National News
VP SHETTIMA TO NCP MEMBERS:’Our Decisions On Privatisation Must Resonate In The Lives Of Nigerians
VP SHETTIMA TO NCP MEMBERS:
‘Our Decisions On Privatisation Must Resonate In The Lives Of Nigerians‘
*Urges members to embed reforms in Tinubu’s 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda
By: Michael Mike
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has charged members of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) to ensure their economic decisions and reforms are reflected in the lives of Nigerians from all parts of the country.
Specifically, he urged them to defy the way things were being done in the past in order to pave way for economic growth that is in harmony with the aspirations of the citizens.
The Vice President gave the charge on Monday during the induction programme for members of the NCP and other critical stakeholders at the conference centre of the NIA headquarters, Abuja.
Last Friday, Senator Shettima had, while inaugurating the newly constituted NCP at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, told members to station themselves on the frontline of actualising the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Speaking at the induction programme for Council members three days after, he said, “This retreat is for each of us to, once again, pledge our allegiance not only to our roles but to the aspirations of every Nigerian. Our decisions here must transcend the boardrooms; they must resonate in the lives of our fellow citizens, from Abia State, down through Lagos State, to Zamfara State. We must stand together to pave the way for a nation in tune with the dynamics of the changing world.
“I am, therefore, confident that each of you would understand the need to be more inclined to engage wholeheartedly, challenge conventions, and envision a future where the engines of economic growth roar harmoniously with the aspirations of our people. But, then, we are not there to consider an alternative path.”
Delivering his address titled, “Let’s Create a Difference Together,” the VP told the NCP members categorically that they cannot afford to write the chapter of the nation’s history unfavourably in the voyage of discovery they were embarking on, adding that a lot depended on the solutions they proffer in the pursuit of their mandate to make Nigeria “a vineyard of economic opportunities”.
VP Shettima who is also Chairman of the NCP reminded members of the Council that the task before them demands “going to every horizon of the hotbed of opportunities to initiate transformative reform and to collaborate,” even as he implored them to embed the reforms they were set to make in President Tinubu’s 8-point renewed hope agenda.
He continued: “Whatever we set out to adopt as the cardinal of our reforms must be embedded in the eight-point presidential priorities announced by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Our choices should echo as the guiding light illuminating our path ahead.
“From ensuring food security to eradicating poverty, from fostering inclusive growth to facilitating job creation, from enhancing access to capital to upholding the rule of law and combating corruption, we must realise that these are not mere aspirations but the fundamental pillars upon which our nation’s prosperity rests.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the National Council on Privatization, along with the Bureau of Public Enterprises, bears the critical responsibility of driving commercial interventions that align seamlessly with these priority areas.
“However, it’s essential for each of us to pledge to create a future where every citizen thrives. Our aim is to transform economic prosperity from a distant dream into a tangible reality.
“By the end of this retreat, my hope is that we will become more resolute about the necessity of letting our discussions resound with echoes of innovative strategies, collaborative initiatives, and uncompromising commitments to the principles enshrined in Mr. President’s visionary agenda.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, underscored the significance of the Federal Government’s privatisation programme and highlighted its impact on the management of enterprises owned by the government since the inception of the programme.
For his part, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, commended members of the newly constituted Council for their commitment to national service as demonstrated by their participation in the induction programme.
He urged them to give their best in the new task, noting that the success of the Council would largely be dependent on synergy among stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
Also present at the induction programme were Hon. Joshua Audu Gana and Hon. Aluko Ahmed Yinka, representing the National Assembly; Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; Mines and Steel Development, Alh. Shuaibu Audu, and the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mairiga.
VP SHETTIMA TO NCP MEMBERS:
‘Our Decisions On Privatisation Must Resonate In The Lives Of Nigerians
National News
Three chinese crew members rescued in Nigeria after pirate attack on fishing vessel in ghanaian waters
Three chinese crew members rescued in Nigeria after pirate attack on fishing vessel in ghanaian waters
By: Zagazola Makama
Three Chinese crew members who were abducted by pirates during an attack on a Ghanaian fishing vessel, MV Menhin-1, have been rescued in Nigeria, the Ghana Police Service has said.
At a press briefing held on Tuesday at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra, The Director-General of the CID, COP, Lydia Yaako Donkor, said pirates, armed with AK-47 rifles, attacked the vessel on March 27, 2025, at about 1930 hours off Yenyano Waters near Tema, using outboard motor powered wooden canoes.
The attackers destroyed the vessel’s communication system before taking three Chinese crew members hostage, the police said.
The Marine Police Command in Tema received the complaint from the fishing company the following morning, on March 28, and immediately launched an investigation in collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, National Investigation Bureau, the Ghana Navy, and the Fisheries Observer.
According to the police, the pirates blindfolded the victims and transported them in speedboats for 24 hours to a marshy area later identified as the Delta region of Nigeria. From there, they were moved on motorcycles and taken on foot to a makeshift camp where they were held at gunpoint until April 25, when they were suddenly abandoned.
The victims managed to reach a nearby village where locals assisted them to make contact with the Chinese embassy in Lagos, Nigeria. The embassy confirmed the rescue on April 26 and handed them over to Ghanaian authorities at the Kotoka International Airport on April 27.
A debriefing was conducted at the Police Headquarters in Accra on April 28. While there were no visible signs of physical harm, the victims appeared traumatised and requested medical attention.
The Inspector General of Police engaged with the victims and expressed sympathy and support for their ordeal.
So far, the police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the case. Those arrested include Sueva Victor, Kojo Akweli, Eugene Chibuke, Mwonam, Chinese cook Zhao Lang Hao, and second engineer Zhao Hua. They have been arraigned before the Tema District Court as investigations continue.
Police commended all stakeholders involved in the multi-agency operation for their swift action and coordination that led to the rescue of the kidnapped crew members.
Three chinese crew members rescued in Nigeria after pirate attack on fishing vessel in ghanaian waters
Protesters demand release of social media influencer in abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
A group of protesters on Monday staged a peaceful demonstration in Abuja demanding the release of social media influencer, Mr Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), who was arrested on May 2 by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
It was gathered that the protest began around 9 a.m. at the GTBank branch located at Plot 1072 J.S. Tarka Street, off Faskari Street, Area 3 Garki, where VDM was arrested alongside one other individual.
The protest was sparked by public outcry on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, following the arrest.
Three men wearing T-shirts with the inscription ‘Free VDM’ were first seen at the bank premises before regrouping with over 100 individuals
The protesters, carrying placards with various inscriptions, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the influencer.
Police operatives from the Command’s State Intelligence Department (SID) and patrol teams were promptly deployed to the scene to ensure law and order.
The crowd was peacefully dispersed from the bank premises and proceeded to the EFCC Headquarters in continuation of their demonstration, reiterating their demands before moving on to Dantata Bridge along Airport Road, where they finally dispersed.
Police sources said “No untoward incident was recorded during the protest. The situation is under close monitoring,” the police added.
Police sources further assured that the deployment of anti-riot units to flashpoints, strategic locations, and government infrastructure within the FCT remains intact.
Protesters demand release of social media influencer in abuja
National News
VP Shettima Departs Abuja To Represent Nigeria At Inauguration Of Gabon’s President-elect
VP Shettima Departs Abuja To Represent Nigeria At Inauguration Of Gabon’s President-elect
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Libreville, Gabon, to represent Nigeria at the inauguration of the country’s President-elect, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
The Vice President left on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Oligui Nguema, who had served as Gabon’s interim leader since August 2023, secured a decisive victory in the country’s April 12 presidential election.
Nigeria remains supportive of the peaceful democratic transition in Gabon and reaffirms the government’s broader strategic interest in promoting democratic governance and regional stability in Central Africa.
The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration.
VP Shettima Departs Abuja To Represent Nigeria At Inauguration Of Gabon’s President-elect
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Nigerian kidnappers posing as white lovers lure, abduct Ghanaian women in Port Harcourt
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