Category: Nigerian Tribune

Former Minister of State for Defence and Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has said Nigeria will reclaim its rightful place as giant of Africa under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He equally joined millions of Nigerians all over the world to celebrate Nigerian 65th Independence Day Anniversary.

In a statement personally signed and issued to newsmen by Senator Obanikoro, reads in part: ‘As Nigeria marks her 65th Independence Anniversary, I, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, join millions of compatriots across the globe in celebrating the remarkable journey of our beloved nation a journey defined by sacrifice, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of our people.

‘Sixty-five years ago, our founding fathers, with uncommon courage and conviction, reclaimed our sovereignty and entrusted us with the sacred responsibility of nationhood. Since then, Nigeria has faced trials that would have broken lesser nations.

‘Yet, time and again, Nigerians have demonstrated an unyielding capacity to rise above adversity, to endure, and to hope. It is this resilience that continues to define us as a people.

‘Today, our democracy stands firm after 26 unbroken years, our diversity remains our greatest strength, and our sons and daughters excel across the globe in every field of human endeavor. These are testaments to the enduring greatness of Nigeria.

‘At 65, we must reflect on how far we have come and reaffirm our collective determination to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

‘The task before us is to transform our challenges into stepping stones for national renewal, and to place the prosperity of our people above all else.’

Senator Obanikoro, who also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold reforms, called for a vibrant private sector and as well urged Nigerians to see themselves as stakeholders in building the country.

‘I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his bold reforms and unwavering commitment to repositioning our economy, restoring global confidence, and deepening hope for all Nigerians.

‘While the path of renewal is never easy, I am confident that under his leadership, Nigeria is poised to reclaim her rightful place as the giant of Africa and a beacon of black excellence in the world.

‘However, beyond government’s efforts, I urge Nigerians to pursue the coming years with a collective approach.

‘No nation has ever achieved true greatness on the back of government alone; development thrives only where there is synergy between the public and private sectors.

‘A vibrant and stronger private sector, working in harmony with government, will serve our nation best and accelerate our journey to prosperity.

‘Individualism does not pay, and government cannot do it alone.

‘Every Nigerian must see themselves as a stakeholder in the project of building our country. I therefore call on all citizens to remain consistent, resilient, and committed in everything they do, for it is our shared efforts that will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow.

‘As we celebrate, let us remember that nation-building is a shared responsibility. Our unity, resilience, and shared optimism remain the greatest assets in our march to greatness.

‘May the Almighty continue to guide our leaders, bless our people, and preserve our nation for generations to come.

‘Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria!’ He stated.

Emerging Afrobeats artist Yemzoid has set himself apart with his latest singles Somebody and Lekeleke, tracks that many believe are strong contenders for industry awards. With their polished production, meaningful lyrics, and emotional depth, these singles demonstrate a maturity and artistry that could propel him into the spotlight at upcoming music award ceremonies.

Yemzoid views the tracks as a reflection of his personal growth. ‘These singles reflect my personal growth as an artist, showcasing maturity in both lyrics and delivery. They represent a new chapter in my music journey with a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of this world I am exploring,’ he said. This sense of evolution is evident in the refined storytelling and emotional connection woven into each song.

Somebody dives into the passion and vulnerability that come with loving someone, while Lekeleke celebrates the strength and independence of women. Together, they balance emotional sensitivity with empowerment, offering a blend of messages that resonate deeply with listeners. By centering women in his music, Yemzoid adds a socially conscious dimension to Afrobeats, which could earn him recognition in categories beyond just mainstream appeal.

As fans continue to embrace these tracks, conversations around their award potential are growing. Whether in songwriting, vocal performance, or even cultural impact categories, Yemzoid has delivered music that meets the criteria for critical acclaim. With Somebody and Lekeleke, he may not only win the hearts of fans but also secure his place among the new generation of award-winning Afrobeats talents.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday criticised President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, saying that a review of the address showed that he had nothing to tell Nigerians.

The party claimed that even the President himself did not believe in what he read to Nigerians.

The reaction came as the PDP reiterated that its scheduled November 15 Ibadan Elective National Convention would hold despite alleged attempts by forces both within and outside the party to cause ‘distractions’ for it.

The National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, giving the PDP’s assessment of Tinubu’s 65th independence anniversary speech in Abuja, described it as replete with ‘lies’, ‘boring’, ‘uninspiring’ and allegedly did little to impress any Nigerian.

‘The speech, to say the least, was pathetic, boring and uninspiring. Typical of the APC’s propaganda, it was full of lies and poor statistics.

‘Even the President didn’t believe in what he was reading. He was saying things that were completely incorrect. The whole speech was at variance with the reality on the ground’, Ologunagba told a news conference.

The PDP said the ‘most shocking’ part of the speech was when Tinubu said the country’s economy had improved and that Nigerians were faring better than when he took over the reins of power in 2023.

‘The President saying the economy is working and has turned the corner. That was shocking. Is he talking about turning the corner on insecurity, the corner on parents not being able to pay school fees?’, the spokesman asked.

He accused the APC-led government of returning Nigeria to ‘bondage’ of poor economic management and insecurity, years after the PDP had freed the nation from such problems.

For instance, Ologunagba cited the country’s debt burden, recalling a point in Nigeria’s history when it exited the debt trap during the PDP days.

The party called on the President to address the nation again to speak on the obvious questions they expected him to answer: ‘From subsidy withdrawal alone, how much has been saved exactly? We don’t know. We keep hearing of borrowings, and we are going deeper and deeper into problems. What have the loans been spent on?’

Ologunagba added, ‘Nigerians and the PDP, we seek a special broadcast on the details of the subsidy removal, details of loans and the application of those loans.’

On the Ibadan convention, the party noted that the distractions, which it blamed on the APC and some collaborators in-house, would go ahead as planned because ‘the train has arrived in Ibadan; we are far ahead of the distractions.’

Commenting on the seeming disagreement between the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, exhibited by Anyanwu countering decisions taken by the NWC, Ologunagba stated that it would appear that the secretary lacked understanding of the provisions of the PDP’s constitution.

He explained that while the National Chairman, as Chief Executive Officer of the party, could summon any meetings and direct any actions to be taken by the party, the secretary is an administrative officer whose primary duty is to implement directives or decisions taken by the party.

The spokesman further explained that it would be unheard of to say decisions taken at properly-convened meetings of the NWC, such as the postponement of state congresses in Cross River, Plateau and Kebbi, as well as the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, would be overturned by the secretary.

He added that Section 35 of the PDP constitution empowers the National Chairman to summon and preside over the NWC and caucuses of the party, powers not shared with the secretary.

He also explained that the chairman could delegate such powers to any other NWC member whenever necessary.

‘So, the secretary can’t summon meetings or authorise any meetings’, Ologunagba stated, adding, ‘So, if the party says there is no Congress in Cross River or a dissolution of an Exco, why should an individual oppose it?

He dismissed claims that the NWC never met or took any decisions, saying that 16 out of 18 members of the committee met.

In the case of Akwa Ibom, the PDP said it observed a ‘misnomer’ playing out, where Governor Umo Eno, who had defected to the APC, was bent on controlling the PDP structure in the state by attempting to fuse the two parties.

According to Ologunagba, allowing the arrangement to continue would be in violation of Section 10(6) of the PDP’s constitution, ‘which does not allow any member of the party to align with another group to undermine the party.’

Last week, the National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notifying it of the decision of the NWC to postpone state congresses in Cross River, Plateau and Kebbi States to a new date after due consultations.

But, Anyanwu immediately wrote to the INEC, urging the commission to ignore Damagum’s letter because the congresses scheduled for Saturday, September 27, would be held.

The congress was indeed held in Cross River, returning Mr Venatius Ikem as the state chairman, though on Monday, September 28, the NWC disowned the congress, calling it a ‘carnival.’

On Tuesday this week, the PDP announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom exco. But just like it happened last week, the national secretary countered the decision again by writing to the dissolved exco members to ignore the NWC.

Investigations showed that the PDP moved to reposition the party in Akwa Ibom, following the defection of Governor Eno to the APC in an apparent bid to cut ties between him and the state exco led by Mr Aniekan Akpan.

Akpan, not willing to let go and now backed by some influential party leaders in Abuja, is staying put in office, despite his sacking by the NWC.

Before now, Governor Eno, in a leaked video, had spoken of his intention to work with both the structures of the PDP and the APC in the state for the unity of the state.

‘As a matter of fact, contrary to some insinuations, I want to run both parties (APC and PDP)? Far from it. And what is wrong with being interested? We would not leave the PDP for thieves to hijack and use it against us.

‘If anybody thinks we are going to do that, they have something coming. We will lead the structure of the party (PDP) so that they can work together (with APC). So that people don’t come from outside and think that Mr Eno has moved, let me come and hijack the party. Let the structure of the party remain.

‘They have done their congresses. That’s my position,’ the governor had revealed.

Just days ago, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, had praised Governor Eno’s decision to dump the PDP, an action seen by many political watchers as absurd in the ongoing struggle for the control of the soul of the once-largest political party in Africa.

The Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board has declared that tourism will be a major driver of development, infrastructure, and community progress in the state.

Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Ime Udoh, stated this yesterday, while unveiling activities for the 2025 World Tourism Day celebration, saying that the theme for this year’s event, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,’ aligns with the state government’s vision of harnessing tourism as a catalyst for economic growth.

She commended Governor Umo Eno for creating an enabling environment for tourism to thrive, noting that the sector is attracting new investments and improving infrastructure across communities.

According to her, the 2025 celebration, though globally observed on September 27, has been shifted to October 4 in the state due to other government activities.

She added that the events will feature an eco-friendly road walk, a clean-up exercise, and the popular ‘I Love Akwa Ibom’ social media challenge, all converging at the Water Fountain on Nwaniba Road before proceeding through the Ibom Icon and Golf Resort route.

Mrs. Udoh explained that the exercise will not only showcase the state’s scenic routes but also emphasize the need for cleanliness and community participation. ‘As we walk through these routes, we aim to engage with the community and highlight that they are integral to our tourism attractions. Their unique culture and heritage are what draw visitors,’ she said.

She noted that improved roads and clean environments will increase tourist inflow, create employment opportunities, and drive infrastructural development within host communities, even as the sensitization exercise will cover areas such as Ekpri Nsukara, Uran Market, Ifiayong, Atiku, and Itam, before culminating at the UCCDA flyover.

The celebration will also feature a contest encouraging participants to showcase Akwa Ibom’s culture through food, dance, stories, and visual content, with prizes for winners. Participants are to tag the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Hotels and Tourism Board, and private tourism partners on social media.

Mrs. Udoh used the occasion to commend private organizations collaborating with the state government in promoting culture and tourism, assuring them of continued government partnership.

National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and La Shipson Pharmaceuticals Ltd have stepped up plans to commence the local production of HIV drugs in Nigeria.

The move follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to produce life-saving medicines locally.

During the week, a delegation from La Shipson, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Godiya Shipi, visited NBRDA for further engagements on the project.

The delegation included the company’s Board Chairman, Dr. Handsome Momoh, as well as partners and investors, all of whom expressed strong commitment to supporting the initiative.

According to NBRDA, the project will be domiciled within its facilities and is designed to address the healthcare gap created by the withdrawal of international aid for HIV treatment.

Beyond improving access to affordable drugs, the collaboration is also expected to create jobs, drive technology transfer, upgrade NBRDA’s laboratories, and enhance staff research and analytical capacity.

Implementation steps are already underway, with both organisations working towards introducing the first batch of the locally produced HIV drugs into the Nigerian market by the first quarter of 2026.

The Jigawa State House of Assembly has directed its committee on health to investigate the multi-billion-naira upgrading of Kiyawa cottage to a general hospital.

Speaking to Tribune Online in Dutse, the state capital, the chairman House committee on health, Hon. Usman Abdullahi Tura, said the decision followed a complaint by the Kiyawa committee over misconduct in the contract by the contractor.

Tura explained that ‘today the Jigawa State House of Assembly under Rt Hon Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin has mandated its health committee to investigate the upgrading of Kiyawa cottage to a general hospital, equipment supply and installation.’

According to him, the committee has been mandated to visit and carry out an investigation into the award of the contract, how it was awarded, the execution of the contract, and to find out what went wrong and the real issues that are involved in the General Hospital Kiyawa project.

He added that the problem started when the state governor, alongside the Speaker of the Assembly, Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, paid a visit to the hospital recently on the day of the citizens’ engagement forum at Kiyawa town, where residents of the community have complained about the substandard materials in the projects.

The member representing Guri State Constituency in the Assembly confirmed that during the visit by the high-level government officials, there were some noticeable defects in the structure.

‘This is a sad development, but as a committee constitutionally saddled with the mandate, we intend to go and find out the critical issues involved and resolve the matter amicably without rancour within the four-week time frame given to us by the House.

‘We have already visited the hospital, the Kiyawa General Hospital; it now remains for us to invite the contractors to furnish us with what truly happened. We have noticed some defects during our last oversight visit to the hospital.

‘We added him, at least to come and look analyse some defects and if possible, amend them, but unfortunately, along the line he was not able to do so until now. So this is the time we’re asked to visit the hospital and see what went wrong so that the entire community can enjoy the facilities provided by the general hospital.’

The lawmaker confirmed that the grievances came from the community entirely and addressed the situation and found out why the community is not enjoying the facilities at are supposed to be installed at the hospital.’

He enjoined the community to feel free and approach the committee during its sitting to formally present their observations and complaints to the committee.

‘Therefore, we informed them that the situation is under control and we’re determined to address their complaints and find a lasting solution to their grievances,’ he declared.

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, has praised Nigerians for their resilience and urged them to sustain their trust in the government of President Bola Tinubu to continue meeting the yearnings of the people.

In a statement issued by his media office on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Adewale, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I, said Nigeria was entering its 66th year in a better position than in most of the years since Independence.

According to him, the Federal Government has successfully placed the country on the right footing, and citizens would soon begin to see the results of the reforms introduced in the economy.

‘The President has further rekindled our spirits with the Independence Day address, in which he reeled out the achievements of his administration in just two years and a few months. Globally respected economic analysts and experts have confirmed that we are moving in the right direction. We have left the most challenging phase of economic growth. We are seeing steady improvements in the GDP while inflation continues to drop. These are clear signals that our country is on the right path,’ Adewale said.

While urging Nigerians to continue supporting the Federal Government, he also called on state governors to prioritise people-oriented programmes and policies, alongside improvements in infrastructure.

‘This is one of the best ways they can justify the allocations to the states, which have increased tremendously under President Tinubu’s administration,’ he added.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has applauded Nigeria’s re-election into the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council with 163 votes, describing it as a resounding endorsement of the nation’s leadership in global aviation.

In her remarks, the FAAN MD/CE commended the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his dynamic stewardship and foresight, which she said played a decisive role in consolidating Nigeria’s international standing.

‘This overwhelming vote of confidence from the international community reaffirms Nigeria’s strategic importance in aviation. Under the Honourable Minister’s leadership, Nigeria has not only safeguarded its seat but also deepened its influence in shaping the future of global aviation,’ she said.

The MD/CE emphasized that Nigeria’s presence on the ICAO Council provides a powerful platform to align domestic reforms with international best practices in safety, security, infrastructure, and environmental responsibility.

‘At FAAN, we see this renewed mandate as a call to action. We are determined to leverage Nigeria’s place on the ICAO Council to fast-track our ambition of making Nigeria the aviation hub of West Africa. By translating this recognition into world-class airport infrastructure, smarter operations, and elevated passenger experience, we will ensure that our airports remain gateways of national pride and regional competitiveness,’ she added.

She also congratulated Egypt and South Africa on their re-election, stressing that Africa’s strengthened representation at ICAO will amplify the continent’s voice in aviation safety, connectivity, and innovation.

The MD/CE concluded by assuring stakeholders and the flying public that FAAN will continue to embody the spirit of excellence that has earned Nigeria the trust of 163 ICAO member states.

THE founding father of indigenous shipping in Nigeria, Chief Isaac Jolapamo has said that even if all indigenous shipowners get the $700m Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) today, there are no jobs because all the lucrative jobs are in the hands of the foreign ship-owners.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune exclusively in Lagos, the first President of the Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA) lamented that the foreigners have taken over most of the jobs and the Federal Government has, over the years, lacked the will power to enforce a ‘Nigerian first’ policy in the nations cabotage industry.

According to Chief Isaac Jolapamo: ‘There is nothing to celebrate in the Nigerian maritime industry after 65 years of independence. The people that conceived the industry 65 years ago and handed it over to us, it is not the way they are running theirs that we are running ours.’

When reminded that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has appointed Primary Lending Institutions (PLI’s) for the disbursement of the CVFF and that the banks have even started writing to indigenous shipowners to come and access the fund, Chief Jolapamo stated: ‘But we have been buying ships long before the advent of the Cabotage Act which birthed the CVFF.

‘The Cabotage Act was intended to give us more leverage, and that was why we fought for it. But as it is today, the Cabotage Act is not achieving the purpose for which it was enacted years ago.

‘I make bold to say that we had better access to job opportunities than what is available today, since the Cabotage regime began. Today, the foreign vessel owners are first choice when it comes to job opportunities in the Nigerian cabotage space.

‘When you look at the trend, the number of Nigerian owned ships that were in existence before the Cabotage Act was enacted has reduced. If government gives indigenous shipowners funds today, what will they use the funds for? The jobs in Nigeria’s shipping industry is still in the hands of the foreign vessel owners as at today.

‘Until the Federal Government enacts a law barring foreign vessel owners from competing with indigenous shipowners for jobs in the Cabotage industry, CVFF funds disbursement will be a waste of time.

‘Without such law, any shipowner that goes and take money from the CVFF will just run into problems.

‘Job availability is the soul of shipping globally. Every shipowner can always get funds. When I left NNPC in 1985 and Mobil asked me to do a job for them, what I did was to walk into a bank in London with the contract letter from Mobil. The name of that bank is BCCI. The bank provided funds for the job the moment they sighted the contract letter, and the job was done.

‘Once you have a job and you know how to run a ship, you will make money. So, job availability is key.’

The National Vice Chairman (Northwest), African Democratic Congress (ADC) , Mallam Jafaru Sani has said his party can and will defeat the ruling APC in Kaduna and other states in the zone with unity, displine and grassroots mobilization.

In a statement titled ‘ Nigeria at 65: A Call for Collective action ‘ issued by the National Vice Chairman of ADC in North West Mallam Jafaru Sani and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday noted that the party is building a formidable coalition in the seven states in the zone to defeat the ruling APC.

‘ In Kaduna State and across the Northwest, the ADC is building a formidable coalition of leaders and citizens committed to real change.

‘ Iam proud to announce that the leadership of ADC in Kaduna and Northwest comprising of people of proven integrity and competence, are united in their vision of a future where we can achieve our dreams of a prosperous nation with equal opportunities to all citizens. ‘Together, we will work tirelessly to defeat the APC in 2027, both in Kaduna and at the national level.

‘We acknowledge the concerns raised by Salihu Lukman in his recent press release, where he questioned ADC’s capacity to unseat the APC in Kaduna. His caution is valid but it is not a verdict. It is a challenge. And we accept it.

‘ The truth is simple, ADC can and will defeat APC if we work together. Unity, discipline, and grassroots mobilization will be our tools.’ He said

‘We call on all ADC supporters, members, and sympathizers to rally around our leadership. Let us strengthen our structures, deepen our engagement, and amplify our message.

‘The rescue mission is not just about Kaduna it is about Nigeria. It is about restoring dignity to governance and giving power back to the people.

‘Let this Independence Day be a turning point. Let it be the day we recommit ourselves to building a Nigeria that works for all.