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The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, joined a high-powered delegation of lawmakers to visit the site of the demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, where plazas were pulled down despite traders having obtained the requisite approvals.

Obi was accompanied by Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, and Tony Nwoye, as well as House of Representatives members Segun Sowunmi and George Adegeye. Also present were Labour Party’s Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa. In a statement after the visit, Obi commended the affected traders for showing restraint and maintaining peace in the face of what he described as ‘painful loss and injustice.’ He further appreciated the lawmakers who pledged to investigate the demolition and ensure accountability.

The former Anambra State governor urged governments at all levels to act with compassion and fairness, especially given that many of the traders had taken loans to finance their businesses. He noted that destroying legitimate investments without due process was ‘not only unjust but also economically destructive.’

Obi stressed that a nation aspiring to progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the dignity of its citizens, warning that ‘incidents like this have no place in a society that seeks fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.’

Yemi Kale, former statistician-general, has urged the federal government to remain committed to ongoing structural reforms despite the short-term hardships they impose on households, warning that abandoning the process could trap the country in another cycle of low growth, high inequality, and fiscal stress.

Delivering his speech entitled ‘Reform and Resilience: Strengthening Nigeria’s Economic Foundations’ at The Platform in Lagos on Wednesday, Kale, who currently serves chief economist at Afrenexim bank, said the government’s reforms since 2023 – subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and tighter monetary policy – have begun stabilising the macroeconomy but stressed that the reforms would be incomplete without strong social protection and structural transformation.

‘Reform is like curing a fever,’ Kale said. ‘You must endure some discomfort as the medicine takes effect. But the alternative of letting the fever run just because the pill is bitter, or the injection is too painful, is far worse.’

Monetary and fiscal reforms restoring stability

Kale argued that Nigeria’s monetary policy had regained credibility after years of inconsistency and quasi-fiscal interventions by the Central Bank. He pointed to the sharp increase in the monetary policy rate to 27.5%, one of the steepest in history which was recently reduced to 27%, as well as efforts to mop up excess liquidity through streamlined open market operations.

‘Importantly, these actions were accompanied by clearer communication, regular policy reports, forward guidance, and transparent explanations of the inflation outlook,’ he said. ‘The results are now visible. Headline inflation, which averaged 25-30% in 2023 and 2024, has begun to ease towards the low 20s. Every percentage point reduction protects the real value of salaries, pensions, and savings, and reduces uncertainty for investors who must plan projects years in advance.’

He projected that inflation could fall to about 14% by the end of 2026 if reforms are sustained. But he cautioned that households would continue to feel the strain.

‘Between now and then, the hardship will continue. The lesson here is clear, reforms must be matched with targeted and effective social cushions to protect the most vulnerable.’

Energy and power: The backbone of growth

The former statistics chief emphasised that no reform agenda could succeed without addressing Nigeria’s chronic energy and electricity challenges.

He praised the launch of the Dangote refinery, which exported its first gasoline cargoes in 2025, as a step toward reducing dependence on imported refined products. But he listed unresolved issues, reliable feedstock supply, transparent pricing formulas, labour disputes, and clear currency settlement mechanisms, that could hinder its impact on domestic supply.

‘The broader challenge is to achieve energy security without reverting to hidden subsidies or encouraging monopolistic practices,’ Kale said. ‘This underscores the need for complementary policies such as strong antitrust oversight, transparent pricing, and incentives for new entrants.’

On electricity, he called the 2023 Electricity Act a ‘bold structural shift’ that decentralises regulation to the states. ‘In essence, it breaks the old centralised monopoly and opens the door for states to partner with private investors to generate, transmit, and distribute power locally,’ he said. ‘Decentralise, liberalise, and let there be light.’

Kale, however, warned that not all states have the capacity to regulate electricity effectively, urging federal support and regional cooperation to prevent the rise of ’36 mini-monopolies.’

Infrastructure, trade, and the business environment

Kale identified infrastructure investment as both an economic necessity and a macroeconomic stabiliser. Citing World Bank projections, he said Nigeria requires $3 trillion by 2050 to meet infrastructure needs, including $575 billion for the transport sector between 2020 and 2043.

‘To put this into context, Nigeria’s entire 2025 budget is about $36 billion, and its rebased 2024 GDP was about $275 billion,’ he said. ‘Government alone cannot meet these vast needs. Public-private partnerships are therefore key.’

He urged that part of the savings from subsidy removal should be legislated and earmarked for transport, logistics, and energy infrastructure.

‘Embedding this commitment into the national budgeting process and potentially into legislation would help rebuild trust with citizens who have borne the immediate burden of subsidy removal,’ he said.

Kale highlighted Nigeria’s telecoms liberalisation as a model for reform. ‘In 1960, we had fewer than 20,000 telephone lines for 40 million people. By 2001, after four decades of monopoly under NITEL, there were only 400,000 lines. Liberalisation in 2001 changed everything. Within five years, lines rose to over 10 million. Today, Nigeria has over 220 million active subscriptions, contributing 16% of GDP. That is what well-designed reforms can do,’ he said.

On trade, he warned that restrictive policies such as export bans, high tariffs, and border closures undermine competitiveness and integration into global value chains.

‘While such measures are often justified as protecting local industries, in practice they encourage smuggling, raise consumer prices, and limit efficiency,’ he said.

He urged Nigeria to position itself as a continental hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Kale acknowledged that while macroeconomic stabilisation was visible in the data, millions of Nigerians still measure progress in ‘the price of food, the reality of electricity, and their children’s job prospects.’

He praised initiatives like the Student Loan Act and state-level fuel relief packages but called for deeper reforms in education, healthcare, and social protection.

‘Without shared opportunities, inequality and unrest will erode stability. Power and fiscal reforms should empower states, while federal economic and agro-processing zones can lift lagging regions,’ he said.

The naira appreciated significantly in the official foreign exchange (FX) market in September, recording a N50.75 gain against the dollar.

At the close of trading on Tuesday, the naira strengthened to N1,475.34 per dollar, a 3.3 percent gain from N1,526.09/$ at the start of the month, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

On a day-to-day basis, the local currency also appreciated slightly by 0.07 percent or N1.00, up from N1,476.34/$ on Monday at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), CBN data showed.

In the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, the naira gained 3 percent over the month, closing at N1,495 on Tuesday compared to N1,540 at the beginning of September.

Nigeria’s external reserves also rose, reaching $42.32 billion as of September 29, 2025, an increase of 2.17 percent from $41.42 billion at the start of the month.

Bala Moh’d Bello, a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), stated that the naira’s relative stability reflects the impact of tighter liquidity, growing investor confidence, and recent reforms in FX management. He added that speculative activity in the FX market has declined significantly, enhancing transparency and supporting market-based price discovery. According to him, this stability is expected to continue in the medium term, underpinned by rising reserves, which stood at $40.11 billion as of July 18, 2025, enough to cover about 9.5 months of imports.

Another MPC member, Aloysius Uche Ordu, said the naira’s appreciation and the narrowing gap between official and Bureau de Change (BDC) rates highlight improved FX liquidity. He credited strong remittances and foreign portfolio inflows for the boost in reserves, also noted at $40.11 billion in July.

The CBN’s latest quarterly economic report showed total FX inflows rose by 4 percent quarter-on-quarter (q/q) and 26 percent year-on-year (y/y) to $29 billion in Q1 2025. This continues a trend seen since Q4 2023, mainly driven by the CBN’s tight monetary stance.

However, FX outflows climbed at a faster pace, rising 14 percent q/q and 33 percent y/y to $13.8 billion, marking the highest quarterly outflow since Q2 2020. As a result, net FX flows stood at $15.2 billion in Q1 2025, slightly down from $15.8 billion in Q4 2024.

Analysts at FBNQuest noted that robust FX inflows in Q1 2025 were primarily fueled by autonomous sources, which surged to $20.7 billion from $16.3 billion in Q4 2024, the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic, though still below the $27.5 billion recorded in Q1 2020.

They attributed the increase to higher market interest rates that spurred carry trade flows, along with CBN’s FX reforms that improved transparency and price discovery. Although the CBN does not disclose a detailed breakdown, FMDQ data used as a proxy showed foreign portfolio investment (FPI) inflows rose 40 percent q/q and 101 percent y/y to $4.9 billion.

The Lagos State Government has faulted comments made by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the demolition of structures at the Trade Fair Complex, insisting that the affected buildings had no valid approvals.

In a statement issued by Gbenga Omotoso, the commissioner for information and strategy, the government dismissed Obi’s remarks as ‘misinformation and disinformation.’

The commissioner accused Obi of attempting to ‘mislead the public by misinformation and disinformation’ after the former governor visited the complex and described the demolitions as ‘a test of impunity, justice and compassion.’ Omotoso insisted that the state’s Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development had followed due process.

‘The owners of the building have no approval. They got ample time to regularise their papers when the state government declared last year a general amnesty, which was extended several times. The owners shunned the offer,’ he said.

According to the commissioner, attempts by government officials to enforce planning laws at the complex were met with resistance. ‘When Physical Planning officials visited the complex, the gates were locked against them; they were beaten up. The police rescued them. When the government called the owners for talks, they said they would not come; they did not come,’ Omotoso noted.

He stressed that while the Trade Fair Management Board, a federal body, can administer leases and commercial activities within the complex, it lacks the legal authority to approve building projects.

‘The board. does not have powers to approve or regulate building developments within the complex independent of Lagos State Government,’ he said.

Citing the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992) and a 2003 Supreme Court judgment, the commissioner reaffirmed that states have the authority to regulate development control within their territories, including federal lands, except for core areas such as military formations.

Omotoso concluded by framing the issue as a choice between the rule of law and political grandstanding.

‘We must decide the kind of society we want, one governed by law or one run by emotions, fueled by political interests,’ he stated.

Newcastle United bounced back in emphatic style with a dominant 4-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise, marking Eddie Howe’s first-ever win in the Champions League.

Just days after a gut-wrenching defeat to Arsenal, Howe’s side looked every bit the European contenders in Brussels as they secured their first away win in the competition since 2003.

There was no sign of a hangover at Lotto Park. Newcastle opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Sandro Tonali’s sweetly struck volley deflected off Nick Woltemade, leaving Union goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen wrongfooted.

Union Saint-Gilloise-making their Champions League debut-responded positively, and Nick Pope was called into action to deny Adem Zorgane midway through the first half. But Newcastle doubled their lead just before the break. Anthony Elanga was brought down in the box by Fedde Leysen, and Anthony Gordon confidently converted from the spot, sending Scherpen the wrong way.

The Belgian champions pushed forward after the interval, with Anan Khalaili firing wide and Pope producing key saves to keep out Niang and Zorgane.

Newcastle’s control was cemented after a VAR check awarded them a second penalty when Leysen was penalised for handball. Gordon stepped up once more and buried his second of the night.

Substitute Harvey Barnes rounded off the rout with a composed finish from inside the area late on, sealing a vital three points in Group F. Following their opening loss to Barcelona, Newcastle’s European campaign is now truly up and running.

Ola Olukoyede, executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has called on public and private sector organisations in Nigeria to integrate fraud risk assessment and control mechanisms into their governance frameworks to strengthen transparency and accountability.

Olukoyede made the appeal on Tuesday, at the launch of the ISO 37003:2025 Fraud Control Management System held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The event was organised by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Delivering a keynote address entitled, ‘Integrating Fraud Risk Assessment and Control into Governance of Organisations,’ Olukoyede, represented by Ibrahim Shazali, director of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control of the EFCC, described fraud as a ‘pervasive and complex issue’ that causes enormous financial and reputational damage to organisations.

‘Fraud risk assessments provide an opportunity for identifying, analysing, and mitigating the effects of fraud risks in organisations,’ he said, warning that threats such as asset misappropriation, corruption, and fraudulent financial reporting could cripple institutional capacity if not properly addressed.

Olukoyede highlighted the significance of ISO 37003:2025, which he said offers a globally recognised framework for organisations to prevent, detect, and respond to fraud systematically and sustainably.

He further disclosed that in 2024, the EFCC established the Department of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (DFRAC), mandated to carry out fraud risk assessments across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

According to him, the unit has been focusing on measures such as segregation of duties, adherence to approval limits, cybersecurity safeguards, transparency protocols, whistleblower arrangements, and targeted awareness programmes to enhance governance and compliance in the public sector.

‘Fraud prevention is a collective responsibility. Our partnership with ISO and SON is crucial in promoting international best practices in fraud prevention and control. ‘By sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources, organisations can strengthen their defences against fraud and promote a culture of integrity and transparency,’ he added, noting that EFCC’s initiatives will also be extended to sub-national levels.

In his remarks, Chukunonso Okeke, Director-General/Chief Executive of SON, represented by Talatu Ethong, Director of Corporate Affairs, described the unveiling of the standard as a ‘historic occasion’ and a major milestone in Nigeria’s role in international standardisation.

‘Today, we are not merely unveiling another international standard, but a powerful instrument to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.

‘With ISO 37003:2025, we now embrace a proactive and structured framework for fraud prevention, detection, and response,’ Okeke said.

He also praised Nigeria’s leadership role in shaping the new standard through SON’s active participation in the ISO/Technical Committee 309 Working Group 8, paying tribute to Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor for positioning Nigeria as a global player in fraud control standardisation.

Abdullahi Bello, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), in a goodwill message, commended SON and BSI for driving the initiative.

He described ISO 37003:2025 as ‘a robust framework for fraud prevention, detection, and response’ and expressed optimism that it would further entrench integrity in Nigeria’s governance and business environment.

Other speakers at the event included David Adamson of the British Standards Institution, the representative of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Kevin Hyland who presented a paper on ‘Criminality and Rule of Law: Impacts on Global Trade,’ as well as representatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR).

The highlight of the event was the official declaration by SON of the adoption of ISO 37003:2025 Fraud Control Management System for use in Nigeria.

ýTo mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Ademola Adeleke the governor of Osun State has granted amnesty to 36 convicts currently serving sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife.

ýThe gesture, according to a statement by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s spokesperson, was made in line with the powers conferred on the Governor under Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), follows the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

ýAdeleke, in a proclamation issued under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, dated September 24, 2025, declared that: ý’WHEREAS, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria has granted amnesty to the convicted persons listed and attached hereto, who are subject to the jurisdiction of Osun State; NOW KNOW YE THAT I, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Paragraph (a) Subsection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and acting in accordance with the Advisory Council of State designated under Subsection (2) of the said Section, am graciously pleased to extend my mercy to the said thirty-six (36) convicts.

ýý’By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof. AND FOR SO DOING, this shall be a sufficient warrant. Given under my hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Nigeria, this 24th day of September, 2025.’

ýOlawale further revealed that the beneficiaries include men and women convicted mostly of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had served substantial portions of their sentences. ýFrom the Ilesa facility, those pardoned include Kehinde Ganiyu, Isiaka Mohammed, Oluwatosin Femi, Adebisi Adeniyi, Rotimi Paul, Oyewole Sunday, Ojo Adewale, Tajudeen Ridwan, and Jokotola Quadri, Akinola Taofeek, Onibukun Adebisi, Azeez Afeez, Abdulgafar Quadri, Udoh Monday O., Babawale Saheed, Olasunkanmi Wasiu, Adetoro Toheeb, Mudashiru Lawal, and Ismaila Wahab, as well as Yinka Oyeniyi, Olaniyan Taofeek, Sheu Mumini, Ololade Bashit, Musibau Abdulkareem, Jamiu Sulaeeb, Jeremiah Ayuba, Abimbola Samad, Oladeji Tosin, and Mathew Samuel.

ýFrom the Ile-Ife centre, the amnesty covers Yusuf Ola, Oyedeji Sunday, Ojo Olaoluwa, Ogunola Rafiu, Ayomide Amos, Usman Adefisan, and Adedigba Abiodun.

ýThe governor emphasised that the decision reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal which Nigeria’s Independence Day represents.ý

ýHe added, ‘As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals.’

The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), is always in search of opportunities to businesses in the oil city. The City Chamber is fighting to create alternative businesses other than oil and gas, though not ignoring the hydrocarbon industry.

Since the days of Emi Membere-Otaji as president, the PHCCIMA has worked to reposition its focus to non-oil businesses especially by attracting foreign business partners to open doors to the business community in the Garden City.

Now, Chinyere Nwoga, the first female president, has revealed to members how best to queue into the wealth avenue of the Chambers. She urged members to dive into chamber programmes to unlock a wealth of business opportunities.

Speaking at the third-quarter General Forum at the PHCCIMA secretariat in Port Harcourt, she highlighted the importance of leveraging the chamber’s resources to fuel business success. Nwoga emphasized that active participation in chamber activities is key to reaping the full benefits of membership. The well-attended forum showcased strategic initiatives, including collaborations with the Lagos City chamber, trade group programmes, and member-engagement opportunities, all aimed at driving business growth.

The forum featured discussions on the upcoming 2025 Port Harcourt International Trade Fair with calls for innovative strategies to elevate its global stature and explore franchising opportunities. Trade group leaders delivered impactful presentations.

Fenibo Fubara, ICT Trade Group chairman, advocated for digitizing chamber processes to streamline resource access and attract new members.

Ofon Udofia, Export/Import Trade Group chairman, urged PHCCIMA to push for reduced bureaucratic hurdles at southern ports, addressing International Maritime Organization (IMO) policies causing rate disparities.

Jack Daboikiabo (SME/NGO Trade Group) and Chief Ernest Elochukwu (Membership Committee) shared their groups’ achievements and upcoming events.

The forum also celebrated the induction of 12 new member-companies, with oaths administered by past President Emeka Unachukwu, an engineer and doctorate degree holder in International Trade. Notable attendees included a past president (Vincent Furo), 1st deputy president Isaac Wonwu, Financial Secretary Emmanuel Ogbonda, and Welfare Secretary Florence Nwosibe, all offering valuable insights for chamber progress.

A highlight was the presentation by #StartupSouth organizers, inviting members to leverage their platform to expand markets, attract capital, and strengthen the Rivers State business ecosystem.

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, criticised those peddling allegations of religious genocide in the country, saying no religion is under siege.

The president described the allegations as ‘unfounded and misleading, as citizens focus more on harmony and shared prosperity.*

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, in a statement, said Tinubu acknowledges that after 65 years of Independence, citizens have grown to appreciate religious and cultural differences and explore the advantages of diversity in terms of educational, economic, and other productive gains.

President Tinubu allayed fears of religious intolerance in the country at the unveiling of a book on the 10 years of the APC government in Nigeria. It was authored by the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma.

Tinubu was in Owerri to commission projects, such as the Owerri-Mbaise-Umahia road, the Assumpta Twin flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuayanwu Convention Centre.

Nentawe Yilwatda, the All Progressive Congress APC national chairman, two former APC Chairmen, Adams Oshiomhole and Umar Ganduje, governors of APC states, and the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, attended the commissioning of the projects and the book launch.

The event was also attended by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Senate President, former Senate Presidents, Sen. Pius Anyim Pius, and Ahmad Lawan, were also at the event.

Others include the founding Chairman of the APC, Bisi Akande, and former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, as well as traditional and religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, student unions, and market associations.

President Tinubu told the crowd at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre: ‘Let me also say this clearly, Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded.

‘Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side – not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.

‘We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.

‘Our duty is to stand guard over our unity, protect every citizen, and continue to prove to the world that our diversity is not our weakness, but our strength and when Nigeria stands united, no falsehood can prosper against her. So help us God,’ he added.

On the impact of the All Progressives Congress in running Nigeria since 2015, President Tinubu said: ‘Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We promised a change, and I can confidently tell you the worst is over.

‘Ten years ago, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), came into power on the wings of change. Nigeria was at a crossroads. A break from the old order was not only desirable; it had become inevitable to steer our nation away from collapse. ‘Under President Muhammadu Buhari, our party began stabilising Nigeria. We invested heavily in infrastructure, pushed back terrorists, and instilled accountability in public finance. Were there challenges? Yes. Were mistakes made? Yes. But no one can deny that the direction of Nigeria changed for good,’ he added.

‘APC may not be perfect, but we are purposeful. And we will not allow Nigeria to return to the wasted years of drift,’ the President said.

‘We are not yet where we want to be, but we are no longer where we were. We are building a Nigeria that values productivity above handouts and is a nation prepared for a sustainable future.

The President has a message for the critics of the APC administration: ‘And to those who today parade themselves as prophets of solutions, let me say this: those who wasted sixteen years had their chance. Nigerians remember the broken promises, the broken power plants, the broken roads and the attempts to usurp democratic institutions using corrupt practices and subterfuge.

President Tinubu commended Governor Uzodimma for his scholarship documenting this decade of progressive governance.

‘Hope has given Nigeria a gift: a reminder that nations must write their own stories, and leaders must account for their stewardship.

The President stated that the outlook for the economy had improved across various indicators.

‘I am honoured to stand here in Owerri, in the heart of the South-East, a land of industry, intellect, and resilience. I know there were times when this region felt left out. But under Renewed Hope, no part of Nigeria will be abandoned. The South-East is not on the margins; you are at the centre of our national rebirth.

‘Believing in true federalism and decentralisation, I have created regional development commissions to bring progress closer to the people. Nigerians have the right to hold leaders at every level (federal, state, and local) accountable. And as leaders, we have the duty to deliver,’ he added.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, thanked the President for the initiative of NELFUND, which had encouraged more underprivileged children to pursue their education in higher institutions.

‘Mr President, you have given hope to many young people through the Education funds you provide. You have invested in agriculture to provide food for millions of Nigerians.

‘On behalf of the entire National Assembly, we want to congratulate the performing governor,’ the Senate President said.

The Governor of Imo State, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, stated that the sub-national governments had consistently received increased allocations, enabling infrastructure construction and improving sectors such as education and health.

‘Mr President, we are grateful for your support. It is through your courage and bold policies that our economy is stabilised today. Most of the projects we undertake in Imo are made possible by the continuous funding we receive from time to time.

‘Your consistency in the political trajectory of Nigeria made it possible for the formation of APC, which became a force in the build-up to the 2015 elections. This inspired me to document all these remarkable efforts into a book titled ‘A Decade of Leadership in Nigeria’.

President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigerian youths to dream big, innovate and conquer more territories in their various fields of endeavour

The President, speaking on 1st October, nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary, assured the youths of his administration’s support through policies and funding.

‘You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector.

‘Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high’

The President cited the creation of the National Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, saying the initiative is to support students with loans for their educational pursuits.

‘ Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.

The President also revealed that Credicorp, another initiative of the administration, has granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion in affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, digital devices, and more. Speaking on other measures aimed at giving support to young people, the President assured that the ‘YouthCred, which I promised last June, is a reality, with tens of thousands of NYSC members now active beneficiaries of consumer credit for resettlement’

‘Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we promised to build a Nigeria where every young person, regardless of background, has an equitable opportunity to access a better future-thus, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme. ‘This initiative is at the cusp of implementation. Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors.

‘Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains.

‘The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government. However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option. 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.

‘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 local government autonomy are yielding more developments.

‘Therefore, on this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to do its part to fix the plumbing in our economy. Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing. In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers.’