Category: PM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governments and local councils to play an active role in consolidating the country’s reforms, stressing that nation-building must be a shared responsibility across all tiers of government.

The President, in his Independence broadcast to the nation, acknowledged the temporary pains citizens had endured due to economic reforms but insisted that they were necessary to prevent national collapse.

‘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,’ he said.

Tinubu explained that the true measure of success would not be found in abstract figures, but in tangible improvements in daily life.

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

‘Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas. Today, the governors at the state level, and the local government autonomy are yielding more developments,’ he noted.

Turning his message into a rallying call, the President urged sub-nationals to actively complement federal efforts in driving productivity and innovation.

‘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.

‘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. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes,’ he declared.

Reiterating his faith in the resilience of Nigerians and the country’s vast potential, Tinubu appealed for unity of purpose.

‘Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,’ he said..

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) saved Nigeria country from collapse during the 10 years it has been in power so far in the country.

Tinubu said this in Owerri at the presentation of a book entitled: ‘One Decade of Progressive, Impactful Leadership in Nigeria.’

The forum held at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo authored the book.

The president upon arrival in the state had inaugurated the 120 km Owerri – Umuahia Road, the Assumpta twin flyover as well as the 10,000 capacity Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Conference Centre.

In a speech, Tinubu said the book launch was significant as it reflected the collective efforts and sacrifices of progressive minds over the past 10 years, starting with late President Muhammadu Buhari.

He commended Uzodimma for his thoughtfulness, vision and achievements in infrastructure and for taking up the challenge of writing the book.

‘By recording the milestones and struggles of the 10 years we have gone through, he has given Nigeria a gift.

‘No nation can afford to forget its own journey and for which no leader should escape the beauty of confidence,’ he stated.

The president expressed confidence that Nigeria was no longer where it was 10 years ago under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said following the stabilisation of the nation’s economy, it grew by 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of the year.

Tinubu said: ‘That growth is with purpose, not just on paper. It is real growth.

‘Inflation has fallen to 20.12 per cent in August, the lowest in more than three years.

‘You may not feel it yet. Be patient. I thank you for your endurance, patience and perseverance.

‘Nigeria is changing for the better and you will feel the better days.’

He added that the nation’s external reserve currently stood at 42.03 billion US Dollars, the highest since 2019.

Tinubu noted that it was proof that the country was regaining its strength and credibility in the global economy.

‘Our trade surplus rose by more than 44 per cent in the last quarter while manufacture export surged by 173 per cent.

‘These numbers speak of a Nigeria that is producing, exporting, and competing more than ever before,’ he said.

He said the Naira had steadied under the exchange reform with new investment flows restoring confidence in the economy.

The president urged critics to have confidence in the progressive government, assuring them that the economy would eventually work for all Nigerians.

He debunked reports that religious persecution was thriving in the country, insisting rather of religious harmony among Nigerians.

‘The last decade was a time of change, the coming decade will be an era of renewal and stability that will ensure victory for the country,’ he said.

Tinubu lauded Uzodimma for his commitment and scholarship as well as the people of the state for the warm hospitality accorded him in the state.

In his remarks, Uzodimma said the book offered an ‘honest writing’ on APC’s journey in government from 2015 to 2025, detailing its milestones, challenges and lessons.

He further described the work as ‘a reference point for where the party has been and a guide for where we must go.’

The governor said he was inspired by curiosity and a duty to document APC’s performance after 10 years in office.

‘The party inherited a fragile economy, deep security challenges, and a weary citizenry,’ he noted.

He acknowledged that Tinubu’s ‘pragmatic ideas and decisive leadership inspired many of the chapters.’

Uzodimma recounted the president’s role as the ‘arrow head’ in the 2013 formation of the APC, which ‘ousted an incumbent government in 2015.’

He praised Tinubu’s ‘courage and clarity’ for shaping the progressive family and carrying the country through transitions.

‘His ideas and his persistence shaped the progressive family,’ the governor stated.

Uzodimma expressed surprise at the ‘depth and seriousness’ of the party’s efforts, which he said ‘doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.’

The governor stressed the party was built on values ‘equity, inclusion, service and discipline.’

He said that events since the book’s May 2025 finalisation showed ‘tangible progress,’ including inflation dropping and the Naira regaining stability.

The governor cited a trade surplus for six consecutive quarters, which stood at over five trillion naira in the first quarter of the year.

For Imo, Uzodimma reported an ‘infrastructure renaissance’ and investments in people, proudly stating that Imo workers are ‘happier today than they were some years ago.’

Uzodimma called on all Nigerians to ‘rally behind this progressive extraordinaire, President Bola Tinubu, in 2027.’

Earlier, the National Chairman of APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party had proved that Nigeria needed more than previous political party had offered.

Yilwatda praised Uzodimma’s leadership and intellectual commitment, stating that he had through the book shown himself as a ‘stabiliser, chronicler and conscience of the progressive journey.’

The chairman also praised Tinubu for ushering a leadership that opened a new era for bold decisions that had transformed the nation’s economy.

In separate remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Obi of Onitsha congratulated Uzodimma over the book, describing the effort as a great service to the nation.

On October 1, 2025, Google celebrated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day with a special doodle on its homepage.

The design used Nigeria’s green-white-green flag colours and featured an eagle. When clicked, the doodle showed key facts and milestones about Nigeria’s history.

In his Independence Day speech, President Bola Tinubu said he is confident that Nigeria’s economy is recovering. He noted that the country’s GDP grew by 4.23% in the second quarter – the best in four years. Inflation has dropped to 20.12%, foreign reserves are rising, and oil production has improved.

Tinubu also announced that the government has shared ?330 billion with eight million poor households through its social investment programme. He promised more work on roads, power, and other infrastructure.

The President urged Nigerians to live in peace, tolerate one another, and work together, saying that differences are normal but should not stop progress.

Maritime stakeholders have commended the Federal Government for approving and rolling out the Marine and Blue Economy Policy.

They shared their views on Wednesday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

Highlighting the policy’s significance, they described the policy and the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a turning point for the maritime sector.

The Marine and Blue Economy Policy was hailed as a landmark initiative expected to unlock Nigeria’s ocean resources for economic growth.

Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr Kingsley Igwe, praised the government’s foresight in creating the new ministry.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu recognised the value of the sector and acted swiftly to give it direction.

‘Before now, there was no clear roadmap for the maritime industry. Today, with this policy, we have direction, structure, and vision,’ Igwe said.

He added that the minister’s action plan, presented during World Maritime Organisation Day on Sept. 25, showed how Nigeria would generate revenue from its ocean resources.

Igwe also applauded efforts to secure Nigeria a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), calling it a step towards global maritime recognition.

He stressed that such recognition would elevate Nigeria as a leading African maritime nation and strengthen its voice in global shipping governance.

Beyond fishing, Igwe said Nigeria’s maritime sector now spans tourism and energy, which he described as a major leap forward in 65 years of independence.

Chairman of Global Transport Policy, Dr Olusegun Musa, urged that the policy be test-run for at least ten years to ensure adjustments and measurable results.

According to him, Nigeria had lost valuable time through inconsistent policies, abandoned investments, and lack of automation in port operations.

‘In Nigeria, we once had shipping capacity but abandoned it. Now, we are trying to revive it,’ Musa said.

He stressed the importance of port automation, international standards, and an enabling environment for investors, including disbursement of long-delayed funds such as the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).

Amb. Florentina Ukonga, a maritime diplomat, congratulated Nigeria at 65 and stressed the country’s untapped maritime potential.

She said Nigeria’s youthful population, if properly guided, could harness maritime opportunities and position the nation as a dominant player in Africa’s blue economy.

Similarly, President of the Master Mariners Association of Nigeria (MMAN), Capt. Tajudeen Alao, said the policy would create opportunities for biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

He urged the government to support indigenous shipping lines to fly Nigeria’s flag and strengthen its presence in the Gulf of Guinea.

‘There is hope that Nigeria’s Blue Economy will become a hub in Africa,’ Alao said, noting the importance of securing the IMO Category C seat.

He added that Nigeria must prioritise exports and value addition rather than depending on imports, to boost industries and improve gross domestic product.

The MMAN president also stressed the importance of biodiversity treaties, which would enable Nigeria to create marine protected areas and harness resources beyond national jurisdiction.

Alao called on investors to acquire vessels that would provide Nigerian cadets with sea time and international exposure.

He recalled that earlier generations of Nigerian shipowners had made remarkable contributions, which he said could be replicated if the CVFF is transparently disbursed.

The Flying Eagles will be aiming for victory against Saudi Arabia on Matchday 2 in the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, after a painful loss to Norway in their first group game on Monday.

Despite dominating the game and creating a number of opportunities, the seven-time African champions were unlucky not to have equalized in the second half of the encounter, and probably taken the three points.

On two occasions, their appeals for penalty awards were turned down by the referee.

Victory against Saudi Arabia will put the two-time World Cup runners-up in a good position to qualify for the championship’s Round of 16, ahead of their clash with Colombia on Sunday.

Head Coach Aliyu Zubair is upbeat his wards have shaken off the defeat against Norway as their attention has shifted towards the confrontation with Saudi Arabia, to ensure the team gets the desired result.

With the availability of all key players, Coach Zubair may stick to his usual 4-3-3 formation with more focus on attack and ball possession.

Israel Ayuma, Daniel Daga and Charles Agada have all been booked and will have to play with caution to avoid missing the last group game against the Colombians.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, declared that the country has emerged from its most turbulent years and is now firmly on the path to recovery.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, in a nationwide brodacast, the President reassured citizens that the painful reforms of the last two years were beginning to bear fruit.

‘I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding,’ he told Nigerians in his address.

Tinubu said the economy had begun to stabilise with encouraging indicators, pointing to the nation’s strongest growth in recent years.

According to him, the Gross Domestic Product rose by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest pace in four years and well above the International Monetary Fund’s projection of 3.4 percent.

He noted that inflation had slowed to 20.12 percent in August, its lowest level in three years, while food costs were gradually easing due to improvements in agricultural production.

The President also underlined what he described as ‘remarkable economic milestones’ achieved under his watch, including a healthier fiscal position, rising foreign reserves, a return to trade surpluses, and a stable exchange rate.

He said Nigeria’s external reserves had risen to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019, while the country had posted five consecutive quarters of trade surplus, with non-oil exports almost on par with oil exports.

Tinubu further drew attention to the rebound in oil production and the stabilisation of the naira.

‘The multiple exchange rates which fostered corruption and arbitrage are now part of history. Our currency rate is no longer dictated solely by fluctuations in crude oil prices. Nigeria is selling more to the world than it is buying, and this is strengthening our economy,’ he explained.

The President said his government had redirected billions of naira saved from the removal of fuel subsidy into investments in infrastructure and social welfare.

He announced that N330 billion had already been disbursed to eight million vulnerable households across the country, while rail and highway projects were progressing in every region.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s position in the global economy, Tinubu argued that the reforms had restored investor confidence.

‘The world is taking notice of our efforts. Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria, recognising our improved economic fundamentals. Our stock market is booming, and for the first time in years, the Central Bank has cut interest rates, signalling confidence in our macroeconomic stability,’ he said.

Tinubu reassured citizens that the sacrifices of the past were not in vain.

‘We are building a Nigeria that works. The journey ahead is brighter than the days behind. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you have reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour,’ he declared.

The Cross River chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected claims of the National Working Committee’s (NWC) on the legitimacy of its recent state congress.

The PDP NWC had in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, faulted claims that a state congress has been held in Cross River.

Ologunagba described any such exercise as ‘hallucination’ and insisted that the process had been formally postponed by the NWC.

But in reaction, the Publicity Secretary of PDP in Cross River State, Mr Mike Ojisi, in a statemen issued in Calabar on Wednesday asserted that the congress conducted on Sept. 27 was duly authorised, monitored and attended by all party leaders and structures in across the state.

Ojisi said it was supervised by a panel constituted by the party and monitored by relevant authorities, including electoral umpire, INEC, the Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

‘The said Congress was duly monitored by all duly constituted authorities including the INEC team of observers which was ably led by the Resident Electoral Commissioner himself, The Police and Civil defence,’ he stated.

He questioned the legitimacy of a purported National Working Committee (NWC) meeting that claimed to have taken a decision against the Congress.

He said that congresses do not hold at the ‘whims and caprices’ of the NWC or when the National Publicity Secretary says so.

‘A purported social media chat between five members of the NWC cannot constitute a National Working Committee of the Party, talk more of taking such a fundamental decision,’ Ojisi said.

He challenged the national leadership to disclose the venue, date, and approved memorandum of such a meeting.

Ojisi reiterated the party’s commitment to its ideals and loyalty to legitimate decisions taken in accordance with extant rules.

‘As law abiding party members we remain committed to the ideals of the party remaining loyal to all legitimate decisions of the Party taken in accordance with extant rules guiding the process towards taking them,’ he said.

‘No Congress’

Recall that Ologunagba, who also serves as secretary of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) said Cross River was one of the states where the state congress was shifted after due considerations.

‘For emphasis, there was none. There was no congress in Cross River State for the PDP, because it has been postponed, along with that of Plateau and Kebbi,’ Ologunagba declared.

He dismissed reports that party members gathered in Calabar for a Congress, saying such an event bore no legitimacy.

‘All these processes, particularly the setting up of an electoral panel, have not happened,’ he said.

Asked if the party would sanction organisers of the alleged exercise in Calabar, Ologunagba replied: ‘for anybody who has brought this party into disrepute, we know what to do.

‘There’s a constitution. We all subscribed to be members, and we swore to obey it. Enough is enough.

He added that the NNWC will constitute a Caretaker committee who shall run the affairs of the party in Cross River for some time.

‘Currently for Cross River, the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee will be overseeing the affairs of the chapter as earlier directed by the NWC,’ he said.

Author JK Rowling has lambasted actor Emma Watson in an angry response to the latter’s comments about their relationship, saying she is ‘ignorant of how ignorant she is.’

Rowling, author of the ‘Harry Potter’ made the remarks in her 700-word response to Watson on X after the actor reflected on their relationship while appearing on On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast.

J.K. Rowling and Emma Watson have been at loggerheads for years due to their differing views on transgender rights.

Watson had said, ‘I really don’t believe that having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, mean that I can’t and don’t treasure Jo (JK Rowling) and the person that I had personal experiences with.’

She maintained that people who don’t agree with her opinion will love her, adding ‘I hope I can keep loving people who I don’t necessarily share the same opinion with’.

Rowling, in her long X post stated that Emma Watson and her co-stars had every right to embrace gender identity ideology.

Such beliefs, she emphasised, are legally protected, adding that she would not want to see any of them threatened with loss of work, or violence, or death, because of their beliefs.

She also claimed that instead of reaching out to her, Watson ‘asked someone to pass on a handwritten note,’ which read, ‘I’m so sorry for what you’re going through.’

She declared: ‘Emma had just publicly poured more petrol on the flames yet thought a one-line expression of concern from her would reassure me of her fundamental sympathy and kindness.’

Rowling also said, ‘Emma was ‘never likely to need’ to use the types of single-sex spaces she has campaigned against trans people having access to, such as changing rooms and public toilets.’

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has charged Nigerians on the need for unity and teamwork to achieve the purpose of independence.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, in a speech he delivered to mark the nation’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

He noted that every October 1 reminds Nigerians ‘of the sacrifices of our founding fathers, who fought with courage and vision to give us a free nation’, adding that it is a day of pride, reflection, and, above all, renewed hope.

‘Independence is not only about freedom from foreign rule. It calls for unity and teamwork in order to maximise the opportunities that come with freedom. We must always remind ourselves that we can achieve more if we come together as Edo people,’ Okpebholo said.

Addressing the children and youths, the Governor who described them as the heartbeat of this State, charged them not to give in to despair.

‘Do not give in to despair. Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you. My message today is simple: A New Edo Has Risen. A New Nigeria Has Risen. Together, with courage and dedication, nothing can stop us,’ he concluded.

The United States has congratulated Nigeria on its 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the country as a ‘beacon of resilience and leadership’ in Africa and beyond.

In a press statement issued in Washington on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended the goodwill of the American people to Nigerians, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

‘On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of Nigeria on the 65th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence,’ Rubio said.

He noted that Nigeria’s six-and-a-half decades of nationhood had been marked by remarkable resilience and a capacity for leadership that continues to inspire.

‘For over six decades, Nigeria has stood as a beacon of resilience and leadership. The United States values our enduring partnership, rooted in shared democratic principles, a growing commercial relationship, and a commitment to fostering peace and security,’ he said.

Rubio praised the entrepreneurial drive and cultural vibrancy of Nigerians, stressing that these attributes have made the country a vital partner in global affairs.

‘On this special occasion, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering determination of the Nigerian people,’ he added.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Secretary of State pledged that Washington would continue to work closely with Abuja to tackle regional and global challenges.

‘We look forward to continuing to deepen our collaboration in the years ahead as we work together to achieve our shared goals,’ he said.

The statement ended with renewed wishes for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and progress: ‘Congratulations once again on this milestone anniversary. May the year ahead bring continued progress and prosperity to Nigeria and its people.’