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I’ll Champion Indivisible, Prosperous Nigeria – Tinubu
Tinubu said he would continue to give his best even as president to ensure the country remains indivisible, achieving greatness together as one.
All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shared his blueprint for Nigeria’s development in his interaction with the Arewa Joint Committee at Arewa House, Kaduna on Monday.
Asiwaju Tinubu who has continued to enjoy massive support from the North, praised past leaders of the country including Nigeria’s late Premier of the region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Nigeria first and only Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe for being visionary leaders who gave their all to nation-building.
Before addressing the Northern leaders, he first visited the tomb of the late Saudauna of Sokoto who he prayed for, for his invaluable sacrifice to the North and country.
Riding on the wings of the heroes of Nigeria’s independence and history, Tinubu said he would continue to give his best even as president to ensure the country remains indivisible, achieving greatness together as one.
“As I said when I chaired the Sardauna Memorial Lecture, last year, I have a solemn feeling of responsibility and duty to our country every time I am here. Standing here evokes memories of a great leader and a father of this nation, the Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Sardauna of Sokoto. The contributions of the Sardauna to nation-building remain a reference point for us all. He was a visionary builder of men and institutions.
“The dream of Sardauna, and indeed that of our other great leaders such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and our first and only prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was for one indivisible and prosperous nation built on shared values of patriotism, equity, justice and brotherhood.
“It is therefore no coincidence that at Independence this vison was clearly laid out and encapsulated in our first National Anthem. It says: ‘Though tribes and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’
“This is a strong statement which acknowledges our diversity, and, therefore, existence of different perspectives and interests, and how that should not stand on the path of our unity as brothers.
“The framers of this anthem, God rest their souls, will cringe to know that 62 years after, someone would come to this hallowed platform to campaign on the basis of tribe or where others come from.
“The dream of those forefathers, ladies and gentlemen, was for a nation ‘Where no man is oppressed’, a nation ‘with peace and plenty’, and these – unity in diversity, peace and prosperity – are the fulcrum of my mission in this contest. They also form the bulk of my address to you this afternoon, in line with the areas the organisers wanted me to address,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu further noted that the North has a greater advantage in agriculture and under his presidency, the region will emerge as the hub of agribusiness in Africa through huge investment in the sector in collaboration with the private sector.
He said, “Agriculture is of special interest to me. It is both an economic and existential issue for every country.
“Experience in the last seven years has shown the potentials of agriculture in solving the problem of unemployment and boosting our GDP. For example, recent investment in the rice value chain has led to the springing up of rice mills across the country with attendant wealth creation and a reduction in our import bill.
“The North has greater advantage in this regard due to its large and abundant arable land. My vision is for the region to be the hub of agribusiness in sub-Saharan Africa.
“We will improve investment in our livestock value chain. Specifically, subsectors like the dairy industry that has the potential of adding billions of dollars into our economy will receive significant attention.
“In collaboration with the private sector and governments at sub-national levels, we will make available high yield seeds and inputs, invest heavily in post-harvest storage and processing facilities so that we can significantly increase the value of what we produce. To ensure optimizing the full value of their produce, we will utilize Commodity Exchanges to guarantee return on investments, and enhanced wealth for the farmers.
“We will make available funds for research and development to provide the right inputs that will ensure greater yields, and tackle climatic challenges bedevilling farmers such as flooding and desertification through enhancement of national drainage architecture and investment in shelter belts.
“Financing is critical to our vision for the agricultural sector. I assure you; I will attract the much-needed investment and re-engineer financing institutions to provide impactful interventions for maximal output.”
On his plans for education and helping reduce the out of school children in the North, the APC presidential flagbearer said, “Education is the most effective weapon against poverty. Comparative with other countries, education in Nigeria suffers from funding deficit on account of our population and limited resources. I will provide the required leadership and mobilize investment for the development of the sector. We will work with both states and local governments to reform and retool the system. These reforms will give special attention to the welfare and training of our teachers and lecturers as necessary catalyst for the better system we desire.
“We will work with stakeholders to evolve creative solutions to the funding needs of our higher education that will bring terminal end to challenges of funding and the attendant perennial industrial actions.
To ease financing for basic education and expand access, we will cut down on the counterpart fund required by states to access UBEC grants to an affordable percentage.
“Millions of our children are currently roaming the streets instead of being in classrooms.
My administration will invest heavily in infrastructure to allow for proper integration of these children into our conventional schools.
“Thankfully, the current APC government has rolled out several initiatives, in partnership with development partners, to provide alternative access to education and vocation to this particular demographic.”
inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has emerged the most outstanding brand in urban service in Nigeria at the maiden edition of Iconic Brands and Legends of Media and Marketing Communications Award held in Lagos on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
inDrive was recognized and celebrated for its transparency, fairness, and affordability in intercity travel and logistics among ride-hailing platforms in Nigeria.
Speaking on the award, Timothy Oladimeji, Country Representative, Nigeria, inDrive, described it as a testament to the ride-hailing platform’s unique contribution and commitment to providing fair and accessible transportation options to its customers.
Oladimeji stated that the award highlights the company’s focus on safety, fairness, affordability, and satisfaction, thereby cementing its reputation as the go-to ride-hailing service in Nigeria.
He noted that the achievement underscores the company’s dedication to delivering the best ride-hailing and logistic experience for customers while continually pushing the envelope for innovation. He explained that the mobility platform remains a game-changer in the ride-hailing business in Nigeria as it empowers both drivers and passengers through its negotiation model.
“This recognition is a huge motivation that would help us expand our footprint and continue to provide exceptional services to all our customers. I can categorically say that the recognition validates the acceptability and rapid adoption of our platform by both drivers and passengers in Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on the recognition and criteria, the lead convener of the award, Samuel Ajayi, said the award was truly deserving, given that the platform has provided unique, fair, and affordable services to all its users.
Ajayi emphasised the significance of acknowledging the brand’s achievements in Nigeria over the last few years adding that the company has shown exceptional performance by all parameters and standards.
“inDrive has really thrown its weight since joining other ride-hailing platforms in Nigeria. I am happy to say that inDrive has disrupted the Nigerian market with its unique offerings, which has endeared many users to the platform. From our findings, I can say that the brand remains the preferred platform given that it is the only one that provides safe, fair, efficient, and affordable transportation,” he said.
Since launching in Nigeria, inDrive has cemented its status as a market leader through its commitment to enhancing urban mobility and consistently delivering superior customer service.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that the country is on track to add an additional 150 megawatts of electricity to its national grid before the end of the year, following the successful completion of the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).
He made the disclosure to State House Correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Bola Tinubu and President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Giving insights into what transpired at the meeting, Adelabu, explained that the initiative, which is being implemented in collaboration with Siemens, aims to enhance Nigeria’s electricity supply through a series of strategic projects.
“We believe that before the end of the year, an additional 150 megawatts will be added upon completion of the entire pilot phase.”
Minister of Power outlined significant advancements in the country’s energy sector, emphasizing the crucial role of international collaboration, particularly with Germany.
“We have a bilateral relationship with the Republic of Germany that focuses on energy and electricity support,” the minister stated. “The name of the game now is about cooperation, collaboration, and partnership.” He highlighted the Siemens project as a flagship component of this relationship, aimed at implementing both Brownfield and Greenfield transmission substations under the PPI.
He noted that since signing the agreement in December 2023 during COP 28 in Dubai, Nigeria has made substantial progress. “We have completed the pilot phase of this project up to 80%,” he noted. This phase includes the importation and installation of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations, with eight already commissioned.
“The positive impact of this is that it has added nothing less than 750 megawatts to our transmission grid capacity,” he explained, attributing the current stability in electricity supply to this achievement.
He said the next phase will involve rehabilitating 14 existing substations and establishing 23 new ones across Nigeria.
“The entire grid is quite fragile and dilapidated,” he lamented. “We need to revamp it to ensure stability going forward.” He reiterated that these efforts are essential for transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In addition to addressing immediate power needs, Adelabu emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to renewable energy as part of its long-term strategy. “We have an energy transition plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060,” he said.
He pointed out that Germany’s expertise in renewable technologies aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s abundant natural resources. “Germany has technology; we have the sun and wind,” he added, highlighting that over 30 states in Nigeria enjoy a minimum of 10 hours of sunshine daily.
The minister also discussed plans for off-grid solutions, advocating for a distributed power model where each state would have its own generating plants. “This model will shield states from problems on the national grid and ensure rural electrification,” he explained.
Germany’s involvement extends beyond traditional energy sources; it includes significant investments in green energy projects.
The Minister of Power reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that enhance energy access and sustainability across the nation. “Together with our partners, we can build a robust energy infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves quality of life for all Nigerians,” he declared.
The German Consul General in Lagos, Weert Borner, recently announced that Germany has added 670 megawatts to Nigeria’s grid capacity in 2024 alone through their ongoing partnership. “This partnership is vital for improving electricity access for final consumers,” Borner remarked during an interview.
Additionally, Nigeria is set to benefit from Germany’s ambitious €4 billion investment in green energy projects across Africa by 2030.
DailySun
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives that foster inclusivity, economic empowerment, and poverty reduction.
He made this pledge during the 2024 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) for vulnerable and indigent residents, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Wednesday.
At the event, approximately 1,500 residents were provided with various empowerment tools, including sewing and stoning machines, pepper grinders, hairdryers, barbing kits, cake mixers, welding machines, tiles-cutting machines, and more.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that this initiative exemplifies his administration’s dedication to creating a Greater Lagos, where every resident has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to collective progress.
The governor explained that the MESI programme extends beyond offering financial aid to residents. He stressed that it focuses on building a foundation for self-reliance, driving economic growth, and unlocking the potential of women.
“It ensures that every woman, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the tools and resources needed to transform her life, community, and Lagos State,” he stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu further highlighted the importance of skill acquisition, capacity building, and financial empowerment, stating that the government is working towards a future where poverty is eradicated, and prosperity becomes a reality. He encouraged the programme’s beneficiaries to use the tools and resources wisely to grow their businesses, enhance their livelihoods, and inspire others in their communities.
“Remember, this programme is just the beginning. Your success will contribute to the larger success of Lagos State,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Bolaji-Dada, described the initiative as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs in Lagos. She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support of Lagos communities and for making the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative possible.
Bolaji-Dada detailed the variety of tools distributed, which were selected to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. These included stoning machines, pepper grinders, sewing machines, hairdryers, barbing kits (including clippers, sterilizers, and generators), standing facial steamers, aluminum cutting machines, two-phase burners (with 30-inch cooking pots and 12.5kg cylinders), cake mixers, welding machines, agricultural items (fertilizers, knapsacks, and seeds), and cash grants.
“These tools are not just instruments of trade, but instruments of transformation, designed to help you grow your businesses and uplift your communities,” the commissioner said.
She urged beneficiaries to fully embrace the opportunities before them and work diligently toward realizing their entrepreneurial goals.
DailySun
inDrive Emerges Most Outstanding Brand in Urban Service
Electricity: Nigeria set to add 150 megawatts by year-end – Adelabu
Sanwo-Olu reaffirms commitment to empowerment, poverty alleviation
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