Home Blog Page 400

President Tinubu Reinstates NTA DG Dembos, Recalls Team

0

President Bola Tinubu has reinstated Mr Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who briefly vacated the post following some management changes in the agency.

Dembos was appointed as the Director General of the largest television network in Africa by President Tinubu in October 2023.

He is now to return to complete his three-year tenure.

A statement by presidential spokesman Mr Bayo Onanuga stated that the president also directed the recall of Mr Ayo Adewuyi, the executive director of news of NTA, to complete his three-year tenure, which ends in 2027.

Adewuyi was appointed by President Tinubu in 2024.

The new directive effectively reversed the previously circulated appointments of a director-general, executive director of news, executive director of marketing, and managing director of NTA Enterprises.

 

Nigeria Hits 2025 Revenue Target, Breaks Reliance on Borrowing

0

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria has met its revenue target for the year 2025, and no longer rely on borrowing to finance government operations.

The President made this known on Tuesday during a meeting with the Buhari Organisation and members of the Defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

President Tinubu highlighted that the Nigerian economy is now stabilised with more predictable FX and concentration on boosting of export and import as well as creation of jobs for the citizens

He said; “First of all we are fixing the economy. Bringing hope to the people. That is what we are looking for.

“Thank you for believing in me. The economy is stabilised; nobody is trading piece of paper for exchange rate anymore. When I took over it was N1900 to a dollar. It’s N1,450 now. Rates has been stabilising now, you don’t have to know a CBN governor to…all you have to do is export and import and create jobs for the people. What we need now is building the ship.

Recent reports revealed the non-oil tax revenue for the first seven months of 2025 at 13.07trillion, representing a substantial increase and highlighting the government’s focus on revenue diversification.”

Mechanised agriculture

President Tinubu further announced that he has signed a mechanisation programme to advance mechanised agriculture, underscoring his administration’s unwavering commitment to achieving both food security and food sovereignty for the nation.

He said; “Today I can stand here before you to brag, Nigeria is not borrowing. We have met our revenue target for the year and we met it in August.

“Non oil revenue. If non oil revenue is going where then have no fear of whatever Trump is doing on the other side. I have just signed off on a huge mechanisation programme that every region have with mechanise centre we are doing mechanisation and training and all of that and that is our backbone, food sovereignty, food security. If we remove hunger, we have defeated poverty.”

The President assured that Nigeria is on the path to recovery with the nation meeting its 2025 non-oil tax revenue target in August.

All I can promise you is where we started and where we are going to. The path to Nigeria’s recovery we are on it,” he said.

Enduring legacy

President Tinubu praised the unwavering dedication of members of the Buhari Organisation for preserving the spirit of progressive governance and for building upon the enduring legacy of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President further assured the Buhari Organisation Members with opportunities of service to the nation through ambassadorial positions.

He said; “Essentially we cannot be reached . I was looking at the previous…and the recreation centres who are falling, I didn’t see your faces there. That’s the joy of it. You are still together for what we believe a progressives government that will always build on the legacies of Muhammadu Buhari and what I can promise you is what I am doing; Hard work, hard thinking, consulting with you.

“I couldn’t appoint everybody at once and thank you for your patience. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that so many people are craving for. But it’s not easy sticthing those names.”

Don’t let anybody threaten you of in any uncertainty. We are certain we are going to succeed. Part of what we inherited from Buhari was his honesty, transparency, justice, that’s all.

You won’t have anything less than that. You will have joy at the end of this journey and we will definitely put something together to build a Buhari House that house will be a house of joy and prosperity,” President Tinubu explained.

The founding members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change President Bola Tinubu, pledged to deliver massive support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The delegation, led by former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, assured the President that the CPC bloc within the APC remained firmly behind his administration and would mobilise nationwide to secure the party’s victory at the next polls.

Honouring the memory

Speaking on behalf of the group, Al-Makura commended President Tinubu for steering the country through challenging economic times, sustaining peace and stability, and for honouring the memory of their late leader and mentor, former President Muhammadu Buhari.

We are with you in loyalty, in person, and in purpose. May Almighty God grant you the wisdom and strength to continue leading our nation,” he said.

Al-Makura pledged that the CPC family, comprising former governors, ministers, lawmakers, women leaders and party executives, would work tirelessly to consolidate Tinubu’s reforms and sustain the APC legacy ahead of 2027.

Recalling the CPC’s struggles before the 2013 merger that birthed the APC, Al-Makura described Tinubu and Buhari as visionaries whose political partnership laid the foundation for justice, equity, and national renewal.

Mr. President, you and President Muhammadu Buhari shared more than a political alliance; you shared a vision of a Nigeria built on justice, economic sovereignty, and good governance. Together, you conceptualised and built a platform that remains our pride and our cause,” he said.

Al-Makura pledged that the CPC family, comprising former governors, ministers, lawmakers, women leaders, and party executives, would work tirelessly to consolidate Tinubu’s reforms and sustain the APC legacy beyond 2027.

Also speaking at the meeting, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, declared that the CPC bloc remains intact and is solidly behind the President.

Indeed, today is the very first time that former members of the CPC have gathered in such large numbers to visit our President, to show support and appreciation for what he has been doing. I want to seize this opportunity, Mr. President, to assure you of the unconditional support of all former members of the CPC,” Abbas said.

Dismissing suggestions that the bloc was fragmented or estranged, the Speaker insisted that over 90 percent of CPC’s pioneer leaders remained active and loyal.

He also praised President Tinubu’s partnership with Buhari in 2010, which eventually paved the way for Buhari’s presidency.

Abbas further commended Tinubu for the unprecedented respect shown to Buhari during his passing, noting the state support accorded his family and the President’s personal involvement.

CPC in every state will go back home and mobilise support for Asiwaju. That movement will cascade down to local government areas, wards, and units. Insha Allah, CPC members will be at the forefront of ensuring your re-election in 2027 so you can continue the good work you are doing,” Abbas assured.

The high-powered delegation included: Barr. Abdulraheem Adebayo Shittu, former Minister of Communications, Waziri Bulama, former APC National Secretary, Prof. Haruna Hima, former House of Representatives member, Garba Datti Mohammed, former Deputy Minority Whip, House of Representatives, Ibrahim Baba, former CPC governorship candidate and Federal Commissioner, RMAFC, Mary Efere, former CPC governorship candidate, Chris Bukuma, Adamawa politician and CPC stalwart, Farouk Adamu Aliyu. Others are former governorship candidate, Comrade Richard, pioneer CPC National Organising Secretary, Raza Zakari, former CPC National Vice Chairman, Lucy Ibe, former CPC National Organising Committee member, Oyama, former Deputy National Secretary and APC merger negotiator, Ayuba Baba, former CPC protocol officer (2003-2015), Edwemba, CPC leader from Edo State, and Jawa, former House of Representatives member.

The members of the Defunct CPC were joined by other former commissioners, advisers, national officers, and women leaders of the Buhari Support Organisation, as well as ex-members of the CPC National Executive Council.

 

 

Lateefah Ibrahim

Abuja Set For Social Inclusion Summit

0

Glory Ohagwu

Nigeria’s Capital, Abuja is set to host policymakers, development partners, private sector actors, academics, Civil Society Leaders, and grassroots advocates to co-create scalable solutions that advance gender equality and social inclusion across Africa, at the Gender & Inclusion Summit 2025 (GS25) scheduled for September 3–4 2025.

The two-day event with the theme “New Voices, New Approaches for Accelerating an Inclusive Society” will feature presentations from global participants, including Oley Dibba-Wadda, Founder and CEO of the Gam Africa Institute for Leadership (GAIL), The Gambia.

Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) says “Having Oley Dibba-Wadda with us sets the right tone for the summit. She brings over 25 years of leadership across Africa, from mentoring youths to advancing women’s leadership, and perfectly embodies the summit’s theme.” 

Also delivering a keynote address is the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, while the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, will spotlight “New Approaches for Expanding Access to Quality Education and Inclusive Development” in a fire side chat.

Discussions at GS25 will address critical areas such as improving access to education for out-of-school children, empowering youth amid economic challenges and promoting safe and inclusive urban mobility.

Equitable growth

Other thematic areas include, leveraging economic diplomacy for equitable growth and addressing systemic barriers to maternal health through Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) reforms.

The summit will feature interactive plenaries, breakout sessions, roundtables, exhibitions, abstract presentations, and an innovation session, designed to translate research and evidence into actionable solutions while elevating diverse voices.

The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), host of GS25, is Africa’s first national institutionalised behavioural initiative supporting governments and stakeholders to make evidence-informed decisions.

Conceptualised in 2022, GS25 is held annually to explore transformative ways of advancing gender equality, social inclusion, and gender-responsive governance across the continent.

The PIC is an initiative of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), one of Africa’s leading think tanks redefining policy advocacy.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Nigeria Devoted To Security In Gulf Of Guinea – VP Shettima

0

By Timothy Choji, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to peace, security and stability of the Gulf of Guinea, particularly the ongoing reforms in the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC).

The Vice President stated this when he received the Executive Secretary of GGC, Mr Jose Mba Abeso, and his team on a courtesy visit to the Presidential, Abuja.

He particularly noted Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and to the African Union’s 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy.

On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I reaffirm Nigeria’s strong commitment to the objectives of the GGC. Nobody can undermine the role of the Commission in fostering cooperation, peace, and sustainable development in the Gulf of Guinea,” he noted.

Continuing, the Vice President said, “As Africa’s most populous nation and unarguably the largest economy, we have interests to protect, promote, project, and preserve in the Gulf of Guinea. Be reassured that some of the issues you have raised, the President will give them the desired attention. We want the Gulf of Guinea to function effectively.”

Ideals and objectives

He commended the management of the GGC, assuring it of Nigeria’s “unalloyed commitment to the ideals and objectives of the commission.”

The Executive Secretary of GGC, Mr Jose Mba Abeso, solicited Nigeria’s support for the commission’s reform programmes aimed at expanding its membership to include all the 19 coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea, and improving peace and security in the region.

Engage insurance companies

He also spoke about the need for stakeholders in the region to jointly engage insurance companies in reviewing the high premium paid for the movement of goods in the Gulf of Guinea.

Commending Nigeria’s leading role in the establishment of the Combined Maritime Taskforce in the region, Mr Abeso sought President Tinubu’s support in rallying other political leaders in the region to operationalise the force.

Also present in the meeting with the VP were the Force Commander, Combined Maritime Taskforce for the Gulf of Guinea, Commodore M.S. Shettima; Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde from the Defence Headquarters; Ambassador Obinna Agbugba from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Adebowale Badejo from the GGC, among others.

Lateefah Ibrahim

ECA Calls for Action on Africa’s Food Systems

The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, ECA, Mr Claver Gatete, has called for urgent and practical steps to accelerate Africa’s food systems transformation.

Gatete made the call while addressing the Presidential Summit Plenary at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 in Dakar, Senegal, according to a statement from the Commission.

In spite of Africa’s vast arable land, abundant water resources, and a young population, the continent imported 115 billion dollar’ worth of food in 2024, a paradox, Gatete said must be addressed with urgency.

He noted that hunger continued to rise across Africa, even after more than a decade of implementing the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, CAADP, highlighting the need for accelerated and coordinated action.

Gatete welcomed the newly adopted CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035), which aimed to increase agrifood output by 45 per cent, halve post-harvest losses, and boost local food processing by 35 per cent.

He warned that the era of abundant foreign aid was over, stressing that Africa must now mobilise domestic resources and attract private investments, including pension funds, remittances, and green bonds, to finance agricultural transformation.

Gatete also called for the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, to remove trade barriers and increase intra-African agrifood exports by nearly 60 per cent by 2045.

He outlined six key recommendations to drive food systems reform, including aligning national budgets with food system commitments and scaling up innovative financing for women and youth.

He also emphasised the importance of investing in rural infrastructure and placing young people at the centre of agricultural transformation.

Transforming food systems is not just about feeding people.

“It’s about dignity, sovereignty, and securing Africa’s rightful place in the global economy,” Gatete said.

 

NAN/Shakirat Sadiq

DMO Seeks Effective Debt Management Practices in Nigeria

The Debt Management Office, DMO, has urged sub-national entities in Nigeria to ensure effective debt management practices to ensure sustainable economic development.

The Director-General of the DMO, Patience Oniha, gave the advice at a World Bank assisted workshop on “Borrowing Guidelines for Top Policy Makers ” in Lagos.

Oniha said the workshop was informed by the need for sub-national governments to understand that the country operated one economy, with actions of one level of government affecting the other.

She called for prudent utilisation of borrowed funds

The other part of the story is using the money well and making sure that you can manage your debt in a sustainable manner.

“The reason we want to work with the sub-nationals as to how to borrow is that it is not the Nigerian Government alone that borrows.  There are various laws on borrowing and these have to be adhered to,” she said.

She urged state governments to avoid debt distress, stating that Nigeria had gone through debt crisis in the past.

Everything necessary must be done to avoid a repeat,” she said.

Oniha urged state governments to explore Public-Private Partnership (PPP) options for infrastructure financing, as a means of reducing their funding burdens.

PPPs can help improve Nigeria’s economy by attracting private sector investment and expertise to develop infrastructure and deliver public services.

“This reduces the financial burden on government, accelerates project delivery, and often results in higher quality outcomes. PPPs can also create jobs, stimulate local businesses and foster innovation,” she said.

Oniha also called for more concerted efforts towards optimising tax revenues as a means of boosting their fiscal health, thereby reducing pressure.

Efficient Tax Collection
According to her, efficient tax collection increases government revenue without raising tax rates, ensuring that more funds are available for public investment in health, education, and infrastructure.

“Improved compliance and administration reduce leakages and corruption, making the tax system fairer and more predictable.

“Together, PPPs and efficient tax collection boost economic growth, enhance public services, and support sustainable development.

“So, revenues are absolutely important. It is important to keep surviving. You must raise revenues. Those borrowings must generate something that generate these revenues,” she said.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Abayomi Oluyomi, said that there was an urgent need for sub-national entities to adopt responsible debt management.

Oluyemi said, “Governments are put in place to cater for need of society, and fiscal and monetary policies should be aimed at creating comfort for the people.

“Government is about the welfare and security of the people. There is a social contract between the government and the people.

“To achieve this, revenue is never enough. Borrowing is a cornerstone of sustainable development and economic resilience. Well researched debt management policies are the foundation for borrowing,” he said.

The Commissioner said that Lagos state government was committed to sustainable debt management.

He, however, said that volatility of the Naira exchange rate had significantly increased the state’s debt burden, resulting to a high debt rate.

 

NAN/Shakirat Sadiq

 

Minister of Women Affairs Celebrates VP Shettima at 59

0

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his steadfast loyalty and commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on behalf of Nigerian women, children, families, and vulnerable groups, the Minister also extended warm birthday felicitations to the Vice President at 59, celebrating his dedication to national development.

She said; “Your Excellency, your unwavering commitment, loyalty, and steadfast support to Mr. President in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda remain a source of pride and inspiration to our nation.”

The Minister described the Vice President as “a leader; a man, noble and grand, with wisdom deep and vision clear, who continues to serve the nation year by year.”

Highlighting his partnership with the President, she stated: “Beside Mr. President, strong and true, you chart new paths, you see us through. In unity’s cause, you plant the seed—of peace, of progress, of noble deed.”

Imaan further emphasised the gratitude of Nigerian women, saying: “Nigeria’s women lift their voice in gratitude and in solemn choice. For in your strength, we see our part, a future bright, a nation’s heart.”

She prayed for God’s blessings upon the celebrant: “May God Almighty grant you more, with blessings rich and grace in store, health, wisdom, joy without end, a guiding light, our nation’s friend.”

Reaffirming their solidarity, the Minister stressed that Nigerian women stand firmly with the Vice President as “partners in progress, as you continue to support the Father of the Nation to champion inclusive leadership, unity, and development across all spheres of our national life.”

She prayed for long life, good health, and greater wisdom for the Vice President, adding that their exemplary service, wisdom, and dedication to the Nigerian project continue to strengthen the fabric of democracy.

 

 

Lateefah Ibrahim

Nigerian Journalist Urges UN to Protect Media Workers Globally

0

A Nigerian Journalist and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), North Central Nigeria, Abdullateef  Lanre Ahmed, has called on the United Nations to strengthen global policies for the protection of journalists.

He warned that democracy is weakened when media practitioners are exposed to danger.

Ahmed, who spoke to Newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State capital described the media as the “lubricant of democracy,” stressing that no system of government can thrive without journalists who inform the public and hold leaders to account.

He condemned the rising cases of harassment, incarceration and killings of journalists worldwide, pointing to the recent deaths of six reporters in Gaza as an example of the hazards facing media workers.

It is high time the UN General Assembly took a firm stand on this eyesore,” Ahmed said.

He stressed that if the United Nations must remain relevant, it should not allow superpowers to act as global police while also guaranteeing equal treatment of nations and protection of Journalists as a matter of international law.

Ahmed noted that a society that fails to protect its Journalists risks undermining its democracy.

Globally, we have short memories. Something happens, and we move on without accountability. That must change if democracy is to survive,” he said.

The NUJ chief lamented that while journalists in advanced countries enjoy mouth watering welfare packages and institutional protection, reverse was the case for their Nigerian counterparts, who struggle with poor pay, irregular allowances and lack of insurance cover.

Ahmed said it was “unacceptable that those who work like elephants feed like ants,” adding that a media endowment fund and a dedicated media salary structure were long overdue to boost morale and safeguard professionalism.”

He also expressed concern about the rise of “journalism without borders,” where untrained individuals spread unverified information through social media.

The trend has eroded professionalism and weakened public trust in credible news sources.

“Everybody with a smartphone now calls themselves a journalist. Society no longer waits for professionals; people believe anything they see online, even from unqualified sources,” he said.

On the Cybercrime Act, Ahmed noted that while democracy permits freedom of expression, rights must be exercised responsibly.

He cautioned journalists and citizens alike to avoid libel, slander and defamation under the guise of free speech.

 

Lateefah Ibrahim

119 Students Bag First Class Degrees in Sokoto 

One hundred and nineteen students have graduated with first class from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, UDUS, in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Bashir Garba made the announcement while briefing newsmen on the Convocation and 42nd Anniversary ceremony.

He further noted that the 42nd Convocation, has a total of 4,024 graduands and will be conferred with degrees, diplomas, and certificates, having been found worthy in both learning and character.

“One hundred and twenty (120) will receive Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D.), 323 Master’s Degrees, while 20 will be conferred with postgraduate and 3,561 will be conferred with Bachelor’s Degrees.

“And out of the 3,561 Bachelor’s Degrees graduands, 119 students graduated with First Class Honours.

“Moreover, the best graduating student or rather the valedictorian, as referred to in other climes, of the 2023/2024 academic session will be announced during the Convocation Ceremony,” the Vice Chancellor said.

He explained that in recognition of exceptional contributions to national development and humanity, the University will confer Honorary Degrees on two distinguished personalities, Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa and Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (Rtd), the former Chief of Army Staff, for his service to the nation in ensuring national security and integrity.

“In addition, Emeriti Status would be bestowed on a distinguished retired professor of the University: Professor Dejo Abdulrahman, Professor Emeritus.

“I wish to reiterate that these honours are in recognition of their exceptional contributions to national development and humanity.

“The conferment also reflect the University’s commitment to encourage and recognise service, sacrifice, and scholarship,” he said.

He further said that there will be a special prayer and Quranic recitation, convocation debate, Golden Jubilee cultural display, anniversary/convocation drama, medical outreach to host community, symposium and presentations of compendium, novelty football match, commissioning of projects, public lecture on Role of Women on University Development among others.

The Vice Chancellor added that the main convocation ceremony will hold on Saturday 6th September, 2025.

 

 

Hauwa Abu

INEC Reviews Progress of Ongoing Continuous Voter Registration

0

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has held its regular session in Abuja, during which it reviewed progress on the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), covering both online and in-person enrolment.

The exercise, which commenced on Monday, August 18, 2025, has now entered its second week.

As of Sunday, August 31, 2025, a total of 2,532,062 Nigerians had completed their pre-registration online.

In a statement by the Commission, it noted that the cumulative figure at the end of Week Two shows that 1,218,482 (48.12%) are male and 1,313,580 (51.88%) are female. In terms of age and occupation, the majority – 1,602,484 (63.29%) – are between the ages of 18 and 34, while 647,528 (25.57%) are students.

In the statement signed by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the Commission reiterates that those were pre-registration figures from their dedicated CVR portal.

The introduction of the pre-registration option in 2021, he stated, has enabled Nigerians to commence the online process from anywhere in the world 24 hours a day, including weekends.

“However, all online pre-registrants are required to appear physically to complete the process in our 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide, where their fingerprints and facial biometric details will be captured. This instruction is clearly stated on the online portal. We urge all online pre-registrants to complete the process in person at the INEC-designated registration centres, without which the online process alone is invalid.

“The Commission is aware that there are Nigerians who have no access to online facilities or those who prefer to register in person. Consequently, our staff have been deployed to attend to eligible citizens at the Commission’s 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide, where they can simultaneously begin and complete their registration. The centres are open from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm daily (Monday to Friday). The list and addresses of the centres have already been made public,” he stated.

Olumekun informed that the in-person registration commenced on Monday, 25th August 2025, and within five days, as of Friday, 29th August 2025, a total of 72,274 citizens have either completed the pre-registration process or registered afresh, out of which 35,622 (49.29%) are male and 36,652 (50.71%) are female. In terms of age and occupation, he said, the majority of them – 54,718 (75.71%) – are between the ages of 18 and 34, while 30,953 (42.83%) are students.

“Graphic details of the distribution of registrants at the end of Week Two of the online and Week One of the in-person registrations by state, gender, age, occupation and disability have been uploaded to our website and other official platforms for public information,” he noted.

He, however, stated that the commission appreciates the positive response of citizens and the efforts of the organisations that have mobilised civic participation in the exercise.