National News
France Expresses Willingness to Foster Relations Based on Mutual Respect with Nigeria Insists No Establishment of Military Base, Exploration of Solid Minerals on the Card

France Expresses Willingness to Foster Relations Based on Mutual Respect with Nigeria Insists No Establishment of Military Base, Exploration of Solid Minerals on the Card
By: Michael Mike
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier has reaffirmed France’s commitment to fostering respectful partnership relations with Nigeria, insisting that there has at no time been a plan by the French government to establish a military base in Nigeria.
Speaking at a music show to roundup the French Ambassador activities to celebrate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, the envoy said France does not impose its interests on any nation, including Nigeria, while acknowledging the deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The event, themed around the fight against gender-based violence, marked the culmination of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, and featured a performance by Nigerian artist Morell, who created a special Hausa song for the occasion, and a documentary screening by Anti-Sexual Violence Lead Support Initiative ASVIOL.
In his speech, Fonbaustier highlighted the French Embassy’s collaboration with Nigerian civil society organisations to address gender-based violence.
He explained that over 13 major projects were launched across 11 states, raising awareness among more than 600 people through debates, workshops, and innovative tools like educational games.
The Ambassador lauded the courage and resilience of survivors, urging society to move beyond viewing them as victims and instead honor their voices as a source of inspiration and a call for change.
The evening showcased the power of art as a driver of social transformation.
Ambassador Fonbaustier praised the creative advocacy tools employed during the campaign, such as Morell’s music and ASVIOL’s documentary, which blended sound, storytelling, and visuals to convey powerful messages.
“These artistic expressions transcend cultural and social boundaries, uniting diverse communities in a shared commitment to ending violence.”
The Ambassador concluded by urging sustained action beyond the 16 Days of Activism, emphasizing that the event was a continuation of the conversation on gender-based violence, not its conclusion.
He expressed deep gratitude to the partners who made the evening possible, including Morell, Hassana Maina, and various grassroots organizations.
Their contributions, he said, underscore the importance of collective action in building a future free from violence.
In an interview with journalists at the sidelines of the event, the envoy said:
“I think France can be, frankly, a genuine reference partner for many issues. And I would quote four of them. Training, agriculture, culture and arts activities and industry.”
He added that Tech is very important, and energy is already very present, “but we can really enlarge, I would say, the scope of economic business-to-business cooperation. That’s my conviction as ambassador. We are good and right in doing APD, you see, public aid development.

“It’s very important. But I think that the game changer stems from economy. If French companies invest massively in Nigeria and reciprocally Nigerian billionaires and big companies like your four banks, which are now settled in Paris, come to France, these cross-exchanges will fertilize something very positive.
“I recall the figure. It’s huge. 100 companies operating here, 16,000 jobs directly, 100,000 indirectly. France is already a player, a significant player in your country.
“But we want to do more. Respectfully, I insist on this. We will never impose French solutions or ways to do things on our Nigerian friends.”
Reacting to the misconception that France is interested in establishing a military base in Nigeria, the Ambassador said: “We must listen carefully to what you need and what you look for. This relationship comes with a lot of misconceptions from different sections of Nigeria.
“We heard several stories. French is coming here to establish bases. French is coming.”
He acknowledged that the Nigerian military has done so much to put a lie to that, stating that: “If you look carefully, some messages have been sent by your Ministry of Defence, which have clearly excluded any foreign military presence on a permanent basis in Nigeria. So that’s not me who says it. Your authorities have said it.
“But there is absolutely not the hint of the beginning of any planning of that type. I must say it clearly because there’s been, as you say rightly, some fake news or misunderstandings, maybe. We have not at all any intention of that type.”
He however said: “By the way, we can enhance military cooperation in some fields and security cooperation, but not with a permanent presence. This is absolutely not in the air du temps, as we say. So it’s not in the mood of the times.
“France, as you know, is withdrawing from many countries, sometimes voluntarily, sometimes not. But in Nigeria, it’s absolutely never been an issue. I insist and say it with all clarity.
“There’s been something wrong also about maybe this memorandum of understanding on solid minerals. I read some comments saying, well, France will now exploit the resources of Nigeria. It has not been read carefully.
“This is a framework agreement, and President Tinubu was only eager to ask France, as well as other partners, for instance Germany, to provide technical assistance and expertise to help the Nigerian companies and Nigerian authorities to make better usage of the huge resources which are in your soil. But I insist, there is nothing more than that. But as again, you see, I don’t know who exactly has an interest in trying to spoil the relationship.”
France Expresses Willingness to Foster Relations Based on Mutual Respect with Nigeria Insists No Establishment of Military Base, Exploration of Solid Minerals on the Card
National News
President Tinubu Laying Foundation For A Better Nigeria, Says Hajiya Nana Shettima

President Tinubu Laying Foundation For A Better Nigeria, Says Hajiya Nana Shettima
- Tasks Nigerians on constructive criticism of government actions, policies
By: Our Reporter
Wife of Nigeria’s Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, has scored the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu very high, saying the President is building a better Nigeria for Nigerians through his laudable economic policies, various empowerment initiatives and investments in key sectors of the economy.
And to help the President secure a better future for all Nigerians, the VP’s wife also encouraged the citizens not to relent in giving very useful advice to the government, urging them to be more constructive in their criticism of the administration instead of just attacking for political reasons.

Hajiya Nana Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during the annual Ramadan feast, which had in attendance women groups and students
Emphasizing the determination of the Tinubu administration to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, she said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is baking a new cake for us that are alive today, and for the Nigerian children and grandchildren that are coming behind us. It is who he is ably supported by our lovely First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.”

Hajiya Nana Shettima noted that the President means well for the people of Borno State as well as Nigerians in all parts of the country, even as she urged the citizens to always pray for President Tinubu and members of his cabinet.
“I can tell you that he (the President) means well, not only for Borno people but for the entire nation. We should not forget him and his subordinates in our prayers,” she added.
She further commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her contributions towards actualizing the agenda of the administration, especially through the Renewed Hope Initiative which she said has impacted many lives, including women, children and people with disabilities.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, Abuja, Dr Asabe Bashir, admonished women and the people of Borno State to imbibe the teachings of the just concluded Ramadan.
She also sought the people’s support and prayers for President Tinubu, thanking the President for picking his deputy from Borno State.
She said, “I always reiterate the importance of prayer because without prayers we can do nothing in life. We have just come out of Ramadan; let us imbibe that culture and lessons we received during the 29-day fast. We need to continue with the spiritual reflection.
“We should thank God and President Bola Tinubu for remembering the people of Borno State again by bringing the seat of the Vice President, not just to the North-East region but to Borno State after Ambassador Babagana Kingibe was elected along with the late Chief MKO Abiola so many years ago.
“We must continue to pray for the administration of President Bola Tinubu because if it succeeds, we succeed,” Dr Bashir added.
On his part, the Speaker, Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Tijjani Abubakar, thanked President Tinubu for his support to Nigerian youths through various youth empowerment initiatives.
Also, Dr Martins Ekunke, who spoke on behalf the South-South, Yoruba and Igbo communities residing in Borno State, commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for galvanizing support for people living with HIV/AIDS through her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Among those that attended the annual Sallah feast hosted by Hajiya Shettima, were the wife of the Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Hajiya Maryam Lawan; wife of the Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Hajiya Laure Musa-Askira; female Commissioners and political appointees.
Also in attendance were women groups, members of the Borno State chapter of the Nationals Association of Nigerian Students, as well as the leaders of South-South, Igbo and Yoruba communities residing in Borno State, among others.
President Tinubu Laying Foundation For A Better Nigeria, Says Hajiya Nana Shettima
National News
UNILORIN Alumni Commences Tinubu on Appointment of Nandap, Omotowa, Aribisala

UNILORIN Alumni Commences Tinubu on Appointment of Nandap, Omotowa, Aribisala
By: Michael Mike
The National Headquarters of University of Ilorin Alumni Association has lauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing three of its members into various leadership positions in the country.
Those appointed were Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs Kemi Nandap,, whose tenure was elongated till December 2026, Non Executive Director of NNPC, representing North Central, Mr Babs Omotowa- and the Pioneer Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti, Prof. James A. Aribisala.
In a congratulatory message to the trio, the National President, Prof. AbdulRasaq Kilani, and the National Secretary, Dr Barakat Raji, said the Association received the news of the appointments with excitement.
The Alumni, who commended President Tinubu for selecting the best for their various positions, assured him that the three alumni would not disappoint him in attaining the goals set for them to achieve.
While felicitating with the appointed members on their well-deserved appointment, the Association charged them to always show the excellence in them in surpassing the targets set for them by Mr President.
The Association who extolled the pedigrees of the appointed members in their various fields, implored them to live up to the expectations of the slogan of the institutions “better by far” in all ramifications.
The Alumni then prayed for their successful tenure and tasked them not to hesitate to reach out to them whenever their services are needed in any capacity towards national development.
UNILORIN Alumni Commences Tinubu on Appointment of Nandap, Omotowa, Aribisala
National News
President Tinubu reconstitute NNPC Board, remove Kyari Mele

President Tinubu reconstitute NNPC Board, remove Kyari Mele
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping reconstitution of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited board, removing the chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure and the group chief executive officer, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), President Tinubu removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.
The new 11-man board has Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman.
Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board by President Tinubu.
Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu, North West, Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas( NLNG), who represents North Central.
President Tinubu appointed Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a Non-executive director from the South West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South East.
Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
All the appointments are effective today, April 2.
President Tinubu, invoking the powers granted under Section 59, subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, emphasised that the board’s restructuring is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, boosting local content, driving economic growth, and advancing gas commercialisation and diversification.
President Tinubu also handed out an immediate action plan to the new board: to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives.
Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms to attract investment. Last year, NNPC reported $17 billion in new investments within the sector. The administration now envisions increasing the investment to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.
The Tinubu administration targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million daily by 2030. Concurrently, the government wants gas production jacked to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030.
Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030.
The new board chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is from Borno State. He is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1984. He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris
He started his career in the oil industry at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Total Exploration and Production as a trainee engineer in 1985.
Musa became Total Nigeria’s Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015. Last year, he became an Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group.
Apart from his oil industry career, Ahmadu Musa Kida is a former basketballer and the president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation(NBBF) board.
Ojulari, the new NNPC Limited Group CEO, hails from Kwara State. Until his new appointment, He was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company. His Renaissance recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), worth $2.4 billion.
Like Kida, Ojulari is also an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Elf Aquitaine as the first Nigerian process engineer to begin a stellar career in the oil sector. From Elf, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd in 1991 as an associate production technologist.
Apart from working in Nigeria, he worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities as a petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager. In 2015, he became the managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).
During his career, he was chairman and member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
President Tinubu thanked the old board members for their dedicated service to NNPC Limited, particularly their efforts in rehabilitating the old Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which enabled them to resume petroleum product production after prolonged shutdowns. He wished them well in their future endeavours.
President Tinubu reconstitute NNPC Board, remove Kyari Mele
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