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:
Army will remain apolitical, committed to defending democracy – COAS
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army will remain apolitical and steadfast in protecting the nation’s democracy in line with its constitutional mandate.
Shaibu stated this on Saturday at the Passing Out Parade of the Executive Commission Course 2/2025 held at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji.
He reiterated that the subordination of the military to constituted civil authority remains the foundation for professionalism, urging officers and soldiers to uphold democratic values at all times.
“We must safeguard this constitutional democratic governance that promotes the values and interests of every well-meaning Nigerian, irrespective of tribe or religion,” he said.
“I charge all Nigerian Army personnel to be proud champions of democracy and remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional duties.”
Shaibu assured Nigerians that the Army remains committed to protecting lives and property across the country, adding that troops are working round the clock to secure the territorial integrity of the nation and support other security agencies.
The COAS commended the Commandant of NASI and the training staff for the successful conduct of the course, noting that the achievements recorded in training and operations were made possible by government support.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and sustained assistance to the Nigerian Army, reaffirming the loyalty of officers and soldiers to the government and the Constitution.
Shaibu also thanked the Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, and the people of the state for their cooperation and support to Army formations and institutions.
He congratulated the passing-out cadets and their families, wishing them successful careers as they prepare to join units and formations across the country.
“The Nigerian Army awaits you all in the field,” he said.
Army will remain apolitical, committed to defending democracy – COAS
COAS charges newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, loyalty at POP in Jaji
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged newly commissioned officers of the Executive Commission Course 2/2025 to uphold professionalism, integrity and loyalty as they begin their careers in the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday during the Passing Out Parade of the course at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), Jaji, Kaduna State.
The COAS described the occasion as a significant milestone and congratulated the cadets for successfully completing the rigorous training that qualifies them for the Presidential Commission.
He urged the new officers to remain focused as they take up responsibilities in various operational theatres across the country.
“Your pips will be unveiled shortly, and you will begin individual and collective journeys filled with opportunities, challenges and important decisions,” he said.
“Amidst these, one thing must remain sacrosanct Nigeria must come first in all decisions and actions throughout this new phase of your careers.”
Shaibu emphasised the need for right character, courage, professionalism and resilience, assuring the cadets that the Nigerian Army Officers’ Corps would always stand with them as comrades and brothers-in-arms.
He advised them to rely on the training received at NASI and their experiences in service, stressing that in moments of doubt, their training should remain their guide.
The COAS reminded the officers that leadership required the ability to inspire confidence and make sound decisions.
“A bad plan is better than no plan at all, so ensure that you always have a plan,” he said.
“Always act with the hope for success and not the fear of failure.”
Shaibu highlighted the Army’s efforts to address welfare concerns related to their type of commission, assuring them of measures to support their professional and personal development.
He urged them to pursue continuous improvement through courses and trainings available in the Army, aligning with his Command Philosophy to transform the force into a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready institution.
COAS charges newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, loyalty at POP in Jaji
News
COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning
COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday inaugurated the newly constructed Land Warfare Wargaming Centre at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, describing the project as a major milestone in strengthening operational training and military education in the country.
Shaibu, who served as Special Guest of Honour at the commissioning ceremony, said the state-of-the-art centre would significantly enhance the capacity of officers to engage in advanced operational planning, mission rehearsal and strategic decision-making.
He said the completion of the project demonstrated the military’s collective resolve to equip officers with the skills required to address contemporary and future security challenges.
“This centre is not only significant to this College but to the Nigerian Army and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
“The successful completion of this project is a bold statement in our determination to deepen officers’ operational planning capabilities, enhance military education and further prepare our officers for emerging threats.”
The COAS commended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College for maintaining its reputation as a centre of excellence in producing high-quality middle-level officers who contribute to national defence objectives.
“As a proud graduate of this College, I am pleased to remain associated with its continuous transformation,” he added.
Shaibu applauded the progress recorded by the Department of Land Warfare, noting that the execution of several key projects by his predecessors had contributed to improved academic outcomes and a more effective learning environment.
He described the new Wargaming Centre as a necessary complement to the Lt Gen T.Y. Buratai Operations Centre, adding that it would enhance the training of officers in land warfare doctrine and joint operations.
The COAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “unrelenting support to the Nigerian Army,” saying such support made the execution of strategic projects possible.
He also thanked the Commandant of AFCSC, AVM HI Alhaji, for his commitment to improving the college’s infrastructure and training systems, and commended the Director of the Department of Land Warfare, Brig.-Gen. N.U.C. Ogili, for ensuring the timely and quality completion of the project.
Shaibu acknowledged the contributions of the directing staff, administrative officers and college community, noting that they were collective stakeholders in ensuring the effective utilisation and maintenance of the new facility.
He urged students, who are the primary beneficiaries, to make optimal use of the centre to enhance their understanding of operational art, strategic planning and battlefield decision-making.
“I congratulate the Commandant, staff and students of AFCSC on this historic achievement,” he said.
COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning
Army will remain apolitical, committed to defending democracy – COAS
COAS charges newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, loyalty at POP in Jaji
COAS inaugurates land warfare wargaming centre, says facility will deepen officers’ operational planning
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