President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu has hailed the creation of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, championed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil. 

Tinubu described the alliance as pivotal in the global fight against hunger and poverty. He made this statement on Monday at the 19th G20 Leaders Summit opening session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  

He lauded the initiative and described it as the right step to address one of the world’s most significant challenges.  

“This bold and visionary step underscores Brazil’s leadership in addressing one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing our world today.  

“The creation of this Alliance marks a significant milestone in our global efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it also sends a powerful message of solidarity to vulnerable populations around the globe. 

“By fostering collaboration between governments, international organisations, and civil society, this initiative offers a comprehensive approach not only to addressing immediate needs but also tackling the structural causes of hunger and poverty,” he said. 

President Tinubu compared this global initiative to one of the eight priority areas he outlined at his inauguration 18 months ago, expressing Nigeria’s eagerness to adopt international best practices to advance its economic development. 

According to President Tinubu, Nigeria’s endorsement of the declaration of commitment to join the Global Alliance is a significant step in its efforts to address hunger and poverty by leveraging international cooperation and resources to bolster domestic strategies. 

He added that by supporting the initiative, Nigeria also demonstrates a solid commitment to realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which focuses on eradicating poverty, and SDG 2, which aims to achieve zero hunger. 

“These goals are at the core of Nigeria’s development agenda, and the Alliance offers a platform to accelerate progress towards them.  

“By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger. The endorsement reinforces Nigeria’s role as a key player in global efforts to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all its citizens,” President Tinubu said.

By Uzair Adam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Sunday as part of his official tour of Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with other top government officials, welcomed Modi and his delegation to the nation’s seat of power.

The two leaders are expected to hold discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and India.

This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, during which both countries established a strategic partnership.

Modi’s arrival on Saturday signifies a renewed focus on fostering ties between the two nations.

By Anwar Usman

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, affirmed that Nigerians are going through a serious difficulties, but assured that the situation will soon change for the better.

While Tinubu insisted that his administration was on the right track, he also noted that solutions to these problems cannot be an instant one.

On his part, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the current administration as tough men working to get Nigerians through the prevailing difficulties.

Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu, and the Lagos governor spoke at the 70th birthday of the Overseer of Citadel Global Community, Pastor Tunde Bakare in Lagos.

Akume said: “The president is aware of the hard times, but at the end of it all, there is always light. And solutions to diverse issues can never be as instant as coffee, but we are on the right track.”

The president also described Pastor Bakare as a spiritual leader and advocate for truth who had left an indelible mark, not just on those who follow his teachings, but on the nation as a whole.

“I am aware of your relentless passion for better Nigeria, a country where equal justice and good government prevails. This celebration is a testimony to a life of strength and courage, of powerful messages and fearless advocacy, deep volumes of your dedication to lifting humanity.

On another development, Sanwo-Olu said those in public office needs the public’s prayers, saying “It’s a hard times, but you see, we are also tough men, and we know that at the end of the tunnel, there will be a bright phase.”

By Anas Abbas

President Bola Tinubu has mandated the immediate release of all minors arrested in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing at the State House on Monday.

Accompanying Idris were Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation.

Idris revealed that the President has instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to initiate the process for the minors’ release.

He stated, “The President has directed that all minors be released and reunited with their families across the country. A committee has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention, and subsequent release. Any law enforcement officials involved will face appropriate consequences.”

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has also urged the Federal Government to cease the treason trials of #EndBadGovernance protesters and to release all minors involved.

In a statement issued in response to the ongoing trial of minors at a Federal High Court in Abuja, the ACF condemned the proceedings as a “show of shame” and criticized the government for its excessive use of force.

The statement, signed by ACF National Publicity Secretary Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, described the trial of minors as an example of “needless official high-handedness at its worst.”

Earlier on Monday, Sheikh Ahmed Umar, Youth Leader of the Tijaniyya Islamic Movement in Africa, called on President Tinubu to issue an executive order for the immediate release of the detained minors.

In an interview with reporters in Kaduna, Umar expressed outrage over the government’s actions and condemned the arraignment of minors on serious charges such as treason.

He noted, “It is unjust for a 10-year-old child, who lacks understanding of their rights, to be charged with offenses meant for adults.” He further demanded that these children be released and compensated for their ordeal.

Umar, who recently chaired the Northern Youth Summit organized by the National Youth Alliance in Kaduna, stressed the importance of youth involvement in governance to address Nigeria’s pressing issues.

He stated that empowering youth could help tackle challenges such as security and unemployment.

He concluded by urging Nigerian youths to take charge of their future and actively participate in shaping the nation’s destiny.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has responded sharply to former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s recent criticism of his economic reform agenda.

The Daily Reality reports that the response was conveyed in a statement issued Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy.

Onanuga noted that Atiku’s proposals, which he described as lacking in detail, were already rejected by Nigerians in the 2023 election.

“If he had won the election, we believe he would have plunged Nigeria into a worse situation or run a regime of cronyism,” Onanuga stated.

The statement began, “We have just read a statement credited to former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in which he tried to discredit President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform programmes while pushing his untested agenda as a better alternative.”

It added that Atiku’s defeat in the election was partly due to his commitment to privatizing the NNPC and other national assets, a move perceived as favoring close allies.

“Nigerians have not forgotten this, nor would they be comforted by Atiku’s track record when he managed the economy during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s first term from 1999 to 2003.

“As Vice President, Atiku supervised a questionable privatization program. He and his boss displayed a lack of confidence in our educational system, establishing their own universities while public institutions struggled.”

Onanuga criticized Atiku’s statement as “cheap talk,” suggesting it is easy to criticize without acknowledging the positive outcomes already emerging from Tinubu’s reforms, even amidst temporary challenges.

“Despite his futile attempt to sway Nigerians, it is clear that the former Vice President could not refute the soundness of the reforms pursued by the Tinubu administration.”

He added that Atiku’s call for a gradualist approach reveals a misunderstanding of the severe challenges faced by the Tinubu administration.

“President Tinubu met a country facing several grave challenges. Fuel subsidies were siphoning away enormous resources we could ill afford, and there was criminal manipulation in the forex market. No responsible leader would allow these economic disorders to persist.”

While advocating for gradual reforms may sound appealing, Onanuga asserted that Tinubu has taken decisive actions that should have been implemented years ago, during the administration when Atiku served as Vice President.

In response to Atiku’s call for empathy in governance, Onanuga highlighted that this aligns with Tinubu’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

“President Tinubu has consistently emphasized the need for compassion in his reforms, prioritizing social safety nets and targeted support for those affected by economic transitions,” he added.

By Anwar Usman 

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Bello Matawaple as Defence Minister has received endorsement from some northern groups. 

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum and the Northern Awareness Network hailed the move as a big step towards addressing security challenges in the region. 

Yerima Shettima, the President General of the AYCF, in a statement, described Matawalle’s retention as a “positive step” that demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to continuity and stability in addressing critical issues like national security. 

“Matawalle’s expertise and experience, particularly in Zamfara State, are important in formulating effective strategies to fight against insurgency and other security threats,” Shettima said. 

Similarly, NAN Chairman Salihu Sulaiman praised Matawalle’s leadership, citing his efforts in reducing banditry and criminal activities in the region. 

He further added that Matawalle has been instrumental in addressing security challenges in Zamfara State and the North as a whole.  

The group’s support comes amidst criticism from some quarters, particularly Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who has been at odds with Matawalle. 

However, the AYCF and NAN have, in a statement released in Kaduna on Friday, urged Lawal to cease hostilities against Matawalle and collaborate to address security challenges in the state. 

“We urge Governor Lawal to redirect his focus and state resources towards projects that will benefit Zamfara State and help it recover from the grip of criminality,” Shettima said.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has reshuffled his cabinet, removing six ministers and submitting the names of seven new nominees to the National Assembly for confirmation.

The new appointments aim to fill the positions left by the outgoing ministers.

In a major restructuring, Tinubu also appointed Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission, which will now manage all sports-related activities following the dissolution of the Ministry of Sports Development.

Two former ministers under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration have returned to key positions.

The former Minister of Police Affairs was named Minister of Labour and Employment, while Sunday Dare, ex-Minister of Youth and Sports Development, has been appointed Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation.

The six ministers removed from the cabinet include Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), Uju Kennedy Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Mohammad Gwarzo (State for Housing), Jamila Ibrahim (Youth Development), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), and Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.

The President has submitted the following names for confirmation:

Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment), Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (State for Housing and Urban Development), and Suwaiba Said Ahmad (State for Education).

Additionally, ten ministers have been reassigned to new portfolios, part of the President’s strategy to optimize cabinet performance.

Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, for example, has been moved from State Education to State Humanitarian Affairs, while Abubakar Momoh has transitioned from Niger Delta Development to Regional Development.

The Ministry of Niger Delta Development has been renamed the Ministry of Regional Development to supervise the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other regional commissions.

President Tinubu urged his appointees to dedicate themselves to the nation’s growth and contribute to achieving the administration’s priorities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu has joined Nigerians, the people and chiefs of Ile-Ife, and the global Yoruba community in commemorating the 50th birthday of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, the Ojaja II. 

The President notes Ooni’s extraordinary leadership and maturity since ascending the throne at 41. 

President Tinubu acknowledges Oba Ogunwusi’s deep sense of duty, wisdom, and knowledge as he fulfils his responsibilities as both the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the revered spiritual leader of the Yoruba people. 

The President also recognises Ooni’s critical contributions as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, where he serves as a unifying figure, a steadfast supporter of government policies, and a passionate advocate for religious tolerance, peace, and the unification of our nation.

By Uzair Adam

During his inauguration at Eagle Square, Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared the end of the fuel subsidy, leading to a sharp increase in petrol prices from N198 to N540 per litre.

The president argued that the subsidy had become a hindrance to national progress, fueling corruption, and stated that funds previously allocated to it would be redirected to other sectors of the economy.

Tinubu explained the rationale behind the removal during a meeting with traditional rulers, as reported by The Daily Reality.

He stated, “We cannot continue to support smugglers and neighboring countries at our own expense.”

He described the subsidy as an economic burden that could bring Nigeria to its knees if not addressed.

However, this stance marks a significant departure from Tinubu’s previous criticism of the subsidy removal by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.

As the national leader of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) at the time, Tinubu had condemned the move, labeling it the “Jonathan tax” and accusing Jonathan of breaching his social contract with the Nigerian people.

In a strongly-worded piece, as gathered by Daily Trust on Sunday, Tinubu argued that the subsidy removal would plunge Nigerians into deeper hardship and criticized the economic policies driving the decision.

He had stated, “The people will become enslaved to greater misery. This crisis will bear Jonathan’s name and will be his legacy.”

Tinubu’s past opposition to the removal of fuel subsidies now stands in stark contrast to his own administration’s decision to abolish it.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the nation’s second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

In his 64th Independence Anniversary Speech on 1 October, President Tinubu conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic( CFR) on the speaker and the deputy senate president.

However, this development led to a debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, calling on the President to confer a higher honour on the Speaker.

President Tinubu was persuaded by the House of Representatives position and has decided to remedy the historical error and oversight.

Thus, he has decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR, in accordance with the National Order of Precedence.

The Speaker, the Senate President, other principal officers of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be formally decorated.