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A group of youths has demanded decisive actions to elevate the participation of younger elements in the political and governance landscapes.

They demanded the time for youths to claim their rightful place on the decision-making table was now.

This was the consensus at the gathering of young leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria during the unveiling of Future is Now Project.

Participants emphasises that young Nigerians are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but are the leaders of today, rejecting any form of delay, denial, or exclusion from political leadership.

In a bold vision for the nation’s future, a communique read by its Convener, Mr. Laolu Akande, laid out clear, ambitious targets to be achieved by the next election cycle.

These include: ‘At least 70% of Local Government Chairmanship seats to be held by youths under 35 years; at least 70% of State House of Assembly seats to be occupied by youths under 35 years; ‘at least 70% of House of Representatives seats to be contested for and won by youths under 40 years; and a minimum of 50% of executive appointments at both Federal and State levels reserved for Nigerians under 40 years.’

To realise these goals, a pledge was made to champion political inclusion by lobbying, negotiating, and mobilising support for credible youth candidates across all political parties.

Efforts will also focus on mentorship programmes, capacity building for young leaders and forming cross-cultural alliances to ensure governance reforms favoring youth representation.

At the unveiling, homage was paid to Nigeria’s elder statesmen and stateswomen, acknowledging their foundational contributions while urging them to graciously yield space for emerging young leaders.

The call was for older generations to act as mentors and guides, ensuring a smooth and sustained leadership transition.

The gathering opened with an impassioned address by the Interim Chairman of the project, Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, who described the event not merely as a gathering, but as the ignition of a movement – a national commitment to dramatically increase youth leadership at all levels of governance.

Dasuki said the Future is Now Project is born of sacrifice and demands sacrifice from older generation.

‘Today,’ Rep Dasuki declared, ‘we are not just announcing a project, but igniting a movement, one born of sacrifice, fueled by persuasion and courage, and sustained by the dreams of millions of Nigerian youth. The Future is not tomorrow – the Future is Now.’

Dasuki reflected on Nigeria’s political history, noting that while young leaders had once been central to the country’s formation and early development, they have increasingly been sidelined from positions of power, despite the demographic reality that over 70% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 35.

He cited the signing of the Not Too Young To Run Act in 2018 as a step forward but stressed that persistent barriers still prevent meaningful youth participation in governance. Rep Dasuki called for a generational shift, where younger leaders not only contest elections but are supported to win and lead.

Drawing lessons from recent youth-led global protests in countries like Nepal, Rep Dasuki warned of the dangers of political exclusion and the potential unrest that can follow when large youth populations feel alienated from their governments.

‘When a large demographic feels excluded from decision-making, frustration festers. We must act now, not only to empower, but to prevent disillusionment that can lead to instability,’ he warned.

Key highlights of the event include the unveiling of the interim governance structure of Future Is Now project – which will undertake the preparation for a more elaborate gathering of Future is Now in the first quarter of 2026 – and the unveiling of the membership registration portal Future Is Now Youth Movement

Also at the unveiling were former Minister of Youth, Solomon Dalung; Hon Ibrahim Bello Haliru (the youngest member of the National Assembly); Hon. Henry Shield; Hon Salisu Yakassai and Hon David Oloto.

Ms Nicole Nwosu (Convener 1), and Ibrahim Zanna (Convener 2) made presentations at the event while goodwill messages were delivered by development partners, civil society leaders, youth and student leaders, and other partners.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has resolved the lingering labour dispute at the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The minister had summoned parties to the industrial dispute that left the polytechnic located on the banks of River Nun in Bayelsa to shut down since July 11 to a mediatory meeting on Sept. 29.

It was learnt yesterday that after exhaustively listening to the workers’ representatives and management, Alausa fixed a resumption date on Oct. 6.

Chairmen and secretaries of the three unions in the polytechnic, the Rector and Governing Council Chairman attended the meeting held in Abuja.

The unions are Non Academic Staff Union, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in the polytechnic.

It was gathered that the minister directed the governing council to set up a fresh panel to investigate sundry allegations levelled against the Rector by the unions.

The panel was mandated to report its findings in three weeks.

The meeting followed a joint petition to the minister over suspension of a governing council meeting to resolve the labour dispute on the grounds of insecurity.

The workers had in the petition submitted that the claim of insecurity was a ploy to avert pending probe of allegations against the rector as there was no security threat in Bayelsa to warrant suspension when the council members were already in town for the meeting.

The unions had said that only the suspension, pending investigation of the Rector, Dr. Agbabiaka Lukman, will guarantee industrial harmony to the institution.

The workers had kept the institution under lock for alleged violation of the Polytechnic Act by the rector who took the three unions to court over labour disputes whereas the governing council was statutorily mandated under the Act to handle labour-related matters.

When contacted for an update on the face-off, Mr. Nimizuo Pereseigha, Public Relations Officer of the tertiary institution declined comments.

Nigeria’s economy is on a path to recovery for inclusive growth and sustainable development, drawing strength from bold reform actions taken by the President Bola Tinubu administration, President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD Nigeria), Otunda Adetunji Oyebanji, has said.

He said the government’s reforms upon assumption of office in 2023, to confront the petroleum subsidy conundrum, fragmented foreign exchange markets, and embark on electricity reforms in addition to sectoral intervention programmes have positioned Nigeria on the path of recovery and stardom.

Oyebanji, who gave this assessment yesterday when he joined Nigerians all over the world in celebrating the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, said Nigeria’s current economic stability is providing impetus for fresh investments and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to explore new frontiers, innovate and be globally competitive.

The CIoD Nigeria boss, in a statement, noted that for the past 65 years, the country has stood as a sovereign nation, richly blessed with human and natural resources, and known for the resilience and creativity of its people.

‘Our independence was never just about freedom from colonial rule; it is also about the enduring spirit of Nigerians who have persisted through trials and transitions, and who continue to inspire hope across Africa and the world,’ he stated.

He said the country’s achievements in arts, literature, sports, technology, entertainment and other endeavours have been recognised on the global scene.

‘Our creative industries, fintech innovators, and young entrepreneurs are making their mark on the international stage. Our diaspora communities continue to contribute significantly to the economy and reputation of our nation,’ Oyebanji said.

He said since independence in 1960, efforts by successive governments have driven the transformations of the economy from a mono-sector, agrarian-based and later oil to a private sector-led diversified economy.

He emphasised that these ‘successes remind us of what is possible when talent and opportunity are given a space to flourish.’

Oyebanji, however, said despite the current gains, especially the sustained growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), legacy challenges continue to undermine the wheel of Nigeria’s collective progress.

‘Most Nigerians are yet to experience the impact because growth has not translated to improved income and prosperity. Inflation and high costs of living weigh heavily on family’s disposable income.

‘Security challenges still disrupt lives and businesses, infrastructure gaps limit competitiveness, and governance deficits in both the public and private sectors continue to erode trust,’ he pointed out, for instance.

The CIoD boss, however, said these are not insurmountable problems, but they require deliberate action rooted in accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership.

‘The task before us is great, but history shows that it can be done. Other nations have risen from deeper crises because their citizens chose responsibility over resignation. Nigeria’s destiny remains in our hands,’ he said.

He, therefore, insisted that this 65th independence anniversary should not only be about years counted, but about a turning point. ‘Let it mark the moment where leaders and citizens alike choose governance over impunity, accountability over corruption, and unity over division.

‘It is an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to sustain the vision of our heroes/heroines and to preserve the cherished legacy of our founding fathers,’ he stated.

He said on its part, the CIoD Nigeria has consistently canvassed for the promotion of standard governance practices and responsible leadership in the management of public resources and private enterprises.

‘The Institute,’ Oyebanji reiterated, ‘is committed to promoting ideals of corporate governance, ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability. We believe that good governance is not only the foundation of strong institutions, but also the bedrock of national development.

‘Our Institute remains a partner in the Nigerian project, working alongside government, the private sector, and civil society to build a nation worthy of its potential.’

While reaffirming CIoD Nigeria’s commitment to continue to support Nigeria’s development aspirations, Oyebanji called on all Nigerians, leaders and followers, public servants and private citizens, young and old, to rise to the challenge of positioning Nigeria on a path to stardom.

Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, yesterday x-rayed Nigeria’s journey as a nation and concluded that leadership failure has derailed the vision of those who fought for its independence.

Obi, in a statement on his X handle to mark the country’s 65th Independence Day, recalled that Nigeria, which was once projected to become Africa’s economic giant, has ‘slipped to the fourth-largest economy on the continent.’

He lamented that years of poor governance and waste have not only worsened poverty but also widened inequality.

The tweet reads: ‘Our founding fathers fought for independence with confidence and determination to build a prosperous Nigeria.

‘Unfortunately, tragic failures of leadership derailed this vision.

Obi claimed that as of 2007, Nigeria’s debt was about N2.5 trillion – less than 10 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) when former President Olusegun Obasanjo secured debt relief for the country.

He added that by 2014, Nigeria had become Africa’s largest economy and was set to attain middle-income status.

The LP candidate lamented that the progress was ‘truncated’ after the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into power in 2015.

He said: ‘Today, our debt has ballooned to about N175 trillion, nearly 50 per cent of GDP, without corresponding improvement in productive sectors.

‘Nigeria has fallen behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria. Our democracy is now described as undemocratic.

Obi accused the government of spending lavishly while millions of Nigerians have no access to healthcare, education, or safe water.

He also said that insecurity has further affected the economy, with kidnapping and terrorism keeping Nigerians in fear.’

‘Cronyism, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law have scared away investors, while other African countries are overtaking us as investment destinations,’ Obi said.

Obi, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria could still achieve greatness.

He urged Nigerians not to lose hope because ”Nigeria will rise again.’ added.

Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has been indicted by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF) for failing to remit over N4.304 trillion to the Federation Account.

A 2022 audit report by the OAuGF, which contains the alleged infraction by the CBN, also showed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria(TCN) and 10 other Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) failed to recover about N1.769 trillion owed to the Federal Government.

The CBN was listed alongside the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited(NNPC Ltd.), the Nigeria Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Universal Service Provision Fund for under-remitting operating surplus amounting to about N1.473 trillion.

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria, National Eye Centre, Kaduna and the Institute of Agricultural Research were also mentioned as being part of the offence.

This is contained in the report of the Auditor-General for the Federation on the noncompliance/internal control weaknesses in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federation Government of Nigeria for the year ended 31st December, 2022.

The report on the non-compliance/internal control weaknesses in MDAs was signed by the Auditor General for the Federation, Shaakaa Chira. It was dated August 21, 2025 and submitted to the Clerk to the National Assembly.

The report marked AuGF/AR.2022/01. said the issues classified as cross-cutting and listed in about 27 audit queries relate to the same non-compliance/internal control weaknesses identified in at least the MDAs covered by the Auditor General for the Federation’s Annual Report.

According to the report, the CBN failed to recover an outstanding revenue/debt of about N1.413 trillion for the government during the year under review, did not remit about N1.445 trillion of its operating surplus and another N1.445 trillion as internally generated revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The news that Kaduna State has had good news in terms of security may no longer be news. That is weird in a good sense since that state, barely two years ago, was in bed with the macabre: bandits on a roll, rapine and bloodshed as routine staple of its life.

The good news from Kaduna State in the past couple of weeks as it bears an international resonance was its liberation from a colour-coded infamy.

The United Kingdom that has kept its eyes on the nervous unravelling of the state to violence decided the state had turned the corner to peace. It upgraded the security status of Kaduna State from red to amber. It capped it all with an advisory that its citizens could now travel to the state without fear, even though it gave a caveat to be wary of certain rural areas. That is why it is still amber and not green.

The state had been painted red since 2022. No area of the state was out of danger, including its airport. Areas like Birnin Gwari and Giwa were danger zones to citizens who were not bandits. That same year, presidential candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he then was, travelled with what looked like an army brigade to that local government as part of his campaign stops. Its main cattle market was shut down for about a decade. That part of the country has received a shot in the arm for commerce and other activities.

‘The UK Government remains firmly committed to supporting Kaduna State’s development aspirations, and I am delighted to be here in Kaduna again with government colleagues, our delivery partners, and non-government stakeholders to continue to chart the way forward,’ UK’s Head of Development Cooperation at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Cynthia Rowe, said.

She announced the upgrade: ‘We will do this by deepening private sector involvement and working with agencies such as the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to boost investment across critical sectors of the state’s economy for a fairer, more resilient economy.’

The UK’s Head of FCDO signed the Kaduna State Mutual Accountability Framework (K-MAF) dialogue when she announced her country’s recognition of the improved security situation in the state. This is a huge validation and an eloquent testimony to what keen observers of the state have come to accept.

The status did not come without vision and effort, and it is predicated on what the state governor had envisioned in his Kaduna Peace Model that he enunciated when he came to office.

In February 2024, he signed the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Bill into law, establishing a dedicated fund to buoy security agencies with modern gizmos like drones, armoured vehicles, and intelligence tech without prejudice to federal allocations. It extended its hands of cooperation to the private sector.

Governor Uba Sani worked in tandem with federal forces through the office of the National security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to include the Nigerian Army and Air Force. They undertook joint operations and dispatched bandit kingpins like Boderi, Baleri, Sani Yellow, Janburos and Buhari.

Other than Birnin Gwari and Giwa, other communities like Kajuru, Kauru, Kachia, and Igabi fell to the net of peace.

Governor Sani described the news as ‘a major vote of confidence in Kaduna’s resilience and reform agenda.’ He was quick to say that bringing peace is a holistic effort, including building peace across the diverse peoples, tribes and faiths, running a government of inclusion, engaging communities and building infrastructure and improving education.

It is a blending of the various ingredients that build a society. It is amber, though green is the ultimate, and making peace is always a work in progress in any society.

Israel’s continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by European governing body UEFA, FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani has said.

UEFA was expected to hold an emergency vote this week on whether to suspend Israel from European competition over the war in Gaza.

However, British media reported that the continental body has decided to hold off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in the region.

Israel are third in Group I of the qualifying stage for next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Amnesty International on Wednesday sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA calling on them to suspend the Israel Football Association.

However, Montagliani, President of the North and Central America and Caribbean soccer federation CONCACAF, said it was down to UEFA to rule on Israel’s participation.

‘First and foremost, it (Israel) is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason. They have to deal with that,’ Montagliani told reporters at the Leaders sports business conference.

‘And I respect not only their process but whatever decision they make.’

Montagliani will attend the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich today where the issue of Israel’s participation is not on the agenda nor is the proposal from South American federation CONMEBOL to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams.

Next year’s World Cup from June 11-July 18 will be the biggest ever having already been expanded to 48 teams from 32.

Montagliani insisted that no games would be moved from planned venues despite Trump saying last month that he would consider relocating matches from cities he did not deem safe.

‘If I have to react every time a politician makes a statement, whether it’s a president or senator or congressman . then I wouldn’t be doing my job, because I’d be focusing on what these guys say,’ the Canadian added.

‘So the reality is, we’re focused on the 16 venues and making sure that they’re ready to go .’

However, Montagliani said the kick-off times in certain venues could be changed after the experience of the Club World Cup hosted in the U.S. earlier this year, where some matches took place in extreme heat and humidity.

‘It’s always an issue in our region, because summers are hot . even in Canada they’re hot, not just the U.S., and so it’s important to learn those things,’ he added.

The full match schedule will be announced after the World Cup draw on December 5 in Washington D.C.

Montagliani said there were daily discussions with global broadcasters and time differences would be taken into account.

Nigeria has one of the highest accident rates in Africa and indeed globally, after India, according to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics. The statistics is startling at the ratio of 21.4 deaths per 100,000 population. With most accidents come not just deaths but debilitating injuries, sometimes leading to socio-economic impacts that affect the country. Property losses and damages equally form huge parts of accidents.

In the light of this, it is commendable that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) is advocating for the establishment of a world-class Trauma Centre to help victims and their families. This initiative was announced in Abuja by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, as the agency prepares to host the International Road Crash Victims Africa Conference (IRCVAC), in November.

We commend this initiative seeing that it is long overdue and would be of immense benefit as far as saving lives is concerned. No action taken to save lives can be said to be too much.

Accidents are facts of life but while efforts must be made to minimise them, potential victims and their families would greatly benefit from well-equipped and well managed trauma centres. Presently, many lives are lost because of lack of such centres across the country.

AS a matter of fact, we believe that a country like Nigeria, with her huge population and vast road networks should not be talking about just one trauma centre, but trauma centres, perhaps one in each of the six geo-political zones. These can subsequently be increased depending on research and data about accident hubs in the country.

However, while we applaud the FRSC initiative, we are skeptical about the agency’s capacity to pull off such a capital-intensive and monumentally complex project. The agency that has been saddled with the issuance of drivers’ licences as one of its core duties has so far delivered below average performance. Many applicants wait for years to collect their driver’s licenses. If that is such a herculean task for the FRSC, how feasible is this trauma centre going to be with the commission on the driver’s seat?

The commission’s personnel, who are also saddled with the responsibility of checking crucial vehicle documents like the driver’s license, vehicle registration, roadworthiness certificate, and insurance certificate as part of their mandate to ensure road safety do not seem to be on top of their game on these scores either. Not only do we have many people without vehicle particulars on our roads, vehicles that in the good old days would have been marked ‘Off Road’ are still plying our roads today, despite the presence of FRSC officials on them.

While we commend the FRSC for this idea of having a trauma centre, we believe that the commission cannot handle the project, at least for now. We therefore suggest that governments at all levels should take responsibility for the trauma centres.

Accidents need to be seen as what they are: a national emergency because every human, no matter their status, can eventually become a victim of accidents or other natural disasters that would necessitate the use of a well-equipped trauma centre or other alternative paramedic outlets.

In the meantime, let the FRSC personnel concentrate on their core duties and ensure that accident rates are drastically reduced in the country.

First Lady Mrs Oluremi Tinubu yesterday urged Nigerians to play their part in building the country of their dreams.

She stressed that no sacrifice made in the service of the nation will be in vain.

In her Independence Day goodwill message to mark the nation’s 65th anniversary, the First Lady said every citizen has a role to play in shaping the future of the country.

‘Let us all play our part to build a Nigeria we all want to see. Your sacrifice will never be in vain. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria’, she said.

Mrs. Tinubu underscored the importance of patriotism and selflessness, drawing inspiration from global and historical figures who had urged citizens to put national service above personal gain.

Quoting Gebran Kalil Gebran’s 1925 essay, The New Frontier, she observed: ‘Are you a politician, asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one, asking what you can do for your country? If you are the first, then you are a parasite, if the second, then you are an oasis in a desert.’

She also recalled the famous words of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who in his 1961 inaugural address urged citizens to ask what they could do for their country and, collectively, for humanity.

Mrs. Tinubu said the celebration of Nigeria at 65 should not merely be about looking back but about committing afresh to the hard work of national development.

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) just concluded in New York, United States. However, what has continued to dominate national discourse is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national statement to world leaders at the annual event. His bold policy statement demanding reforms in global governance has strengthened Nigeria’s international standing as one of Africa’s foremost economies.

In the statement that captured the attention of participants and the world in general, President Tinubu unequivocally called for multifaceted reforms of the UN, focusing on key areas that require immediate attention. And Vice President Kashim Shettima, who delivered Nigeria’s policy statement on his behalf, nailed it for Mr President.

One of the key aspects of VP Shettima’s capacity to represent his boss is his ability to understand and articulate the President’s vision. His presentations reflect Tinubu’s policies and ideas, demonstrating a deep understanding of the President’s mind and work.

The Vice President’s adeptness at representing the President effectively has been evident at various international fora. With the brilliance with which he marshalled and delivered President Tinubu’s foreign policy statement, Nigeria’s voice was clear and loud at the international gathering.

Unlike some world leaders who made their growing disenchantment fully palpable in their addresses at the global stage, President Tinubu did not require any show of righteous indignation to pass on the message of Nigeria and the continent. Subtly, he appealed to the interest of the international community instead of the regional interest. Categorically, he warned that the global body must embrace sweeping restructuring or face growing irrelevance, with world events increasingly bypassing its influence.

One of Nigeria’s primary concerns is the reform of the UN Security Council. The Nigerian leader stood his ground in demanding a permanent seat for Nigeria and Africa in the Council. He argued that this is the only way the country’s growing population, economic influence, and contributions to global peacekeeping would be reflected.

President Tinubu’s point of contention on this is clear: Nigeria, a nation that has transformed from ‘a colony of 20 million people, absent from the tables where decisions about our fate were taken’ to ‘a sovereign nation of over 236 million, projected to be the third most populous country in the world, with one of the youngest and most dynamic populations on earth,’ is politically and morally certified to represent Africa on the UN Security Council. This move is part of a broader process of institutional reform aimed at making the UN more representative and effective.

President Tinubu’s address accentuates Nigeria’s commitment to peace, development, unity, multilateralism, and human rights. He emphasised the need for reform and cooperation in tackling global challenges, including climate change, irregular migration, and financial instability. His diplomatic approach seeks to foster partnerships and cooperation, showcasing his negotiation skills.

The President identified an underlying pattern missing in the UN: the need for a more inclusive and effective multilateral system. For the most part, he took a pragmatic view of multilateralism, regarding it as useful but only when it is all-inclusive. By addressing the challenges and opportunities outlined in his policy statement, nations can work towards a better future for all. The emphasis on reform, cooperation, and collective action underscores the importance of multilateralism in achieving global peace and development.

On the global front, President Tinubu declared Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He described this approach as ‘the most dignified path’ to lasting peace, stressing that Palestinians ‘are not collateral damage in a civilisation searching for order,’ but human beings deserving of the same freedom and dignity as everyone else. He urged the international community to take concrete actions to protect Palestinian lives and facilitate a peaceful resolution.

By advocating for a two-state solution, President Tinubu’s stance aligns with other countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which have also called for Palestinian statehood. This move marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s foreign policy posture, showcasing its commitment to peace, human rights, and collective security.

Sadly, unpatriotic and unscrupulous politicians in Nigeria have lashed out at the Palestine issue to score cheap political points. The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) faulted President Tinubu’s two-state solution stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying he failed to address the worsening insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria.

But this is a view based, in the first place, on a misleading oversimplification and ignorance of the nuances and complexities of global politics of the time. Fortunately, well-meaning Nigerians have described the opposition’s stance as unnecessary critique, emphasising the need for politicians to prioritise national and global interests over partisan politics, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like human suffering. On Palestine, the critics are hereby handed a damning verdict.

President Tinubu must not be seen as making a case for Africa alone at the global event. His bold policy statement on the global stage shouldn’t have been slanted towards regional demands. It is a call for global awakening. What he simply did was prioritise empathy and compassion over political gains, especially in situations involving human suffering, hence maintaining a level of statesmanship and decorum in global political discourse.

Besides, President Tinubu did not only focus on the crisis in Palestine. He also condemned the ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and other conflict zones, maintaining that efforts must be redoubled to de-escalate global tensions. Describing the human cost as ‘stains on our collective humanity,’ he tasked world leaders with the need for coordinated global efforts to combat tensions across the globe and address the underlying causes of regional conflicts and instability.

Was Tinubu actually mum on the Nigerian situation? Certainly not! He said that while ‘Nigeria has continued to face the threat of violent extremism and terrorism,’ his administration is tackling the menace through values and ideas. ‘At home, we confront the scourge of insurgency with resolve. From this long and difficult struggle with violent extremism, one truth stands clear: military tactics may win battles measured in months and years, but in wars that span generations, it is values and ideas that deliver the ultimate victory,’ he added.

On the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria, President Tinubu acknowledged the difficult reality facing his citizens but said that Nigeria’s economic reforms represent a model for resilience. He noted that his administration has taken difficult but necessary steps to restructure the economy and remove distortions, including subsidies and currency controls that benefited the few at the expense of the many. Expressing confidence in the power of the market to transform, he said, ‘Our task is to enable and facilitate, and to trust in the ingenuity and enterprise of the people. But the process of transition is difficult.’

The President proposed the setting up of a new, binding mechanism to manage sovereign debt, including an International Court of Justice for money. According to him, this would enable countries to break free from the ‘economic straitjacket of primary production of unprocessed exports’ and promote local value addition in agriculture, solid minerals, and petrochemicals.

The proposal emphasises the need for urgent action to promote debt relief, not as an act of charity, but as a clear path to peace and prosperity that benefits everyone. It aims to help emerging economies escape the constraints of debt and focus on development and growth. He stressed that the current system is not suited to address the needs of developing countries, citing Africa’s total debt of around $685.5 billion and debt service payments of $88.7 billion in 2025.

President Tinubu also called for a complete overhaul of the global financial architecture governing Africa’s mineral resources. He said African nations must be allowed to finance their own mineral sectors and assert control over African products’ global supply chains, promoting economic development and sovereignty. He also emphasised the importance of benefit-sharing from strategic minerals. Nigeria believes that countries hosting these minerals should reap the benefits, not just through revenue but also through investment, partnership, local processing, and job creation.

The President also called for a dedicated initiative to close the digital divide. This initiative would bring together researchers, the private sector, governments, and communities to promote access to technology, mitigate potential negative impacts, and enable growth. Closing the digital divide is crucial for ensuring that all nations, especially developing ones, can participate in the global digital economy and benefit from technological advancements.

No doubt, what has become clear about Senator Shettima’s diplomatic outings is that President Tinubu’s choice of Vice President has proven to be a strategic move, showcasing effective leadership and partnership. VP Shettima’s performance at the 80th UNGA demonstrates his capacity to stamp the President’s authority on the global stage. His ability to convey the President’s vision and policies seamlessly has been particularly notable.

It’s clear that their cordial partnership and collaborative leadership style, characterised by mutual trust, are crucial factors in Nigeria’s current progress. Their bond has proven to be solid and effective, with VP Shettima demonstrating absolute loyalty to President Tinubu and working tirelessly to support his initiatives and vision for Nigeria. They are united by a shared goal to engender a strong economy, deliver prosperity, and improve living standards for Nigerians based on the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Beyond the General Debate, the Vice President met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at UN headquarters to personally discuss Nigeria’s quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and other matters of mutual interest. He also attended a meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government held on the margins of UNGA 80.

Senator Shettima also held bilateral meetings with key leaders, including the President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and the Gates Foundation’s CEO, Mark Suzman. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Namibia, calling for expanded investment in Nigeria, particularly in education and human capital development.

The Vice President also engaged with investors, highlighting Nigeria’s growth ambitions and economic reforms under the Tinubu administration. He emphasised the country’s potential for investment, citing macroeconomic stability, improved productivity, and strategic investment in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and education.

Nkwocha is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President)