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All is set for the official commissioning of the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oli Export Terminal in Rivers State, Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 8, 2025.

The facility established by Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) operator of the Otakikpo field PML 11 with operational base in Ikuru town, Andoni local government of Rivers state, is the first Indigenous Onshore Terminal to be built in Nigeria by a wholly indigenous company and the only one to built in the country in the last 50 years.

The last one before Otakikpo Terminal- Forcados Terminal was commissioned in 1971

A statement by the firm said Governor, Simnalayi Fubara, top government functionaries at the federal level as well as key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to be led by the Hon Minister of State Petroleum (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri will attend the inauguration.

The statement by the Executive Director of Legal and Corporate Services , Mr Olusegun Ilori, explained the completion of the terminal is a strategic initiative that aligns with the determination of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to boost oil production in the country.

Operators in the oil and gas sector have identified evacuation challenges as a major barrier to achieving the Federal Government’s goal of producing three million barrels of crude oil per day.

The Otakikpo terminal is expected to provide a lifeline to over 40 stranded oil fields who now has a ready evacuation outlet thus unlocking million of barrels of oil otherwise held down in the wells.

The $400m new terminal with an initial storage capacity of 750,000 barrels expandable to three million barrels and a loading capacity of 360,000 barrels per day is also expected to support the government’s objective of lowering production cost in the industry.

Chairman /CEO of Green Energy, and Chief Host of the commissioning event Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe noted : ‘What we have achieved here is not just a storage solution, but a game-changing national infrastructure that has opened a new pathway for about 40 stranded oil fields to finally contribute to the economy,’

These opening lines of the third chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes are deep and reflective. The words become more meaningful when they are applied to day to day life. What really is new under the sun? What are we witnessing today that has never happened before? Life is full of challenges. It is not a bed of roses. Nor is it only of thorns. It is a mix of both. It is full of ups and downs.

It is up when things are going well and down, when they are not. We all prefer the former to the latter. Some people are luckier than others. Things are always looking up for them. In most cases, they do not lift a finger before things take shape in their lives. Thus, they become the envy of others because luck always smiles on them. This philosophy applies to groups too. Some of them are more favoured, or if you like more powerful, than others.

One group that falls into this category is the oil workers’ union. Since it comprises workers, both at the junior and senior levels, it is strategic in the affairs of nations. But unions being unions, especially at the lower level, tend to overplay their hands most times. They arrogate to themselves the power they do not have, as their importance, or perhaps, power gets into their heads. They believe that at their say so, they can ground the operations of an organisation – and even paralyse a nation. At least, they did it in Nigeria in 1993.

So, they use strike, which is a lawful labour tool of bargaining, to try to whip their management into line. Workers can go on strike, if negotiations break down. It is supposed to be the last resort for them after everything else had failed. It is not to be deployed as the weapon of first choice when talks are ongoing to resolve a labour dispute. But politically, the strike option can because of its potent force be adopted at anytime when the population as one is disenchanted with the government.

It was deployed to maximum effect 32 years ago in the wake of the political crisis engendered by the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Oil workers as an association saved the nation from the tyranny of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (1985-1993) and the late Gen. Sani Abacha (1993-1998), two of the militaty leaders of that era. It was however not only the oil workers’ fight. It was the fight of every Nigerian, both young and old, whether working or not. It was a fight to save our nation, and the people spoke with one voice. It was a time to fight and reclaim our country from despots.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) were the faces of that action because the foremost labour centre, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), failed to show leadership. Then NUPENG general secretary, the late Frank Ovie Kokori, put his life on the line when the NLC leadership sold out. Ironically, that same NLC which lost its mojo when it mattered most is now flexing muscles over a dispute in which it should be a conciliator and not a combatant.

Since Dangote Refinery started producing petrol in September 2024, it has been contending with issues in the shark infested oil industry. The truth is many players in the industry do not like the face of the promoter of the plant, Aliko Dangote, who they believe has come to supplant them from the industry. They see him as a monopolist, alleging that his record in the other industries where he is also a big player tends toward that. The Dangote-PENGASSAN face off can be located in this fear – the fear that ‘he has come to push us out’, and their body language is ‘but we go show am’.

But there is nothing to show anybody if everybody is ready to play by the rules. The oil industry is regulated and there is no way any player no matter how powerful he may be can be bigger than the regulator. The regulator may not be as big as that player, but it has the power of the state to take on anybody, and every sensible ‘powerful player’ is conscious of this fact. PENGASSAN and NUPENG believe that they can take on Dangote since in their own estimation the government is allowing it to get away with so many things to, as they claim, ‘protect the multibillion dollars investment’.

Let us make no mistakes about it, the ongoing Dangote-PENGASSAN face off is an extension of the earlier one with NUPENG. And the big marketers, many of who are depot owners, are happy with what is going on. They want the feud to fester so that there can be instability in the fuel value chain which will be of immense advantage to them. Dangote should not give them that joy. If you ask me, I will advise the refinery to review the sacking of the 800 workers which led to the feud with PENGASSAN.

The advice is based on the simple reason that the handling of the matter was not tidy. This is not to say that PENGASSAN was right in declaring war against Dangote, and going ahead to turn off the refinery’s supplies from source in order to forcefully shut its operation. This is economic sabotage that borders on treason. The feuding parties, however, believe that they are legally and morally right in the actions they have taken. They are not. Dangote cannot sack the 800 workers, just like that, for allegedly sabotaging its operations.

It cannot accuse the workers of what amounts to a crime and sack them without judicial trial. In like manner, PENGASSAN cannot wilfully shut down the refinery’s supplies because it has access to those critical national assets and plunge the industry and the entire nation into chaos. PENGASSAN should be mindful of the security implications of its action. This is 2025, and not 1993, when it and NUPENG rode on the wave of the moment to make the country too hot for the military to govern.

They enjoyed the people’s backing then. They do not have such support now, so they should tread gingerly, and not give themselves a bad name – that is if they have not already done so. Dangote and PENGASSAN should give the ongoing dialogue brokered by the government a chance so that industrial peace can return. It is a time to embrace and not a time to fight.

The need for technological deployment in teaching pedagogies in meeting the challenges of 21 century education was the thrust of the maiden international conference by the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).

The three-day conference by the University’s College of Languages and Communication Arts Education (COLCAED), was entitled: ‘Language, Literature, Communication and Education in a Changing World: Innovations, Challenges and the Future’.

It was held at the Epe campus of the university, featuring participants from the academia who shared ideas and compared notes. At the conference, scholars all agreed that tertiary institutions particularly in Africa must acknowledge the significance of technology as an indispensable tool for effective learning.

The keynote speaker and a professor of Linguistics at University of Ibadan, Francis Egbokhare, noted that gone were those days when knowledge dissemination was strictly restricted to the classroom. He said that today, there are legions of online learners who only attend virtual classes from many institutions across the world, adding that one could hardly draw a line between such people and those who attend conventional institutions.

While praising COLCAED for the theme, Egbokhare said LASUED as a new institution, could leverage on this opportunity to unleash her great potential.

He said: ‘You (LASUED) need to invest in e-learning in order to broaden the scope of those that can take your courses.

In that way, people will not have to relocate on your campus to learn. And you can as well do micro credentially. What that means basically is that a lot of skill training that compels people to leave their jobs will no longer be there. Moreover, technology reduces training cost because it upscales the number of people who can participate. I enjoin you to operate a university without walls which simply means a tech-based institution. With this, you will have more students that will not only generate revenue (for LASUED), but also broaden the scope of the digital revolution that is taking place globally.’

Egbokhare said with open-source technology, many poorly funded public institutions in Nigeria and beyond may no longer have to bother as they can leverage open-source technology which takes away the financial cost that comes with acquiring technology tools.

‘There is open-source technology and open-source software which is meant for people to develop things freely and access high quality contents online that are in open-source format. Therefore the absence of funding is no longer a big excuse. So I’ll advise that you start with open-source and you can then begin to create your own proprietary materials. For instance, if you go to the Commonwealth of Learning platform, you will find millions of resources that you can not only use but also adapt. The second thing is AI (Artificial Intelligence). There are some free AI tools you can use to create the frames for developing your course materials,’ he added.

Meanwhile, the Guest Speaker Jane Setter, a Professor Phonetics at the University of Reading, United Kingdom who spoke on the topic: ‘English Pronunciation for a Global World’, said the importance of pronunciation could not be underestimated

In her virtual lecture, Setter said pronunciation contributes to success in other aspects such as speaking, listening, vocabulary learning and reading.

Setter argued that a learner could be intelligent, yet unable to retain a non-native speaker accent. She therefore advocated that a learner’s inability to retain a native speaker accent should not be a benchmark for appraising his or her intellectual level.

The Vice Chancellor of LASUED Prof Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Morudeen Adeniyi Shittu, stressed the university’s readiness to implement whatever resolutions that evolved from the conference.

He said: ‘Whatever the outcome of this conference, we are going to work towards its realisation. The management will work with the various presentations and I can assure you the communique arising from this conference shall be implemented to the letter.

‘If you look at other universities, they have faculty of Arts, and Humanities. But here in LASUED, Humanities is separate from the Languages. Here, we want to use language to connect to other aspects of knowledge, so we can collaborate and become one.’

Chairman Local Organising Committee of the conference Prof. Kikelomo Adeniyi said: ‘We observe that there has been deployment of technology in language, literature and communication. We therefore feel that as a teacher training institution, we need to keep people abreast of modern trends and ameliorate challenges associated with the use of these technologies.

Dean of COLCAED Prof Ojetunde Cecilia Folasade said teachers should be trained to use technology.

‘Besides, students should be better motivated to use these tools beyond social media. Students should also understand that technologies can help improve learning, as well as advancement in knowledge,’ she added.

A participant Dr Ganiu Bamgbose of the Lagos State University(LASU) noted that the fascinating thing about the conference is the different pedagogical interventions on how language, literature and communication can be better taught especially in the 21st century using technology.

Director of Muslim Awareness International, Abdul Atoyebi, has said the genocide in Gaza is unprecedented.

He spoke at Aqsa Day at Da’wah Centre, Lagos.

The ‘Stop Gaza Genocide’ event featured prayers, lectures, and a rally.

Atoyebi said for 22 months since October 7, 2023, Gaza has bled, with over 60,000 killed, mostly women, children, and 125,000 injured.

‘This is not war. This is genocide,’ he said, demanding recognition of Palestine at UN General Assembly, ceasefire and sanctions on Israel, humanitarian aid to Gaza, boycott of Israeli products and severance of diplomatic ties, and stronger internal security in Nigeria.

Lead Consultant at AS and Associates, Abdullahi Shuaib, who delivered a sermon, said the war in Gaza is a genocidal campaign against Palestinians.

He reminded Muslims of Prophet Muhammad’s teaching that they must show concern for the plight of fellow Muslims, warning that indifference to Palestine’s suffering was like abandoning the faith.

The Islamic scholar criticised UN for failing to protect Palestinians, saying the world body is ‘a toothless bulldog’ manipulated by global powers.

A lecturer at Lagos State University (LASU), Ganiyah Tijani-Adenle, said what is happening in Gaza is genocide, calling on all to pressure Israel to end the carnage.

‘There is no war crime that had not been committed in Gaza, and the genocde is happening, yet the perpetrators believe nothing will happen because the impunity has been on since 1948’, she said.

She added that the genocide in Gaza is a war against humanity and not a religious war.

‘Everyone should know that what is happening in Gaza is not a religious war. Muslims, Christians, people of different faiths and backgrounds feel the heat directly. It’s a war against humanity’, she added.

Lions International, through its Lagos New Emerald Lions Club, District 404B2 Nigeria, has donated school bags, books and other learning materials to pupils of Ikosi Nursery and Primary School, Ketu, Lagos, to mark this year’s International Literacy Day.

The intervention, carried out in conjunction with Lagos British Lions Club and Lagos Indiana Lions Club, turned the school premises into a scene of excitement as children gleefully lined up to receive the items. Their cheers filled the air as the head teacher led them in call-and-response chants to celebrate the moment.

President of Lagos New Emerald Lions Club, Lion Kadiri Olaide Bilkis, NLCF, said the project was inspired by a passion to meet the needs of children in public schools, where basic materials are lacking.

‘Most of these pupils carry their books in polythene bags. When we visited this school two years ago, we saw their needs and promised to return. September 8 is International Literacy Day, and with the resumption of school, we are here to fulfill that promise,’ she said.

She added that the donation was only one of many initiatives the club has lined up. ‘By next month we will hold our Mental Health and Wellbeing Day at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Home, Yaba, Lagos. In November, we will host the Peace Poster Contest in Ikeja and by December we will visit either a motherless babies’ home or a blind school for our hunger relief project. We have a calendar of service for the entire year,’ she said.

The Head Teacher of Ikosi Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Akin Ojo T. A., lauded the gesture, saying it would boost pupils’ morale and encourage school attendance.

‘What Lions Club has done today is to encourage our pupils to learn more and to be regular in school. Even this morning, a new pupil who came with her mother to make enquiries about admission told her mother she did not want to go home after seeing the distribution of bags and books. She wanted to be part of it. That shows the power of this kind of support,’ she said.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike said that despite the challenges in the country, the Tinubu administration has made progress.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity as the government works hard to make their future bright.

Wike said: ‘This is a special occasion when we pay tribute to our founding fathers who laboured dauntlessly to birth a formidable country which today stands tall in the comity of nations.

”It is also a celebration of our brotherhood and unity, which have been woven from the loom of our diversity.

‘It is our firm belief that no city can be said to be a city without a good network of roads, hence our focus on road construction. Other sectors are receiving due attention as well.”

*NBA calls for justice

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called on leaders and citizens alike to ensure that justice and fairness remain the foundation of the nation’s progress.

The association said in a statement by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), that independence should not be viewed merely as a historic event to be celebrated annually but as an ongoing responsibility to safeguard freedom, strengthen democracy, and protect the dignity of every citizen.

‘Independence is not only about sovereignty. it is about ensuring that the rights of every Nigerian are preserved and that no one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection,’ the NBA added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since October 1, 1960, the association noted that the country’s history has been one of ‘trials and triumphs, setbacks and renewals.’ But the NBA commended the resilience of Nigerians in keeping faith with the vision of the nation’s founding fathers.

It urged Nigerians to see the 65th Independence Day as an opportunity not only to reflect but to renew hope and commitment to building a stronger, freer, and more prosperous country.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Olaniyan Taiwo, has called for accountable representation in government.

He rejoiced with people of Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola and Iwajowa local government areas of Oyo State as they joined fellow Nigerians to mark the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

A statement by Olaniyan noted that as Nigeria marked her 65th independence anniversary, it is vital to acknowledge the progress made so far and challenges facing people, particularly, communities within the four local governments.

According to him, there is need for people in the four council areas to put up collective efforts required to build a stronger and developed Constituency, so as to complement efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in building a better nation.

Olaniyan charged people in the communities, Oke Ogun and Oyo North to genuinely support President Tinubu and ensure they rallied round him to another victory in 2027, which according to him will be in appreciation to the dividend of democracy the President has given them.

He said: ‘Let us maintain our faith with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at national rebirth, economic transformation and collective prosperity.’

He urged people in the four local government areas to develop spirit of working together towards a brighter future for themselves and yet unborn generation.

Olaniyan declared readiness to support efforts of people in the communities irrespective of their status towards achieving a prosperous and developed Constituency where they can thrive and reach their full potential.

Nigeria Distilleries Limited, makers of Seaman’s Schnapps, traditional prayer drink, has said the association between the Olubadan throne and the prayer drink was symbolic. Gbemileke Lawal, Marketing manager, spoke at the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladojaas the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The ceremony, which attracted monarchs, dignitaries and cultural leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, highlighted the grandeur of Yoruba tradition and heritage.

At each stage of the rites, Seaman’s Schnapps featured in prayers and blessings, underscoring its cultural and spiritual significance. The brand also served as official sponsor of the event.

Lawal said: ‘The Olubadan throne is most revered in Yorubaland. We are proud Seaman’s Schnapps once again served as official prayer drink at this coronation’ he.

Mrs. Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho, senior Brand manager, said the event is an affirmation of the drink’s custodianship of tradition.

‘Seaman’s Schnapps symbolised blessings, respect, and ancestral reverence. We are honoured to have accompanied this sacred moment for the Olubadan throne, praying for long life, wisdom, and a peaceful reign,’ she said.

Before the coronation, Oba Ladoja expressed appreciation to the Seaman’s Schnapps team and Nigeria Distilleries Limited for their support. He commended the company’s role in sustaining Yoruba culture.

‘I sincerely express appreciation for your support. May your efforts aimed at upholding our culture continue to thrive. May God bless you and your organisation,’ the monarch said.

The brand reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage by supporting the Olubadan stool-an institution regarded as one of the most significant in Yorubaland.

National Coordinator of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) Door-To-Door Movement, Sunday Asuku, has praised the President’s role in sustaining Nigeria’s unity.

Speaking at a peace-walk in Lagos through Southwest coordinator to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day yesterday, Asuku said Nigeria’s journey is born out of sacrifice, vision, and determination of the country’s founding fathers.

Asuku said: ‘On this glorious occasion, we raise our voices in a thankful renewed hope for the journey of our nation, a journey born out of sacrifice, vision, and determination of our founding fathers.

‘Sixty-five years ago, our founding fathers stood tall with courage and hope, sowing the seeds of freedom so generations unborn could inherit a land of dignity, pride, and opportunity. Today, their legacy lives in us.

‘Nigeria is more than just a nation, Nigeria is the heartbeat of Africa, a tapestry of over 250 million resilient people whose strength lies in diversity, beauty in its culture and whose destiny is greatness. From the sweat of our farmers to the brilliance of our innovators, from the courage of our youth to the wisdom of our elders, Nigeria continues to rise as a nation destined to lead.

‘We salute President Bola Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda is rekindling faith in a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.

‘We recognise the efforts of our governors working day and night to turn dreams into reality at the grassroots. Their leadership, together with the resilience of the people, is a testament that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.

‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, under leadership of Dr. Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) is committed to carrying the message of hope, unity, and progress to every household, every street, every community, until every door enjoys good governance.

‘For we believe the true strength of a nation is not only found in its leaders, but in the will of its people to build, to endure, and to triumph.

‘Today, we renew our faith in Nigeria. We pray for enduring peace, divine wisdom for our leaders, prosperity in our economy, security in our land, and unity in our diversity. Let this Independence Day be a reminder that though our challenges may be many but our destiny is certain.”

We will together build a Nigeria that stands tall among the nations of the earth. Happy Independence Day to all Nigerians at home and in diaspora!’

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)