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  • AFCON 2023: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ tenacious outing

    AFCON 2023: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ tenacious outing

    *Says losing at final should not dispirit Nigerians

    President Bola Tinubu has hailed the Super Eagles for their performance and tenacity at the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Nigeria failed to lift the AFCON having lost 2-1 to the hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, on Sunday night.

    However, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to be of good cheer despite the loss, noting that the Eagles’ grit and sheer determination throughout the tournament had won the hearts of Africa and the entire world.

    “President Bola Tinubu salutes the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their tenacious performance in the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Read Also: Access Holdings loses 6.26%

    “President Tinubu commends the team, the coach, the crew, and the entire management team for their hard work, assiduity, and sacrifice to come this far in the tournament, acknowledging the hurdles they consistently surpassed with steadily improving performance as they pulled through to the finals.

    “The President urges Nigerians to be of good cheer, emphasizing that we won a great victory in the hearts of Africa and the world by our grit, rigour, and determination in the field of play”, the statement said.

    The President, according to the statement, urged Nigerians not to let the loss dispirit them, but let the experience bring them together to work harder, encouraging young citizens, aspiring to bring glory to the country through football not to be deterred as his administration is working to make their dreams come true.

    “Let this passing event not dispirit us, but bring us together to work harder. We are a great nation, bound as one by the green-white-green banner of resilience, joy, hope, duty, and untiring love.

    “To those cherished Nigerian youths expressing their gifts in communities, drawing lines in the sand as they play football in their humble rectangles of play, you can be our heroes tomorrow, do not relent in your pursuit. My administration is here to make dreams come true,” the President noted.

  • Tinubu encourages young footballers to aspire to become tomorrow’s heroes

    Tinubu encourages young footballers to aspire to become tomorrow’s heroes

    President Bola Tinubu has urged young footballers nationwide to persevere in pursuing their dreams.

    The President conveyed this message through a tweet shared on his official X page.

    He wrote: “Dear Nigerian Youth, do not relent in your pursuit. You too can be our heroes of tomorrow.”

    Read Also: Tinubu, CBN, Access Holdings pay tributes

    “To our cherished Nigerian youth showcasing their talents in communities across the country, playing football in their local grounds, you too can be our heroes tomorrow. Do not relent in your pursuit. My administration is committed to making dreams come true.”

  • Bazoum: Passionate appeal to President Tinubu

    Bazoum: Passionate appeal to President Tinubu

    SIR: “We will take democracy seriously. Democracy is very tough, but it is the best form of government”. That was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his acceptance speech as the head of the highest organ of ECOWAS- the Authority of Heads of States and Government in Bissau, capital city of Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023.

    The above quote is not an empty remark looking at the calibre of the person who made it. We believe President Bola Tinubu because he has unblemished democratic credentials. He was once in the trenches fighting military oligarchies. He fought an attempt to perpetuate sit-tight leadership in Nigeria, which was why Obasanjo endorsed Peter Gregory Obi during the 2023 presidential election.

    The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, too has a track record of safeguarding democracy in Sierra Leone, Gambia. It opposed Muhammad Tanja’s tenure elongation, Laurent Gbagbo in Ivory Coast, etc.

     Unfortunately, just 17 days after President Tinubu delivered the Guinea-Bissau speech, some confused soldiers in Niger struck! They abducted the democratically elected president, Mohammed Bazoum, his wife and son. They arrested several stalwarts of PNDS Tarayya, the ruling party, and put them in jail.

    Read Also: Food security: We’ll become a net exporter of food – Tinubu

    To find excuse to legitimatize their treason, they manipulated the poor citizens, through the fanning of deep-seated anti-French sentiment that has been prevalent in many Sahel countries. Already, a Russian organization called WAGNER, that specializes in espionage and providing combat service, mainly to protect authoritarian regimes in Africa, through its Internet Research Agency has been busy spreading misinformation and disinformation through a technique called “Informational Dominance”. This strengthens the junta.

    My passionate appeal to President Tinubu is to put more pressure on Niger junta until they release President Bazoum and come up with acceptable transition program. We must not submit to blackmail of the illegitimate rulers and their apologists.

    President Tinubu should not forget what he said in Guinea-Bissau during the 63rd Ordinary Session of the authority:” We need to be an example to the rest of Africa and the world that we will not allow coup after coup in West Africa”.

    • Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar, Unguwa Katsina.
  • Food security: We’ll become a net exporter of food – Tinubu

    Food security: We’ll become a net exporter of food – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, February 11, said his administration’s agricultural plan is focused on expanding food production, through aggressive mechanized farming and making Nigeria a net food exporting country.

    President Tinubu revealed his plan when he received a delegation from the Global Tijaniyya Movement, led by Khalifa Muhammad Mahe Niass, at the State House in Abuja.

    The president said his administration is revolutionizing agriculture to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production and a net exporter of agricultural products.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu also said his administration will support plans and efforts to give ease and succour to Hajj pilgrims.

    He emphasized the importance of spiritual endeavours in nation-building, underscoring his administration’s commitment to supporting religious activities.

    He highlighted the need for collaboration between political and spiritual leaders to advance the nation’s interests and promote unity among the people.

    On agriculture, the President outlined plans to bolster agricultural productivity through various initiatives, including the expansion of farmlands, the provision of low-interest loans to farmers, and significant investments in irrigation infrastructure.

    “We are dedicated to equipping hospitals with modern equipment, providing healthcare professionals with training, and ensuring social welfare for every citizen, including comprehensive health insurance coverage.

    Read Also: Role of research and development in food security

    “Nigeria will become a net exporter of food. We are bringing thousands of tractors. Food production will be greatly expanded through aggressive mechanization.

    “We must be productive as a people. That is the Sunnah and the principles I grew up understanding,” he said.

    President Tinubu thanked the Global Tijaniyya Movement for their support and prayers, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in building a better Nigeria.

    Sheikh Mahe Niass, the Khalifa of Tijaniyya, speaking on behalf of the delegation, commended President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s peace, progress, and stability.

    He expressed confidence in the President’s leadership and conveyed the fervent support and prayers of members of the Global Tijaniyya Movement to the Nigerian leader.

    During their visit, the delegation offered prayers for the nation’s progress, unity and prosperity, and for Almighty Allah to grant President Tinubu wisdom, strength, and success.

  • Tinubu tasks universities on solution-driven research

    Tinubu tasks universities on solution-driven research

    President Bola Tinubu has challenged Nigerian universities to develop solution-driven research to tackle myriads of socio-economic problems bedevilling the country.

    Tinubu, who spoke at the weekend during the eighth convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, said that universities were supposed to be fertile centres for scientific and technological innovation and discoveries.

    The president, represented by the deputy Senate president, Senator Barau Jibrin stressed the need for the academics to come up with innovative research that could bring sustainable development.

    He added that his government remained committed to tackling the challenges of funding for cutting-edge research and innovations, saying he was not unaware of the importance of research in national development.

    He noted: “Let me reiterate the urgent need for our universities to adjust to the ever-changing demands of the twenty-first century, where technology is upgrading both the global, community and individual intelligence from time to time.

    “The Institutions of higher learning must recognise the next possible disruption that technology may bring and must be positioned to mitigate challenges and must from time to time take charge of innovation.

    “Without education playing the catalytic role, development cannot be recorded in any nation in this century. Universities in particular should be the vanguard of cutting-edge research, teaching, and community service in line with the tripartite mandate.

    “Our universities must take the lead in championing demand-driven research that would serve the society in improving the quality of human lives. We recognise the place of our intellectual to undertake innovative research that will address the nation’s development.”

    While reiterating his government’s resolve to improve the nation’s education sector, President Tinubu berated the critics of the student loan scheme introduced by his administration.

    He said the federal government will go ahead with the scheme despite what he called “baffling responses from several quarters on the credibility and workability of the scheme.”

    Read Also: Why Tinubu should not be blamed for Nigeria’s economic hardship – Sanusi

    Tinubu said that education remains one of the crucial aspects of his renewed hope agenda, adding his administration was working round the clock to ensure that education was made accessible by all willing Nigerians through pragmatic funding and realistic policies.

    He said: “One thing that should be known is that education is not cheap anywhere in the world. This government is not ready to endorse the education that will not advance this nation.

    “Student loan schemes are not rocket science initiatives, they are designed to grant access to all who are willing and who know the value of education in a way to take the burden off numerous individuals and communities who may have been intervening painfully in sending their wards to school.

    “I expect that scholars would advise the government by calling our attention to how best this could be managed in their respective institutions, rather than cast aspersions on the idea.

    The high point of the ceremony was the conferment of honorary degrees of the university on the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Solomon Adeola, and the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gadji.

    Speaking on behalf of the honourees, the Senate majority leader, Senator Bamidele said they valued the honour conferred on them by the university and expressed their profound appreciation for the recognition bestowed upon them

    Bamidele said that the honourary degree conferred on them serves as a testament to their dedication, achievements as well as commitment to excellence in their respective fields.

  • Oyefusi appeals to Tinubu to address tackle suffering

    Oyefusi appeals to Tinubu to address tackle suffering

    A politician Princess Islamiyat Oyefusi has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the suffering of Nigerians.

    The daughter of the late Ayangburen of Ikorodu made this known to newsmen in a statement on Saturday evening.

    She noted that there is suffering in the land and becoming unbearable with an inflation rate of 28.6 percent, which is all-time high in the last three decades.

    Oyefusi stated that the foreign exchange crisis is nothing to write home about, forcing many companies out of business and leading to massive unemployment that would further exacerbate social ills in the society.

    The politician lamented that the spate of kidnappings in the country is unbecoming as many cannot move freely anymore.

    Read Also; Wigwe: Acting CEO for Access Holdings Board to be unveiled soon

    She appealed to the President to prove his mettle by ameliorating all these issues so that the country can be great again.

    The late King’s Daughter advised the President must reach directly to the most vulnerable within the nation through the internationally recognised Non Governmental Organisations(NGOs) on ground

    According to her: “I am using this opportunity to call on President Bola Tinubu to swing into action in addressing the sufferings of Nigerians.

    “There is suffering in the land and the people are feeding from hand to mouth considering the unbearable inflation rate of 28.6 percent which is all time high in the last 3 decades.

    “The foreign exchange crisis is nothing to write home about and this might forces companies out of business leading to massive unemployment that would further exacerbate the social ills in the society.

    “Currently, the spate of kidnappings in the country is unbecoming as one cannot live freely anymore.

    “The President should prove his mettle by ameliorating all these issues so that the country can be great again.

    “The President must reach directly to the most vulnerable within our nation through the international recognition NGOs on ground.”

  • Tinubu mourns Wigwe, Ogunbanjo, family members killed in crash

    Tinubu mourns Wigwe, Ogunbanjo, family members killed in crash

    President Bola Tinubu has mourned the tragic death of two senior members of the Nigerian business community; the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, and the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in a ghastly helicopter crash in the United States (US), on Friday.

    Also killed in the air crash were the wife of Wigwe, Chizoba, their son, and two helicopter crew members.

    In a statement released on Sunday, February 11, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu described the tragic accident as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.”

    “After receiving an official confirmation of events, President Bola Tinubu receives with shock and deep distress the news of the passing of Mr. Herbert Wigwe, top banker and entrepreneur, and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, OFR, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, along with members of the Wigwe family.

    Read Also: Access Bank CEO Wigwe, wife, son die in helicopter crash

    “Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CON, was the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc and founder of the How Foundation.

    “President Tinubu mourns these exceptional Nigerian business leaders and describes their passing as ‘an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension’.

    “The President condoles with the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those impacted by this harrowing incident.

    “President Tinubu prays for the peaceful repose of the departed and asks God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonizing moment”, the statement said.

  • “This is overwhelming tragedy”: Tinubu mourns Access CEO Wigwe, Ogunbanjo, others

    “This is overwhelming tragedy”: Tinubu mourns Access CEO Wigwe, Ogunbanjo, others

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed shock over the official confirmation of the death of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings plc, Herbert Wigwe, and the former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo along with members of the Wigwe’s family.

    Herbert Wigwe was also the founder of the How Foundation.

    The president in a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale mourned the loss of “these remarkable Nigerian business leaders, describing their passing as an “overwhelming tragedy that is profoundly shocking.”

    Read Also: Access Bank CEO Wigwe, wife, son die in helicopter crash

    He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Wigwe and Ogunbanjo families, the business community, and all those affected by this devastating event.

    Tinubu also prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and asked for God Almighty’s comfort for the numerous Nigerians grieving and the families of the deceased during this deeply distressing time.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu approves establishment of Military Base in Plateau

    JUST IN: Tinubu approves establishment of Military Base in Plateau

    Following the tragic attacks resulting in the loss of over 200 lives across three local government areas in Plateau state – Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi, President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate establishment of a Military Barracks.

    The Barracks will be located in Miller Farm (Gada Biyu) Mbar District of Bokkos local government area.

    President Tinubu directed General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, to coordinate the implementation of this initiative to address the security challenges facing the region.

    Read Also: Access Bank CEO Wigwe, wife, son die in helicopter crash

    Former governor of Plateau state, Joshua Dariye had made efforts to facilitate the establishment of the Barracks to halt the continuous attacks that have resulted in loss of life, widespread looting, and destruction of property.

    Once operational, the Barracks will swiftly intervene to address the relentless attacks and killings in Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and neighbouring Nasarawa state.

    This initiative is especially crucial following the simultaneous sacking of certain communities, widespread looting, and loss of life on Christmas Eve of 2023 in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi local government areas.

  • Tinubu’s biggest cheerleader

    Tinubu’s biggest cheerleader

    Of all President Bola Tinubu’s appointees, former Rivers State governor and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister Nyesom Wike has been one of the most astounding. His remit may not be countrywide, for he would then have needed to travel over vast distances in order to accomplish national assignments and make great impressions, but probably one of the most difficult jobs any minister could grapple with is administering the federal capital, the seat of the federal government and cynosure of all eyes, including the eyes of all ministers. Mr Wike has not needed to try to settle into the job, or find his feet. Instead he has been composed, relaxed, assiduous and supremely self-confident. Much more, though he is of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and has so far managed to remain an influential factor in the party, he is mystifyingly becoming the poster boy for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The first few months of the Tinubu administration have been testy and unpredictable. The APC has been in office for about eight months, and has waged a valiant battle against the conventions and orthodoxies, not to say the detritus, of the previous administration. That battle has not gone too well, and has left many bitter and angry Nigerians in its wake. If Nigeria had credible opinion polls, they would not show the administration rising in popularity: its popularity rating would be in sharp decline because of the hardship the reforms and palliative measures have elicited. But here precisely is where Mr Wike has become a factor. Of all the ministers saddled with the responsibility of ameliorating the harsh socio-economic conditions of the people, including ensuring the fair distribution of palliatives and conceiving and implementing impactful policies, Mr Wike excels. He has been careful about mouthing the governing philosophies of the Tinubu administration so as not to be seen as demarketing the PDP; instead, he has limited himself to the president’s renewed hope agenda slogan, and his pragmatic enunciations, passionate commitment, and hard work have turned him into a consummate marketer of the administration.

    Where other ministers and appointees have been reticent, Mr Wike has been voluble on behalf of the administration. Where they seemed fazed by the cries and agonies of the people, and were consequently careful about sounding optimistic, Mr Wike has seemed to outdo even the president himself in selling the administration’s sure cures. He has insisted that the pains are temporary, and the benefits, if the people endure for a little while longer, immense. Speaking during the commencement of the resurfacing of 189 roads in the Maitama District, Garki, and Utako in the FCT last week, Mr Wike defended the administration with engaging plausibility. He said: “To change the economy is not by mouth. So, many things will go wrong, but in going wrong, it will get right. The wrong is the effect on you temporarily… What the President is doing today will yield positive results soon. We may be having some inconveniences, we agree. But be patient. You will see the turnaround of things. I will never support what will not work. I know that whatever position or whatever policies you see today coming out is not intended to make anybody suffer. We need to pray to make sure there is good health for Mr. President, for the wisdom, the strength for him to pilot the affairs of this country. It will not be good for us only to talk about the bad. We should also talk about the good side.”

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu to flag off N750 million ‘trader money’ for 15,000 beneficiaries on February 14

    Some analysts have described the FCT minister as mercurial, a politician capable of defending the implausible with perfect equanimity. But his remarks at the commencement of FCT road projects last week appear heartfelt and convincing. He is not just trying to keep a job; he has transferred his loyalty and commitment to a president he believes keeps his word, a president who fears no one, and indeed a president who has no airs. Convinced that the president is genuine, and persuaded that the reforms embarked upon to recalibrate an economy knocked out of kilter by previous administrations are difficult but sensible, Mr Wike has spoken energetically about why Nigerians must be patient instead of looking for quick fixes. Indeed the Wike factor is underscored by his total commitment to identifying projects beneficial to his constituency, and has promoted, sold and executed them with equal if not surpassing panache. He has not lost his governorship touch. It can be argued that other ministers had to seek funding from the federal government for their projects, a limiting factor that had generally hobbled previous FCT administrations. But Mr Wike studied the constitution and discovered a lacuna which he implored the president to resolve. Once that was done, the FCT minister had a new and secure line of funding for FCT projects, and he now runs Abuja like a state, as conceived by the constitution. Even on the matter of insecurity and kidnapping, the FCT minister has approached the matter in an aggressive and sensible manner that reassures Abuja suburbs. If only the states would borrow a leaf from him.