The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tinubu

  • Group hails Tinubu for giving Buhari befitting burial

    Group hails Tinubu for giving Buhari befitting burial

    A group under the aegis of the Lagos Prominent Indigenes has applauded President Bola Tinubu for giving former president, late Muhammadu Buhari, a befitting state burial, earlier this week.

    In a press statement signed by an elder statesman, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, in Lagos yesterday, the group emphasised that the burial arrangements showed the true love that existed between President Bola Tinubu and the departed leader.

    Read Also: Team Nigeria shine on  electrifying Day 2 at CAA Championships in Abeokuta

    Apart from showing that “Tinubu is a statesman, committed Nationalist of great repute and patriot,” Onitiri applauded the seamless manner in which the burial arrangement was conducted.

    Onitiri commended the speed with which Tinubu directed Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima and his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to visit London to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria, among other remarkable steps.

    It may be recalled that Buhari passed on at a London hospital, last Sunday, at 82 and was buried in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State on Tuesday.

  • APC, NNPP supporters welcome Tinubu to Kano

    APC, NNPP supporters welcome Tinubu to Kano

    Mammoth crowds consisting All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters and New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) members on Friday gave President Bola Tinubu a rousing welcome to Kano state.

    The president was in the ancient city to pay condolences to the family of business icon, Aminu Dantata, who died recently.

    Tinubu landed at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) and was received by Governor Abba Yusuf, Deputy Senate President, Barau Ibrahim Jubrin and others

    From the airport, the President’s long convoy proceeded to Koki Quarters -the heartbeat of Kano city, to the Dantata’s family house.
    
    He  described the late Dantata as a titan of integrity, humility, and generosity, whose life was dedicated to service, philanthropy, and devotion to others.

    Condoling the family of the late business tycoon, Tinubu said the deceased had embodied the highest values of public service and human compassion.

    Dantata, a renowned industrialist who hailed from Kano, passed away at 94 on Saturday morning, June 28, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    He was buried at the Baqiyya Cemetery in Madina, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to fulfill his wish.

    “This is a deeply personal visit for me. I came to condole with the Dantata family and the good people of Kano. He was not just a respected figure; he was part of my family,” the President said.

    Tinubu recalled the counsel and prayers he received from Dantata during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

    “I came to him for prayers before the election, and he gave me his blessings. I promised to come back and thank him, but instead of me visiting, he came to Abuja. That was the kind of man he was: humble, simple, and sincere,” the President noted.

    Read Also: Tinubu Gail’s Dantata’s humility, service at Kano visit

    He praised the late elder statesman for his unwavering honesty, compassion, and generosity, describing him as a man who lived for others.

    “If friendship and goodwill continue into the hereafter, Dantata will be there in the marketplace, feeding the hungry and comforting the sick. He gave so much of himself to the service of our country and its people,” he said.

    The President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, the government and people of Kano State, and the entire nation.

    “We have lost a titan. We have lost the conscience of our country. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” he prayed.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information an Strategy, Bayo Onanuga added that President Tinubu also offered prayers for peace, strength, and solace for the bereaved family and all those mourning the departed elder.

    Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his compassion and unwavering support during the mourning period.

    He recalled that following the elder statesman’s passing, the President dispatched a high-powered federal delegation to Saudi Arabia, led by the Minister of Defence, to attend the funeral rites.

    The Governor also led a state delegation, alongside his Jigawa State counterpart, to join the federal delegation at the burial in Medina.

    “The entire process was seamless and successful, thanks to your leadership and support. We also know your appeals to Saudi Arabia and Dubai leaders, which facilitated the necessary arrangements. For this, we remain grateful,” Governor Yusuf said.

    He commended the President for previously sending the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and another federal delegation to condole with the family before personally taking time to visit despite his demanding national schedule.

    “We pray Allah (SWT) grant our father and elder statesman eternal rest. We also pray for your continued strength and good health, so that you may continue to deliver on your commitment to building a better Nigeria,” the Governor added.

    The eldest son of the deceased, Alhaji Tajudeen Aminu Dantata, thanked the President for honouring the family with his presence and support.

    “Much has been said today about His Excellency’s swift and heartfelt response upon hearing of our father’s passing. We cannot thank you enough. You have demonstrated closeness with him while he was alive, and even in his death, you have proven that he was a dear brother and friend.

    “We witnessed your relationship with him before you became President. We saw how you engaged with him during his lifetime and reacted to his demise. On behalf of the family, we thank you wholeheartedly,” he said.

    Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata assured the President that the family would uphold the values and legacy of their late patriarch.

    “We pray for your continued good health, Your Excellency, and for the courage and tenacity you have shown in your efforts to lead our nation forward. May you succeed in your mission to build a greater Nigeria,” he said.

    ”We wish you the best of health. For the courage, tenacity that you have shown to take the country out of its doldrums, to clear the path to a greater Nigeria, thank you very much. You will be in our prayers always,” he said.

    Among those who accompanied the President on the condolence visit were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmud, Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.

    Also present at the condolence visit were the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a nephew of the late Aminu Dantata, elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakassai and Alhaji Mohammed Indimi.

  • Tinubu Gail’s Dantata’s humility, service at Kano visit

    Tinubu Gail’s Dantata’s humility, service at Kano visit

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday paid a solemn condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman and business magnate, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, describing him as a paragon of integrity, humility, and philanthropy whose life left a profound mark on Nigeria’s social and economic landscape.

    Speaking at the Dantata residence in Kano, the President said the late patriarch was more than a public figure — he was a mentor, a counselor, and a man of deep spiritual and moral strength.

    This was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    “This is a deeply personal visit for me. I came to condole with the Dantata family and the good people of Kano. He was not just a respected figure; he was part of my family,” President Tinubu said, recalling how Alhaji Dantata offered prayers and guidance during his 2023 presidential campaign.

    “I came to him for prayers before the election, and he gave me his blessings. I promised to come back and thank him, but instead of me visiting, he came to Abuja. That was the kind of man he was: humble, simple, and sincere,” the President reflected.

     Dantata, 94, passed away in Dubai on June 28, 2025, and was laid to rest in Medina, Saudi Arabia, on July 1. 

    A towering figure in Nigeria’s private sector and philanthropic space, he was widely respected for his quiet but impactful leadership.

    President Tinubu described Dantata as a man who lived selflessly and with purpose, deeply committed to the welfare of others.

    “If friendship and goodwill continue into the hereafter, Dantata will be there in the marketplace, feeding the hungry and comforting the sick. He gave so much of himself to the service of our country and its people,” the President said.

    He offered prayers for the repose of Dantata’s soul, invoking Allah’s mercy to grant him Aljannah Firdaus, and extended his condolences to the family, the Kano State government, and the Nigerian people.

    In his response, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for personally visiting and for the multiple gestures of support since the elder statesman’s death.

    “Following the passing of our father, you dispatched a high-powered federal delegation led by the Minister of Defence to attend the funeral rites in Medina. I also led a state delegation along with my Jigawa State counterpart. The entire process was seamless and successful, thanks to your leadership and support,” Governor Yusuf said.

    He also acknowledged earlier visits by Vice President Kashim Shettima and another federal delegation before the President’s personal condolence call, describing it as evidence of President Tinubu’s “compassion and unwavering support.”

    “We pray Allah (SWT) grant our father and elder statesman eternal rest. We also pray for your continued strength and good health, so that you may continue to deliver on your commitment to building a better Nigeria,” the Governor added.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints Babangida, four others as chairmen of federal agencies 

    In an emotional address, Alhaji Tajudeen Aminu Dantata, eldest son of the deceased, thanked the President for standing by the family.

    “Much has been said today about His Excellency’s swift and heartfelt response upon hearing of our father’s passing. You have demonstrated closeness with him while he was alive, and even in his death, you have proven that he was a dear brother and friend,” he said.

    He assured the President that the family remains committed to preserving the legacy and values of their late patriarch.

    “We pray for your continued good health, Your Excellency, and for the courage and tenacity you have shown in your efforts to lead our nation forward. May you succeed in your mission to build a greater Nigeria,” he added.

    President Tinubu was accompanied on the condolence visit by top officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmud; Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

    Also present were Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi; Africa’s foremost industrialist and nephew of the deceased, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakassai; and philanthropist Alhaji Mohammed Indimi.

  • Tinubu appoints Babangida, four others as chairmen of federal agencies 

    Tinubu appoints Babangida, four others as chairmen of federal agencies 

    …others as heads of agencies 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Muhammad Babangida, son of former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, signaling a new phase of leadership at the institution as part of ongoing reforms in the agricultural sector.

    The announcement was made on Thursday through a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

    According to the statement, the appointment is part of a broader reshuffle aimed at repositioning strategic federal agencies for improved service delivery and policy execution. 

    Alongside Muhammad Babangida, seven other individuals were named as new chairpersons or heads of key national institutions.

    Muhammad Babangida, 53, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Public Relations and Business Communication from the European University in Montreux, Switzerland. 

    He also completed an Executive Program on Corporate Governance at Harvard Business School in 2002.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    In other appointments, Lydia Kalat Musa from Kaduna State was named Chairperson of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), while Jamilu Wada Aliyu of Kano State will serve as Chairman of the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

    Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa, also from Kano, was appointed Chairman of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and Sanusi Musa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is to lead the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).

    President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Prof. Al-Mustapha Alhaji Aliyu from Sokoto State as Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA), while Sanusi Garba Rikiji of Zamfara State was appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN).

    In the energy and development sector, Mrs. Tomi Somefun from Oyo State has been named Managing Director of the National Hydro-Electric Power Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC). 

    Dr. Abdulmumini Mohammed Aminu-Zaria of Kaduna State was appointed Executive Director of the Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC).

  • Tinubu assures A’Ibom of continued support, development

    Tinubu assures A’Ibom of continued support, development

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the continued development of Akwa Ibom State, assuring that the Federal Government will work closely with the state in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the state’s ARISE Agenda.

    The President gave the assurance on Friday when he received in audience the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Governor Umo Eno as well as Senator Aniekan Akpan and Senator Ekong Sampson.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    Tinubu emphasised his dedication to inclusive national development and praised Eno’s ARISE Agenda as a strategic complement to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The visit also featured the formal presentation of Senators Aniekan Akpan and Ekong Sampson, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In addition, the delegation used the occasion to commiserate with the President on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his death as a national loss and acknowledging his legacy in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

  • Benue’s Jukun Wanu urge Tinubu to rescue them from state neglect 

    Benue’s Jukun Wanu urge Tinubu to rescue them from state neglect 

    The Jukun Wanu ethnic communities in Benue State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the resolution of the age-long marginalisation and inhumane treatment of its people by successive administrations in the state. 

    President of National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUW), Engr. Moses Amankye who addressed news conference on Saturday in Abuja, said because of decades of neglect, the Jukun Wanu communities, especially those residing in Makurdi – the state capital, Guma, Logo, and other local government areas have become vulnerable in the face of the ongoing herders-farmers conflict in the state. 

    The Baga Jukun of North-Bank Makurdi, Chief Dangana Audu was in attendance, while the Secretary-General of NAJUWA, Musa Atase read the text of the news conference. 

    Amankye highlighted the pains and predicament the Jukun-Wanu people of Benue State face as a result of deeply entrenched and systemic marginalisation of the communities in the State by Tiv people he described as the major ethnic nationality in Benue. 

    According to him, the Jukun Wanu people have been marginalised from the scheme of things in the state, saying the communities are left without representation in government either at state or national level with the situation exacerbated by complete absence of social amenities. 

    READ ALSO: Lagos unveils Nigeria’s first LG-owned radio station

    “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow over the injustices we continue to face, but we remain resolute in our commitment to peace, justice, and truth.

    “There is a complete absence of government infrastructure and services in our communities—no secondary schools, no hospitals, no roads, and no access to clean water,” Amankye said.

    He added, “Our heritage and identity; the Jukun Wanu, riverine descendants of the historic Kwararafa Empire, are a people with a rich and well-documented heritage. Our longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence and hospitality is evident in our relationships with neighboring communities across Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Adamawa states. 

    “In Benue State alone, Jukun Wanu communities are found in about 21 locations across Makurdi, Guma, and Logo Local Government Areas.

    “Despite being the original inhabitants and rightful custodians of lands now comprising 14 Local Government Areas, we have endured marginalization, suppression, and inhumane treatment.

    “Our history and identity have been repeatedly challenged and distorted, yet we have consistently chosen dialogue and lawful means over retaliation.”

    He said there was the urgent need to  address the global community through the media because of the persistent misrepresentation, bullying, and dispossession faced by the Jukun Wanu people, saying the Association is particularly troubled by the escalation of misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, which has led to violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property.

    “The media is replete with allegations, and the response from authorities has often been inadequate, leaving our communities vulnerable,” he stated.

    Amankye, therefore, called on President Tinubu to intervene by urging the Benue State Governor Rev. Hyacinth Alia to consider and act on the review of Chieftaincy Laws, saying the Benue State Traditional Council and Chieftaincy Laws of 2016 must be reviewed and amended to formally recognise the traditional stools and leadership structures of the Jukun-Wanu people.

    He equally called on the Federal and State Governments to implement the recommendations of past commissions of enquiry into the Tiv-Jukun-Wanu conflict—most notably:

     -the Justice Oki Commission Report (1995); the Commassie Commission Report (2003). 

    NAJUWA also demanded the formal reinstatement and recognition of Jukun Wanu historic chiefdoms at Abinsi and Agyogo (Wurkum Makurdi), in line with the 1934 documentation of the Jukun-Wanu Chiefdom.

    Other demands of the Association include, grading of traditional stools, noting the Jukun Wanu traditional leadership structures should be formally graded and incorporated into the state’s chieftaincy framework.

    “We seek immediate government intervention to provide functional secondary schools, health care centers and hospitals, roads and drainage systems, potable water and other essential public utilities,” Amankye stated. 

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the Association towards ensuring peaceful co-existence with other communities in the state, insisting however that there must be justice, inclusion, and equity for the Jukun-Wanu people. 

    He added: “We demand our rightful place in the socio-political and economic structure of Benue State and Nigeria at large.”

    ​

  • Fed Govt gets kudos over Buhari’s burial 

    Fed Govt gets kudos over Buhari’s burial 

    A group, Lagos Prominent Indigenes, has hailed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for giving former President Muhammadu Buhari a befitting state burial.

    In a statement in Lagos yesterday signed by an elder statesman, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, the group said the burial arrangements showed the true love that existed between President Tinubu and the departed leader.

    “Apart from showing that President Tinubu is a statesman, a committed nationalist of great repute and a patriot, the seamless manner the burial arrangements were conducted further fostered genuine unity among all ethnic groups in Nigeria.”

    Read Also: 36 commissioners oppose Senate-proposed Electricity Act Amendment Bill

    Onitiri, the coordinator of the group, took cognisance of the speed with which President Tinubu despatched Vice-President Kashim Shettima and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to London to accompany Buhari’s body to Nigeria, which the group described as highly commendable and remarkable.

    The body extended its condolences to President Tinubu, the Buhari family and all Nigerians, praying that the Almighty Allah grants the soul of the former president Al Jannah Firdaus.

  • Tinubu leads rain of tributes for Buhari at Special FEC session

    Tinubu leads rain of tributes for Buhari at Special FEC session

    • Tearful Yusuf Buhari thanks govt

    The events celebrating the life and times of former President Muhammadu Buhari climaxed yesterday with a torrent of tributes during an extraordinary Expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    The Legislature, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Judiciary, the sub-nationals led by Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman/Kwara State Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq and children of the late leader gathered at the Executive Chamber of Aso Villa for eulogies.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in an emotion-laden tone, described the departed leader as a patriot who led by example.

    The President said Buhari was a leader of austere honour who remained “unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause, and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who do what is right, rather than what is popular.”

    Before the event came to a close, the President announced the renaming of the University of Maiduguri after the late President.

    It will now be called the Muhammadu Buhari University (MBU).

    Buhari had the honour of presiding over the FEC twice – first as military Head of State between January 1, 1984 and August 27, 1985; and second as President between 2015 and 2023, when he handed over to President Tinubu.

    Ministers took turns to eulogise the 15th Head of State at the special session.

    President Tinubu said Buhari’s patriotism was marked more by action than words, adding that his righteousness was expressed in silent conviction rather than grandstanding.

    Akpabio described Buhari as a man who walked the narrow path of honour and duty in a world too often swayed by applause and popular acclaim.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu presides over special FEC session in honour of Buhari

    He said Buhari’s life was a solemn reminder that “greatness is not always loud” and that legacy outlives power.

    House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said Buhari’s life was “deeply woven into the fabric of our republic,” adding that he was “a sentinel of service, a steward of simplicity, and a statesman shaped by sacrifice.”

    He praised the late leader’s moral clarity and devotion to the country in an era where materialism had become a powerful force.

    Tajudeen said: “President Buhari was no ordinary figure in our national journey. He embodied quiet strength, moral clarity and an unshakable sense of duty.

    “He lived not for applause or affluence but for principle, for country, and for the cause of a better Nigeria.”

    Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Dele Alake, in his moving tribute, noted Buhari’s background in the military, how he became a head of state and transformed into a democratic leader.

    He spoke about the sterling qualities which endeared him to Nigerians.

    Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, spoke on how the late former president transformed the Civil Service for effective performance and his passion for workers.

    Minister for Budget and Economy Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said working closely with the late former President as chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) exposed him to his true character as a disciplinarian who had the interest of the masses at heart.

    According to him, Buhari regenerated the National Economic Council (NEC), which led to its optimum role in reshaping the economy.

    He said Buhari was a stickler for the rule of law who cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to follow its rules and guidelines in preparation for the primaries in 2023, to avoid sanctions from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Mohammed Ali Pate said Buhari’s image is indelible in the hearts of Nigerians.

    Works Minister Dave Umahi said that as Governor of Ebonyi State, despite being in a different political party from the late Buhari, he did not experience any discrimination in terms of available opportunities and support.

    Yusuf in tears

    It was an emotional crescendo when Yusuf, the only son of the late former President, broke down in tears at the end of his vote of thanks on behalf of the bereaved family.

    He struggled with words, and his voice trembled while making his remark.

    He said: “On behalf of the entire family, I wish to extend our deepest gratitude. He peacefully passed on on Sunday, July 13th, 2025. It has shown that he was regarded far more than a politician but regarded as a father figure…

    “To all members of the Federal Executive Council for the care and befitting state burial accorded to our late father, we appreciate you all,” he said.

    Yusuf acknowledged those who played vital roles during the family’s moment of mourning, saying: “I also wish to thank the Attorney General of the Federation (Lateef Fagbemi) and members of the Judiciary, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs (Yusuf Tuggar), the Nigerian High Commission in London, the Governors of Katsina (Dikko Radda) and Borno states (Babagana Zulum), and all their colleagues for identifying and standing firmly with us during this difficult period.”

    Yusuf’s gratitude extended to the country’s security architecture, which was central to the late Buhari’s identity as a former military head of state and commander-in-chief.

    “Let me specially and specifically acknowledge the Chief of Defence Staff (Gen. Christopher Musa), the Service Chiefs, heads of security and law enforcement agencies, as well as all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, our late father’s first and primary constituency, for the decorum, solidarity, and the befitting military burial given to our father,” he said.

    He also acknowledged the show of support from across the country and the international community.

    “We thank all members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, political associates, friends, family members, the press, and indeed all Nigerians at home and in diaspora for the support and solidarity,” Yusuf said.

    But it was while attempting to conclude his message that the weight of the day’s tributes and the enormity of his loss overwhelmed him.

    Unable to hold back tears, Yusuf bowed his head and whispered: “Thank you, daddy. Thank you, Daddy. Thank you, Daddy.” 

    He ended with a prayer and a blessing for the country his father served with devotion.

    “May Allah continue to bless us all and guide us. Long live Mr. President, long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you,” he said.

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said the Islamic closing prayer.

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said the Christian prayer.

    The session was deftly coordinated by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu presides over special FEC session in honour of Buhari

    BREAKING: Tinubu presides over special FEC session in honour of Buhari

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently presiding over a special session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The solemn session, underway at the Council Chambers of the State House, has drawn an expanded audience, including top leaders of the National Assembly. 

    Among those in attendance are Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

    President Tinubu arrived at the venue at about 5:27 p.m., where the majority of cabinet members and dignitaries were already seated. 

    The session commenced with the national anthem, after which the President delivered moving remarks in tribute to his predecessor.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari was respectful without pretence to his peers. He was kind to those who served under him. Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life,” President Tinubu said.

    Read Also: Karimi, Tinubu support group announce N300m bursary scheme for 3,000 Kogi students

    He added that Buhari’s patriotism “was lived more in action than in words,” describing him as “a good man, an honourable man, and a decent man.”

    Former President Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, passed away on Sunday, July 13, in London following a prolonged illness. 

    He was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.

    The special FEC session is part of a series of official activities to honour the legacy of the late statesman.

    Details shortly…

  • Karimi, Tinubu support group announce N300m bursary scheme for 3,000 Kogi students

    Karimi, Tinubu support group announce N300m bursary scheme for 3,000 Kogi students

    The Senator Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation has called for applications from students of Kogi West Senatorial District origin in public tertiary institutions within Nigeria to enable them access the 2025 bursary scheme worth N100m. 

    This amount is expected to be disbursed amongst 1,390 beneficiaries across the seven local government areas in Kogi West zone.

    Karimi under the aegis of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) also announced plans to extend the bursary awards to Kogi Central and East Senatorial Districts. 

    In line with this arrangement, 610 students from Kogi Central and 1000 from Kogi East will also benefit, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 3000.

    Both initiatives will be funded by Senator Karimi, who represents Kogi West.

    This year’s edition of the bursary awards is the second of its kind by the lawmaker. It is also an improvement to the maiden edition in 2024 when 1000 students benefitted, limited to students from Kogi West alone.

    In a statement by his media team, each successful beneficiary will receive N100,000..

    According to Karimi’s Media Team: “The bursary application link will officially open on the 1st of August, 2025, and close on the 31st of August, 2025. 

    “Only undergraduate students in public tertiary institutions (University, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education) are eligible. Beneficiaries from the 2024 bursary are not eligible. 

    “Those who received the bursary last year should not apply. We have all the 2024 beneficiaries in our database. Students in private higher institutions are not eligible. 

    “Students in the final year are not eligible. Any student who fails to upload or fill out all required information in the application form will not be considered.

    Read Also: Karimi lauds Tinubu’s economic policies, doles N10m, pledges N50m for community projects

    ” Any student who applies before August 1st will be automatically disqualified. Only those who apply online and through the link provided above will be considered”. 

    The statement added: “Senator Sunday Steve Karimi remains committed to empowering students through financial assistance, promoting academic excellence, and contributing to the overall development of Kogi State. We hereby promise a transparent, fair, efficient, and equitable process for all applicants”.

    In June, Karimi, during a paley with Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja, as part of activities marking his second year in the 10th Senate, hinted on arrangements to disburse N300million as scholarship to students across Kogi State.

    He stated during the parley: “Last year, I gave bursary of N100million to Kogi West students but today, with the 96 Wards in Kogi East, I have concluded arrangements to give out N100m as bursary to them.In Kogi Central where we have 57 Wards, I will give Kogi Central N61m as bursary while I will also give N139m to Kogi West students in the names of Tinubu Support Group and Senator Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation. This will amount to a total of N300m. That is what we are going to do, and it has started already”.