• Hot Source
• Uncategorized
• October 1, 2025
• 34 views

Nigeria at 65: Mbah urges optimism, says end will vindicate Tinubu’s economic policies

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, assuring that the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu Administration and citizens’ huge sacrifices would ultimately pay off if the nation stayed the course. Mbah said that while the anniversary may
Nigeria at 65: Mbah urges optimism, says end will vindicate Tinubu’s economic policies

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, assuring that the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu Administration and citizens’ huge sacrifices would ultimately pay off if the nation stayed the course.

Mbah said that while the anniversary may understandably be low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

These were contained in his message to Nigerians in the early hours of Wednesday to mark the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated the citizens for “the proud milestone.”

“At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.

“The commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

“Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.

“As we raise our flags today, let us renew our covenant to Nigeria; let us embrace the spirit of unity, and let us uphold the optimism that has carried us this far,” he stated.

Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.

“In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.

“From moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, our children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via our modern transport system and infrastructure, Enugu State is no doubt on the pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth,” he added.

Nigeria at 65: Mbah urges optimism, says end will vindicate Tinubu’s economic policies

• Hot Source
• Uncategorized
• October 1, 2025
• 31 views

Activism has failed, won’t help Nigeria – Farotimi

National Organising Secretary of Yoruba Socio-Cultural Organization, Afenifere, Dele Farotimi, says activism has failed and will not help Nigeria. Farotimi made this statement on Tuesday while responding to questions in an interview on Arise Television, stressing that the country has a system failure. He insisted that only a peaceful revolution can bring about meaningful change
Activism has failed, won’t help Nigeria – Farotimi

National Organising Secretary of Yoruba Socio-Cultural Organization, Afenifere, Dele Farotimi, says activism has failed and will not help Nigeria.

Farotimi made this statement on Tuesday while responding to questions in an interview on Arise Television, stressing that the country has a system failure.

He insisted that only a peaceful revolution can bring about meaningful change in the country.

Farotimi rejected the label of ‘political activist’, instead describing himself as a Nigerian speaking out against the pains of “victimhood.”

“However long you stood in front of a mango tree demanding oranges of the mango tree, you will still get only mangoes from that tree. For as long as any Nigerian… first, let me clear two things: I’m not a political activist. I’m just another Nigerian who speaks out about the pains of my Nigerian victimhood.

“Whether that now comes across as a political activist or a human rights activist, you’ll find some name for it. But let’s be clear, I am not, because that is no longer a lofty company in which one will seek to belong.

“Activism is not going to help Nigeria. Nigeria’s situation is not going to be helped because we decided to have episodic responses or reactions to a systemic failure.

“Activism led to #EndSars and became #EndPoliceBrutality and #EndBadGovernance. That tells you activism has failed in Nigeria, and we have to admit to that,” he said.

Activism has failed, won’t help Nigeria – Farotimi

• Hot Source
• Uncategorized
• October 1, 2025
• 29 views

Independence Anniversary: Justice, fairness key to Nigeria’s survival – NBA President, Osigwe

President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has called for justice, fairness, and the rule of law to remain the foundation of Nigeria’s nationhood as the country marks its 65th Independence anniversary. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Osigwe said that independence is not only a historic milestone to
Independence Anniversary: Justice, fairness key to Nigeria’s survival – NBA President, Osigwe

President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has called for justice, fairness, and the rule of law to remain the foundation of Nigeria’s nationhood as the country marks its 65th Independence anniversary.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Osigwe said that independence is not only a historic milestone to be celebrated but an ongoing responsibility to safeguard freedom, strengthen democracy, and protect the rights and dignity of citizens.

“Sixty-five years later, the journey of our beloved country has been one of trials and triumphs, setbacks and renewals. We have walked through difficult moments in our history, yet the resilience of the Nigerian spirit has never been broken,” he said.

The NBA President emphasized the association’s commitment to defending the rule of law, upholding the independence of the judiciary, and serving as a voice for accountability and justice.

“For us at the Nigerian Bar Association, this day carries profound meaning. We are reminded of our duty to ensure Nigeria remains a country where no one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection,” he added.

Osigwe urged Nigerians to use the anniversary not only as a moment of reflection but as an opportunity to renew hope in the country’s unity and diversity.

He stressed that the nation’s progress will only come through collective determination to build a stronger, freer, and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations.

Independence Anniversary: Justice, fairness key to Nigeria’s survival – NBA President, Osigwe

• Hot Source
• Uncategorized
• October 1, 2025
• 9 views

EU donates N82m to support children, farmers in conflict-prone Plateau communities

The European Union (EU), in conjunction with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has donated a total sum of N82 million to support children and farmers who have been victims of conflicts in Plateau State in the past two decades. Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa
EU donates N82m to support children, farmers in conflict-prone Plateau communities

The European Union (EU), in conjunction with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has donated a total sum of N82 million to support children and farmers who have been victims of conflicts in Plateau State in the past two decades.

Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs at the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ube, who made the donation at an event in Jos tagged African Peace and Stability Architecture Programme, explained that the intervention was funded by the EU to restore dignity and hope to children affected by violence.

According to Ube, out of the total sum, N26 million has been earmarked to support children affected by the various conflict in different communities in the state to provide food, school supplies, and other essentials for internally displaced children in Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bassa Local Government Areas.

While flagging off the initiative, Governor Caleb Mutfwang who was represented by the Permanent Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Dayi Timothy, commending the EU and ECOWAS for the timely support for the vulnerable children who have been affected by the conflicts within the state, noting that peace and security remain central to his administration’s development agenda.

“This initiative aligns with our government’s first policy thrust of peace and security. We recognize our partners the Peace Building Agency, civil society, and local authorities for their support,” Mutfwang said.

“Plateau State is committed to taking leadership in peace building while ensuring humanitarian relief and development go hand in hand,” he added.

In her response, Ube said: “At the heart of the humanitarian development, peace nexus is resilience.

“By supporting food, education, and psychosocial needs, we are laying the foundation for peace and prosperity, not only in Plateau State but across the region.”

EU donates N82m to support children, farmers in conflict-prone Plateau communities

• Hot Source
• Uncategorized
• October 1, 2025
• 9 views

Troops bust fake policemen with two Hilux vehicles loaded with cannabis in Taraba

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested two suspects impersonating police officers while transporting a large quantity of cannabis in Wukari local government council of Taraba State. The operation, part of the ongoing Operation Lafiya Nakowa, was said to have led
Troops bust fake policemen with two Hilux vehicles loaded with cannabis in Taraba

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested two suspects impersonating police officers while transporting a large quantity of cannabis in Wukari local government council of Taraba State.

The operation, part of the ongoing Operation Lafiya Nakowa, was said to have led to the interception of two Toyota Hilux vehicles at Takum Junction.

Both vehicles were reportedly loaded with 1,134 blocks of substances suspected to be cannabis.

In a statement issued to journalists in the state on Wednesday by the Brigade Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Umar Muhammad, he said the arrest was made possible following credible intelligence received by security operatives.

“The suspects, dressed in mobile police uniforms, were identified as Monday George, a 71-year-old dismissed Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), and Ezeugo Destiny Uche, 41.

“Preliminary investigations confirmed that neither of the men are currently serving in the Nigerian Police Force.

“Authorities believe the consignment originated from Akure, Ondo State, and was en route to Adamawa State before being intercepted”, the statement read

A second group of suspects traveling in another Hilux vehicle were also reported to have abandoned their vehicle and fled the scene upon sighting the troops.

The arrested suspects and recovered exhibits, the troops said, have since been handed over to the NDLEA office in Wukari for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade, commended the joint effort of the troops and the NDLEA operatives, praising their professionalism and commitment.

He reiterated the Brigade’s resolve to rid Taraba State of criminal elements and urged residents to continue supporting security operatives by providing timely and credible information.

Troops bust fake policemen with two Hilux vehicles loaded with cannabis in Taraba

• Hot Source
• Uncategorized
• October 1, 2025
• 10 views

We are building Nigeria’s economy on concrete, not quicksand – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his government is building a durable economic base to secure Nigeria’s future. Speaking during the Independence anniversary address, Tinubu reflected on the state of the economy he met on assumption of office, noting that he “inherited a near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions and misalignment
We are building Nigeria’s economy on concrete, not quicksand – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his government is building a durable economic base to secure Nigeria’s future.

Speaking during the Independence anniversary address, Tinubu reflected on the state of the economy he met on assumption of office, noting that he “inherited a near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions and misalignment that had impaired real growth.”

He stated that the nation’s currency had gained strength, the capital market is recording historic growth, coal mining has revived significantly, and non-oil trade now makes up 48 percent of the country’s exports.

He also disclosed that foreign reserves climbed to $42.03 billion in September, while N330 billion has been released to assist eight million households through the social investment programme.

“The alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option,” the president stressed.

According to him, “Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.”

Tinubu further stated that states and local councils are now benefitting more than ever from federation allocations.

“As a result of the tough decisions we made, the Federal and State governments, including Local Governments, now have more resources to take care of the people at the lower level of the ladder, to address our development challenges,” he explained.

He added that success would be measured beyond economic indices.

“The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities.

“Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas.

“Today, the governors at the state level, and the local government autonomy are yielding more developments,” he added.

The president urged citizens to embrace productivity and innovation, charging all Nigerians to “turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise.”

We are building Nigeria’s economy on concrete, not quicksand – Tinubu

• Hot Source
• Uncategorized
• October 1, 2025
• 11 views

Independence Day: Tinubu rolls out 12 economic milestones

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the country has achieved twelve economic milestones under his administration. He disclosed this in his 65th Independence Day nationwide broadcast on Wednesday. He noted that the economic milestones include the achievement of the 2025 revenue target of N20 trillion in August, restoration of fiscal health, reduction of debt
Independence Day: Tinubu rolls out 12 economic milestones

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the country has achieved twelve economic milestones under his administration.

He disclosed this in his 65th Independence Day nationwide broadcast on Wednesday.

He noted that the economic milestones include the achievement of the 2025 revenue target of N20 trillion in August, restoration of fiscal health, reduction of debt service to revenue ratio to 50 per cent, clearance of ways and means advances, fuel subsidy removal, naira stability and others.

The twelve economic milestones are:

i. We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411% higher than the amount raised in May 2023.

ii. We have restored fiscal health: our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%. We have paid down the infamous “Ways and Means” advances that threatened our economic stability and triggered inflation. Following the removal of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have freed up trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programmes for the most vulnerable, as well as all tiers of government.

iii. We have a stronger foreign reserve position than three years ago. Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September—the highest since 2019.

iv. Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent. The ratio is expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January. The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners.

v. We are now a net exporter: Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home. Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to N7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%. Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent. This signals that we are diversifying our economy and foreign exchange sources outside oil and gas.

vi. Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely one million in May 2023. The increase occurred due to improved security, new investments, and better stakeholder management in the Niger Delta. Furthermore, the country has made notable advancements by refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades. It has also established itself as the continent’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.

vii. The Naira has stabilised from the turbulence and volatility witnessed in 2023 and 2024. The gap between the official rate and the unofficial market has reduced substantially, following FX reforms and fresh capital and remittance inflows. The multiple exchange rates, which fostered corruption and arbitrage, are now part of history. Additionally, our currency rate against the dollar is no longer determined by fluctuations in crude oil prices.

viii. Under the social investment programme to support poor households and vulnerable Nigerians, N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of N25,000 each.

ix. Coal mining recovered dramatically from a 22% decline in Q1 to 57.5% growth in Q2, becoming one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sectors. The solid mineral sector is now pivotal in our economy, encouraging value-added production of minerals extracted from our soil.

x. The administration is expanding transport infrastructure across the country, covering rail, roads, airports, and seaports. Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27%, respectively. The 284-kilometre Kano-Kastina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion. Work is progressing well on the legacy Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.

xi. The world is taking notice of our efforts. Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria, recognising our improved economic fundamentals. Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2003 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025.

xii. At its last MPC meeting, the Central Bank slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, expressing confidence in our country’s macroeconomic stability.

Independence Day: Tinubu rolls out 12 economic milestones

• Hot Source
• Uncategorized
• October 1, 2025
• 10 views

Nigeria at 65: Gov Sani urges collective resilience

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Dr. Uba Sani, said 65 years of independence marks a significant milestone in the journey of a nation that has weathered many storms, yet continues to stand tall, proud, and unbroken. He stated this in Independence Anniversary message to the people of Kaduna State. According to him, “Today, Nigeria marks 65
Nigeria at 65: Gov Sani urges collective resilience

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Dr. Uba Sani, said 65 years of independence marks a significant milestone in the journey of a nation that has weathered many storms, yet continues to stand tall, proud, and unbroken.

He stated this in Independence Anniversary message to the people of Kaduna State.

According to him, “Today, Nigeria marks 65 years of independence; a significant milestone in the journey of a nation that has weathered many storms, yet continues to stand tall, proud, and unbroken.

“This anniversary is both a celebration and a call to reflection: a celebration of our collective resilience, and a moment to honour the sacrifices and vision of our founding fathers, who won for us the freedom we now enjoy.

“Their legacy was not forged in ease, but in unity, faith, and an unwavering belief in the greatness of Nigeria. It is a legacy that inspires us to continue building a nation where peace, justice, and opportunity prevail.

“We must not merely commemorate independence: we must make it meaningful for every Nigerian.

“Our path as a nation has been defined by resilience. Through challenges; political, economic, and social. Nigerians have demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to endure and hope.

“The strength of our people, especially here in Kaduna State, continues to be the bedrock of our shared progress.

“This is why, on this historic day, I extend a sincere call to all of us: let us work together, across our communities, faiths, and backgrounds; to confront our challenges and unlock our collective potential. It is in unity that we will continue to give life to the dream of a peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria.

“Here in Kaduna State, we are translating vision into action. Our administration is pursuing inclusive development and renewal through strategic and people-centred investments

“As we celebrate today, let us renew our commitment to building a nation where hope thrives and unity endures. With God’s guidance and our collective resolve, we will overcome our challenges and realise the full potential of our state and country.”

Nigeria at 65: Gov Sani urges collective resilience