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AT NIPSS COURSE 46 GRADUATION: President Tinubu Charges Policy Makers To Spearhead Nigeria’s Digital Reforms
AT NIPSS COURSE 46 GRADUATION: President Tinubu Charges Policy Makers To Spearhead Nigeria’s Digital Reforms
…Pledges increased support for policy research institutions, broadband expansion
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored new graduates of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) as well as other policy makers in Nigeria to take the lead in driving the nation’s digital transformation and tech-driven economic growth.
This, he said, is premised on plans by his administration to revitalise NIPSS, “fully digitising its operations, developing an advanced e-library, and establishing virtual learning platforms to ensure executive education remains cutting-edge and accessible.”
President Tinubu gave the charge on Friday at the graduation ceremony of Senior Executive Course 46 of NIPPS, Nigeria’s premier policy institution, in Kuru, Plateau State.
The President, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, specifically noted that policy research, youth empowerment, and technological innovation are indispensable in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He noted that this year’s course theme, “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria,” perfectly aligns with his administration’s priorities.
“The task ahead is not an easy one, but I have no doubt that you are equal to it. You must return to your organisations and communities with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the future of our nation rests, in part, on the quality of leadership you provide,” the President said.
President Tinubu maintained that technology holds a central place in leveraging Nigeria’s youthful population, which constitutes over 60% of the country’s demographics, to propel economic transformation.
He said, “Young people are our greatest asset. Their energy, creativity, and technological prowess must be fully harnessed to propel our country into a new era of economic transformation. This is an investment we cannot afford to take for granted.”
The President promised that initiatives, including the expansion of broadband infrastructure, the development of digital entrepreneurship, and the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy would help the country maximise the potential of its youth population.
“We are going nowhere unless we are well positioned to utilise technology in our daily lives and guide our industries towards the demands of this new wave of industrial revolution,” he stated.
The Nigerian leader reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening policy research institutions like NIPSS, describing them as the “fulcrum of strategic thought” in national development.
“No nation that cares about its future underfunds the very institution that provides strategic insights and policy direction for national development,” he said.
President Tinubu pledged to revamp NIPSS’s digital infrastructure, including the establishment of an advanced e-library and virtual learning platforms, just as he underscored the need to “fully digitise NIPSS operations to ensure executive education remains cutting-edge and accessible.”
He recalled that the federal government recently approved the takeover of the Oba Adetona Post-Graduate School of Policy and Governance Studies to bolster Nigeria’s policy research ecosystem.
“This decision underscores our dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s ecosystem of policy research institutions,” he said.
President Tinubu also mentioned ongoing efforts to empower young Nigerians through vocational training and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), explaining that “through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme, we are equipping young Nigerians with practical skills in technology, construction, and the creative industries.
On his part, Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, said the state government would prioritise sending female candidates to the institute, just as he appealed for the state to be given more slots to accommodate the growing demand for the institute’s admission.
“I want to congratulate you on having gone through this course, and I hope that what you have learned here will add value to our national progress,” the governor said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof Ayo Omotayo, said the graduation was a testament to the vision of the class and the institute to foster strategic leadership in Nigeria.
“In past years, we have made significant strides in making our research outputs relevant to today’s critical national issues. The digital economy is reshaping the global landscape, and Nigeria must embrace these technologies. We must drive sustainability for generations to come,” he said.
He added that while the experiences of the participants’ would undoubtedly contribute to addressing the future of work, “the class represents a new wave of leaders equipped to drive change in Nigeria.”
Also, the Monitor-General for Course 46, Colonel Fakandu Mohammed Bala, said the class of 96 members developed two humanoid robots, using locally sourced materials at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) owned by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
“The essence is to show that we have the capacity and ability to drive our developmental processes with homegrown technologies. The two robots are designed to improve the efficiency of workplaces such as hospitals and government offices,” he said.
Dignitaries present at the graduation ceremony included former Plateau State Governors, Joshua Dariye and Major General Lawrence Onoja (rtd); National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; members of the National Assembly; Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Gabriel Dewan; members of the Plateau State House of Assembly; security heads; traditional rulers, and other government officials.
AT NIPSS COURSE 46 GRADUATION: President Tinubu Charges Policy Makers To Spearhead Nigeria’s Digital Reforms
NDLEA, US-DEA to strengthen collaboration on drug war
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States (DEA) have stressed the need to strengthen current collaboration between the two agencies on the fight against the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
This was the highpoint of discussion during a meeting between the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) and the Country Attache of US-DEA, Ms. Daphne Morrison on Friday at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja
Marwa, while appreciating the cordial
working relationship and partnership between NDLEA and DEA, Ms. Morrison who was recently posted to Nigeria said “I wanted to make this one of my priorities to come meet with you so we can continue to collaborate and work together.
“And thank you so much for your support over the years, and we’re ready to keep things going. I know you’ve been working well with the last Country Attaché, so I’m ready to get back in and collaborate and do some really great things with you.”
She said efforts are ongoing to organise more trainings for officers and men of the Special Operations Units of the afency Amwhile looking forward to a number of joint operations with NDLEA in already identified areas of interests.
In his response, the NDLEA boss acknowledged the excellent relationships with Morrison’s predecessors. He said: “They’ve been very, very supportive, and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that it will be the same, if not better, with you.” He acknowledged the recent evolution of NDLEA in the size of its workforce, expansion of operational and administrative structures as well as remarkable successes recorded in its drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
While acknowledging the support received from DEA over the years especially in areas of equipment, training, and joint operations, Marwa expressed hope that more of such support will continue. “I think we would welcome much more support but because this being your first visit to introduce yourself, I’m not going to bring out a long list of demands or requests, but just to acknowledge that we appreciate all the support we’ve been receiving.”
NDLEA, US-DEA to strengthen collaboration on drug war
APC Affirms One-China Principle, Lauds Nigeria-China Partnership
By: Michael Mike
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has affirmed its unwavering commitment to the one-China principle, recognising Taiwan as an integral part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Speaking in an interview in Abuja on Wednesday, the APC National Vice-Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, said the party is in full alignment with the federal government’s diplomatic stance.
He said: “Nigeria is unequivocally committed to the One-China Principle. Consequently, the policies and principles of the APC will mirror those of our federal government in diplomatic matters.
“China is a significant partner for our nation; they regard us as equals rather than a lesser nation. This perspective fosters a relationship of mutual progress. Therefore, it is wise for the government to support the one-China principle.”
Salihu reiterated the APC’s firm support for the government’s diplomatic policies, stating, “As a party, we stand resolutely behind the one-China principle.”
He praised the positive outcomes of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations, particularly in trade, investment, and infrastructural development.
He said: “Our partnership with China has yielded substantial results. We have witnessed the construction of extensive roads, bridges, and railways by Chinese companies, with counterpart funding from the Chinese government.
“In addition, projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) natural gas pipeline and various free trade zones in Nigeria have been funded, in whole or in part, by Chinese institutions. Chinese enterprises are eager to establish factories and businesses in Nigeria, and many are already contributing to our economy,” he noted.
He attributed the influx of foreign investment in Nigeria to the APC administration’s business-friendly policies, including amendments to the Companies and Allied Matters Act, which have streamlined processes for investors.
He expressed the party’s readiness to strengthen ties with the Communist Party of China (CPC) through collaboration in cultural exchange, trade, education, and human capital development.
He said: “We are dedicated to fostering mutual growth and reinforcing our historic partnership.”
APC Affirms One-China Principle, Lauds Nigeria-China Partnership
VP Shettima Departs For Taraba Investment Summit
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for Jalingo, Taraba State, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Taraba International Investment Summit 2025.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potentials – Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining and Industrialisation (AEMI) for Sustainable Growth and Development,” is taking place today in the state capital. VP Shettima is also scheduled to commission several key development projects during his visit to the state.
The Vice President is accompanied by Senator David Jimkuta, representing Taraba South Senatorial District; Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, former Deputy Senate Minority Leader; Hon. David Abel Fuoh, member representing Sardauna/Kurmi/Gashaka Federal Constituency; Hon. Prince Ayuba Zaku Dampar, member representing Ibi/Wukari Federal Constituency; Hon. Mohammed Abdullahi; H.E. Uba Maigari, Minister of State for Regional Development and Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).
The Taraba International Investment Summit is expected to showcase the state’s vast agricultural, energy, and mineral resources to potential investors from across Nigeria and abroad, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision of expanding economic opportunities beyond major urban centres to include all parts of the country.
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