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  • Tinubu tasks Nigerians abroad on national development

    Tinubu tasks Nigerians abroad on national development

    President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the diaspora not to abandon home, stressing their expertise and resources are vital for building a stronger nation.

    He made the call on Thursday during an interactive session with Nigerians in Japan at the Kahala Hotel, Yokohama, on the sidelines of TICAD9.

    Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on the event.

    The meeting brought together professionals and entrepreneurs across fields, giving the President an opportunity to highlight his administration’s achievements and reaffirm his commitment to economic growth.

    Tinubu expressed delight in meeting what he described as “a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity” in the diaspora community.

    He assured them that his government remains determined to create a nation where citizens can thrive and prosper.

    Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, and Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), were invited to outline ongoing reforms.

    Also speaking, Mr Wale Tinubu, Oando PLC’s CEO and the President’s nephew, noted reforms are improving Nigeria’s business environment, attracting investment, and expanding capital markets.

    President Tinubu declared that Nigeria is “back on the rise”, driven by strategic thinking and decisive action.

    He stressed that true leadership combines vision with practical solutions to achieve stability and unity.

    The President pointed to improvements in passport processing as part of wider reforms to serve citizens at home and abroad.

    He reiterated his administration’s resolve to ensure all Nigerians feel tangible benefits from reforms and good governance.

    Read Also: Tinubu departs Japan for state visit to Brazil

    “I’m happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report many of our people are returning home,” Tinubu told the gathering.

    He acknowledged some Nigerians may remain abroad for economic reasons, but urged them to consider opportunities at home, insisting their contributions are crucial to national development.

    Tinubu emphasised that development is a shared duty involving government and diaspora citizens alike.

    He encouraged them to serve as ambassadors, promoting Nigeria positively in global engagements.

    “If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be,” he cautioned.

    He reminded attendees that true citizenship lies in commitment, integrity, and support for national progress, not merely holding a passport.

    Tinubu warned that negative portrayals of Nigeria harm development efforts, discouraging investment and global partnerships.

    He assured the diaspora community that economic fundamentals have been stabilised and reforms are underway to spur investment and create jobs.

    Healthcare upgrades, he said, are also helping reverse medical tourism by delivering quality services within Nigeria.

    Several Nigerians in Japan expressed support for his administration’s agenda.

    Mr Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked Tinubu for directly engaging the diaspora community.

    He pledged his members’ support in repositioning Nigeria for greater global relevance and domestic progress.

    Notable attendees included John Ologbotsere, a Japanese award-winner for electrotechnical standardisation, entrepreneur Kingsley Kabuyashi, alongside students, doctors, and business leaders.

    Also present were Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Charge d’Affaires Florence Adeseke, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, and Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu.

    Others included Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, NIA Director-General Amb. Mohammed Mohammed, senior government figures, and private sector stakeholders.

    (NAN) 

  • Be part of our steady rise, Tinubu tells diaspora Nigerians

    Be part of our steady rise, Tinubu tells diaspora Nigerians

    The rise of Nigeria to its rightful place in the comity of nations has  begun, the president declared yesterday.

     President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured  Nigerians in the Diaspora that the country’s economy is stabilizing, opportunities are expanding, and reforms are yielding visible results.

    He spoke during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Japan.

    The session was held on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

     The President said his administration is determined to reverse negative trends and make the country a land of prosperity for its citizens at home and abroad.

    “All I want to do is assure you that things are stable, the economy is stabilized, the opportunity is immense, people are coming back, we are reversing the medical tourism in every way that we could, and I can give you the assurance we are seeing the beginning of Nigeria rising,” Tinubu said to an applause.

    He reminded the Diaspora audience that while it is a personal right to remain abroad, the nation still depends on their input to achieve its developmental aspirations.

    He said government’s priority is to create an environment where every citizen, home or abroad, can feel the positive impact of change.

    “I am happy to listen to you for whatever. Happy to report to you that many of our people are coming back home. Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away, it’s a fundamental right of the individual, but for the economic growth and opportunity that is available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” the President asked.

    Tinubu emphasized that his government is committed to creating an environment where every Nigerian can thrive, noting that governance is about “thinking and doing,” promoting unity, stability, and progress.

    Read Also: FG tagets N24bn annual savings from BisonFly initiative

    He urged Nigerians abroad to remain good ambassadors of their country and to reflect positively on its image, stressing that “poor comments and negative reflections will not help the growth of Nigeria.”

    The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, who also addressed the gathering, highlighted the bold reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration since its first day in office.

    He recalled that the World Trade Organization’s Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had recently commended Nigeria’s policy direction, describing the reforms as the foundation of future growth.

    According to him, we have a President who is undoubted, who is focused, and who is pursuing the reforms that our country deserves.

    Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate (fifth right); Japan Int’l Cooperation Agency (JICA) Senior Vice President, Ms. Imoto Sachiko (sixth right); World Bank Vice President of Africa, Mr. Ousmane Diagana (fourth right), and other public health and finance leaders during the TICAD9 Japan

    Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), reported that Nigeria is now witnessing accelerated technology transfer as a direct result of presidential policies.

    He said that more than 1,000 applications had been received globally for investment in Nigeria’s technology and industrial sectors, with over $2 billion already committed and factories set to be established in partnership with Japanese firms.

    From the private sector, Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, praised the administration’s economic reforms, especially the liberalization of the exchange rate and removal of fuel subsidies.

    He said these decisions had improved government revenues, boosted foreign investment, and spurred growth across sectors ranging from oil and gas to mining, telecommunications, and small enterprises.

    “We’ve never experienced the closeness with government as we do today,” he remarked.

    Also, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Tokyo, hailed the contributions of Nigerians in Japan, particularly academics and professionals excelling in various fields.

    She acknowledged the challenges posed by a few nationals in breach of immigration laws.

    She described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with the Diaspora community under Nigeria’s new foreign policy thrust.

    The President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, Emeka Egbogota, welcomed Tinubu to the “Land of the Rising Sun” on behalf of the community, describing his presence at TICAD9 as a source of pride and unity.

    He praised the President’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria driven by technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth, pledging the community’s support for his administration’s agenda.

    The interactive meeting ended with a renewed sense of partnership between the government and its citizens abroad, with President Tinubu reiterating his commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has a role to play in the unfolding story of the country’s progress.

  • Tinubu departs Japan for state visit to Brazil

    Tinubu departs Japan for state visit to Brazil

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday night departed Yokohama, Japan, for Brazil, where he is scheduled to begin a state visit on Sunday, August 24.

    According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President embarked on the ultra-long-haul flight to Brasilia with a scheduled stopover in Los Angeles, United States, before proceeding to the Brazilian capital.

    Tinubu had arrived in Japan on August 18 as part of a two-nation working tour that began with his departure from Abuja on August 15. His itinerary included a stopover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before proceeding to Yokohama.

    Read Also: Nigeria thrash Cote d’Ivoire  in WADSU’s opener

    While in Japan, the Nigerian leader attended the opening ceremony and plenary sessions of the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) on August 20. 

    He also held bilateral meetings with global partners and capped his engagements with an interactive session with members of the Nigerian diaspora community in Japan on Thursday night.

    The President is expected to deepen Nigeria’s strategic partnership with Brazil during his visit, focusing on trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

  • Women Leaders in Delta South APC throw weight behind Tinubu, Oborevwori

    Women Leaders in Delta South APC throw weight behind Tinubu, Oborevwori

    Women leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta South Senatorial District have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement was made during the Delta South APC Women/Stakeholders Unity Meeting held at Oleh,  Headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area, and hosted by the Delta South Senatorial Woman Leader, Chief Onome Rita Ogagarojor.

    The motion for the vote of confidence on President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori was moved by Hon. Joy Ejemudo, Leader of the Warri South Legislature, and seconded by Hon. Elohor Sim, Majority Leader of Isoko South Legislature.

    Read Also: FG tagets N24bn annual savings from BisonFly initiative

    The decision was affirmed through a voice vote conducted by Orode Meyiwa Uduaghan, the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community.

    Support Services and Girl Child Development, Delta State.

    Addressing the gathering, the convener,  Chief Onome Rita Ogagarojor, described the unity meeting as more than just a political assembly but a movement aimed at repositioning women for greater political participation.

    She recalled that Delta South is the only Senatorial District in the state to have produced a female senator, adding that the state itself has been blessed with illustrious First Ladies, noting that women have the capacity to achieve even more if they embrace unity.

    She said that; “We have the capacity to do more, and we will do more if we come together in unity. Since the dawn of our democracy, women from this district have shown that leadership is not beyond our reach. What we need now is solidarity to push the boundaries even further.”

    Ogagarojor, emphasized that the Renewed Hope for More Agenda must guide women in politics, urging them to choose collaboration over competition, celebrating  achievements of each other, resolve conflicts with maturity, and stand together against injustice. “Women divided are vulnerable, but women united are unstoppable” she said.

    Several speakers at the meeting also lent their voices in support of unity and greater political engagement for women.

    Mrs. Mimie Igbrude, a member of Delta State Local Government Service Commission, said it was time for women to take decisive action and work together, stressing: “Men are powerful, but women are influential. With our numerical strength, there is no reason for us to remain at the background.”

  • Minister: Southeast not left out in Tinubu’s govt

    Minister: Southeast not left out in Tinubu’s govt

    Armed with the mid-term score card of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, Information and National Orientation Minister of Mohammed Idris, was yesterday in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

    The administration has made significant progress in the Southeast, particularly in Abia State, the minister, who was represented by Mrs. Gloria Abiakam, Head of the Abia Centre, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.told his audience.

    According to the minister, the current administration has prioritised key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and transportation in the region, marking a shift from previous neglect.

    Read Also: First Lady to empower 1,000 women today in Lagos

    He cited the inauguration of youth agriculture support programmes, undergraduate education loans, the “Skill-Up Artisan” initiative, and affordable housing schemes as examples of Federal Government interventions.

    Idris noted that the Southeast now has a cancer treatment centre in Enugu and upgraded mother-and-child centres in Abia and Imo states, which were already helping to reduce preventable deaths.

    “These projects are not just milestones on paper; they are visible, tangible results of governance at work. The best is yet to come,” he said.

    He urged citizens of the region to take advantage of the initiatives and support efforts that would bring development closer to communities.

    The event featured a lecture by the Zonal Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abia/Imo Zone, Mr Sam Oditah, titled “Southeast milestones of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.”

    Oditah acknowledged the administration’s achievements in sectors such as agriculture, railway expansion, roads, and skill acquisition, in spite of scepticism in some quarters.

    However, he called on the President to urgently address the dilapidated Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene and Umuahia–Bende–Ohafia–Arochukwu federal roads.

  • I will back Tinubu’s supporters, says Wike

    I will back Tinubu’s supporters, says Wike

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike yesterday promised to align with anyone who supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

    He urged FCT residents to align with those supporting the Federal Government. 

    Wike spoke in the company of a former lawmaker representing the FCT, Senator Philip Aduda, and the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, during the kick-off of Lot 2 of Water Supply Projects in Karu.

    The minister hailed both men for their capacity and for bringing development to the residents, promising the construction of a two-kilometre road in Karu, following Aduda’s request.

    He said support would always come to those who continue to support the Tinubu administration.

    Wike also hailed the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Executive Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, as “very good and hardworking”.

    The minister noted that the latter had used his access to the government to deliver several projects to the residents of the area council.

    He promised his administration’s support for Maikalangu if he wins his re-election bid as the council chairman.

    “There is a road which you said is about two kilometres, is it not? Consider it done. You know, one thing about government and politics: support those who are capable of bringing something to the people. Support those the government will listen to.

    Read Also: First Lady to empower 1,000 women today in Lagos

    “From what happened now, you see that with Aduda and the government, he has his ear where he is. That’s why the government asked: Where is that road he mentioned? Consider it done.

    “You can see that since he (Maikalangu) became the Chairman of AMAC, he has brought the government to do Saburi Road, he has brought the government to do Kabusa-Takushere Road, and he has brought the government to redo this road. He has brought the government to do Deidei Road.

    “For me, I’m here to talk about those who have access to the government and bring something to the people.

    “The chairman has access to us. Anything he tells us, we will do. This is the only man I know. If he wins as chairman of AMAC, we will give him whatever he wants. I don’t know the party he belongs to. But I know that he supports President Tinubu. Anybody who supports Tinubu, I will support him,” Wike said.

    The minister said past governments failed to provide the needs of the people, particularly water supply, to the communities in Karu.

    He stressed that the Tinubu administration has fulfilled its promise to provide potable water to satellite towns.

  • UPDATED: I will back Tinubu’s supporters – Wike

    UPDATED: I will back Tinubu’s supporters – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, on Thursday vowed to support anybody who supports President Bola Tinubu to deliver the dividends of democracy.

    Wike advised FCT residents to support those who have the ears of the government.   

    The minister said this while commending former lawmaker representing the FCT, Senator Philip Aduda, and the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, during the flag-off of Lot 2 of Water Supply Projects in Karu.

    Wike hailed both men for their capacity and for bringing development to the people, while promising the construction of a 2km road in Karu site, on the request of Aduda.

    The minister said he would always throw his weight behind those who continue to support the Tinubu-led administration.

    He further commended the AMAC Chairman, Maikalangu, as “very good and hardworking”, noting that the latter had used his access to government to deliver several projects to his residents in the area council, adding that his administration will do, whatever he asked if he (Maikalangu) won his re-election bid as council chairman.

    “There is a road which you said is about 2km, is it not? Consider it done. You know, one thing about government and politics, support those who have capacity to bring something to the people. Support those that the government will listen to.

    “From what happened now, you see that Aduda, the government, has his ear where he is. And that’s why the government said where is that road he mentioned? Consider it done.

    “You can see that since he (Maikalangu) became the Chairman of AMAC, he has brought the government to do Saburi Road, he has brought the government to do Kabusa-Takushere Road, he has brought the government to redo this road. He has brought the government to do Deidei Road.

    “For me, I’m here to talk about those who have access to the government and bring something to the people.

    “The chairman has access to us. Anything he tells us, we will do. This is the only man I know. If he wins as chairman of AMAC, we will give him whatever he wants. I don’t know the party he belongs to. But I know that he supports Tinubu. Anybody who supports Tinubu, I will support him,” Wike said.

    The minister said past governments had failed to provide the needs of the people, particularly water supply to the communities in Karu, noting that the government of Tinubu has fulfilled its promise to provide potable water to satellite towns.

    He said; “We have had a government who stayed here for five years, isn’t that correct? We have had a government who stayed here for eight years too, is that correct? Has any government come to say, look, we will provide you water? Have you had water before? Did this government promise it will give you water? Have we come now to give you water?

    “So, you believe you have a covenant with this government. And the covenant is like somebody said, agreement is agreement. So, the people of Karu, you will readily remember the government that remembers you, is it not correct?

    “Will you remember those who had the opportunity and they refused to do anything for you? Will you remember those who left Karu unattended, will you remember them? So, we have come to fulfil the promise we made to you, that you must have clean and potable water”.

    Aduda represented the FCT on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party between 2011 and 2015, and was re-elected in 2015 and again in 2019, before losing the seat in the 2023 general elections.

    Maikalangu is seeking re-election as Chairman of AMAC in the forthcoming February 2026 Area Council elections, on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, after defecting from the PDP in 2024.

    Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described water as one of the most essential resources for life and development. She noted that the project underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which continues to yield tangible benefits for rural communities.

    According to her, potable water sustains health, supports agriculture, drives industry, and maintains ecosystems. She extended profound appreciation to the President for prioritizing projects that directly touch the lives of ordinary citizens.

    Read Also: I’ll back anyone who supports Tinubu – Wike

    On his part, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Yohanna Dauda, explained that the Karu Water Project would involve the construction of about 194 kilometers of transmission and distribution pipelines.

    The water project, which will form part of the projects to be commissioned to mark the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, is expected to deliver safe and reliable drinking water to nearly 334,000 residents of Karu and its environs.

    Officials noted that the project would not only upgrade municipal infrastructure but also enhance livelihoods, promote social equity, and advance sustainable development in satellite communities of the FCT.

  • Tinubu assures Nigerians in Diaspora: “Nigeria’s rise has begun”

    Tinubu assures Nigerians in Diaspora: “Nigeria’s rise has begun”

    …urges Nigerians in Diaspora to join hands in advancing national progress

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that the rise of Nigeria to its rightful place in the comity of nations has already begun, assuring Nigerians in the Diaspora that the country’s economy is stabilising, opportunities are expanding, and reforms are yielding visible results.

    Speaking at an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Japan, held on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), the President said his administration is determined to reverse negative trends and make the country a land of prosperity for its citizens at home and abroad.

    “All I want to do is assure you that things are stable, the economy is stabilised, the opportunity is immense, people are coming back, we are reversing the medical tourism in every way that we could, and I can give you the assurance we are seeing the beginning of Nigeria rising,” Tinubu said to applause.

    He reminded the Diaspora audience that while it is a personal right to remain abroad, the nation still depends on their input to achieve its developmental aspirations.

    He said the government’s priority is to create an environment where every citizen, at home or abroad, can feel the positive impact of change.

    “I am happy to listen to you for whatever. Happy to report to you that many of our people are coming back home. Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s a fundamental right of the individual, but for the economic growth and opportunity that is available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” the President asked.

    Tinubu emphasised that his government is committed to creating an environment where every Nigerian can thrive, noting that governance is about “thinking and doing,” promoting unity, stability, and progress.

    He urged Nigerians abroad to remain good ambassadors of their country and to reflect positively on its image, stressing that “poor comments and negative reflections will not help the growth of Nigeria.”

    The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Enoh, who also addressed the gathering, highlighted the bold reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration since its first day in office.

    He recalled that the World Trade Organisation’s Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had recently commended Nigeria’s policy direction, describing the reforms as the foundation of future growth.

    According to him, “we have a President who is undoubted, who is focused, and who is pursuing the reforms that our country deserves.”

    Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), reported that Nigeria is now witnessing accelerated technology transfer as a direct result of presidential policies.

    He disclosed that more than 1,000 applications had been received globally for investment in Nigeria’s technology and industrial sectors, with over $2 billion already committed and factories set to be established in partnership with Japanese firms.

    From the private sector, Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, praised the administration’s economic reforms, especially the liberalisation of the exchange rate and removal of fuel subsidies.

    He said these decisions had improved government revenues, boosted foreign investment, and spurred growth across sectors ranging from oil and gas to mining, telecommunications, and small enterprises.

    “We’ve never experienced the closeness with the government as we do today,” he remarked.

    Also speaking, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Tokyo, commended the contributions of Nigerians in Japan, particularly academics and professionals excelling in various fields, even as she acknowledged the challenges posed by a few nationals in breach of immigration laws.

    Read Also: I’ll back anyone who supports Tinubu – Wike

    She described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with the Diaspora community under Nigeria’s new foreign policy thrust.

    Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, Emeka Egbogota, welcomed Tinubu to the “Land of the Rising Sun” on behalf of the community, describing his presence at TICAD9 as a source of pride and unity.

    He praised the President’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria driven by technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth, pledging the community’s support for his administration’s agenda.

    The interactive meeting ended with a renewed sense of partnership between the government and its citizens abroad, with President Tinubu reiterating his commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian has a role to play in the unfolding story of the country’s progress.

  • I’ll back anyone who supports Tinubu – Wike

    I’ll back anyone who supports Tinubu – Wike

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to back individuals and leaders who align themselves with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, urging residents to rally behind those “the government will listen to.”

    Wike made the remarks on Thursday during the flag-off of Lot 2 of the Water Supply Projects in Karu, where he commended former FCT senator, Philip Aduda, and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, for bringing development to their people.

    Responding to Aduda’s request for road construction in Karu, the minister promised immediate action.

    “There is a road that you said is about 2km, isn’t it? Consider it done. One thing about government and politics: support those who have the capacity to bring something to the people. Support those that the government will listen to,” Wike said.

    He further praised Maikalangu, describing him as “very good and hardworking,” noting that the AMAC chairman had used his government access to deliver several projects.

    Read Also: Tinubu will provide potable water for FCT area councils by 2027 – Wike

    “The chairman has access to us. Anything he tells us, we will do. This is the only man I know. If he wins as chairman of AMAC, we will give him whatever he wants. I don’t know the party he belongs to. But I know that he supports Tinubu. Anybody who supports Tinubu, I will support him,” Wike declared.

    The minister also slammed past governments for neglecting satellite communities like Karu, particularly in the provision of potable water.

    “We have had governments that stayed here for five years, even eight years. Did any come to provide you with water? No. But this government promised, and today we are fulfilling it,” he said.

    Aduda, a former three-term senator on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost his seat in the 2023 general elections. Meanwhile, Maikalangu, who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2024, is seeking re-election as AMAC chairman in the February 2026 Area Council elections.

  • How my govt is ‘watering the ground’ as directed by Tinubu, by Sule

    How my govt is ‘watering the ground’ as directed by Tinubu, by Sule

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has outlined steps his administration is taking to ease economic hardship, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to state governors to “water the ground” and improve the lives of Nigerians.

    Speaking at the Government House in Lafia while distributing 50 electric vehicles and tricycles to empower youths and women, Sule said the initiative was aimed at providing business opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.

    He further disclosed that his administration has procured fertiliser, rice, and other food items, which will be sold to residents at 50 percent of the market price to cushion the effect of rising costs.

    In addition, Sule announced the release of N778 million to clear outstanding two-year scholarship allowances for students, alongside the payment of this year’s NECO registration fees for all secondary school students to ease the burden on parents.

    Read Also: Why Nasarawa is prone to security challenges, by Sule 

    The governor also revealed that his government has set aside N1.6 billion to settle gratuities owed to retired civil servants from 2012, having already cleared arrears spanning 1996 to 2011.

    “Recently, Mr President appealed to governors to use the improved revenues to ‘water the ground.’ In response, we set up a committee that recommended steps such as subsidising fertiliser and rice, as well as other interventions to support our people,” Sule said.

    He assured residents that his administration remains committed to initiatives that directly impact citizens and strengthen the state’s economic resilience.