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Tag: tinubu

  • AI deployment: Tinubu approves training of five million workers

    AI deployment: Tinubu approves training of five million workers

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the training of over five million workers from both the public and private sectors in the use and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and strengthen national security.

    The ambitious training programme will be implemented over the next three years by the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, led by Dr. Bosun Tijani.

    President and CEO of DBI, Mr David Daser, announced the initiative on Tuesday during the institute’s 21st anniversary celebration, held at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja.

    Themed “Preparing Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Market,” the event brought together key stakeholders from both public and private sectors.

    Daser commended President Tinubu, Minister Tijani, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Wada Maida, for their forward-thinking approach to integrating AI into Nigeria’s development strategy.

    He noted that the training would play a vital role in advancing socio-economic growth through digital innovation.

    Representatives from major institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the Nigerian Navy, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), attended the event, which also highlighted DBI’s achievements since its inception in 2004.

    “This year’s theme, ‘Preparing Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Market,” reflects the urgency of our mission in a rapidly evolving digital world. As technologies like AI, 5G, IoT, and cybersecurity redefine the future of work, DBI remains steadfast in its commitment to future-proofing Nigeria’s workforce”, the DBI President said.

    He said the training, which had started in earnest, would ensure that Nigeria was not lagging in the AI revolution, and enjoined states and local government councils across the country to take advantage of the programmes with many of the DBI campuses across Nigeria.

    Daser, who listed some of the achievements of DBI in 21 years, said the training programme would be carried out with its global partners to meet international standards and practices.

    The DBI President reflected on the challenges facing the institute since its inception, saying that “in the recent past, we faced a particularly challenging period during which it became a herculean task to pay staff salaries and allowances.

    “Our facilities and office infrastructure across campuses deteriorated, and staff morale declined significantly, leading to a sense of disorientation among workers.

    “But beyond these tangible difficulties, there were more complex undercurrents, seasons when the compass between this vessel and its founding lighthouse drifted, ever so slightly, from alignment. “

    Daser, however, said regardless of the storm, the DBI management and staff did not abandon their responsibility.

    Read Also: 2027: Burutu APC in Delta adopts Tinubu, Oborevwori for re-election

    “Rather, we recalibrated our direction with resolve and mutual respect, understanding that even a well-built compass must sometimes reset to find true north. The journey back to clarity is ongoing, but it is steady, principled, and constructive,” he said.

    Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone, Prof Ibrahim Adeyanju, said Nigeria should place emphasis on digital skills and literacy for youth empowerment, poverty reduction, and to deepen financial inclusion.

    Prof Adeyanju, who was represented by one of his Directors, Mr Akintayo Bamise, said traditional degrees are no longer guarantees for employment as the global economy would be driven by digital technologies and innovations.

    He explained that Nigeria would overcome its challenges of infrastructure deficit, insecurity, unemployment, and poverty by the quick adoption of digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), among others.

    He canvassed for partnerships between the public and private sectors for government policies and programmes to succeed, saying that Nigeria must act decisively to determine its national trajectory.

  • 2027: Burutu APC in Delta adopts Tinubu, Oborevwori for re-election

    2027: Burutu APC in Delta adopts Tinubu, Oborevwori for re-election

    Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for re-election in the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement was made during a strategic party meeting held at the country home of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, in Ogboagbene community.

    Elder Orubebe, who was unanimously adopted as the national leader of the Ijaw APC in Delta State, expressed joy over the unity within the party, saying it was the first time he would not be strategizing against opposition figures.

    “Today is one of my happiest days,” he said. “In the past, during election periods, I would be calculating how to outsmart the opposition. But now, we are all in one party—no old or new members in APC. We must all be loyal to the structure led by the President, the Governor, and the Council Chairman.”

    He noted that the coming together of political leaders from various parties to support a common cause signals progress and unity. 

    “The APC in Burutu has adopted the President and the Governor for 2027. That is our stand,” Orubebe declared.

    He urged party members to work collectively, support one another, and remain united, emphasizing that cooperation is the only path to success.

    Read Also: Burutu APC backs Tinubu, Oborevwori for re-election

    “Having looked around, the calibers of people we have as leaders in Burutu Local Government , most local government don’t have them but somehow these people are always fighting, blackmailing one another and interested in sycophancy.

    “But I want to beg all of you to stop that as from today now that we are together because of we are united, there is nothing we cannot achieve from the government.

    “At the state level, I will never fight to get any position because has made it possible for not not to look for anything at the state level but I have had discussions with the state government and outlined the need of the Ijaw people to the governor and before he leaves office in 2031, we will achieve them.”

    Highlight of the strategic meeting that was attended by all members of the 11 wards of the APC in Burutu, was the adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori 2027 re-election in a motion that was raised by BB.O Ekpese, a lawyer and seconded by Mr Ignatius Kiakia.

  • Shettima  hails  Abiodun for ‘showcasing’ Ogun through NSF

    Shettima  hails  Abiodun for ‘showcasing’ Ogun through NSF

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the opening ceremony of the 22nd  National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games Ogun 2024 as a masterpiece.

    Shettima also described sports as a unifier, capable of turning the nation away from the echoes of war and ensuring the togetherness of every Nigerian irrespective of  tribes, tongues, and religions.

    The Vice President remarked  while speaking with journalists at the Gateway International Airport en route  to Abuja after standing-in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Sunday’s opening ceremony of the NSF at the MKO Abiola Sport Arena, Abeokuta.

    Shettima, who commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for passionately showcasing the state to the world through the sports festival, said that the federal government cannot stop thanking the state for hosting nearly 20,000 Nigerians from across the length and breadth of the country.

    He said: “It was a very beautiful opening ceremony, and words cannot adequately convey our appreciation and our debt of gratitude to the Governor for all the resources and energy he used to showcase Ogun and the nation to the world.

    “And yesterday’s opening ceremony was a spectacular event; I have never witnessed anything like that—very beautiful—and I want to thank the sports commission and the living legend, Prof. Wole Soyinka, for actively participating in the activities.

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    “He is 91, and he is still mentally lucid, physically active, walking without a walking stick. It is a celebration of excellence, and we want to once again thank Your Excellency for showcasing Ogun as a Gateway to knowledge, a Gateway to tolerance, and unity in this country.

    “The President is mighty proud of him; we are all very, very proud of him and thankful for his efforts,” he said.

    Also speaking, Governor Abiodun described the opening ceremony of the sports festival as fulfilling and one of his proudest moments as Governor of the state.

    The Governor noted that the National Sports Festival, which started in 1973, was meant to be a celebration of unity and also to create a sense of national orientation and teach youth leadership skills and discipline.

    “Yesterday’s opening ceremony was meant to first demonstrate our level of preparedness for the entire country; it was also meant to showcase our state and show the world that in Nigeria, we can have a world-class event like this.

    “Words cannot adequately describe the depth of my joy. You know, it is said that when you have a vision and you passionately pursue that vision, you achieve greatness. I think yesterday was a manifestation of vision, passion, and success.

    “I am glad that now our state is not only known as an industrial capital, but also they can see that we are now the Gateway to Sports, the Gateway to Tourism, and the Gateway to Excellence.

    “I am sure that our opening ceremony will be a reference point for many years to come,” he said.

  • Open letter to President Tinubu on N5,000, N2,000 notes

    Open letter to President Tinubu on N5,000, N2,000 notes

    By Kola Amzat

    Mr President, this is my second letter in six months to Your Excellency on this key issue and hope it meets you well, Sir.

    Without doubt, since your inauguration as President, Commander-in- Chief, Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria has graciously and boldly moved to assume her rightful place as the largest economy in Sub-Saharan African. And, coupled with the nation’s audacious population, we’ve equally taken our place as the authentic giant of the African continent.

    This Year 2025 historic Appropriation Bill of N59.44 trillion, coming on the heels of the immediate past Year (2024) of N28.78 trillion have unequivocally proved that Nigeria’s economy has moved rapidly over the two years. It’s a fact we must accept.

    With the quantum of liquidity that would flow this fiscal year into the economy from all directions on account of the AUDACIOUS budget, it’s a no-brainer that the existing naira notes denomination with the highest at N1000 would no longer provide necessary support for the economy.

    If we continue with this arrangement, the country would be disregarding the basic law of economics that emphasises that a country’s currency basically reflects her strength. And the continual inaction in this respect would continually be at the nation’s peril!

    Instructively, in recent times, market capitalisation has oscillated between N67 trillion and N68 trillion mark, a marked indication that the investment market has grown in leaps and bounds, particularly, from the position of years 2020-2022 when it was swinging between N15 – N16 trillion mark, a stunning percentage growth of about 320%.

    Your Excellency, is it justifiable that the nation still maintains the existing arrangement of N1000 highest note denomination without creating disequilibrium and imbalance between the quantum of money supply in the economy and currency denomination in the face of the above reality?

    Sir, the government’s bold reforms in the Oil and Gas sector, as well as liberalising the Forex market, have attracted applause, even from unusual quarters – World Bank, as well the international community, including the globally recognised Fitch rating.

    Read Also: Can Nigeria First policy fire up sluggish manufacturing sector?

    The reforms initiated by the CBN have helped narrow the gap between the official and alternative markets, as well as assisted in restoring market confidence and encouraged increased autonomous forex inflows through official channels, which ultimately has assisted broadening Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and sources beyond oil, with foreign reserves account presently standing at $38 billion.

    But, at present, the domestic currency to dollars still swings between N1600 and N1615.

    On the other hand, reforms in Oil and Gas have helped in totally restructuring and repositioning the NNPCL for results, as well as totally fortifying the security architecture in the Niger Delta region, with particular reference to engagement of Tantita Security outfit to halt the theft of crude oil on the deep sea, with the ultimate effect in the significant increase in oil revenue to the FAAC, following increase in crude production.

    But the effect of oil subsidy removal has really not abated, as PMS still hovers between N900 in Lagos and N936 in Abuja as at May 13, 2025.

    The implications of the above analysis remain: the nation can no longer operate with N1000 as the highest denomination as it doesn’t sufficiently reflect the country’s position.

    Your Excellency, against the backdrop of the above reality and statistics, maintaining the existing arrangement of N1000 denomination note as the highest would obviously be injurious and inimical to the economy.

    Cement price goes for between N8,500 and N10,500 in May 2025, a quantum leap from about N3,200 to -N3,500 in the year 2022, an increase of more than 200%.

    Astronomical increase has also been recorded on all other building materials – sands, gravels, blocks, steel reinforcement, timber, paints and finishing, with some hitting 250% and others going as much as 300%, yet, the currency highest denomination remains at N1,000.

    Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently rolled out new charges on ATM withdrawals with N100 per N20,000 withdrawal at on-site ATMs and an additional surcharge of up to N500 per N20,000 at off-site ATMs. This directive took effect in March. 

    The Apex Bank has been generating incredible funds all over the country from this directive alone, a development that would ultimately REFLATE the economy and make mincemeat of the N1,000 note as the highest denomination.

    It’s also instructive that tariffs and general increase of 40-50% on Telecoms services is already on. The multiplier effect of incredible sums that are already reflating the economy is better imagined, particularly with a massive population of about 230-250 million Nigerians, with about 65-70% eternally glued and attached to telecoms services on hourly basis.

    Your Excellency, with the above, it’s a no-brainer that we can’t afford to continue with N1,000 note as the highest denomination.

    Sir, even though there is continual decrease in prices of staple foods -rice, yams, yeast etc., some items like bread, semovita, semolina stubbornly remain where they are for about two years running, thus ridiculing the purchasing power and, ultimately, rendering the retention of N1,000 notes as the highest unjustifiable.

    Finally, N50 and N100 notes have almost disappeared in circulation, an indication that even the economy itself is technically responding by sending them into extinction.

    Your Excellency, less discerning minds may disagree with my submissions on the need to roll out N2,000 and N5,000 notes denominations with a view to creating economic stability, balancing and equilibrium.

    They may be anchoring their criticisms on the potential inflationary rate that the proposed submission may bring to the economy.

    They may even liken it to devaluation of the nation’s currency. This is never the intention of this piece.

    Their argument may be valid within the context of the basic economics theory that higher currency denomination is akin to inflation, but it’s instructive that the nation will not continue to sacrifice the stability, equilibrium and balance of quantum of funds in the economy and appropriateness of currency denomination, for an inflationary rate challenge that does not hold water whatsoever in this present circumstance.

    •Amzat is a Lagos-based financial and management consultant

  • Parley at Rome

    Parley at Rome

    The picture virtually set X ablaze — of President Bola Tinubu, Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State, and Peter Obi, namesake of St. Peter, whose throne Pope Leo XIV just mounted, and Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023.

    Obi mounted an impassioned campaign against Tinubu’s “Muslim-Muslim” ticket, with endless sorties to churches; asking Nigerian Christians to “take back your country”. 

    One of such forays produced the infamous “Yes Daddy” telephone conversation with Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel, exposing Obi as grovelling and craven.

    Happily however, no dirty faith politicking this time round, with Fayemi chaperoning Obi to have a friendly chat with the president; and Obi himself grinning like some pleased school boy, effusing goodwill to all, malice to none.  About time!

    Yet, one of the X folks couldn’t just resist the banter: “Tinubu just islamized the Pope!”

    But in that joke was the irony.  Here was Tinubu, Fayemi and Obi cracking jokes.  Yet, many of their supporters would, on that same X, traduce and curse one another, after having their fill of bile, abusing either of the two leaders.

    Then, Pope Leo XIV of the Holy See, as “Christian” — more: as Catholic as they come; not some hustler Pente-rascal (sorry, Pentecostal!) mouthing prosperity to feather own nest, not win souls for Christ — invited Ahmed Tinubu (very Muslim), and President of Nigeria, to his coronation.

    Fayemi himself is very Catholic.  Yet, that has not stopped him from being Tinubu’s long-running political protege; by that acing two non-consecutive tenures as Ekiti governor and, in-between, a minister under President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Obi himself had been a two-term governor of Anambra.  His state doesn’t have a sizable Muslim population, save the itinerant northern folks, found everywhere in southern Nigeria in their “Sabo”, pushing their daily bread, just as southern folks are found in northern “Sabongeri” settlements. 

    Read Also: How Ghana tamed fuel prices–and what Nigeria can learn

    But there were also claims that Governor Obi’s was pretty much a “Catholic” order, against other Christian Anambra denominations, with embittered Anglicans loudly protesting that stance.  If that was true, it would explain Obi’s 2023 virulent faith campaign.

    Still, truth to tell, a “Muslim-Muslim” ticket is a big issue in some parts of the country — with northern Christians, for starters, who complain of alleged political subjugation and wilful blockage from sundry opportunities.  That should be noted — and such discriminations should end.  Our politics should seek healthy balances.

    Still, neither President Tinubu nor Vice President Kashim Shettima are rabid Muslims to worry anyone.  Chief MKO Abiola, who first essayed such a pick — and won a pan-Nigeria mandate too — was much a great friend of Christians as he was of Muslims.

    Our people have much more in common than whatever separate them.  That’s the message from Rome, with Tinubu, Fayemi and Obi chatting and  smiling as members of the same Nigerian family.  So, let’s place the politics of ideas, not faith division.

  • Kano drums support for Tinubu, Sumaila

    Kano drums support for Tinubu, Sumaila

    A solidarity rally has been held in Kano in support of President Bola  Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Abdulraham Kawu Sumaila, and the All Progressives  Congress (APC).

    Sumaila, representing Kano South, recently dumped the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) along with his supporters to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    His defection provoked a reaction from the NNPP Leader, Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, who accused him of betraying the party and the masses that brought him to power.

    “There is no political sin that is worse than leaving the party that gave you the opportunity and support but later you abandoned the party. This is the highest level of betrayal,” Kwankwaso said, adding that the defectors have joined the APC without the masses or supporters.

    However, APC supporters hit the streets to prove Kwankwaso wrong.

    The solidarity rally for Sumaila and President Tinubu was held at Sumaila local government area.

    There were various support groups, including Waraka Scholars and Waraka TikTok influencers, who held banners with inscriptions: “I stand with Kawu; with Kawu and Tinubu, Kano has a bright future.”

    The solitary rally took the form of a road walk and cultural feast.

    Adorning T-shirts and face caps customised with Sumaila’s and President Tinubu’s portraits, the supporters moved round the Sumaila town, beating drums and chanting APC party songs. They also prayed for the party’s success come 2027 polls.

    Dal Road and the Junction at Saimala local government secretariat were shut down for the several hours that the event, which which began by 4:00pm, lasted.

    The Special Assistant on Students Affairs to Senator Kawu, Dr. Umar Ali, said “Kawu is a grassroots mobiliser and political leader of the Kano South.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s digital economy soars with nine-fold FDI growth

    He explained that Kawu’s defection to APC was a homecoming.

    “The essence of this gathering is to affirm and solidify our support on any decision taken by our senator in support of President Bola Tinubu,” Dr. Ali said.

    Speaking at the event, another APC chieftain, Ahmad Aliyu, said the president has done a lot for the North and Kano in particular, especially the approval of billions of Naira for the rehabilitation of water dams across the state.

    He said Sumaila, has made the wisest decision by joining the APC when the NNPP, he said, was in crisis and heading towards defeat in 2027 general election.

    “Senator Kawu is one of the pioneers of APC. Unfortunately, due to instances that happened in 2023, he defected to NNPP, and NNPP was able to win the election in Kano.

    “But with what is happening right now, he (Kawu Sumaila) has rejoined APC and the party will win Kano in 2027 from top to bottom -from presidential, governorship and state assembly,” Aliyu said.

  • 2027: Nobody has capacity to unseat Tinubu, says Yakassai

    2027: Nobody has capacity to unseat Tinubu, says Yakassai

    Foremost politician and elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, yesterday reflected on the early and preliminary preparations for the 2027 general election.

    The nonagenarian, assessing the likely presidential candidates on the various platforms, said none of them has the capacity to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election.

    The special adviser to Second Republic President Shehu Shagari, who is 99 years old, spoke with reporters in Kaduna, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Yakassai spoke on the imperative of ideology in politics, urging defectors to be guided by ideas and ethos.

    He also spoke on the challenges of nation-building and development, which should be tackled by the patriotic efforts of Nigerians and foreign support.

    The nonagenarian nationalist said in particular,  tackling insecurity requires citizens’ commitment and international collaboration.

    ‘Nobody can beat Tinubu in poll’

    Yakasai, who advised politicians to shun politics of ethnicity and religion, insisted that President Tinubu would have an edge in the 2027 contest.

    Ahead of the 2027 polls, politicians have intensified consultations and mobilisation across the country.

    Also, opposition figures are neck-deep in alliance and coalition talks, despite the leadership crises rocking their platforms.

    He said: “I haven’t heard anybody making any proposition about the 2027 presidential election from Arewa Consultative Forum. What is tagged the Arewa Consultative Forum or Northern Elders Forum’s position is mere individual opinions, because all sections of the north have not taken stand on this.”

    Yakasai said Nigerians should shun speculations and wait until the northerners meet and officially take a position.

    He added: ”In Nigeria today, Bola Tinubu is the president. He has his ministers and governors who are backing him. Who else has all what it takes to move into the contest with the kind of stamina and strength to be more successful comparatively with Tinubu?

    Yakasai said while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is controlling majority of states, some governors from the opposition parties are also supporting President Tinubu.

    He stressed: “We should all wait and see if the picture will change drastically, otherwise for now, the odds are in his (Tinubu’s) favour because I have not seen anything that will prevent him from winning the next election.

    “He hasn’t done anything against the North in my understanding and the North alone cannot decide who becomes the president of the country.”

    The elderstatesman said the crisis assailing the major opposition parties has further softened the grounds for Tinubu to win in 2027.

    But Yakassai refrained from assessing the Tinubu administration in the last two years, saying that he would do so later. 

    He, however, advised politicians to always have the interest of the masses at the centre of their actions and plans.

    Yakassai said: “Our politicians should see politics as a dynamic game and what I will advise is for them to play the game on the basis of ideology and programmes. Let them envision the way they want the country to be and not targeting to be ministers, governors and president.

    “After becoming all these and nothing is done in the interest of the country, we will not get better. They should eschew politics of ethnicity and religion because not making our country the focal point of our politics has held us down for so long.”

    Longevity factor

    Yakassai, who would be 100 years in December,  attributed the longevity to the grace of God.

    Noting that his father died at the age of 107 years and his mother at 100, he said the combined effects hereditary may have contributed to his longevity.

    He added: “My children, grandchildren and great grand children are more than 80 and still expanding. I give glory to God for these.”

    ‘How to tackle insecurity’

    Yakassai said tackling security challenges requires commitment by Nigerians and international collaboration, stressing that government alone cannot tackle the problem.

    He said Nigerians should collaborate with security agencies in terms of intelligence gathering, adding that other countries should assist by checking the sources of arms and ammunition supply and financial backing for terrorist groups.

    Yakassai said: “The problems of security in Nigeria has taken a universal dimension. What the government should do is to take a critical review of the problem with a view to drawing more workable plans to tackle the challenges.

    “Government should know the number of security personnel, weapons and other logistics they need and even exceed the plan in order to get good results at the end of the day.”

    The elderstatesman said since terrorism, banditry and agitations by some sections of the country are driven by different causes, they also require different solutions.

    He added: ”Even the United Kingdom, China and India, all have their internal challenges and what is important is patriotism on the part of the citizens.”

    Read Also: Tinubu exchanges pleasantries with Pope Leo XIV at inauguration

    On the performance of the 10th National Assembly, he said the lawmakers were doing their best.

    ‘Defection should be guided by ideology’

    He also attributed the gale of defecations at the National Assembly to a feature of the dynamic game.

    Yakassai said: “You see how people are changing parties. It started one, two, three and now it’s gathering momentum. They are now in hundreds, leaving their parties and joining others.

    “What is important now is for Nigerians to be very watchful and know where the pendulum will eventually swing. The masses should be careful about who to support.”

    Yakassai, a disciple of the radical politician, Mallam Aminu Kano, said politicians and political office holders should be guided by ideology rather than personal interests.

    He said political parties should be formed by people with the same ideas and thinking.

    Yakassai stressed: “The way political parties emerge in this country, especially when you look at the events that followed this democratic dispensation, is not ideal.

    “People were not sure of where to go initially. It is only now that things are beginning to take some shape.

    “This is a country where we have a federation with East, West and North, yet many politicians don’t consider what should be the interest of their people and the nation at large; rather, all they think is personal gains, as politicians.”

    Yakassai attributed the frequent defections by politicians from one political party to another to the dearth of ideologies.

    ‘Zoning would foster unity’

    The eminent politician, who described himself as a proponent of rotational presidency, said the idea was the brain-child of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

    Noting no group had opposed the principle of zoning, he said that it was a valid proposition for national unity.

    He added: “This is a country where we originally had three regions and later 36 states. In the long run, letting key political offices, such as the president, to go round will promote unity.”

    ‘Regional govt not feasible’

    Yakassai said it is impossible for Nigeria to return to regional government as practised in the First Republic.

    He said: “I am almost 100 years old. I was born in December 1925. I know what is possible and what is not possible. I can’t venture into what is not possible. I don’t think regional government is possible again in Nigeria.

    “Read the newspapers; how many people are supporting the call for a return to regional government? Where are those people from the North, West or South?

    “That you have few people who are talking about regional government doesn’t translate into the fact that the majority of the country are craving for what is being talked about.

    “What the few are talking about could be regarded as their wishful thinking. If government scales their calls and uncovers that it is not what the majority want, they will keep quiet.”

  • Bomadi APC endorses Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027 elections

    Bomadi APC endorses Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027 elections

    The Bomadi Local Government chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its full weight behind the re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement came during a crucial stakeholders’ meeting held over the weekend and convened by the Chairman of Bomadi LGA, Hon. Dagidi Rawlings Andaye.

    In a statement released Monday in Abuja, Andaye said the meeting, which took place at the Bomadi Secretariat, brought together party leaders, chieftains, and grassroots mobilisers in a united front to strengthen the APC’s political presence in the area.

    The council chairman stressed the importance of building internal unity and capitalising on recent political developments, including the defection of key members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

    Read Also: Enugu LP Rep member, 1,000 others join APC

    “Unity is not an option; it is a necessity if we must propel Bomadi LGA forward and secure victory in 2027. We are set to deliver the entire council for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheirff Oborevwori during the 2027 election,” Andaye declared.

    He called on party leaders to return to their wards and drive massive participation in the upcoming APC e-membership registration exercise, which he described as critical to grassroots mobilisation and future electoral success.

    In a unanimous decision, the stakeholders passed a motion endorsing President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda Mandate” and Governor Oborevwori’s, M.O.R.E Agenda”, describing both leaders as pillars of progressive governance.

    “Chairman Andaye has shown exceptional wisdom in piloting the affairs of Bomadi LGA. His leadership has brought us into a new political era, and we stand firmly with him to deliver victory in 2027,” a top party chieftain remarked.

    The council Chairman later presented his stewardship report, outlining the developmental strides under his administration. His inclusive leadership and ability to harmonise divergent interests earned him accolades from party stakeholders.

    “This bold declaration underscores Bomadi APC’s alignment with the progressive vision of both leaders,” said another stakeholder, “and further cements Hon. Andaye’s reputation as a master strategist and unifying figure in Delta politics.”

  • Centre lauds Tinubu for approving establishment of national forest guard system, recruitment of 130,000 armed operatives

    Centre lauds Tinubu for approving establishment of national forest guard system, recruitment of 130,000 armed operatives

    • Says initiative will reduce kidnappings, others across the country

    The Country President of the United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre UN-POLAC, Amb Peter Ohagwa has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of a national forest guard system and the recruitment of over 130,000 armed operatives to secure the country’s 1,129 forest reserves.

    The initiative, approved during Monday’s expanded Federal Executive Council meeting, mandates each state to recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 forest guards based on their capacity.

    The recruitment and training will be supervised by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Environment.

    In a statement on Friday in Abuja, Amb. Ohagwa described the development as timely intervention in the security reinforcement of the country aimed at protection of lives and property.

    The UN-POLAC boss said the initiative would drastically reduce criminalities as well as kidnapping in boundary forests across the Federation which has become a safe haven for criminals.

    He called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders towards effective actualisation of the initiative.

    Read Also: NANS urges Seyi Tinubu to remain focused, ignore critics

    Ohagwa also said that local vigilantes in our various rural communities across the federation should be part of the formation and recruited with vigorous training towards improved service delivery.

    It would be recalled that UN-POLAC Country President on 26th February 2025 during a one day national dialogue on promoting peace building and climate -smart agriculture as catalyst for economic growth and food security requested that the Federal Government considered the Rehabilitation or Re-establishment of Forest Security Corps in our forests to keep criminals and kidnappers away while providing a safe environment for famers and creating jobs for our teaming youths.

    The statement said: “Furthermore, during the last Sallah celebration,when UN-POLAC felicitated with Muslim Faithfuls, this was captured as we commended the federal government move that made National Assembly to be committed in driving the force that made it possible for the push to pass second reading and now the President has stamped the Approval as well as deployment, is really commendable and a step in the right direction.”

    He charged the office of the NSA and Federal ministry of Environment who are to oversee the effective implementation of the initiative to be proactive towards timely execution.

  • I will not contest against Tinubu in 2027 – Wike

    I will not contest against Tinubu in 2027 – Wike

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculations about a possible 2027 presidential run, firmly stating that he will not contest against President Bola Tinubu.

    Wike recently sparked political debate by calling on his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South — a move that many interpreted as a sign he might be preparing to challenge Tinubu. 

    Read Also: There’s no mollifying Fubara, Wike

    However, in an interview with BBC News Pidgin published over the weekend, the former Rivers Governor set the record straight.

    “I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?” Wike said, reiterating his loyalty to the current administration.

    He further emphasised that no opposition candidate presently stands a realistic chance against President Tinubu. “I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I am working with. Who will win except him?” he added.