in the zone, adding that he has not yet declared interest to run for any political position in 2027.

    “Any future political decision is made with the party and the people. It is the electorate that determines my next political move.

    “I am racing against time to deliver a democratic dividend to the people of Bende Federal Constituency. The party chooses who runs for governor.”

    Speaking on why he was asking Governor Alex Otti to join the party, the Bende Federal lawmaker said that the move was driven by friendship, party interest, and a broader political vision for Abia State, stressing that he had not at any time blocked or stopped the incumbent governor of the state from joining the party.

    “Even the narrative that I want to block him from coming to the APC is not true. If I were self-centred, I would have blocked him, but here I am the one inviting him.

    “My call for him to join the APC was borne out of sincerity. What is wrong with asking a friend to join APC?

    “I felt that there was a need for Gov. Otti to join the APC like other governors of the southeast. I sent him messages and asked him to pray over it.

    “The same way I was asking Gov Otti to join the party is still the same way I have been talking to former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to join the party. The same way I urged former Governor T.A Orji to join the party. He told me that his son and his wife were already there, but I continued to urge him and today, he is a member of the party.”

  • Kolapo Kareem hails Tinubu’s vision, People-centred leadership

    Kolapo Kareem hails Tinubu’s vision, People-centred leadership

    A Governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision and people-centred leadership.

    He made the disclosure during a book in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    The launch of the book, ‘Our Realistic Tomorrow,’ was  held at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Centre, Aare Afe Babalola Hall, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Read Also: If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    He described Tinubu  as a clear symbol of purposeful governance.

    Kareem stated further that, President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with his own philosophy of leadership. “President Tinubu symbolises my ideas of leadership,” Kareem said, adding, “His Renewed Hope Agenda reflects a pro-people approach that focuses on empowerment, development and inclusive growth.”

    The book, he explained, presents a leadership blueprint that cuts across food and human security, education, economic stability, healthcare, trade and com

  • 10,000 Ekiti youths, students march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    10,000 Ekiti youths, students march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    No fewer than 10,000 youths in Ekiti State on Friday staged a solidarity march in support of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the 2027 general election and governorship poll in the state.

    The youths, including students,s converged on the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Ajilosun, Ado Ekiti, before marching through major streets of the state capital to Fajuyi Pavilion, chanting solidarity songs in support of President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji

    Addressing the youths, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Comr. Sunday Asefon said the march was organised to appreciate the people-oriented leadership of Tinubu and Oyebanji, particularly in the area of education and youth development at the federal and state levels.

    Asefon said that student dropout rates in higher institutions had reduced due to strategic education reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration, adding that bursaries, scholarships and subventions to tertiary institutions in Ekiti had been increased.

    He explained that the rally was a clear signal of support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general poll, stressing that the youths and students were firmly behind his administration.

    He added that the turnout at the march demonstrated the readiness of young people in Ekiti to reward both leaders at the polls for their immense contributions to education and youth empowerment.

    Read Also: If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    Asefon urged the youths and students to reciprocate the investments by collecting their Permanent Voter Cards and voting massively for Governor Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026, governorship poll, noting that online support alone would not be counted by the electoral body.

    The Presidential aide exuded confidence that Governor Oyebanji would secure overwhelming votes in the governorship poll across the 177 wards and polling units in the state.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of YSJ Farms, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Joluwe, also mobilised support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, calling on youths across Ekiti State to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and actively participate in the electoral process.

    She said that young people constituted a significant proportion of the country’s population and should harness their numerical strength to support leaders who had demonstrated commitment to youth empowerment, agriculture and education.

    The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasaoye, described the rally as a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, saying both leaders deserved a second term in view of what he called their stellar performance in office.

  • Tinubu swears in Aleshinloye as Oyo Federal Character Commissioner

    Tinubu swears in Aleshinloye as Oyo Federal Character Commissioner

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administered the oath of office to the newly appointed Federal Character Commissioners at a brief ceremony held at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja.

    Among the appointees was the former ALGON Chairman, Oyo State, Prince Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, who was sworn in as FCC representing Oyo State.

    Aleshinloye’s appointment was part of the 37 commissioners confirmed by the Senate to serve on the Commission (FCC), a constitutional body established to ensure equitable distribution of public posts and socio-economic infrastructure across Nigeria’s federating units in accordance with Sections 14 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Read Also: NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover loans of 6,308 students

    Also sworn in was Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, appointed as Executive Chairman of the Commission, alongside commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The brief but dignified ceremony included the administration of the oath of office and subsequent presidential handshakes with the new commissioners.

    Speaking with newsmen after the swearing-in, Prince Abass-Aleshinloye thanked President Tinubu for the trust reposed in them and pledged to serve diligently in line with the mandate of the Federal Character Commission and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

  • Tinubu knows how to fix Nigeria, says Olubadan

    Tinubu knows how to fix Nigeria, says Olubadan

    • ‘President’s Lagos record shows he understands governance’

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, saying anyone familiar with the President’s political journey would understand that he knows what he is doing.

    Oba Ladoja spoke with journalists on Friday after paying a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, noting that the President’s track record as former governor of Lagos State offers insight into his current approach to national governance.

    “If you know where he is coming from, you’ll know that he knows what he’s doing. That is what is most important. He was able to get Lagos from where it was to where he left it, so I am sure that what he is doing now is in the right direction,” the Olubadan said.

    The traditional ruler explained that his visit was partly to thank the President for making time to attend his coronation in Ibadan in September last year, adding that he took advantage of his presence in Abuja for the Daily Trust Dialogue to convey the happiness of his people with ongoing developments in the country.

    Read Also: NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover loans of 6,308 students

    Oba Ladoja acknowledged the complexity of governing Nigeria compared to a single state, pointing out that differing expectations and perspectives across the federation make leadership more challenging.

    Nevertheless, he observed that states now have more financial capacity than during his own time in public office and are better positioned to meet their obligations.

    “By and large, the economy has to be fixed, and it is being fixed,” he said, expressing hope that by the time President Tinubu completes his tenure in 2031, Nigeria would be a country all citizens can be proud of.

    On areas requiring greater attention, the Olubadan urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in food security, healthcare, and, most critically, security.

    He lamented that insecurity has made it difficult for farmers to access their farms and is increasingly affecting the southern parts of the country.

    Despite these concerns, Oba Ladoja said he believes the challenges are not insurmountable, adding that the President is addressing them in the right way.

  • Tinubu felicitates Rep Ogbara on Lagos chieftaincy honour

    Tinubu felicitates Rep Ogbara on Lagos chieftaincy honour

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives, on her conferment with a chieftaincy title in Lagos.

    In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu, will honour Ogbara with the title of Yeyesewa of Lagos, a distinguished title previously held by the late Chief Kemi Nelson, who passed away in 2022.

    President Tinubu described the honour as well-deserved, commending Ogbara for her contributions to Lagos State and the nation, particularly her legislative advocacy for women’s empowerment and increased female participation in politics.

    He acknowledged her role in championing laws and initiatives aimed at strengthening the rights and opportunities of women, noting that her public service record reflects commitment, diligence, and impact.

    Ogbara, a human rights activist and former media entrepreneur, represents Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives.

    She currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Women’s Affairs.

    The President wished the lawmaker continued success and a life of sustained service and impact, expressing confidence that the chieftaincy honour would further inspire her contributions to governance and community development.

  • Tinubu okays oil drilling at Ogun Waterside

    Tinubu okays oil drilling at Ogun Waterside

    Ogun State’s long-standing aspiration to become an oil-producing state is set to materialise following the approval by President Bola Tinubu for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Eba, Ogun Waterside.

    The state governor, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed this yesterday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, alongside senior officers of the command, during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    The governor also said the President has approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, marking a major breakthrough after years of anticipation surrounding the multibillion-dollar port development.

    According to Abiodun, both projects are of special interest to the President. He noted that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly decongest the Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would promote inclusion and economic empowerment for residents of the coastal communities.

    “Let me share with you that Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there.

     “Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. I want to sincerely thank Mr President because this is solely his initiative.

    READ ALSO: Critical success factors for Nigeria’s economy this year

     In the last two weeks alone, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality,” the governor said.

    He added that the President specifically directed that construction of the port should be far advanced between now and next year, stressing that the project presents a strong opportunity to decongest the Lagos ports, particularly with the coastal road now providing an alternative logistics corridor.

    He further disclosed that the new seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal location and vast economic and commercial potential.

    The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the naval presence would help prevent infiltration from neighbouring Benin Republic and discourage any attempts to undermine Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

    He also disclosed that his administration is working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island in line with efforts to improve living conditions and support emerging economic activities.

    The governor appreciated the Nigerian Navy for its contribution to the state’s security architecture, noting that collaboration among security agencies has helped sustain the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state.

    Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer, the governor expressed confidence that the state would experience enhanced security and progress under his leadership.

    “We are happy that someone with your antecedents, background, training, and experience is occupying this position at this time. You are a round peg in a round hole,” the governor said.

    Earlier, Rear Mustapha described the state as critical and strategic to Nigeria’s national security, disclosing that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s significant oil potential.

    He explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the state government, adding that part of his responsibility was to safeguard Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the state.

  • Tinubu posts ambassadors to U.S., France, High Commissioner to UK

    Tinubu posts ambassadors to U.S., France, High Commissioner to UK

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deployed ambassadors to three countries.

    The deployment came one month after the cleared 67 nominees forwarded to it by the President.

    Those deployed yesterday are Ambassador Amin Dalhatu as High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom;  Ambassador Ayodele Oke as ambassador- designate to France; and Mr. Kayode Are as ambassador-designate to the United States.

    The postings are contained in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    The statement in which Onanuga also announced that the President would next week travel to Turkey,  added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been directed to notify the three countries about the postings in accordance with diplomatic procedures.

    READ ALSO: When hospitals kill

    Oke, a former director- general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), is a career diplomat with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign affairs and intelligence sectors.

    Are is a one- time acting national security adviser, who also served as director -general, State Security Service(now Department of State Services).

    Following their deployment, they will move to the country of posting and await the delivery of their Letters of Credence to the host countries.

    The remaining 64 eminent Nigerians cleared to be ambassadors are awaiting their postings.

  • Tinubu approves posting of four Ambassador-Designates to key foreign missions

    Tinubu approves posting of four Ambassador-Designates to key foreign missions

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of four Ambassador-Designates to strategic foreign missions, marking the first set of postings from the 68 nominees confirmed by the Senate in December 2025.

    According to a statement on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the postings include Ambassador Ayodele Oke as Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to France and Colonel Lateef Are as Ambassador-designate to the United States of America.

    Also approved is the posting of Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, a former Nigerian envoy to South Korea, as High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom while former Kebbi Governor, Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, has been named Ambassador-designate to Turkey. 

    Tinubu is scheduled to embark on a state visit to Turkey next week.

    In a memo to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President directed that the governments of the four countries be formally notified of the postings in line with established diplomatic procedures.

    The postings come against the backdrop of the Senate’s confirmation of a new set of Ambassadors in December 2025, ending a prolonged delay in filling diplomatic vacancies across the country’s foreign missions. 

    Read Also: Shell plans fresh $20bn investment in Nigeria, NNPCL — Ojulari 

    In mid-December, the Senate confirmed an initial batch of three non-career ambassadors, including Lateef Kayode Are, Aminu Mohammed Dalhatu and Emmanuel Ayodele Oke.

    This was followed by the confirmation of a larger list of 64 nominees—comprising 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners, and 30 non-career envoys—bringing the total number of confirmed nominees to 68. 

    The expanded list was transmitted to the Senate by President Tinubu on December 4, 2025, although one nominee from Yobe State was excluded following his death before confirmation.

    The confirmed list includes several prominent political figures and technocrats, among them former ministers, ex-governors, senior diplomats and retired military officers, as well as a broad spread of career foreign service officers.

    The new Ambassadors and High Commissioners are expected to assume duties across Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in 2026 as the Tinubu administration moves to reinvigorate the country’s foreign service and strengthen diplomatic engagement with key international partners.

  • Tinubu approves incentives to unlock jobs, FX inflows from Shell’s Bonga Southwest project

    Tinubu approves incentives to unlock jobs, FX inflows from Shell’s Bonga Southwest project

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the gazetting of targeted, investment-linked incentives to support the proposed Bonga South West deep-offshore oil project by Shell Plc and its partners, in a move aimed at unlocking jobs, boosting foreign-exchange inflows and accelerating new capital investment in Nigeria’s energy sector.

    The President also directed the Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, to facilitate the gazette of the incentives in line with Nigeria’s existing legal and fiscal frameworks.

    Speaking while receiving a Shell delegation led by its Global Chief Executive Officer, Wael Sawan, Tinubu said the incentives were carefully designed to attract fresh investments without eroding government revenues.

    According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the President said: “These incentives are not blanket concessions. They are ring-fenced and investment-linked, focused on new capital and incremental production, strong local content delivery, and in-country value addition.”

    He added that the administration expects the Bonga South West project to reach a Final Investment Decision (FID) within his first term in office.

    “My expectation is clear: Bonga South West must reach a Final Investment Decision within the first term of this administration,” Tinubu stated.

    The President described the project as strategic to Nigeria’s economy, noting that it has the potential to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, generate substantial foreign-exchange inflows and deliver sustained government revenues over its lifespan. 

    He said the development would also deepen Nigerian participation in offshore engineering, fabrication, logistics and other energy-related services.

    Read Also: Shell plans fresh $20bn investment in Nigeria, NNPCL — Ojulari 

    Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to policy stability, regulatory certainty and speed, stressing that these elements are critical to restoring investor confidence and positioning Nigeria as a preferred destination for large-scale energy investments.

    He further acknowledged that Shell and its partners have invested nearly $7 billion in Nigeria over the past 13 months, particularly in the Bonga North and HI projects, describing the inflows as evidence that ongoing economic and energy-sector reforms are yielding tangible results.

    Sawan said Nigeria’s investment climate had improved significantly under the Tinubu administration, adding that Shell was increasingly confident in the country as a destination for long-term energy investments.

    The Shell delegation included senior executives from the company’s global and Nigerian leadership teams.