Author: Friday Omosola

Vice President Kashim Shettima has identified Imo State as a major pillar in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, declaring it a new growth frontier primed for rapid development in key sectors. Speaking on Thursday at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, Shettima said the state is ready for rapid growth in technology, gas utilisation, agro-industrial processing, and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). He stressed that national prosperity is only sustained when every state takes ownership of its development by harnessing its comparative advantages. READ ALSO: “Press freedom non-negotiable under Tinubu administration” – Shettima assures journalists He affirmed the Federal Government’s…

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday assured the global community that Nigeria is fully committed to promoting peace, harmony, and prosperity across borders by strengthening partnerships to resolve emerging challenges. The President gave the assurance in Abuja after receiving Letters of Credence from 17 ambassadors and four high commissioners at the Council Chamber in the State House. Tinubu welcomed the diplomats, stating that their accreditation reaffirms the depth of bilateral ties and the shared commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. READ ALSO: Tinubu swears in new NPC chairman, five permanent secretaries He noted that the government remains focused on…

Badaru Abubakar, the former Minister of Defence, has denied a malicious, false, and baseless online publication circulating about the reasons behind his resignation. The viral report falsely claimed that Abubakar stepped down because he could not “stand and watch the US and President Bola Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.” READ ALSO: Tinubu nominates Musa to Senate as Badaru’s replacement for Defence Minister. In a rejoinder released yesterday, Abubakar stated that the publication was entirely fabricated, deliberately mischievous, and did not originate from him or from any authorised representative acting on his behalf. He said the clear intent of…

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, hosted a high-level delegation from the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja yesterday. The U.S. delegation was led by the Acting INL Director, Douglas Grane, and included In-Country Project Manager Randy Holliday and INL Programme Officer Charsaree Slomka from Washington, D.C. READ ALSO: Damagum petitions IGP over alleged violent takeover of PDP secretariat The primary focus of the engagement was to deepen the ongoing collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the U.S. Government on enhancing the operational efficiency of the Special…

Governor Dapo Abiodun has presented the 2026 appropriation bill, totalling ₦1.668 trillion, to the state House of Assembly. This proposal represents a 63% increase from the 2025 budget. The budget, tagged the “Budget of Sustainable Legacy,” prioritises the completion of key projects under the administration’s ISEYA pillars and aims to drive long-term growth. READ ALSO: Abiodun sets N500bn IGR target for Ogun’s 2026 budget The proposed budget allocates the majority of its funds to capital expenditure, with ₦1.044 trillion set aside for capital projects. It also earmarks ₦624.76 billion for recurrent expenditure. The administration projects that the budget will be funded…

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, swore in five new permanent secretaries and the Chairman and two members of the National Population Commission (NPC) during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja. The new officials took their oaths of office as part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen key areas of the civil service and national planning. The five new permanent secretaries sworn in are: John Ezeamama, Imo State; Ibrahim Ozi, Nasarawa State; Abdul Usman Garba, North Central; Ishiyaku Mohammed, North East; and Binyerem Ukaire, South East. READ ALSO: Remi Tinubu unveils empowerment grants for PLWS in Rivers Several of the…

The National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has approved ₦100 billion for the rehabilitation of training institutions belonging to the Nigeria Police and other security agencies. The approval is subject to the final ratification of President Bola Tinubu. During its 154th virtual meeting on Wednesday, the Council also approved ₦2.6 billion for consultancy services related to the rehabilitation project. READ ALSO: APC announces December meetings of national caucus, NEC The decision follows a proposal made by Tinubu at the 152nd NEC meeting in October to overhaul training facilities across security agencies nationwide. The allocation was based on…

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State visited the training ground for the newly recruited 2,600 additional forest guards in Ilorin on Wednesday to assess the progress of their ongoing “multifaceted training.” The governor’s visit and his address to the prospective guards and their instructors underscore his administration’s continued commitment to improving the security of lives and property, particularly in rural areas. READ ALSO: Ekiti govt allays security fears, mobilises LG chairmen over incursions from Kogi, Kwara The governor’s presence at the facility is intended to boost the morale of the trainees and reassure residents, especially those affected by recent threats, that…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on state governments, federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and the organised private sector to intensify efforts in advancing Nigeria’s business environment. Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Gala and Awards Night, he acknowledged the year’s successes as a “triumph of collaboration over silos”. He stressed that the collective commitment of all 36 states, MDAs, and other stakeholders is necessary for national success. READ ALSO: “Press freedom non-negotiable under Tinubu administration” – Shettima assures journalists Shettima’s charge to the attendees—gathered to celebrate exceptional public service delivery and reform excellence—was…

The Rivers State Government has called on auditors in the state civil service to strengthen their proficiency in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance the quality and efficiency of their work. The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Benibo Anabraba made the call yesterday while addressing participants at a two-day capacity-building workshop themed “Auditing for Impact: Current Strategies for Detecting Emerging Cyber Crimes and Implementing Budget Collaboration in Government MDAs.” Declaring the training open in Port Harcourt, Anabraba stressed that auditors must go beyond basic ICT compliance. READ ALSO: Rivers seeks collaboration with traditional rulers to strengthen healthcare delivery He…