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Tinubu steering Nigeria on right path, says Wike
- FCT minister: no one is untouchable in Abuja
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is steering Nigeria on the right path.

The minister said Nigeria needs a leader like President Tinubu to build the “Nigeria of our dreams”.

Wike spoke at this year’s edition of Distinguished Personality Lecture, titled: The Nigeria of our Dreams, he presented at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The minister noted that the greatest challenge confronting Nigeria and militating against its development was bad leadership.

He agreed with Chinua Achebe, whose seminar, ‘The Trouble with Nigeria’, graphically captured the challenge, when he stated that “the trouble with Nigeria is fairly and squarely the absence of proper leadership”.

Wike added: “This statement, damaging as it may appear, is extremely difficult to controvert.

“Our leaders have, in the main, emerged through self-serving conspiracies that have little or nothing to do with national interests and development.

“This has been the case in both military and civilian contexts.”

The FCT minister stressed that President Tinubu had stood out as the leader the people need to drive Nigeria to progress and prosperity.

According to him, Nigeria needs a leader who is prepared to lead with sound character and resilience in the face of challenges.

Read Also: Tinubu commissions Lekki Deep Sea Port access road, flags off key highways

He added that the leader must also be a person who believes in the endless possibilities that the Nigerian nation exemplifies while making solid, proactive, logical, and well-informed decisions that would maximally actualise her potential.

This leader, Wike said, must have the courage and audacity to act, build, innovate, and generally expand the frontiers of development with a hands-on approach that would emphasise excellence over mediocrity.

The minister added that more importantly, the leader of Nigerians’ dream must create a society of free and responsible citizens whose potentials flow freely and free enterprise thrive.

He said: “Let me make bold at this juncture to state that today, in our country, we have such a leader in the person of President Tinubu.

“He has shown in several ways and at different times, a stout commitment to the enthronement of democracy in our country, to the extent of even putting his own life on the line in the process.

“He has shown great capacity for engendering development as captured in the unprecedented rapid and exponential development of Lagos state under his watch and even beyond.”

Wike noted that President Tinubu has demonstrated a rare courage by removing fuel subsidies on his first day in office.

He said: “President Tinubu did and is fittingly grappling with the inevitable, unintended, and sometimes orchestrated consequences of this removal.

“Today, our states have far more resources to develop, the debts are no longer piling and the price of petrol is gradually but steadily adjusting downwards in tandem with the forces of demand and supply and the strict implementation of regulatory conditionalities.

“Also, the overwhelming cry of over-centralization of power and resources at the national level and the attendant abuse of the doctrine of federalism is being systematically addressed.”

Also, the minister said no tax evader would escape to ensure that the right thing is done.

He said: “Leadership is not about you liking someone. It is about you being courageous to make decisions that will help us (Nigerians) to move forward.

“I am not the first Minister of the FCT. No poor man lives in Maitama, Wuse II, Asokoro. All of them have rich men. No poor man does business in the Central Business Area. They say they are untouchable, but I say no!

“I will touch you, if the right thing is not done. That is leadership. They didn’t appoint me as a minister for a beauty contest. Mention one poor man who has a house in Maitama. All of them are rich men. They don’t want to pay taxes. You will pay for it. If you don’t pay, I will touch you and heaven will not fall, but rather there will be peace.”
June 6, 2025
APC forum endorses Tinubu

Akoko Political Leaders Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has adopted and endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

It said President Tinubu remained its sole presidential candidate to complete his economic reforms.

This was announced at the meeting of leaders and stakeholders of APC from the four local governments of Akoko Northeast, Akoko Southeast, Akoko Southwest and Akoko Northwest.

They also passed vote of confidence in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for putting the state on the world map of socio-economic, political, commercial and infrastructure development.

Convener of the meeting, Victor Olabimtan, said it was the first time party members would come together from the four local governments to strategise and speak with one voice.

He said voting in a new administration in 2027 would destroy President Tinubu’s economic policies.

The former Speaker said their support for Tinubu’s re-election was to appreciate him for steering the nation through difficult times and putting it firmly on economic recovery and growth.

According to him, “the coming of all political leaders, elders of the party, present and past political office holders together from various local government and various parties to support a common cause signals progress and unity in Akoko land.

“Akoko people have spoken in one voice and very loud. In order for the country to remain on the faster path and lane of prosperity.

“President Tinubu should be adopted by all as the sole candidate of the party for the 2027 presidential election, for a second term in office.

Read Also: Rethinking commercial surrogacy in Nigeria

“You don’t change a winning team, President Tinubu is performing and living to expectation and I am proud to say this that Nigeria is fortunate to have at the helm of affairs a visionary; forthright, knowledgeable, courageous, focussed and a reformist like him.

“Looking through his economic reforms, you will notice that government has been able to earn more revenue, particularly after blocking the loopholes and leakages.

“Tinubu is working towards leaving a legacy, make a significant shift in the nation’s development, and i can tell you that Mr President is intentional about the country’s future” speaking said the Akoko political leaders and people of the area have agreed to support the President as the sole Presidential candidate for the party.

Other political leaders that sent representatives to the stakeholders meeting, include the Minister of interior Olubunmi Ojo, Senator Jide lpinsagba, National Assembly member representing Akoko South-West/Akoko South-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati.

A former lawmaker in the state, Akogun Gbenga Omole said Aiyedatiwa has no room for abandoned projects.

“That is why he is busy completing the projects initiated by his predecessor while busy inaugurating several new projects to make life more comfortable for our people.

“This is our government and the governor surely deserves our unflinching support. I urge you all to let us rally round him to ensure that he did not just succeed but that he enjoys peaceful reign through utmost cooperation of party faithful.”

June 6, 2025
Tinubu defends coastal highway project, dismisses ‘ill-informed’ critics

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed criticisms of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, and other legacy projects of his administration, describing opponents of the initiative as uninformed about the project’s procurement structure and national significance.

Tinubu also said more funds would be committed to infrastructure development and urged Governors to collaborate with the federal government to align building approvals.

Speaking during the inspection and flag-off of new segments of key infrastructure projects, Tinubu said the government’s approach to legacy road construction, including the coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, is deliberate, transparent, and implemented in manageable sections — not as a single bulk contract as some critics have alleged.

The President clarified that only specific segments of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway have been awarded, with the completed 30-kilometre portion falling under Section I, a 47.7-kilometre stretch handled by contractors under the Federal Executive Council’s phased approval.

He said the road critics fail to grasp the methodical structure of the project, suggesting that those who complain about its cost should be prepared to pay tolls if they wish to use it.

Tinubu emphasised that no contractor has been awarded the entire length of the 750-kilometre coastal route. Instead, contracts are being procured in parts, to ensure accountability and efficiency.

He also pointed to progress on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a project initially envisioned during the Shagari administration nearly five decades ago, now revived as part of the administration’s Renewed Hope infrastructure agenda.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the superhighway spans seven states — Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos — and is strategically important for agriculture, trade, industrialisation, and regional integration.

Citing specific milestones, the President noted that over 10 kilometres of a three-lane carriageway have been completed in Kebbi State, with work commencing on the second carriageway — the longest single stretch within the entire legacy infrastructure portfolio. In Sokoto, he said work had also started on a 120-kilometre three-lane section from Illela, with the first 10 kilometres already completed.

Read Also: Tinubu commissions Lekki Deep Sea Port access road, flags off key highways

Tinubu also disclosed progress on the second carriageway of the Sokoto segment, while confirming that more sections of the highway are being prepared for procurement.

He reported encouraging progress on Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that more than 10 kilometres of the 55-kilometre stretch were already complete.

In the southern corridor, the President confirmed that work is ongoing in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. He said he had directed relevant authorities to accelerate the design and procurement of additional sections to keep pace with the government’s rollout targets.

Tinubu also provided an update on the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, which he described as another strategic priority.

The route, which is under active development, will link Calabar to Abuja through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states — creating new commercial arteries across central Nigeria and beyond.

“I urge you, David, to ignore those critics; they lack understanding. If they find fault with the road or deem it too costly, let them pay a toll to use it.

“It is necessary to note that the Federal Executive Council approved our Legacy Projects to be procured, awarded and constructed in sections. The completed 30 km segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is part of the 47.7 km, six-lane Section I contract, not a wholesale 750 km contract, as some have suggested. No contractor has been awarded the entire corridor.

“Our approach has been systematic, transparent, and section-based. The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway envisioned 47 years ago under the Shagari administration, is another legacy project we have revived. This corridor – spanning Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos -holds immense potential for agriculture, trade, and industrialisation.

“It connects over 58 dams, vast arable farmlands, and trade routes to our West African neighbours and offers great promise for windmill energy generation. Construction is well underway. In Kebbi, we have completed over 10 km of the 258 km three-lane carriageway, and today we flag off the second carriageway. This section is the longest in all our Legacy Projects.

“In Sokoto, work has begun on the 120 km 2single-carriageway by three lanes from Illela. I understand that over 10km of this project is already completed. Today, we shall be flagging off the second carriageway of 120km with three lanes.

“Work is also at an advanced stage in this section. More sections are being designed for procurement and award within the whole length of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway. On my way here, I witnessed significant progress at Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with over 10 km of the 55 km stretch already completed.

“I am also pleased to report ongoing works in the Cross River and Akwa Ibom sections and have directed that more segments be designed and procured. The Trans-Sahara Trade Route, another visionary project, is advancing steadily. It will connect Calabar to Abuja via Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa,” he said.

On his call on States to work with the federal government on aligning building approvals, the President said proper approval alignment between subnational and federal governments will facilitate the construction of major roads and bridges across the country.

“I have directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Surveyor General of the federation to work more closely with the governors,” the President said.

Tinubu said aligning state approvals with the Federal Government will reduce the burden of compensation and delays in actualising people-oriented projects.

“Please, my dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaboration with the Surveyor General and the Ministry of Works. I am appealing to you to realise the same development goal.

“Let me emphasise the ban by the Federal Government of Nigeria on any dredging within a 10km radius of all our Bridges nationwide. I appeal to all governors, relevant agencies, and security agencies to implement this ban immediately”, President Tinubu said.

The ceremony came five days after the President commissioned Phase 1 of Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, also in Lagos.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Works, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited, Messrs Dangote Industries Limited, BUA and all contractors involved in the country’s road development. He said his administration is committed to building enduring infrastructure nationwide.

President Tinubu said he had directed accelerated design on the 4th Legacy Project of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi and Gombe corridor to enable procurement to start.

“Let me assure you that with God on our side, we shall complete these projects and deploy them for the economic benefit of our nation”.

Other projects commissioned by the President include Yakasai to Zalli Road, Kano State (CCECC), Shendam Bridge, Plateau State (Triacta), Kwanar-Hadejia Section II (82km), Kano/Jigawa States (CCECC), Jimeta Bridge, Adamawa State (Triacta), Ilobu-Erinle Road, Kwara/Osun States (IAC) and Cham-Numan Bridge, Adamawa State (CGC).

President Tinubu flagged off the following projects for construction: Section I Phase IB-120km of Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway in Sokoto State; construction of Section II Phase 2 B-258 km of Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway in Kebbi State; construction of Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (Section II)-55km in Lagos to Ogun State Border; rehabilitation of Zaria-Hunkuyi to Daya Road (Sections I, II & III) 152.67km in Kaduna/Kano States and reconstruction of Dikwa – Gamboru – Ngala Road – 49.55km in Borno State.

Also flagged off was the completion of the dualisation of the Kano – Maiduguri Road linking Kano – Jigawa – Bauchi – Yobe and Borno States; 100.95km, construction of Maiduguri Ring Road – 108km, construction of Kano Northern Bypass Road in Kano State, – 74km; construction of 7th Axial Road at Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lagos State to Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State– 25km by 6-lane and completion of rehabilitation of Lokoja – Benin road on rigid pavement.

Other roads are the dualisation of Oyo—Ogbomoso Road in Oyo State, 104km; the dualisation of Kano—Daura—Kongolam in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States, 264km –BUA Tax Credit; and the reconstruction of Bama–Banki Road in Borno State, 49.15 km Dangote Tax Credit.

The President thanked the “four wise men of the private sector”: Jim Ovia, Femi Otedola, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Aliko Dangote, for contributing to Nigeria’s economy. He also commended the Minister of Works, Roland and Gilbert Chagoury, and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

June 5, 2025
Better days ahead, Tinubu assures in Eid-el-Kabir message

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to act in the best interest of Nigerians, assuring the impact of economic reforms will soon translate into improved living conditions.

In a statement marking the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Tinubu said the Federal Government was focused on ensuring that the difficult but necessary decisions taken in recent months result in lasting benefits for all Nigerians.

“Our administration will continue acting in the nation’s best interest, ensuring that the gains we are recording translate into improving people’s lives. There are no quick fixes, but we are committed to repairing the foundations of our economy once and for all,” the President said.

The President acknowledged that the country had endured a challenging period marked by tough economic adjustments but expressed optimism that the most difficult phase of the reforms was over.

“I assure you that the toughest days are behind us. We are entering a new era of renewed hope and prosperity that we promised two years ago,” he said.

Tinubu urged citizens to remain patient and resilient, noting that positive signs were beginning to emerge across key economic sectors.

He encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope but to continue supporting the administration’s policies.

“We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits”, he said.

Addressing the significance of Eid-el-Kabir, Tinubu described the festival as a period of deep reflection and a call to selflessness, devotion, and sacrifice.

He urged Muslims to emulate the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and uphold the values taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Read Also: Tinubu commissions Lekki Deep Sea Port access road, flags off key highways

“Eid-el-Kabir represents the high point of the sacred first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a period filled with opportunities for acts of worship and good deeds. To truly honour Eid, we must embody these virtues”, the President said.

Beyond the religious message, Tinubu also appealed for unity and compassion among citizens, stressing that the celebration should be a time to care for others, regardless of faith or background.

“Eid-el-Kabir also reminds us of our responsibilities beyond faith: to show resilience, tolerance, compassion, and dedication to the progress of our beloved country,” he said.

The President used the occasion to commiserate with victims of recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, which claimed lives and displaced many.

He called for collective support to bring relief to the affected community.

“Let us pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and fortitude for their relations. Let us join hands with the government to bring succour to the people of Mokwa”, he said.

Tinubu also urged prayers for Nigeria’s armed forces and security personnel, commending their sacrifices and dedication to national peace and stability.

“Let us continue our prayers for our front-line officers, who risk their lives for our safety and security. Let us pray for our leaders at all levels and our country. Let us pray for peace in our tumultuous world of troubles and uncertainties”, he said.

He called for kindness, generosity and national solidarity, expressing hope that the blessings of Eid would extend across the country.

June 5, 2025
Wike applauds Tinubu’s bold leadership at OAU lecture

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “great leader” with the rare courage and clarity required to steer Nigeria through challenging times.

Wike, who spoke during the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Thursday, hailed Tinubu for what he called “decisive, no-nonsense leadership” and dismissed speculations that a hidden cabal was running the presidency.

“This is a president that is in charge. He is a great leader. There’s nothing like a cabal under him,” Wike declared to thunderous applause. “He has shown the courage that many before him lacked. That is leadership.”

The former Rivers State governor took a swipe at previous administrations, stating that while past presidents avoided difficult decisions, Tinubu has faced them head-on.

“Many of our former presidents—Obasanjo, Jonathan—knew what should be done, but they didn’t do it. They didn’t remove the fuel subsidy. They didn’t unify the exchange rate. But President Tinubu did. That’s what makes him different,” Wike said.

Read Also: OAU denies arrest of two protesting students during Wike’s visit

He noted that the president’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification, were long overdue but politically risky—moves only a confident and visionary leader could make.

According to Wike, “The subsidy regime was a scam, and many people were feeding fat on it. It takes a great leader to say enough is enough. President Tinubu is not just leading—he’s leading with direction, with courage, and with conviction,” he concluded.

The distinguished personality lecture drew academics, political figures, and students from across the country.

June 5, 2025
Tinubu hails Africa’s bold leap in healthcare with world-class Abuja hospital

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s healthcare system, describing the unveiling of the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja as a turning point for medical advancement across the continent.

The $300 million world-class hospital, initiated by Afreximbank in partnership with King’s College Hospital London, the Bank of Industry, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), is focused on treating non-communicable diseases, including cancer, heart conditions, and blood disorders.

While unveiling the facility, President Tinubu said the facility symbolizes Africa’s refusal to accept medical vulnerability.

“We are not just unveiling bricks and steel but a collective determination to chart a new course for African healthcare,” he said.

He praised Afreximbank’s President, Prof. Benedict Oramah, for demonstrating bold leadership and vision, saying, “This is what becomes possible when institutions confront African challenges with African solutions.”

Highlighting his administration’s reforms, Tinubu said the government had unlocked over $2.2 billion in health sector commitments through an Executive Order and the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain.

“A world-class hospital cannot function on a dirt road, and no MRI machine works without stable electricity,” he acknowledged, while reaffirming government support for the AMCE, not as charity but as a strategic investment in national capacity.

“This centre is not just a place to treat the sick—it’s where future generations of African medical professionals will be trained. Nations do not rise by miracles. They rise by vision and sacrifice,” he added.

Noting that Nigeria takes center stage in African healthcare transformation, President Tinubu emphasized that AMCE is more than a hospital, it is a strategic step toward medical independence, professional capacity development, and a healthier future for generations to come.

Afreximbank Chief, Prof. Oramah shared a personal journey that inspired the creation of the AMCE, saying, “Twelve years ago, I survived a life-threatening illness. That experience, combined with our institutional vision, gave birth to this centre.

“Now, three years into construction, we open a place that represents hope, sovereignty, and a future free of medical tourism.”

He added that AMCE houses cutting-edge facilities, including Africa’s largest biobank and a cyclotron unit for advanced cancer diagnostics, with an expected patient volume of 350,000 over five years.

He credited the Tinubu administration for resolving key obstacles that sped up the hospital’s completion and noted that 300 professionals had already joined the project, demonstrating the potential to reverse brain drain.

AMCE’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Deaver, described the hospital as a beacon of African innovation and collaboration, noting, “This project is a strategic partnership that includes Afreximbank’s financing, King’s College Hospital’s clinical leadership, and the Nigerian government’s steadfast support.

“It’s proof that Africa doesn’t need to depend on external systems to access quality care, it can build and operate them here.”

Deaver emphasized that the centre is equipped to deliver modern, patient-centred care, integrating engineering, technology, and top-tier medical expertise. “This facility is a shift in mindset. It proves that world-class care can be homegrown,” he said.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, called the centre a “scientific marvel” that is expected to help Nigeria tackle non-communicable diseases and reduce outbound medical tourism.

“This project lives up to its name as a Centre of Excellence and will help retain both patients and medical expertise in-country,” he noted.

Read Also: Tinubu can build ‘Nigeria of our dreams’ – Wike

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) echoed similar sentiments, saying the AMCE will introduce critical innovations in medical practice and conserve the billions lost to medical tourism annually.

The Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, described AMCE as a groundbreaking initiative that will break barriers and establish best medical practices across the continent. He assured the African Union’s commitment to mobilizing support for the success of the initiative.

Representing the Tanzanian President, the country’s Minister of Health commended Nigeria and Afreximbank for the bold step, noting that the facility will significantly boost capacity development for African health professionals.

To further advance medical research, Afreximbank also launched the Africa Life Sciences Foundation with an initial $75 million commitment, targeting $600 million to support research into neglected diseases such as sickle cell anemia.

Strategic partners in the AMCE project include King’s College Hospital, pharmaceutical giant Novartis, and Christie’s Oncology Centre.

June 5, 2025
Monarch praises Tinubu’s appointment of Dogara to head NCGC

The Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to appoint former Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara as Chairman of the new National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC).

In a statement signed by Alhaji Muhammad Sambo Sarki, Galadiman Tikau, the first-class monarch expressed profound gratitude, emphasising that Dogara is a valuable asset to the president.

The Emir stated that Dogara’s extensive experience as a legislator, lawyer, and leader will be instrumental in achieving the goals of the newly established company.

Read Also: Nigeria secures over $2.2bn funding commitments for health sector reforms – Tinubu

The monarch highlighted Dogara’s “exemplary public service, steadfast commitment to democratic principles, and untainted track record in governance and legislative excellence” as key reasons for his suitability.

“This decision not only echoes President Tinubu’s astute leadership but also accentuates his strategic effort on consolidating national institutions through the appointment of capable hands like Hon. Dogara,” the statement read.

June 5, 2025
Nigeria secures over $2.2bn funding commitments for health sector reforms – Tinubu

Nigeria has secured over $2.2 billion in health sector commitments through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, launched by the Tinubu administration in December 2023.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who disclosed this on Thursday while he officially commissioned the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, said the initiative is aimed at revolutionising the nation’s entire healthcare sector.

The initiative, which is already underway, aims to renovate over 17,000 primary health centres, train 120,000 frontline health workers, and double national health insurance coverage within three years.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony of the AMCE, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, noted that it is not just about unveiling a structure of steel and bricks, but also unveiling Nigeria’s “collective refusal to accept medical vulnerability as destiny.”

According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, President Tinubu described the project as a monument to African resilience and innovation, and a bold step toward Nigeria’s emergence as a global healthcare hub.

The President narrated reforms and investments made since he took office two years ago, including the signing of an Executive Order to unlock the healthcare value chain and the launch of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).

These policies, he said, have intensified local pharmaceutical production, improved regulatory systems, and expanded access to diagnostics.

“But our efforts did not end there. In December 2023, we launched the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. That initiative secured over $2.2 billion in health sector commitments, with clear, measurable targets: to renovate over 17,000 primary health centres, train 120,000 frontline health workers, and double health insurance coverage within three years. These are not aspirations. These are milestones already in motion,” the President explained.

The President noted that AMCE, a state-of-the-art facility developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London, will serve as a leading centre for advanced treatment, medical training, and research.

The facility, according to him, hosts the largest stem cell laboratory in West Africa and will expand to include a teaching hospital, nursing school, and residential quarters for medical personnel.

Paying tribute to Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah, President Tinubu said, “I must pay tribute to Afreximbank and its visionary President, Professor Benedict Oramah, for seeing what many dared not dream. This is what becomes possible when institutions rise to African challenges with African solutions.”

President Tinubu also stressed the importance of infrastructure investment through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, even as he said, “A world-class hospital cannot function on a dirt road, and no MRI machine works without stable electricity. We are investing in the roads, power, and connectivity that breathe life into health facilities.

“With your planned Medical and Nursing School on this campus, and with partners ranging from King’s College London to the University of Wisconsin, you are laying the foundation for a new generation of African medical specialists—specialists who will no longer be exported but empowered at home,” he stated.

He assured continued government support for the initiative, saying it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. “This is not just a place to treat the sick—it is a place to train for the future,” he added.

Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said that with the establishment of the Afreximbank African Medical Centre of Excellence, Nigeria is today healthier and wealthier than before.

He pointed out that if figures were to be displayed, the edifice would cost not less than $400 million mobilised by the private sector.

He said this type of establishment could not come at a better time than this for Africa to have a hospital that can handle different medical associations on the continent, adding, “The hospital is a marvel of science and modernity of facility.”

Earlier in his remarks, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank, Prof. Benedict Orama, said the event was a testimony that “society is better-off serving lives that burying its death and that it’s a living person that can contribute to the development and social transformation.”

Recalling his ordeal as a sick person admitted at the King’s College Hospital in London, he stated that the only way he could appreciate the Almighty God, the Afreximbank colleagues and those who saved his life was to contribute to creating quality healthcare infrastructure and services.

Read Also: Tinubu inaugurates 180Mw Afam II Power Plant

Prof. Orama said one of the contributions he could make to Africa was to help Afreximbank “to deliver on its well-developed and documented structured strategy on medical care delivery and with Star Alliance, Kings College Hospital in London and twelve years of sick medical experience, the African Medical Centre of Excellence opens its door in Abuja.

“African Medical Centre of Excellence is not just to provide top-notch medical care but also catalyse the transformation of the African health sector,” he added.

Giving his goodwill message, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, thanked the President of Afreximbank, the Board of African Medical Centre for Excellence and everyone who worked to put the hospital in place.

He said the hospital is an important institution that will stop medical tourism in Nigeria, as it will attract people to the nation to get the same benefits they would have received outside the shores of the country.

Others who spoke at the event were Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, represented by Dr Jenista Joakim Mhagama, Minister of Health, Tanzania; Professor Clive Kay, Chief Executive, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Dr. Tajudeen Raji, Acting Deputy Director General and Head, Division of Public Health Institutes and Research, Africa Centre for Disease Control and many others.

June 5, 2025
Tinubu can build ‘Nigeria of our dreams’ – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, said Nigeria needs leaders like President Bola Tinubu to build the “Nigeria of our dreams”.

Wike said this in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled; “The Nigeria of our Dreams” presented at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

The minister noted that the greatest challenge confronting Nigeria and militating against its development was bad leadership.

He agreed with Chinua Achebe, whose seminar, ‘The Trouble with Nigeria’, graphically captured the challenge, when he stated that ‘the trouble with Nigeria is fairly and squarely the absence of proper leadership’.

Wike said, “This statement, damaging as it may appear, is extremely difficult to controvert.

“Our leaders have, in the main, emerged through self-serving conspiracies that have little or nothing to do with national interests and development.

“This has been the case in both military and civilian contexts.”

He, however, said Tinubu had stood out as the leader the people need to drive Nigeria to progress and prosperity.

The minister explained that Nigeria needs a leader that was prepared to lead with sound character and resilience in the face of challenges.

He added that the leader must also be a person who believes in the endless possibilities that the Nigerian nation exemplifies, while taking solid, proactive, logical and well-informed decisions that would maximally actualize her potential.

This leader, he said, must have the courage and audacity to act, build, innovate and generally expand the frontiers of development with a hands-on approach that would emphasize excellence over mediocrity.

Wike added that more importantly, the leader of Nigerians’ dream must create a society of free and responsible citizens whose potentials flow freely and free enterprise thrives.

The minister said, “Let me make bold at this juncture to state that today, in our country, we have such a leader in the person of Tinubu.

“He has shown in several ways and at different times, a stout commitment to the enthronement of democracy in our country, to the extent of even putting his own life on the line in the process.

“He has shown great capacity for engendering development as captured in the unprecedented rapid and exponential development of Lagos state under his watch and even beyond.”

Wike said Tinubu has demonstrated a rare courage by removing fuel subsidies on his first day as president.

According to him, leaders before him all spoke about the evil of fuel subsidy, but none had the courage to dare the blackmail of removing it.

He said, “Tinubu did and is fittingly grappling with the inevitable, unintended and sometimes orchestrated consequences of this removal.

“Today, our states have far more resources to develop, the debts are no longer piling and the price of petrol is gradually but steadily adjusting downwards in tandem with the forces of demand and supply and the strict implementation of regulatory conditionalities.

“Also, the overwhelming cry of over-centralization of power and resources at the national level and the attendant abuse of the doctrine of federalism is being systematically addressed.

“This is being addressed through the creation of zonal/regional commissions empowered to devolve developmental impetus to the respective zones and regions, so that power can truly return to the people”.

On security, Wike said the situation was being addressed through proper funding and the training and retraining of security forces.

The minister added that Tinubu’s approval for the recruitment of forest guards across the country to take charge of the nation’s forests, bandits and terrorists would no longer find incubation points and free territories to operate.

“Put simply, the era of banditry and terrorism would soon come to an end.

“These and many other policies and measures are being put together by Tinubu to reposition our country on the path of progress and development,” Wike said.

Earlier, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, described Wike as a straightforward politician, adding that his wealth of political experience and leadership style was exemplary.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, the governor said the minister’s infrastructural transformation in the FCT was visionary.

Read Also: Wike to deliver OAU distinguished personality lecture Thursday

Also, the Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof. Adebayo Bamire, said the theme of the lecture, ‘’Nigeria of our Dream” was timely and thought-provoking.

“At a critical juncture when our nation’s democratic journey, when the challenges of governance, civic trust, and equitable development are at the forefront of public discourse, this lecture offers a vital platform for reflection, engagement and forward thinking.

“It calls us to interrogate the structures that uphold democracy, the principles that guide responsible governance, citizenship and the strategies that can unlock Nigeria’s development potential,” he said.

The royal father of the day, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said he has deep respect for Wike because of his fearlessness.

He described the minister as an “upright politician” who “said things as they are.

Ooni said; “Hate him; like him – what will be will be.”

June 5, 2025
Jibril Aminu brought erudition, brilliance to statecraft – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to one-time Minister of Education, the late Professor Jibril Aminu, hailing the elder statesman and academic icon as a man who brought “erudition and brilliance to statecraft” throughout a distinguished life of service to Nigeria.

In a tribute he personally penned on Thursday, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Aminu at the age of 85, describing him as “a respected academic and political leader” whose contributions to both the intellectual and public service spheres of Nigeria remain indelible.

“Professor Aminu straddled his profession and politics exceptionally, bringing erudition and brilliance to statecraft. “lHe earned many laurels for his grit, hard work, and expertise and left remarkable imprints in the sands of time”, the President said.

A professor of cardiology and one of Nigeria’s most celebrated medical professionals, the late Aminu’s career cut across medicine, academia, diplomacy, and high public office.

President Tinubu described his achievements as “a shining example of the intellectual depth and patriotic commitment required for nation-building.”

The President recounted Aminu’s stellar career in academia, including his service as Senior Lecturer and Sub-Dean of Clinical Studies at the University of Ibadan Medical School (1973–1975), Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (1975–1979), and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (1980–1985).

He also served as a visiting professor at the Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., from 1979 to 1980.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Professor Aminu held several strategic national assignments.

He served as Minister of Education and later as Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources between 1989 and 1992.

He was also Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and subsequently represented Adamawa Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2003 to 2011.

Read Also: Tinubu inaugurates 180Mw Afam II Power Plant

“Professor Aminu epitomised statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria,” President Tinubu said, extending his condolences to the bereaved family, the people and government of Adamawa State, and all Nigerians mourning his loss.

“His passing is a profound loss to the nation, but as we grieve, we must find solace in his legacy. May he find eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus. And may Allah forgive his sins”, Tinubu added.

Professor Aminu was widely regarded for his scholarly distinction and dedication to public service.

He was a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Royal College of Physicians in London, the West African College of Physicians, and the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College.

Known for his calm intellect, principled leadership, and lifelong commitment to excellence, Professor Aminu leaves behind a legacy of service across generations and sectors.

June 5, 2025