Ex-Lawmaker Says Tinubu Deserves For Erecting Solid Foundation for Sustainable Economic Recovery

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu has been described as deserving of reelection for putting in place a solid foundation for sustainable economic recovery.

Speaking during a family thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Obuohia Obi-Ibere, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, a member of the Governing Board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo stated that the present administration of President Bola Tinubu has laid a solid foundation for sustainable economic recovery and should be considered for reelection come 2027.

He however noted that the president’s policies, though challenging, are already producing positive outcomes.

According to the former federal lawmaker, key economic indicators show gradual improvement, citing official data which he said indicate a moderation in inflation, declining food prices and progress in stabilising the foreign exchange market through the unification of rates.

He also pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy as a major reform that has helped eliminate the persistent fuel queues that usually accompany festive periods, noting that motorists now access petrol more easily, with filling stations competing for customers.

Onuigbo expressed confidence that Nigerians would reward what he described as courageous leadership at the polls in 2027, insisting that continuity is necessary to fully realise the benefits of the ongoing reforms.

The former two-term member of the House of Representatives, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, said the thanksgiving was organised to appreciate God for His guidance and protection over his family despite years of political and personal challenges.

He announced plans to rebuild the church in his community as a mark of gratitude, describing the gesture as part of his commitment to giving back.

In his sermon, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Aba, urged Christians to live lives of gratitude and humility, encouraging them to acknowledge God’s role in their successes.

The thanksgiving service was attended by several political leaders, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Senator Austin Akobundu of Abia Central, among others.

Ex-Lawmaker Says Tinubu Deserves For Erecting Solid Foundation for Sustainable Economic Recovery

Zulum Celebrates Christmas with Frontline Soldiers in Malam Fatori, Reaffirms Commitment to Troops Welfare

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has marked Christmas on Thursday by visiting frontline troops of the Nigerian Army’s 68 Battalion in the strategic border town of Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area.

The Governor has spent the preceding four days traversing northern Borno, coordinating security measures and strengthening the resilience of returning communities. As part of his administration’s commitment to restoring civil authority, he spent the night in the newly resettled town, engaging with community leaders and residents.

His visit to the battalion, coinciding with the festive season, served as a symbolic and reassuring gesture to soldiers stationed far from their families under challenging operational conditions.

Governor Zulum commended the officers and men for their gallantry, resilience, and professionalism, stating that their sacrifices had ensured the survival and stability of Malam Fatori. He described them as the true guardians of peace, whose courage had enabled displaced communities to return and rebuild.

“Celebrating Christmas with the troops protecting our territorial integrity is not merely ceremonial, but a deliberate effort to stand with you at the point of sacrifice,” Governor Zulum said.

He added: “The courage you display daily in securing Malam Fatori and other frontline locations continues to inspire the state’s commitment to supporting security agencies until lasting peace is achieved.”

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the armed forces, assuring the battalion of continued logistical and welfare assistance to complement federal efforts.

“Let me reiterate that security remains the top priority of my administration,” he stated, stressing that without peace, development and recovery would be impossible.

In the spirit of the season, Governor Zulum donated five bulls to the battalion to enable the troops to celebrate with dignity. In a rare personal gesture, he joined the soldiers in line, sharing a meal with them within the base.

The visit elicited widespread jubilation from the troops, many of whom expressed renewed morale at the Governor’s presence and personal engagement. For soldiers long separated from their families, the occasion served as a powerful reminder that their sacrifices are seen, valued, and appreciated.

The Governor was accompanied by the member House of Assembly representing Abadam State Constituency, Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Honourable Sugun Mai Mele and the Director General Borno State Emergency Management Agency.

Zulum Celebrates Christmas with Frontline Soldiers in Malam Fatori, Reaffirms Commitment to Troops Welfare

Zulum Launches Annual Free Christmas Transport For 1,050 Non Indigenes, Support for Vulnerable

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, launched the 2025 Free Annual Transportation Programme to 1,050 non-indigenes and support to vulnerable people.

The initiative reaffirms his administration’s commitment to compassion, inclusivity and people-centred governance to residents and inhabitants of the state.

The scheme has continued to provide critical mobility support to thousands of Nigerians since its inception in 2020, facilitating safe interstate travel during the festive season, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or social background.

The Governor represented by the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Chief Ugochukwu Egwudike , said the initiative was designed to ease the hardship faced by low-income earners and vulnerable groups, especially during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

He noted that beyond transportation, the programme aims to promote social cohesion and national unity by reconnecting families separated by economic and security challenges.

Egwudike recalled that “over the years, the scheme has reunited families who had been unable to travel home for three to five years, enabling them to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones”.

He added “during the previous exercise, beneficiaries also received ₦30,000 each, paid directly into their bank accounts to cushion financial pressures and ensure transparency in disbursement”,.

The Chairman of the committee said the 2025 exercise covers all six geopolitical zones of the country, a total of 320 passengers will be transported safely on day one, 280 on day two, and 150 on day three, with all passengers conveyed safely to their destinations, while 300 widows will recieve palliatives.

“A total of 750 people are expected to travel in batches between today, Monday and Tuesday while 300 widows, orphans and other vulnerable groups will receive palliatives on the 4th day of the excercise being 24th December,” Egwudike said.

Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Borno State Chapter, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, particularly for Christian faithful travelling to celebrate Christmas.

He praised Governor Zulum’s inclusive leadership and offered prayers for his continued success and greater service to humanity.

The Chief of Idoma Community in Borno State, Jonah Odo, described the programme as a practical demonstration of Governor Zulum’s humane and responsive leadership, noting its positive impact on social welfare, interfaith harmony, and national integration.

Chief Odo said Idoma community in Borno State is appreciating the Governor for all the good works he has being doing for the non-indigenes in the state and urged other state governors to emulate Zulum’s gesture for the unification of the country.

The Free Annual Transportation Programme remains one of the flagship social intervention initiatives of Governor Zulum’s administration, providing annual relief and mobility support to thousands of Nigerians across the country.

Zulum Launches Annual Free Christmas Transport For 1,050 Non Indigenes, Support for Vulnerable