Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu paid a Working Visit to Charterhouse Lagos – The First British Independent School in Nigeria at Charterhouse Lagos, Ogombo Road (close to Abraham Adesanya), Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria
Charterhouse Lagos aspires to be Nigeria’s foremost educational institution, known for academic excellence and all-around student development and also committed to offering an unmatched educational experience, nurturing well-rounded individuals poised for global leadership.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu paid a Working Visit to Charterhouse Lagos – The First British Independent School in Nigeria at Charterhouse Lagos, Ogombo Road (close to Abraham Adesanya), Ajah, Lagos, Nigeria
Today, I visited Charterhouse Lagos, a British independent school in Nigeria, in Lekki Phase I.
As an administration, we are deeply passionate about quality education. Charterhouse offers world-class learning spaces, a nurturing environment, and a clear vision to raise future global leaders.
Lagos is proud to be home to the institution. It’s a strong signal that our city continues to lead in attracting global excellence, not just in business, but in education too.
Let’s keep building a Lagos where every child can dream big and thrive.
JUST IN: In accordance with Igbo tradition, Governor Hope Uzodimma @Hope_Uzodimma1 has presented kola nuts to visiting Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM alongside the Chairman, Council of Imo State Traditional Rulers, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, at the Sam Mbakwe Airport. The VP is in Owerri to flag off the maiden international Hajj flight from Imo State. #Hajj2025
VP Shettima Arrives Owerri Airport To Flag Off 2025 Hajj
Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM has arrived at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri and was warmly received by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma @Hope_Uzodimma1 and other senior government officials.
The Vice President is in Owerri to flag off the inaugural 2025 Hajj flight. This historic event marks the first international departure from Imo Airport, with 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa states scheduled to depart today, May 9, 2025, on Air Peace flight for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (@NAHCONNigeria) is collaborating with the Imo State Government to oversee the programme.
Excitement at Sam Mbakwe International Airport as some of the 315 intending pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa states are lined up, ready to board the historic first international flight from Owerri.
VP Shettima, Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Sultan of Sokoto, HRH Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, CFR, NAHCON officials, and many other government officials are present as Air Peace prepares for takeoff to Saudi Arabia. #Hajj2025
FG Flags Off Inaugural Airlift Of Pilgrims For 2025 Hajj In Imo State
* As VP Shettima applauds Gov Uzodimma for fostering religious tolerance, mutual respect, inclusion
* Charges intending pilgrims to conduct themselves in line with Nigerian values
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM, on Friday, flagged off the Federal Government's inaugural airlift of pilgrims from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, with a charge to intending pilgrims to ensure their conduct throughout their stay in the holy land reflects the values Nigeria holds dear.
The grand ceremony at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria, marked the airport's first international departure. A total of 64,188 Nigerians are billed for this year’s pilgrimage.
Flagging off the inaugural airlift, Senator Shettima applauded Governor Hope Uzodimma @Hope_Uzodimma1 for promoting unity, religious tolerance, mutual respect and inclusion by hosting the inaugural flight ceremony in his state, noting that the gesture is emblematic of Nigeria unfolding into harmony with itself as a nation.
"Let me also take a moment to commend His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for fostering this atmosphere of religious tolerance, mutual respect, and inclusion. His support is both heartening and symbolic of a nation coming into harmony with itself," he stated.
VP Shettima conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's goodwill to the pilgrims, saying, "The President, in his characteristic foresight, has once again made available all the necessary resources to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj.
"This commitment reflects our administration’s covenant with the people to protect, to support, and to elevate every Nigerian, in every sphere of life," he added.
The Vice President cautioned the pilgrims against overlooking the dignity of the Nigerian flag they are carrying, even as he reminded them that the success of the Hajj operation rests on their shoulders.
His words: "And to our dear intending pilgrims, know that you are more than spiritual travellers. You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you not only your faith, but also the pride and dignity of this nation. Your conduct, your devotion, and your unity must reflect the values we hold dear. This responsibility is not light. It is noble.
"Distinguished guests, the success of this Hajj operation rests on all our shoulders. If any of us falters, whether a logistical officer who overlooks a detail or a pilgrim who forgets the dignity of the flag he carries, the consequences could turn what should be a joyful experience into yet another avoidable catastrophe. We must not let that happen."
The VP urged logistics officers to treat their duties as an assignment entrusted to them by God, just as he maintained that they must avoid the mistake of previous exercises, and "ensure that every pilgrim departs and returns with a heart full of gratitude and a voice free of complaints.
"There is no room for negligence where lives, hopes, and sacred obligations converge," the Vice President warned.
He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (@NAHCONNigeria ), including stakeholders who worked behind the scenes, for coordinating the 2025 Hajj exercise and making its operations a success.
Earlier, Governor Hope Uzodimma @ described the moment as a significant milestone in the state’s aviation history.
He said, "For us in Imo State, it's a moment of pride. The airport, built over 40 years ago through communal efforts, reflects our history, how far we have come. The steps we took to reposition the airport for international operations are a thing of joy to the people of Imo State and the neighbouring States."
The Governor thanked President Tinubu for all the approvals that made the inaugural airlift possible," highlighting the economic significance of the flag-off, which he said will open investment doors for Imo State.
The Governor also revealed plans to fly Christian pilgrims from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, saying "next month, Christian pilgrims will still depart for the holy pilgrimage from this airport and it's a testament to our inclusive governance and religious harmony."
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Mohammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, commended the governor of Imo State for promoting religious tolerance and peace in the state.
"This event is a big statement that in this blessed country called Nigeria, we still have people like the Governor of Imo State who stood up so tall to ensure that this programme was held in Imo.
"And I believe this is an important message to all and sundry that if we want our country to move forward, we have to respect one another, we have to respect various religious beliefs, we have to tell ourselves religion is an individual personal matter between one and their Creator, the Almighty.
"But uniting one another is our problem - it is our issue that we must face. And I think Imo State has been doing this for some time," he said.
Also, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (@NAHCONNigeria), Prof. Saleh Usman, described the inaugural flight as "the first of its kind in the region, and a testament to the level of religious harmony the Imo State Governor is promoting in the region."
Prof. Usman disclosed that of the total number of 64,188 pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj, 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa States are scheduled to depart on Friday aboard Air Peace flight for the 2025 Hajj from the Imo State Airport.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, extended special greetings from the Senate, wishing all "intending pilgrims journey mercies," just as he prayed Allah to accept their Hajj.
Other dignitaries present included Deputy Governor of Imo State, Chinyere Ekomaru; House of Representatives members representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala federal constituency, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, and Aba North/Aba South federal constituency, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh; Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chike Olemgbe; former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim; Chairman of the Council of Imo State Traditional Rulers, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, among many others.
Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President) 9th May, 2025
Today, I had the honour of joining other leaders from South East to receive His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, during his working visit to Anambra State. The President’s visit is a show of his commitment to inclusive development and national unity, particularly his efforts to ensure that the South East region receives its fair share of infrastructural and economic growth.
Mr. President's presence in Anambra shows his appreciation of the longstanding support and goodwill he enjoys from our people. It also reflects his recognition of the strategic role the region plays in national development.
We remain steadfast in our support for his transformative agenda and commend his dedication to bridging developmental gaps across Nigeria.
Today, alongside other distinguished leaders, I had the honour of receiving His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT for the commissioning of key infrastructure projects completed by Governor Charles Soludo in Anambra State.
I commend Gov. @CCSoludo for his commitment to delivering infrastructural development to the people of Anambra State. It was indeed a moment of pride for us in the Southeast, as we witnessed the progress made possible through impactful leadership.
IN ANAMBRA, PRESIDENT TINUBU PLEDGES TO TACKLE EROSION, REACTIVATE GAS PLAN AND INTEGRATE STATE INTO THE NATIONAL RAIL SYSTEM
President Bola Tinubu pledged on Thursday in Awka to address key developmental challenges confronting Anambra State and the Southeast region.
These include erosion, underutilisation of gas reserves and Anambra’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan.
Speaking at a civic reception held at Alex Ekwueme Square during his state visit, President Tinubu assured the people of Anambra of the federal government’s commitment to upgrading road infrastructure and fostering stronger national unity through inclusive development.
Responding to Governor Chukwuma Soludo's requests, the President acknowledged the persistence of abandoned federal road projects in the region.
He emphasised the strategic importance of completing roads linking Anambra to Kogi State to facilitate easier access to the South-South and Abuja.
"Abandoned federal road projects that link Anambra to Kogi that can become the fastest gateway between Abuja and Anambra South and South-South. I agree," he said.
President Tinubu addressed the state's exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan, assuring residents that the Federal Ministry of Transportation would rectify the omission.
"I am standing before you to say that the Ministry of Transportation is aware and will include the connection in the Master Plan and give it attention," the President stated.
The President pledged federal support for ecological investments to tackle erosion and acknowledged the state’s vast gas reserves, noting that its omission from the National Gas Master Plan would also be addressed.
Commending the state government’s efforts in improving security, President Tinubu reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to collaborating with Anambra and the Southeast to ensure peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
‘‘With our progressive ideological alliance, we will continue to partner with your state to deliver shared prosperity in Anambra and to all Nigerians.
‘‘As your President, I have always said and I'm saying the same thing now: In our national anthem, we sing, “Though tribes and tongues may differ in brotherhood, we stand”.
‘‘We will continue to be brothers. We are one family, a single family, diverse, living in the same house called Nigeria. We are only staying in different rooms. Our diversity must lead to prosperity. We must work together to be a united Nigeria,’’ he said.
President Tinubu expressed deep appreciation for the chieftaincy title “Dikesimba of Anambra State”, conferred on him by traditional rulers of the state in recognition of his contributions to national development and unity.
The Traditional Ruler of Obosi and Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, conferred the title.
He also recalled a 2005 title, “Omenife of Awka,” bestowed on him by Eze Gibson Nwosu.
During the visit, President Tinubu inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, an academic centre named after the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
President Tinubu also toured and commissioned multiple components of the Solution Fun City in Awka, including the Anambra Country Club, Family Fun House, Water Park, and Amusement Park, which were built by the Soludo administration.
Other highlights included the launch of the Government House Mini City, the Anambra Tower of Light, and the unveiling of statues honouring five of the state’s historical icons, including Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof. Kenneth Dike, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Mrs Margaret Ekpo.
The President also commissioned the newly completed Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard.
Welcoming the President, the Anambra State Governor described the visit as “historic and consequential,” noting that it symbolised a new era of collaboration and shared progress between the federal and state governments under a united progressive ideology.
“The last state visit by a president was in 2012, ostensibly to commission a brewery and another private enterprise. This visit is not just to commission projects. We have over 500 kilometres of roads, flyovers, and bridges completed and waiting for commissioning.
“What you commissioned today, Mr. President, are mere symbolisms of the audacity of our dreams for a new Anambra state. Like the Americans would say, you haven't seen anything yet,'' he said.
The Governor praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms and federal infrastructure projects benefiting the region—such as the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Road, the Second Niger Bridge access roads, and ongoing erosion control measures describing them as "game-changers" for the Southeast.
Highlighting a long-standing ideological alignment, Governor Soludo recounted the APGA’s progressive roots and its policy of supporting the party and government at the centre since 2011.
He affirmed that “APGA is ideologically and strategically aligned with the centre,” stressing that both the APC and APGA are committed to federalism, inclusion, and people-focused development.
“In Anambra, we are firmly and comfortably progressives.
“We are implementing bold, people-centric programs, free education, healthcare for women, youth empowerment, and massive agricultural initiatives that align closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda,’’ he said.
Governor Soludo also extended gratitude for the appointment of Anambra indigenes to key federal positions and the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission.
“Mr. President, Anambra stands with you—not just in support, but in shared conviction.
“For the sake of Nigeria and future generations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must succeed. We are prepared to support him in every possible way, not just to succeed, but to excel.”
Prominent voices from across the state, including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Sir Emeka Offor, business leader and philanthropist, Mr. Rapulu Prince Nwaezekwe, Youth leader, and Emeka Sibeudu, Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, delivered goodwill messages affirming support for the President’s leadership and the path of national unity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre @PBATMediaCentre
SPEECH BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS STATE VISIT TO AND GRAND RECEPTION BY ANAMBRA STATE; AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE, 8TH MAY 2025
1. Protocols.
Anambra Kwenu! Anambra Kwenu!! Igbo Kwezuenu!!!
2. About 30 months ago, I stood at this Venue as Candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In less than two years since my assumption of office as your president, I am delighted to be back on a state visit and to commission some legacy projects by your state government. I come as a friend to the great people of Anambra and the Southeast. I salute your enterprise, innovation, and unwavering commitment to progress. Anambra has long stood as a beacon of commerce, intellect, and cultural strength — a pride not only to the Southeast but to Nigeria.
3. My visit today bears a bold testament to parts of my speech during my campaign here. I recall vividly telling you then, "Charles Soludo, your son…is still my friend. I salute his vision. He is a brilliant man. He has the brain. He is a thinker. He knows the way. We will work together inclusively. When I become the president, Soludo will be one of those advisors who will bring prosperity back to you". From what I have seen and heard, it is evident that a solid foundation is being laid, and Anambra is indeed on the rise. Charles Soludo has been my friend since 2003, and I can also confirm that we are working together for a better Anambra and Nigeria.
4. I have just commissioned two landmark projects—the Solution Fun City and the Government House mini-city as part of the initial steps towards your audacious vision of Anambra as African-Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley (ADTS). Together with the massive infrastructural transformation and human capital development, these are bold statements of vision and what leadership can achieve in such a short time. A few years ago, Dubai was largely a desert. Today, it is a global hub because one man dared to dream. I remember when Soludo wanted to consolidate the Nigerian banks; many said it was impossible. It was done, and Nigeria became better for it. I also recall when we dared to tame the Atlantic Ocean, and many naysayers doubted it. But we made it happen. Anambra has huge potential, and with Soludo, we can all work together to fast-track the vision.
5. Let me commend the Government of Anambra State for its proactive efforts in improving security. I wish to assure you that the Federal Government will continue to partner with the State and the Southeast to secure our people and their future.
6. I have noted the state's various challenges and your request for assistance and partnership. We will continue to partner with your state to deliver shared prosperity to Ndi Anambra and all Nigerians.
7. As your president, I am pleased to assure you that the nation's state is strong and getting stronger by the day under our Renewed Hope Agenda. We met near-insolvent public finance, a decades-old monster of unsustainable multiple subsidies, a chaotic and debilitating forex regime, etc. Like we tamed the Atlantic in Lagos, many of these monsters have been tackled: petroleum and forex subsidies have been tamed; macroeconomic stability has returned within predictable bounds; tax reforms are on the way, etc. These reforms are difficult, yes, but inevitable.
Everyone had long recognised their imperatives. Courage and our collective action were required to confront them to lay a strong foundation for a more stable, prosperous and inclusive economy. Already, we are seeing renewed investor confidence, expanding opportunities, and targeted support for small businesses, especially in the tech and manufacturing sectors where Anambra is already excelling. Agriculture is receiving massive attention, and the results are beginning to show.
8. We have renegotiated and passed a new minimum wage into law as part of our effort to cushion the effect of these reforms on the working class. I am particularly happy that the Government of Anambra State has fully implemented the new minimum wage, and I understand that you are paying above the National minimum.
9. We are working to build critical infrastructure — roads, rail, and power — and ensure that every corner of Nigeria, including Anambra, feels the impact of governance that works. The Presidential Power Initiative and the ongoing digital economy drive will open more doors for the resourceful people of this State.
10. We continue to plead with Nigerians for their patience and understanding. We call on all patriots and progressives to rise and continue to work hard every day for the greatness of our dear country. We have no other country but Nigeria. We must make it great as the pride of the black race.
11. Before I conclude, let me thank the government and the great people of Anambra State for your warm hospitality. In particular, I feel deeply honoured by the conferment of a Chieftaincy title by all the traditional rulers of Anambra State on behalf of the State. In 2005, the traditional ruler of Awka, HRH Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II), conferred on me the title of OMENIFE AWKA. To have ALL the traditional rulers of Anambra confer another title on me today is not only historic but one which I will greatly treasure for the rest of my life. Thank you to the traditional rulers.
Thank you, Ndi Anambra.
Many of my friends are from Anambra state, and I have seen many of them today. Going forward, we are not just friends: I am now a bona fide son of the soil—one of you, your own son! Maybe my friend and your governor, Charles Soludo, should find me a plot of land for my retirement home after service.
WELCOME ADDRESS BY GOVERNOR CHUKWUMA CHARLES SOLUDO, CFR ON THE OCASSION OF THE GRAND RECEPTION FOR H.E PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR DURING HIS STATE VISIT TO ANAMBRA STATE, 8TH May 2025
1. PROTOCOLS
2. On behalf of the government and great people of Anambra State, I am greatly honoured to welcome you, our dear President, to Anambra State – the Light of the Nation! Nnoo Asiwaju! Nnoo Omenife Awka! Welcome to Anambra, the land of enterprise, knowledge, and leadership. Welcome to the home to many of Nigeria’s and Africa’s founding fathers and leaders past—Zik of Africa, Nwafor-Orizu, Odumegwu Ojukwu, Alex Ekwueme, Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, Kenneth Dike, Margaret Ekpo, Chinua Achebe, Pius Okigbo, Chuba Okadigbo, etc. Welcome to the home of Africa’s statesman, Chief Emeka Anyaoku. Welcome to the home of the Cardinals--- Arinze and Okpaleke, as well as Blessed Iwene Tansi. Yes, welcome to the home of West Africa’s largest market and automobile hub as well as home to thousands of Africa’s shining entrepreneurs and innovators. Welcome to Anambra, the land of infinite possibilities! Yes, welcome to Anambra, reputed over the past three months, as the safest state in Nigeria! Finally, welcome to Anambra, the land of the progressives!
3. Your visit to Anambra State today is historic and consequential. The last state visit by a President was in 2012, ostensibly to commission a brewery and another private enterprise. This visit is not just to commission projects. We have over 500km of roads, flyovers/bridges completed and waiting for commissioning; five new general hospitals and world class trauma centre completed and waiting for commissioning; smart schools and water projects waiting for commissioning; new markets and bus terminal; etc. Previously, we have insisted that the users of our roads and projects should be the ones to commission them—keke and bus drivers, farmers, traders, etc. We are strategic in our choice of projects deserving your attention. Today, Mr. President, you have unveiled two mini-cities (the brochure for this event describes them fully), the 8-lane boulevard, the tower of light and monument of heroes—as symbolisms of the audacity of our dreams for a new Anambra. Like the Americans would say, and as we repeatedly affirm to Ndi Anambra, “you ain’t seen nothing yet”!
4. Ours is an agenda with a deadline. With a vision of Anambra as African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley (ADTS)--- next axis of sustainable prosperity-- and with a 50 Year Master Plan (which I chaired the drafting), we are in a haste to lay solid foundations. In simple terms, we are determined to change the trajectory of Anambra from a departure lounge to a destination of choice (see the brochure for this event for basic outline of the road travelled so far and parts of the road ahead---- we don’t need to repeat them here for want of time). But what is unmistakable is that Anambra is clearly on the rise.
5. We are here also to celebrate you, Mr. President, and we will demonstrate our appreciation shortly. Thank you for all the hard work you put in to move Anambra and Nigeria forward. We know the state of Nigerian economy with all its unsustainable dysfunctionalities when you assumed office. You had the courage to tame the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos and now, you are systematically getting the economy to work again. There is still a lot of work ahead but there is no doubt that in less than two years, important building blocks are already falling into place. We urge you to stay the course, Mr. President. Many thanks also for appointing many Ndi Anambra into your administration, especially the appointment of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Ojukwu and MD, Southeast Development Commission, Mark Okoye.
Your Pan-Nigerian disposition was evident when as Governor of Lagos, you appointed an Anambra son, Ben Akabueze, your commissioner for Budget and Planning. Similarly, here in Anambra, one of my new Permanent Secretaries is from Osun State—Bayo Ojeyinka. We are deeply grateful for several road projects currently being executed by your administration that benefit Anambra state, running into hundreds of billions of Naira especially the Enugu-Onitsha Road, Rehabilitation of Onitsha-Owerri Road, Phase 2b access road to Second Niger bridge, rehabilitation of Oba-Nnewi Road Section II in Anambra, etc. When completed, they will be important gamechangers for our people. We are complementing your efforts. Part of our transport masterplan for Anambra is to dualize all trunk A roads (state and federal) in the state, and so far, we are spending over N170 billion on sundry federal roads including ambitious dualization projects.
6. No doubt the partnership between Anambra State and the federal government works well. We benefit fully from all federal programmes including education, health, ICT, agriculture, infrastructure, flooding/ecological response, social interventions, etc. A few months ago, the federal government with donor agencies rewarded Anambra with a cash prize of $500,000 as Southeast regional champion and $700,000 as national champion in primary health care national challenge for 2024.
7. To leapfrog the process of our transformation, there are however a few critical areas we would need further federal interventions to unlock huge opportunities. Anambra remains, possibly, the gully erosion capital of the world, with one-third of our land mass under persistent threat and the resource requirements to deal with this are far beyond the capacity of a state government. We are already spending tens of billions of Naira on this but a lot more is urgently needed. The Southeast, and Anambra in particular, is bypassed by the national gas masterplan despite abundant reserves of natural gas. We are not part of the national rail system. The Onitsha River port, commissioned by President Shehu Shagari in 1982 remains a proposal ostensibly because the federal government has been unable to undertake the required dredging. Only Asiwaju, the man who tamed the Atlantic, can break this 43-year-old jinx so that badges from Onne and other seaports can easily discharge at Onitsha. There is an abandoned strategic federal road project that links Anambra with Kogi state. Upon completion, the journey between Anambra/Southeast and Abuja might be shortened to about three hours ---down from the current nine hours! The list is long, and we are convinced that systematically, these issues will be addressed.
8. Mr. President, fellow Nigerians, beyond Anambra, Nigeria must survive and prosper. For the sake of Nigeria and future generations, President Tinubu must succeed, and we are prepared to support him in every way possible to succeed and excel. Our support for President Tinubu is rooted in history, principle, and ideology. Both of us served in government (2003-2007) and as President’s economic adviser and later Governor of the Central Bank/member of the National Economic Council, I greatly admired the principled stance of then Governor of Lagos and now President Tinubu, on federalism. He was our professor on federalism at every NEC meeting and he fought the federal government, at great costs, to promote principles of federalism. Of course, his political party, first the AD, and later AC, ACN and now APC--- consistently professed progressivism. On my part, I am an unrepentant federalist and centre progressive. Before I joined the party in 2013, it took me 12 months of review and reflection on the Manifesto of the All-Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) which was registered in 2002 as the first party to profess “progressivism” (at least in its name), and a commitment to federalist principles.
That’s why even when I joined the party in 2013 and I was disqualified from contesting its primaries, I stayed put on ideological grounds and principle. Today, I am its national leader and in Anambra, we are intentionally giving our party an ideological soul with policies and programmes strongly rooted in centre-progressivism. While laying the meta-level foundations as leaders in commerce, industry, technology and leisure, we are (in the traditions of Awoism and M.I. Okpara) building the people sustainably--- through absolutely free and qualitative education from primary to senior secondary leading to lowest out of school children in Nigeria with bursary awards for tertiary students soon; free antenatal, free delivery services benefiting hundreds of thousands of women; training and empowering thousands of youth-preneurs as millionaires; distribution of millions of palm and coconut seedlings set to lift hundreds of thousands permanently out of poverty; prioritizing infrastructure to uplift agrarian communities; exempting the poor and vulnerable from taxes and levies; etc. The people are better and happy. In Anambra we are firmly and comfortably progressives.
9. In 2011 (before I joined in 2013), APGA took an official position to support and work with the political party/government at the centre. Indeed, in that year, APGA adopted the sitting president then as its presidential candidate. That policy has not changed. Coincidentally at this moment in history, the party/government at the Centre is one that also professes “progressivism”. As the foremost progressive party in Nigeria, APGA is ideologically and strategically aligned with the Centre. So far, the progressives are working well, together! It is indeed time for all progressives, federalists and all parties with social-democratic, centrist, and left-of centre credentials to unite—to advance the purpose of a united and progressive Nigeria. Mr. President should lead us in this new movement.
10. Finally, thank you again Mr. President for this great honour to Ndi Anambra with this historic state visit. The Presidential lodge is ready, and we are looking forward to your next visit. Perhaps, it won’t be a bad idea to relocate your office and operate from Anambra for a week or two. May God continue to bless you and may Nigeria continue to win!
Tomorrow in Abuja, a faction of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), led by former Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency Senator Tanko Almakura, with the strong backing of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and the former Governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, will hold a press conference to formally declare their total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
FORMER CPC STAKEHOLDERS FORUM COMMENDS PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU REFORMS, SAYS IT IS A WORKING POLICY
Astute politicians on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change CPC has thrown their weights behind the transformative leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu beyond 2027 owing to what they described as 'A Working Presidency"
The group led by Former Governor of Nasarawa State Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura said, the CPC bloc of the All Progressives Congress is determined to contribute to the success of the present administration and affirmed that there is no faction or division amongst members
Senator Al-makura further appealed to Nigerians to rally round the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and urged those craving for immediate solutions to Nigerian challenges to remain resolute and confident under the APC Administration
Some of the Chieftains at the world press briefing were Governor Dikko Umaru Rada of Katsina State, former governor of Katsina State Aminu Bello Masari, Former Minority Leader of House of Representatives Faruk Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of NDLEA General Buba Marwa amongst other Chieftains.
DICON has been making rifles for a long time, but they started making the OBJ-006 in the 2000s.
naptu2: Most of the AK47 rifles that members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police use are made in Nigeria by DICON.
The OBJ-006 is a variant of the rifle that is produced by DICON.
naptu2: One of the reasons that I paid close attention to DICON was because of a rant of a military officer in the 1980s.
He was complaining that DICON and its Brazilian counterpart were started at the same time (1964) and that the Brazilian company was making armoured vehicles and boats, while DICON was still assemblying rifles. This was in the 1980s.
Since then I have taken note of every little progress that DICON makes and I have closely monitored their activities.
One of the reasons that I paid close attention to DICON was because of a rant of a military officer in the 1980s.
He was complaining that DICON and its Brazilian counterpart were started at the same time (1964) and that the Brazilian company was making armoured vehicles and boats, while DICON was still assemblying rifles. This was in the 1980s.
Since then I have taken note of every little progress that DICON makes and I have closely monitored their activities.
As I said, DICON also collaborates with many private Nigerian manufacturers like Proforce, Innoson, Epail, etc to produce equipment (I am tempted to repeat my 2013 action and bombard this thread with equipment from the private Nigerian companies).
DICON partnered with Gray Insignia Nigeria to produce the Hawk Sniper Rifle.
Politics › Re: Governor Sanwo-Olu Visits Charterhouse School, Lagos (Photos And Video) by naptu2(op): 6:13am On May 10, 2025
