News
Infrastructure Revamp, Key To Our Economic Policies – VP Shettima
Infrastructure Revamp, Key To Our Economic Policies – VP Shettima
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said ongoing power projects to light up industrial clusters across the country are an indication that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is on a journey of rekindling the flames of enterprise.
This is just as he added that the Federal Government’s commitment to revamping Nigeria’s Infrastructure framework was the much-needed drive in empowering Nigerians and strengthening the nation’s economic policies.
The Vice President disclosed these during his visit to the Agbara Industrial Cluster for the launch of a collaboration between the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) and its partners on the project to light up industrial clusters.
According to him, while the government has embraced the past as a lesson in mapping a new path for a robust power sector, the historical mistakes that have brought Nigeria to the point it is are rather an inspiration to work harder.
The Vice President stated: “For too long, some of these ventures were forced to pack up, their potential stifled by the persistent energy constraints. Today, we embark on a journey of empowerment, a journey aimed at rekindling the flames of enterprise and ensuring that the promise of prosperity prevails over the darkness of past hindrances.
“We have gone a full cycle in the search for solutions to our energy crisis. We have unbundled and privatized the power assets in generation, transmission, and distribution. We have also implemented the National Integrated Power Project through the NDPHC.”
He vowed to closely monitor the progress of work in the ongoing power projects to light up industrial clusters across the country, with a view to holding every relevant official accountable.
“I assure you that, in my capacity as the Board Chairman of NDPHC, I will hold every relevant official accountable and closely monitor the progress achieved in this project. We owe Nigerians this success story,” the VP declared.
Senator Shettima reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration “to providing the necessary institutional and policy support to ensure the successful delivery” of the project.
While delivering his address titled, “Lighting the Path to Economic Development,” the Vice President expressed gratitude to the Governors of Ogun, Lagos and Oyo States where the NDPHC was already developing similar projects, as well as the companies involved.
The VP noted that the partnership between state-owned power companies and the private sector was an embodiment of progress, teamwork, and commitment to fostering synergy to enhance the productivity of businesses and institutions in the country.
The partnership, according to him, doesn’t only align with the vision of the federal government to transform Nigeria into a premier investment destination but also to serve as an industrial benchmark in Africa.
He added that it was an affirmation of President Tinubu’s resolve to revamp the country’s infrastructure framework.
The VP stated: “The launch of this strategic collaboration between our company, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), and its key partners for the design, development, and operation of projects to supply dedicated, steady, and quality power to major industrial and commercial clusters in Nigeria echoes His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to reinvigorate our nation’s infrastructure framework.
“The choice of Agbara, Ogun State, as the pilot site of this owes to its function as an artery of Nigeria’s industrial structure. This is our resolve to breathe new life into the enterprises that sustain our economy.”
Noting that addressing the supply deficit in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) is an intervention that aims to reverse “the generational setbacks that businesses with immense promise have endured,” Shettima said it was one thing to attract investors to the country, and another to make them stay.
He further assured that lighting up industrial clusters across the country signposts the beginning of a promised opportunity for Nigeria.
“By mobilizing private capital, harnessing the generation portfolio of NDPHC, and utilizing the existing power delivery infrastructure, we aim to provide a consistent, reliable, and high-quality power supply to specific customer clusters with substantial capacity demands.
“This effort has initiated an industrial revival of significant magnitude. In essence, it implies that, after a considerable period, the NESI will experience a substantial increase in supply levels without the necessity of injecting public funds, delivering nearly continuous power precisely where it’s most critical for our economy,” he explained.
Senator Shettima described the host community, Agbara, as an archetype of what private sector investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship could accomplish in the economic and infrastructural development of a nation, noting that other planned industrial clusters are a manifestation of how private capital could “drive industrial development and foster economic prosperity”.
The Vice President revealed plans by the Federal Government to ensure the industrial clusters unfolded into a reality.
“We are not only committed to providing the institutional and policy support necessary to enable, promote, and sustain this private sector-led initiative but also to paving the way for the emergence of synchronized development in transmission and distribution infrastructure, aligned with the demands of industrial customers.
“This infrastructure is designed for the efficient and reliable transmission of power from NDPHC’s plants. We will deploy the appropriate technology to ensure the efficient operation of the networks and to minimize commercial, collection, and technical losses that have plagued the industry,” he said.
Earlier, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said the location of the pilot phase of the initiative is due to the viability of the Agbara Industrial area as the most successful industrial estate in the country.
He said the initiative aligns with his administration’s drive to provide critical infrastructure in Industrial clusters across the State and thanked President Bola Tinubu and VP Shettima for prioritizing the power sector, noting that it will unlock potentials in different sectors of the economy.
On his part, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu said the interaction with stakeholders around the Agbara Industrial estate was part of efforts by the Federal Government to deliver safe and reliable electricity to industrial and heavy-user clusters across the country.
He expressed optimism that the initiative to ensure effective power supply to the Agbara Industrial Estate would be achieved and can be a model to be replicated across the country.
Mr Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State said the challenges experienced in the power can be surmounted with effective collaboration and partnership as well as adherence to set standards and due process
He urged all stakeholders to be cautious in their comments and opinions about systems and institutions in Nigeria.
For his part, the MD/CEO, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Mr Chiedu Ugbo said the event signifies the unwavering commitment and determination of the Tinubu administration to leverage partnerships with stakeholders to address challenges associated with electricity access for Nigerian homes and businesses.
He said NDPHC remains committed to promoting the bilateral power sales initiative as one of the measures adopted by the company to deliver electricity to industrial clusters and businesses across the country.
Aside from the roundtable, the VP held interactions with representatives of the different clusters in the industrial area.
He had earlier on arrival at the StrongPack premises, the venue of the event, toured the production lines at the factory.
Present at the event were Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Hon. Olatunji Akinosi, Deputy Chairman House Committee on Alternative Education; Mr Sola Arifayan, the CEO, Electric Utilities Ltd; Mr Del Tupaz, MD of StrongPack Ltd; representatives of Eko Disco and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, among other stakeholders in the Agbara Industrial Area.
Infrastructure Revamp, Key To Our Economic Policies – VP Shettima
News
Jubilation as Borno Emerges Winner of the male category of the 2025 National Qur’anic Competition
Jubilation as Borno Emerges Winner of the male category of the 2025 National Qur’anic Competition
By: Bodunrin Kayode
There was massive jubilation at the convocation square of university of Maiduguri as Borno State emerged as the winner in the male category of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition tagged, ‘Borno 2025’.
Announcing the results over the weekend, the Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies at Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Professor Abubakar Yelwa, declared Musa Ahmed Musa of Borno as the winner of the male category of the competition.
Also after a ten day stiff competition, in the unimaid campus, the winner of the female category was also Hafsat Muhammad Sada of Kano State
The ten day competition, which is the 40th in the series since inception, saw 296 contestants from 30 states competing across six categories to win grand prizes.
In his remark, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, stated that the successful hosting of the 2025 Qur’anic competition signalled the return of peace to the state.
He noted that the event symbolised the people’s commitment to peace, education, and the pursuit of knowledge which were key factors of development.
“To host this milestone 40th edition is not just an honour for Borno State, it is a profound affirmation of our enduring commitment to peace, education and the noble pursuit of knowledge, particularly the divine wisdom contained within the Holy Qur’an.
“Borno State remains resolute in its mission to rebuild, restore peace and prioritise education, both secular and religious.
“The successful hosting of this national event is a clear signal to the world. Borno is back, Borno is safe and Borno is a centre for learning and spiritual growth,
“To those who have emerged as the ultimate champions in their respective categories, I offer my most profound congratulations.
“Your success is not merely a victory in a competition, it is a crowning achievement born of countless hours of discipline, commitment, and reverence for the Word of Allah.
“And to every young man and woman who participated, who stood before the judges and recited from the Holy Book, I want you to know that you are all winners.
“The true spirit of this competition lies not just in the prizes won, but in the noble pursuit of knowledge and the courage to participate.” Said Zulum.
Governor Zulum also expressed appreciation for the support of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; his wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Governors and their deputies; royal fathers; Usman Dan Fodio University; and other prominent personalities who contributed to the success of the occasion.
Also speaking, Prof Attahiru Jega Pro Chancellor, Usman Dan Fodio university Sokoto said he believes that the whole exercise is about knowledge passed from generation to generation adding that the 40th celebration of the activity is a celebration of excellence that is worthwhile.
Chair of the local organizing committee (LOC) and secretary to the Borno State government, Tijani Bukar said he was excited that the program ended in peace and those who participated were happy with the officiating and entire conduct of the occasion.
The event was attended by Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima; the Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Dikko Umoru Radda; the Sokoto State Deputy Governor; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; other traditional rulers; members of the National and State Assemblies; the APC Deputy National Chairman; commissioners; Islamic scholars; and other dignitaries.
High points of the event was the presentation of gifts to the winners by wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima.
End
Sunday Olatuyi: NUJ Demands Prosecution of Killer Driver
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council has called for the prosecution of the reckless driver who killed one of its members, Sunday Olatuyi of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN Television).
The Council in a statement by its Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, said it received with shock and deep sorrow the untimely death of one of its committed members, Mr. Sunday Olatuyi, who lost his life after being hit by a Toyota Corolla with the registration number ABUJA RBC 128 AM at Lugbe Bus Stop, Abuja.
According to the Secretary, the unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday night, December 20, 2025, at the Lugbe Bus Stop, where he was reportedly knocked down by a reckless driver while heading home after closing from work.
He was said to have been accompanied by a friend at the time of the incident.
Olatuyi, aged 40, hailed from Odo-Oro Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He is survived by his wife, a seven-month-old daughter, Eniola, and his aged mother.
Until his death, Olatuyi worked with Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN Television) as a Senior Cameraman. He was formerly with Ben TV.
The statement read: “It is a painful loss to the NUJ FCT family and to all who knew him as a dedicated professional and union man. His commitment to the ideals of journalism and his active participation in union activities will be greatly missed. His passing leaves a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.
“Mr. Olatuyi’s untimely death is tragic and unfortunate, especially given the circumstances surrounding the incident, and it calls on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served.
“The NUJ FCT Council condemns in strong terms the circumstances that led to this tragic incident and expresses grave concern over the growing cases of reckless driving and disregard for human lives on our roads, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory.
“In view of this unfortunate development, the Council demands an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the incident and calls on the Nigeria Police Force to promptly prosecute the driver involved in accordance with the law. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, to serve as a deterrent to others.
“The NUJ FCT Council extends its heartfelt condolences to the immediate family he left behind, the management and entire staff of ADBN Television, the Correspondents’ Chapel, the Society of Practicing Cameramen, as well as friends and colleagues of the deceased.
“The Council assures the bereaved family of its solidarity and support during this difficult time and pledges to continue following up on the case until justice is served. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
Sunday Olatuyi: NUJ Demands Prosecution of Killer Driver
Tinubu commissions Borno’s projects, says Zulum’s performance exceptional
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday commissioned three newly constructed mega schools and a fleet of 620 fully electric vehicles and tricycles delivered by the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
During the commissioning ceremony, which was performed separately, President Tinubu commended Governor Zulum for his transformative leadership.
The president said: “I congratulate the Governor and the people of Borno State for this transformation. Government is all about people, and Professor Zulum is doing a very good job of caring for people.”
The president highlighted the projects as tangible evidence of effective governance and a blueprint for holistic state development.
The commissioned schools include Mafoni Day Secondary School, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government Day Secondary School and Mafoni Primary School.
They are part of Governor Zulum’s ambitious 104 Mega School Initiative designed to drastically improve access to quality education and rebuild the sector after over a decade of insurgency.
Each of the facilities is equipped with modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, sports facilities and an administrative complex to create a conducive learning environment.
The president also commissioned the international terminal of the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri, in preparation for the commencement of international operations.
Governor Zulum, in his response, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support and reiterated his administration’s commitment to rebuilding Borno’s infrastructure, economy and human capital.
The event was attended by federal and state officials, traditional rulers and community leaders.
President Tinubu concluded his state visit by attending the wedding ceremony of former Borno State Governor Sheriff’s son, conducted at the Maiduguri Central Mosque.
Tinubu commissions Borno’s projects, says Zulum’s performance exceptional
2027: Can Hon. Muktari Betara Aliyu break the iron walls between the governorship seat and the so-called minority groups in Borno?
Jubilation as Borno Emerges Winner of the male category of the 2025 National Qur’anic Competition
Sunday Olatuyi: NUJ Demands Prosecution of Killer Driver
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News8 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
