Tag: tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday joined Muslim faithful at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque, Wuse 2, Abuja, for Jumu’ah prayers.

Accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the President participated in a special prayer session held in memory of his late mother, Hajia Habibatu Mogaji.

Read Also: Umahi apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over collapsed Lafia-Makurdi highway bridge 

The prayer session drew a high-profile gathering of dignitaries, including Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe). Also in attendance was Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin.

The gathering reflected a moment of shared faith and unity among the nation’s leadership during a time of solemn remembrance.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says Nigeria’s economic potential is on the rise again due to the dynamic and purposeful leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Idris said this on Friday at a news conference ahead of the forthcoming 4th African Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum and seventh National MSME Awards, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu recently approved the composition of an oversight committee for Nigeria’s hosting of the Forum.

The forum which is scheduled to hold from June 23 to June 27 in Abuja, is themed “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access and Affordable Financing for Africa.”

Over 50 delegates from African countries will converge to address challenges affecting small businesses, particularly affordable financing, enhancing digital transformation and improving market access.

The minister noted that hosting of other African nations was in line with President Tinubu’s passion for accelerated socio-economic development of the country.

Idris noted that the President Tinubu has a lot of business experience, which he is leveraging for the progress of the nation.

He, therefore, solicited the support of the media as the country hosts the continental event, which will showcase Nigeria’s position in Africa and beyond.

” Nigeria is rising again and the world is paying attention, the approval for the hosting of the event by President Tinubu is one way of showcasing to the world that Nigeria is ready to do business.

“It is one of the first pedestals of opening up our economy to the rest of the world,” the minister said.
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President,  Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, noted that the goal was to empower small businesses by strengthening policies on MSME development.

“The principal objective is to empower Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises, develop intra-African value chains, and strengthen policies on MSME development through fostering strategic partnerships.

” This will eventually empower MSMEs to thrive on the continent,” he said.

Read Also: Minister of youth backs varsity games

Hadejia called on key players and stakeholders in the Nigerian ecosystem to leverage the platform provided by the forum to build new networks for investments and market access across Africa and beyond.

The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa expressed optimism that the Forum will positively impact the culture and tourism industry in Nigeria.

She also expressed the hope that the forum would build and entrench a viable policy for the industry.

She added that the event will further amplify what the administration of President Tinubu is doing to rebrand the country through a flagship initiative known as “Destination Nigeria.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSME, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, explained that the event that will feature high level paper presentations, technical panel discussions and fireside chats.

Adekunle-Johnson, who is also the Secretary of the organising committee of the forum, added that the event would feature tech and innovation, showcase product exhibitions and networking opportunities for businesses across the continent.

” A key feature of the event is the MSME awards featuring presentation of cash prizes, houses and stores to deserving small business owners across the country. ”

He said the approval of President Tinubu for the hosting of the event is in recognition of the vital role that MSMEs play in driving economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. 

(NAN)

…calls for trauma counselling, victims support

The Executive Director, Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN), Dr. Timipere Allison, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive and sustained action on security challenge in some parts of the country by adopting community-driven conflict prevention strategies.

He said the call became imperative in the wake of the gruesome killing of over 150 civilians in Yelewata, Guma Local Government area of Benue State.

In a statement signed by the Dr Allison and made available to the press by Director of Communication, Professor Oludayo Tade, the CORN director asked the president to ensure that trauma support and assistance is provided to survivors and the families of the victims.

 He noted: “The ability of non-state actors to terrorise communities with impunity exposes deepening weaknesses in the state’s security apparatus adding that this climate of lawlessness emboldens perpetrators, who continue to destroy lives and undermine national stability.” 

He then advised President Tinubu to ensure protection for vulnerable communities across Benue and beyond.

While calling for the conduct of a prompt, transparent investigation and bring perpetrators to justice, the CORN Director tasked the president to allocate adequate resources to strengthen the Nigeria Police, Military, and State Security Services for effective response and the protection of human life. 

CORN West Africa commended all state and non-state actors working to bring peace and stability to the North-Central region of Nigeria. 

Read Also: Tinubu lauds Kaduna governor’s peace efforts

Providing insights into the data at the disposal of the research network, Dr Allison stated that “Our (CORN’s) research has shown that the absence of law enforcement in communities creates the conditions for non-state armed groups to carry out these heinous crimes against citizens living in rural areas of the Middle-Belt. 

“This calls for a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture. This new structure must include a level of security that is embedded in communities. This security structure must also be integrated into the justice system to ensure that not only law and order is maintained, but the rule of law is applied when crimes are committed in rural communities.

“Using our extensive research network, CORN will continue to work alongside civil society organisations, community leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote peace, justice, reconciliation, and the protection of human dignity across Nigeria.” 

According to the CORN Boss, “The management and members of Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN) are deeply shocked by the gruesome killing of at least 150 civilians in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. 

“This senseless attack, one of many in the escalating wave of violence that has ravaged North-Central Nigeria, reveals a catastrophic failure by the government to safeguard its citizens. We unequivocally condemn this heinous act. Such atrocities not only target innocent individuals but threaten the collective security and future of the Nigerian state. 

“The brutal killing of children, women, and the elderly, along with the destruction of homes, food supplies, and communal infrastructure, constitutes a gross violation of fundamental human rights and a breach of international humanitarian norms.”

President Bola Tinubu has praised Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State for restoring peace and initiating infrastructural development across the state.

Tinubu praised the governor on Thursday during his official visit to inaugurate several key projects in the state.

This is contained in a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

Projects inaugurated include the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, a 300-bed specialist hospital, and 100 CNG buses.

Tinubu said the governor had advanced the state by promoting peace and fostering reconciliation among various ethnic groups.

He assured that the Federal Government would support the construction of a light rail system for better transportation.

“I commend Gov. Uba Sani for prioritising security and infrastructure. We are here to celebrate his visible results.

“Uba Sani is a force for change, unity, and development. He has transformed a tense atmosphere into one of peace.

“You are an exceptional leader. Kaduna is back on track, and I am proud to work alongside you,” Tinubu said.

Read Also: Tinubu: every Nigerian will feel impact of good governance

The President also lauded the state’s traditional rulers for backing the governor’s peace and development initiatives.

“I am pleased to return here. I have long-standing ties with Kaduna in politics, business, and democracy,” he said.

Tinubu added that Sani had become a model for other states by building lasting peace.

“During the campaign, we needed heavy security to reach Birnin Gwari. Now, people can travel there safely even at midnight.

“I thank the governor for spearheading peace efforts. Peace is essential for progress. Kaduna is rising once again.

“I will collaborate with you to realise your full development agenda,” he said.

Governor Sani, in his remarks, reaffirmed his dedication to serving the people of Kaduna State.

“Mr President, we thank you for supporting our transport master plan’s smooth implementation.

“You honoured your word by allocating ₦100 billion in the 2025 budget for Kaduna Light-Rail Transit,” Sani said.

The governor also thanked the President for helping to tackle security challenges in the state.

“When we took office in 2023, Kaduna was under siege, plagued by banditry and mistrust.

“Vibrant farming communities had turned into ghost towns. Highways were unsafe and ridden with crime.

“We refused to surrender. We knew security is the base for all other progress. Without it, development is impossible.

“So, Mr President, we are truly grateful for your support,” he said.

(NAN)

Coalition of Niger Deltans For Equity and Justice has warned the coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and past Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El’Rufai, against truncating the 2027 re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

The group, in a statement, by its spokesman, Meshach Bebenimibo, stressed that Tinubu’s re-election bid was not negotiable.

It urged North to back the President as he bids to complete his second term and reciprocate support from South in past elections.

It said former President Muhammad Buhari did his two terms.

It reads: “Now President Tinubu just did two years of his first term, the North is doing everything to truncate his second term.

“The North wants to make sure President Tinubu does not get re-elected. The South always backed the North.

“Without Tinubu, Buhari would not have won. Tinubu sponsored him to be President, which benefited El’Rufai and others”.

Read Also: Every Nigerian will feel impact of good governance – Tinubu

According to the group, no opposition candidate can achieve what President Tinubu has done in reforming the economy.

“Those behind the northern coalition are after their stomach infrastructure.They want to gain relevance after enjoying countless opportunities in past governments.Now, they are plotting against a genuine leader whom God has sent to reposition Nigeria to an enviable height.

“The coalition of the North is not after the betterment of Nigerians but to satisfy their hunger for power, revenge and to make sure other regions of the country is a slave to them”.

It warned beneficiaries of illegal oil bunkering, to stop campaign of calumny against Ijaw leaders, including ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpomupolo alias Tompolo,Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and the Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Program ( PAP) Dr. Kingsley Otuaro.

It said the Presidential Amnesty Program has been repositioned to better assist Niger-Delta youths.

It said, “We urge all ex-agitators to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and focus on his reelection. Don’t allow anyone to use you to work against the president.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have good plans for you.

“There is time for everything and now Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has come to help President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by ensuring that our oil pipelines are secured and let our economy boom and boost so that the he will keep doing his good work of providing the best for Nigerians and take Nigeria to the promised land.”

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian experiences the benefits of good governance.

Tinubu made the pledge on Thursday during the official commissioning of the newly constructed Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street) from Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way) in Mabushi to Judges Quarters in Katampe, along with other road projects.

Represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, the President said his administration will continue to work tirelessly to deliver infrastructure that improves citizens’ quality of life.

He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his dedication to transparency and accountability in budget implementation, noting that Wike’s ability to deliver projects on time and within budget reflects strong leadership and clear vision.

“It is my pleasure to commission the new Collector Road CN2, popularly known as Zakari A. Kiari Street. This road links Amadu Bello Way to Katampe district and other connecting roads, reducing travel time and enhancing connectivity.

“This project reflects our administration’s commitment to urban development and improving the quality of life for our citizens. We believe that infrastructure development is critical to national growth and development. I commend the Minister of the FCT and his team for prioritizing infrastructure delivery. I also appreciate CGC Nigeria Limited for executing this project promptly.

“Our administration will continue to invest in critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, housing, transportation, education, and healthcare. We believe that infrastructure development is not an expenditure, but a good investment for the people.

“I assure you that we are committed to making sure that every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance. We will continue to work tirelessly to deliver infrastructure projects that will enhance the quality of life for our citizens”.

Tinubu urged the residents of Mabushi, Kadampe and surrounding areas to protect and preserve the road while using it, adding that; “Your cooperation and patience during the construction phase are appreciated. We dedicate this road to the youth, workers, and families who will benefit from it. We hope that it will significantly improve your daily lives. As we commission this road today, I pray that we continue to move forward united in purpose, bold in vision, and unshaken in our belief that a greater Nigeria is possible”.

In his speech, Wike clarified that his demand for the payment of ground rents, including the publication of names of defaulters, was not meant to embarrass property owners in the nation’s capital, but to raise funds for capital projects.

The minister, who also inspected the Judges Quarter and N5 Road at Lifecamp immediately after the commissioning, wondered why the elite have no problems meeting their financial obligations to countries where they have properties but always want to cut corners when in Nigeria.

He said; “We flagged up this project in October last year, and it was supposed to be completed within 12 months, but here we are, the project has been completed within 8-9 months, and that is why we have always said, give to those who have the capacity to deliver for the benefit of the people.

“I am sure those who have land here, their land may be growing at N200 – N300 million, but I don’t think anybody will go and attempt to say, ‘look, I want to buy land here’. You must think twice because you know that the value of land here now will be something else. The people here will benefit from it. This is what we are talking about development and I want to thank the company for showing that capacity.

“Mr. President has always given us his support and that is why we are able to achieve what we are achieving.

“I said sometimes, somewhere, that for those of you who said we sealed your houses for not paying ground rent, see the value, see the product of paying your ground rent. If you don’t pay, nobody will provide this infrastructure because the only thing the city has is just to collect taxes.

“I have said before, people say Abuja is rich. How are they rich? What Abuja collects from the Federation Account is one percent of what they give to the FCTA every month. So, assuming that the Federal Government gets N800 billion every month, one percent of N800 billion is N8 billion and that N8 billion is not enough to pay salaries. Our salary today is not less than N13 billion because of the minimum wage increase.

Read Also: Kaduna has no reason to vote against Tinubu in 2027 – Speaker Abbas

“So, if we only depend on one percent of what the Federal Government gets every month, it means that we cannot even pay salaries, not to talk of carrying out infrastructure. And that is why we are very aggressive in saying you cannot be enjoying this free of charge. You have to pay. It has nothing to do with I belong to party A, I belong to party B, I belong to party C and I am going to say the problem we are having is the big men.

“The big men are those who will make sure they don’t pay taxes but these big men, before they leave London, they pay their property taxes. Before they leave America, they pay their rent. They know the consequences. But here, they will like to be chased. They will like that there should be noise. And then the next thing they will do is, ‘Oh, give us time’. But in London, they won’t say give us time. In America, they won’t say give us time. In that place, they will obey. Even in Pakistan, they have obeyed. But in Nigeria, we always have one excuse or the other.

“If you know you have land here and you have not paid, I will publish your name that you have not paid. It has nothing to do that I want to embarrass you. No, we need money to do the work that we are doing. No poor man can build these houses. No poor man. These houses are being built by rich men. So, you have to pay so that we can carry out the job in the interest of our people”, he added.