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ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

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ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION:

We’ll Prioritize Digital Technology, Clean Energy, Others Under Tinubu – VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria’s huge potentials in digital technology, the outsourcing industry and the clean energy sector will continue to incentivize investments in its energy transition plan and agenda to diversify the economy.

He stated this on Monday when he received Denmark’s Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Mr Dan Jorgensen, on a courtesy visit to the presidential villa.

Shedding light on Nigeria’s climate objectives under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President noted that investments in digital technology, clean energy and other sectors had become a priority as a result of the dwindling fortunes of the oil economy.

Sen. Shettima said, “We are facing challenges but where there is a will, there is a way. The President is a man imbued with passion, intellect and capacity to lead the nation on the path of prosperity and progress. He really wants to bring a new lease of life to the Nigerian nation because if Nigeria works, Africa works.

“Oil will still be relevant because of its other derivatives for the next decades but as the primary driver of the economy, the role of oil will diminish in the coming years. This is why it is a priority for us to think out of the box to find alternatives. This is why we are looking for investments in digital technology, clean energy and other sectors. We have a lot of opportunities for partnership and collaboration.”

VP Shettima identified the strength of Nigeria’s population as a huge resource for the transformation of Africa, noting that the continent’s transformation could be fast-tracked by green and sustainable energy.

Soliciting the support of the Danish Government and the Global Centre on Adaptation for Africa and Nigeria’s Climate Action, the VP maintained that “once there is sustainable energy, the people of the continent will key into Africa’s development aspirations.

“So, I will solicit your understanding and support to save Africa,” he added, stating that the support of the Centre is necessary to accelerate climate action and fast-track adaptation to solutions, focusing on the most vulnerable people in Africa.

The Vice President commended Denmark for its leading role in global climate action, while soliciting the support of the government of that country.

“With our shared humanity, we are facing real existential threats but we are very proud of Denmark because of its climate consciousness. You are doing well. There is room for us to have a mutually beneficial partnership,” he stated.

VP Shettima further delved into the political instability in parts of West Africa, saying Nigeria has taken a firm position against military coups and to defend the cause of democracy and human rights, noting that “Nigeria is actually the beacon of hope and stability in a turbulent region.”

Earlier, the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Jorgensen, expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to climate sustainability.

He noted that Nigeria’s leadership role in addressing regional stability and its commitment to a just energy transition present significant opportunities for further collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria.

“We cherish the relationship between Denmark and Nigeria very highly. We are extremely impressed with the agenda of the new administration. You are definitely showing leadership in the way you are facing the challenges of your country,” Jorgensen said.

Emphasising the shared understanding between Denmark and Nigeria on the importance of climate action, he said, “We also share a common understanding that common understanding and climate sustainability is a political question that is not only noble but also working.”

The Danish Minister commended Nigeria’s stability and positive influence in a region often facing challenges. “I also want to commend Nigeria for being a stable country doing a lot of positive difference in a region that is sometimes challenging,” he stated.

Jorgensen drew a stark contrast between Nigeria’s stability and the recent coup experienced in neighboring Niger, saying, “Just six months ago, I visited Niger Republic and we signed a memorandum of understanding with the President; only for a few weeks later, the country experienced a coup.”

Applauding Nigeria’s role in advocating for the restoration of civilian rule in Niger, he said, “We definitely commend Nigeria’s role in trying to put pressure on the coup leaders with regards to reinstating the civilian government”.

He expressed optimism about the future of collaboration between Denmark and Nigeria on energy transition, citing the memorandum of understanding to be signed between the two countries, just as he emphasised the importance of ensuring a just transition in the shift towards renewable energy sources.

“At the core of this is the question of how do we make this a just transition; how do we make sure that the people that are dependent on oil and gas don’t lose their jobs there?” He inquired.

To ensure a just transition, Jorgensen advocated a regular assessment of the needs of vulnerable groups, stressing that “the needs of poor, vulnerable and marginalized groups must be assessed regularly to ensure reliable access to clean energy at affordable prices”.

He implored Vice President Shettima to ensure that the memorandum of understanding is signed to serve as a framework for future collaboration between Norway and Nigeria on energy transition.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the ministry is using messaging to take forward a lot of the initiatives that the government has put on ground.

“When we talk about climate change, we should be responsible enough to keep the preservation of the world for the next generation to benefit from it.

“Climate change is at the very top of our agenda as a government, especially now that Nigeria is at the precipice of being at the very top. We want to see how Nigeria and the Danish government can have cross-collaboration in this regard and also intercultural collaborations,” she said.

Present at the meeting were Amb. Sune Krogstrup, Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria; Amb. Ole Thonke, Understand-Secretary of State; Sandra Sichlau, Private Secretary to the Minister; Mr Ketil Karlsen, Head of Africa Department and Ida Krogh Mikkelsen, Special Adviser, among others.

ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

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Primaries: Aspirants protest imposition of Reps candidates in Adamawa

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Primaries: Aspirants protest imposition of Reps candidates in Adamawa

The Forum of House of Representatives Aspirants of Numan /Demsa/Lamurde Federal Constituency under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa has protested what it described as imposition of candidates in the just concluded primary elections in the state.

Speaking during the peaceful protest in Numan Local Government Area, Adamawa, Vrati Nzonzo, the spokesperson of the Forum said, the committee responsible for the conduct of the exercise and the party officials failed to abide by the rules of the game.

Nzonzo said the rules for electing candidates were through consensus or direct primaries but stressed that none of the rules were observed.

According to him, with what happened, their mandate was stolen and given to someone who did not deserve the candidacy.

“The election was supposed to be Consensus or Direct primaries but we opposed the consensus and there were no direct primaries across the Constituency”, he said.

PNzonzo called on the National Chairman APC and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to ensure justice and fairness for the victory of the party else they threatened that they won’t vote for the party at the general elections.

Justina Nkon another aspirant also condemned the conduct of the primary election across the constituency.

According to her, the electorate were at the venue of the primaries from 8:00a.m and no officials showed up until 2:00 p.m and later on they said they had conducted the election without seeing any election materials.

She urged Fintiri to live up to the promise he made at the time of his campaign that he would not betray the people in the state.

“It’s now under your watch as the leader of the party we are witnessing the undemocratic process of primary elections by enforcing candidates who have not been elected by the people in the Constituency”, she said.

According to her, the so-called primary elections are unconstitutional, hence the need to conduct a free, fair and credible primary elections.

Usoko ken-Supule, another aspirant, demanded justice and fairness for every aspirant and for the progress of the party in the constituency, state and the country at large.
“We want justice for the progress of the party and without fairness there is no progress, therefore we are respectful party loyalists.

“We are not happy in view of what happened and we are disappointed; we are calling on the party leadership and the state governor to consider the plight of the masses”, he said.

Primaries: Aspirants protest imposition of Reps candidates in Adamawa

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Zulum Assures Immediate Relief Items, Dignified Resettlement of Displaced Persons in Monguno

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Zulum Assures Immediate Relief Items, Dignified Resettlement of Displaced Persons in Monguno

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured displaced communities affected by insecurity that the government is working closely with the Nigerian military hierarchy to provide immediate humanitarian and long-term support.

Governor Zulum gave the assurance when he visited displaced persons in Monguno town on Sunday, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring dignified resettlement back to their ancestral communities.

While at the IDP camp, the governor interacted directly with displaced families as women, children and elderly residents gathered around him while he listened to their concerns.

“We have examined the situation critically alongside the hierarchy of the Nigerian military, and it has been concluded that we shall provide immediate humanitarian support to these displaced communities, especially in the areas of water, shelter, and sanitation,” Zulum stated.

“Apart from this, we shall also ensure that medium and longer-term sustainable solutions are being adopted, which is acceptable to this community and their ancestral home,” he said.

“We will improve the living conditions of the displaced persons; we will not allow our citizens to endure such hardship without urgent government intervention.”

He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities within their communities, noting that sustaining peace and security requires collective responsibility.

“Security is everybody’s business. Communities must continue to support security agencies with timely and useful information,” the governor stated.

Governor Zulum disclosed that there are over 50,000 returnees in Marte, stressing that plans were underway to facilitate the return of more displaced persons to the town as part of the medium and longer-term solution.

He immediately directed the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner for Local Government, the Commissioner for Internal Security, and the Chairman of Marte Local Government Area to work out the modalities for implementing the recommendations adopted.

The governor sympathized with the people affected by the recent insecurity and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting them.

As part of the visit, Governor Zulum also met with health workers at the Monguno Eye Hospital, commending them for continuing to provide medical services despite difficult working conditions and limited resources. He announced financial support to improve their welfare and encourage greater commitment to healthcare delivery in the area.

The governor also visited the Commanding Officer of Forward Operation Base (FOB) Mairari for a security brief.

Governor Zulum was accompanied by the Senator representing Borno North, Senator Mohanmed Tahir Monguno; Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, Member Representing Marte, Monguno, Nganzai, Hon. Bukar Talba, Secretary to the state government, Bukar Tijani, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, alongside other government officials.

Zulum Assures Immediate Relief Items, Dignified Resettlement of Displaced Persons in Monguno

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Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site in Rivers Forest

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Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site in Rivers Forest

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 103 Battalion operating under the Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have discovered an illegal refining site in the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Military sources said the operation was conducted between 10:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on May 15, 2026, as part of ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta region.

According to the sources, troops uncovered an illegal refining site containing one large drum oven, one reservoir, one large coolant, two receivers, two waste pits, and two galvanised pipes measuring about 50 metres each.

The site was suspected to have been used for the illegal processing of stolen crude oil and petroleum products.

The sources said the discovered items were handled in accordance with operational directives of Operation Delta Safe.

Security authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining activities and economic sabotage across the Niger Delta region.

Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site in Rivers Forest

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