National News
We Are Building Viable, Globally Competitive Economy, Says President Tinubu
We Are Building Viable, Globally Competitive Economy, Says President Tinubu
** Lauds First Bank’s legacy of innovation, adaptability at groundbreaking for new headquarters
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration is working assiduously to create a system that is sustainable and globally competitive for Nigerian banks and other financial institutions to thrive.
He noted that government policies under his administration are motivated by the reality that the nation no longer has the luxury of time to postpone its economic transformation.

President Tinubu, who spoke on Wednesday when he performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new state-of-the-art headquarters of First Bank of Nigeria at Eko Atlantic City in Lagos State, observed that banks can only prosper under a thriving economy.
Represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President however pointed out that what his “administration does and sets out to accomplish rests on the cooperation and capacity of” the financial institutions.
“Banks are the engines of economic growth, and we owe it to them to champion a system that guarantees sustainability and global competitiveness. Our expectation is for our banks to excel, to expand beyond our shores, and to earn their place among the world’s most viable and profitable enterprises,” he stated.

President Tinubu maintained that his administration is working to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish despite assuming office at a time that required difficult but necessary decisions to stabilise the nation’s economy.
He said, “We assumed office at a time that demanded bold, progressive thinking—a time that called for difficult but necessary decisions to stabilise our fiscal and monetary landscape. Our policies are inspired by the reality that we can no longer afford to postpone our economic transformation.
“This administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish, and I assure you that you have a partner in this government. We are here to climb the hills of progress with you.”

The President commended First Bank for standing the test of time, saying the secret of the bank’s steadfastness, legacy of innovation and adaptability lies in the art of reinvention.
“From the Bank of British West Africa to Standard Bank of West Africa and, finally, to this 130-year-old success story, First Bank has remained a towering institution, outliving disruptions and redefining banking through the decades.
“In an industry where the fate of many banks is sealed in the dusty pages of history, surviving—let alone thriving—demands more than just calculated risks; it takes ambition, and the brilliance of refined minds. I join you here today to celebrate a legacy of innovation and adaptability that has kept First Bank ahead of the curve,” he added.
President Tinubu congratulated the board and management of First Bank for investing in a new head office, noting that it is a reassurance to the bank’s “customers, shareholders, and the government that Nigeria’s oldest financial institution is not resting on its laurels.”
He continued: “I understand all too well that history demands the best of us. The ability to manage risk is what distinguishes great banks from transient institutions.
“This groundbreaking ceremony is not just about laying the foundation for a new edifice; it testifies to First Bank’s commitment to reinvention—to adapting to the realities of our time while staying true to its heritage.
“The decision to establish this state-of-the-art headquarters in Eko Atlantic City is symbolic of a vision that extends beyond the present, positioning First Bank as a financial powerhouse in Nigeria and beyond.”
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, thanked Vice President Shettima for the work he is doing for the country in support of the President.
The Governor poured encomiums on President Bola Tinubu, recalling that he was in his cabinet when the idea to create Eko Atlantic City was birthed, many of the cabinet members expressing doubt about the possibility to create a dry ground out of the bar beach.
“We want to set Lagos on a trajectory of becoming the centrepiece of finance and commerce not only in Nigeria but Africa and beyond. It will be Africa’s mega city that is safe and secure to take the mantle of leadership in the financial sector.”
Sanwo-Olu thanked the Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Holdings, Femi Otedola, noting that while he is economical with his words, each statement he makes carries significant weight.
Also speaking, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said it was an honour to witness what could be aptly described as an iconic building and a significant milestone for the First Bank.
He noted that the building further redefines First Bank and its resilience in the banking industry, saying “this is bold, audacious, what tenacity is all about and First Bank has always blazed the trail.”
According to him, First Bank has since 1894 evolved into a bank with well over seven hundred branches in Nigeria and worldwide.
On his part, Chairman of First Bank Holdings, Chief Otedola, expressed gratitude and excitement over the groundbreaking ceremony, just as he eulogized President Tinubu “for his unalloyed support for this great project.”
Otedola also praised Vice President Shettima for being at the forefront of encouraging development in the country, even as he thanked the Lagos State Governor for his unwavering support and creating a conducive atmosphere for doing business in the state.
He also expressed gratitude to customers of First Bank, the regulators, especially the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria for stabilising the activities of the services industry in the country, among others.
Welcoming the dignitaries and other guests to the ground breaking event, Managing Director and CEO of First Bank Plc, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, said since its establishment in 1894, First Bank had been at the forefront of Nigerian banking evolution, stressing that the journey of the bank has been defined by accountability, transparency and unwavering commitment to customers.
“It is a legacy that stood the test of time – over 13 decades, engulfing the financial landscape of our great nation and continuously shaping the business of banking in Nigeria and beyond,” he stated.
In his goodwill message, the chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, commended the Chairman of First Bank Group and his Board members “for building the massive structure,” describing it as always being first while others follow.
He said he is being challenged to join First Bank in Eko Atlantic City, noting, however, that after delivering the refinery, he needed to rest but will join Eko Atlantic City in the near future.
We Are Building Viable, Globally Competitive Economy, Says President Tinubu
National News
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
By: Bodunrin Kayode
President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.
The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.
From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.
A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.
“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.
“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.
“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.
Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.
These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001
This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.
And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.
The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
National News
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.
This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.
The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).
The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).
Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.
Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.
He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.
“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.
“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.
Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.
He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
National News
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
By: Michael Mike
The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.
The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.
In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.
The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.
His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.
In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.
He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.
The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
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