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  • Tinubu making Nigeria great again, says Lagos lawmaker

    Tinubu making Nigeria great again, says Lagos lawmaker

    A Lagos State lawmaker, Temitope Adewale, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts to rejuvenate Nigeria, declaring that the President is “making Nigeria great again”.

    Adewale, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly and serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, made the remarks in a statement issued on Monday following a visit to President Tinubu in Lagos.

    Describing the meeting as a “son’s visit to his father,” Adewale expressed admiration for Tinubu’s leadership style and the trajectory of the country under his administration.

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    “The administration has spread projects across the 36 states of the federation with the ultimate aim of bettering the lives of the citizens,” he said. “It was a son’s visit to his father. He remains a father I am proud to associate with, and I can tell you that the President needs to be praised.”

    Adewale highlighted key areas of progress, including economic stabilisation, infrastructure development, and energy reform. He noted that under Tinubu’s leadership, the once-volatile foreign exchange market has begun to show signs of stability, and for the first time in years, local refineries are producing fuel for domestic consumption.

  • Tinubu hosts chess master Tunde Onakoya in Lagos

    Tinubu hosts chess master Tunde Onakoya in Lagos

    President Bola Tinubu has received chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa Tunde Onakoya, at his Lagos residence.

    He praised the young chess advocate for his inspiring work transforming the lives of children through the game of chess.

    During the visit, Onakoya presented his recently attained Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.

    He also gifted the President a gold plated Adire chess board.

    Tinubu, in a statement on his official X handle described the achievement as a powerful symbol of the “resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth.”

    Tinubu expressed interest in seeing Onakoya’s initiative scaled nationwide, adding that he looked forward to further discussions in Abuja on how the federal government could support and partner with his efforts.

    The statement reads: “I received Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, at my residence today where he also presented his World Record for the longest Chess Marathon.

    “Tunde’s journey, from the streets of Lagos to uplifting underserved children and breaking world records, reflects the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth.

    “Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked. I would love to see how his work can be replicated nationwide and I am looking forward to seeing him in Abuja to hear how the government can support him

    “Tunde Onakoya’s vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted.

    “Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him.”

  • $1tr economy: Insurance brokers urge Tinubu to prioritise insurance

    $1tr economy: Insurance brokers urge Tinubu to prioritise insurance

    The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise insurance as a key driver in achieving a $1 trillion economy.

    Executive Secretary of NCRIB, Mr Tope Adaramola, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos.

    Adaramola said the insurance sector has vast potential to support economic growth, but deeper reforms and stronger government backing are essential to realise its full value.

     “Insurance is vital to national development. For the $1 trillion economy vision to materialise, insurance must be strategically positioned and meaningfully supported,” he stated.

    He described the passage of the Insurance Reform Bill by the House of Representatives as a significant milestone, noting it now awaits presidential assent.

     “One of the most notable developments recently is the Insurance Reform Bill,” he said.

    He added that once signed into law, the bill will broaden insurance operations, enhance industry solvency, and deepen penetration across the country.

    Adaramola also noted improved collaboration between the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the Nigeria Police Force on enforcing third-party motor insurance.

    This partnership, he said, has increased public compliance and boosted premium income within the sector.

    He commended Tinubu’s administration for implementing the Group Life Insurance Scheme for workers and investing in key infrastructure.

    He highlighted projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and Sokoto-Badagry corridor as growth enablers for the insurance industry.

     “Insurance prospers alongside development. Every new road, factory or public asset creates opportunities for coverage and risk management,” Adaramola explained.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s public affairs aide resigns

    However, he criticised the Federal Government’s poor adoption of insurance for its own assets, calling it ethically inconsistent.

     “It is morally wrong for government to enforce insurance compliance when many of its assets remain uninsured. Leadership must begin by example,” he said.

    Adaramola urged enforcement of other compulsory policies, like insurance for buildings under construction, with the same vigour as third-party motor insurance.

    Proper implementation of these policies, he noted, would strengthen the sector and generate substantial revenue for national growth.

    Speaking on the administration’s performance, Adaramola said it is too early for a full assessment but acknowledged visible progress in insurance-related areas.

    “There have been improvements in infrastructure and reforms, but more focused action is needed to position insurance as an economic pillar,” he said.

    He encouraged the government to be more innovative and deliberate in supporting the sector by removing regulatory barriers and tapping into emerging areas like the blue economy.

     “When the reform bill becomes law, it will unlock new opportunities for insurance and bolster its GDP contribution.

     “The government must empower the industry to support itself—and, in doing so, move closer to the $1 trillion economy target,” he said.

  • Tinubu’s public affairs aide resigns

    Tinubu’s public affairs aide resigns

    Aliyu Audu, senior special assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Public Affairs, has resigned,  bringing an end to his service in the Presidency.

    Audu said in his resignation letter dated June 8 and addressed to the President through the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, that his departure takes immediate effect.

    While no official reason was given for his resignation, Audu expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve in his administration.

    Read Also: Tinubu helping Nigeria breathe again, says Lagos lawmaker

    He described his time in office as both an honour and a privilege.

    “I remain deeply grateful to you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve my fatherland under your visionary leadership. It has been an honour to contribute to the public communication efforts of this administration,” he wrote.

  • Otti, Falae thumb up Tinubu’s bold policies

    Otti, Falae thumb up Tinubu’s bold policies

    • From Sunny Nwankwo, Umuahia and Tosin Tope, Akure

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti and erstwhile Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Chief Olu Falae yesterday reflected on the tough decisions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    They concluded that such measures – stoppage of petrol subsidy payment and eradication of multiple exchange rates – were necessary to save the economy.

    Otti spoke when he hosted one his predecessors, Abia North Senator Orji Uzor Kalu at his Nvosi country home in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area. Chief Falae, who is the Olu of Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government, Ondo State, spoke with reporters in Akure.

    The governor pledged to sustain his support for the President as he takes difficult but courageous and necessary decisions to fix the economy

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    He added that the removal of petrol subsidy, which he described as a scam, was a courageous decision by the President and ought to have been done long ago.

    He said: “When you talk about supporting President Tinubu, the President and I are very good friends and our friendship predates party politics and current positions; we agree on so many issues, and as it is natural, we know where we disagree.

    “But, when you talk about the economy, what Mr. President is doing has always been my position for a long time.”

    According to him, he had advocated the removal of subsidy during COVID-19 when off-takers were rejecting crude shipped to them, saying that they have no need for it.

    “So, it requires somebody with courage to remove that subsidy and I am in support of it. We have behaved in an irresponsible manner for a very long time.

    “And, when you have years of irresponsible behavior, the correction would be tough, difficult, and painful. It is the correction that we are going through now; if we don’t lose faith, we will eventually get it right.

    “So, talking about supporting the President, it’s a no-brainer; I will continue to support him because it is the same administration.”

    Falae, who described ongoing economic reforms as necessary to build a strong nation, explained that the measures, though painful, averted the total collapse of the country’s fragile economy.

    The elder stateman saluted the courage of President Tinubu for taking bold step to get the economy back on track.

    He said: “The reforms that have been carried out were necessary reforms, which required great courage to carry out.

    “Past governments shield away from them because of the possible consequences, but he (Tinubu) had the courage to carry out those reforms.”

    Acknowledging some of the challenges posed by the reforms, the monarch noted that President Tinubu’s policy on the deregulation of the oil sector is now reposing confidence for local investors.

     According to him, there were things that could have been done before the reforms were initiated that might have made the negative consequences more bearable for the people.

    Falae said: “But by and large, I am of the opinion that those reforms are essential. For example, in a non-serious country, we have six exchange rates – one for investors.

    “You are making multi-millionaires who are not doing anything at all. So, to me, it is a necessity. The oil subsidy in my position had always been that there’s no reason government should participate in the fixing of prices.

    “Oil is not as very important as food because everybody eats food daily and not everybody uses petrol. You can do without using petrol for a year, but you cannot do without food for a day. And yet, government does not fix the price of food.

    “Therefore, there was no need for government, all these years, to have been fixing the price of petrol and giving subsidies so the price will not be too high so that people will not be angry.

    “So, to deregulate the oil industry is something I have been calling for, for a very long time. The reforms are absolutely necessary, but the fixing could have been done to minimise the negative effect.”

    Falae contested for President against Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.

  • Jalla lauds Tinubu on improved  funding  for sports

    Jalla lauds Tinubu on improved  funding  for sports

    • Urges gov’t  to constitute NSC  board

    Notable  sports’ activist, Prince Harrison Jalla, has applauded President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment towards sports  development , even as he described  enhanced  funding  of the sports  sector over the last two-years as  ‘top notch’.

    Jalla, Board of Trustees’ Chairman of Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), in a short statement, said the  two years of President Tinubu’s scorecard can be assessed from three perspectives namely : appointments, funding and appointments.

    He gave  President Tinubu high marks for deploying  huge sum of moneys  to the welfare of athletes  since he came on board in May 2023 .  

     “On funding, President Tinubu did excellently well,” Jalla  stated. “He is arguably the best thing to have happened to Nigerian sports in terms of funding.

    “His support for the 2024 Olympic Games in France and the Nations Cup in Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire)  attests to this fact.”

    He was however miffed  over the fact  that performances   on the pitch   has not  yet justified government’s huge funding  for sports.

    “On performance, however, Nigerian athletes, national teams, and sports administrators have not done enough to reward the President’s efforts,” he said matter-of-factly.“ We lost the Nations Cup in Ivory Coast(Cote d’Ivoire 2023),  our performance at the 2024 Olympic Games was woeful, and we are now struggling to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.”

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    While commending  the scrapping  of Ministry of Sports Development , the former Nigeria international  has urged President Tinubu  to constitute a board for the National Sports Commission in order to make its operations  constitutional.

     “President Tinubu made a wrong appointment in Senator John Enoh as Sports Minister. However, he retraced his steps after a year in office by creating the National Sports Commission (NSC) and making the right appointments  with  Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade as Chairman and Director General of the NSC respectively,” he said.

    He added: “To give legal backing to the activities of the National Sports Commission, President Tinubu must, without further delay, inaugurate the National Sports Commission Board in consonance with the National Sports Commission Establishment Act 2023.

    “The National Sports Commission remains a defective structure without a functional Board, and all its activities currently lack the force of law.”

  • Of Tinubu’s wisemen and a trillion-dollar economy

    Of Tinubu’s wisemen and a trillion-dollar economy

    Sir: Sometime in November 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared that with a focus on unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential, his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda could deliver a trillion-dollar economy within the next decade.

    In my view, this was no empty political talk. Behind the bold talk is a strategy that is gradually taking shape as the president marked his second year in office.

    Speaking recently during the inauguration of the Lekki Deep Sea Port access road, the president publicly acknowledged four business titans -Jim Ovia, Femi Otedola, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Aliko Dangote, whom he dubbed his Four Wise Men. Again, these are not casual mentions in my opinion; they represent a deliberate signalling of intent.

    If I may add, there is a fifth wise man-Tony Elumelu, whose work in entrepreneurship also aligns deeply with the president’s vision.

    Together, these individuals embody key pillars of a practical economic strategy; one that could turn a trillion-dollar ambition into reality.

    By invoking the names of Nigeria’s most influential business leaders, the president is sending a message: the government alone cannot build a trillion-dollar economy. This economic transformation will require a partnership between the state and those who have both capital and a proven track record of building enterprises that transcend our borders.

    Aliko Dangote is already reshaping Nigeria’s industrial landscape, with a refinery destined to reduce reliance on imports and stabilize the naira. Abdul Samad Rabiu, through BUA Group, is expanding production in cement and agro-industrial sectors, two vital components for infrastructure and food security. Jim Ovia and Femi Otedola bring deep expertise in banking and energy; sectors critical for financial inclusion and powering industrial growth. Tony Elumelu champions entrepreneurship – a force multiplier for Nigeria’s SMEs and start-ups.

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    By aligning with such players, the government is building what could become an informal economic council, one capable of shaping large-scale investments while fostering small business ecosystems.

    To be clear, these guys have been around. They have long been active participants in the Nigerian economy and have worked alongside previous administrations. However, there is something different about this moment. Their public willingness to engage so visibly suggests a new level of confidence. Why? I believe it is because they have observed key signals from this administration.

    The removal of the fuel subsidy, though painful, demonstrated political will and policy courage. Efforts to unify the exchange rate are gradually restoring credibility and attracting cautious interest from both foreign and domestic investors. The renewed focus on infrastructure suggests that the government is finally addressing some of the long-standing barriers to productivity. Someone had to bite the bullet, this president did.

    These reforms are tough, but they are being noticed by those who deploy capital at scale. The visible support of leading business figures reflects a growing sense of confidence in the administration’s (macro)-economic direction.

    However, while billionaires can conjure large investments, the heart of a trillion-dollar economy lies in broad-based growth. Job creation must come from both large industries and an expanding SME sector. Access to capital for small businesses is essential. Here, banks can play pivotal roles in democratizing credit. Simultaneously, digital transformation, financial inclusion, and agricultural modernization must be scaled to empower millions of Nigerians and drive productivity across the economy

    For this vision to succeed, it must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, through jobs, higher incomes, and a better quality of life.

    President Tinubu’s recent remarks provide perhaps the clearest insight yet into the contours of his economic playbook. In addition to pursuing difficult but necessary reforms, fostering a collaborative relationship with Nigeria’s leading business minds is a sound strategy. However, for this approach to bear lasting fruit, it must be accompanied by efforts to build and strengthen institutions that inspire investor confidence and uphold the rule of law. If implemented consistently, this playbook could indeed lay the foundation for a trillion-dollar economy -perhaps even sooner than a decade.

    That said, the work is just beginning. The next two years will test this administration’s resolve to move from vision to tangible action. Success will depend not just on the “wise men”, but on the ability to lift millions of Nigerians into productive economic participation. The private sector has been called to the table. Now, all eyes will be on whether government policy continues to create the (fertile) ground needed for this partnership to truly bear fruit.

    •Chiechefulam Ikebuiro,

    Chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com

  • Jigawa Councillors back Tinubu, Gov Namadi for re-election

    Jigawa Councillors back Tinubu, Gov Namadi for re-election

    Councillors across the 287 wards in the 27 local councils of Jigawa State have passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umar Namadi.

    They declared they will work for their re-election in 2027.

    The councillors during a Sallah homage to the Governor at the Dutse Government House also promised to contributes money and purchases party’s (APC) nomination form for his second-term bid in 2027.

    Speaking on behalf of the councillors, Hon. Muhammad Yakubu Ringim, representing Ringim Ward, commended the President and Namadi’s styles of leadership, describing it as a role model.

    “Everyone is convinced that your administration has recorded significant progress in all aspects of life for Jigawa citizens. Lives have been transformed, and your 12-point agenda is undoubtedly on the right path to making Jigawa great.

    “Based on your performance, we are confident that it will be easy for us to return to our people and ask for their support for your re-election in 2027.

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    “In fact, given the current political landscape, we assure you and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that we will deliver Jigawa to the APC at all levels in the 2027 elections.

    “When the time comes, we are even willing to contribute from our salaries to purchase your nomination form because we believe in your exemplary leadership,” the councillors declared.

    Namadi urged the councillors to fear Allah in discharging their responsibilities and prioritise the needs of the people in policy decisions and discussions.

    “You are closer to the people than any other elected political offices holders. I urge you to assist the people as much as possible. From our level, we will continue to support you in fulfilling your mandates,

    “We have been implementing numerous policies and programs aimed at improving the lives of people at the grassroots level. Therefore, we urge you to fully key into and support these initiatives to achieve the desired goals.” the Governor said.

  • Tinubu helping Nigeria breathe again, says Lagos lawmaker

    Tinubu helping Nigeria breathe again, says Lagos lawmaker

    Lagos lawmaker, Hon. Temitope Adewale, has said that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  administration’s efforts to reduce poverty are yielding results as economic indices point to the country’s steady growth.

    Adewale, a member of the Lagos House of Assembly, said this in a statement  by his media office on Monday after a visit to the President.

    The lawmaker, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye I at the Assembly, congratulated the President over his second-year in office adding that the government deserves commendation for working to ensure that “Nigerians heave a sigh of relief.”

    According to the lawmaker, the administration has spread projects across the 36 States of the Federation with an ultimate aim to better the lives of the citizens.

    “It was a son’s visit to his father. He remains a father I am proud to associate myself with and I can tell you that the President needs to be praised. We had very fruitful discussions and I am happy that the President is excited about the progress of the country.

    “Asiwaju is happy that the nation is improving rapidly in terms of Economic, Social, Financial and infrastructural rejuvenations.

    “What strikes me about the President is not the formality of the visit, but the simplicity of his presence. Asiwaju’s humility, warm laughter, ability to listen and speak from the heart reminds me that true leadership goes beyond titles. It’s about how you make people feel.

    “In two years, the Nigerian currency has remained stable as against the usual tension for which the foreign exchange market had been known.

    Read Also: After God, my loyalty lies with Tinubu – Umahi

    “You can see that the administration continues to tighten every noose that seemed to have made our economy porous in the past.

    “For the first time in many years, we now have refineries that are refining fuel for local consumption. Just recently, the President announced incentives to boost technical education in the country,” Adewale said.

    He argued the country was, indeed, experiencing the desired breadth compared to what the administration met on ground in 2023 with foreign direct investment falling from $2.2 billion in 2014 to $0.47 billion in 2022 amid increasing debts with servicing that almost gulped the country’s revenue.

    “The story continues to change as promised and as contained in the President’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. The governors, irrespective of party lines, now enjoy better allocations from the centre. Now, you can understand why  those in the opposition are pushing closer to the President and finding our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) more attractive.

    “President Tinubu is poised to meet the yearnings of the citizens,” Adewale added.

  • Support group to Tinubu: Lift Rivers emergency rule to mark Democracy Day

    Support group to Tinubu: Lift Rivers emergency rule to mark Democracy Day

    The Enforcers of Good Governance (EGG), a socio-political advocacy group, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to lift the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State following a period of political crisis.

    The group, even as it reaffirmed its support for the President’s 2027 reelection bid, said the lifting of the emergency would be a symbolic and practical gift to Nigerians in commemoration of June 12.

    These emerged on Monday in Port Harcourt in a communique after the expanded stakeholders meeting of the group, where it announced the launch of a nationwide grassroots sensitization campaign to mobilize support for his re-election in 2027.

    The stakeholders’ meeting had in attendance representatives from across the State, including the 23 Local Government Area Coordinators, women leaders, and student representatives from seven tertiary institutions, among others.

    In the communiqué signed by its National Convener, Dr. Kingsley Ogu, the group expressed strong alignment with what it described as the “renewed political momentum” shaping Nigeria’s path toward the next general elections.

    The group reiterated its unwavering and unalloyed support for President Tinubu, citing his bold leadership, nationalistic policies, and commitment to democratic governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “We recognize his bold leadership, nationalistic policies, and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals.

    “We are fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda and committed to mobilizing grassroots support to secure victory for President Tinubu in 2027,” the EGG affirmed.

    The Enforcers also lauded President Tinubu’s intervention in the Rivers State political impasse, describing it as “timely and statesmanlike.”

    His actions, the group said, helped restore calm and opened the door to lasting peace. 

    In the spirit of national healing, the group urged the president to consider lifting the state of emergency in Rivers as a symbolic gesture ahead of June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

    “The President’s decisive actions have helped restore calm and provided a path toward lasting peace. 

    “In light of the progress made and the ongoing reconciliatory efforts by all parties involved, we respectfully appeal to Mr. President to consider lifting the state of emergency in Rivers State. 

    “We believe that doing so would be a symbolic and practical gift to Nigerians in commemoration of June 12, our Democracy Day,”.

    Emphasizing the depth of its commitment, the group stressed that all its members are registered voters who have pledged their full support for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

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    “This gathering signals our readiness to deliver widespread grassroots support. Each Enforcer is a committed mobilizer and voice for progress in their respective communities,” the group said.

    As part of its 2027 strategy, the EGG announced the rollout of a nationwide door-to-door sensitization campaign aimed at galvanizing support for President Tinubu’s administration and raising awareness of its achievements.

    The campaign, according to the communiqué, seeks to promote civic engagement and national unity ahead of the polls.

    “Our goal is to bring the message of good governance and national unity directly to the people, one household at a time. 

    “We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society groups, and political stakeholders to join us in this mission to safeguard our democracy and build a more prosperous nation,” the group added

    Pledging its continued loyalty to the Tinubu administration, the EGG vowed to remain at the forefront of political advocacy leading to the 2027 elections.