The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tinubu

Presidency defends Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia

The Presidency has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia, saying those   questioning the purpose were “misguided, mischievous, and uninformed.”

It described the visit as a historic and strategic engagement rooted in deep ancestral, diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean.

“From the perspective of the Government of Saint Lucia, the visit by the Nigerian leader paves the way for the rekindling of our ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic, cultural, and economic possibilities between our nations,” said the President in a statement by Bayo Onanuga,    special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The visit, according to the Presidency, marks President Tinubu as the first Nigerian leader to undertake a state visit to Saint Lucia, an island country of the West Indies,    North America, with a population of 179,285 people.

Its economic mainstay is tourism and agriculture, with bananas being a key export.

Saint Lucia is a member of both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

With a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeding $130 billion, CARICOM presents significant potential for South-South cooperation, trade, and development.

The statement highlighted that many Caribbean nations, including Saint Lucia, have populations with significant Nigerian ancestry.

In the mid-19th Century, waves of immigrants from present-day Nigeria settled in the island nation, bringing cultural and religious traditions that remain part of Saint Lucian society today.

Reinforcing these historical links, the Presidency noted the legacy of Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian-born jurist who served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979.

Alexander, who migrated to Nigeria in 1957, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s legal and judicial development. His family’s deep ties to Nigeria—along with contributions by other Lucians like architect Neville Skeete—symbolise enduring people-to-people bonds.

Read Also: Senator Adeola hails Tinubu for signing landmark tax reform bills into law

The Presidency emphasised that President Tinubu’s visit aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy thrust centred on the “Four D’s– Democracy, Development, Diaspora and Demography.

On Democracy, the visit strengthens Nigeria’s relations with Saint Lucia, a fellow democratic state with a stable parliamentary system.

The statement added that during a live broadcast on the National Television Network (NTN), a Saint Lucian commentator described President Tinubu as “a fighter for democracy” for his pro-democracy activism during Nigeria’s military era.

On development, the President’s engagement with institutions like Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and the deployment of Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) personnel underlines a commitment to educational and technical cooperation.

Under Diaspora, the visit supports the African Union’s Sixth Region Initiative, which identifies the African diaspora as a critical development partner.

“Nigeria actively fosters cultural exchange through collaboration in education, culture, and heritage preservation,” the statement added.

The growing popularity of Afrobeats, Nollywood and Nigerian Literature in Saint Lucia—evident in local events like the Gros Islet Street Party—is a testament to Nigeria’s rising soft power in the Caribbean, the     Presidency noted.

On Demography, Tinubu’s message remains clear: Nigeria’s youthful population is a powerful driver of innovation, education, and industrialisation, and its global partnerships should reflect that strength.

As part of the visit, President Tinubu will meet with members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia at a reception to be hosted by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.

The event will provide an opportunity for the diaspora to interact directly with President Tinubu and raise matters of mutual concern.

Saint Lucia, which gained independence in 1979, has hosted not less than 10 state visits in its history.

The last   African leader that visit the Island was President Nelson Mandela in July 1998.

President Tinubu’s state visit—27 years later—is therefore seen as a momentous diplomatic occasion.

As part of the high-level engagements, President Tinubu will deliver an address to a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Conference Hall—renamed after former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

At a time of global realignment and shifting partnerships, the Nigerian presidency sees this Caribbean engagement as timely and strategic.

“In an era of global uncertainty, deepening cooperation between the Global South, particularly between continental Africa and the Caribbean, has become imperative,” Onanuga said.

June 30, 2025
Southsouth APC leaders okay Tinubu for second term

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the South South geo-political zone have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

The South South APC leaders including Progressives Governors Forum spoke in Benin City at an APC’s stakeholders interactive session.

Those that spoke at the event were Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, Hon. Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, spoke on behalf of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.

Others at the event were former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, APC National Woman Leader, Mary Idele Alile; amongst others.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu said the re-election of President Tinubu was already a settled matter.

He said Edo State would deliver the maximum number of votes for President Tinubu.

Former Governor Oshiomhole said Nigerians needed to be reminded of the state of the country before emergence if Tinubu as President.

He said there was more transparency in revenue collection and allocation disbursement under President Tinubu.

Read Also: Delta South APC leaders, stakeholders endorse Tinubu, Oborevwori for second term

The former Edo Governor stated that President Tinubu carried out a revolutionary reform that must be of interest to the country’s small-scale businessmen and women.

He said Nigerians only hear of reform of taxes but never knew how such policy would benefit them.

“The President has now decided that if your turnover is less than 50 million Naira, you should be exempted from paying tax.

“That for me is important. You don’t donate blood from somebody who is sick to go and inject to somebody else who is sick. You end up killing two people. Tinubu says the poor should be exempted from taxation.”

On his part, Monday Okpebholo insisted that hia projects would move Edo people to deliver the 2.5 million votes he promised to deliver to President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The Edo Governor said he has taken construction to rural areas that were largely abandoned by the past administration.

He said “We have a president with capacity that is making the money available for us to work, he has embarked on critical reforms for the country Nigeria, things that you think are difficult, he is taking decisions on them

“When I said we are going to deliver 2.5 million votes for the president by 2027, I mean it but I heard the three men left in the PDP saying how and I replied that how will it not happen when I am already working on it. For instance, I am tarring roads where the former PDP governor comes from.

“For eight years, he could not tar the roads in his community. I am expecting total votes from them, there are eight communities there and he did not tar any road there for eight years. Their own son did not step his feet in their community but I was there to campaign and I told them I will come and do the roads and today we are doing the roads.

“We are able to do all these things because of the support we are getting from the president. Such a man, how do we pay him back, it is by making sure that by 2027 we support him. We have said that in Edo state, our 2.5 million votes are settled.

“When he was campaigning, I was also campaigning to go to the senate, nobody gave him a chance, they sized everything, they withdrew money from circulation, they made petrol unavailable, it is only the air that is created by God that they could not withdraw from him, there was nothing sizeable to frustrate him that they did not seize but he is there and he is releasing everything and you say he will not have that vote, he must have it. I love my president with all my heart and we will vote for him with all our hearts, wherever he goes we will go.”

June 30, 2025
‘Tinubu demonstrated leadership by honouring Nwosu’

Senator Osita Izunaso represents Imo West at the National Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview with SANNI ONOGU in Abuja he speaks on the agitation for an additional state for the Southeast geo-political zone. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring former Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), for his contributions to advancing democracy.

Yes, we deserve an additional state. If all the regions in the country have six states, the Southeast should also have six to balance the equation. Forget about the North West, which has seven—that’s not the issue. We’re simply asking for the one state we’re short of. That’s why I proposed the creation of ANIM State, which has already passed second reading in the Senate and is now before the Constitution Review Committee.

ANIM stands for Anambra and Imo—‘A-N’ for Anambra and ‘I-M’ for Imo. It essentially comprises my senatorial district plus some areas in Anambra State that have agreed to be part of it. You can’t create a state by fiat; it requires a referendum. But the people involved have agreed. I’m a strong advocate for one more state in the Southeast.

How can security agencies differentiate between legitimate grievances and criminal elements amid the insecurity in the Southeast region?

I moved a motion at the start of this Senate advocating that the issue of Nnamdi Kanu be considered politically. I stated that, although the matter is in court, it should receive political consideration because I believe that if he is granted bail, the insecurity in the South East would significantly decrease. It may not stop completely, but it will drop drastically.

Right now, criminals are hijacking the cause, claiming they’re fighting for Nnamdi Kanu. If he’s granted bail, they’d lose that cover. Once these criminals are caught, they’d be treated as what they truly are—criminals. My motion was supported by other senators and was adopted.

You’re proposing a bill to increase the number of Supreme Court Justices from 21 to 30. What informed this?

Yes, I’m sponsoring a bill to increase the number of Supreme Court Justices from 21 to 30. The Constitution currently provides for 21, and this is the first time the Supreme Court has had a full complement, thanks to the confirmation of 11 new Justices. But even at 21, it’s still not enough.

They sit in panels of five for regular matters and seven for constitutional issues. With 30 Justices, you can have multiple panels sitting concurrently. Right now, the Supreme Court is assigning hearing dates as far off as 2027 or 2028. That’s unacceptable.

Beyond increasing the number, some matters should not even reach the Supreme Court. For instance, land disputes from my village shouldn’t go that far. Some issues should end at the High Court or the Court of Appeal. Local disputes like tenancy or land should start and end within the local legal system. People familiar with the local context would handle such cases better.

Read Also: Jimoh Ibrahim faults IMF, World Bank, insists Nigeria is world’s 42nd biggest economy

Eliminating land matters from the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction could cut its caseload by half. Imagine tenancy disputes, like unpaid rent, going to the Supreme Court. How does that make sense?

There’s a case I know: someone bought a house, but it was allegedly sold to someone else by a third party. The matter went all the way to the Supreme Court. That’s a waste of the Court’s time. We need to decongest the apex court and let it focus on serious matters like murder, terrorism, and other crimes of national significance.

You were vocal in advocating for Professor Humphrey Nwosu’s recognition for his role in deepening democracy. Though the bill did not scale through, President Tinubu honoured him on June 12. How did you feel about that?

Yes, I was one of the sponsors of the motion to honour Prof. Nwosu. I spoke passionately against those opposing it. Today, we have been vindicated. I sincerely commend Mr. President for taking the path of honour.

Humphrey Nwosu deserves much more. The present INEC headquarters should have been named after him. Mr. President has shown true leadership. He could have ignored the idea because the Senate voted against it, but he didn’t. He acted on principle, not politics.

Senate motions are not binding laws, so he wasn’t obligated. Yet, he chose to do the right thing. I also want to appreciate everyone who played a part in Nigeria’s democratic journey. I was part of the struggle, too, when I was younger. If I had been a bit older, perhaps I would’ve been honoured as well. Hopefully, my time will come.

Let’s talk about the Investments and Securities Bill, which was signed into law. You’ve argued that achieving a $1 trillion economy is impossible without a vibrant capital market. Can you elaborate?

I sponsored the Investments and Securities Bill, which has now been signed into law. It’s a landmark piece of legislation. It now serves as the law governing everything related to capital markets and investments in Nigeria.

For instance, under this law, if you’re caught operating a Ponzi scheme, you face 20 years’ imprisonment. It also legalises cryptocurrency, empowering the SEC to regulate digital assets. That wasn’t the case before.

This Act supports at least four of President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda. We can’t talk about a $1 trillion economy without a strong capital market. Where will the money come from? The capital market is key, alongside the money market, regulated by the CBN.

Even the e-Naira project struggled because it involved capital market elements. At first, CBN opposed crypto, but Nigeria is the second-largest crypto market globally. Our youth are earning big from it. By regulating it, we can benefit. Blockchain is borderless. If we don’t regulate, the transactions will continue outside the country’s financial system.

We are planning a formal unveiling of the Act because many people don’t yet understand the scope and implications of this transformative law. It has birthed a new SEC and a new financial ecosystem.

On constituency projects, you previously mentioned that your senatorial district is one of the largest. What challenges does this pose?

I represent the largest senatorial district in southern Nigeria, 12 local government areas. The next closest district in my state has only six. So, the burden is immense.

When we want to hold town hall meetings in local governments, we often have no suitable venue. People must travel long distances to the senatorial or state capital. That’s why we’re building international conference centres in nearly every local government, bringing communication and governance closer to the people.

We’re also executing road projects and investing heavily in agriculture. I believe everyone can do something. If you don’t have a formal job, engage in farming. We’ve conducted training in cassava cultivation, piggery, poultry, and more.

This year, we’re focused on empowering those trained by setting them up in small-scale agribusinesses. I also awarded scholarships to 200 tertiary students last year and 100 this year; all from year one to graduation. We support even those in six-year programs like medicine. I believe in education. It’s better to be unemployed than unemployable.

I want to be remembered for the lives I touched. Nothing makes me happier than hearing someone say, “I benefited from your scholarship.” That’s more satisfying to me than winning N100 million.

You also mentioned training constituents in Artificial Intelligence (AI). How is that progressing?

Yes, we are currently training 1,000 youths in AI in partnership with a Lagos-based company. AI is the future, and you don’t need a formal degree to excel in it. Some trainees from the first batch have already landed jobs, even working remotely for foreign companies.

With AI and the internet, people can live in Nigeria and work for companies in the U.S. or Canada. That’s where the world is heading. However, the challenge is interest and discipline. Out of 1,000 trainees, we’d be lucky to have 300 truly committed participants.

We provide laptops and full support, but many young people are not serious. That’s frustrating. They don’t realise the opportunity is for their benefit, not mine. I’m just paying for it.

We’re also building cottage hospitals and school blocks. Once completed, we’ll hand over the hospitals to the state or faith-based organisations. These projects are standard, but we’re also thinking outside the box in areas such as AI training, scholarships, and more.

On street lighting, I’ve seen some misleading reports linking inflated figures to lighting projects. From what I know, no streetlight pole costs up to N200 million. Many cost between N350,000 and N1.3 million. Let’s be fair and realistic with our assessments.

June 30, 2025
Tinubu’s new tax reforms and the North

Sir: On Thursday, June 26, President Bola Tinubu signed into law four landmark tax bills recently passed by the National Assembly. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Tinubu’s style of governance, the new tax bills signal a new beginning for Nigerians, businesses, and governments, both at the subnational and federal levels.

Some key highlights of the Reforms are

Elimination of Duplication in Tax Collection: One major reform is the establishment of the new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), which will now collect revenues that were previously handled by numerous agencies, such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NIMASA, and others.

Tax Exemption for Low-Income Earners: With the new provisions, individuals earning N800,000 or less per year are now fully exempt from income tax. This is a masterstroke, especially for many people in the North. It removes a huge burden and creates space for their small and medium-sized businesses to grow and flourish.

New Personal Income Tax Rate: Only those earning above N50 million annually will be required to pay the new 25% personal income tax rate. This is both fair and reasonable.

Another big win for the North, which has the highest concentration of poor people in Nigeria, is the removal of VAT on essential goods and services: school fees, medical services, food, pharmaceuticals, and electricity. This is a solid relief for the poor and for small and medium-sized businesses.

Corporate tax will now reduce from 30% to 25%, and small businesses are fully exempt from paying income tax.

Read Also: Adeboye declares season of divine economic opportunities for Nigeria

The controversial VAT issue has now been ‘fairly’ settled, and again, it’s a big win for the North, which had previously raised concerns. The new revenue-sharing formula is as follows:

Federal government 10%, states: 55% and local governments: 35%.

Even more importantly, the VAT sharing formula has been revised in a way that favours the North, particularly if northern states seize the opportunity to harness and develop their economies and markets, especially in agriculture.

The new sharing criteria are:

50% of VAT is shared equally among all states

20% is based on population

30% is based on where goods/services are consumed

One of the most important features of these tax reforms is how they protect and uplift the poor and small businesses especially in the North, where about 65% of Nigeria’s poorest people live, where over 52% of the country’s states are located, where more than 60% of the population resides and nearly 70% of Nigeria’s landmass is found, and almost 80% of agricultural production takes place.

It’s time for northern states to tap into local knowledge and deploy home-grown experts to thoroughly study the four landmark tax laws in line with each state’s peculiarities and needs, yet with whole North as the unifying objective.

If well studied and strategically implemented, Tinubu’s new tax reforms could be the silver bullet the North has been waiting for.

They offer fiscal justice, decentralization of revenue, protection for the poor, incentives for businesses, and a practical opportunity to lift millions out of poverty.

But as always, it will take visionary leadership, technical capacity, and political will to translate policy into impact. The opportunity is here. The North must not waste it.

•Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja.

June 30, 2025
Why President Tinubu is on a state visit to Saint Lucia

In the wake of some Nigerians’ misguided, mischievous, and uninformed comments regarding President Bola Tinubu’s historic state visit to Saint Lucia, it is necessary to clarify the purpose of the visit.

First, from the perspective of the Government of Saint Lucia, the visit by the Nigerian leader paves the way for the rekindling of our ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic, cultural, and economic possibilities between our nations.

Like many Caribbean nations, Saint Lucia has a significant population of African ancestry. In the mid-19th century, a wave of immigrants from present-day Nigeria arrived in Saint Lucia, bringing with them cultural and religious practices that persist to this day.

Citizens of Saint Lucia are excited that President Tinubu has chosen to visit the island. They long to strengthen their bonds with African nations with which they share ancestral links.

Saint Lucia is the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the gateway to the 15 CARICOM member states. The CARICOM states have a combined GDP of over $130 billion, a significant figure in South-South trade discourse.

In an era of global uncertainty, deepening cooperation between the Global South, particularly between continental Africa and the Caribbean, has become imperative.

Nigeria and the citizens of the Caribbean have strong people-to-people links.

Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian-born jurist who died on February 10, 1989, served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979. He first came to Nigeria in 1957, recruited as a legal draftsman by the Western Regional Government of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He became the acting Director of Public Prosecutions in 1958. In 1960, he was appointed Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Western Regional Ministry of Justice. In 1964, he was appointed a judge in the Lagos High Court. In 1969, the defunct South Eastern State appointed him the chief judge.

He later became the Chief Justice of Nigeria in 1975, succeeding Sir Teslim Olawale Elias.

Sir Darnley was born in Castries, the capital of this Island state, in January 1920. He held multiple honours: QC, CBE, GCON, and SAN.

Another Lucian, Neville Skeete, an architect, contributed to the design of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s corporate headquarters.

Additionally, Sir Darnley Alexander’s son, Michael, served as a medical doctor on the frontline in the Nigerian Army during the tragic civil war.

President Tinubu’s visit aligns with Nigeria’s Four D’s foreign policy framework: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.

As the presidency stated, the visit supports the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which identifies the African diaspora as a key development partner.

Nigeria actively fosters cultural exchange through collaboration in education, culture, and heritage preservation. Our cultural exports, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, and literature, are already making a significant impact on Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean, enriching our shared cultural landscape.

The Gros Islet Street Party is arguably one of Saint Lucia’s most famous cultural events. It has been held every Friday for over 50 years.

On the Friday before President Tinubu’s arrival, Afrobeats and Nigerian music dominated the airwaves, a testament to Nigeria’s growing soft power and cultural footprint.

Democracy as a Shared Value: Saint Lucia is a stable parliamentary democracy, making it a natural ally for Nigeria, which has enjoyed 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

During the live coverage of President Tinubu’s arrival and welcoming ceremonies at the Hewanorra International Airport on the National Television Network (NTN), a local commentator described President Tinubu as a “fighter for democracy”, citing his well-known pro-democracy record.

Read Also: Cleric urges Nigerians to shun negative confessions, preaches hope amid hardship

Demography as a Strategic Asset: Nigeria is projected to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050. President Tinubu has consistently emphasised that Nigeria’s youthful population is a driver of economic transformation via education, industrialisation, and innovation.

President Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College underscores our commitment to strengthening educational partnerships. The presence of Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) officials in the delegation further demonstrates our dedication to fostering knowledge exchange and growth. TAC provides technical assistance to African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. This assistance is delivered through the deployment of Nigerian professionals to recipient countries to address specific needs.

Engagement with the Nigerian Community in Saint Lucia: The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia will host a reception at the official residence, where members of the Nigerian community will meet with President Tinubu and his delegation. This event is a unique opportunity for the Nigerian community to interact with their President and discuss matters of mutual interest, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

A Rare and Historic State Visit: Since gaining independence in 1979, Saint Lucia has hosted fewer than 10 official state visits. The last visit by an African Head of State was by President Nelson Mandela in July 1998, during the 19th CARICOM Heads of Government Summit. Therefore, President Tinubu’s 2025 visit, 27 years later, is a historic diplomatic milestone.

President Tinubu’s address at a special joint session of the Parliament: President Tinubu will address a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s bi-cameral Parliament at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Conference Hall, named after former U.S. President Bill Clinton. President Clinton visited Saint Lucia in January 2003 and gave a keynote address at this same venue, which was later renamed in his honour.

•Bayo Onanuga is a Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy)

June 30, 2025
South-south APC endorses Tinubu for second term

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the south-south geo-political zone have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

The south-south leaders including Progressives Governors Forum spoke in Benin City at an APC’s stakeholders interactive session.

Those that spoke at the event were Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, Hon. Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, spoke on behalf of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.

Others at the event were former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, APC National Woman Leader, Mary Idele Alile; amongst others.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu said the re-election of President Tinubu was already a settled matter.

He said Edo State would deliver the maximum number of votes for President Tinubu.

Former Governor Oshiomhole said Nigerians needed to be reminded of the state of the country before emergence of Tinubu as president.

Read Also: Why Atiku was stripped of Waziri Adamawa title, by govt

He said there was more transparency in revenue collection and allocation disbursement under President Tinubu.

The former Edo Governor stated that President Tinubu carried out a revolutionary reform that must be of

interest to the country’s small-scale businessmen and women.

He said Nigerians only hear

of reform of taxes but never knew how such policy would benefit them.

“The President has now decided that if your turnover is less than 50 million Naira, you should be exempted from paying tax.

“That for me is important. You don’t donate blood from somebody who is sick to go and inject to somebody else

who is sick. You end up killing two people. Tinubu says the poor should be exempted from taxation.”

On his part, Monday Okpebholo insisted that hia projects would move Edo people to deliver the 2.5 million votes he promised to deliver to President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The Edo Governor said he has taken construction to rural areas that were largely abandoned by the past administration.

He said “We have a president with capacity that is making the money available for us to work, he has embarked on critical reforms for the country Nigeria, things that you think are difficult, he is taking decisions on them

“When I said we are going to deliver 2.5 million votes for the president by 2027, I mean it but I heard the three men left in the PDP saying how and I replied that how will it not happen when I am already working on it. For instance, I am tarring roads where the former PDP governor comes from.

“For eight years, he could not tar the roads in his community. I am expecting total votes from them, there are eight communities there and he did not tar any road there for eight years. Their own son did not step his feet in their community but I was there to campaign and I told them I will come and do the roads and today we are doing the roads.

“We are able to do all these things because of the support we are getting from the president. Such a man, how do we pay him back, it is by making sure that by 2027 we support him. We have said that in Edo state, our 2.5 million votes are settled.

“When he was campaigning, I was also campaigning to go to the senate, nobody gave him a chance, they sized everything, they withdrew money from circulation, they made petrol unavailable, it is only the air that is created by God that they could not withdraw from him, there was nothing sizeable to frustrate him that they did not seize but he is there and he is releasing everything and you say he will not have that vote, he must have it. I love my president with all my heart and we will vote for him with all our hearts, wherever he goes we will go.”

June 29, 2025
Tinubu’s historic state visit to Saint Lucia rekindles African-Caribbean ties – Presidency

…dispels misguided insinuations, criticism

The Presidency has firmly defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia, describing it as a historic and strategic engagement rooted in deep ancestral, diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean.

In response to what it called “misguided, mischievous, and uninformed” commentary by some Nigerians questioning the purpose of the visit, the Presidency issued a comprehensive clarification underscoring the visit’s multifaceted significance.

“From the perspective of the Government of Saint Lucia, the visit by the Nigerian leader paves the way for the rekindling of our ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic, cultural, and economic possibilities between our nations,” a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga read.

The visit marks President Tinubu as the first Nigerian leader to undertake a state visit to Saint Lucia, a member of both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

With a combined GDP exceeding $130 billion, CARICOM presents significant potential for South-South cooperation, trade, and development.

The statement highlighted that many Caribbean nations, including Saint Lucia, have populations with significant Nigerian ancestry.

In the mid-19th century, waves of immigrants from present-day Nigeria settled in the island nation, bringing cultural and religious traditions that remain part of Saint Lucian society today.

Reinforcing these historical links, the presidency noted the legacy of Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian-born jurist who served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979.

Alexander, who migrated to Nigeria in 1957, played a pivotal role in the country’s legal and judicial development. His family’s deep ties to Nigeria—along with contributions by other Lucians like architect Neville Skeete—symbolise enduring people-to-people bonds.

The Presidency emphasized that President Tinubu’s visit aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy thrust centred on the “Four D’s”: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.

On Democracy, the visit strengthens Nigeria’s relations with Saint Lucia, a fellow democratic state with a stable parliamentary system.

During a live broadcast on the National Television Network (NTN), a Saint Lucian commentator described President Tinubu as “a fighter for democracy,” in reference to his pro-democracy activism during Nigeria’s military era.

On Development, the President’s engagement with institutions like Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and the deployment of Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) personnel underlines a commitment to educational and technical cooperation.

Under Diaspora, the visit supports the African Union’s Sixth Region initiative, which identifies the African diaspora as a critical development partner.

“Nigeria actively fosters cultural exchange through collaboration in education, culture, and heritage preservation,” the statement said.

The growing popularity of Afrobeats, Nollywood, and Nigerian literature in Saint Lucia—evident in local events like the Gros Islet Street Party—is a testament to Nigeria’s rising soft power in the Caribbean, the presidency noted.

Read Also:Cleric urges Nigerians to shun negative confessions, preaches hope amid hardship

On Demography, Tinubu’s message remains clear: Nigeria’s youthful population is a powerful driver of innovation, education, and industrialisation, and its global partnerships should reflect that strength.

As part of the visit, President Tinubu will meet with members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia at a reception hosted by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.

The event will provide an opportunity for the diaspora to interact directly with their President and raise matters of mutual concern.

Saint Lucia, which gained independence in 1979, has hosted fewer than 10 state visits in its history.

The last time an African leader visited the island was President Nelson Mandela in July 1998.

President Tinubu’s state visit—27 years later—is therefore seen as a momentous diplomatic occasion.

As part of the high-level engagements, President Tinubu will deliver an address to a special joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament, held at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Conference Hall—renamed after former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who delivered a speech there in 2003.

At a time of global realignment and shifting partnerships, the Nigerian presidency sees this Caribbean engagement as timely and strategic.

“In an era of global uncertainty, deepening cooperation between the Global South, particularly between continental Africa and the Caribbean, has become imperative,” Onanuga stated.

June 29, 2025
Tinubu decentralises PPP approvals

…empowers ICRC to fast-track infrastructure projects

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) authority to decentralise the approval process for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.

The move is expected to speed up infrastructure delivery and attract broader private sector participation.

Under the previous arrangement, all PPP projects, regardless of their value or scale, required clearance from the Federal Executive Council (FEC). This approach often delays implementation, especially for smaller projects initiated by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The new directive, however, introduces a tiered system where MDAs can independently approve projects below defined thresholds, based on ICRC guidelines.

The Director General of the ICRC, Dr Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, confirmed the presidential approval in a statement issued by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Ifeanyi Nwoko. Ewalefoh said projects valued below N10 billion for Parastatals and Agencies, and below N20 billion for Ministries, will now be vetted and approved by Project Approval Boards (PABs) constituted under ICRC regulations. Only larger projects exceeding these limits, or those that require coordination across multiple ministries, will still need to go before the FEC.

“All such projects must remain entirely privately funded without recourse to government guarantees or the national treasury,” Ewalefoh clarified. He stressed that every PPP project must be submitted to the ICRC for review and certification, and that a compliance certificate from the Commission remains mandatory before PABs or other bodies can grant approval.

The Director General described the reform as a departure from the previous one-size-fits-all approach to a more flexible and scale-sensitive model. He believes it will unlock a new pipeline of small and medium-scale PPP projects that can deliver a measurable social and economic impact.

Read Also: Manage expectations on falling prices, Yusuf tells Nigerians amid new tax regime

“This approval is a game-changer, especially for sectors like health, education, agriculture, and housing. We expect to see private sector-led investments in rural diagnostic medical centres, classroom construction, student hostels, and affordable housing schemes nationwide. All of these can now progress with less bureaucratic bottlenecks under the newly adopted process,” Ewalefoh said.

He noted that the reform aligns with President Tinubu’s broader public procurement reforms aimed at ensuring consistency across government investment and financial systems. By decentralising approvals, the government aims to stimulate capital inflows, create jobs, and speed up delivery of critical infrastructure projects.

President Tinubu had earlier assured of the administration’s commitment to strengthening the ICRC as the “engine room of Nigeria’s infrastructure revolution” during the recent Nigeria PPP Summit 2025, describing PPPs as a core pillar for achieving transformative national development.

Ewalefoh added that the ICRC remains committed to its mandate to promote, guide, facilitate, and regulate the PPP framework across the country. He also noted the Commission will continue to work closely with key institutions in the infrastructure space, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

He urged MDAs to make full use of the new approval thresholds and upcoming guidelines, pointing out that PPPs remain a strategic instrument for delivering infrastructure aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

June 29, 2025
Why Tinubu is in Saint Lucia, by Presidency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Saint Lucia for a historic state visit aimed at deepening diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean island nation.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the visit supports the African Union’s sixth regional agenda, which identifies the African diaspora as a key development partner.

In the wake of some Nigerians’ misguided, mischievous, and uninformed comments regarding President Tinubu’s visit, the presidency has emphasised the need to clarify the purpose of the visit.

“This visit underscores President Tinubu’s dedication to building bridges with countries that share deep historical and ancestral connections with Nigeria. It also aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy framework focused on Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography (the Four D’s),” Onanuga said.

“From the Saint Lucian perspective, the visit is seen as a rekindling of ancestral bonds. In the mid-19th century, immigrants from what is now Nigeria arrived in Saint Lucia, contributing significantly to the island’s cultural and religious heritage. Today, citizens of Saint Lucia are expressing excitement and pride in welcoming a Nigerian leader, viewing the occasion as a meaningful reconnection with their African roots.

Read Also: Manage expectations on falling prices, Yusuf tells Nigerians amid new tax regime

“Saint Lucia, the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and a key gateway to the 15-nation CARICOM bloc, with a combined GDP of over $130 billion, is an increasingly important partner in South-South trade and cultural exchange. Strengthening ties with such countries is a strategic move as Nigeria seeks to expand its influence and partnerships beyond traditional allies.

“The visit carries symbolic weight as well. President Tinubu will be the first African head of state to visit Saint Lucia since Nelson Mandela’s visit in 1998, making this one of fewer than ten official state visits since Saint Lucia gained independence in 1979.

“During his visit, President Tinubu is expected to address a joint session of the Saint Lucian Parliament at the Sandals Grande Conference Hall, a venue named in honour of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The Nigerian president will also visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to underscore Nigeria’s commitment to educational collaboration and cultural exchange. Accompanying him are officials from Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC), who are involved in capacity-building efforts across Caribbean and African nations.”

Cultural ties between the two nations have also been steadily growing. On the eve of the president’s arrival, Nigerian Afrobeats music dominated the airwaves during Saint Lucia’s iconic Gros Islet Street Party, a testament to the increasing cultural influence of Nigeria in the Caribbean.

Historically, figures of Saint Lucian origin have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development. Most notably, Sir Darnley Alexander, born in Castries, served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979. His son, Michael Alexander, also served in the Nigerian military during the country’s civil war.

“The visit will conclude with a special reception hosted by Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre at the official residence, where President Tinubu will meet with members of the Nigerian community on the island.

“The visit is widely seen as a reaffirmation of shared democratic values, both countries operate under parliamentary systems, and a renewal of pan-African cooperation, with Nigeria reaffirming its support for the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which recognises the African diaspora as a vital partner in development.”

June 29, 2025
Deputy Speaker Kalu’s faith in Tinubu justified by President’s landmark tertiary institutions in South East

By James Nwachukwu

In a historic and unprecedented move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently promulgated three landmark bills establishing three tertiary institutions in the South East region, marking a significant milestone in the region’s educational landscape.

Never in the political history of the region has a President shown such foresight and generosity.

From Abia to Imo States and to the rest of the zone, the development has heralded a moment of thunderous applauses and jubilations for Ndi Igbo as hope and opportunities to countless individuals and communities have been rekindled.

The institutions are: Federal College of Education, Bende; University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende in Abia State and the Federal University, Okigwe, Imo State.

The establishment of the new tertiary institutions is expected to have a profound impact not just on the States but the entire region. The institutions will not only provide access to quality education but also drive economic growth, promote innovation, and develop a skilled workforce.

The Federal College of Education will produce highly trained teachers, while the University of Medical and Health Sciences will provide much-needed medical professionals to address the region’s healthcare challenges. The Federal University will also offer a wide range of academic programs, fostering intellectual growth and development.

Similarly, the institutions will also serve as hubs for research and innovation, driving technological advancements and entrepreneurship in the region. They will also attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity, contributing to the overall development of the South East.

But the new institutions were not products of chance. They are outcomes of deliberate legislative efforts of worthy Parliamentarians from the South East. While the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constiuency of Abia State sponsored the first two bills, Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha representating Okigwe/Onuimo federal constituency of Imo State sponsored the third bill with commendable degree of lobbying by the Deputy Speaker.

Truth be told, the generosity of those infrastructures is the President’s concerted move to reintegrate Igbos into the national fabric, including key appointments which have earned him significant goodwill and support in the region.

This has added to President Tinubu’s most notable achievements in the South East region.

For all intents and purposes, Tinubu’s signing of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law in July 2024 unequivocally signaled his commitment to a detribalized leadership approach, showcasing his dedication to regional development, inclusivity, and national unity, and cementing his legacy as a leader who prioritizes the needs of all Nigerians, regardless of their geographical location.

This landmark legislation incidentally sponsored by Kalu also, has paved the way for the commission to commence operations, with a mandate to drive development and growth in the region. The SEDC is expected to address the region’s infrastructure deficit, promote economic development, and improve the lives of South Easterners.

Tinubu’s administration has also made significant strides in improving the region’s infrastructure. The ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of major roads, including the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, have improved transportation links and facilitated economic activity in the region.

Efforts are also ongoing to enhance power supply in the region which have yielded positive results, with several new power projects commissioned to meet the growing energy needs of the South East.

Also, Tinubu’s commitment to empowering the youth and promoting entrepreneurship in the South East region has been evident in his administration’s various initiatives.

There have also been youth empowerment programs and other credit initiatives by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) which have provided thousands of young people in the region with skills acquisition training, mentorship, and access to start-up capital. The initiative has not only equipped the youth with valuable skills but also empowered them to become job creators rather than job seekers. Similarly, traders, market men and women, the working class are also benefiting from the expansion of access to consumer credit by CREDICORP.

Tinubu’s government has also demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting agriculture and food security in the South East region. The administration’s agricultural initiatives have provided farmers with access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and farm equipment, resulting in increased productivity and food availability in the region.

The promotion of agro-processing and value addition have also created new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small-scale farmers in the region.

In the health sector, Tinubu’s government has also made significant investments with several new healthcare facilities commissioned in the South East region.

The efforts have improved healthcare delivery in the region and resulted in increased access to quality healthcare services, reduced mortality rates, and improved health outcomes for the people of the South East.

Read Also: Manage expectations on falling prices, Yusuf tells Nigerians amid new tax regime

At this juncture, it will be only pertinent to state that the signing into law of the bills has lent credence to Kalu’s fervent advocacy for the region to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Deputy Speaker has been a strong advocate for support for the Tinubu administration, highlighting the government’s efforts to drive development in the South East.

His tireless efforts to galvanize support for the President, predicated on the administration’s commitment to the region’s development and progress is demonstrable. And indeed, the results of those efforts are before all and sundry to behold.

Of course, Kalu’s recent launch of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a platform designed to promote the President’s achievements and mobilize support across the South East region, has been a resounding success.

With over 20,000 members inaugurated in Bende, Abia State, as foot soldiers for President Tinubu, the platform has emerged as a potent force in bridging the gap between the region and national development.

The inauguration of the members are the glaring indicators of the region’s growing enthusiasm for the President’s agenda and its determination to support his re-election bid in 2027.

Kalu’s assertion that the people of the South East will deliver a resounding 70% of their vote to President Tinubu in the 2027 general election indeed, indicates the President’s unwavering commitment to the region’s growth and development.

The synergy between the President’s agenda, amplified Kalu’s RHP is poised to yield a new era of progress and prosperity to ultimately realize the aspirations of the South East.

With the President’s vision for a more prosperous and developed Nigeria, the South East can always anticipate a brighter future, replete with opportunities for economic advancement, infrastructural development, and human capital growth.

Therefore, as the region continues to reap the benefits of the administration’s initiatives, it is increasingly likely that the region will rally behind President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Nwachukwu is a public affairs analyst from Umuahia, Abia State Capital.

June 29, 2025