₦airaland Forum

Michael Abimboye, a Nigerian political communication consultant and journalist, has lauded Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for his remarkable achievements in infrastructural development within a relatively short period.

In a statement made available to newsmen, Abimboye praised Governor Adeleke, popularly known as “Imole,” for his transformative efforts in the Osun State capital.He particularly highlighted the Governor’s initiative to clean up the median along the Osogbo-Gbongan expressway and install solar-powered street lights along the corridor, giving the city a significant facelift.

Abimboye also noted the Governor’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of state workers since assuming office on November 27, 2022. He pointed out that the Adeleke administration has made adequate provisions for workers’ welfare, including salaries, gratuities, and pensions.

Abimboye highlighted a notable achievement in this area, stating that the Governor recently paid backlogs of cooperative deductions and half salaries totaling One Billion, Six Hundred and Eighty-Eight Million, Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Seventy-Three Naira, and Seventy-Two Kobo.

The media executive, who hails from Ode-Omu in Ayedaade Local Government Area, further commended Governor Adeleke’s strides in road infrastructure. He emphasized that the Governor has rehabilitated and reconstructed over 90 kilometers of intercity roads across all nine Federal constituencies in the state.

“Governor Adeleke has demonstrated exemplary leadership and a clear vision for the future of Osun State. He promised five flyover bridges across the state, and as of today, construction has begun with the two in Osogbo, the state capital,” Abimboye said.

Abimboye also praised the Governor’s dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents through various projects and policies. He highlighted Adeleke’s strong emphasis on economic empowerment, particularly initiatives aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and encouraging youth entrepreneurship. “These programs are crucial in fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities for our young people,” Abimboye added.

Furthermore, Abimboye commended Governor Adeleke’s focus on healthcare, noting the construction and upgrade of hospitals and primary health centers across the state. These efforts, he said, have significantly enhanced access to quality medical services for the people of Osun, contributing to improved overall health outcomes.

Abimboye expressed his firm belief that with continued support and collaboration, Osun State would continue to thrive and set a benchmark for other regions in Nigeria.

He emphasized that Governor Adeleke’s leadership is poised to usher in an era of sustainable development and prosperity for the state.

Ace lawyer, Osa Director, has sued MTN Nigeria limited for corruption and conflict of interests by its act of poaching former regulatory officials and as pointing them into its board.

According to the court filings, Barrister Director asserts that it amounts to gross conflict of interest for the former head of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Ernest Ndukwe, a man that still has his loyalists in the NCC, to appointed as the board Chairman of MTN Nigeria limited, claiming that South Africa will not tolerate that.

He cited examples where South Africa's Competition Commission moved against Facebook and WhatsApp for being a dominant monopoly by engaging in acts similar to what MTN is doing in Nigeria.

In the originating summons, Mr. Director also maintains that MTN appointed the former Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, as a board member, noting that the appointment is jaundiced, in that it brings about a conflict of interest where MTN, which is the second biggest firm on the Nigeria Stock Exchange, may be able to avoid paying its rightful company taxes.

Other former ministers and heads of vital regulatory sectors in our economy are on that board.

The defendants in the suit are as follows:

1. MTN NIGERIA COMMUNICATIONS PLC.
2. ERNEST NDUKWU
3. IFUEKO OMOIGUI-OKAURU
4. OMOBOLA JOHNSON
5. MOHAMMAD K. AHMAD

Mr. Director is seeking the following reliefs from the Federal High Court, Lagos:

A DECLARATION that the appointment of the 2nd Defendant by the Ist Defendant Board of Directors as its Chairman on September 20*, 2019 notwithstanding the 2 ' Defendant's erstwhile position as the Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the National Communication Commission, the statutory regulator and licensor of the st Defendant,
violates corporate governance and amounts to an infraction of Section 306 (5) of Company and Allied Matters Act, 2020 and conflict of interest ni the 2nd Schedule of the National Communications Commission Act, 2004, since the 2nd Defendant's duty not to misuse corporate information, does not cease with the cessation of his appointment as the Chairman of the National Communications Commission.

ADECLARATION that the appointment of the 3rd Defendant by the Ist Defendant's Board of Directors as a Director of the Ist Defendant on September 2nd, 2019, notwithstanding the 3rd defendant's position as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, violates corporate governance and amounts to an infraction of Section 306(5) fo Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 and Section 39(2) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2007 since the 3rd Defendant's duty not to misuse corporate and confidential information, does not cease with the cessation of her appointment.

These, amongst other reliefs, are sought in suit number:FHC/L/CS/1413/24.

Mr. Director says he was inspired by the #GrowNairaBuyNaija campaign of former Presidential spokesman to take the patriotic action to protect Nigeria's best interests and secure a better corporate responsibility from MTN Nigeria limited, especially in this period of hardship, where Nigeria needs all the revenue she can get.

The human rights activist noted that Tinubu’s government replicating their ideas resulted from people not paying attention to candidates who had ideas and glorifying the ruling class, which has no tenets of governance.

Two-time presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) Omoyele Sowore has revealed that the Student Loan initiative and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration were his ideas.

He stated that some of his ideas were being pilfered by the political class, which left people with no ideas in power and people with ideas relegated to the sidelines.

“This student loan that they’re doing, we didn’t promise student loans, we promised grants. N100,000 was what we proposed per semester to Nigerian students, and people said it was impossible.

“When they (Tinubu’s government) took the idea, someone turned it into a loan.”

Sowore also recounted that he proposed the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project in 2018 during his campaign for the presidential seat in 2019.

He said, “This idea of a coastal highway was something I proposed in Badagry in 2018 when I went there to campaign that there would be a coastal highway from the border of Benin Republic to Calabar, and this would jumpstart the Nigerian Economy.

“And when they (Tinubu’s government) took it, they cut off the Badagry side and they made it a 47km highway that would help the provide a highway for a private real estate development in Eko Atlantic and that would join the Dangote Refinery to it.”

The human rights activist further noted that Tinubu’s government replicating their ideas resulted from people not paying attention to candidates who had ideas and glorifying the ruling class, which has no tenets of governance.

When asked about the possibility of collaborating with Tinubu’s administration to help salvage the nation from its economic ruins, Sowore was clear in his response, stating, “No, because we have nothing in common. I know in advance that they don’t have the bandwidth to accommodate our ideas.”

Founder and promoter of Fides Et Ratio Academy, an educational service provider, Paul Chukwuma, has been detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over his alleged involvement in contract scandal currently rocking the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Mr Chukwuma was detained upon honouring ICPC invitation at the anti-graft agency’s headquaters in Abuja on Tuesday, PREMIUM TIMES can confirm.

PREMIUM TIMES in April reported how TETFund awarded a controversial N3.8 billion contract to Mr Chukwuma’s company and paid N2.9 billion to the company in four installments without following due processes.

Shortly after publication of this newspaper’s report in April, the anti-graft body detained TETFund’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Gloria Olotu, and grilled others including the Director of Human Resources and General Administration, Kolapo Okunola, and the Director of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Joseph Odo.

ICPC’s spokesperson, Ademola Bakare, on Wednesday, confirmed Mr Chukwuma was in the agency’s custody.

The suspect, a player in the education business in the country, was also on the list of members of governing councils of tertiary institutions recently released by the Nigerian government before President Bola Tinubu directed the review of the list.

Backstory
PREMIUM TIMES report had detailed how TETFund– a tertiary institutions’ funding agency under the Federal Ministry of Education– awarded the contract which it tagged: “Capacity Building Certificate Course (Communication, Entrepreneurship, and Productive Skill Development) inclusive of the Train-the-Trainer Programme for 502 (five hundred and two) Participants”.

Findings by this newspaper indicated that the funding for the contract was sourced from the 2023 annual direct disbursement budget domiciled in the agency for the use of about 251 beneficiary institutions – public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.

Multiple sources confirmed that the institutions’ 2023 direct disbursement budget which totalled N15.2 billion was for Information Communication and Technology intervention projects.

However, rather than releasing the funds to the institutions as mandated by its operational guidelines, TETFund deducted the funds upfront from each of the institutions, amounting to a total of N7.6 billion.

During an interview with our reporters, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, told PREMIUM TIMES that each beneficiary institution contributed 50 per cent of its ICT funds while each polytechnic and college of education contributed 25 per cent of theirs to the project.

The choice of the project, the sourcing of the contractor, and signing f a memorandum of understanding with the vendor were undertaken by TETFund. This development angered the administrators of most of the institutions.

Also, while the project designs and modalities were yet to be finalised, sources confirmed that within a month of the award of the contract TETFund on 30 June 2023 credited the company’s account with Fidelity Bank Plc with over N550 million (N550,380,780.23) by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of TETFund.

The transfer is with mandate number CBN/PROJ/224/JUN2023.

Over N820 million (N820,223,850) was additionally paid into the account on 12 July 2023, while on 26 July 2023 and 17 November 2023, N1.5 billion (N1,503,743,850) and N62.68 million (N62,684,036.05), respectively, were credited to the account by the CBN on behalf of TETFund.

Contractor defends project
Meanwhile, despite the various supposed beneficiary institutions denying the execution of the project, Mr Chukwuma, during a meeting between PREMIUM TIMES’ reporters and the company’s management, said the project “has been done and dusted.”

PREMIUM TIMES is aware that the project was designed for training 12 ICT officials across the 251 beneficiary institutions, and to onboard more than 500,000 students for both physical and virtual sessions. However, only two ICT officials in each of the tertiary institutions have taken part in what some of these officials described as engagement sessions.

Mr Chukwuma promised to make documentary evidence to back his claim to PREMIUM TIMES in April but as of the time of filing this report he has yet to do so.

He said his company was only helping Nigeria to achieve the very best for the students and the schools, saying the courses being offered the students through the programme has been “ridiculously subsidised.”

Invitation by ICPC
PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Mr Chukwuma was on Tuesday invited to give a statement concerning his involvement in the contract scandal being investigated by the agency.

However, sources confirmed that after going through his statement, the antigraft agency imposed strict bail conditions that require the suspect to produce highly placed persons as suretees, among other conditions.

The agency’s spokesperson, Mr Bakare, who confirmed that Mr Chukwuma was in ICPC custody, said the suspect remained in detention because he could not satisfy the bail conditions.

“Yes, Chukwuma is in ICPC’s custody, unable to fulfil bail conditions,” Mr Bakare wrote in a terse statement shared with our reporter on early Wednesday. As of 6.05 p.m. when contacted over the telephone again by our reporter, Mr Bakare said he could not immediately ascertain if the suspect met the bail conditions before the end of official work hours.

‘TETFund executive secretary not yet invited’
Meanwhile, ICPC said the Executive Secretary of TETFund was yet to be invited, and not in its custody as being allegedly circulated.

It, however, said the investigation into the scandal was still ongoing and that it could not rule out the possibility of arresting anyone who played roles in the matter.

“Echono wasn’t invited but investigations are still ongoing,” Mr Bakare said.

Extraordinary Grace, Strength, Destiny, Propel Me – Dr. Maduka Onyishi Says As He Wins Vanguard Newspaper Innovator Of The Year Award.

Sam Maduka Onyishi (MON), the founder of Maduka University Enugu and Peace Mass Transit has received the prestigious Vanguard Innovative Investor of the Year on Friday.
Dr. Maduka received the award at the 2024 Vanguard Personality of the Year event held at the Eko Hotel, Lagos.

The award recognises individuals who have significantly impacted business and capital development.
Speaking before guests as he received the Vanguard Newspapers Most Innovative Investor Award in Lagos last weekend, Onyishi stated that his transition from the humblest of beginnings to his current status, was nothing short of extraordinary Grace, and unusual favour of destiny upon him, and what he had been doing.

Stated he: “I sincerely make no pretence of being smarter in my businesses, nor do I assume to be better competitive, because my honest circumstance was a pretty rough survival road, very basic in scope and capacity as it were.

“There was no hint of aspirations to what has providentially become, nor any label of exclusive personal hardwork, other than the grace of trust people had on my endeavours.

“Sometimes really, I’m more surprised than most, in my quiet moments of reflections”.

Narrated he as he gave more insight into his development in life and business: “What I always acknowledge and wish to repeat here is that unspeakable grace met me at the point of toil and sweats, and took hold of my destiny without any resistance. It’s just that simple, because I have had several losses, made mistakes, failed again and again, but never obliged failures to conquer my humbly determined focus. I had no god-father to fall back on, nor access to other sources of finance, than acceptance to live what I am and see what will be.

“But clearly, there are three major markers in my life struggles that made unbelievable transformation on my life’s journey that I can’t forget. One was in Tudun Wada Kano, when a Ghana woman, Mercy Nana Dufie gave me money to keep for her in an Ovaltine container. I simply dropped it under my bed securely. When she came back after some months to take it, she shouted that I gave her the same exact money she gave me.

‘Did you not trade with it?’ she screamed, totally surprised. I protested naively that she told me to keep the money for her, not trade with it. She went ahead spontaneously to tell all the Ghana people in Tudun Wada Local Government that she had seen one man in Nigeria who didn’t touch money given to him for safe keeping. Patronage for my clothing business spiralled that I saved N12,000 between 1987 and 1989 and quietly left for spare parts business in Kano City.

“Secondly while there, one Alhaji Mohammed Lawal Kurfi gave me spare parts on credit to pay back after selling. I traveled and sold it in Lagos and returned the money in bundles of cash in a carton. Of course, I didn’t have any bank account then because of how much my capital was.

Alhaji Lawal marvelled on seeing his complete money in cash and confessed it was his first experience of such in that business. He promptly told all his colleagues who imported spare parts that he had seen someone who pays completely and in cash for goods given to him on credit. Again, out of my ‘naivety’, in not recycling his money to multiply returns as others ‘smarter’ did, my patronage exploded. I suddenly became very important as the reliable middle man there. Expansion was inevitable, and it came forcefully.

“The third and most amazing of all was when I became a transporter and went to buy a new vehicle from the popular Ineh-Mic Motors in Lagos. After paying, I was short by two hundred thousand Naira. I pledged to redeem it to him in two weeks. He kindly obliged me. Before the two weeks were due, I paid it off without any phone calls or reminders. And I didn’t think anything of it, except being my natural self as l had promised, fearful about the shame of a possible let-down in future.

Dr. Mike Inegbese, the owner and a major car dealer, then voluntarily without my asking, because of that single act, commenced giving me double of any cash purchase orders I made. If I paid for two, he would give me four, if four, he gives eight, if twelve, he released twenty-four vehicles to me without any form of colleteral, no agreement and no witness. He made it plain when eventually I managed to ask him much later, that I was his first customer who paid off his credit grace on time, without asking or tedious follow-up.

“These are people I hardly knew nor had a leverage upon, other than doing things the way I knew and believed, as I was thought by my mother. I grew my number of vehicles on the road to a record four thousand units without ever borrowing from banks as was the trend, because that man found better colletaral in a risky trust that was not betrayed at all. He later continued supplying me vehicles even without my orders, that when I scream, he calms me down instead to relax and pay later. So, how can you receive such favour and trust and claim you did these on your own?”

In one of its most inspiring citations of the day, the Newspaper said that, its board of Editors was actually drawn by irresistible curiosity to know how a peasant trader, bus conductor, bus driver, became a spare parts dealer, and founder of the most disruptive player in the Nigerian Mass Transit ecosystem, through his Peace Mass Transit company, that ply all land routes in Nigeria and beyond.


Remarked Vanguard: “Not content with that comfortable money spinning terrain, he again leaped into the conservative and complex frontier of the academia as a promoter and founder of a University, complete with a feeder College, amazing facilities and fully accredited faculties, operating seamlessly as a generation-next citadel of learning.

“Yet again, he elbowed his way into the corporate realm without noise, as a consummate investor in blue chip companies that see him sitting as board chairman of the only quoted Leasing and Maritime company in Nigeria, C&I Leasing Plc, Director of May and Baker Pharmaceuticals PLC, Director at Globus Bank Ltd, and owner of other thriving businesses”.

Grace and destiny indeed, couldn’t have been more explicit, the awardee re-emphasised, advising that people strive to have something that would attract grace and make it stay. He added that in his case, he believed it was trust and humility.

The rail line between Port Harcourt and Aba, part of the 1,443-kilometre Port Harcourt to Maiduguri rail line, became operational under this administration. An ongoing effort is underway to rehabilitate the entire Eastern Corridor andprovide alternative means of transportation for goods and services.

In March 2024, the Federal Government approved the launch of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) to address the country’s infrastructure funding gap. With an ambition to raise N20 trillion, the Fund aims to deliver projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Line, and Eastern Rail Lines, as well as modernise ports and aviation facilities.

Work has already begun on the construction of Nigeria’s first coastal highway, the 700 km Lagos-Calabar Super Highway, while the engineering design for the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway has commenced.

The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of government, has virtually turned into a construction site due to the high volume of simultaneous construction activities. The FCT Monorail Project is also set for commissioning.

To complement these efforts at the state level, the President established an Infrastructure Support Fund for States to invest in critical areas that will create an enabling environment for businesses.

Housing infrastructure is also receiving attention, as the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, targeted to deliver 100,000 houses nationwide, has kicked off.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, various infrastructure projects spread across the country will progress steadily for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Improving Education, Health, and Social Investment for Sustainable Development

The administration of President Tinubu has prioritisedprimary health centres as essential components of the nation’s healthcare system. These centres are crucial for providing preventive care, diagnosing and treating common ailments, and offering maternal and child health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.


To improve access to healthcare, the administration plans to expand the number of primary health centres from 8,800 to 17,000 over the next three years. It has also allocated N50 billion for the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency in 2024 and is upgrading infrastructure in 12 tertiary hospitals across the six geopolitical zones. Additionally, N37.4 billion has been designated for establishing six oncology centres nationwide, and a $1 billion facility from AfreximBank has been secured to finance healthcare investments in Nigeria.

Regarding social investment, the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act 2024 and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund highlight the administration’s commitment to broadening access to education. The student loan programme aims to support 1.2 million students in its first phase. Furthermore, construction is underway for student hostels with a capacity of 1,600 across 24 tertiary institutions, and N5.1 billion has been approved for 185 research proposals under the TETFUND National Research Fund to promote educational research.

The administration has also initiated several social welfare schemes, including a Presidential Approval for cash transfer of N25,000 monthly to 15 million of Nigeria’s poorest and most vulnerable households for three months. The Consumer Credit Scheme has been established to provide Nigerians with access to credit to improve their lives and businesses. Additionally, the Federal Government has launched a microcredit scheme targeting 1.5 million traders and farmers in its first phase, with various demographic appeals such as:

—Owo Oja / Olilanya Ndi Nagbambo / Tallafin Sana’a

—Owoagbe / Olilanya Ndi Oru Ugbo / Tallafin Manoma

—Iyaloja / Nne Ahia / Agajin Yan Kasuwa

Accelerated Diversification through Youth-Driven Industrialization, Digitization, and Innovation

Under the Tinubu administration, there is a renewed focus on empowering the youth by recognising them as invaluable assets to the nation’s progress and prosperity. Through a strategic approach to governance, the President has prioritisedyouth inclusion by providing more appointments in government and implementing policies aimed at harnessing their immense potential for economic development.

By actively involving the youth in decision-making processes and leadership roles, President Tinubu seeks to ensure that their voices are heard and their perspectives considered in shaping Nigeria’s future. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among young people while cultivating a culture of innovation and creativity essential for sustainable growth.

To realise this vision, programmes such as the Three Million Technical Talent Initiative (3MTT) were launched. This three-year partnership with HIS Nigeria aims to establish 3MTT Learning communities nationwide to empower youth with digital skills. Closely related to 3MTT is the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprise (iDICE) Programme. This collaborative effort between the government and international partners, including the Bank of Industry (BoI), African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (FDA), and Islamic Development Bank (IDB), aims to nurture and empower enterprises in the digital and creative sectors. The $617.7 million iDICE programme, endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC), will be implemented across all 36 states and the FCT.

Additionally, the Tinubu administration unveiled the National Job Centre, a groundbreaking innovation to revolutionise the job market and foster better employment opportunities for Nigerian youth. Powered by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, the Centre is a centralised platform to match available vacancies in industries and businesses nationwide with the vast talent pool of job seekers. Utilisingstate-of-the-art technology and innovative matchmaking algorithms, the Job Centre connects employers with qualified candidates, streamlining the recruitment process and maximising efficiency.

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) will also implement the Skill-UP Artisans Programme (SUPA) to empower about 10 million artisans within two years. The programme will provide tech-enabled skills training, licensing, and access to essential toolkits.

The Federal Government launched the National Talent Programme (NATEP) to advance job creation, skills development, talent exports, and job outsourcing, aiming to create about one million jobs within five years. This programme engages world-class organisations and governments to foster its implementation.

NATEP represents a significant milestone in President Tinubu’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of the nation’s human capital and promoting economic growth and prosperity for all.

The Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI), launched by Vice-President Kashim Shetimma in Gombe, is a partnership between the public and private sectors to unlock millions of job opportunities in the country’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and IT-enabled services sector.

Phenomenally, the approval of the policy mandating a minimum of 30% youth representation in all government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies was a game changer. This landmark decision underscores the President’s belief in the potential and talent of young people and his government’s firm commitment to harnessing their energy and creativity for the betterment of our nation.

Another pivotal development in the ongoing efforts to empower and uplift Nigerian youth is the president’s approvalto restructure and institutionalize the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund. This crucial instrument supports youth-owned enterprises in priority sectors with N25 billion from the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act and an additional N25 billion from the 2024 Appropriation Act.

The President established the Federal Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Creative Economy to provide the institutional framework to drive the art and creative economy. This new ministry aims to foster the growth and development of the creative industries and ensure they contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.

Improved Governance for Effective Service Delivery

Institutionalising and deepening good governance is crucial to achieving the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The administration is implementing various policy initiatives to enhance service delivery in line with this major objective.

One of these initiatives is the unveiling of the MOBILIZER app for citizen engagement and mobilisation by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. This tool ensures that citizens are well-informed about government activities, policies, and programmes, enabling them to participate actively in the governance process and contribute to national development as critical stakeholders. At the institutional level, regular and consistent ministerial press briefings, press conferences, and stakeholders’ forums have been established to engage the public.

In line with the recommendation of the Oronsaye Report, the administration has acknowledged the need to cut the cost of governance. This involves rationalising and restructuring government agencies to make them optimally functional, curb duplication of functions, and enhance their effectiveness.

Furthermore, the administration is on a steady course towards restoring public trust in governance. This effort begins with a review of national consciousness through the development of the policy document for the soon-to-be-launched National Values Charter, as initiated by President Tinubu. Complementing this is the planned launch of the Citizens’ Delivery Tracker App, which will enable Nigerians to assess the performance of public officials. One year into this journey, a new horizon is emerging to inspire greater patriotism and redefine credibility in the expectations of most Nigerians.

Tinubu’s Anti-Corruption Policy: Progress and Initiatives

Since assuming office, President Bola Tinubu has made significant strides in tackling corruption in Nigeria. His administration’s anti-corruption policy builds on previous efforts while introducing new measures to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance.

A cornerstone of President Tinubu’s strategy is reinforcing anti-corruption institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The administration promptly appointed credible and dynamic leadership to these agencies and provided them with increased funding, better training, and advanced technological tools.

Recognizing the judiciary’s critical role in combating corruption, President Tinubu has initiated reforms to ensure its independence and efficiency. This includes appointing judges with proven integrity and competence, fast-tracking corruption-related cases, and working towards increasing the salaries and emoluments of judicial officers.

The Tinubu administration has launched several initiatives to enhance transparency and accountability in the public sector. These efforts include the digitalization of government services to reduce opportunities for corrupt practices. Additionally, various agencies have invested in advanced technologies, such as blockchain for tracking financial transactions, artificial intelligence for data analysis, and forensic tools for detailed investigations.

Recognizing the international dimensions of corruption, President Tinubu has enhanced cooperation with other countries and organizations, such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Interpol, to track and recover stolen assets stashed abroad.

Under Tinubu’s leadership, several high-profile corruption cases have been pursued involving politicians, business executives, and public officials. These actions demonstrate a commitment to tackling corruption at all levels, serving as a deterrent and underscoring the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.

The Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative, launched by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in April 2019, aims to tackle corruption by promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in the use of government funds. During Phase Six (November 2023 to May 2024), the ICPC achieved notable successes, including recovering misappropriated funds and assets, compelling contractors to complete abandoned projects, and prosecuting those involved in mismanagement, including public servants and members of the National Assembly. The ICPC tracked 1,721 projects across 25 states, valued at N284 billion. This phase resulted in N29.5 billion worth of projects being resumed, N675 million in cash and asset recoveries, and overall savings of over N30 billion for the government.

The Tinubu administration has focused on educating the public about the dangers of corruption and the importance of integrity. Nationwide campaigns have been launched to promote ethical behavior and encourage citizens to participate in the fight against corruption.

Transforming Nigerian Sports: Achievements and Milestones Under President Tinubu

Under President Tinubu’s administration, the Ministry of Sports has achieved significant milestones aimed at enhancing sports development in Nigeria and elevating the country’s international sporting profile. A substantial budget allocation of N31.239 billion for the 2024 fiscal year has been dedicated to supporting various sporting activities, infrastructure development, and operational costs. This budget includes specific funds for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS), ensuring comprehensive support for sports development across the country. Additionally, the administration has offset over 12 billion naira in outstanding debts for various national football teams.

Significant investments have been made in renovating and upgrading sports facilities. The administration has also promoted private sector investment in sports, viewing it as a business. This approach is exemplified by the implementation of the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP), leading to landmark partnership agreements between the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and private-sector organizations like Yanga Games Technology (YGT), EFFA Management Consortium, and GTI Assets. These partnerships aim to develop sporting infrastructure, raise revenue, and expand the followership and spectatorship of sports.

Grassroots sports development has been another significant focus, with efforts to identify and nurture young talent from various parts of the country, ensuring a continuous pipeline of skilled athletes who can represent Nigeria in various sports disciplines both locally and internationally.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigerian athletes have excelled on the international stage, demonstrating their prowess in major events such as the African Cup of Nations, the African Games, and the World Relay Championships in the Bahamas. The administration has prioritized preparing Team Nigeria for global competitions like the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, with strategic planning and resource allocation directed towards comprehensive training programs and enhanced facilities to ensure optimal performance.

Notable achievements include the senior national football team, the Super Eagles, winning silver at the African Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, marking their first finals appearance and silver medal in 23 years. The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s female national team, qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024, ending a 16-year Olympic drought. At the African Games in Accra, Ghana, Nigeria placed 2nd. Additionally, Victor Osimhen was named African Footballer of the Year, the first Nigerian to receive the honor in 24 years. These accomplishments highlight Nigeria’s competitive spirit and commitment to excellence in sports.

Gender and Inclusion

President Tinubu has made significant strides in promoting the inclusion of women across various sectors in Nigeria, reflecting a deep commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. One of the most notable achievements has been the appointment of nine women to ministerial positions, with key appointments in ministries, departments, and agencies traditionally managed by men.

On International Women’s Day, President Tinubu unveiled several initiatives aimed at empowering women, aligning with his broader agenda for gender equality. These initiatives focus on providing investments in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women and girls.

Economic empowerment programs have been a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s strategy to enhance women’s roles in the economy. The administration has launched programs that provide vocational training, startup kits, and access to funding, aiming to support women’s financial independence and entrepreneurial endeavors. In addition to general economic empowerment initiatives such as the Owo oja and Iyaloja schemes, specific support has been directed toward women with disabilities. This includes their inclusion in the National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI) recently launched by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), where they were trained in various vocational skills and empowered with startup kits and funds to start their businesses.

Another significant program is the Women and Girls Educational and Skills Empowerment initiative. This program seeks to connect with the 36 state governors, raise awareness on disability issues, facilitate compliance with disability norms, provide technical support, rate and induct compliant administrators into the disability-friendly Hall of Fame, and continue monitoring their compliance.

Conclusion

The Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming Nigeria across various sectors, ensuring sustainable development, and improving the quality of life for all citizens. The administration has made significant strides from enhancing infrastructure and transportation to investing in education, health, and social welfare. Key initiatives, such as the Dry Season Farming Initiative, the Green Imperative Programme, and the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, underscore a commitment to economic growth and diversification.

Empowering the youth through policies like the 30% representation mandate and the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund reflects the administration’s dedication to harnessing the younger generation’s potential. Establishing the Federal Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Creative Economy, alongside the 3 Million Technical Talent Initiative and the iDICE Programme, highlights a forward-thinking approach to fostering innovation and creativity.

Good governance and effective service delivery are also at the forefront of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The introduction of tools like the MOBILIZER app and the Citizens’ Delivery Tracker App, coupled with the rationalisation of government agencies as recommended by the Oronsaye Report, illustratesthe administration’s resolve to increase transparency, efficiency, and public trust in governance.

In conclusion, the Renewed Hope Agenda is paving the way for a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria. President Tinubu’s administration is laying the foundation for lasting progress and a brighter future for all Nigerians through strategic investments, youth empowerment, and improved governance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s historic victory and assumption of office on May 29, 2023, marked a significant turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey. His commitment to democracy and visionary leadership, encapsulated in the 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda, have inspired confidence and trust among Nigerians, promising a new era of hope and transformation.

Economic Rebirth: Facing economic turmoil, widespread poverty, and rising unemployment, President Tinubu implemented bold reforms to stabilise the economy. The withdrawal of the unsustainable fuel subsidy and the unification of the FOREX market were pivotal steps, redirecting funds to critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These measures have reduced petrol importation by 50% and boosted investor confidence, making the Nigerian Stock Exchange the top-performing bourse globally.

Strengthening National Security: President Tinubu has prioritised national security, leading to significant investments in modernising and equipping the nation’s security forces.Over 4,600 hostages have been freed, more than 9,300 hostiles neutralized, and over 7,000 terrorists and bandits arrested. Establishing the N50 billion Pulako Initiative and annually recruiting 30,000 new police personnel further underscore the administration’s commitment to a safer Nigeria.

Boosting Agriculture and Food Security: To tackle food security, the administration declared a state of emergency and launched the National Agricultural Development Fund with N100 billion. Initiatives like the Dry Season Farming Initiative and the Green Imperative Programme aim to promote year-round farming and provide farmers with access to modern equipment and low-interest loans, ensuring a stable food supply.

Unlocking Energy and Natural Resources: The Renewed Hope Agenda focuses on developing renewable energy sources and enhancing the efficiency of the oil and gas sector. Policy directives have improved the investment climate, increased crude oil and NLNG production, and initiated significant projects like rehabilitating the Port Harcourt refinery and constructing the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kano Gas Pipeline.


Transforming Infrastructure and Transportation: Significant investments in infrastructure are underway, including operationalising the Port Harcourt-Aba rail line and constructing the Lagos-Calabar Super Highway. The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund aims to raise N20 trillion to deliver critical projects and modernise ports and aviation facilities, creating an enabling environment for businesses.


Improving Education, Health, and Social Investment: The administration is expanding primary health centres and upgrading tertiary hospitals, ensuring better access to healthcare. The Student Loans Act 2024 and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund highlight a commitment to broadening access to education. Social welfare schemes, including cash transfers and microcredit programmes, aim to uplift vulnerable households and support small businesses.

Accelerated Diversification through Youth-Driven Industrialization, Digitization, and Innovation: Recognising the youth as invaluable assets, the administration has launched initiatives like the Three Million Technical Talent Initiative and the iDICE Programme to empower young Nigerians with digital skills. The National Job Centre and the National Talent Programme aim to create employment opportunities and support youth-owned enterprises.

Improved Governance for Effective Service Delivery: To enhance service delivery, the administration has introduced the MOBILIZER app for citizen engagement and launched the Citizens’ Delivery Tracker App to assess public officials’ performance. Reforms recommended by the Oronsaye Report aim to rationalise and restructure government agencies, increasing transparency and efficiency.

Conclusion: The Renewed Hope Agenda is a comprehensive strategy driving Nigeria towards sustainable development and improved quality of life. President Tinubu’s administration is laying the foundation for lasting progress and a brighter future for all Nigerians through strategic investments, youth empowerment, and improved governance.

Introduction

Nigeria’s democratic journey has often been met with challenges. But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electionmarked a significant turning point. His historic victory and assumption of office on May 29, 2023, heralded a new era of hope and transformation for the nation.

As a statesman with remarkable credentials and a commitment to democracy, President Tinubu has long been a unifyingforce across Nigeria. His tireless efforts in building bridges and listening to Nigerians’ concerns, hopes, and aspirations have positioned him as a leader capable of realising the dreams of a united, prosperous, and inclusive Nigeria. His vision is encapsulated in the 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda, which has inspired confidence and trust among the electorate.

The 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda

1 Reforming the Economy for Inclusive Growth
2 Strengthening National Security
3 Boosting Agriculture for Food Security
4 Unlocking Energy and Natural Resources
5 Enhancing Infrastructure and Transportation
6 Focusing on Education, Health, and Social Investment
7 Accelerating Diversification through Industrialisation, Digitisation, Creative Arts, Manufacturing, and Innovation
8 Improving Governance for Effective Service Delivery
Economic Rebirth

President Tinubu assumed office during one of Nigeria’s most challenging periods, marked by economic turmoil, widespread poverty, rising unemployment, and public disillusionment. Faced with these daunting realities, the administration took decisive action and implemented long-overdue reforms to save the economy from collapse.

Bold and strategic measures were necessary to address the deep-rooted structural deficiencies and systemic challenges that plagued the economy. Despite our country’s complexities and some citizens’ resistance to change, President Tinubu remained resolute in his commitment to steering the nation toward stability and prosperity.

One of the foremost steps was the withdrawal of the unsustainable fuel subsidy, which drained approximately $10 billion annually, or 2% of the nation’s GDP. This move allowed for the redirection of funds towards critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security, which directly impact citizens’ well-being and prosperity. The policy has already led to a 50% reduction in petrol importation and increased monthly receipts for states and local governments from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The administration also ended the foreign exchange subsidy, unifying the FOREX rate market to reflect the actual value of the Naira. Reforms in the Bureau De Change (BDC) operations and the lifting of FOREX restrictions on certain imports boosted investor confidence. These measures helped the Central Bank of Nigeria settle a $7 billion backlog in foreign exchange, making the Nigerian Stock Exchange the top-performing bourse globally and the Naira one of the top-performing currencies as of April 2024.

Reforms in the power sector aim to sustain electricity subsidies for 85% of Nigerian consumers, cutting back on subsidies for affluent individuals, businesses, and industrial clusters. The establishment of a Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee seeks to reform the tax system and reduce the tax burden on Nigerians.

The administration’s removal of fuel subsidy was accompanied by comprehensive intervention programmes to cushion the transitional pains of the policy. These programmes include:

1. A wage award of N35,000 monthly for civil servants for six months.
2. Setting up a tripartite committee to work out a new minimum wage for workers.
3. Establishing an Infrastructure Support Fund for states.
4. Launching a N100 billion CNG bus rollout programme.
5. Commencing a monthly Conditional Cash Transfer of N25,000 to 15 million vulnerable households for three months.
6. Providing N50 billion in Conditional Grants to one million nano-businesses and a N75 billion fund to support manufacturing enterprises.
7. Launching the National Philanthropy Office (NPO) to mobilise $200 million in private investments.
8. Establishing a N5 billion single-digit interest fund in partnership with Sterling Bank through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
On the international front, President Tinubu has actively pursued foreign direct investment, enhanced international partnerships, and showcased Nigeria’s vast opportunities. These efforts have already garnered interest in investing over $30 billion in key sectors of the nation’s economy.

Strengthening National Security for Peace and Prosperity
Nigeria’s ongoing battle with banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and other security challenges remains a formidable threat. President Tinubu has prioritised securing lives and properties in his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Significant investments in modernizing and equipping the nation’s security forces have yielded results: over 4,600 hostages have been freed, more than 9,300 hostiles neutralized, and over 7,000 terrorists, bandits, and criminals arrested. Additionally, over 4,800 assorted weapons and more than 93,900 rounds of ammunition have been recovered from June 2023 to date.

The Nigerian Air Force has added five new aircraft to its fleet, including two Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, two T-129 ATAK helicopters, and one King Air 360 ER, enhancing the fight against banditry and terrorism. A 2,200-member Mines Marshal Corps was also established to secure mining sites and curb illegal mining.

The annual recruitment of 30,000 new personnel into the Nigeria Police Force, up from 10,000, underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering security. Efforts have also led to the deactivation of over 120 illegal oil refining sites, the seizure of 90 wooden boats, and the arrest of over 70 suspects and 14 vessels, thanks to the acquisition of advanced patrol vessels.

The Federal Government launched the N50 billion Pulako Initiative targeting seven states—Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, and Kebbi—to combat banditry and cattle rustling. This initiative supports conflict resolution, community reconstruction, and assistance to farmers and herders. Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the Steering Committee for the Initiative on February 13, 2024.

President Tinubu’s comprehensive security strategies address the root causes of insecurity, aiming to create a safer environment where citizens can live without fear.

Boosting Agriculture and Food Security

To ensure food sufficiency and tackle rising food prices, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security and renamed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The administration launched the National Agricultural Development Fund with N100 billion to address agricultural financing challenges. Additionally, 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains, including sorghum, millet, maize from the National Strategic Grain Reserves and 60,000 metric tonnes of rice through millers were released to vulnerable Nigerians through the 36 state governors and the FCT, in a bidto stabilise food supply. The Central Bank donated 2.15 million bags of fertiliser worth N100 billion to support farming.

The administration introduced the Dry Season Farming Initiative on 500,000 hectares of farmland, financed by the African Development Bank with $134 million to promote year-round farming. Partnerships with John Deere aim to supply 2,000 tractors annually for five years under a uniquefinancing arrangement supported by low-interest loans from the Bank of Agriculture. The Green Imperative Programme, a $1 billion bilateral partnership with the Brazilian Government, aims to provide farmers access to machines, equipment, and training. The Bank of Agriculture will support Nigerian farmers with low-interest loans to purchase fertilisers. Additionally, there is a N141 billion credit facility from a Japanese agency for agricultural scheme projects.

Unlocking Energy and Natural Resources for Sustainable Development

The nation’s sustainable development critically relies on its energy and natural resources. The Renewed Hope Agenda focuses on developing renewable energy sources, enhancing the efficiency of the oil and gas sector, and ensuring that solid mineral resources benefit local communities and the nation.

To harness the nation’s resources and diversify the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians, President Tinubu executed policy directives to improve the investment climate and position Nigeria as the preferred investment destination for Africa’s oil and gas sector. Through enhanced security in the Niger Delta Region, the nation is witnessing a sustained increase in crude oil production, which rose from 1.22 million barrels per day in Q2 2023 to 1.6 million barrels per day in Q1 2024. The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) production also increased from 57% in 2023 to 70% presently.

The successful completion of the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery is already a potential boost to local refining capacity in the country. Additionally, the payment of $1.3 billion in debts owed to gas firms ensures a sustained gas supply to power-generating companies across the country.

President Tinubu’s pursuit of purposeful policy in the sector is notably reflected in the widely acclaimed three Executive Orders: the Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc.) Order, 2024; the Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements, 2024; and the Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines, 2024. These orders suggest a strong desire to amend primary legislation and introduce fiscal incentives for oil and gas projects, reduce contracting costs and timelines, and promote cost efficiency in local content requirements.

The Executive Orders explicitly target over $10 billion in investment in the nation’s oil and gas sector. They streamline contracting processes, procedures, and timelines from 36 months to six months, ensuring that local content requirements are implemented without impeding investment.

In a complementary strategic move, the CNG Initiative introduced by the President indicates a game-changing direction to reduce the cost of production and transportation in the country following the withdrawal of fuel subsidy. Following this development, an N100 billion Presidential CNG initiative for procuring CNG-powered vehicles, conversion toolkits, and refuelling sites has been activated. This has attracted over $50 million in private investment within the last six months.

The Tinubu administration’s effort to deepen CNG adoption has been largely acknowledged in several initiatives, including the concerted efforts to complete the construction of the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project and the recent commissioning of three gas projects in Delta and Imo State. These initiatives underscore the administration’s vision to ensure self-sufficiency in gas for domestic consumption and export.

In the non-oil sector, Nigeria’s economic prosperity is also associated with solid mineral resources. Scientific data confirm the abundance of precious minerals such as gold, manganese, bitumen, lithium, iron ore, lead, zinc, limestone, uranium, columbite, barite, kaolin, gemstones, coal, topaz, and copper.

To fully harness the potential in the solid minerals sector, the administration is pursuing a Seven Point Agenda, which includes:

1. The creation of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation.
2. Joint ventures with mining multinationals.
3. Big Data on seven priority minerals and their deposits.
4. A grace period for illegal miners to join artisanal cooperatives.
5. The introduction of a Mines Surveillance Task Force and Mine Police.
6. A comprehensive review of all mining licenses.
7. Six mineral processing centres were created to focus on value-added products.
Transforming Infrastructure and Transportation for Economic Growth

Infrastructure and transportation are critical enablers of economic growth. The Renewed Hope Agenda includes significant investments in roads, railways, ports, and airports to facilitate trade and movement.

Dr. Sam Maduka Onyishi (MON), the founder of Maduka University and Peace Mass Transit, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Vanguard Innovative Investor of the Year award.

On Friday, March 23, 2024, the Vanguard team, led by Editor Eze Anaba, presented Dr. Maduka with the letter of award notification at his Enugu office.

The award recognises individuals who have significantly impacted business and capital development.

[b]Anaba claims that Maduka's transformative work with Peace Mass Transit in the transport sector, as well as his pioneering contributions to the education sector through Maduka University, led to his selection for the honor.

Eze Anaba, Editor of Vanguard, said in his speech, "Dr. Maduka's achievements in business and education are truly remarkable, making him a deserving recipient of our Innovative Investor of the Year award.

"Dr. Maduka's transformative impact in the transportation sector through Peace Mass Transit is nothing short of remarkable." He has revolutionised the industry, setting new standards for efficiency and service excellence.

"His dedication to providing quality education is evident in the strides Maduka University Enugu has made within a short span of time."

Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Maduka remarked on the significance of this award from Vanguard, acknowledging that while he has received numerous accolades in the past, this one holds a special place for him.[/b]

"This recognition from Vanguard Newspaper deeply honours me," he said. It serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at Peace Mass Transit and Maduka University."
"I am grateful for this recognition, especially considering the esteemed nature of this award. It will surely inspire us to continue our pursuit of excellence and innovation.”

The award ceromony will hold on May 24, at Eko hotel Lagos