News
AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:
AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:
- President Tinubu Taking Wise, Statesmanly Decisions – Assures VP Shettima
- Lists subsidy removal, other policies as options taken to save Nigeria
- Says nation’s economy will witness positive changes after the sacrifices
By: Our Reporter
Again, Vice President Kashim Shettima has implored Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he steers the ship of state through the economic turbulence and storm he met on ground on assumption of office.
“Soon, Nigeria’s economy will experience significant growth once we’ve overcome these sacrifices. Positive changes will soon be evident across all economic indicators – inflation, per capita income, GDP numbers, poverty reduction, food security, and all aspects close to the hearts of our people,” he declared.
Senator Shettima made the appeal on Thursday during the 2nd Chronicle Roundtable organized by 21st Century Media Services, publishers of 21st CENTURY CHRONICLE, as part of its public service enlightenment series, at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.
The Vice President who was the Guest Speaker at the roundtable explained some key policy decisions taken by the Tinubu administration as well as its Economic and Social Agenda, including the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, which he described as the ‘biggest elephant in the room’ before President Tinubu took charge.
Appealing for patience and time to address the serious challenges he said they met on ground, especially the nation’s ailing economy which was already tottering towards an eclipse, Shettima said, “We look forward to the positive impact on the economy that will be brought by some of our new initiatives in the oil and gas sector, creative arts sector, the newly rejigged steel and solid minerals sectors, our housing sector, the blue economy, and the digital sectors, to mention but a few.
“There is no doubt that there’s a time to plant and a time to reap. In between those times, we appeal for patience and seek collective sacrifice from all, especially from us. We wish there were a way to treat this ailment without surgery”.
While delivering his speech titled, “Because These Shortcuts Are Not The Right Ways,” the VP noted that though the decision to remove fuel subsidy was quite tough considering its negative impact on the lives of the citizens, it became an inevitable option when it was discovered that the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari did not make provision for it in the 2023 budget.
He explained: “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, chose the option that would save the life of the nation, instead of one that would merely prolong its imminent and predicted economic death. Before we took charge, the biggest elephant in the room was the question of fuel subsidy removal.
“We understood why our predecessor made the decision to remove it and refused to budget for it in their final fiscal year. The year before we took office, Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio had grown to 111.8%. The anticipated debt crisis may sound like fancy economic jargon to the man on the street, but you and I are in a better position to understand how such miscalculations have played out in other countries. It’s an economic death sentence.
“In plain terms, our debt servicing was such that if you earned, say, N100,000, the entirety of the money wasn’t only paid to your debtor; you were forced to borrow an additional N11,800 to pay the debtor. How do you intend to survive this, and how many more loans before you become a pariah?
“We are not even discussing the nation’s budget deficits, diversions of resources from critical sectors of the economy, and corruption masterminded in the subsidy regime.”
Acknowledging that government is a continuum, the VP said whoever had “succeeded the previous government would have either chosen to steer the ship through the storm as President Tinubu is doing or jumped ship and let the country implode.”
He observed that those who contested the presidency with President Tinubu did not feel morally justified to question the decision to remove fuel subsidy because it was part of the solutions they also tabled before Nigerians.
“This was because, whether in handling the subsidy matter or the forex crisis, they had also promised the solutions we had adopted. Those who attempted to eat their words were instantly proven wrong by data, history, and their antecedents—those emotionless reality checkers,” he pointed out.
Senator Shettima regretted that for long Nigeria had endured economic sabotage, leading to the resolve by Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, “to take matters into their hands to neutralise the overpowering influence of currency manipulators who had conspired to frustrate our reforms.
“Today, I stand proud to say that their interventions have translated into desired results, and Naira’s pushback against all odds is an inspiring journey that doesn’t have to be learned in Buenos Aires, as some would want us to do,” he added.
Earlier in his opening remarks, chairman of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and former Finance Minister, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, praised the content of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, describing it as one of the most detailed and carefully crafted policy document in the history of the country.
He stressed the need for the Renewed Hope Agenda document to be reviewed and integrated into the medium and long-term development framework of the country, noting that policy consistency with a long-term vision to transform critical sectors of the economy, is the way to go.
Dr Usman also commended the administration’s establishment of a central coordination delivery unit to track the performance of programmes, policies and key interventions of the Federal Government, insisting that the monitoring of key performance indicators in the policy document was critical to the success of the government.
On his part, the CEO of 2nd Chronicle Newspaper, Malam Mahmud Jega had while welcoming guests to the event, said the need to critically analyse government policies and programmes was not just an expectation from the media but indeed borne out of the necessity to collectively contribute in shaping the nation’s development trajectory.
Also present at the event were the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed; Chairman of 21st Century Chronicle, Amb. Gbara Awanen; notable leaders in the media industry, Dr Ishaq Moddibo Kawu; Mallam Garba Shehu; Mr Segun Adeniyi, and Malam Mahmud Jega, among others.
AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:
News
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has emphasized the critical role of independent broadcasters in promoting the country’s information sovereignty, national cohesion, and digital security.
Represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, at the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference, on Thursday, Tuggar stressed that the broadcast sector is a key player in shaping Nigeria’s global narrative and ensuring internal stability.
The event’s theme, “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion and Digital Security,” according to the minister aligns with the nation’s foreign policy objectives.
He urged broadcasters to produce locally relevant content, counter disinformation, and bridge ethnic and cultural divides, adding that a united Nigeria commands greater international respect.
He also highlighted the need for robust digital security measures to protect against cyber threats and misinformation campaigns, warning that breaches in the sector could undermine national security.
He called for stronger collaboration between the government and media to safeguard Nigeria’s information ecosystem and project a positive global image.
The conference aimed to address the evolving challenges of broadcasting in a digital age.
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
News
Zulum Declares Monday Day of Fasting and Prayers to Ward off Terrorist Group
Zulum Declares Monday Day of Fasting and Prayers to Ward off Terrorist Group
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has called on citizens to dedicate next Monday for prayers and fasting to ward off the resurgent Boko Haram attacks.
The governor in a statewide broadcast, told his people: “As a people of faith, we believe our security strategies must be underpinned by prayer. I, hereby declare Monday, 24th November, 2025, as a Statewide Day of Fasting and Prayer for the restoration of peace in Borno State and the country.”
This is not the first time special day for prayers and fasting would be declared to ward off the arms barring terrorist group in the state.
The governor said: “On this day, I call upon every resident of Borno, regardless of faith, to join in prayer for the lasting peace and prosperity of our beloved state and Nigeria.
“Consequently, let us therefore devote ourselves to constant prayers, seeking Almighty God’s mercy.
“I also urge the people to use this period to pray for divine protection against evildoers, saboteurs, and all enemies of peace.”
He assured the people of his administration’s continued investment in the welfare of our security forces, support community-based vigilance, and pursue dialogue where possible, without compromising the state’s integrity or the safety of our people
He noted that: “For the past 15 years, Borno State has been in the global spotlight owing to the Boko Haram insurgency. This conflict has affected every segment of our society, displacing millions of people across all 27 local government areas, and dislocating the socio-economic activities and livelihoods of our people.
“We were able to overcome those harrowing days of insurgency by uniting as one, setting aside differences of ethnicity, religion, and sectionalism. We rallied behind our armed forces and other security agencies to confront the common enemy, whose aim was to destabilize our state, the North-East, and the nation as a whole.
“The relative peace attained in the state has contributed to a promising harvest for this year’s farming season. Farmers have been able to cultivate their crops that is expected to sustain them for the next one to two years.
“The Borno State government remains committed to supporting farmers with inputs and agro-chemicals. The continued support is to ensure year-round farming, in order to achieve food sufficiency across the state.
“Despite the recent sporadic attacks Borno State has witnessed reasonable degree of stability. However, the unfolding situation in the state, the Nation and indeed the globe is a matter of great concern to us.
“Let me commend the people of Borno State for their steadfastness and commitment to the cause of peace. This has been demonstrated through relentless prayers, fasting, and continued support for our gallant troops in the frontline, the Civilian JTF, hunters, and vigilantes. Indeed, your resilience has been a source of inspiration and strength to me and to the entire administration.”
Zulum Declares Monday Day of Fasting and Prayers to Ward off Terrorist Group
News
KACRAN Condemns School Kidnappings
KACRAN Condemns School Kidnappings
…Appeals for Immediate Release of Students
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has condemned the recent tragic kidnapping of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger States.
The group in a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Bello named Ted that the issue has become a major national concern, highlighted by the decision of President Bola Tinubu to cancel his scheduled trip to South Africa for the G20 Economic Summit to focus on the crisis at home.
Bello said: “The most regrettable aspect of this deeply disturbing incident is that it targets innocent secondary school students. These are children who have left their parents for the first time to attend boarding school, pursuing an education that is vital for the future development of their states, Nigeria, and the world.
“Furthermore, we must consider the lasting emotional and psychological trauma being inflicted upon these young victims. The suffering of their parents and relatives, who are enduring days of uncertainty, hunger, and heartbreak, is a grave humanitarian crisis that threatens their health and overall well-being.”
He addd that: “The Federal Government’s subsequent directive to close over 40 Federal secondary schools across the country, along with closures ordered by the Niger and Katsina State governments, represents a significant educational setback. This is particularly alarming for the Northern region, which is already struggling with a high rate of out-of-school children. KACRAN is profoundly concerned that the perpetrators of this unholy act are now turning their unlawful attacks on vulnerable children who deserve the highest levels of protection.
“The aforementioned incident, which prevented our visionary President from attending the G20 meeting—an event of crucial importance to Nigeria’s global image—is a painful economic and reputational loss for the nation. KACRAN highly appreciates the serious concern and sympathy Mr. President has demonstrated towards the victims and their families.
“At this juncture, KACRAN reiterates its strong condemnation of all acts of violence in the country, especially the unacceptable kidnapping of innocent students. We passionately appeal to the kidnappers to fear the Almighty God and contemplate the day of judgment. As an act of clemency, sympathy for the victims and their families, and for the restoration of our national pride, we urge them to kindly and immediately release these poor students and return them safely to their parents. Nothing is gained from the suffering of small children and their poor families.”
KACRAN called on all Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, political affiliation, or region, to reject all forms of violence. “We must embrace one another as one beloved family and unite to firmly develop an indivisible Nigeria, ensuring that our children and grandchildren inherit a better country.
“Finally, while once more commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his government’s sincerity and total commitment to securing the immediate release of these students, we respectfully request him, as a caring father to all, to accept and urgently implement KACRAN’s comprehensive proposal on how to easily resolve insecurity problems in the North-West and North-Central regions within six months.”
KACRAN Condemns School Kidnappings
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years agoTHE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News7 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
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
