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President Tinubu : A United, Prosperous Nigeria Is A Must
President Tinubu : A United, Prosperous Nigeria Is A Must
** Urges leaders to build bridges as Governor Ododo marks first anniversary
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that unity is the only formula that works for national progress, urging Nigerian leaders to draw lessons from the natural confluence of River Niger and River Benue in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
Specifically, he said the confluence of the two rivers in Kogi is a metaphor for the collective strength required to navigate Nigeria’s challenges and foster unity and collaboration for the nation’s prosperity.
Speaking on Monday in Lokoja at the Kogi Dialogue, which was part of events marking Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s first year in office, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said, “The convergence of these rivers is not just a geographical event; it is a divine lesson in strength and continuity. It symbolizes the power of unity—where individual streams combine to create a force capable of shaping destinies and carving paths.
“Just as water merging with water becomes stronger, so must we as leaders and citizens merge our efforts to build a united and prosperous Nigeria.”
The President praised Governor Ododo for launching the Kogi Dialogue, describing it as “a spark of wisdom and a critical step toward fostering reconciliation and progress.”
He urged leaders across all levels to build bridges across the country, as well as prioritise dialogue as a tool for resolving differences and promoting national cohesion.
He said, “Dialogue is not just an opportunity to air grievances. It is the true path to justice, reconciliation, and understanding. Without dialogue, history will pass us by, leaving us abandoned by time and forgotten by progress.”
President Tinubu particularly appealed to political and community leaders to be more amenable and unified in their support for government to create the needed environment for growth.
“Now is the time to reject division and embrace unity as the only formula that works. Chaos and discord are ladders for the self-serving, but unity is the bridge that carries us all forward.
“Kogi State stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we recognize the strength in our diversity. From the confluence of rivers to the convergence of ideas, this state symbolises what Nigeria can become when we come together with purpose and vision,” the President said.
President Tinubu however acknowledged that though there are challenges with governance in turbulent times such as the economic pressures and security threats facing the nation, true leadership is tested in tumultuous times.
He called on the people of Kogi and Nigeria to see themselves as “threads in the intricate fabric of progress.
“Each of us has a role to play in weaving a stronger, more united nation. Let us ensure that personal desires do not pull against the collective current of unity and development. We cannot hope to build a stronger Nigeria if we allow division to fester at home. Leaders must rise above personal ambitions and put the welfare of the people first,” the President added.
In his remarks, Governor Ododo, thanked President Tinubu and the people of the state for their support for his government since assumption a year ago, even as he urged them to remain committed to the growth and development of the state, leveraging the opportunities and resources available in Kogi.
The Governor paid glowing tributes to VP Shettima for his support and inspiration in all that his government has done since assuming leadership about a year ago.
He said Kogi is blessed with rich human, natural and material resources with an enviable cultural diversity that needs to be harnessed for the prosperity and transformation of the state.
Urging indigenes if the state to put Kogi first in all they do, especially in the exploitation and management of its resources, Governor Ododo said the time is rife to recaliberate the socio-economic fortunes of the state and take the area to greater heights.
He noted important development in the state since his assumption of office, including the upgrade of healthcare centres, improvement of infrastructure in the education sector and the introduction of free education at the basic level, and bursary for students in tertiary institutions.
On his part, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, applauded the cordial relationship between the current and former governors of Kogi State, noting that a healthy relationship between a predecessor and his successor was necessary for the development of the state.
He urged other state governors to emulate the example set by Governor Ododo especially in engendering development and improving party politics in the country.
Also, former governor Yahaya Bello, recalled the vision of the founding fathers of Kogi State, noting with satisfaction that the current administration was moving in the right direction.
The highpoint of the VP’s visit was the commissioning of road projects executed by the Ododo administration during his first year in office.
Also present at the event were the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Bukar Dalori; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; former governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada; Senator Jubril Echocho; Senator Sunday Karimi; Hon James Falake; Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande; Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief Salifu Oyibo; former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shuaibu, and the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Umar, among others.
President Tinubu : A United, Prosperous Nigeria Is A Must
Dabiri-Erewa Advises Youth, Hard Work Pays
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has advised Nigerian youths to embrace hard work, discipline and dignity, saying these values open doors to success.
Speaking on Day Two of the 2025 National Diaspora Day Youth Empowerment Summit at the weekend in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa shared her personal journey from journalism to national leadership.
She said: “As a journalist at NTA, I did my job well and was proud of it. That hard work got me nominated for a Harvard course, thanks to the then Rev. Father Kukah. Though the fee was $10,000, Arcor Group sponsored me. That changed my life.”
She added: “After Harvard, she left Newsline on NTA and entered into politics. With support from Senator Remi Tinubu and encouragement from now President Bola Tinubu, she contested and won a seat in the House of Representatives, serving for 12 years before becoming SSA on Diaspora and later NiDCOM boss.
“My hard work earned me respect. Wherever you are, work hard and carry yourself with dignity,” Dabiri-Erewa told the youth.
Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, on his part thanked the NIDCOM Boss for always involving the youth. “Commitment is the key to success,” he said, urging youth to stay focused and believe in their potential.
Speaking in the same vein, Hon. Bobby Digi-Olisa from New York, also advised youths to know themselves and take bold steps.
Similarly, Prof. Fene Osakwe advised youth to always make Nigeria proud wherever they find themselves.
On migration, Alex Oturu from National Commission For Refugees and Migration warned that overstaying visas or ignoring travel rules can make one an irregular migrant. He also cautioned youths on the risks of human trafficking.
Ms Pelumi Nubi, who drove from London to Lagos, encouraged youths to dream big despite challenges. “Start with what you have and trust yourself,” she said.
Miss Diaspora Nigeria-USA, Oyemen Ehikhamhen, also shared how the arts gave her purpose and confidence. “My crown is not just beauty — it’s a symbol of power and storytelling,” she said.
Twelve students were awarded laptops, with six overall science students sponsored by Arcor Group. Six desktops were also given to the schools, while others won laptops through a raffle draw.
The summit, which was part of the activities lined up for National Diaspora Day, continues to inspire youth to lead, innovate, and contribute to Nigeria’s growth, at home and abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa Advises Youth, Hard Work Pays
Police arrest man for attempted suicide in Ogun church premises
By: Zagazola Makama
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 29-year-old man, Victor Kalu, for attempted suicide at the premises of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) in Ibafo.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred late Friday night at about 10:45 p.m., when the suspect was caught trying to hang himself from an electric pole.
Police sources said that the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the church apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the police at about 10:10 a.m. on Saturday.
Kalu, a resident of Plot 7, Oluwa Sesan Street, Ejigbo Road, Ikotun, Lagos State, confessed during interrogation that he attempted to end his life due to mounting financial pressure from a loan he obtained from an online bank.
“He said the lender had threatened him to repay the loan, and with no hope of getting the money, he decided to hang himself on the electric pole at the church premises,” the police sources said.
Police detectives visited the scene, recorded statements from the complainant and the suspect, and took photographs for documentation.
The command said the suspect is in custody and the case is under investigation.
Police arrest man for attempted suicide in Ogun church premises
VP Shettima Arrives In Addis Ababa For UN Food Systems Summit
** Nigeria gifts Ethiopia 2,000 cashew seedlings
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, to represent Nigeria at the second United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit being held from July 27 to 29.
The Vice President’s aircraft touched the ground around 4:26 p.m. local time at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
On arrival, he was received by the Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Temesgen Tiruneh, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy, Ethiopia, Amb. Nasir Aminu, Dr. Suleiman Dauda, Finance Attaché, Wing Commander Gabriel Batubo, Deputy Defence Attaché (Air Force) to Ethiopia, the Deputy Head of Mission, Amb. Macy Ogbede, First Secretary, Mr. Jangado Ishaku, and other top officials of the embassy.
Immediately after his arrival, the Vice President met with members of the Nigerian delegation, including the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy to Ethiopia, Amb. Nasir Aminu, and the Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture and Executive Secretary of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), Marion Moon, among others. During the meeting, he was briefed on Nigeria’s expected deliverables at the summit.
VP Shettima will join global leaders at the high-level event on advancing the transformation of the coffee value chain, roundtables and meetings aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s food security drive. #UNFSS2025
The summit will bring together global leaders to reflect on progress made since the inaugural 2021 UN Food Systems Summit and accelerate commitments towards building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
The Vice President will also participate in other events on the sidelines of the summit, designed to spotlight real-world examples of food systems transformation, promote knowledge exchange and partnership.
One of the events on the sidelines of the summit is a ministerial roundtable on public finance, trade, and responsible investment to accelerate the transition, field trips, and networking sessions.
At a recent briefing by the Task Force on the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit, VP Shettima had outlined three key objectives for Nigeria’s delegation: positioning Nigeria as a leader of thought on African food systems reform, leveraging international partnerships aligned with domestic priorities, and advancing a private sector-led model for continental food transformation.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has presented Ethiopia with 2,000 cashew seedlings and 100,000 cashew seeds.
The donation, sufficient to cultivate approximately 600 hectares of land, was received by Ethiopia’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Efa Muleta Boru, as part of a shared commitment between both nations to sustainable agricultural development across Africa.
The exchange builds on Ethiopia’s earlier donation of 2,000 Haas avocado seedlings and 2,000 coffee seedlings to Nigeria in June 2025.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agricultural transformation agenda and highlights Nigeria’s commitment to “Green Revolution Diplomacy” as a tool for strengthening diplomatic ties while addressing food security challenges.
VP Shettima Arrives In Addis Ababa For UN Food Systems Summit
Dabiri-Erewa Advises Youth, Hard Work Pays
Police arrest man for attempted suicide in Ogun church premises
VP Shettima Arrives In Addis Ababa For UN Food Systems Summit
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