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Tinubu welcomes Petrobras’ planned return to Nigeria after five-year exit

President Bola Tinubu on Monday hailed the planned return of Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil giant, to Nigeria after a five-year hiatus, describing it as a step toward deeper economic cooperation between both nations. Speaking at a joint press conference in Brasília during his state visit to Brazil, Tinubu said Petrobras’ renewed presence would strengthen Nigeria’s
Tinubu welcomes Petrobras’ planned return to Nigeria after five-year exit

President Bola Tinubu on Monday hailed the planned return of Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil giant, to Nigeria after a five-year hiatus, describing it as a step toward deeper economic cooperation between both nations.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Brasília during his state visit to Brazil, Tinubu said Petrobras’ renewed presence would strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector and open fresh opportunities for investment.

“We have the largest gas reserves, so I don’t see why Petrobras should not quickly re-establish itself as a partner in Nigeria.

“I appreciate President Lula’s assurance that this will happen soon,” Tinubu said.

The president praised his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for his commitment to revitalising bilateral ties, stressing that Nigeria remained a fertile ground for strategic partnerships.

“Our economic space is still a virgin land filled with opportunities for Brazilian companies,” Tinubu added.

He also acknowledged Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer’s ongoing investment in Nigeria’s aviation industry, particularly the establishment of a service hub for airline repairs and maintenance in West Africa.

Recalling previous visits to Brazil, Tinubu said both countries must now move beyond symbolic friendship to tangible economic cooperation.

“We have in the past allowed certain obstacles to derail our progress, but today we draw a line under that. The future must be about concrete collaboration,” he stated.

Pointing out priority areas such as technology transfer, food security, manufacturing, renewable energy, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, Tinubu urged Brazil to extend its expertise to Nigeria.

“I don’t see why the production of generic drugs, which Brazil has mastered, cannot be established in Nigeria,” he said, stressing that knowledge-sharing was vital for both nations’ sovereignty and growth.

On Nigeria’s domestic front, Tinubu assured investors that his administration’s economic reforms were already producing results.

“The reforms I initiated when I assumed office were tough at first, but today the results are clear.

We now have more resources flowing into the economy, and corruption will no longer stand in the way,” he declared.

He also noted that Nigeria’s foreign exchange market had been liberalised, making access easier for businesses.

“You no longer need to know the Central Bank Governor before getting forex. The speculators are gone, and the market is open for genuine businesses,” Tinubu said.

During the state visit, Nigeria and Brazil signed five Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, diplomacy, science, aviation, and finance, signalling a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.

Tinubu welcomes Petrobras’ planned return to Nigeria after five-year exit

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Bauchi stakeholders back gender policy to end out-of-school children menace

Stakeholders in Bauchi State have endorsed the National Gender Policy on Education and agreed on clear steps to reduce the problem of out-of-school children and improve access to learning across the state. The agreement came during a workshop in Bauchi, coordinated by Seun Justin Onarinde, Executive Director of Young Leaders Network (YLN). He explained that
Bauchi stakeholders back gender policy to end out-of-school children menace

Stakeholders in Bauchi State have endorsed the National Gender Policy on Education and agreed on clear steps to reduce the problem of out-of-school children and improve access to learning across the state.

The agreement came during a workshop in Bauchi, coordinated by Seun Justin Onarinde, Executive Director of Young Leaders Network (YLN). He explained that participants resolved to adapt, pass into law, and implement the policy in schools and communities.

One key decision was that the State Ministry of Education (SMoE) and YLN will lead the process of publishing and spreading the policy in both English and local languages so it reaches every school, stakeholder, and community.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) were also urged to include the policy in their proposals, strategies, and projects to make sure it lasts and stays effective.

Onarinde stressed that the policy must be put into action with budgets, work plans, and activities, otherwise it would remain only on paper.

He called on the Commissioner of Education and the ministry to brief the State Executive Council and the governor so that there would be political support and full ownership.

The workshop also recommended setting up a steering committee immediately and involving the media to raise awareness, inform the public, and ensure accountability.

Onarinde explained that the policy aims to change the future of Bauchi’s children, especially girls who are often left behind due to early marriage, teenage pregnancy, or lack of support.

He said investing in girls’ education is not charity but “smart economics, justice and common sense.”

He urged all stakeholders to be bold, inclusive, and practical in shaping the policy so that it is not just written on paper but reflected in classrooms and communities.

Earlier in his remarks, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed Rimin Zayam, said the policy matches the AGILE project already running in the state, which is designed to bring back out-of-school children and make sure they stay in school.

He described the collaboration as good and asked for the support of partners and stakeholders in carrying it out.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Bauchi, Musa Ibrahim Ardo, commended the policy as a major step to stop children from dropping out of school.

He assured that all private schools would follow the new policy and work with the Ministry of Education to sensitise schools on its provisions, especially for the girl child.

Bauchi stakeholders back gender policy to end out-of-school children menace

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Benue: Senator Zam slams Paul Angya over alleged disparaging remarks on MINDA people

Senator Titus Zam has taken a swipe at Dr. Paul Angya following statements he reportedly made against the MINDA bloc during an African Democratic Congress (ADC) mobilization event in Kunav land. In a press release issued Tuesday, Zam expressed displeasure over the alleged remarks, which he described as “demeaning and condescending” toward the MINDA people.
Benue: Senator Zam slams Paul Angya over alleged disparaging remarks on MINDA people

Senator Titus Zam has taken a swipe at Dr. Paul Angya following statements he reportedly made against the MINDA bloc during an African Democratic Congress (ADC) mobilization event in Kunav land.

In a press release issued Tuesday, Zam expressed displeasure over the alleged remarks, which he described as “demeaning and condescending” toward the MINDA people.

“As one of the foremost political leaders from MINDA and currently flying the highest political flag of the zone in Benue State, I cannot remain silent in the face of such remarks,” the Senator stated.

He went on to query Angya on the intent behind his phrase “MINDA de nahan,” asking whether such divisive rhetoric differentiates him in any way from Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Zam also questioned if Alia should then be addressed as a “Kunav Governor” instead of a governor for the entire state.

The Senator wondered how Angya planned to seek support from MINDA indigenes within ADC after tagging them as “second-class citizens.”

He accused Angya of arrogance and maintained that “Kunav leadership in Benue has only reinforced that MINDA has proven superior in every measure of leadership.”

Zam ended his statement that Angya’s utterances were politically damaging and risked fueling more division rather than fostering unity in Benue.

Benue: Senator Zam slams Paul Angya over alleged disparaging remarks on MINDA people