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  • JUST IN: Tinubu meets newly appointed Service Chiefs

    JUST IN: Tinubu meets newly appointed Service Chiefs

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has met with the newly appointed Service Chiefs at the State House, Abuja.

    The closed-door meeting, which came three days after the announcement of the new appointments, marked the President’s first formal engagement with the new military leadership. 

    The appointments, according to the Presidency, form part of a strategic realignment aimed at deepening professionalism, boosting morale, and enhancing inter-agency coordination in national security operations.

    Those in attendance included the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas. 

    The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye, who retained his position, was also present.

    Although details of the President’s charge to the new Service Chiefs were not immediately made public, sources at the Villa said the discussions centred on security priorities, ongoing counterterrorism operations, and the administration’s resolve to sustain peace and stability across the country.

  • CEDFJ urges Tinubu to declare 2025 capital budget a national emergency

    CEDFJ urges Tinubu to declare 2025 capital budget a national emergency

    The Coalition for Equitable Development and Fiscal Justice (CEDFJ) has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the 2025 capital budget as a national emergency, noting that effective implementation is crucial to sustaining economic recovery and public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.

    In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Dr. Gbenga Akinbowale, and National Secretary, Gloria Maduegbuna, the group said the success of the President’s reform agenda depends on timely and efficient execution of capital projects.

    “The President must now see the 2025 capital budget as a national emergency. Each year, the same bureaucratic cycle repeats itself — funds are released late, projects stall midway, and inflation wipes out the value of appropriations. This must not continue under an administration that came to power promising a break from the past,” the statement said.

    CEDFJ emphasised that consistent and timely release of funds is vital to ensuring that infrastructure projects across the country are completed as planned. 

    The group noted that accelerated budget performance would strengthen public trust in the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Every stalled road project, every uncompleted hospital or power installation is a reminder that citizens are still waiting for the Renewed Hope they were promised. Meeting these expectations through visible delivery will reinforce national confidence in the government’s direction,” it added.

    Akinbowale said the coalition’s review of past budgets showed that less than 70 percent of capital allocations were utilised in most MDAs between 2021 and 2024 — a situation that, if not improved upon, could affect critical infrastructure projects in 2025.

    He urged the President to introduce a direct monitoring mechanism for capital releases and demand quarterly performance reports from relevant government agencies.

    “The credibility of the Renewed Hope Agenda depends not on how well the budget is written, but on how faithfully it is implemented. The 2025 fiscal year presents an opportunity to demonstrate visible progress and deliver the tangible outcomes citizens expect,” the group stated.

  • 400 CBOs, CSOs endorse Tinubu for 2027, cite strong oil and gas reforms

    400 CBOs, CSOs endorse Tinubu for 2027, cite strong oil and gas reforms

    Over 400 community-based organisations (CBOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) under the umbrella of the Citizens Connect Conference have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, citing his administration’s “bold and far-reaching reforms” in the oil and gas sector as a defining achievement of governance renewal in Nigeria.

    The three-day conference, held in Lagos, brought together representatives of civic groups, youth movements, professional associations, and social accountability platforms from all 6 south-West states including Lagos. 

    A majority of participants were young Nigerians aged between 18 and 40 who came together to assess the state of governance and the impact of regulatory reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    In a communique issued at the close of the conference and jointly signed by Comrade Halima Mohammed, Executive Director of the Centre for Civic Inclusion (CCI); Barr. Chidi Obumneke, Convener of Young Reformers Network (YRN); and Dr. Tunde Alade, Executive Secretary of the South-West Civic Forum (SWCF), the participants commended President Tinubu for consolidating the gains of the PIA and empowering regulatory institutions to operate with a new level of transparency and efficiency.

    “The Citizens Connect Conference recognises that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory environment has been repositioned for efficiency, transparency, and investor confidence,” the communique reads. 

    “We particularly note the transformative leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), whose reforms have elevated Nigeria’s standing in the global energy community.”

    The groups noted that the digitisation of licensing processes, stricter compliance mechanisms, and anti-theft initiatives introduced by the NUPRC have resulted in higher production levels, improved revenue generation, and restored investor trust in the sector. 

    They described these achievements as proof that institutional reform, when properly implemented, can drive economic renewal and social inclusion.

    According to Aisha Ibrahim, National Coordinator of the Connected Citizens Movement (CCM), “Young people are now seeing the results of evidence-based policy execution. The oil sector, which was once a symbol of corruption and opacity, has become one of the clearest illustrations of accountability under this administration.”

    The communique also applauded the administration’s emphasis on energy transition, local content development, and host community participation.

    Read Also: Ballon d’Or: NFF congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

    The groups noted that the operationalisation of Host Community Development Trusts has transformed oil-bearing communities to active stakeholders in national prosperity.

    They added that the government’s support for domestic manufacturing, through initiatives promoting “Nigeria’s First Goods and Services,” has created opportunities for local entrepreneurs in the oil and gas supply chain.

    “President Tinubu’s administration has redefined governance in the extractive sector through decisive leadership and institutional discipline,” said Comrade Sunday Edet, National Coordinator of the Coalition for Accountable Leadership (CAL).

    “We have witnessed measurable progress in regulatory enforcement, revenue generation, and digital transparency. Our endorsement for 2027 is rooted in evidence, not sentiment — continuity is essential to consolidate these gains.”

    The participants resolved to sustain citizen engagement, track the implementation of reforms, and promote civic participation across the six geopolitical zones.

    The communique further called on the federal government to deepen collaboration with youth-led organisations and subnational stakeholders to strengthen policy ownership and transparency across the energy value chain.

  • TMF hails Tinubu’s administration as Nigeria’s most reform-driven since 1960 

    TMF hails Tinubu’s administration as Nigeria’s most reform-driven since 1960 

    The Tinubu Media Force (TMF) has described the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the most progressively stable and reform-driven government Nigeria has witnessed since independence in 1960.

    In a statement signed by its National President, Gbenga Abiola, TMF commended the administration’s transformative achievements across all sectors, noting that the reforms implemented within two years have positioned Nigeria on a trajectory toward global competitiveness and lasting prosperity.

    Abiola highlighted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria recorded a full-year GDP growth of 3.4 percent and a robust quarter-on-quarter growth of 4.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. 

    He added that the fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4 percent of GDP in 2023 to 3.0 percent in 2024, while the tax-to-GDP ratio rose from 10 percent to 13.5 percent, reflecting stronger fiscal discipline and improved revenue generation.

    According to him, the administration also secured investment commitments worth over $50.8 billion across the energy, agriculture, ICT, transportation, and defense sectors — clear evidence of investor confidence in the nation’s economic direction.

    TMF further noted significant advancements in infrastructure development, including road projects valued at ₦2.5 trillion approved in 2025 alone — the highest in the country’s history. Landmark projects such as the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano dual carriageway, and the completion of access roads to the Second Niger Bridge were cited as enduring legacies of Tinubu’s commitment to national connectivity and modernization.

    In education, the group lauded the allocation of ₦3.52 trillion in the 2025 federal budget — a 304 percent increase from 2022. Through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, more than 440,000 students have received direct financial support amounting to ₦42.8 billion, thereby expanding access to higher education and empowering a new generation of innovators.

    TMF also praised the administration’s record investment in the health sector, which received ₦2.48 trillion in the 2025 budget — a 242 percent rise from previous years. Over 1,000 primary healthcare centres have been revitalized, while another 5,500 are under upgrade. 

    The group added that health insurance coverage has expanded from 16 million to 20 million Nigerians, marking a significant step toward universal health access.

    In agriculture, it noted that the declaration of a state of emergency on food production mobilized 100 billion naira in fertilizer support for farmers, distributing more than one million bags nationwide. Mechanized farming programs are expected to boost productivity by 20 percent, ensuring long-term food security.

    Social investments, according to the group, have reached record levels, with over four million households benefiting from conditional cash transfers of 75,000 naira each. The Renewed Hope Housing Scheme continues to expand affordable housing access for working-class families, helping bridge the national housing deficit.

    It said, “On national security, decisive measures have yielded strong results. Over 13,500 terrorists have been neutralized, 17,000 arrested, and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued across different regions. These outcomes reflect strengthened collaboration among security agencies, improved personnel welfare, and strategic investments in intelligence and defense infrastructure. The overall stability of Nigeria’s political system and governance structures has been further reinforced, with investor confidence rising significantly. International credit agencies have since upgraded Nigeria’s economic outlook from B minus to B Stable, a reflection of renewed global trust in Nigeria’s leadership.

    “The administration has also pursued key reforms in aviation and immigration, upgrading airports, expanding international routes, and strengthening border management to position Nigeria as a major African hub for trade, tourism, and global partnerships.”

    Abiola emphasized that if these achievements and ideological policy directions can be realized within just two years, Nigeria’s potential over an eight-year horizon is truly transformative. He expressed optimism that the current trajectory will elevate Nigeria into the ranks of globally competitive economies driven by innovation, productivity, and stability.

    He added that such vision and consistency of purpose have inspired renewed national confidence and pride among Nigerians at home and abroad. 

    According to him, continuity of this kind of progressive leadership remains essential for consolidating the gains of reform and ensuring that the nation’s development agenda achieves full maturity.

    President Tinubu’s administration has shown uncommon resilience and strategic foresight in stabilizing the economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and restoring global confidence in Nigeria. With the foundation already laid, Nigeria is set to become a global benchmark for inclusive growth and purposeful governance.

    The Tinubu Media Force reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to promoting national unity, responsible governance, and the Renewed Hope Agenda for the prosperity of all Nigerians.

    “History will remember President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the leader who redefined governance, restored public trust, and repositioned Nigeria for greatness. If all these achievements and ideological policy pathways can be accomplished in just two years, there is no doubt that in eight years Nigeria would be competing globally with first world countries. It is therefore certain that Nigerians will vote massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, and indeed, we should be begging the President to contest again in 2027,” TMF concluded.

  • Australian based Nigerian commends Tinubu’s ‘courageous security shake up’

    Australian based Nigerian commends Tinubu’s ‘courageous security shake up’

    An Isan-Ekiti born Chartered Engineer Olaoluwa Dawodu has praised President, Bola Tinubu for shaking up the security hierarchy of the nation.

    Dawodu, who specialises in Mechanical Design, Maintenance, Reliability and Projects, while reacting to the recent changes in the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, said: “it’s a necessary move aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture.”

    He urged the President to set clear targets with timelines for the new Service Chiefs on reducing insecurity to the barest in the country.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Oyebanji, Adetunbi, others eulogise Femi Orebe at 80

    Congratulating the new Service Chiefs with a charge not to let Nigerians down, Engr. Dawodu urged the President not to hesitate in removing anyone who fails to meet set targets within benchmark timelines.

    He further charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to “justify the confidence reposed in them to enhance the professionalism, vigilance, unity and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria as they serve the nation with honour,” he said.

    Tinubu sacked Christopher Musa, an Army General, as the Chief of Defence Staff and appointed Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, former Chief of Army Staff, as his replacement.

    The President also appointed Waidi Shaibu, a General, as the new Chief of Army Staff while appointing new Heads for the Air Force and the Navy.

    The changes were announced in a statement by the presidential spokesperson, Sunday Dare. 

  • Ododo lauds Tinubu over appointment of Chief of Army Staff

    Ododo lauds Tinubu over appointment of Chief of Army Staff

    Governor  Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has  appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the appointment of Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff.

    The Kogi government, in a statement, expressed  gratitude to  President  Tinubu on the appointment.

    In a statement issued in Lokoja by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the State Governor,  Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, described the appointment as a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to fairness, equity, and recognition of merit in national service.

    Ododo noted that the elevation of Major General Shaibu is a source of pride and inspiration to the people of Kogi State, stressing that the appointee’s record of professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty stands him out as a fine officer and true patriot.

    Read Also: I will retire from active service at 60 – Obi Cubana

     The governor expressed confidence in the ability of the new Chief of Army Staff to deliver on the mandate of strengthening the Nigerian Army to defend the nation and sustain ongoing efforts to improve security across the country.

    While congratulating Major General Shaibu on his appointment, Ododo assured Tinubu  of the unflinching support and loyalty of the government and people of Kogi State to his administration.

    He also prayed for divine wisdom and protection for the new Army Chief as he discharged his duties in the service of the nation.

  • ‘Free fuel distribution not to woo voters for Tinubu’

    ‘Free fuel distribution not to woo voters for Tinubu’

    Founder of Dr. Nicholas Foundation, Dr. Felix Nicholas, has dismissed insinuations that he distributed free fuel to motorists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, to woo voters for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

    Dr. Nicholas said his free fuel distribution was to serve as palliative to cushion the effect of high cost of fuel.

    The former All Progressives Congress, Dr. Nicholas Felix, distributed the free fuel at the Shafa Petrol station.

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    Dr. Nicholas said he ensured the beneficiaries were dispatch riders, commercial drivers and tricycle riders because those represented the poor masses.

    Nicholas, however, explained that his gesture was not aimed to woo voters for the 2027 general election but his method of giving back to the society.

    According to him, “We have been doing this for the past two years. We are here to give out free fuel. This started in 2014, even in the United States. We decided to bring it here. And what a better time to bring the renewed hope to the people, to let them know that there is hope. I know fuel is one thing that everybody talks about since the removal of the fuel subsidy. So we just decided to come and put a smile on the people. You can see the bike men, the bus driver, they are so excited, and that’s what this is all about.”

  • Free fuel not to woo voters for Tinubu, says ex-presidential aspirant

    Free fuel not to woo voters for Tinubu, says ex-presidential aspirant

    Founder of Dr. Nicholas Foundation, Dr. Felix Nicholas, has dismissed insinuations that he distributed free fuel to motorists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, to woo voters for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Nicholas said his free fuel distribution was to serve as palliative to cushion effect of high cost of fuel.

    The former All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant distributed the free fuel at the Shafa Petrol station.

    Nicholas said he ensured the beneficiaries were dispatch rider, commercial drivers and tricycle riders because those represented the poor masses.

    Read Also:Tinubu congratulates Japan’s first female Prime Minister Takaichi

    Nicholas, however, explained that his gesture was not to woo voters for the 2027 general election but giving back to the society.

    According to him: “We have been doing this for the past two years. We are here to give out free fuel. This started in 2014, even in the United States. We decided to bring it here. And what a better time to bring the renewed hope to the people, to let them know that there is hope. 

    “I know fuel is one thing that everybody talks about since the removal of the fuel subsidy. So we just decided to come and put a smile in the face of the people. You can see the bike men, the bus driver, they are so excited, and that’s what this is all about.”

    “This has nothing to do with campaign. When it’s time to campaign, we’ll rule out what Mr. President has done. There’s no campaign here. We are not campaigning. We did it in Ibadan 2018. We did it in Benin here in 2019. We did it last year in Benin. We did it in Etsako. We did it in Auchi. We did it in Niger State. We did it in Abuja in July. So we are doing it as much as possible. We’re taking it around.”

  • Adeduntan hails Tinubu on upward economy swing, assures residents on positive impact

    Adeduntan hails Tinubu on upward economy swing, assures residents on positive impact

    A former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, has hailed President Bola Tinubu and his Economic Management Team for what he described as a rebound and upward swing of the economy. 

    Noting that it would amount to loss of professionalism for anyone who fail to recognise the ongoing efforts of the current administration, Adeduntan noted that although, there is room for improvement, there is no doubt that economy has been turned around.

    The business executive and financial expert spoke while featuring as a guest at the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Bashorun, Ibadan live television and radio show which was monitored by The Nation.

    Appearing as the Guest of the Month, the interview focused on the state of the Nation.

    Adeduntan, who is also the Pro-Chancellor, Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, however urged the President not to lose focus but keep accelerating on the mission of transforming the economy.

    He added that, people at the grassroots will feel the direct impact of the Economic improvement when the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) doubles.

    According to him: “There is being a rebound in the economic. One will loss his professionalism if you fail to recognise what is going on with the economy.

    “One must give a lot of credit to what has been achieved by the current administration. The economy is on an upward swing. 

    “There are areas for improvement but you can’t but acknowledge President Bola Tinubu and his team efforts on the economy. They are ding a lot and improving the economy despite challenges.

    “For the country to fully feel the impact of the growth, we need to do like the rate of GDP growth.

    “The Federal and State Governments have both been involved in massive constructions all around. Their policy choices, sequences could be a challenge but the directions need to be harmonised.

    “What has been done is pushing growth beyond where it has been over there years. When we start growing at eight or nine percent, we will see more impact. The growth rate is stronger now than what it used to be.”

    Speaking on the agriculture and other sectors, Dr Adeduntan also noted that, the country has made significant progress in the sector, noting that years back, the country spend huge foreign exchange (forex) on rice importation, but that production, especially in rice cultivation has improved.

    “In truth, the country has made significant progress in agriculture. Some 10 to 15years ago, we spend huge forex on rice importation, but in the last few years, we have improved our production especially in rice cultivation.

    “A number of the transformation ongoing are not short term basis but medium and long term so we may not have started feeling the impact. The journey into diversification Is what will take time, but the good things is that the journey has started and we are on course.

    “I agree with the direction the government is going. What I think that the President needs to do more is to keep Accelerating and remain focus. The government has been pushing aggressively policies that are right,” he added.

    He urged the government to allow more price liberalisation than price control.

    “Parts of that needs to happen is price realisation, not regulation. liberalisatuon of prices as it relates to subsidy removal and currency harmonisation is that people now have the privilege to enjoy realistic gains.

    “I have seen significant returns come to people in the agricultural sector. Our agriculture is not where it should be but it is not where it used to be. 

    “Things are moving forward even though we need to move faster. If government can replicate what has been done done with rice sector of agricultural, things would be lot better. Our agriculture needs to be done at industrial scale and the government is also a bit more into the livestock sector.”

  • Why Tinubu should be re-elected, by Abiru

    Why Tinubu should be re-elected, by Abiru

    Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be re-elected in the 2027 poll.

    He described the president as a courageous, visionary and transformational leader, whose reforms are bearing fruits.

    Abiru lauded the bold reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange market, and redirection of resources to key sectors, which have restored economic stability and fiscal discipline.

    He spoke at the endorsement of the president by the All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful in Lagos.

    Justifying the call for continuity, Abiru said: “Two years ago, Nigerians entrusted him with the leadership of our nation at one of the most difficult moments in our modern history. The economy was distressed, public confidence shaken, and our national direction uncertain.

    “Yet, true to his courage and  visionary spirit, President Tinubu chose the harder but more  honourable path: the path of reform, restructuring, and  renewal.”

    READ ALSO: FULL PROFILE: Meet new Chief of Army Staff Major-General W. Shaibu

    Abiru, who represents Lagos East District in the Senate, highlighted key achievements of the administration, including, the NELFUND educational loans for over 510,000 students, CrediCorp loans worth ₦30 billion to 150,000 Nigerians, the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, and Project Bridge, a 90,000km fibre optic network powering digital transformation.

    He applauded the synergy between the National Assembly and the Executive, noting that landmark laws, including the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, Student Loan Act, Electricity Act Amendment, Data Protection Act, and Police Reform Bill, Security Agency Acts, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (Amendment)  Bill and Startup Act implementation framework, both  aimed at deepening innovation, protecting local content,  and nurturing tech ecosystem; and Revenue Administration Harmonisation Bill, have strengthened the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said: “These legislative interventions are the backbone of the President’s reforms, providing legal and institutional stability.”

    Abiru, who is the Chairman of the Southern Senators’ Forum, reaffirmed Lagos’ historic role in progressive governance, recalling how President Tinubu’s era as Lagos governor set the foundation for fiscal innovation and inclusive growth, which is now replicated nationwide.