The Nation Newspaper

Tag: tinubu

How Tinubu’s mechanisation programme will boost food security

In this report, Assistant Editor Nduka Chiejina, examines the prospects and potentials of the President Bola Tinubu’s agriculture mechanisation in the nation’s quest for food security

Indeed, for many who have been involved across the agriculture value chain, the received wisdom out there is that mechanised agriculture remains the game changer because a hoe in the 21st century is not a tool, but a symptom of a system in need of reform.

Little wonder the President Bola Tinubu administration is demonstrating its grasp of this truth through a major intervention in the agricultural sector. It is breathing new life into the sector through a revitalised policy focus designed to expedite modernisation, efficiency and productivity.

A prime example of this new approach is the Federal Government’s ongoing procurement of thousands of tractors projected to reshape the landscape of Nigerian agriculture. To improve the country’s low agricultural mechanisation rate, the administration plans to introduce 32,500 tractors and other equipment, including 10,000 John Deere tractors, over the next five years. This phased approach reflects the government’s commitment to long-term planning and sustainable development, with each milestone bringing Nigeria closer to its agricultural goals.

Enter National Agricultural Development Fund

As part of this expansive initiative, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) in January announced an agreement with Agcoms International Trading Limited, a dealer of John Deere, for the supply of 2,000 units of mechanised equipment. The $70 million contract includes tractors, combine harvesters, and other implements such as ploughs, planters, and trailers – all of which will be assembled locally to foster skills transfer, job creation, and sustainability.

The purchase, which is included by the administration among the 40 milestones within its first two years in office, was first announced during Mr. President’s Independence Day 2024 speech. “We are playing our part by supplying fertilizer and making tractors and other farm equipment available. Last week, the Federal Executive Council approved establishing a local assembly plant for 2000 John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, disc riders, bottom ploughs and other farm equipment,” the President said.

What experts are saying

Experts estimate that Nigeria needs approximately 300,000 tractors to unlock the full potential of its 34 million hectares of arable land. With only about 17,000 tractors currently in use, the country faces a significant shortfall, making the anticipated arrival of new machinery a critical step toward bridging this gap.

The current mechanisation rate translates to about 0.27 tractors per 1,000 hectares, significantly below the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) recommended minimum of 1.5 tractors per 1,000 hectares.

The 2000 tractors will make a real difference. They will expand cultivable land, increase crop yield and reduce post-harvest losses. The tractors will also deliver economic benefits to farmers and create much needed jobs in a sector in which poverty is still a significant factor. Overall, mechanisation will ensure timely harvesting and efficient processing, reducing post-harvest losses, which currently account for 20–40% of annual yields due to manual harvesting and inadequate storage. Bottom line: more food for consumption and export, produced more efficiently and sustainably.

Mechanisation as game-changer

Mechanisation is a proven game-changer, and countries that have embraced it with focus and commitment are reaping the rewards. One such example is India, a fellow developing nation that has demonstrated what is possible when bold policy meets strategic execution.

Like Nigeria, India is a large, populous nation with millions of smallholder farmers. Yet, it has successfully transformed its agricultural sector by becoming the world’s largest producer and consumer of tractors. Key to this success is the Indian government’s Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), which provides targeted subsidies and promotes local manufacturing of equipment. With a tractor density of about 13 tractors per 1,000 hectares, compared to Nigeria’s estimated 0.5, India has shown how consistent policy support, domestic assembly, and the establishment of farm equipment rental services can drive transformation. Nigeria’s planned John Deere assembly plant and phased tractor rollout mirror some of India’s strategies and could, if sustained, position the country for a similar leap in productivity and food security.

The agricultural community in Nigeria is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the John Deere tractors, recognising their crucial role in modern farming. Once delivered, the equipment is expected to help farmers transition from subsistence-level operations to large-scale commercial agriculture – boosting food production, enhancing food security, boosting farmers’ incomes, and driving growth in Nigeria’s GDP.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony held in January 2025, at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja, Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of NADF, highlighted the significance of the initiative. “The John Deere tractors will play a critical role in achieving the government’s mechanisation goals under President Tinubu’s vision for a diversified economy. This effort will transform the agricultural sector, making it a more viable and productive driver of national development,” he said.

The Federal Executive Council approved the program in October 2024, setting the stage for intensive negotiations with John Deere and consultations with key stakeholders, both local and international. The process has been carefully designed to address potential challenges, ensuring the smooth delivery and distribution of the tractors to farmers across the country.

A key feature of the initiative is the establishment of an assembly plant in Abuja, a location chosen for its central position relative to all regions of the country. This facility will not only support the assembly and distribution of the tractors but also serve as a training ground for Nigerian youth, equipping them with the skills needed to maintain and operate the machinery. The assembly plant underscores the program’s focus on sustainability and capacity building, ensuring that the benefits of mechanisation extend beyond immediate agricultural gains.

Technology adoption and transfer

Engr. Chijioke Okoli, Country Director of Agcoms, emphasised the long-term impact of this development. “The assembly plant is not just about putting machines together—it’s about building capacity. Young Nigerians will have the opportunity to learn the technology behind these tractors, ensuring they deliver reliable performance for decades. This initiative is about laying the foundation for a more self-reliant agricultural sector,” he said.

Agcoms’ role in this programme marks a significant milestone, positioning it as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. Their collaboration with John Deere and NADF highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in driving national development. By leveraging their expertise and global networks, Agcoms is helping to deliver a programme that promises to redefine the country’s agricultural landscape.

At its core, this initiative is about more than just machines—it is about empowering farmers, creating jobs, and fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance in the agricultural sector. By addressing the challenges of outdated practices and limited mechanisation, the programme aims to unlock the full potential of Nigerian agriculture, contributing to food security, economic growth, and rural development.

For Agcoms, this partnership represents an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and commitment to national progress. Their role in delivering and supporting the John Deere tractors highlights the vital contribution of private sector actors in achieving government-led development initiatives. By combining global expertise with local knowledge, Agcoms is helping to pave the way for a brighter future for Nigeria’s farmers.

As the tractors prepare to arrive and the assembly plant takes shape, optimism is building within the agricultural community. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, visionary leadership, and the shared commitment to building a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria. With mechanisation at the heart of this transformation, the stage is set for a new era in Nigerian agriculture – one defined by progress, productivity, and opportunity for all.

Read Also: Five budget-friendly Android phones under ₦100,000 in Nigeria

The real impact of this ambitious initiative will not be measured by the number of tractors in the country alone, but by the transformation they yield in the lives of farmers, and the productivity of our fields. In the right hands, supported by the right policies, agricultural mechanization is a powerful lever for change. And reassuringly, the Tinubu administration is not treating this as a one-off intervention, but as part of a broader, coherent strategy to reposition agriculture as a pillar of national prosperity.

Synergy of cooperation by partners

With strong inter-agency coordination, private sector partnerships, and a commitment to local assembly and skills development, the foundation is being laid not just for increased production, but for a more modern and self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem. The agricultural mechanisation drive stands out as a flagship of what is possible when vision is backed by structured execution. The success of this initiative will undoubtedly be a major milestone of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

If the current momentum is sustained, the tractors now being procured will do more than break ground. They will help cultivate a new chapter of inclusive growth, rural revitalisation, and food security. In their hum and motion, they will signal a sector no longer stuck in the past, but moving, decisively, toward the future.

But success will depend not only on machines and materials, but on continuity and courage – continuity in funding, implementation, and maintenance; courage to withstand the inevitable headwinds and to stay the course. Mechanisation is not a magic wand, but a proven pathway. To realise its promise, the entire ecosystem—from policy to practice – must be aligned. Extension services, finance for smallholders, rural infrastructure, and timely inputs must also move in tandem. In this regard, the presence of a high-level, strategic anchor—driven from the Presidency and supported by capable technocrats – is both encouraging and necessary.

There is reason to believe that the pieces are falling into place. What we are seeing is not a flash of activity but the roll-out of a vision. If followed through, this could become one of the defining success stories of the Tinubu era – one that reshaped how Nigeria feeds itself, creates rural jobs, and reclaims its place in regional and global agricultural trade. The John Deere tractors may be the headline, but the true story is about national renewal, fueled by machines, but driven by will.

June 8, 2025
Tinubu in support of LG autonomy – Senator Karimi

The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Karimi on Friday declared that President Ahmed Tinubu was in support of Local Government Autonomy.

The Senator said the Supreme Court suit on the Local Government Autonomy was originally instituted by President Tinubu to grant freedom to the local governments and ” free people from slavery”.

The Senator made the declaration at a media parley in Lokoja.

He said he was in support of President Tinubu’ s moves to ensure autonomy for local government governments, adding that the leadership of the senate and that of Federal House of Representatives were also in support.

Read Also: Nigeria’s deliverance will not come from Aso Rock, Archbishop Bassey declares

His words: “It may interest you to know that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu through the Attorney General of the Federation instituted the Supreme court suit on the local government autonomy.

“President Tinubu wants Autonomy for the local governments to ensure that people are saved from slavery. So, why won’t I support him.

“The senate leadership as well as that of the Federal House of Representatives are also in support of the local government autonomy. There is also the need for clarification that nobody has the power to override the Supreme Court ruling on the local government autonomy.”

Senator Karimi also discussed several other issues concerning Kogi State with journalists .

He declared that his conviction that he would one day account to God his activities when on earth, has been his guiding principle.

He maintained that he had done his best in representing the state at the senate as much as legislation was concerned.

He cited bills and motions he had actively initiated or actively taken part in to back up his claim.

June 8, 2025
Tinubu, Kalu, Mbah mourn music legend Ejeagha

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and admirers of legendary highlife musician and folklorist Mike Ejeagha, who passed away on Friday at the age of 95.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga , President Tinubu paid tribute to Ejeagha’s towering influence on Nigerian music and cultural heritage, describing him as “one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.”

The President hailed Ejeagha’s distinctive storytelling through music as a cultural treasure, noting his role in preserving and promoting Igbo traditions across generations.

“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” President Tinubu stated.

The President also lauded the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for honouring the late icon during his lifetime, emphasizing the importance of recognizing cultural custodians while they are still with us.

President Tinubu concluded his tribute with prayers for divine comfort to all who mourn Ejeagha’s passing and for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Mike Ejeagha, affectionately known as “Gentleman,” was a pioneering figure in the highlife genre and a revered custodian of Igbo oral tradition, whose musical legacy spanned over six decades.

His compositions, rich with proverbial wisdom and moral instruction, earned him a beloved place in the hearts of many Nigerians.

In a related development, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has expressed sadness over the passing of the music impresario.

Read Also: Nigeria’s deliverance will not come from Aso Rock, Archbishop Bassey declares

In a condolence message, Kalu described Ejeagha as a national treasure, noting that through his music, he projected and preserved Igbo culture and customs.

He extended his condolences to the Ejeagha family, praying to God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Kalu said, “Gentle Mike as he was fondly called, was more than an entertainer, he was a storyteller, a custodian of our heritage, and a figure whose voice carried the soul of our people.

“With creativity and warmth, he transformed indigenous folktales into timeless melodies that transcended generations and borders. His loss is a monumental one, not just for Ndi Igbo but the entire nation.

“His legacy in the Nigerian music scene and love for our culture will surely be remembered by generations to come. I extend my deepest condolences to the Ejeagha family, may God grant them strength and comfort as they navigate this difficult time of grief.”

Also Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has expressed deep grief over the death of the music icon.

Mbah described Ejeagha as an unassuming and easygoing personality, whose fanbase spread across international boundaries.

Recall that the news of the passing on of the ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ crooner at age 95 filtered into public space Friday evening.

June 8, 2025
Phantom opposition and its discontents

Averting elite suicide in Nigeria

Two years into the Tinubu administration, the political society remains deeply polarized and bitterly divided. Some sections of the political class are still nursing the wounds of the last elections. Yet it is incontrovertible that before the current administration took over the reins of power, the country was on the verge of economic disintegration. All the indices were pointing towards a catastrophic collapse. But even if we ignore the countermanding chorus of hysterical supporters and hostile disapproval, not even Tinubu’s most virulent critic can deny the obvious fact. From his eclectic toolbox of orthodox and unconventional economic placebos sometimes so mutually exclusive and countervailing that they are supposed to cancel out each other, the president might have found the formula to stave off catastrophic economic collapse such as happened in Venezuela after the revolt against the ancient master-class, a development which sent millions of Venezuelans heading for the Colombian border or the apocalyptic fiscal meltdown that overtook Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe after the old Shona wizard went to work on the buoyant economy the colonial masters left behind.

It is a classic study in the management of mismanagement, and we must thank God for little mercies. Three generations down the line, Zimbabweans are still feeling the pains and pangs of the ruinous economic policies of their founding father. Only the discipline and resilience of a proud people and the bitter conundrum of having to fight to liberate themselves from their old liberator kept the nation together. It could have been worse. After the harsh and unforgiving Treaty of Versailles, the collapse of the German currency led to the collapse of the Weimar Republic and opened the door to Hitler and the Third Reich and the nunc dimittis of the extant world order. But Germany is an organic country with its disparate sub-tribes and warring principalities forcibly welded together through “blood, sweat and tears” by Von Bismarck, the Iron Chancellor.

   After two million souls have been lost to a civil war which failed to resolve the fundamental question, Nigeria is struggling to remain a single unified entity. If we are to witness the kind of economic meltdown occasioning a total currency collapse, the tenuous cord binding the entity together might snap irretrievably. The Tinubu economic programme with its “shock and awe” tactics reminiscent of an economic pacification of an already brutalized society is far from perfect. It has led to a fiscal distress for the most vulnerable sectors of the society, further polarization of the political elite and a rapidly expanding multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multipurpose underclass ready to do anything to stay afloat or to upend the entire system accordingly. The tragedy and bane of the current conjuncture of post-military rule in Nigeria is the dearth of coherent paradigms of alternative economic development and political pathway beyond ethnic sabre rattling and outworn shibboleths. If we can avoid a catastrophic currency collapse and ramp up local production which adds value to the export of raw materials while the government continues the tinkering with economic fundamentals, there may still be a lot to play for.

Virtually all those shouting themselves hoarse while angling to replace the Tinubu administration are tired and jinxed political jobbers who cannot come up with a single productive idea. Without any sense of irony, some of them even ape and regurgitate Tinubu’s economic policies or their main planks. When a major opposition figure rents a thirty million hall to celebrate his birthday and all he could come up with were shouts of hunger, you begin to wonder whether Kafka’s celebrated hunger artist is on a visitation to Nigeria. If this is the stuff the opposition is made of, what may be the staring the nation in the face is not a one-party system but the possibility of an all-party meltdown leading to elite suicide in all its dire consequences. It is this possibility that we must fear most and the story that follows should be quite illustrative of that possibility.

Read Also: No fight between Ooni and I, says Alaafin

In 2017 or thereabout, yours sincerely and one or two others accompanied Lieutenant General Ipoola Alani Akinrinade, the respected and influential former Chief of Defence Staff, to Bayelsa State to deliver a lecture on restructuring and the National Question. It was a golden opportunity to visit the old province which was part of the old Western Region ruled by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. That was in the magical days of regional governments and competitive federalism. There was no viable airport in Yenagoa at that point in time, so we had to undertake the journey, first by air to Port-Harcourt and then by road to Yenagoa. Before flying out, the famed warrior and celebrated military strategist had informed one that the aircraft was going to be a one-engine fixed propeller plane, a revelation which froze the spine.

   As the plane dipped and banked perilously through the enveloping clouds on takeoff before leveraging into the clear blue sky, the general reassured that he had been through more precarious and dicey flights during the civil war. Reminding him that you were not enlisted as a soldier was a waste of time. Luckily after about an hour, the aircraft, after a steep descent, bumped on the runway and gamboled to a halt without any further trepidation. Our host this clear calm morning, the then governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Dickson Seriake, was already waiting for us in his office with his Deputy Chief of Staff, a Ms Ndiomu. Seriake, who traces his remote ancestry to an Ijebu woman named Bola, was as courteous, polite and welcoming in the best tradition of native Nigerian hospitality. After official formalities including a welcome address by the governor, we were rushed through breakfast joined by two notable Yoruba Nation activists who had materialized from an inner room. They were on a different mission.

The lecture hall was filled to the brim despite the tight security. It was a distinguished crowd that came to hear out the general as he pronounced passionately and with cerebral gusto about the desirability and inevitability of a major structural reconfiguration in a country wracked by ethnic, religious and cultural schisms. His global references were apt and his conclusions sharp and point-device. The audience listened with rapt attention. It was obvious that this was an issue very dear to the people of Bayelsa and the attendance cut across the partisan lines of party, creed and credo. Among them were top traditional rulers, notable politicians, retired military brass-hats and high-octane clergy. At the end of it all, the general got a standing ovation which lasted for about five minutes. The governor concluded events with a rousing speech which was a tour de force of hope and optimism for Nigeria.

In the intervening years, Henry Dickson Seriake has transited from the gubernatorial mansion in sleepy Yenagoa to the senatorial coliseum in Abuja. Last week, the hefty, imposing law maker with the embonpoint of a retired American heavyweight bruiser made a dramatic entry into the palatial venue hosting the sixtieth birthday anniversary of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the former speaker of the Rivers State of House of Assembly, former governor of the same state and former Minister of Transportation in the underwhelming Buhari government. His intervention was no less dramatic and explosive. Bearing down on the august crowd which bristled with luminaries of state incapacitation and stars of national eclipse who were gathered in stiff opposition and conspiracy against the Tinubu regime, Seriake reminded them that that was exactly what some of them did about eleven years earlier with baleful consequences for the nation. He dismissed them as masters of perpetual conspiracies to unseat sitting governments but who lack the requisite skills, the political capacity and the mental magnitude to rule a vast and complex country.

It was a damning verdict on the phantom state of opposition in the country and the unenviable circumstances in which multi-party democracy has found itself in Nigeria. One or two of them was even regurgitating wholesale Tinubu’s subsidy removal regimen and deregulation package. Seriake’s Facebook wall page filled with admiring endorsements with one hailing him as the lion of the creeks but one sly sourpuss dismissing it as a gambit for the vice-presidential slot in a coming configuration. Meanwhile, the seminal contribution of the celebrant himself was to proclaim that he was hungry like everyone else, a clear case of post traumatic stomach disorder. If this is all the putative opposition against the Tinubu administration could muster, the leading lights of the regime can as well go to sleep with their two eyes firmly shut.

   But here lies the problem. The vulgarization of politics and the demise of a viable and functioning opposition bode ill for the entire nation. With discomfort slowly taking a firm grip and acute poverty spreading even if it is only temporary, the vulgarization of politics and the negation of its most sacred and noble ideals could push the masses and the vastly proliferating underclass in the direction of a revolt against politics and a ruinous de-marketing of liberal democracy itself. If that were to be the case, what is tugging at the undertow of the nation is not the prospect of a one-party state or all-party meltdown but the possibility of elite suicide in postcolonial Nigeria.

   As it is, Nigeria is prey to two major forces of destabilization. Both appear to be aided by significant sections of the elite bent on bringing the state to its knees. On the one hand are the shadowy activities of an ancient superpower which believes it could topple the nation into radical chaos and anarchy through massive propaganda and the relentless insinuation of AI generated pictures of paradise and el Dorado from a military-run, poverty-wracked landlocked African country. The other group consists of resurgent Islamic groups already operating within the confines of the nation bent on turning it into a fifteenth century medieval tyranny. Calls to arms are sprouting every day.

To spring the trap laid by these groups of enemy nationals, government must come to terms with some sobering realities. First, elite pacification is not the same thing as elite consensus. While elite consensus is a product of strenuous but free negotiations, conciliations and concessions, which conduce to national harmony and cohesion, elite pacification is often superintended by economic coercion and political cajolery leading to abiding resentments and hidden animosities which could find temporary truce in a one-party state but which is bound to erupt in open treachery in the nearest future. Second, government must improve on its political capacity building through open forums, interactive sessions with various stakeholders and brainstorming retreats with critical sectors rather than shadowy consultations and confraternity-like communing which sow the seed of doubt, distrust and discord in the wider populace and which revives echoes of an Ottoman presidency. Balancing the competing and often conflicting claims of various elite groups without harmonized values makes effective governance very difficult if not impossible. Despite all these, the balance of momentum and the possibility of critical success still lie with the former senator from Lagos who has many things going for him. The game changer may yet be his pluck, courage and capacity to change direction once it is obvious that he has taken a wrong turn.

June 8, 2025
The road to inclusivity and the call to owning Nigeria

The just-concluded week offered another poignant window into the style, substance, and symbolism that define President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. While the week began with a relatively quiet spell — as the President spent time in Lagos in the lead-up to the Eid-el-Kabir festivities — its close was anything but muted. From his robust defence and detailed exposition of one of his administration’s boldest infrastructure undertakings — the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway — to his deeply human call for prayers for the Nigerian Armed Forces during the Eid celebrations, Tinubu once again demonstrated a governing philosophy grounded in national inclusion and patriotic consciousness.

These twin moments — the infrastructure explanation and the Eid message — may appear disjointed at first glance. But they are united by a common theme: the burden of leadership borne with a vision for unity, and a deliberate effort to enlist every Nigerian as a stakeholder in the nation’s development journey.

At the heart of Tinubu’s public remarks during the commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road was a forceful defence of his legacy projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a legacy infrastructure project that has, until now, flown under the radar compared to its more publicised cousin, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

With calm but firm articulation, President Tinubu dismantled the narratives spun by critics who had either misunderstood the scale and structure of these mega projects or, more cynically, chose to sow confusion for political gain. “Let them pay a toll if they think the road is too expensive,” he said, with a touch of humour that thinly veiled a deeper truth — nation-building cannot be done on the cheap, and progress must not be stalled by misinformation.

But beyond defending procurement frameworks and construction logistics, Tinubu used the opportunity to offer a compelling picture of the Sokoto-Badagry corridor — one that radiates economic potential, social inclusion, and national integration. Spanning seven states across Nigeria’s northwestern and southwestern flanks, the 1,068-kilometre six-lane superhighway is more than an asphalt ribbon connecting Sokoto to Badagry. It is a deliberate act of geographical justice — linking farmlands to ports, rural outposts to urban centres, and forgotten communities to federal infrastructure.

This is not merely a road; it is a declaration that no part of Nigeria will be left behind. Tinubu noted that over 10 kilometres of the project’s Kebbi stretch have already been completed, and similar milestones are being achieved in Sokoto. The phased structure of the work — each section awarded with clear procurement transparency — reflects a leadership style that prioritizes both vision and accountability.

And what a vision it is: a highway that connects over 58 dams, energizes commercial agriculture, integrates trade with West African neighbours, and even harnesses potential for renewable wind energy. These aren’t pipe dreams — they are blueprints actively being realised. By reviving a project first conceived under the Shehu Shagari administration nearly 50 years ago, Tinubu is demonstrating that legacy is not just about initiating new ideas, but also about fulfilling deferred dreams with modern urgency.

As the President turned from the bricks and mortar of road-building to the spiritual reflections of Eid-el-Kabir, another layer of his leadership came to the fore. On Friday, during his Sallah message and again after prayers at Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu did what few political leaders consistently manage — he centered the nation’s attention not on himself, but on those who stand daily in harm’s way to protect the country.

His call for prayers for the armed forces was more than ceremonial; it was deeply empathetic. He reminded Nigerians that while many of us were celebrating with family and enjoying the comfort of our homes, there are men and women in uniform — some nameless, many young — braving terrorist enclaves and bandit-infested zones so that others may sleep safely. “We must pray for them specifically,” he said. “They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face today.”

This statement, simple as it was, revealed a profound understanding of leadership as stewardship. In echoing the idea that national security is not the responsibility of soldiers alone but a shared civic obligation, Tinubu subtly reframed prayer as a form of democratic participation. If Nigerians can be urged to pray for the country’s protectors, they are being asked — quietly but firmly — to take emotional ownership of the country’s peace, security, and unity.

It is a strategic form of nationalism, couched in the moral grammar of faith. And it works. The call to prayer is not just religious; it is psychological — anchoring every Nigerian to the idea that our collective wellbeing is interconnected, and that our differences must not dilute our shared destiny.

Both the infrastructural advocacy and the spiritual exhortation reflect what is increasingly becoming the signature of President Tinubu’s administration: intentional inclusion. He is building with vision and governing with empathy.

Read Also: No fight between Ooni and I, says Alaafin

Critics who try to paint his administration as favouring certain regions were firmly rebuffed in his remarks. “We are not nepotic,” the President emphasized. “We are inclusive.” It was not just rhetoric — it was backed with geographical data, progress reports, and state-by-state milestones. The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway is not in the South; it is not in the North; it is across Nigeria. Its benefits will be harvested by truck drivers and traders, farmers and exporters, mothers and students — from Illela in Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos.

This sense of shared benefit is critical in a country where regional marginalisation — real or perceived — has often been the root of resentment. Tinubu’s administration appears aware of this history and is attempting to write a new one — one kilometre at a time.

Similarly, his Sallah message was devoid of ethnic or religious lines. He spoke as Commander-in-Chief, but also as a father of the nation. His call for compassion toward the vulnerable, for unity among citizens, and for remembrance of sacrifice, was the voice of a leader who sees Nigeria not as a battleground of factions but as a family of faiths and hopes.

President Tinubu’s week may have started quietly in Lagos, but it crescendoed with clarity, purpose, and humanity. He defended the integrity of his legacy projects with data and transparency. He cast infrastructure not just as a physical endeavour but as a moral duty to connect people. And in urging prayers for the armed forces, he pulled every Nigerian into the sacred enterprise of nation-building.

Infrastructure alone does not make a great nation. But when it is backed by inclusion, transparency, and a leader who calls not just for contracts but for prayers — then you begin to see the architecture of something truly lasting.

A Week of Diplomacy, Recognition, and Reunion in Lagos

Besides the very significant events of Thursday and Friday was the flurry of activity on Tuesday. The most remarkable of the Tuesday engagements was the conferment of one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), on American billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates. The brief but high-profile ceremony took place at the President’s private Ikoyi residence, underscoring both the personal importance of the event and the diplomatic message behind it.

In Tinubu’s words, the recognition was not merely ceremonial. It was rooted in decades of Gates’ contributions to public health, education, digital innovation, and agricultural development in Nigeria and across Africa. “Bill Gates’ contributions have saved millions through the Gates Foundation and many such initiatives, uplifted communities, and inspired global action,” Tinubu wrote via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

The honour symbolised a deepening of ties between Nigeria and philanthropic international networks, but it also spoke volumes about Tinubu’s vision: a Nigeria that is open for partnership, innovation, and global cooperation. In a world increasingly shaped by digital and biotech revolutions, honouring a figure like Gates is a signal of where Nigeria wants to position itself.

Yet, as powerful as that moment was, it was not the only political theatre staged at the President’s Ikoyi residence that Tuesday.

In a move that caught many by surprise, Tinubu also hosted the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his elder brother and respected industrialist Chief Adedeji Adeleke, and the globally celebrated Afrobeats star David Adeleke, better known as Davido. The optics were rich in political symbolism and cultural unity.

Governor Adeleke, a PDP governor, has often been seen as occupying a different political space from Tinubu. Yet, in Lagos, they shared smiles, handshakes, and conversation, signaling the President’s ongoing efforts at national reconciliation and inclusive governance. In Chief Adeleke, Tinubu acknowledged the role of private enterprise in Nigeria’s development. And with Davido, he recognized the role of culture and soft power — a sector in which Nigeria now stands as an undisputed global leader.

That same Tuesday, Tinubu also met with Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, a man currently suspended amid a state of emergency in the oil-rich region. Although the details of the conversation remain undisclosed, the timing of the meeting — held amidst a charged political atmosphere in Rivers — suggested behind-the-scenes efforts to restore calm and constitutional order.

Earlier in the week, on Monday, the President had offered warm congratulations to Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Limited, who turned 60. Tinubu described Ojulari as an “accomplished energy professional” whose leadership is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security. This tribute was more than personal; it was a quiet reaffirmation of Tinubu’s focus on stabilizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Midweek, the President celebrated another icon, Chief Oyin Jolayemi, a distinguished industrialist who clocked 85. In his message, Tinubu lauded Jolayemi’s “grass-to-grace” journey, calling his life a reflection of resilience and hard work. On the same day, he welcomed Pastor Tunde Bakare, who came bearing what was described as a “message of national vision.” Such meetings, steeped in thought leadership and spiritual foresight, point to Tinubu’s ongoing attempt to harmonize moral authority with political leadership.

By Thursday, the mood turned reflective. The President mourned the passing of Professor Jibril Aminu, a former Minister of Education and one of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen. He paid tribute to Aminu’s “erudition and brilliance,” describing his career as one that brought intellectual gravitas to the corridors of power.

And on Friday, the President extended his condolences on the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Lawal Uwais, calling him a “phenomenal jurist and statesman.” Tinubu praised the late Justice for serving the nation with “honour, courage, and exceptional integrity.”

The week, in sum, was a blend of solemnity, celebration, diplomacy, and subtle political signaling. From his use of infrastructure to unite further to his aim at strengthening security, the global recognition of Gates to the local optics of hosting governors and artistes, and from honouring the departed, President Tinubu once again demonstrated the art of governing by gesture — where every meeting, every message, and every handshake carries a layered meaning. In Lagos, last week, it was diplomacy with a distinctly Nigerian touch.

June 8, 2025
Two Years of President Tinubu: Two stories behind the positive numbers
- By Tunde Rahman
Economists and commentators have written and said much about the positive trajectory and indicators signposting Nigeria’s economic growth. These indicators indicate that the reforms embarked upon by President Bola Tinubu since assuming office two years ago have begun to engender successful outcomes. The reforms are paving the way for economic recovery. The facts are self-evident and they speak for themselves too.

According to a World Bank report, the GDP grew 3.4% in 2024, the highest in a decade. Inflation is tumbling and is currently at 23.7%. The government is meeting its debt obligations. After the Central Bank of Nigeria cleared the forex backlog amounting to $10 billion, the debt-service-to-revenue ratio fell from around 100% to below 60%. Foreign reserves, which instill confidence in investors to come in and exit with their profits as they wish, now stand at $38 billion.

Just as remarkable is how national revenues have increased exponentially, resulting in unprecedented increases in allocation to sub-nationals. Such growth has been a significant shot in the arm, giving them the much-needed fiscal impetus to fund projects and cater to the welfare of their people. The increased revenue also helps partly finance key infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway. Last week, President Tinubu inaugurated the completed Phase 1, Section 1 (30km by six lanes) of the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

These strides have been phenomenal. But there is more work for the government to do. The administration also has a few challenges to tackle. The macroeconomic gains highlight the need to impact microeconomics. The positive economic statistics must impact the living standards of the most significant number of our people. They must affect their living standards, especially the cost of essential goods and services. The government needs to reduce unemployment significantly, just as it needs to make the country much safer.

However, as I have often argued, President Tinubu’s achievements in two years are not mere happenstance. They did not come by wishful thinking. They result from a bold vision outlined in his Renewed Hope Agenda, uncommon courage, and unrelenting hard work.

This piece explores just two stories that speak to the courage, audacity and determination of President Tinubu to do things differently. The first happened a day before President Tinubu’s trip to Rome, Italy, on May 17, 2025, for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. Invited by the new Pope, the President’s decision to attend the event, accompanied by Catholic bishops, was remarkable in the context of the President’s religion and that of his vice-president. In the build-up to the 2023 election, the opposition claimed the two leaders would turn the country into an Islamic state. That did not happen. Instead, they are running an administration that is blind to religion. Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other religious leanings get their dues.

Read Also: Fire guts hotel with over 480 Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca

I was at the residence to see the President around 2 pm just after he had performed the diplomatic ceremony of receiving letters of credence from some ambassadors. From that period, he was in his home office, working on files and receiving governors, top government functionaries and other guests who had visited till around 11 pm. Those who visited included Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi(SAN), Minister of Solid Minerals Development Mr. Dele Alake, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State governor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, as well as top businessmen including Alhaji Samad Rabiu of BUA Group. In that long period, the only other thing that went into that office was his lunch. It’s not an isolated pattern. The fact deducible from all this is a bewildering work ethic. President Tinubu works unusually long hours. He devotes virtually all his time to the Nigerian project. So, his success is a product of hard work.

His uncommon courage and audacity are well known. His policy options, particularly removing the unsustainable subsidies on fuel and forex, were things leaders before him found appropriate and desirable if the country must move forward but lacked the courage to implement. Fuel subsidies were corruption-laden, while the multifarious foreign exchange windows incentivised arbitrage. For instance, between January and June 2023, fuel subsidies alone gulped N3 trillion, and the bulk went into the pockets of the oil cabal.

An important subtext of this story could be glimpsed from Mr. President’s response when I asked him about the influx of governors, lawmakers, and top chieftains of other parties into the All Progressives Congress. He replied: “Yes, they are coming because they have seen the success of our policies. The economy has virtually rebounded, and the country has turned the corner. Do you think they would defect to our party if I’m not doing well, and the policies have turned awry?”

President Tinubu hardly allows any opportunity to bask in well-earned moments of glory to elude him. He often says, “I have a bragging right here. It is my turn to brag over this.”

The President is, however, not unmindful of the fact that the macroeconomic gains achieved by his administration thus far have not fully impacted the streets and pockets of our people. He has also spoken of this. At the inauguration of Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road referenced earlier, President Tinubu appealed to Nigerians to be patient with him.

“I know your expectations are still very high at this stage, and our people are still going through difficult times. I take this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians that hope is here, and it is realisable,” he said, adding: “You would be proud of the benefits; there is light at the end of the tunnel. Inflation is coming down; we have eliminated the corruption in the exchange rate; the corruption in fuel subsidy is now limited to the barest minimum. It is all for you, the people; we are reducing the cost of manufacturing and encouraging manufacturing locally. We give all incentives for everyone to abide by the principle. May God bless our country; may God bless Lagos State and keep our fighting soldiers safe,” he said.

-Rahman is a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Special Duties.
June 8, 2025
Dafinone rallies support for Tinubu, hails Oborevwori’s defection to APC

In a powerful show of party unity and political realignment, Senator Ede Dafinone( Delta Central) has called on Deltans and Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, assuring that the nation will begin to reap the benefits of the president’s bold economic reforms before the year runs out.

Speaking at a high-level APC stakeholders’ unity meeting in Jesse, Ethiope West LGA, Dafinone lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other Delta PDP leaders for their recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as “strategic and timely” for the future of Delta State.

“The alignment with the APC-led Federal Government is not just political — it’s developmental. It will fast-track federal appointments, projects, and resources to our people,” Dafinone declared. “This is not about winners and losers; we are all winners for Delta State.”

Addressing fears over the ongoing APC e-registration exercise, the Senator dismissed rumours that it was designed to sideline existing members. “That’s a wicked lie,” he said. “This registration is open to everyone — from the PDP, new entrants, and even APC members who haven’t registered before. In the new APC, everyone is equal.”

He emphasised that the unity between Ethiope East and West must be driven by collaboration, not competition. “This is a new APC — one without divisions. Everybody matters. From the grassroots to the top, our goal is collective progress.”

Read Also: Five budget-friendly Android phones under ₦100,000 in Nigeria

Dafinone also praised President Tinubu for taking bold but necessary economic steps, especially on fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate reform.

“Yes, the times have been tough,” he admitted. “But the reward for those hard decisions is near. Prosperity is coming — not just for Nigeria, but for Delta State and the Ethiope region.”

He ended his remarks with a pledge of continued service, noting, “When the time comes, I’ll return to ask for your support again. If I’ve served well, you’ll back me for the second half — just like football.”

Also speaking at the event, political leader Senator Ighoyota Amori assured the party faithful of a smooth and united transition to the 2027 elections.

“In 2027, we’ll have a record-free primary and enter the elections as one Ethiope. Judging by the calibre of people here today, we’re set to deliver 100%.”

Party chieftain Emmanuel Ighomena echoed the same sentiment, declaring, “This is a new dawn in Delta politics. We once walked separate paths, but now we are one. 2027 will be our best election yet.”

He urged long-time opposition members to seize the opportunity and remain within the APC. “They’ve been in opposition for over 20 years. Now that power is in their hands, they want to walk away? Stay, and develop your communities under His Excellency’s leadership,” he advised.

Earlier, Chief Anthony Akpomiemie, Chairman of the Organising Committee, welcomed guests with a rallying message of unity and responsibility. “This gathering is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the ideals of APC. It’s a strategic step to strengthen our bonds across Ethiope East and West, and position our federal constituency for a prosperous future,” he stated.

The event was graced by key party figures including Chief Sunny Onoriode, Hon. Arthur Akpowhowo, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, and Rt. Hon. Halims Agoda—all of whom echoed the call for unity within the party. “The time for division is over. We must come together and build a cohesive APC that reflects our shared aspirations,” Chief Amori stressed.

Hon. Halims Agoda, a former House of Representatives member, moved a motion for a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori. “They have shown exemplary leadership. Our confidence in them is not just emotional—it’s based on tangible governance,” he stated. The motion was seconded by Hon. Barr. Akpodiogaga Sunny Emeyese received unanimous approval.

The unity meeting also served as a platform to dispel misconceptions and reassure grassroots supporters of the party’s inclusiveness. “There are no winners and losers in the new APC,” Dafinone concluded. “We are all in this together—for the prosperity of Delta, Ethiope Federal Constituency, and Nigeria as a whole.”

June 7, 2025
Tinubu mourns boxing legend, Obisia Nwankpa

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the family and friends of boxing legend Obisia Nwankpa, who died on Monday at 75.

Nwankpa represented Nigeria at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, competing in the light-welterweight division, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, said in a statement.

Tinubu stated that Nigeria’s sporting community and Nigerians would long remember the legendary boxer and coach for the honour he brought to the country in the ring and the exciting moments he gave to fans throughout his career.

”The nation owes him a debt of gratitude for nurturing a new generation of boxers after retiring from active competition, including leading Nigeria’s boxing team to the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympics,” he said.

Read Also: ‘Golden gloves’ Obisia Nwankpa dies at 75

Nwankpa won gold medals at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, in the same welterweight division.

He held several prestigious titles, including Nigerian Lightweight Champion, African Boxing Union (ABU) Light-Welterweight Champion and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion.

The president prayed for the peaceful repose the soul of Nwankpa and divine comfort for all who mourned him.

(NAN)

June 7, 2025
Eid-el-Kabir: Delta Muslim Pilgrims pray for Tinubu, Oborevwori, Okowa

Muslim faithful from Delta State have joined others in the holy pilgrimage to Mecca for this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, to offer fervent prayers for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, seeking divine guidance and strength for their leadership.

They called on Muslims across the globe to live a life of sacrifice and selfless service to humanity in line with the injunctions of Allah and the Holy Quran.

The Chairman of Delta State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Alhaji Auwal Tukur, made the call while speaking at the ongoing Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Tukur said the Eid-el-Kabir is spectacular in the life of a Muslim because of the obedience exhibited by Prophet Abraham in the Holy Quran when Allah asked him to sacrifice his son Ishmael.

He reminded Nigerians of the need to pray for peace, unity, and all-round development in the country, stressing that the Feast of Eid-el-Kabir should be used to promote love and give sacrificially to fellow human beings, regardless of tribe, religion, or social status.

He said the hajj was a platform to pray for the country and especially for Delta State and her political leaders.

He thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for providing rams and food items to Muslims in Delta State.

Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Northern CAN felicitates Muslims, calls for unity, inclusion

He also thanked his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and Deltans for their love and care for Muslims and other non-indigenes.

He called on anyone perpetrating criminal activities in Delta State to relocate, adding that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them.

Tukur gave assurance that Hausa, community, and other tribes in Delta were impressed with the leadership style of Governor Oborevwori, pledging 100% support to his MORE Agenda.

The Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Alhaji Abubakar Musa, who led other pilgrims in prayer in the Holy Land, said all hands must be on deck in calling on Allah to reverse ugly trends in Nigeria.

While offering special prayers for Governor Sheriff Oborowori, Senator Okowa, and Delta State, Muslims, he prayed for more development and peace in Delta State.

June 7, 2025
Tinubu mourns folklore legend Mike Ejeagha

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended condolences to the family, friends and admirers of legendary highlife musician and folklorist Mike Ejeagha, who passed away on Friday at the age of 95.

In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga , Tinubu paid tribute to Ejeagha’s towering influence on Nigerian music and cultural heritage, describing him as “one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.”

The President hailed Ejeagha’s distinctive storytelling through music as a cultural treasure, noting his role in preserving and promoting Igbo traditions across generations.

“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” Tinubu stated.

The President also lauded the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for honouring the late icon during his lifetime, emphasizing the importance of recognizing cultural custodians while they are still with us.

Read Also: Tinubu mourns Senator Adeyemi’s mother

Tinubu concluded his tribute with prayers for divine comfort to all who mourn Ejeagha’s passing and for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Mike Ejeagha, affectionately known as “Gentleman,” was a pioneering figure in the highlife genre and a revered custodian of Igbo oral tradition, whose musical legacy spanned over six decades.

His compositions, rich with proverbial wisdom and moral instruction, earned him a beloved place in the hearts of many Nigerians.

June 7, 2025