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  • Tinubu’s bold policies in interest of Nigerians – Shettima

    Tinubu’s bold policies in interest of Nigerians – Shettima

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s bold policy decisions are being implemented in the best interest of Nigerians.

    Shettima said this while hosting executives of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NACCIMA delegation was led by its National President, Mr Jani Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the Vice-President.

    Highlighting the administration’s focus on economic revitalisation, Shettima stated that the government had created an enabling environment for serious business operations.

    He cited major policy steps such as the removal of fuel subsidy, the realignment of the multiple exchange rate system, and ongoing tax reforms.

    “I can assure you that Nigeria is ready for business, and you are the drivers of change.

    “I plead guilty to romancing with the business community, the manufacturing and productive sectors.

    “This is how great nations are built; this is how Korea became what it is,” the Vice-President said.

    Shettima stressed that President Tinubu remained committed to the reforms in spite of resistance from entrenched interests, describing them as necessary actions taken for the greater good of Nigerians.

    “The current administration is your own because the President speaks your language, the language of commerce.

    “He grew up in that ecosystem, understands how businesses are run, and was the financial controller at Mobil,” Shettima said.

    He applauded the President’s courage in removing the fuel subsidy, which he described as a long-standing burden on the nation.

    “While the fuel subsidy had been an albatross around the neck of successive administrations, he had the courage and conviction to remove it.

    “The oil cabal fought back, but he refused to budge. He stood his ground because he acted in the best interest of Nigerians,” he added.

    Earlier in his remarks, Ibrahim noted that he was elected NACCIMA President and Chairman of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) a month ago during the association’s 65th Annual General Meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    Read Also: Shettima, Mutfwang query accuracy of NBS GDP data

    He commended Vice-President Shettima’s leadership as Chairman of key national economic bodies such as the National Economic Council (NEC), National Council on Privatisation (NCP), Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), and MSME councils.

    “National prosperity is anchored on strong collaboration between government and the private sector. We recognise the private sector as the engine of growth while the government sets the enabling framework,” Ibrahim said.

    He called for regular engagement between the organised private sector and the Vice-President’s office, proposing bi-annual consultative sessions.

    Ibrahim also requested that representatives from the private sector be included in key government councils and technical bodies, particularly those dealing with trade, industry, privatisation, and small and medium enterprises.

    (NAN)

  • Aide empowers woman Qur’an reciter

    Aide empowers woman Qur’an reciter

    Personal Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Special Duties, Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf, has empowered a young woman Qur’an reciter, Alimot Daud, with industrial sewing machines and tailoring kits.

    The president’s aide also offered financial support, covering accommodation and shop rent for the lady at a location of her choice – paid for the next two years, to help her attain stability and grow her tailoring business with dignity and ease.

    The gesture came after Daud’s captivating recitation of the Holy Qur’an with a sonorous voice went viral.

    In the clip, Alimot recited verses of the Qur’an with remarkable clarity and elocution, drawing the attention and admiration of her audience, which included her mentor, Khalifa Jamiu, son of the late Muslim scholar, Sheikh Jamiu Bulala – and other Muslim scholars, including Sheikh Daud Nla.

    Yusuf, moved by her talent, supported her by equipping her with tools to aid her economic independence and growth.

    Read Also: World Bank, partners back Nigeria’s 90,000km fibre optic network drive

    He gave her money to cover house and shop expenses for two years.

    In an emotional response captured in a follow-up video, she expressed gratitude for the gift, describing Yusuf as a “godsend”, who recognised and appreciated Allah’s gift in her.

    “A godsend, Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf, appreciated the divine quality in me, and decided to empower me with industrial sewing machines and tailoring kits,” Daud said.

    In the video, she praised her benefactor for the kind gestures, saying the tools would help her tailoring business.

    Daud prayed for Yusuf, asking for divine mercy and abundant blessings upon him.

    The empowerment has been lauded online, with many hailing Yusuf for uplifting a woman, who combines her religious passion with a drive for economic empowerment.

  • Tinubu hosts Ekiti leaders, meets Segun Oni amid talks on political return

    Tinubu hosts Ekiti leaders, meets Segun Oni amid talks on political return

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday hosted at the State House a delegation of political leaders from Ekiti State.

    The team included Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and former Governor Segun Oni. They met the president privately.

    The closed-door meeting comes amid growing speculation about potential realignments within the state’s political landscape and in the Southwest ahead of 2027.

    Although there was no briefing after the meeting, the presence of Oni, who has not shown keen interest in partisan politics since September 2024, elicited interest in political circles.

    The meeting, it was learnt, could be part of a broader effort to bring the former governor back into the mainstream political fold, particularly under the banner of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Oni, who served as governor of Ekiti State between 2007 and 2010, contested the 2022 governorship election on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), finishing as runner-up to Oyebanji.

    He had announced his exit from partisan politics, declaring in a September 2024 statement that he no longer belonged to any political party and was retiring from active political engagements.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Oniru of Iru Kingdom at 55, hails his service, leadership

    His presence at yesterday’s meeting alongside Ekiti APC power-brokers raised questions about a potential political comeback, particularly within the context of President Tinubu’s ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots base and consolidating political support across the federation.

     As at the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued a formal statement after the meeting. None of the visitors agreed to speak either.

    But a senior political aide familiar with developments in the Southwest noted that President Tinubu remains committed to uniting experienced political figures to foster inclusive governance and party stability.

    Oni’s political reengagement, if confirmed, would mark a significant development in Ekiti politics, potentially reshaping alignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu set to meet APC Govs ahead crucial NEC session

    BREAKING: Tinubu set to meet APC Govs ahead crucial NEC session

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is about to host a meeting with Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) this evening at the State House, Abuja.

    The high-level meeting, scheduled to commence from 7:00 pm at the conference hall of the State House, will bring together members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), the umbrella body of APC governors. 

    It comes just hours ahead of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for Thursday by 2:00 pm in the Banquet Hall of the State House.

    Imo Governor and PGF Chairman Hope Uzodimma is expected to lead his 23 other colleagues to the meeting, which sources describe as “crucial,” given recent developments within the ruling party.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Oniru of Iru Kingdom at 55, hails his service, leadership

    As of press time, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) had arrived at the venue ahead of their counterparts.

    The President is expected to brief the Governors on the Federal Government’s current policy direction as well as the party’s internal agenda, including a possible consensus on a new substantive APC National Chairman following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje last month.

    The outcome of tonight’s session is likely to shape Thursday’s NEC proceedings, where key party leadership decisions are anticipated.

  • GMT hails Tinubu’s achievements in two years, says it’s evidence of visionary leadership

    GMT hails Tinubu’s achievements in two years, says it’s evidence of visionary leadership

    The Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu (GMT) in Ondo State has lauded President Bola Tinubu, describing his achievements in the last two years as a testament to visionary and courageous leadership.

    Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, the director-general of the group, stated this at an interactive session with the leadership and local government coordinators of the group held on Wednesday at its secretariat in Akure, the state capital.

    Yusuf-Ogunleye, who commended President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda and economic blueprint”, affirmed that his policies are beginning to yield tangible outcomes.

    He explained that the achievements of the President have renewed confidence in the administration of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and also increased public interest in grassroots mobilisation efforts.

    “We are witnessing tremendous growth in our membership across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State because of the achievements being recorded by President Bola Tinubu in just two years since he came on board.

    READ ALSO; Shippers’ Council commits to execution-driven reform framework

    “And to deepen our structure and enhance mobilisation, we have mandated every local government and ward chapter to appoint 12 interim officers to strengthen grassroots engagement,” he said.

    While expressing the group’s unalloyed support for the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027, Yusuf-Ogunleye saluted the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his consistent support for the group and his role in delivering the campaign promises.

    He also acknowledged the state party chairman, Ade Adetimehin, and Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for creating an enabling environment for the group to thrive.

    The DG further noted that GMT had briefed the governor about its formation, structure, and mission.

    “Even non-APC members are identifying with our cause because they believe in President Tinubu’s vision. GMT is inclusive and driven by the belief that no one should be left behind.

    “There may be many pro-Tinubu groups in the state, but with synergy, we are confident the APC will remain victorious,” he said.

    Speaking at the session, the group’s legal adviser, Akinwunmi Sowore, reiterated the GMT’s primary focus to promote and propagate the achievements of President Tinubu, stating that more strategic programmes will soon be rolled out.

    Also, the Women Leader of the group, Olamide Falana, said GMT consists of grassroots-oriented politicians with integrity and commitment to showcasing Tinubu’s legacy.

    “We are not just politicians; we are believers in progress,” she stated.

    The group’s secretary, Rasheed Badmus, said President Tinubu’s administration has impacted Ondo State positively, saying that the people of the state have no reason not to support his re-election.

    “We have enough to show our people in this state that President Tinubu has done for us since he came here. So, the people of the state are always with him.”

    Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Adekola Olawoye (SAN), also expressed delight at the group’s formation, describing it as possibly the last opportunity for his generation to witness a president from the South-West.

    Other dignitaries at the interactive session included: Chief Albert Akintoye (SOT), the Southern Coordinator; former Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Olayato Aribo (represented by Mr. Omoge Folorunso); Deaconess Lola Fagbemi, represented by Ondo West coordinator, Alhaji Khaleed Akinbami; Chief Bisi Ogbungbemi; and Hon. Paff Kolade Lawal, who now oversees youth mobilisation for the group in the state. 

  • CDS office has performed excellently under Tinubu, says MOSIEND

    CDS office has performed excellently under Tinubu, says MOSIEND

    The Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has scored the office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu high in performance.

    The President of MOSIEND, Amb. Kennedy Tonjo-West said the Ijaw group gave the rating after juxtaposing the records of the incumbent CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, with those of his predecessors.

    West said Musa had demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision, driving the Nigerian Armed Forces towards greater professionalism and effectiveness within two years.

    “Since taking office on June 19, 2023, under President Tinubu,  General Musa has achieved numerous milestones that underscore his commitment to national security and defence”, West said.

    He said under General Musa’s leadership, the country’s crude oil production surpassed OPEC quota, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic growth.

    READ ALSO: FG moves to fast-track civil servants’ health insurance, compensation claims

    West observed that under Musa, surveillance strategies had curbed oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering, reducing crude oil theft by over 90 per cent, adding that the strategy led to a significant improvement in the terminal recovery factor and increased oil production values and receipts.

    He said, “The Nigerian Armed Forces have enhanced their operational capabilities, leveraging technology and innovative strategies to combat security challenges.

    General Musa has emphasised the importance of professionalism, discipline, and adherence to human rights, fostering a culture of excellence within the armed forces.

    “The CDS has nurtured strategic partnerships with regional and international partners, enhancing cooperation and collaboration in areas such as counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and defence diplomacy”.

    The MOSIEND boss said Musa articulated a clear vision for the Nigerian Armed Forces, emphasising the importance of professionalism, discipline, and service to the nation.

    “The CDS has fostered a collaborative approach, working closely with other security agencies, government ministries, and international partners to achieve common goals. General Musa has demonstrated strategic thinking, leveraging his experience and expertise to navigate complex security challenges and develop effective solutions”, he said.

    West added that the impact of Musa’s leadership could be seen in the improved security situation in Nigeria, as well as the enhanced professionalism and effectiveness of the armed forces, observing that his commitment to national security and defence earned him recognition and respect within and abroad.

    He said the high performance rating of Musa remained a testament to President Tinubu’s expertise in the selection and placement of his appointees for effective and efficient governance.

    He said MOSIEND would continue to highlight Musa’s remarkable leadership, strategic vision, and contributions to national security to serve as an inspiration to others and a testament to his dedication to public service.

    “The appointment of General Musa by Mr. President has been instrumental in achieving these milestones, and Nigerians are encouraged to support the Nigerian armed forces in their efforts to secure the nation’s oil resources, stamp out terrorism and build a more prosperous future for all”, he said.

  • Tinubu, Dangote discuss energy sector challenges

    Tinubu, Dangote discuss energy sector challenges

    President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday evening, received billionaire industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote at the State House in Abuja for a private meeting.

    Though brief and undisclosed, the meeting highlights the Federal Government’s continued support for private-sector-led growth in the oil and gas industry.

    The engagement followed President Tinubu’s June visit to the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex in Lagos.

    Earlier on Tuesday, Tinubu welcomed delegates to the West African Refined Fuel Conference via a post on his official X handle.

    He stressed Africa’s urgent need to take a stronger position within the global energy markets and reduce dependency on external pricing.

    “Africa can no longer be a price taker. We must set transparent benchmarks that reflect our true value and protect our economies,” Tinubu posted.

    He also revealed that Nigeria is collaborating with regional partners to create a unified African energy market.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Super Falcons over  WAFCON final ticket

    “From refining to regulation and trade flows, we’re building a market that rewards production and secures energy for our people,” the President said.

    During the conference, Dangote addressed key structural problems affecting refinery developments across the continent.

    In a presentation titled ‘Building an African Refinery Hub: Prospects and Challenges’, he outlined persistent difficulties.

    “Besides poor infrastructure, our biggest problem lies in rent-seeking throughout the petroleum value chain across Africa,” Dangote explained.

    He noted the sector’s long-standing vulnerability to corruption and exploitation by vested interests.

    “When a refinery disrupts this setup, it challenges powerful forces determined to resist and maintain the status quo,” he stated.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu holds briefing with Finance, Budget, Oil, Gas ministers

    Tinubu holds briefing with Finance, Budget, Oil, Gas ministers

    • CBN, FIRS bosses at meeting

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday held private meetings with key members of his economic and fiscal policy team at the State House in Abuja.

    Sources at the State House described the briefing as routine and strategic.

    The briefing was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.

    President Tinubu also met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso; the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji; as well as the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe.

    Although the agenda of the meetings was not officially disclosed, The Nation learnt that it was part of regular consultations where top government officials occupying sensitive economic portfolios update the President on developments within their respective sectors.

    “The President routinely receives briefings from relevant ministers and heads of economic institutions to stay abreast of policy developments and implementation timelines,” a source said.

    Read Also: ‘Tinubu is an ardent supporter of media, committed to press freedom’ – Idris

    Another source told our correspondent that security-related matters were discussed during one of the sessions.

    The Nation also gathered that Dr. Adedeji was expected to brief the President on the effective implementation of the four new tax laws recently signed into law, which are slated to take effect from January 2026.

    The laws are aimed at broadening the tax net, simplifying compliance, and enhancing non-oil revenue generation in line with the administration’s fiscal reform agenda.

    Cardoso was also expected to provide updates on current fiscal and monetary policy dynamics, including efforts to stabilize the naira, manage inflation, and sustain investor confidence.

    Ministers Edun and Bagudu too were expected to present overviews of the broader economic outlook, current budget implementation, and medium-term expenditure projections.

    Ekpo was also scheduled to provide updates on investment prospects and gas infrastructure development under the Decade of Gas initiative.

    Each official arrived separately at the Villa for the consultations, reflecting standard protocol for high-level briefings.

    The meeting comes at a time the administration is intensifying its focus on economic recovery, fiscal consolidation, and energy sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

  • Tinubu to inaugurate cancer centres in Katsina, Benin, Nsukka

    Tinubu to inaugurate cancer centres in Katsina, Benin, Nsukka

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will tomorrow inaugurate three newly-completed cancer centres in Katsina, Benin and Nsukka.

    They are part of the six cancer centres under construction.

    In March 2024 last yesterday, the President approved the involvement of the National Sovereign Investment Authority’s (NSIA) in upgrading six Oncology centres for the treatment of cancer in six Federal University Teaching Hospitals, across the nation’s geo-political zones.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate gave a deadline of between 18 and 20 months to complete the Centres of Excellence.

    Tomorrow, the centres built Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina; the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka; and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital are set for inauguration, in fulfillment of the President’s promise to Nigerians that he would tackle the scourge of cancer.

    Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria; University of Jos Teaching Hospital; and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, are expected to be inaugurated in the second phase.

    As promised by the President that he would not abandon ongoing projects by the last administration, NSIA’s involvement in the Oncology initiative was imperative due to the project’s stagnation four years, which could no longer be tolerated given the current volatile local and global inflationary trends.

    Research into national medical data indicated that cancer was the fourth leading cause of deaths in Nigeria as of 2022, with 5,912 of 8,114 diagnosed cases resulting in death.

    Considering the gravity of this situation, and following the confirmation of the NSIA Board’s approval of the project, a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NSIA and the six Federal University Teaching Hospitals.

    Consequently, the project was primed to recommence the utilization of the remaining N17.9b from the initial appropriation, along with the N30b allocated for it in the 2024 budget for the six centers, totalling N37.9b.

    Read Also: Senate okays Tinubu’s $21bn foreign loan request

    In addition to bridging the funding gap, the NSIA collaboration would also ensure the provision of infrastructure and training of personnel, among other important variables to the project.

    Professor Pate, who described the initiative as the single largest investment in cancer care in Nigeria’s history, noted that the facilities represent the first phase of a broader plan to establish ten new cancer centres across the country.

    Describing the development as unprecedented, the Coordinating Minister stressed that the network of oncology and diagnostic centres is expected to be the largest in West Africa, with the capacity to train up to 500 clinicians over three years and serve nearly 2,000 oncology patients and 350,000 diagnostic clients annually.

    “This is the most significant investment any Nigerian administration has ever made in cancer care, and it entails the largest chain of oncology and diagnostic centres in West Africa.”

    To underscore the seriousness attached to the project, Pate said the government removed all bottlenecks, including vested interests, stalling the long-delayed cancer treatment project.

    He further noted that the NSIA’s direct involvement in procurement had cut out middlemen entirely, saving the country around N10 billion, all while securing a additional 30% discount on the medical equipment being operated in the new cancer centers.

    “This marks the end of a tragic era for Nigerians battling cancer.” Pate said.

  • Eastern Rail Corridor to gulp $3b of Tinubu’s $21bn foreign loan request

    Eastern Rail Corridor to gulp $3b of Tinubu’s $21bn foreign loan request

    Work may soon begin on the revitalisation of the Eastern Rail Corridor as the Senate yesterday okayed a  $21billion foreign loan requested by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    A major component of the loan is  $3billion  earmarked for the rail corridor, which stretches from Port Harcourt, Rivers State to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

    Victor Umeh, a Labour Party(LP) senator representing Anambra Central, described the approval of the sum as a milestone.

      “This is the first time I have seen $3bn allocated to rebuild the Eastern rail line. That alone justifies my full support,” Umeh enthused.

    The approved  $21 billion covers the Federal Government’s external borrowing plan for 2025 – 2026. It includes $21.19billion in direct foreign loans, €4 billion, ¥15billion, a $65million grant and domestic borrowing through government bonds.

    Also in the package is a provision to raise to $2 billion through a foreign-currency-denominated instrument in the domestic market.

     Other key sectors targeted in the loan plan are infrastructure, agriculture, security, power, housing, and digital connectivity.

    The approval of the loan followed the presentation and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt.

    Read Also: Senate okays Tinubu’s $21bn foreign loan request

    The report was titled: “Report of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts: That the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts on the following: 2025 – 2026 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan; Issuance of FGN Bonds to settle outstanding pension liabilities under the contributory pension scheme; and Establishment of Foreign Currency Denominated Issuance Programme in the domestic debt market.”

    It was presented by the committee’s Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wamakko.

     Wamakko said the request for approval of the loan was first transmitted to the National Assembly on May 27, but that it was delayed due to recess by the lawmakers and documentation issues in the Debt Management Office(DMO).

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations  Solomon Adeola said most of the loan requests had already been factored into the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the 2025 budget.

    “The borrowing is already embedded in the 2025 Appropriation Act. With this approval, we now have all revenue sources, including loans, in place to fully fund the budget,” Adeola said.

    Senator Mohammed Musa noted that the loan disbursement would span six years, not just 2025.

    He explained that the loan request was in tandem with global economic practices.

    “There’s no economy that grows without borrowing. What we are doing is in line with global best practices,” Musa said.

    Also,   Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions Chairman  Tokunbo Abiru explained that the loans are concessional and adhere to the Fiscal Responsibility Act and Debt Management Act.