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  • Tinubu sets Q1 2026 deadline for national single window project take-off

    Tinubu sets Q1 2026 deadline for national single window project take-off

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Single Window (NSW) Steering Committee to ensure that the trade facilitation platform becomes fully operational by the first quarter of 2026.

    The President’s directive was conveyed during the fifth meeting of the NSW Steering Committee, held Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, and chaired on his behalf by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Gbajabiamila underscored the importance of the NSW to Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, particularly in light of the Tax Reform Acts signed into law in June 2025.

    According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Gbajabiamila stressed that the success of the project was central to achieving President Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy.

    “It’s important that we continue to stay focused on this project, so that at the end of the day, we meet our timelines and achieve the results the President expects. As you all are aware, the project is one of the transformative initiatives of Mr. President which we collectively must ensure is effectively and commendably implemented”, the Chief of Staff said.

    The NSW project, launched in April 2024, is a Federal Government initiative aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s trade ecosystem through the creation of a unified electronic platform that consolidates all agencies involved in import and export operations.

    It is expected to cut trade costs, reduce delays, and enhance transparency and efficiency at Nigerian ports.

    Gbajabiamila noted that the system will significantly boost investment inflows, improve government revenue from trade, and strengthen Nigeria’s global economic credibility.

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

    He called on all relevant agencies to sharpen their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and work with urgency to meet the Phase 1 rollout deadline.

    “I do expect that since the last meeting of the steering committee, which was held on the 8th of April, 2025, all stakeholders have actively progressed with the required KPIs and set targets to ensure that we go live with Phase 1 in Q1 2026 as previously scheduled,” he said.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said while progress was commendable, the project must now move from planning to delivery.

    “Execution is key. This is a complex but transformational initiative. We must collaborate more and resolve any remaining hurdles to meet the timeline”, Edun stated.

    Echoing similar sentiments, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, charged committee members to leave no stone unturned in delivering the digital platform by the first quarter of next year.

    The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, expressed appreciation for the President’s unwavering support, noting that the NSW project is now backed by legislation.

    “Thank you on behalf of the steering committee. The reward for hard work is more work. When we started last month, it was a project. It is now law. The Single Window is now part of our national legal framework”, Adedeji said.

    He urged the committee to remain committed to the mission ahead.

    Providing an update on implementation progress, the Director of the NSW Project, Mr. Tola Fakolade, confirmed that all milestones scheduled for the second quarter of 2025 had been achieved.

    “The customisation of the Single Window platform has commenced,” Fakolade disclosed, adding that the team remains confident in meeting the Q1 2026 go-live target.

    The NSW Steering Committee comprises representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, FIRS, Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant agencies.

    Once operational, the NSW is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s position in global trade rankings by reducing bureaucracy, promoting transparency, and improving ease of doing business.

  • Tinubu proud of Ajala’s performance, says Senate Leader

    Tinubu proud of Ajala’s performance, says Senate Leader

    President Bola Tinubu has hailed the performance of Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasaq Olusola Ajala.

    The Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), made this known last Friday during the opening of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Legacy Building in the council.

    The event also featured the unveiling of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Football Arena, nine solar-powered cubicles for phone and laptop charging, inauguration of 9.2km of roads, and the donation of 12 vehicles to some stakeholders.

    Senator Bamidele described Ajala’s tenure as exemplary and said the President was particularly pleased with his commitment and service delivery.

    “This is a proud moment for all of us. Ajala has made us extremely proud. To vote for someone is like giving them a job. But once someone gets a job for you, you need to be smart because nobody will do the job for you unless you work hard. I’m happy he worked hard. This is how to end an administration, eight years in the saddle and what a way to bow out,” he said.

    He added that Ajala’s performance was not only worthy of commendation but a solid foundation for future growth. “By the grace of God, this will be the end of his tenure as council chairman but the beginning of greater things to come,” he added.

    Bamidele, who also praised party leaders and stakeholders for their unwavering support, acknowledged that Ajala had proven his mettle even beyond the council, having served in sensitive political capacities including Director-General for senatorial campaigns.

    He described Ajala as “a child of honour” and called on party faithful to support leaders who have shown commitment to service delivery.

    Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, also lauded the achievements of the council boss, noting that the level of infrastructure delivery by councils sets the state apart.

    Read Also: Nigeria needs 7% annual growth to lift vulnerable populations – Edun

    “Yesterday, we were in Mushin to commission the first local government-owned radio station in Nigeria. Today, we’re here again in Odi-Olowo. Lagos local governments are performing beyond what some states can do,” he said. He said Ajala’s achievements over his eight-year tenure were both laudable and impactful.

    He urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and use them responsibly for the greater good.

    Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, applauded Ajala’s contributions not only to the LCDA but to the broader Lagos APC family, especially in his coordinating roles.

    “I thank you for what you have done in the coordination of Conference 57, and for accepting to lead the largest senatorial district in Nigeria, 38 local governments. You delivered. You came, you served, and you have succeeded”, he said.

    The party chairman urged residents to reciprocate APC’s developmental efforts by preparing for the 2027 general elections.

    Vice Chairman and Chairman-Elect of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Seyi Jakande, promised to build upon the foundation laid by Ajala. Jakande thanked the residents, stating, “Your unwavering faith in our leadership inspires our commitment.”

    He praised all religious and traditional leaders for their immense support, saying, “Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for everyone in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA!”

  • Senate okays Tinubu’s $21bn foreign loan request

    Senate okays Tinubu’s $21bn foreign loan request

    The Senate on Tuesday approved President Bola Tinubu’s external borrowing plan of over $21 billion for the 2025 – 2026 external borrowing plan of the Federal Government.

    The comprehensive borrowing package includes $21.19billion in direct foreign loans, €4 4billion, ¥15billion, a $65million grant and domestic borrowing through government bonds totalling approximately N757billion.

    Also included was a provision to raise up to $2billion through a foreign-currency-denominated instrument in the domestic market.

    The approval followed the presentation and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, 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 Chairman of the Committee, Senator Aliyu Wamako, who said that the plan was first transmitted to the National Assembly on May 27 but was delayed due to legislative recess and documentation issues from the Debt Management Office.

    In his contribution, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator 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 Sani Musa (APC – Niger East) noted that the loan disbursement would span six years, not just 2025.

    He said 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,” he said.

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

    “These loans are long-term, some with tenors ranging from 20 to 35 years, and they are strictly tied to capital and human development projects,” he said.

    However, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP- Bauchi Central) expressed worry over transparency and equitable distribution of the loan, warning that Nigerians deserve to know the specifics of the loans and their intended impact.

    “We need to tell our constituents exactly how much is being borrowed in their name, and for what purpose,” he said.

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

    A major component of the loan is the allocation of $3billion for the revitalisation of the Eastern Rail Corridor, stretching from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.

    Senator Victor Umeh (LP – Anambra Central) hailed the rail project as a milestone, saying, “This is the first time I have seen $3bn allocated to rebuild the eastern rail line. That alone justifies my full support.”

    Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, commended the committee’s efforts and noted that the borrowing plan reflects national inclusiveness.

    “This shows that the Renewed Hope Agenda is working. No region is left out,” he said.

  • Tinubu hails Kaduna’s peace model as Kaduna, Qatar donate houses to victims of banditry

    Tinubu hails Kaduna’s peace model as Kaduna, Qatar donate houses to victims of banditry

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Kaduna State’s peace-building approach as a model for the nation, as the state government and Qatar Charity Sanabil Project commissioned the first phase of 50 housing units for families displaced by banditry.

    Speaking through the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, during the commissioning ceremony in Kaduna, President Tinubu applauded the collaborative effort that also includes a school, clinic, and shopping complex as part of a broader 500-housing-unit intervention by the Qatar Charity Foundation.

    “This is not just a ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of hope and humanity. What is happening here today touches the core of President Tinubu’s vision—rebuilding lives through dignity, not just rhetoric,” Ribadu said on behalf of the President.

    The President noted that Kaduna’s evolution from a hotspot of insecurity to a more stable and hopeful environment is the result of “intelligence-led, community-driven, and compassion-rooted governance.”

    He praised Governor Uba Sani for steering Kaduna “from despair to stability,” and assured that the federal government is proud to work in partnership with the state on both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in the fight against insecurity.

    “Kaduna is safe today. We can testify to that. The tears are drying, the wounds are healing. You are restoring trust, not just houses,” Tinubu added.

    He further announced that the federal government is scaling up its support to states like Kaduna by reinforcing local peace-building efforts, enhancing intelligence gathering at the grassroots, and delivering social investment programmes aimed at preventing future violence.

    President Tinubu also reassured displaced families and victims of insecurity that his administration is fully committed to deploying both “hard and soft power” in securing their future and rebuilding their lives.

    “Your scars may not vanish, but your resilience will define your future. Kaduna’s story is no longer one of tragedy, but of triumph through collaboration and compassion,” Tinubu said.

    Read Also: Alleged $854K, N590m fraud: Court rejects Afriq Arbitrage CEO’s third bail request

    Governor Uba Sani, in his speech, described the moment as the most consequential of his public life, saying the project goes beyond infrastructure to restore dignity and humanity.

    According to the governor, “This is about telling every widow, orphan and displaced soul that they are not forgotten. We are doing this because peace without dignity is incomplete. Safety without healing is hollow.”

    Governor Sani commended Qatar Charity Foundation for building what he called “trust through compassion” and thanked donor Aisha bint Khalfan for fully funding the project.

    He added that, beyond housing, the Phase 1 intervention also included distribution of tricycles, grinding machines, cargo bikes, salon kits and welding equipment to empower widows and jobless youth in the affected communities.

    “This is a people-first model. It speaks not just to recovery but resilience. Let this not just be a moment of applause, but a call to action,” Governor Sani added.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, also present at the event, said the Qatar Sanabil Project demonstrated the transformative power of partnerships between governments and humanitarian organisations.

    “This is more than shelter. We are restoring hope. We are empowering the powerless and proving that compassion is a valid governance tool,” he said.

    He praised President Tinubu for prioritising security, job creation and social inclusion, and pledged continued legislative support to scale similar projects nationwide.

    “As a son of Kaduna, this project holds special meaning for me. I’ve witnessed the pain. Now, I’m proud to witness the healing,” the Speaker added.

    Country Director of Qatar Charity, Hamdi Abdul, said the initiative reflects the foundation’s commitment to dignified living, self-reliance and long-term sustainability for the displaced.

    “A safe home is the foundation of a dignified life. We are grateful to President Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani and the people of Kaduna for the partnership and trust,” he said.

    He disclosed that a second phase of the project will soon begin, alongside a 100-day food distribution campaign across all 23 local government areas of Kaduna State.

    Some of the beneficiaries selected from various communities across the frontline local government areas, were emotional, while expressing gratitude to the Kaduna State Government and the Qatar Charity Foundation for wiping their tears after losing their loved one to banditry.

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

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

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering support for the Nigerian media, describing the President as a firm believer in the vital role of the press in national development.

    Speaking on Tuesday at the Blueprint Newspaper Annual Lecture, Impact Series, and Awards held in Abuja, Idris said President Tinubu recognises the media as a cornerstone of democracy and has given him the free hand to perform his duties professionally and independently.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is an ardent supporter of the media. He knows that the media is very crucial in nation-building, and he has told me severally that I should go and do my job as best as I deem fit, being a professional myself,” the Minister said.

    The event, themed “Exploring Potentials of Livestock Exports in Nigeria,” brought together stakeholders from the media, public and private sectors.

    Idris reassured media practitioners that under Tinubu’s leadership, there would be no clampdown on press freedom.

    “President Tinubu will not in any way, form, or shape, stifle or stand in the way of the progress or the work of the media in this country,” he stressed.

    He, however, urged media professionals to exercise their freedom responsibly by striking a balance between holding leaders accountable and promoting unity and stability.

    “All of us media professionals have to come together to walk this delicate path and ensure that society is being kept together while also holding leaders and government to account,” he added.

    The Minister emphasised that the survival and growth of Nigeria’s democracy depends significantly on a vibrant, responsible, and independent media landscape.

    “In doing that job, you have an enormous responsibility to hold government and leaders to account, but even as you do that, you also have to know that because of your vantage position and the critical role you play, you can also help, if you don’t take care, your actions may be injurious to society,” he said, adding that it was important for the media to exercise discernment in distinguishing between what is good and bad, to avoid creating division or destabilizing the country.

    He noted that despite challenges within the information ecosystem, there remains a ray of hope, as the media continues to thrive and demonstrate resilience.

    Idris reiterated that President Tinubu remains a committed champion of press freedom and would never seek to stifle the media in any way.

    The Minister also clarified that he is no longer the Chairman of Blueprint Newspapers, a position he relinquished upon his appointment. 

    “I am no longer the chairman of Blueprint Newspaper. I’m also an invitee to this occasion. I know that I was in the past, at the forefront of organising this event for Blueprint, especially since its inception 14 years ago. I must thank those who were invited to join me in May of 2005, to contemplate the idea of the Blueprint Newspaper: Malam Ibrahim Sheme, Malam Salisu Umar, the Managing Director, Hajia Zainab Okino, chairman Editorial Board, and all members of the Blueprint Newspaper. 

    “Thank you for keeping the flag flying. I haven’t visited that office in about a year now, but I guess I will. I wanted to see whether they would indeed keep this flag flying. I am proud and happy that what we started has continued to flourish,” he said.

    The Minister commended the awardees and stated that their selection was solely the judgment of the newspaper and was not influenced by any external interests.

    Dignitaries at the event include His Excellency Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake; Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; and the Keynote Speaker of the event, Prof. Attahiru Jega, amongst others.

  • UPDATED: Tinubu holds briefing with finance, budget, gas ministers

    UPDATED: Tinubu holds briefing with finance, budget, gas ministers

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday held closed-door meetings with key members of his economic and fiscal policy team at the State House, Abuja, in what sources described as a routine but strategic briefing.

    In attendance were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; 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, sources indicated 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.

    It was gathered that the FIRS chairman, 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.

    The Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Cardoso, was also expected to provide updates on current fiscal and monetary policy dynamics, including efforts to stabilise the naira, manage inflation, and sustain investor confidence.

    Read Also: Nwifuru urges southeast support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid

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

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. 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 meets finance, economic team amid tax reform preparations

    Tinubu meets finance, economic team amid tax reform preparations

    President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a high-level meeting with key economic and financial officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Those in attendance include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor; and Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji.

    Although the official agenda has not been disclosed, a source within the Presidency described it as a “routine meeting” where key officials regularly brief the President on developments within their respective portfolios.

    Read Also: Nwifuru urges southeast support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid

    The meeting comes as the government prepares for the implementation of four newly signed tax laws set to take effect in January 2026.

    FIRS Chairman Adedeji is expected to brief the President on implementation strategies, while the CBN Governor will likely provide updates on fiscal and monetary policy trends. 

    Ministers Edun and Bagudu are also expected to present the current state of the Nigerian economy.

  • Return APC chairmanship to north-central, forum tells Tinubu ahead of NEC meeting

    Return APC chairmanship to north-central, forum tells Tinubu ahead of NEC meeting

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu and the party’s leadership to uphold fairness and return the office of the APC National Chairman to the North-Central region, ahead of the crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 24, 2025.

    The Forum also firmly rejected calls for the extension of the acting chairmanship of Ali Bukar Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman (North) from Borno State, who stepped in following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Forum’s Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, who also served on the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 elections, said returning the chairmanship to the North-Central would not only reflect equity and fairness but also align with the party’s internal zoning arrangements.

    “There are several capable personalities in the North-Central who can lead the APC. We appeal to the President to choose any one of them to lead the party as National Chairman,” Zazzaga said.

    The Forum warned that ignoring the North-Central zone would amount to political betrayal, especially since the region had previously held the position through Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who emerged as Chairman in 2022 but resigned before completing his tenure.

    The group dismissed concerns that leadership changes might destabilise the party, stating instead that honouring the original zoning principle would strengthen unity and deepen trust among members, particularly in a pre-election year.

    The resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje on June 27 reopened the debate over where the chairmanship should reside. The North-Central Forum insists the region must be allowed to complete its original tenure before any discussion of rotating the position.

    “We are not against anyone, but we are for fairness,” Zazzaga said. “Our zone deserves the position, and it is the right thing to do for the stability of the party and the confidence of our supporters in the region.”

    As the APC heads into Thursday’s NEC meeting, the call by the North-Central Forum adds to growing political pressure on the presidency and party leadership to ensure equitable representation and balance within the ruling party’s top hierarchy.

    “As the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our great party meets on Thursday, we, the North-Central APC Forum appeal to President Bola Tinubu and other leaders of the party to do the right thing and ensure that the National Chairman is returned to the North-Central.

    “Any decision to the contrary will be viewed as a betrayal. It will be a terrible disappointment to stakeholders in the North-Central if the NEC fails to uphold fairness and equity.

    “The North-Central gave President Tinubu and the APC the third highest number of votes in the 2023 presidential election, behind the South-West and North-West.

    “In the presidential election, the APC secured 1,760,993 votes (41.3%) in the North-Central, ahead of the Labour Party’s 1,415,557 (33.2%) and the PDP’s 1,025,178 (24.1%).

    “The North-Central deserves to produce the APC National Chairman due to the region’s contributions to the party,” he said.

    Furthermore, the Forum noted that APC currently governs five of the six states in the region, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, and Niger, a feat unmatched in any other zone.

    “Among the various geopolitical zones, the North-Central has the highest number of APC governors. This unmatched record demonstrates the strength and the wide acceptance of the party in the region.

    “Returning the position of National Chairman to the North-Central is not a favour; it is well deserved,” he said.

    However, the Forum dismissed calls by Dr. Maryam Danjaki’s All Progressives Stakeholders Forum to extend Ali Bukar Dalori’s acting chairmanship, rejecting fears of unrest or political instability.

    “We reject any plan to extend Dalori’s acting tenure. That would be robbing Peter to pay Paul. The North-East should not benefit at the expense of the North-Central.

    Read Also: Adeleke won’t defect to APC – Osun PDP caucus

    “It is on record that the opposition won in the North-East in 2023, even though the running mate of President Bola Tinubu is from the zone.”

    “In the North-East during the last presidential election, PDP’s Atiku Abubakar secured 1,741,846 votes (55.9%), while Tinubu managed only 933,176 votes (29.9%), a result the Forum believes undermines any claim by the North-East to the National Chairmanship position.

    “The North-Central and the North-West are the only zones that believed in President Bola Tinubu 100 percent. We don’t want a situation where our people will feel that their contributions are not appreciated,” Zazzaga said.

    Addressing fears that a change in leadership could destabilise the party, the Forum said the opposite is true.

    “Effecting a change in leadership by returning the position of National Chairman to the North-Central will revitalise the party. It will demonstrate that the APC is committed to the principles of fairness and equity,” he said.

  • Anambra billionaire’s wife begs Tinubu to investigate disappearance of husband

    Anambra billionaire’s wife begs Tinubu to investigate disappearance of husband

    Tension has continued to rise in Anambra State following the mysterious disappearance of a young billionaire and real estate mogul, Benjamin Ezemma, popularly known as Big Ben, who has been missing since November 12, 2024.

    His wife, Mrs. Benedicta Ezemma, has made a fresh appeal to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, urging them to prevail on security agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding her husband’s abduction and ensure justice is served.

    Despite multiple petitions to security agencies in Anambra State, no tangible progress has been made. The couple’s children, all under five years old, continue to ask about their father’s whereabouts, leaving Mrs. Ezemma heartbroken and without answers.

    In a renewed move, she has submitted a petition to the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), pleading for federal intervention in the ongoing ordeal.

    In her letter, a copy of which was made available to The Nation, Mrs. Ezemma said:

    “I am writing this letter and making a passionate appeal to your office for your kind intervention regarding the abduction of my dear husband and father of our three innocent children. My husband is a businessman based in Abuja who frequents Awka, Anambra State, for his business concerns and is the Chairman/CEO of GSS Real Estate and Investment Limited, owners of Dubai Estate Awka.”

    She expressed deep concern that one of the individuals allegedly linked to her husband’s disappearance is a prominent figure and a current governorship candidate for the November 8, 2025, election in Anambra. She lamented that despite being implicated, the suspect continues to walk free and campaign publicly without any investigation or arrest.

    “It would be unfair and a great injustice to me, my children, and indeed the entire state and Nigeria, if this person is allowed to contest without being thoroughly investigated,” she stated.

    Read Also: Nwifuru urges southeast support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid

    According to her, her husband was invited to a hotel by a well-known figure on the day he went missing, and since then, all attempts to trace his whereabouts have been unsuccessful. She confirmed that the matter had been reported to the DSS in Anambra, but the state command’s efforts had so far been limited by resources.

    “We are appealing to you to intervene, to direct and channel the required attention and resources to see to the safe return and/or rescue of my husband. I have no doubt that your office is well-positioned to reinvigorate current efforts,” she wrote.

    In her emotional plea, Mrs. Ezemma added, “I urgently appeal to you to help bring my husband and the father of my innocent children home. My children are constantly asking when their father will return from work, and I have no answers.”

    The growing uncertainty surrounding Big Ben’s disappearance has unsettled many in Anambra, with his supporters and residents expressing fears over rising insecurity and the possibility of politically motivated violence ahead of the elections.

    Mrs. Ezemma’s plea for justice continues to gain public attention, as calls intensify for authorities to take urgent action to resolve the case and hold those responsible accountable.

  • Ohanaeze lauds Tinubu for approving Southeast Investment Company

    Ohanaeze lauds Tinubu for approving Southeast Investment Company

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the National Assembly for approving the Southeast Investment Company (SEIC), a subsidiary of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

    Tinubu approved the establishment of the Southeast Investment Company (SEIC) on July 18, 2025, with a projected capital base of over N150 billion to drive industrialization and unlock private sector growth in the region.

    This approval was announced through a statement by the Presidency, and the President presented the Certificate of Incorporation to the South East Development Commission (SEDC) in a ceremony at the State House in Abuja.

    The Ohanaeze noted that the investment vehicle asides driving regional industrialization, would also mobilize private capital, promote regional competitiveness, and enhance industrialization in the Southeast.

    READ ALSO: Did court order Senator Natasha’s recall?

    The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, praised Tinubu for this initiative in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ph.D, on Tuesday.

    Mbata said the initiative would transform regional economic ventures to greater heights.

    “I have no doubt that apart from its finance generation potentials, this laudable initiative would equally serve as a viable stimulant for sustainable economic ventures in the zone.”

    He emphasized the importance of private sector involvement and urged for professionalism, transparency, and accountability to ensure the venture’s success.