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  • Tinubu consoles Super Eagles captain on father’s death

    Tinubu consoles Super Eagles captain on father’s death

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a message of condolence to Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, over the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi.

    In a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as tragic and painful for the family and all who knew the deceased.

    Sunday Ndidi reportedly died in a road accident in Umunede, near Agbor, in Delta State, on Tuesday. 

    His son, Wilfred Ndidi, plays for Turkish Super Lig side Beşiktaş and serves as captain of the Super Eagles.

    Tinubu, in his condolence message, said he was deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Sunday Ndidi, noting the close bond he shared with his son.

    “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Sunday Ndidi. I share in the grief of his family, friends and associates, particularly Wilfred Ndidi, who shared a strong bond with his father as a mentor and guide in his remarkable career as an exceptional footballer,” the President said.

    Read Also: Tinubu not first President to stumble – Onoh

    He added that the late Ndidi’s values and personal conduct left a lasting impression on those around him.

    “There is no doubt that Sunday’s modest beginnings and honesty greatly impacted those who looked up to him for inspiration,” the President noted.

    The President also prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved family and for the repose of the soul of the departed.

    He asked God Almighty to grant the Ndidi family the strength to bear the loss and to grant eternal rest to Sunday Ndidi.

  • President has opened political space for young Nigerians

    President has opened political space for young Nigerians

    A pro-democracy group, the City Boy Movement (CBM), has hailed the growing inclusion of young and non-traditional actors in the country’s political space under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a necessary step toward strengthening democracy and securing the nation’s future.

    The Director-General of the movement, Oluwatosin Francis Shoga, stated this in Abuja, while responding to critics, following the entry of business leaders and philanthropists like Obi Cubana into political space.

    He reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has sent a signal that youth participation, entrepreneurship, and fresh perspectives are valued.

    Read Also: Senate orders fresh review of Electoral Act amendments, sets up 48-hour ad hoc panel

     “The inclusiveness of today’s political environment reflects democratic maturity. Nigeria’s future will be built through courage, participation, and unity—not fear of change,’’ he said.

    “Nigeria is at a defining moment in its democratic evolution, where long-standing calls for inclusion, fresh leadership, and new ideas are beginning to take shape.

    “For years, Nigerians, particularly young people, have decried political exclusion, recycled leadership, and limited access to decision-making.

    ‘Today, the increasing participation of young and dynamic Nigerians should not be seen as a threat, but as a renewal of democracy.”

  • ‘Tinubu’s Türkiye visit strategic for counterterrorism, military collaboration’

    ‘Tinubu’s Türkiye visit strategic for counterterrorism, military collaboration’

    A security expert, Ambassador Abayomi Mumuni, has described President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Türkiye as a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to deepen counterterrorism efforts and expand military collaboration amid growing security challenges.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, in a statement by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, on Tuesday, said the visit represents more than a routine diplomatic engagement, adding that it offers a timely window to strengthen Nigeria’s long-standing security and defence partnership with Türkiye.

    Mumuni, who served on the intelligence and security team of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council during the 2023 election, said Türkiye’s rising profile in global defence and security cooperation makes it a critical partner for Nigeria, which continues to contend with terrorism, banditry and other transnational threats.

    According to him, while Nigeria and Türkiye have enjoyed decades of cooperation in areas such as trade, education and diplomacy, the current security realities demand a sharper focus on counterterrorism, ammunition supply and military partnerships.

    He noted that Türkiye’s experience in combating terrorism, securing borders and managing complex armed conflicts provide valuable lessons Nigeria can adapt to its own security landscape. Mumuni said Ankara’s blend of operational successes and challenges could help Nigeria strengthen its national security architecture.

    The APC chieftain also called for inclusive and mutually beneficial defence dialogue, arguing that structured military cooperation and ammunition transactions would significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to address both internal and external security threats.

    He further urged Nigeria to assert its sovereignty and independence in selecting defence partners, cautioning against undue pressure or restrictive policies from other nations that limit access to critical military assets. 

    Read Also: Tinubu not first President to stumble – Onoh

    A dependable partnership with Türkiye, he said, could help Nigeria overcome constraints posed by arms embargoes and procurement bottlenecks.

    He described President Tinubu’s visit as a strong signal of Nigeria’s determination to advance its interests on the global stage, adding that deeper security collaboration with Türkiye would contribute to national stability, territorial integrity and the safety of citizens.

    Mumuni called on Nigerians to support the engagement, saying it has the potential to pave the way for a more secure and prosperous country.

  • Nigeria, Türkiye to fast-track trade, energy, defence ties — Tinubu

    Nigeria, Türkiye to fast-track trade, energy, defence ties — Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria and Türkiye have agreed to fast-track cooperation in trade, energy and defence to boost jobs, investment and shared prosperity.

    The President disclosed this on Tuesday via his official X handle during his ongoing State Visit to Ankara, Türkiye.

    Tinubu said discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan focused on deepening bilateral relations and delivering tangible economic benefits for citizens of both countries.

    “President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and I reaffirmed our shared ambition, which speaks directly to jobs, investment and opportunity for our people,” the President said.

    He said both leaders agreed on the need to expand trade volumes and remove structural barriers limiting business growth between Nigeria and Türkiye.

    “We are creating a clear pathway to a five-billion-dollar trade volume between Nigeria and Türkiye,” Tinubu stated.

    The President described the talks as practical and forward-looking, driven by mutual interests and shared regional and global responsibilities.

    “Our conversations were practical and forward-looking: trade and investment, energy, education, defence cooperation, peace and security,” he said.

    Tinubu announced the establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee to drive implementation of agreements and attract fresh investments.

    “The creation of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee will unlock new flows of capital,” the President noted.

    He said the committee would also support industrial growth, technology transfer and stronger private sector participation.

    Tinubu welcomed President Erdoğan’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, especially in the energy and investment sectors.

    “I welcome President Erdoğan’s recognition of Nigeria’s reform momentum, particularly in the energy sector,” he said.

    The President said the renewed confidence reflected Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, stability and sustainable economic growth.

    “We are determined to build an economy that works for everyone, including the most vulnerable,” Tinubu added.

    On regional security, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s responsibility to promote peace and stability across Africa.

    Read Also: Tinubu not first President to stumble – Onoh

    “Nigeria will continue to play its role in peace and stability in Africa,” the President said.

    He said Türkiye’s expertise in counter-terrorism and defence cooperation would strengthen collective responses to emerging security threats.

    “Türkiye’s experience and readiness to cooperate in training, intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism strengthen our resolve,” he stated.

    Tinubu said nine bilateral agreements were exchanged at the end of the meetings between both leaders.

    The agreements cover defence, education, media cooperation, diaspora policy, trade facilitation, social development and institutional collaboration.

    “Nigeria remains open for serious partnership. Open to trade without barriers, ideas, skills and investment that create value and shared prosperity,” he said.

    Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive growth, peaceful coexistence and active global engagement.

    “We are building an inclusive economy. We are strengthening peace. Nigeria will continue to engage the world with confidence and clarity,” Tinubu said.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu not first President to stumble – Onoh

    Tinubu not first President to stumble – Onoh

    The former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of Enugu Assembly, Denge Josef Onoh, has pointed out there is nothing strange about the President’s stumble while on official engagement in Turkey on Tuesday.

    Onoh accused the opposition politicians of engaging in a baseless propaganda, seeking to exploit a minor incident during President Tinubu’s state visit to Turkey.

    Tinubu stumbled while in an official welcome ceremony in Ankara-Turkey, bringing about a media frenzy in Nigeria.

    But Onoh described the brief stumble as an entirely human occurrence that in no way reflects on his vigour, focus, or the significance of the visit.

    He emphasised that such incidents are inherent risks of high office where leaders constantly navigate unfamiliar venues, ceremonial protocols, and gruelling schedules under intense public scrutiny.

    Onoh noted that history is full of similar momentary slips by world leaders, including President Gerald Ford of United States of America who famously tumbled down the steps of Air Force One in Austria in 1975.

    He also recalled that President Joe Biden of USA also tripped multiple times on the stairs of Air Force One in 2021 while President Barack Obama also briefly stumbled while disembarking Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base on March 29, 2015, after returning from a golf trip in Florida.

    Other world leaders he cited to have slipped while in official engagement included the Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was involved in a widely noted slip in 2019; same as the Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro who fell off a stage in 2004 and former U.S. Vice President, Mike Pence, who had a similar stumble while boarding Air Force Two.

    These examples, Onoh said, serve as reminders that even the most accomplished leaders are human and prone to occasional missteps.

    Addressing the cause of the incident, Onoh referenced explanations from the President’s team that it stemmed from a poorly laid blue carpet at the ceremony venue, creating an uneven surface and causing a brief loss of footing.

    “It is not any health-related issue. President Tinubu quickly regained his composure, received assistance, and continued seamlessly with his program,” Onoh said. 

    Onoh stressed that the minor mishap did not hinder the visit’s core objectives: strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Turkey, boosting trade, investment, defense cooperation, and infrastructure opportunities that directly benefit Nigeria and its people. 

    Read Also: ‘Economic model under Tinubu to drive higher GDP’

    The President proceeded with scheduled bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other senior officials, demonstrating unwavering commitment and resilience.

    “In the service of Nigeria,” Onoh concluded, “any small personal discomfort a leader endures—whether a stumble or greater sacrifice—is worthwhile if it advances the greater good of our country and its citizens. True leaders embrace such moments as part of their noble duty to place national interest above all else.”

    He urged the opposition and all political actors to channel their energies constructively: rather than fixating on fleeting incidents or amplifying them for partisan gain. 

    He asked them to offer substantive alternatives, propose viable solutions to national challenges, and contribute meaningfully to progress—instead of opposing everything while proposing nothing.

    Onoh reaffirmed that President Tinubu remains in great shape and fully dedicated to delivering for Nigerians, calling on all to rally around the bigger picture of shared prosperity and unity.

  • ‘Economic model under Tinubu to drive higher GDP’

    ‘Economic model under Tinubu to drive higher GDP’

    The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has said that the new economic model deployed by the President Bola Tinubu administration will drive the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) higher in 2026 and beyond.

    In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, the institute projected that the economy would hit 5.5 per cent in 2026, higher than the forecast of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

    It reads: “We made it clear in that statement that the Nigerian economy under the current administration had engendered a paradigm shift from perennial dependency on crude oil earnings to policy-driven economic facilitation.

    “This refers to the deliberate use of governmental policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks to reduce obstacles, lower costs, and speed up economic activities, particularly in trade and investment.

    “The facilitation, in this context, aims to foster sustainable, inclusive growth by improving efficiency and reducing red tape.

    “Seven months after that questionable projection by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), we have seen a volte-face.  In an epiphany-like realisation, the IMF now speaks of a resurgent Nigerian economy as reflected in the global multilateral institution’s revised Nigerian economic outlook to a projected 4.4 per cent economic growth for 2026.

    “This is the highest GDP growth projection by the IMF over the last 17 years, a real expression of confidence in the Nigerian economy.”

    Read Also: Economic model under Tinubu to drive higher GDP, says IMPI

    The think tank also referenced the general consensus on Nigeria’s growth prospects which it attributed to the economic model adopted by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    The statement added: “Beyond the IMF’s new GDP projection, we have observed a consensus around a higher than four per cent economic growth performance expectation of the Nigerian economy by virtually all known individual and public economic commentators.

    “While the Nigerian Government projected 4.68 percent growth in 2026, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) projected a massive 7 percent, 1.5 percent higher than the Nigeria Economic Summit Group’s 5.5 percent for the year.

    “PwC sustained the conservative threshold by projecting a 4.3 percent growth conditioned on higher oil price while the World Bank also revised its earlier 3.7 percent projection to 4.4 percent.

    “The agglomeration of these positive economic growth outlooks by domestic and global institutional players points to an emerging economic paradigm that emphasizes increased production and productivity momentum, foreign exchange stability, dis-inflation, galvanized foreign direct investment and inflow, and unobtrusive regulatory environment, anchored in policy-driven economic facilitation.”

  • Tinubu seeks Senate’s nod for 60 new Justices, judges

    Tinubu seeks Senate’s nod for 60 new Justices, judges

    • President urges Senate to confirm Oyewole for Supreme Court

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve the appointment of 40 additional Justices for the Court of Appeal and 20 judges for the Federal High Court as part of efforts to strengthen judicial capacity and tackle mounting caseloads.

    The request is contained in two separate Bills that the President transmitted to the Red Chamber and read yesterday at plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio as the lawmakers resumed sitting after the Christmas and New Year recess.

    In the first Bill, President Tinubu is seeking an amendment to the Court of Appeal Act, 2004, to increase the number of justices in the Appeal Court from 70 to 110.

    The second Bill proposes an amendment to the Federal High Court Act, 2004, to raise the number of judges from the current 70 to 90.

    According to the President, the proposed expansion has become necessary due to the growing workload of the courts and the emergence of specialised and complex areas of litigation, including terrorism-related cases, taxation, and other evolving aspects of federal jurisdiction.

    Beyond increasing manpower, the Court of Appeal amendment also aims to modernise judicial operations.

    Read Also: 10,000 Ekiti youths, students march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    The Bill provides for electronic and virtual court proceedings and seeks to update several operational terminologies in the existing law to reflect contemporary judicial practices.

    He said the Bills proposed the modernisation of the court proceedings through the introduction of virtual court proceedings.

    “The Bill provides for the conduct of proceedings of the Court of Appeal through electronic and audio, establishment of the Alternative Dispute  Resolution Center (ADRC).

    “The Court of Appeal Bill seeks to establish an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre within the Court of Appeal, where appellate matters may be referred for settlement,” the President said.

    On the Federal High Court, President Tinubu noted that the present number of judges is no longer sufficient to cope with the volume and complexity of cases brought before the court.

    He recalled that the court was originally established with 50 judges, a figure increased to 70 in 2009.

    President Tinubu argued that recent developments in governance, security, and economic regulation have placed additional demands on the court, making a further expansion unavoidable.

    The President said the proposed increase to 90 judges would improve efficiency, reduce delays in the administration of justice and ensure that the court is better equipped with judges possessing the requisite professional competence in emerging areas of law.

    Also, President Tinubu yesterday forwarded the name of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Oyewole to the Senate for confirmation as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    After reading the letters, Akpabio referred them to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action.

  • Türkiye, Nigeria target $5bn trade volume as Erdogan, Tinubu seal new economic push

    Türkiye, Nigeria target $5bn trade volume as Erdogan, Tinubu seal new economic push

    President of the Republic Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Tuesday reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to achieving a $5 billion trade volume with Nigeria, saying discussions toward the target had already commenced.

    Erdogan spoke in Ankara during a joint press briefing with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is on a state visit to Türkiye.

    The Turkish leader said the planned establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee would unlock opportunities to expand and support Turkish investments in Nigeria, describing it as a critical mechanism for reaching the $5 billion target.

    He also praised President Tinubu’s commitment to attracting investment, noting that the presence of several Nigerian ministers and senior officials underscored that determination.

    According to a statement by Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Erdogan said: “Today, we conducted a comprehensive review of our relations with the esteemed president and his delegation in the fields of trade, investments, energy, education and defence industry.

    Read Also: Taraba security has Improved significantly, says Kefas

    “Firstly, we see that we have significant potential in the fields of trade and investment. In today’s meetings, our commitment is to the target of $5 billion trade volume, and we discussed the steps that need to be taken.

    “We also discussed opportunities to support our investments in Nigeria. We believe that the Joint Economy and Trade Committee, which we agreed to establish today, will be instrumental in this regard.”

    He further hailed Tinubu’s reforms in Nigeria’s energy sector, which he said had contributed to the restructuring of the economy, expressing optimism that cooperation between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian counterparts would yield the expected outcomes.

    On security, the Turkish President pledged support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region.

    “Terrorist organisations emerging, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, unfortunately pose a threat to the peace of the entire continent. We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under the leadership of President Tinubu.

    “In fact, today, we addressed opportunities for closer cooperation in the fields of military training and intelligence. We stated that we are ready to share our country’s significant experience in the fight against terrorism.

    “Also, I believe that we will soon see positive outcomes from the meetings that Nigerian officials will hold with our leading defence industry companies during this visit”, he said.

    Tinubu expressed appreciation to Türkiye for its openness and willingness to collaborate in promoting global freedom, stability and prosperity, while stressing the importance of building an inclusive economy that caters for vulnerable groups.

    He commended President Erdogan for being “willing to collaborate, willing to help, willing to work together to promote freedom, stability and shared prosperity across the world.”

    “What is very important to the countries being discussed; trade, business, no restrictions, giving opportunity to those who are ready to learn to work and prosper. How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we reform and get vulnerable people involved in the economy? How do we ensure peace in the world?” Tinubu asked.

    The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace and stability in Africa despite regional instability, noting that both leaders discussed joint efforts against terrorism.

    “We discussed efforts against terrorism. We discussed how to defeat agents of destabilization,” he said.

    Tinubu further praised Erdogan’s role in advancing global peace, particularly his efforts in Somalia.

    At the end of the bilateral meeting between the officials of the two countries, nine agreements were exchanged. 

    They were: Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Diaspora Policy, Agreement on Defence Cooperation, Joint Declaration Establishing Economy and Trade Joint Committee, and Agreement in the Field of Halal Quality Infrastructure.

    Others included Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education, Cooperation in the Field of Media and Communication, Cooperation in the Field of Education, Cooperation Between the Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomacy Academy, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Affairs Academy; and Cooperation Between the Republic of Turkiye, Ministry of Social Services and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ministry of women Affairs and Social Development.

  • Presidency dismisses Tinubu’s stumble in Ankara as minor incident

    Presidency dismisses Tinubu’s stumble in Ankara as minor incident

    The Presidency on Tuesday played down reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu tripped during a reception in Ankara, Türkiye, describing the incident as a minor stumble that did not in any way disrupt his official engagements.

    President Tinubu, who is on a state visit to Türkiye, reportedly lost his balance briefly during a reception organised in his honour in Ankara, sparking reactions across social and traditional media platforms.

    Reacting privately to the incident, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President merely stepped on an object on the floor and momentarily lost his balance.

    “The President stepped on a metal on the floor, which made him lose his balance. This is not a big deal, except for those who want to make mischief out of the fleeting incident”, Onanuga said.

    Read Also: Economic model under Tinubu to drive higher GDP, says IMPI

    He stressed that the development was neither serious nor consequential, adding that the President remained unharmed and continued with his scheduled programme.

    “It was a mere stumble, thank God, not a fall,” Onanuga added.

    Officials around him on the trip have said President Tinubu remained fully engaged in his official activities in Ankara, holding meetings and participating in events lined up for the state visit, which is aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties between Nigeria and Türkiye.

  • Ex-Speaker to lead Tinubu’s campaign organisation in Abia

    Ex-Speaker to lead Tinubu’s campaign organisation in Abia

    The City Boy Movement, a political organisation campaigning for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, has unveiled former Abia Speaker Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, FNSE (Ikukuoma Abia), as its State Chairman, marking a significant boost to the Movement’s political mobilisation drive in Abia State.

    The announcement, in Umuahia, signals a strategic alliance between the youth-driven political platform and a seasoned legislator widely regarded for his legislative leadership and grassroots engagement.

    Orji, a two-term lawmaker and the 11th Speaker of the Abia Assembly between 2019 and 2023, is known for championing legislative independence and institutional stability during his tenure.

     A graduate of Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), he brings a blend of professional expertise and political experience to the Movement.

    The City Boy Movement cited Orji’s signature “Direct Touch” Initiative which focused on direct empowerment of youths and women through livelihood support as a key factor in his selection. The group also noted his recent transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a move that has further strengthened the party’s structure and expanded its grassroots reach in the state.

    Speaking at the unveiling, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe (Don Lulu), Director of the City Boy Movement in Abia State, described the development as a turning point for the organization in the South East.

    “Today, we haven’t just added a name to our roster; we have gained a General. Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji is a builder by profession and a builder of men by calling. His acceptance to serve as our Chairman signals a new dawn for the City Boy Movement in the South East. With Ikukuoma, the wind of progress is now at our backs,” Igbokwe said.

    He added that the Movement remains committed to mobilizing citizens in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that Orji’s leadership would help deepen political participation and organizational growth across Abia State.

    The City Boy Movement welcomed Orji into the fold, expressing confidence that his leadership would help shape the political future of the state and strengthen the Movement’s presence across the region.