National News
FG Insists Women Are Important in Push for Economic Recovery
FG Insists Women Are Important in Push for Economic Recovery
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has reiterated the importance of women to the growth of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), insisting that guided steps must be taken to protect them and ensure that they are not left behind in the push for economic recovery.
Speaking at the formal launch in Abuja on Tuesday of the second phase of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II), a programme supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, said there is the need for promotion of full participation of women in the economy as a strategy to substantially improve socio-economic indicators such as GDP growth, employment generation and poverty reduction.
He noted that enhanced performance of the criminal justice system and justice service delivery, increased transparency and accountability of anti-corruption systems and reforms in Nigeria is required for equity and robust participation of economic agents in all sectors of thé economy.
He added that; “Beyond gender parity, ensuring that women thrive in Nigeria society also involves protecting vulnerable women from Sexual and Gendef Based Violence (SGBV) and enforcing existing Child’s Rights Laws.”

Bagudu, represented by Director (International Cooperation), Federal Ministry Of Budget And Economic Planning, Dr. Lanre Adekanye, while recognizing the success of RoLAC I, said: “The Second Phase being flagged-off today, seeks to further improve the justice sector and anti-corruption systems by reinforcing the achievements made so far and promoting effective enforcement of legal and policy frameworks with a focus on the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the National Policy on Justice.
“The intervention aligns with the National Development Plan 2021-2025, the blueprint for Nigeria’s economic recovery, conceived to create strong and sustainable governance structures, and efficient institutions that promote citizens’ protection. In the same vein, RoLAC Phase II is expected to drive productivity for sustainable growth in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Current Administration.”
He noted that: “In terms of the lessons learnt in implementation of RoLAC Phase |, the implementation of Phase Il is expected to have a robust coordination structure involving the Justice and Anti-corruption institutions, in order to increase their participation in the development and management of the anti-corruption and justice reform agenda. We must use this platform to demonstrate the possibilities in meeting our ambitious inclusive development objectives by fostering a policy environment that maximizes the potential of all Nigerians to productively contribute to the economy.”
In his speech, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Adegbite said. “the Federal Ministry of Justice is appreciative and happy to collaborate with you on your Phase II Programmes. I am sure that the outcomes captured under your Phase II Programme will further bridge the gaps in Criminal Justice and Administrative Reform and Enhance Systems and Structures in the Justice Sector.
Fagbemi who was represented by Director Planning Research and Statistics in the Ministry of Justice, Victoria Ojogbane said: “I seize this opportunity to commend the Leadership of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme for your robust interface and quality Programmes targeted at Nation Building.”
On his part, Head of Programme, Nigeria
International IDEA, Mr. Danladi Plang, said over 1.5 million people have benefitted from RoLAC during the first phase.
Plang, which describing this as impressive, said RoLAC has made a difference having contributed to set up and strengthen policies and processes; contributed to the increased implementation and compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice law; contributed to increase inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption and create synergies between government and civil society organizations, increased access to justice for survivors of Sexual and Gender Base Violence, through the establishment of sexual assault referral centres and Special GBV courts, increased and improved the protection of the rights of children.
He noted that all states have now adopted the child rights act or its equivalent, and 35 out of 36 states have adopted the VAPP law.
He said: “Based on these results, it was clear to us, at the European Union, that a second phase of this RoLAC was needed, to consolidate the progress and continue the work on strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption in Nigeria.
In the second phase, RoLAC will continue to focus on: Criminal justice, Prison reform, Curbing sexual and gender based violence, Strengthening and implementation of anti-corruption policies and tools.
He reiterated that democratic governance and the rule of law are the bedrock of the European Union and its role in the world, noting that a community of 27 countries and over 400 million people based on the rule of law and on shared fundamental values: the European Union is a unique space of peace, social progress and shared prosperity.
He lamented that “corruption is a challenge in Nigeria, and indeed in many countries of the world, as it undermines good governance and human rights, and contributes to poverty. It is proven that corruption undermines the foundations of democratic institutions and represent a major barrier to social and economic growth.”
FG Insists Women Are Important in Push for Economic Recovery
National News
Tinubu Happy With PAP’s Scholarship Scheme, Stakeholders’ Engagement, Peacebuilding Process – Otuaro
Tinubu Happy With PAP’s Scholarship Scheme, Stakeholders’ Engagement, Peacebuilding Process – Otuaro
•••Says 4500 Students Deployed In Varsities In Nigeria In 2025
By: Michael Mike
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has said that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the significant achievements recorded by the agency in the Niger Delta in about two years.
He spoke at the flag-off of the fourth batch of the two-day “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders” organised by the agency in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, on Monday.
The PAP had in July and August 2025 successfully conducted a similar capacity-building workshop for three batches of its stakeholders at the same military facility.
Otuaro, who said the President is delighted with the agency’s expanded scholarship scheme, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and peacebuilding process in the Niger Delta, urged stakeholders to maintain their position as key players in the region’s peace and development.
According to him, His Excellency, President Tinubu is very supportive of the programme because of his strong desire for the region to enjoy sustainable peace, stability and development.
He reiterated that the workshop is a vital component of the PAP’s peace process with all stakeholders as important partners in the peace initiative.
He stressed that the participants are not only partners for peace, but also the President’s peace ambassadors.
The PAP boss also applauded the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his strategic support to strengthen the programme’s initiatives and enable it to achieve the intended objectives for the people of the region.
While declaring the workshop open, Otuaro said, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is very happy with what we have achieved so far in one year and nine months. As stakeholders, you should continue to be key players in the peace and development of the Niger Delta, which His Excellency has been very supportive of and desirous of.
“The objective behind this training is to ensure that all of us are partners in every peace effort in the Niger Delta. This initiative is also to give you a sense of belonging.
“When we organised this workshop in July and August this year, we assured stakeholders that more people would also participate in the training. We don’t want to do the PAP’s work alone. It is a process of putting our heads together to ensure that the region is peaceful and united. When we are united, Mr President will do more for the region.
“We must also realise that peace starts from our communities; you all are leaders in your own rights. I know and acknowledge the support that the Office has received since we came on board. This leadership workshop is part of our peacebuilding process and is designed to ensure that peace is sustained in our region.
“Since we came on board, we have redirected the Programme towards our people and for the next generation. We have achieved a lot. This 2025-2026 academic session, we have sent 4,500 students, our future leaders, on scholarships to universities within Nigeria. We are doing this to invest in the future of our region.”
Otuaro said that his leadership would not be distracted by the smear campaign of some anti-Niger Delta elements who were angry that the programme had been taken to the people of the region, saying “nobody will hold the region to ransom.”
He further urged stakeholders not to be manipulated by political merchants, but to massively support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid because of his clear agenda for the region.
Otuaro enjoined the stakeholders to participate actively in the workshop and utilise the lessons they would gain to strengthen peace and development in their communities and the Niger Delta in general.
He also expressed appreciation to the management of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, resource persons, and the President of AANDEC, Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor (retd.), for partnering with the PAP to deepen the peace process in the region.
Tinubu Happy With PAP’s Scholarship Scheme, Stakeholders’ Engagement, Peacebuilding Process – Otuaro
National News
NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members
NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members
By: Michael Mike
The DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote has approved the promotion of 523 Staff of the Commission.
The promotion, according to a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Commission, Dr. Kayode Adegoke is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Adegoke said: “This is a statutory part of the performance reward system for Staff who sat and met the pre-requisite conditions as spelt out in the Public Service Rules (PSR) in the 2025 promotion exercise.
He disclosed that accordingly, two staff members were promoted to the Director’s cadre (GL 17), and eight staff members moved to the Deputy Director cadre (GL 16) and 35 staff staff members promoted to the Assistant Director cadre (GL 15).
He further disclosed that 35 staff were promoted to the level of Chief Identity Officers (GL 14), with 109 moving to Assistant Chief Identity Officers (GL 13).
Adegoke said 113 officers moved to the rank of Principal Identity Officer (GL 12), while 82 were promoted to Senior Identity Officer ranks (GL 10), and 130 to the rank of Identity Officer 1 ( GL 9).
The DG/CEO congratulated all the promoted staff and charged them to see the promotion as an opportunity to serve the country better. She reiterated zero tolerance for extortion and warned staff to desist from it.
Engr Coker-Odusote, furthermore, encouraged all staff members of the Commission to work harder in the coming year 2026 and ensure the successful implementation of the National Identification Number project. She reiterated her commitment to prioritise staff welfare and ensure the dignity of labour.
NIMC Promotes 523 Staff Members
National News
VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67
VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has congratulated Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, on his 67th birthday, saying his exemplary and progressive leadership within the All Progressives Congress (APC), his state, and the nation at large is worthy of emulation.
He noted that as Chairman of the PGF, an umbrella body of Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Uzodimma has demonstrated exceptional capacity to unite and galvanise the party’s Governors towards achieving a collective vision for Nigeria’s development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Vice President on Saturday, described the age of 67 as an important milestone in the life of Uzodimma, noting that the special moment reflects how far the Governor has come, and sets the stage for what lies ahead.
Acknowledging how Uzodimma’s “exemplary leadership as Executive Governor of Imo State continues to inspire confidence and progress,” VP Shettima described the PGF Chairman as a committed servant of Nigeria.
“Your recent appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Renewed Hope Ambassador is a well-deserved recognition of your unwavering dedication to the ideals of our administration and your proven ability to articulate and champion the transformative agenda of the Renewed Hope mandate across our nation,” the VP told the Governor.
This singular honour, Senator Shettima said, reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in Governor Uzodimma’s leadership and commitment to national progress.
He observed that the Imo State Governor’s strategic governance, infrastructural achievements, and dedication to the prosperity of his state exemplify the progressive leadership Nigeria needs at this crucial time.
The Vice President prayed the Almighty God to grant Governor Uzodimma continued wisdom, good health, and strength to sustain his “remarkable service to Imo State and Nigeria.”
VP Shettima Extols Gov Uzodimma’s Progressive Leadership At 67
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