Tag: tinubu

  • Honour forgotten pro-democracy activists, Tinubu urged

    Honour forgotten pro-democracy activists, Tinubu urged

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to honour the four pro-democarcy activists who obtained the historic judgment that enabled Nigerians to vote during the June 12, 1993 general elections.

    The activists are Chief (Dr) Adesunbo Onitiri, late Barrister Babatunde Adejumo, Senator Wahab Dosunmu and Prince Ademola Adele.

    In a statement issued in Lagos, Onitiri said: “There is a big omission in the list of recipients of the democracy struggle as I and the three others played very significant roles.”

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    Onitiri recalled that when Chief Arthur Nzeribe and other members of ABN obtained a court injunction at Abuja to stop the June 12 presidential election, he and late Barrister Babatunde Adejumo rushed to a Lagos High Court to get another judgement that authorised the election to hold.

    ” We procured the historic judgement that allowed Nigerians to vote on June 12 and also another one that the winner of the election should be declared and the election concluded and announced,” he stated.

    “lt was as a result of the two judgments that saved the situation that others built upon to fight and ended the military rule in the country, the Elder statesman recalled.

    He noted that he, Senator Wahab Dosunmu and Prince Ademola Adele organised the late Chief MKO Abiola’s Epetedo Declaration, where Abiola asserted himself as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • PDP affirms Tinubu political sagacity

    PDP affirms Tinubu political sagacity

    • By Nnaji Jekwu Onovo

    This is season of political rejigging, realignment and recalibrations. So, the migration from one political platform to another is not strange. Defection is an important phenomenon in party politics and is based on democratic principles of freedom of association. It is a regular occurrence even in mature democracies such as the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Germany and Canada among others. It is also not a recent development in Nigeria as many instances could be cited in the country’s past republics. However, the defection this time around, is more to the ruling APC, unlike what happened in the build up to the 2015 general election. One striking factor is the impact of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in both instances.

    In the build up to the 2015 general elections, Tinubu took the most audacious political step, as he mobilized the opposition political parties in the country on what late K. O. Mbadiwe would refer to as accord concordia, birthing the APC. The All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed in February 2013 through the merger of several Nigerian political parties. It was a coalition of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and a faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The newly formed APC unsettled the ruling PDP, as some of the elected PDP Governors and legislatures decamped and joined the APC under the leadership of TINUBU. APC succeeded in wrestling power from the ruling PDP. Again, history is repeating itself, as elected PDP Governors and legislatures are decamping to President Tinubu APC.  The latest development is not only an affirmation of President Tinubu political sagacity, and administrative dexterity he brought to the complex socio-economic problems of Nigeria; but also a vote of confidence by the opposition of the Tinubu administration. The development is surely driving the main opposition PDP into political oblivion, and driving some of the leaders crazy.

    In democratic countries, opposition parties are free to criticise the ruling party and the government. They are entrusted with offering policy alternatives. However, it should be noted that no political party is formed to serve as opposition. A party becomes an opposition when it loses an election.

    Opposition parties have a better chance of winning election if united against a ruling party, as exemplified in the forming of APC. Coalitions as forms of party-to-party partnership are common to all countries, and are political mechanisms for aggregating interests and reaching a middle ground in order to form the government in situations where no single political party is capable of winning. What is going on in Nigeria, as we approach 2027, is that leaders of the opposition parties are abandoning their parties and working for individual-to-individual partnership, to register new party.

    The opposition political parties are grappling with intra-party crisis, and forcing elected members of these parties to decamp to the ruling APC. Unfortunately, rather than work to fix the problems in those parties, the leaders accuse the ruling APC of infiltrating and stoking trouble in their parties, and poaching their elected governors and parliamentarians. These opposition leaders are therefore thinking of abandoning their crisis-ridden parties for a brand new party. The question that comes to mind is: if these opposition leaders can’t resolve the crisis in their individual political parties, why are they aspiring to lead Nigeria with its complex web of socio-economic structures? Are their intentions just to grab power without any plan for the morning after?

    Two PDP states in the South-South geo-political zone, Delta and Akwa Ibom have switched to APC. Though more governors are expected to decamp to the ruling APC, we hope Igbo people of the South-East are keeping tabs on the political calculations based on the principle of no permanent enemy nor permanent friend as characterisation of the present political culture. If they are, they should work towards beneficial realignment, especially with the ruling APC. We say this, in the light of Igbo complain of being marginalized.

    Read Also: First Lady reaffirms support for inclusive policies on Albinism Awareness Day

    In Ray Ekpu article, “Biafra: A conversation is needed”, published in ‘The Nation’ edition of 3rd June 2025, he stated: “The Igbos have been complaining of being marginalised. They point to the fact that since Dr Alex Ekwueme was elected as Vice President in 1979, no Igbo man has been in that position. And of course, no Igbo man has yet become President since the onset of the 4th Republic in 1999. But political positions are determined in a democracy through networking, compromises and adroit bargaining between persons and parties. If the Igbos have not yet been able to achieve that, they have themselves to blame. —“

    Ndigbo needs to be pragmatic and understand the prevailing circumstances, and build alliances that will drive them deep into the national politics and avail them opportunities they yearn for.

    Even though political opposition may not be perceived as one of the traditional roles of political parties, it remains one of the most inevitable aspects of any democratic society. Functional and effective political opposition is an important attribute of a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive democratic system. The opposition party in a democratic system has the task of representing the interest which may have been overlooked by the ruling party, provide unavailable information to the government about public reaction to a particular government policy and provide criticism and useful alternatives to government policies. So, opposition parties are the unpaid but dedicated principal researchers for the government in power. Unfortunately, the leaders of the opposition political parties especially PDP are just playing to the gallery, trivializing governance, and accusing the governing APC of causing the problems in their respective parties.

    The political parties are affected by the environment within which they operate while they

    also determine the well-being of their environment and society at large. Like every organization,

    political parties in Nigeria maintain an exchange of both input and output with their environment, prominent among which are societal values. While the state and its offices are, in many instances, abused by the representatives of the people, society is yet to rise up to its responsibility of effective engagement in public affairs and with “elected” representatives. Civil society, preferably from the community levels, has critical role to play in the interest of the generality of Nigerians in the ongoing milieu of party politics of this republic.

    •By  Engr. Nnaji jekwu onovo (plot 18 whitesand avenue, lekki, lagos. Tel: 08184553078)

    & Comrade sunday adekanbi asuku (national president, north central youth congress. Tel: 08065498510)

  • Tinubu rescued Nigeria’s economy from collapse, restored financial solvency – Soludo

    Tinubu rescued Nigeria’s economy from collapse, restored financial solvency – Soludo

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has attested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration rescued Nigeria’s economy from imminent collapse and returned public finances to a path of solvency through bold structural reforms.

    Speaking on June 12 at “The Platform Nigeria”, a civic engagement forum organised by The Covenant Nation and hosted by Pastor Poju Oyemade in Lagos, Governor Soludo praised the Tinubu administration’s economic agenda and called for a national rebirth rooted in ethics, ideology, and citizen responsibility.

    According statement issued on Friday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Soludo, who is a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said “the audacious structural reforms embarked upon by the current administration of HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu have rescued the economy from the tipping point”.

    Soludo recounted that the economy, as of May 2023, resembled a “standing dead horse,” warning that public finances were on the verge of insolvency with potentially dire consequences, including mass layoffs and salary arrears. 

    “Public finance is back on a solvency path, and macro fundamentals are recovering positively,” he declared.

    Backing his position with endorsements from global financial institutions, Soludo said: “The endorsements by the World Bank, IMF, London Financial Times, rating agencies—Fitch, Moody’s—are well deserved.”

    He pointed out that although he had historically critiqued these institutions, their current praise for Nigeria’s reform trajectory should not be dismissed. 

    “Funny enough, when these institutions criticise the government, some people use them to validate their criticisms, but when the same institutions give a positive report, they are derided as ‘neoliberal, out-of-touch institutions’,” he remarked.

    Soludo urged public commentators to embrace a more rigorous and fact-based approach to analysing national economic policies. 

    “Many analysts have interesting ‘opinions’, but I urge them to go deeper: conduct rigorous counterfactual analysis and provide credible alternatives! As a friend said recently, the task is always easy, especially if you are not the one doing it,” he noted.

    While acknowledging Nigeria’s broad reform needs—ranging from security to infrastructure and constitutional review—the Anambra Governor argued that implementation remains the key challenge, especially in a resource-constrained and unequal society.

    He called for a fundamental national rebirth grounded not just in policies, but in values. 

    “We must deliberately create a critical mass of ‘new Nigerians’—who believe in her and are ready, if necessary, to die for her. No nation has prospered sustainably without a critical mass of patriotic, vigilant and actively participatory citizenry”, Soludo said.

    Lamenting the erosion of values such as hard work and integrity, Soludo warned against a prevailing culture that glorifies wealth without effort. 

    “The ‘culture’ that celebrates and expects something for nothing or wealth without work must give way to a culture that rewards and celebrates hard work, enterprise and integrity,” he asserted.

    He identified the Tinubu administration’s Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), alongside Anambra State’s One Youth, Two Skills programme and expanded education and healthcare support, as pivotal investments in Nigeria’s human capital.

    Read Also: Democracy Day: Soludo to speak on national rebirth at June 12 ‘Platform’

    “The shortest answer is to give the citizens stakes in the society by investing in their future… These programs excite the youths/students and could hopefully create ‘stakeholders’ in future projects,” he said.

    The APGA governor also warned of the damage caused by superstitions about instant wealth and called for a legislative and educational campaign to combat such beliefs. 

    “It is my thesis that a society where no one asks/cares about sources of livelihood or where most people expect and celebrate unearned/free money is one where transactional governance will always trump transformational leadership,” he said.

    Soludo concluded by urging for ideological clarity and unity across political lines to foster a new national culture. 

    “We must break this vicious ‘culture’ and intentionally promote ethical-value rebirth. This is a national emergency requiring urgent national conversation,” he said.

  • Ex-Minister Ohanenye launches grassroots movement for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

    Ex-Minister Ohanenye launches grassroots movement for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

    Former Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy Ohanenye has declared her unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Ohanenye announced the relaunch of her nationwide grassroots campaign, “Naija Save Naija 2027,” aimed at mobilizing 10 million Nigerians to back the President. 

    The initiative revives the political network she previously led to secure support in the 2023 elections, particularly among persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.

    Speaking through her spokesperson, Musa Abdulrahaman, Ohanenye described her commitment to Tinubu as a “deep-seated conviction” inspired by his leadership style, reform-driven policies, and national development agenda.

    “My commitment to President Tinubu is not merely political,” she said, “it is rooted in observing his visionary leadership and genuine efforts to uplift every Nigerian.”

    She credited the Tinubu administration with making significant strides in economic reform, national security, and social welfare, despite inheriting numerous challenges from past governments.

    “He has responded with courage, strategic foresight, and unwavering resolve to create a better Nigeria,” she added.

    The Naija Save Naija 2027 campaign will focus on grassroots mobilization across all 36 states and the FCT, targeting women, youth, farmers, traders, professionals, and the vulnerable, in a bid to build broad-based support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

    Read Also: Alleged N138m fraud: EFCC quizze sex-minister Kennedy-Ohanenye

    “Our target of 10 million Nigerians is not just a number; it represents a collective voice of support, a resounding affirmation of confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, and a clear mandate for him to continue steering Nigeria towards prosperity,” she said.

    The former minister called on “all well-meaning Nigerians” to support the continuity of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which she described as “a living document of progress.”

    Details of the campaign’s official relaunch and nationwide activities are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

    Ohanenye, known for her advocacy and grassroots influence, reaffirmed her resolve to work “tirelessly” to secure another term for Tinubu, positioning herself as a key ally in the President’s 2027 political calculus.

  • Afenifere hails Tinubu over Southwest Development Commission

    Afenifere hails Tinubu over Southwest Development Commission

    The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative on regional development commissions will expand economic growth in the Southwest region. 

    The Ekiti State coordinator, Elder Bunmi Awotiku, stated this in Ado-Ekiti at an event marking 32nd anniversary of June 12, Democracy Day in the country. 

    Awotiku praised Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to regional development and integration, said the initiative is a welcome development that will harness the region’s socioeconomic potential and promote development.

    The event, themed “June 12: Economic Imperatives of Southwest Development Commission,” featured a lecture by Professor Taiwo Owoeye of Ekiti State University.

    Awotiku commended Tinubu for his efforts in promoting democracy and development in Nigeria, noting that the President’s initiatives are a testament to his commitment to the country’s growth and progress. 

    Reflecting on the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic history, the ARG Coordinator, said the 1993 presidential election laid a solid foundation for the country’s democratic growth. 

    Awotiku lamented the annulment of the freest and credible election won by late Moshood Abiola and the loss of lives during the protests but lauded sacrifices made by Nigerians, which ultimately paved the way for the country’s current democratic dispensation.

    He said, “Many here may have not witnessed the election, but we thank God for the ARG , if not for the group, History as a subject wouldn’t have been reintroduced back into the school curriculum. 

    “Our people are fast forgetting our history, most of children don’t know who is Segun Odegbami, Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, even MKO Abiola, we only hear their names but the elders here will know the story of June 12.  

    “The spontaneous reaction of Nigerians against the annulment of the election led to the killing of people on the streets of Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kano and across Nigeria.But let us thank God, because if not for June 12, there won’t be Biodun Oyebanji and talking about shared prosperity. 

    Read Also: Tinubu to PDP, others: put your house in order before 2027

    “It is because of June 12 that we have democracy in Nigeria and our own Bola Tinubu as President. This has brought freedom and development to Nigeria in all spheres.We need to remind ourselves, where were are coming from , where are we and where are we heading to ? It is this agitation that gave birth to ARG”, he added. 

    Owoeye, in his lecture, suggested that states in the Southwest region should leverage their comparative advantages to achieve common goals.

    He emphasised the need for regional integration, citing the ongoing coastal road project from Lagos to Calabar as a catalyst for economic transformation.

    The event drew various interest groups, artisans, market women, students, and government officials, who reflected on the significance of June 12 and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

  • Tinubu to PDP, others: put your house in order before 2027

    Tinubu to PDP, others: put your house in order before 2027

    President Bola Tinubu has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties to resolve their internal issues ahead of the 2027 general elections, dismissing claims that his administration is working to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

    Speaking on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Stage II, from Ring Road 1 Junction to Wasa Junction, also known as the Apo-Wasa Road, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to a multiparty democracy.

    Read Also: Dafinone salutes media Icon Amuka at 90; applauds National Honour by Tinubu

    Represented at the event by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu stated that while he remains a party loyalist, he will not interfere in resolving the internal crises plaguing opposition parties.

    “Let them put their house in order,” he said, adding that the responsibility to remain viable political contenders rests squarely with the opposition themselves.

  • Only Tinubu can take Nigeria to desired destination, says Tompolo

    Only Tinubu can take Nigeria to desired destination, says Tompolo

    Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, on Friday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the only Nigerian who can take the country to the destination it desires to be.

    He said this during PBAT Door-2-Door Movement Press Conference in Abuja to mobilise grassroots support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as well as to commemorate Democracy Day which was on June 12.

    Represented by the Technical Adviser, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Edgar Daniel Biu, he expressed confidence in the ability of every Nigeria to make the government successful and promised to drive the movement to make sure it is organically connected to Nigerians at grass level.

    Tomopolo, who is the grand patron of the Movement, said, “We believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the one that can really take this country to that destination where we want it to be. Not too long ago, we saw, we all felt the direction this was country was  going, but it has taken the sagacity of President Tinubu’s to steer this country away from the precipice, from the brink of a fall.

    “Today, it is quite evident, sir, that economically speaking, we are on a rebound. We are on a rebound. When you talk about the fiscal and monetary policy, you can see better management of the exchange rate. We quite understand the pangs, the feelings of the ordinary Nigerians, how they feel about the economy. The President is not aloof to that. He has been quite proactive. There are so many progammes that have been put in place to bring that social cohesiveness for the ordinary Nigerian. We will take this movement to local governments, wards, units, states and we would organize it organically. Your voice will count,” he said.

    He also noted that the partnership with Tantita to secure oil and gas infrastructure is a springboard for economic development.

     “With regards to the pipeline vandalism, we all know the history of this country with regards to the hydrocarbon industry. It has worked to the disadvantage of the hydrocarbon industry,” he said.

     He said since the involvement of Tantita, there has been upward production of our hydrocarbon.

     He said the collaboration had also taken the environment into consideration.

     “At the bed of the river, it used to be quite oily. But now you can see how clean it is. People are back into their traditional vocations, fishing, farming and all. We have better breathing environment. There are a whole lot of ailments beside the other social economic issue that comes out of the deficit of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.  We had soot before.

     “Now the environment, this region has been brought, I believe, under 70 % control. But where it matters most beyond the environment and bringing money into government coffers is this contract with Tantita has brought social stability in the Niger Delta, providing employment across the Niger Delta and beyond. Close to about 50,000 youths.

     “So in a nutshell, the contract with Tantita for providing security to our hydrocarbon industry, in hindsight, has provided a springboard for economic development. It has provided a springboard for inclusivity. It has provided a springboard. It’s like a silver bullet that has come to solve a lot of problems ranging from economic, environmental, and to all the social vices,” he said.

     The PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, Protem National Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi, lauded the President Tinubu for bold reforms and landmark achievements, saying over the last two years, Nigeria has been on an irreversible path to prosperity under his leadership.

     He said the Tinubu presidency has rekindled hope and positioned the country as a beacon of democratic excellence and economic transformation.

     “In just two years, President Tinubu has demonstrated unparalleled vision, courage, and resolve, positioning Nigeria as a global economic powerhouse and a beacon of democratic governance. His bold reforms and transformative policies have laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth, prosperity, and unity,” he said.

     He pointed to a string of accomplishments in various sectors of national life, from education and healthcare to economic reforms, infrastructure development, and security, arguing that the administration’s pace and scale of delivery were unprecedented.

    Adekanbi highlighted the administration’s decision to unify the country’s multiple exchange rates and remove the longstanding petrol subsidy as bold moves that have not only stabilized the naira but also saved the government over $10 billion annually.

     He said Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio had dropped from 96% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024, a feat he attributed to fiscal discipline and increased government revenue, which reached N6 trillion in the first quarter of 2025.

     He also credited the administration with a rise in oil production to 1.61 million barrels per day and renewed investor confidence through programs such as Naira-for-Crude and the expansion of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative. He said projections to hit 2 million barrels per day by the end of 2025 and 5 million by 2027 were “realistic and achievable” under the current trajectory.

     The group praised the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which it said had provided interest-free loans to over 500,000 students nationwide, as well as digital training programs for over 100,000 Nigerian youths. These, Adekanbi noted, were “game-changing” initiatives that would prepare Nigeria’s young population for the global tech-driven economy.

     Adekanbi commended ongoing infrastructure projects such as the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Second Niger Bridge access roads. He described them as legacy projects that would deepen national integration and unlock economic potential across the regions.

     On healthcare, he said the revitalization of 1,000 primary healthcare centres, expansion of health insurance coverage to 20 million Nigerians, and new cancer treatment centres under the National Health Fellows program were improving access and equity in health delivery.

     On the security front, the group credited the administration with neutralizing over 13,500 terrorists and rescuing more than 11,000 kidnapped victims, noting the deployment of specialized Mining Marshals in the Niger Delta and other hotspots as part of efforts to secure critical assets and stabilize restive regions.

     Adekanbi also applauded President Tinubu’s push for local government autonomy through a landmark Supreme Court ruling and for strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and restoring trust in governance.

     According to the group, about 70 million Nigerians have benefitted from the Conditional Cash Transfer Program, while the Consumer Credit Scheme and the construction of Renewed Hope Estates have expanded access to housing and credit facilities for citizens.

      “From digital governance reforms to the enforcement of the Data Protection Law, passport backlog clearance, and massive enrollment in the NIN database, the Tinubu administration is resetting the Nigerian system for efficiency, transparency, and inclusion,” Adekanbi added.

     The group also acknowledged its Grand Patron, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo), for his steadfast belief in the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing Tinubu’s “stellar track record as Lagos State Governor” and his “transformational achievements” as President.

    Read Also: Why Tompolo, Otuaro are under attacks, by Delta monarch

     Adekanbi called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu administration to consolidate on its gains, pledging that the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement would intensify grassroots mobilization in defence of democratic dividends and national development.

     “Together, we will build a Nigeria that is prosperous, united, and globally respected,” he said.

     The Northeast Coordinator of the movement, Comrade Zakari Hashim, said the campaign seeks to bridge the gap between federal policies and everyday realities by delivering information, government programs, and tangible support directly to the doorsteps of ordinary Nigerians.

     “The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement is not just a campaign; it is a citizenship awakening, a grassroots revolution, and a commitment to rebuild Nigeria from the ground up,” Hashim said.

     He said positioned as a key driver of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to foster national development, the movement emphasizes inclusivity and participatory democracy.

     He said it aims to empower communities by providing firsthand awareness of initiatives targeting security, infrastructure, economic reform, social welfare, job creation, and youth involvement.

     Through direct household engagement, the initiative will promote government interventions, create feedback loops between citizens and decision-makers, and give every Nigerian a voice in governance, he said.

     “We’re taking good governance to every doorstep. From cities to villages, the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement is mobilizing Nigerians to understand, feel, and benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

  • Democracy Day: Youth advocate applauds Tinubu

    Democracy Day: Youth advocate applauds Tinubu

    Nigerian youths have been urged to recommit themselves to building a better nation by actively supporting the current administration’s pragmatic and inclusive socio-political and economic policies and programmes.

    A public policy advocate and strong proponent of youth inclusion, Dr. Raymond Edoh, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in promoting democratic governance and driving economic revitalization as Nigeria marks this year’s Democracy Day. 

    He noted that the President’s policies, which encourage investment and infrastructure development, deserve the support of all Nigerians, especially the youth, whom he has given ample reason to believe in and promote.

    Speaking on the theme of the day, ‘Renewing Our Commitment to Democracy’, Dr. Edoh emphasized that the celebration is not just symbolic but a reminder of the ongoing struggle to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold the values of equity, freedom, and justice.

    “His administration has demonstrated a will to implement reforms that promote national unity and inclusiveness. 

    “These steps are crucial for sustainable growth,” he noted.

    While he stressed that Nigeria’s progress must go hand in hand with active youth participation, the youth advocate noted that with young people making up more than half of Nigeria’s population, the younger generation must see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of governance but as co-architects of the country’s future. 

    “We cannot afford to sit back and complain. We must engage, vote, build businesses, and hold leaders accountable through the right channels,” he said.

    Referencing a National Bureau of Statistics report projecting a 3.3% economic growth for 2025, Edoh maintained that youth innovation and entrepreneurship will be essential to sustaining this momentum. 

    “Our generation must be the one that transforms Nigeria, not through protest alone, but through purposeful engagement, education, and enterprise,” he said.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Vanguard publisher ‘Uncle Sam’ at 90

    Noting that the nation’s unity is not negotiable, Edoh said, “For Nigeria to achieve its full potential, we must embrace our diversity and work together for the common good. This involves recognizing and celebrating our differences while striving towards our shared goals.

    “President Tinubu’s administration has taken steps towards fostering national unity, exemplified by policies aimed at inclusivity. 

    “The achieved balance between regional development and political representation is crucial for a harmonious society. National cohesion is fundamental for preventing conflict and promoting economic stability”.

    Edoh also spotlighted education as a key driver of change, citing UNESCO data, calling for greater investment in knowledge and skills, stressing that an educated population is vital for economic resilience and poverty reduction.

  • Dafinone salutes media Icon Amuka at 90; applauds National Honour by Tinubu

    Dafinone salutes media Icon Amuka at 90; applauds National Honour by Tinubu

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central)!has celebrated veteran journalist and founder of Vanguard Newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, on his 90th birthday, describing him as a “Proper Sapele Boy” and a true national treasure. 

    The senator also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conferring a national honour on the media icon, calling the recognition “timely and richly deserved.”

    In a statement on Thursday, Senator Dafinone lauded Amuka-Pemu’s unmatched contribution to the Nigerian media landscape, highlighting his role in shaping responsible journalism and advancing press freedom in the country. 

    “Uncle Sam’s legacy as a refined and principled journalist has stood the test of time, inspiring both his peers and the next generation,” he noted.

    Dafinone praised the media pioneer for over six decades of impactful service, describing his life as “a shining testimony to the power of integrity, excellence, and dedication.” He emphasized that Amuka-Pemu’s calm intellect and cultural pride have not only elevated Nigerian journalism but also served as a source of pride for the people of Sapele and Delta State at large.

    Senator Dafinone extended warm wishes on behalf of the people of Delta Central, praying for continued good health, peace, and wisdom for the 90-year-old icon. “Thank you, Uncle Sam, for blazing the trail and staying true to your roots,” he said.

    The statement reads: “I warmly felicitate with the doyen of Nigerian journalism and a proud son of Delta State, Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, CON, on the occasion of his 90th birthday and the well-deserved national honour recently conferred on him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is not only a personal milestone for Uncle Sam but also a moment of pride and celebration for the entire media industry and the people of Delta, particularly Sapele, which he has always represented with distinction.

    Read Also: June 12: Dafinone urges Nigerians to defend democracy, build better nation

    “Uncle Sam Amuka’s life is a shining testimony to the power of integrity, excellence, and dedication in shaping a profession and influencing a nation. As the founder of Vanguard Newspapers and co-founder of Punch Newspapers, his legacy as a media icon remains indelible. He is not just a seasoned journalist but a refined and principled voice who has upheld the ethics of the profession for over six decades.

    “I join millions of Nigerians and members of the media community in saluting a trailblazer whose contributions have helped sustain democracy and press freedom in our country. Uncle Sam’s clarity of thought, humility, and firm grip on the pen have earned him respect across generations. He is indeed a Proper Sapele Boy—one whose calm intellect and cultural pride continue to inspire younger Deltans and Nigerians at large.

    “I also commend President Tinubu for recognizing this national treasure with a prestigious honour. This acknowledgement is timely and richly deserved. It affirms values such as truth, resilience, and service to country still matter—and Uncle Sam embodies them all.

    “On behalf of the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I say thank you, Uncle Sam, for blazing the trail and staying true to your roots. May God continue to bless you with good health, wisdom, and peace. Happy 90th birthday, Sir.”

  • Tinubu celebrates Vanguard publisher ‘Uncle Sam’ at 90

    Tinubu celebrates Vanguard publisher ‘Uncle Sam’ at 90

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, iconic journalist and publisher of Vanguard newspaper, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, describing him as “a doyen of journalism” and “an elder statesman whose influence transcends the newsroom.”

    In a tribute to the media icon he released on Friday, President Tinubu lauded Amuka-Pemu—fondly known as Uncle Sam—for his outstanding contributions to journalism and national development over the decades.

    “Today, I celebrate Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, iconic journalist and publisher of Vanguard newspaper, on his 90th birthday. Uncle Sam remains a shining example of dedication, resilience and integrity within the media industry”, President Tinubu stated.

    Tracing the media veteran’s illustrious career, the President highlighted Amuka-Pemu’s early days at Daily Times, his co-founding of The Punch alongside the late Chief Olu Aboderin, and his eventual establishment of Vanguard in 1984—now one of the country’s most influential newspapers.

    “Mr. Amuka-Pemu has devoted most of his life to journalism. It is to his credit and managerial acumen that Vanguard is alive today, 41 years after its founding, despite the crisis in the media industry,” the President remarked.

    Describing the 90-year-old as not only a pillar of Nigerian journalism but also a respected leader in his home state of Delta and across the South-South region, President Tinubu said Amuka-Pemu’s influence extended far beyond the pages of his newspaper.

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    “Today, he is not just a leader of the profession; he is a doyen. His leadership, from the altar of journalism, has influenced the media landscape and extended to his role as a respected leader in Delta State and the South-South geopolitical zone, making him an elder statesman”, the President said.

    The President also noted that in recognition of his enduring contributions, Amuka-Pemu was among the distinguished Nigerians recently honoured at the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, where he was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

    “I urge younger journalists to emulate this highly respected publisher and leader. I wish Uncle Sam continued God’s grace and more years of impact. Our country is deeply grateful for his invaluable contributions to journalism and his enduring legacy”, the President added.