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  • APC Adamawa congratulates Tinubu on tribunal victory

    APC Adamawa congratulates Tinubu on tribunal victory

    The Adamawa State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal. 

     The leadership of the chapter said in a statement yesterday that Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shetima deserved the victory.

    The statement, signed by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Abdullahi, said the  decision by the five-man tribunal affirming the victory of the APC and President Tinubu as duly elected is a further confirmation of the mandate of the electorate.

    “With this well-articulated and sound judgment, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can comfortably focus on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda that will make life more meaningful for Nigerians,” the APC stated.

    Read Also: Enugu govt, Indonesia to deepen trade,  investment relations

    The party, making the point that good reforms are faced with short-term challenges that can easily be overcome with perseverance and determination to get the desired result, the Adamawa APC said Tinubu had set the ball rolling for a better Nigeria.

    “As patriotic citizens who are clamouring for a better country in terms of security, infrastructure, economy, accountability and good governance, let’s support our president with prayers and encouragement to enable him actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the party urged.

    It advised the opposition to accept the hand of friendship extended to them by the president and join hands with him in developing the country.

    The Adamawa APC thanked the president for the appointment of people from the state, including Malam Nuhu Ribadu as NSA, Prof. Tahir Mamman as Minister of Education; Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub as DG/CEO of DTAC and Hon Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas as NDDC member representing Northeast Zone.

  • Tinubu has confidence in me to manage FCT, says Wike

    Tinubu has confidence in me to manage FCT, says Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike on Monday, September 11, told staff of the FCT Administration that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confidence in him to manage the affairs of the nation’s capital.

    Wike warned contractors handling the rehabilitation of 135 roads in the capital city and civil engineering services against contract variations.

    The former Governor of Rivers State who said this while inaugurating a road project in Abuja disclosed that the projects would be completed in six months.

    According to him, FCT will pay all the contractors their money to enable them to complete the project within the agreed timeline.

    Wike said: “The President has confidence in me that is why he sent me to FCT. Tinubu has said we should assure you of renewed hope.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates Igbinedion on 89th birthday

    “To the contractors, let me warn you now, all these things you are doing with engineering services will not work again.

    “Nothing like variation; it will not work. Kobo, one naira, in the next seven days it becomes N15, it will not work again. It will not work, so don’t even try it. There is no variation in this job.

    “We have the money to pay you. So, if you like to go to engineering services and do anything with them, it will not work.

    “We are paying you your money and I assure you that nobody will owe you a dime. We are going to pay you and you must finish within the time we have agreed with you”.

    He also warned the Permanent Secretary of FCT Administration, Olusade Adesola not to bring any paper asking for a reconsideration or a file for unanticipated issues, saying that “everything has been considered and anticipated.”

    The minister urged residents to support the contractors to enable them to finish the job on time, adding that no development comes without some pains.

    He also solicited the support of traditional rulers to ensure that the youths and all residents of their communities support the contractors to deliver the job on time.

    Wike equally thanked the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Mr. Christopher Maikalangu, for publicly declaring the area council chairmen’s decision to work with the FCT Administration for the interest of FCT residents.

    Earlier, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said that the FCT Administration has recorded significant achievements in transforming the capital city, barely three weeks after Mr Project (Wike) in office.

    Mahmoud said that the issue of streetlight has been addressed; the problem of sanitation was being attended to, and now the road infrastructure would be transformed to impact positively on the residents.

    Also, Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Adesola, said that the projects involve the rehabilitation and resurfacing of 135 existing roads and remedial works on bridges in various districts of the FCT.

    “This transformative project, according to him, will significantly impact the lives of the people of the federal capital,” he said.

    He urged the contractors to meet the timeline agreed upon for the projects to be delivered, saying: “Your money is available for payment; it is up to you to work and get paid”.

    On his part, Ahmed Hadi, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, pointed out that a substantial number of the roads in Phase I, developed since 1980 have deteriorated.

    Hadi said that the project would involve scarification and removal of the existing asphalt in some locations while in other places it would be asphalt overlay.

    He said that the 135 roads in Wuse, Garki, and some areas in Maitama and Asokoro would be involved, covering 42 kilometres.

    “When completed, there will be enhanced traffic flow and reduction in travel time and the roads will be a bit safer,” he said.

    The Chairman House Committee on FCT, Mr Muktar Betara, expressed confidence in the ability of Wike to deliver the transformative agenda for the FCT.

    He assured the minister of the committee’s support to enable him to succeed in his task of making FCT the desired destination of all Nigerians.

    Similarly, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, thanked the minister for taking a giant step to deliver the dividend of democracy to the residents of the city and assured him of the traditional council support.

    In his remark, Maikalangu commended Wike for the laudable feat and appealed that the gesture be extended to rural communities to complement the efforts of the six Area Councils in accelerating development in the area.

    He assured the minister of the support of the council chairmen to ensure the completion of the projects.

    Responding on behalf of the contractors, Mr Obada Zabadne, Chief Executive Officer, ZBMC Ltd, acknowledged the government’s confidence and trust to deliver quality projects.

    He assured the minister of the contractors’ commitment to achieve beyond expectations and within the agreed time.

  • UPDATED: UAE lifts visa ban on Nigerians after Tinubu’s intervention

    UPDATED: UAE lifts visa ban on Nigerians after Tinubu’s intervention

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday, September 11, secured an immediate cessation of the ban placed on Nigerian travellers by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    This was agreed during discussions between President Tinubu and his Emirati counterpart, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

    The statement further disclosed that besides the lifting of the visa ban, it was agreed that both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines will resume both inbound and outbound flight operations in Nigeria.

    The statement also disclosed that the resumption of operations by both airlines requires the Nigerian federal government to make any immediate payments.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travellers.

    “Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.

    “As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government”, the statement said.

    Read Also: Tinubu strikes multiple deals with Germany, Korea, India

    Meanwhile, the UAE government has agreed to bring various investments into the Nigerian economy, worth several billions of dollars, all in recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development drive.

    According to the statement, the incoming investments will focus on the defence, agriculture and other sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    It added: “In recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defence, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

    “Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.

    “In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.”

  • Tinubu celebrates Igbinedion on 89th birthday

    Tinubu celebrates Igbinedion on 89th birthday

    President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, on his 89th birthday anniversary.

    In a statement on Monday, September 11, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu acknowledged his personal, long-standing friendship with the business mogul.

    He saluted the renowned industrialist and philanthropist for his willingness to create opportunities for the growth of others in business and philanthropy, impacting countless lives in the process.

    The President said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, please accept our felicitation on the auspicious occasion of your 89th birthday on September 11, 2023. Considering the grace of wisdom, strength, and leadership influence bestowed upon you by the Almighty God, this milestone certainly calls for more celebration and thanksgiving.

    “Over the years, our relationship has blossomed as friends, partners, and business leaders, both within and outside the country, and it has been the joy of my life to see you consistently investing in humanity, with your quintessential kindness and charitable heart.

    Read Also: APC Adamawa congratulates Tinubu on tribunal victory

    “At 89, my dear Esama, you have made a huge difference in the Nigerian economy and you continue to impact many lives. Your footprints of excellence in entrepreneurship are visible in real estate, banking, energy, media, transportation, health, and education, with a remarkable record of founding the first private university in Nigeria.”

    He prayed for enduring grace, peace and good health for the patriarch of the Igbinedion family now and in the years ahead.

  • APC Adamawa congratulates Tinubu on tribunal victory

    APC Adamawa congratulates Tinubu on tribunal victory

    The Adamawa State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his victory at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.

    The leadership of the chapter said in a statement on Monday, September 11, that Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shetima deserved the victory at the tribunal.

    The statement, signed by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Abdullahi, said the unanimous decision by the 5-man tribunal affirming the victory of the APC and President Tinubu as duly elected is a further confirmation of the clear mandate of the electorate.

    The statement read: “With this well-articulated and sound judgement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can comfortably focus on delivering the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA that will make life more meaningful for Nigerians.”

    The party, making the point that good reforms are faced with short-term challenges that can easily be overcome with perseverance and determination to get the desired result, the Adamawa APC said President Tinubu has set the ball rolling for a better Nigeria.

    Read Also: I’ve ceased to be APC member before my expulsion, says commissioner

    It stated: “As patriotic citizens who are clamouring for a better country in terms of security, infrastructure, economy, accountability, and good governance, let’s support our president with prayers and encouragement to enable him to actualize the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA.”

    The party also advised the opposition to accept the hand of friendship extended to them by the president and join hands with him in developing the country.

    It added: “The Adamawa APC thanked the president for the appointment of people from the state, including Malam Nuhu Ribadu as NSA, Prof. Tahir Mamman as Minister of Education; Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub as DG/CEO of DTAC and Hon Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas as NDDC member representing North East Zone.”

  • Tinubu strikes multiple deals with Germany, Korea, India

    Tinubu strikes multiple deals with Germany, Korea, India

    • World leaders pledge more interests in agriculture, fin tech, education, defence
    • German Chancellor for Nigeria next month
    • President in UAE to resolve bilateral disagreements

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has secured major investment commitments and economic cooperation from three of world’s largest economies.

    He got commitments from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expand their investment    frontiers in Nigeria.

    The pledge was in acknowledgment of the policies initiated by the Tinubu administration to reboot the economy.

    Tinubu held business talks and stepped up bilateral engagements with key economic partners on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit which closed yesterday in New Delhi, India.

    He shared ideas with the leaders, outlining key opportunities  on investments and sustainable development.

    Tinubu was building on the momentum of the $14 billion investment pipeline secured during his earlier Presidential roundtable with Indian investors.

    Read Also; G20 leaders visit Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial

    The President took advantage of the summit to create a deeper Euro-Asia connection for Africa’s largest economy, outlining Nigeria’s competitive advantages amid ongoing reforms.

    Germany – Europe’s largest economy, South Korea – Asia’s fourth largest economy and India – Asia’s global giant formally endorsed the Tinubu reforms with initial promises of increased economic cooperation and investments.

    The partners agreed to  bilateral discussions on key areas of focus, which the President identified to include; agriculture, financial technology, education, manufacturing, defence, information and communication technology and oil and gas, among others.

    During the talks with Chancellor Scholz, Tinubu discussed how to expand existing German investments and drive new deals across the sectors.

    According to a statement by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, the President said: “It is not, for us, only a matter of designing the financial architecture for an expanded economic partnership.

    “It is also about the practicality of aligning the perspectives of your large-scale manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and others, with the reality of the new incentives my government is putting in place for them to come and prosper across multiple value chains and sectors inside of our country.”

    Scholz responded by acknowledging the mutually-beneficial nature of an increase in the scale of economic ties with Africa’s largest economy, especially in view of ongoing economic reforms.

    He said: “Thank you for this important discussion, Mr. President. I can appreciate this opportunity to advance our economic relations. Your market is unique and our companies have history in Nigeria. We acknowledge the business friendly reforms you have put in place. I am happy to inform you of my desire to visit you in Nigeria in October, which will allow us to carry forward these initiatives.”

    The statement said Tinubu gave his nod to the German Chancellor’s request to visit Nigeria to consolidate their talks.

    President Suk Yeol  praised Tinubu’s regional leadership in upholding democratic tenets and norms, with a promise to explore opportunities in many key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    He listed Nigeria’s education, technology and energy sectors as areas of utmost interest to South Korean investors, promising to mobilise the business community to take advantage of new Nigerian incentives for local industry.

    “I wish to commend your strong leadership, following the peaceful transfer of power to you from your predecessor and we see a stable country in West Africa that is growing in stature,” Suk Yeol was quoted as saying.

    Tinubu restated Nigeria’s readiness to increase the scale of economic relationship with South Korea by listing practical steps that could quicken deals in many sectors.

    He said: “We will leave nothing hanging. We will finalise what we agree to and we will execute. We will work point by point with you to secure rapidly implementable MoUs across sectors of partnership that will involve the active presence of your biggest firms, not just in terms of Nigerian consumption, but in local Nigerian production, from telecommunications to technology, and oil and gas.”

    The president offered an invitation to host Modi in Nigeria as the prime minister did to him during the G-20 Summit in India.

    Tinubu said: “There are many lessons our nation can learn from the rapid progress that India has made under your leadership.

    “We see fantastic opportunity between our nations across sectors, such as agricultural development, but specifically, there is more we can do to advance ICT innovation and the emergence of blue-chip fintech growth in Africa. Nigeria has the local players who can drive it from the front.”

    Affirming India’s readiness to foster greater economic partnership with Nigeria, the Indian leader thanked Tinubu for inviting him.

    Modi said: “Our teams must now stay close in touch to detail our priority areas of upscaled cooperation with respect to agriculture, defence industries capacity building, and even fintech growth.

    “We believe there are immense prospects for Nigeria in the UPI-Unified Payments Interface and we will ensure that we come together and make progress on these fronts very rapidly.”

    Ngelale stated that his boss also had substantive, informal exchanges of views with the United States (U.S.) President, Joe Biden; European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and World Bank President, Ajay Banga, among others, on the sideline of the G-20 Summit.

  • 100 days: Tinubu laying solid foundation

    100 days: Tinubu laying solid foundation

    Tinubu Support Group (TSG) in United States has said in 100 days, President Bola Tinubu has laid a solid foundation for economic restoration.

     It appealed to the President to consider appointing   Muhammad Ibrahim as minister of Youth Development. 

    The recommendation came after a meeting in Texas, U.S between TSG and Tinubu/Shettima Global Support Group (TSGSG), U.S chapters.

     During the meeting, Dr. MKO Abimbola and Akinlolu Britto, U.S coordinator of TSG and chief diaspora coordinator of TSGSG, hailed Tinubu’s transformational and progressive leadership.

     Abimbola, in a statement  praised Tinubu’s approach to revitalising the country’s economy and underlined that  Ibrahim is qualified to represent  youths in the cabinet.

    Read Also; FG secures $163mn AfDB loan to boost wheat production, says Shettima

     He noted Ibrahim’s experience in marine, oil and gas, information and communication technology as well as youth empowerment.

     “Having impacted youths at home and in diaspora, he has proved himself a global leader of TSGSG and a technocrat.

     “Ibrahim played a role in nation-building across sectors, demonstrating his proficiencies and expertise. His contributions to the campaigns and victory of Tinubu/Shettima were evident.

    “He had been on the ground to defend the victory of Mr. President and democracy. As an ardent supporter of the President and APC, he served in the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) as well as Independent Campaign Council (ICC).’’

     “As we congratulate the President on his achievements during his 100 days in office,  we recommend that you, with all due respect, consider Awal Ibrahim as minister of Youth Development”.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for bilateral talks

    JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for bilateral talks

    President Bola Tinubu, Sunday night, arrived Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he will be interfacing with the country’s leadership on diplomatic issues.

    President Tinubu, who departed the capital of India, New Delhi, landed at the Abu Dhabi International Airport at about 10:15pm, UAE local time.

    Read Also; Nigeria needs N21tn to bridge housing gap, says Shettima

    Although Nigeria and the UAE continue to maintain their diplomatic relations, contacts became strained when in October 2022 the Emirate authorities slammed a visa ban on Nigerian after Emirates Airlines suspended flights to Nigeria.

    UAE reacted to the failure of Nigeria to repatriate billions of dollars trapped funds belonging to the Emirates Airlines.

    However, President Tinubu started mending relations with the country, which has become a choice destination to thousands of Nigerian travellers for various reasons.

  • G-20 side meets: Tinubu secures multiple economic partnership agreements for Nigeria

    G-20 side meets: Tinubu secures multiple economic partnership agreements for Nigeria

    President Bola Tinubu, over the weekend, met with leaders of some of the biggest economies of the world, striking agreements on strategic partnerships, which would see Nigeria welcoming new investments and enhancing the development of many sectors of the economy.

    The bilateral meetings, which were held on the sidelines of this year’s G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India, between Saturday and yesterday, saw President Tinubu engaging with President Joe Biden of the United States (US), Prime Minister of the host country, India, Narendra Modi, German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol, among others.

    According to a statement issued Sunday evening by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the meetings were held off-camera in the side rooms of the Bharat Mandapam Complex, the venue of the G-20 Leaders’ Summit events.

    The statement said President Tinubu met with the Heads of State of three nations, which have been identified as key partners in his economic development diplomacy drive for local investment and wealth creation.

    For the leader of Africa’s largest economy, a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Europe’s largest economy, Germany, presented a unique opportunity to expand ties of prosperity for the people of Nigeria, but with a pragmatic approach toward ensuring the effective execution of agreements struck.

    He said: “It is not, for us, only a matter of designing the financial architecture for an expanded economic partnership. It is also about the practicality of aligning the perspectives of your large-scale manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and others, with the reality of the new incentives my government is putting in place for them to come and prosper across multiple value chains and sectors inside of our country.”

    Apparently intrigued by the specific economic focus of the President’s proposal, German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, responded by acknowledging the mutually-beneficial nature of an escalation in the scale of economic ties with Africa’s largest economy.

    Read Also; Fireworks as Akeredolu resumes duties

    “Thank you for this important discussion, Mr. President. I appreciate this opportunity to advance our economic relations. Your market is unique and our companies have a history in Nigeria. We acknowledge the business-friendly reforms you have put in place. I am happy to inform you of my desire to visit you in Nigeria in October, which will allow us to carry forward these initiatives,” the German leader confided.

    Following President Tinubu’s acceptance of the German Chancellor’s request to visit, the President proceeded to sit down with the Leader of Asia’s fourth-largest economy, South Korea, during which, South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol, commended the President’s regional leadership in upholding democratic tenets and norms.

    “I wish to commend your strong leadership, following the peaceful transfer of power to you from your predecessor and we see a stable country in West Africa that is growing in stature,” he said.

    President Tinubu responded by swiftly steering the discussion toward his economic focus as he immediately advanced proposals for an enhanced South Korean presence in Nigeria’s local manufacturing sector.

    Tinubu said: “We will leave nothing hanging. We will finalise what we agree to and we will execute. We will work point-by-point with you to secure rapidly implementable MoUs across sectors of partnership that will involve the active presence of your biggest firms, not just in terms of Nigerian consumption, but in local Nigerian production, from telecommunications to technology, and oil & gas.”

    The South Korean President responded in agreement, noting specifically that Nigeria’s education, technology and energy sectors are of utmost interest to South Korean investors and that he will mobilize his business community to take advantage of new Nigerian incentives for local industry.

    Offering an invitation to visit Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu would conclude formal discussions at the G-20 with the Asian giant and host nation, which had invited Nigeria to the G-20 Summit, as he met with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

    “There are many lessons our nation can learn from the rapid progress that India has made under your leadership. We see fantastic opportunities between our nations across sectors, such as agricultural development, but specifically, there is more we can do to advance ICT innovation and the emergence of Blue-Chip FinTech growth in Africa. Nigeria has the local players who can drive it from the front,” the Nigerian leader confidently asserted.

    The hosting Head of State responded in the affirmative to the economic partnership proposal, even as he expressed gratitude for the Nigerian leader’s invitation to visit.

    “Our teams must now stay close in touch to detail our priority areas of upscaled cooperation with respect to agriculture, defence industries capacity building, and even FinTech growth. I see your commitment. We believe there are immense prospects for Nigeria in the UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and we will ensure that we come together and make progress on these fronts very rapidly,” the Indian leader concluded.

    During the G-20 sideline meetings, President Tinubu also had substantive, informal exchanges of views with U.S. President Joe R. Biden; European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen; and World Bank President, Ajay Banga, amongst many others.

  • I’m delighted to meet President Tinubu, says Indian PM Modi

    I’m delighted to meet President Tinubu, says Indian PM Modi

    The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has expressed delight in meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

    The Nation reports Tinubu departed Nigeria on September 4 for the G-20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, India.

    He was part of the nine guests invited to the engagement which ended on Sunday, September 10.

    On Saturday, September 9, the African Union (AU) formally joined the group of 20 top global economies.

    Read Also: Akpabio appoints ex-Reps spokesman, Eyiboh, as media adviser

    In a tweet on his verified X page on Sunday, Modi posted: “It was a delight to meet President Bola Tinubu earlier today.

    “Our talks were fruitful and will surely add momentum to the strong relations between India and Nigeria. Our key focus areas are trade and cultural exchanges.”