Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Caroline Ameh

  • Tinubu mourns Jibril Aminu

    Tinubu mourns Jibril Aminu

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday paid tribute to Prof. Jibril Aminu, a respected academic and political leader, who died at the age of 85.

    Tinubu extended his condolences to the government and the people of Adamawa, and described Aminu’s death as a profound loss to the nation.

    In the tribute, Tinubu stated that the late professor left remarkable imprints in the sands of time.

    “May he find eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus. And may Allah forgive his sins,” the President prayed.

    Tinubu said Aminu, a professor of cardiology, was one of Nigeria’s most decorated medical professionals who straddled his profession and politics exceptionally.

    The President said Professor Aminu brought erudition and brilliance to statecraft.

    “In his professional life, he earned many laurels for his grit, hard work, and expertise.

    He said Aminu was a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, a fellow of the West African College of Physicians, and a fellow of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College.

    He was also a Consultant in medicine, Senior Lecturer and Sub-Dean of clinical Studies at the University of Ibadan Medical School (1973–1975).

    Aminu was Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (1975–1979), visiting Professor of Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington DC (1979–1980), and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (1980–1985).

    He served meritoriously in public service as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003 and as senator representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011.

    He also served as Minister of Education and then Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992).

    “He epitomised statesmanship and was committed to building a greater Nigeria,” Tinubu wrote. 

  • FG inaugurates Intra-African Air Cargo Corridor with 50% discount

    FG inaugurates Intra-African Air Cargo Corridor with 50% discount

    The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Uganda Airlines, have inaugurated the Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor with 50 per cent discount.

    The Minister, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, at the inauguration and marking of the African Day in Abuja on Sunday, said it’s a transformative export initiative under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

    Oduwole said the new air cargo corridor would provide Nigerian exporters with access to three key African hubs, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.

    She said that the air cargo rates are discounted between 50 to 75 per cent in logistics cost, including regulatory charges.

    “This initiative marks the fulfilment of a key campaign promise by President Bola Tinubu, to accelerate the diversification of Nigeria’s non-oil exports by leveraging the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.

    “The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Nigerian businesses in scaling their exports across the continent.

    “Specifically designed to empower Nigerian enterprises particularly, Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

    “This initiative enables them to expand into African markets with greater confidence, lower costs, faster delivery timelines, and reduced risk,” she said.

    The Minister said the preferential cargo rates would apply to businesses affiliated with leading national business associations.

    According to her, this includes, Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WCCIMA), among others.

    “This will also ensure inclusive participation and coordinated implementation,” she said.

    Oduwole said the milestone followed the President’s approval and the gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions (PSTCs) in April.

    “With support from the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, the Ministry has worked to position Nigeria not just as a participant in AfCFTA, but as a leader in shaping and advancing the agreement’s implementation.

    She said participating airlines will “Operate from Lagos and Abuja, as the corridor is backed by strong government collaboration.”

    Oduwuole expressed appreciation to the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Aviation, as well as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

    She disclosed that they facilitated the success of the inauguration.

    Oduwole noted that the inaugural cargo shipment featured a diverse basket of Made-in-Nigeria products, including textiles, cosmetics, fashion accessories, and agro-processed goods.

    The Minister said that the efforts marked the beginning of a new era for Nigerian exports into African markets.

    According to her, all exporters on the historic flight were women-owned businesses.

    “These female entrepreneurs were recognised as pioneers, leading the charge in positioning Nigerian enterprises at the forefront of intra-African trade.

    “AfCFTA tariffs are now gazetted, enabling Nigerian goods to benefit from lower tariffs across African markets.

    “As we mark Africa Day, I want to especially commend and thank the indefatigable Nigerian businesses participating in this inaugural flight.

    “This Administration will continue to stand with you as you take even bigger and bolder leaps to expand Nigeria’s footprint across the continent,” she said. 

  • Tinubu seeks Senate’s approval for N1.7trn 2025 FCT budget

    President Bola Tinubu has sought the approval of the Senate for the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s 2025 Appropriation Bill

    The President’s request is contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary on Wednesday.

    “Pursuant to section 299 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which vests legislative powers over the Federal Capital Territory on the National Assembly, I hereby present the 2025 FCT budget proposal to the Senate for consideration.

    “The 2025 FCT Budget Proposal prioritises investment in health care services, job creation, youth empowerment, social welfare services, education infrastructure as well as increasing productivity in agriculture,” the letter read in part.

    Tinubu said that the budget was aimed at lifting as many citizens as possible out of poverty, adding that a total expenditure of N1.7 trillion was proposed for the 2025 fiscal year.

    He said that 85 per cent of the capital expenditure was dedicated to the completion of ongoing projects, while 15 per cent was earmarked for new capital projects.

    “This is to sustain the ongoing efforts at providing basic infrastructure and social amenities in the FCT,” he said.

    Tinubu expressed the hope that the budget proposal would receive the expeditious consideration and passage by the senate. 

  • Sanusi accepts outcome of Ojokoro LCDA APC primary

    Sanusi accepts outcome of Ojokoro LCDA APC primary

    Mr Mobolaji Sanusi, a chairmanship aspirant has accepted the outcome of the APC primary election in Ojokoro LCDA, Lagos state.

    Some party leaders reportedly described Sanusi as an imposed candidate. In a statement on Sunday, he said he accepted the party’s final decision without further contest.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that APC Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr Babatunde Ogala, SAN, declared Oluyemisi Rosiji winner of Saturday’s primary at the APC Secretariat.

    Fifty-five of the 57 expected APC chairmanship candidates for the July 12 Lagos Local Government elections emerged from the party’s just-concluded primaries.

    Sanusi, a leading aspirant in Ojokoro, disputed the announced 21-2 vote tally, calling it “outrageously concocted” and lacking credibility.

    He said he participated in the primaries to secure the party’s mandate to run for Ojokoro LCDA chairman.

    “The score of 21-2 is outrageously concocted. But I accept it. It is absolutely fine by me.

    “I did not lose the APC ACME Secretariat primary. Those responsible for the laughable score will face their conscience, forever,” he said.

    However, Sanusi pledged loyalty to the party. “The party has spoken, and that’s final. We’ve moved from complaint to reality,” he said.

    He reaffirmed his commitment, saying he would contribute to the party’s success going forward, in spite of the outcome.

    Sanusi, former MD/CEO of Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA), insisted the result wasn’t due to a lack of qualification or leadership experience.

    He revealed that 12 out of 18 LCDA leaders, including a key woman leader, had endorsed him as the consensus candidate.

    Sanusi expressed gratitude to supporters, especially the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, for his steadfast support.

    “To him and my thousands of supporters: we have not lost,” Sanusi said, offering reassurance.

    He added, “Ojokoro has been denied the chance to have a competent, credible, and tested leader for the next four years.”

  • NYCN constitutes Nasarawa State caretaker executive committee

    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has constituted a caretaker committee led by Comrade Solomon Damina-John, to temporarily steer the affairs of its Nasarawa State chapter following a court order stopping its elective congress.

    Amb. Sara-Igbe Sukubo, National President, NYCN, announced this during a press conference on Saturday in Lafia.

    Represented by the Deputy National President, Amb. Innocent Nduanya, the president, said the decision to appoint the caretaker committee followed an order by a Nasarawa State High Court temporarily stopping the elective congress scheduled to be held on May 10.

    She said the appointment of the committee was to ensure that there was no vacuum pending the resolution of the litigations over congress.

    “The appointment takes immediate effect, pending further notice and the resolution of the ongoing litigation regarding the elective congress of the NYCN in the state,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Dr Ibrahim Alhassan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, had issued a statement on behalf of the Commissioner, Mr Yakubu Kwanta, suspending the elective congress.

    According to the statement, the suspension was in obedience to an interim injunction issued by a State High Court sitting in Keffi, restraining the conduct of the exercise.

    The restraining order follows an ex-parte motion filed by one Muhammad Jaafar-Loko and seven others.

    Alhassan also cited a pending court case at the State High Court, Obi, which was instituted by a former Chairman of the Council, Comrade Idris Ojoko, over his alleged illegal removal, as a reason for suspending the electoral congress till further notice.

    The permanent secretary added that the decision was in obedience to the rule of law and maintenance of peace, as entrenched in the culture of the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration. 

  • GroundZero reality show: Lessons learnt

    GroundZero reality show: Lessons learnt

    Mr Emmanuel Agbaeze, organiser of the recently concluded GroundZero reality show, has highlighted the powerful business lessons embedded within the competition.

    Mr Joel Ojigbani emerged as the winner of GroundZero, a reality television show where contestants were expected to build a business from the scratch without capital.

    The show, which was hosted by Frank Edoho, ended with a thrilling victory as contestant Ojigbani hit the ₦1 million target and bagged the ₦5 million grand prize.

    Agbaeze, in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, noted that the show offered real-world insights into entrepreneurship, especially in a challenging environment like Nigeria.

    According to Agbaeze, Ground Zero was designed to test the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of its contestants by placing them in unfamiliar environments with no capital, contacts, or safety nets.

    “At the heart of Ground Zero was the theme of resourcefulness and bootstrapping as the contestants, Adaeze and Joel, were thrust into a “start-with-nothing” scenario, compelling them to find innovative ways to generate income and build resources.

    “This kind of challenge is a reflection of what many Nigerian entrepreneurs go through as you have to be creative and make the most of the little you have,” he said.

    Agbaeze noted that the show acted a a survival tool for  etworking and sales as the contestants had to demonstrate their interpersonal skills and sales acumen.

    “Joel, one of the contestant, had to launch a mobile videography business with no startup funds, initially charging N5,000 per project but through strategic networking and relationship-building, he scaled his services to earn up to N80,000 monthly per client.

    “This underscores the importance of building relationships and exploring alternative methods to acquire resources in the early stages of business,” Agbaeze added.

    He noted that the contestants faced daily tasks that tested their problem solving abilities as there were certain scenarios that represented hurdles that entrepreneurs encounter.

    He added that the show ensured that the sales, negotiation and financial targets were met as this would aid in spotting opportunities and building sustainability.

    “The show set a clear financial goal for the contestants which is to earn N1 million within the 30-day timeframe so by achieving this target required not only strong sales and negotiation skills but also a strategic mindset.

    “Setting a clear financial goal and working toward it is fundamental in business and Joel demonstrated that with focus and strategy, even an ambitious target can be met.

    Agbaeze concluded by noting that while Ground Zero is a reality TV show designed for entertainment, it also serves as a powerful learning platform.

    “The show presents a unique look at the entrepreneurial mindset through the contestants’ journeys as we gain real insight into resourcefulness, adaptability, financial literacy and the importance of a strong hustle,” he said. 

  • Restructuring: Don admonishes attitudinal change

    Prof. Kamal Bello, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has urged Nigerians to look beyond restructuring and channel their efforts towards behavioural and attitudinal change.

    Bello spoke as a Lead Discussant, at the first Dialogue Series of the Faculty of Social Sciences, NOUN, at the weekend in Abuja.

    The programme had the topic “Nigeria: To be Restructured or Not to be Restructured”.

    The don said that for Nigeria to be great, everyone must contribute to its success.

    He described restructuring as a cumbersome process that needed to be conceptualised in the Nigerian context as to what needed to be restructured.

    “The word restructuring is not new. Nigeria must understand the concentration of the country’s resources before true restructuring can take place.

    “People look at the contemporary things in restructuring; people are seeking true federalism.

    “Nigeria must know the concentration of her resources before it can be restructured. Most of Nigeria’s problems are how to share the cake, but not how to bake it.

    “What should be on every Nigerian’s mind should be the question of how to bridge the gap between the rich and the less endowed and not the question of creation of more states or local government.

    “It is our mindset that needs to be restructured, not the structure itself. Nigeria’s problem starts on an individual level. We should shun discrimination,” he said.

    Bello added that at this critical time, the question shouldn’t be about whether to restructure or not to restructure but to shun nepotism, corruption, and ethnicity.

    “We need to look at Nigeria as a nation that everyone must contribute to its success. The teachers and the lecturers should be role models,” he said.

    The dean thanked the university management for making the dialogue possible.

    He also thanked the Standing Committee on Seminar, Conference, and Public Lecture under the chairmanship of Dr Adeola Adams for ensuring that the dialogue was a success.

    Speaking, Prof. Hussaini Tukur of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said the legal framework should be taken into cognisance before the question of why restructuring and for whom.

    “The legal issues surrounding restructuring should be considered.

    “When you understand the purpose and the legal entity of restructuring you will realise the issues involved as there are several guidelines to restructuring,” Tukur said.

    In his remarks, the NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, noted that the dialogue was novel and innovative.

    He said that the topic was apt due to the recurring nature of the debate.

    Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Isaac Butswat, the VC said that the Faculty organised the dialogue to make an input.

    He said it was also to decide on which way Nigeria as a country should go on the issue of restructuring.

    The VC, however, expressed optimism in the crop of discussants drawn from various higher institutions of learning across the six geopolitical zones of the nation.

    He urged the participants to pay attention to the discussants for a better and more useful understanding of the dialogue.

  • Insecurity: Engage Ex-servicemen – Babandede

    Insecurity: Engage Ex-servicemen – Babandede

    Alhaji Muhammed Babandede, a former head of Nigeria Immigration Services has asked the Federal Government to consider engaging ex-servicemen to tackle insecurity in the country.

    Babandede made the call  in Abuja, at the 21st anniversary of the Peace Building Development Consult (PBDC) book launch and award presentations.

    The book is titled, ’21 Years of Advancing Peace and Security, Reflecting on Progress , Strengthening Commitments and Shaping the Future,’ and written by Kayode Bolaji.

    Babandede noted that many able and trained officers had been retired, hence the urgent need to bring them back to assist in the fight against insecurity.

    “Government spends huge amounts of money to train military officers, and you find that some of them were retired at 50, 55, or even earlier and doing nothing afterwards.

    “You need to have a think-tank in every organisation, government needs to harness these high-level people, they are everywhere,”he said.

    He also said that most of the experienced officers left the service simply because their juniors were appointed as Chiefs.

    “So, they had to go, and they are not being used. We need to form a think-tank on ways to address insecurity in the country,

    “This is my call, and I hope government listens to it,”he said.

    The former CG also advised politicians to desist from dividing the country along religious and ethnic lines.

    He noted that in the past, Nigerians related as one in love and unity, devoid of primordial sentiments.

    Babandede said that in the past, Muslims lived with their Christian neighbours and just minded their businesses.

    The former immigration boss decried politicians, who wanted power, instigating people, using religious and ethnic sentiments to get things done or to avoid losing power, using such strategies to remain relevant in society.

    “They always exploit the culture of religion and culture of sectionalism in order to gain benefits. I call on these politicians and on government, if they are careful to prohibit this.

    “Let us prohibit this, let it be a crime for you to rally your people based on religion, language, or ethnicity. Let it be a punishable offence,”Babandede said, adding that this would make the society better.

    “If we do that, the society will be better, because if there is joy, nobody is enjoying that joy strictly because of religion or culture.

    “If there is suffering, nobody is suffering because of religion, culture, or tongue. That’s my call. I hope Nigeria will feel better if we consider this,” he said.

    Also speaking, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and one of the awardees, who was represented at the event by Alhaji Saleh Samanja, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, described the award as a morale booster.

    Samanja said the award would spur Buni to continue doing more for the state and its people with the goal of ensuring that normalcy, peace and security is restored in Yobe.

    He said that Buni, since assumption of office, priotised security of lives and property in the state, working with security agencies.

    He said that relative peace had been restored in Yobe, which according to him, was one of the most peaceful states in country.

    “This is made possible because of the support and cooperation being given to security agencies, and the untiring efforts of the Executive Governor of Yobe.

    “As Chief Security Officer of the State, Buni feels that he has both moral and legal obligations to support and cooperate with security agencies to achieve maximum peace in Yobe,”Samanja said.

    Bolaji, author of the book, said Nigeria can not develop without peace.

    He added that peace and security were collective responsibility, adding that the PBDC needed the cooperation of all Nigerians.

    The event was attended by both serving and retired military generals, traditional rulers, heads of government agencies, political stalwarts and ECOWAS representatives. 

  • More trouble for Natasha as some constituents vow to pursue recall

    More trouble for Natasha as some constituents vow to pursue recall

    Some determined constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District on Thursday vowed never to back down on the recall process of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the National Assembly.

    Rather, they insisted that they would fine-tune the process.

    The constituents, in a statement issued on Thursday by Salihu Habib, said there was no going back on their resolve to bring the Kogi senator back home.

    They, however, thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission for validating 208,132 (43.86 per cent) signatures in the petition earlier submitted to it for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall.

    The renewed determination by the concerned constituents was sequel to INEC’s declaration of some defects in the recall petition they had hitherto presented to it.

    INEC had, in a statement on its X handle on Thursday said the petition failed to meet the minimum requirement prescribed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    The constituents, who are registered voters of Kogi Central, said that they had mobilised more than the 50 per cent plus one threshold of registered voters and submitted their petition with full documentation.

    They, however, noted that the validation of 43.86 per cent by INEC was a confirmation that Kogi Central constituents had rejected the senator.

    “Apparently, INEC cancelled not less than 35,000 signatures from the administrative signatures collected.

    “We will liaise with INEC within the full ambits of the constitution and regulations to demand for transparency in the handling of our petition.

    “We have utmost confidence in the commission not to subject the recall process to ambiguity or administrative opacity,” they said.

    They expressed gratitude to INEC for proving naysayers, who queried the authenticity of their figures, wrong.

    “We thank INEC for making it clear that the bulk of the people of Kogi Central are behind us and that we did not import a crowd like a desperate, embattled lawmaker,” they said.

    The petitioners insisted that the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan “for misconduct and divisiveness” was non-negotiable.

    “We are firm in our resolve to restore dignified and collaborative representation to Kogi Central senatorial district. We will no longer indulge someone who will do and say anything just to remain politically relevant.

    “The whole of Nigeria watched her deceptive rally last Tuesday where she openly made comments capable of setting, not just Kogi State, but Nigeria ablaze.

    “We will pursue all lawful and constitutional means to ensure our voices are heard and respected. After God, power belongs to the people,” they stated.