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Our Resolve To Protect SMEs Remain Unshaken – VP Shettima

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Our Resolve To Protect SMEs Remain Unshaken – VP Shettima

Commissions SMEDAN headquarters in Abuja

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s watch will never shift ground in its determination to protect businesses in Nigeria.

According to him, enterprises are not only the very bedrock of a society but also reflect the direction the government is heading to and the speed with which it is doing so.

The VP who stated this on Wednesday while commissioning the corporate headquarters of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Abuja noted that the Tinubu administration is strategically focusing on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication to revamp the economy.

Shettima said, “Allow me to emphasise the importance of this moment: there is no more fitting time than now to reinforce the protection of enterprises in Nigeria. These enterprises not only stand as the very bedrock of our society but also reflect the direction the government is headed and the velocity with which we do so.

“This moment solidifies His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurance to protect our enterprises. It resonates deeply within our economic revitalisation plan. His focus on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication forms the very skeleton of our strategy to invigorate the economy. Inevitably, this path demands tough decisions, yet ones essential to our success.”

The VP also recalled that he had inaugurated the National MSME Council ten days ago, saying it was just the beginning that sets the stage for what is up ahead.

Explaining how President Tinubu intends to make sure businesses and other economic enterprises prosper in the country, VP Shettima said, “Notably, our partnership with the Bank of Industry to unveil a N75 billion, 9% interest loan accessible to Nigerian MSMEs as of January 2024 is a pivotal stride. This initiative is geared towards fostering a more conducive and enabling business environment.

“This government doesn’t just boast some of the nation’s finest talents; it champions those invested in ensuring our business owners have front-row seats in our journey towards progress. Our goal is to cultivate an ecosystem where Nigerian businesses become regular features in globally recognized publications such as Forbes, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times for the right reasons.

“We are all well aware that Mr. President’s readiness to take action has never faltered, and what we are witnessing here is just a component of the strategies in place to create a future brimming with endless opportunities”.

The Vice President congratulated the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the leadership of SMEDAN, saying they have proven that they are ready to transform “concepts into tangible actions.

“This initiative renews hope for a critical segment of our entrepreneurial community, and highlights our sensitivity to the economic clock of the nation,” he added.

Earlier in her remarks, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Uzoka-Anite, thanked Vice President Shettima for his unwavering support to MSMEs in the country.

She said the completion and commissioning of the new SMEDAN Complex is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the development of the MSME space.

She also outlined other initiatives of the federal government targeted at building capacity and linking MSMEs to markets at home and abroad.

For his part, the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, thanked the Vice President for his support and guidance in the actualisation of the project and leadership in the MSME space.

He said the agency and the entire MSME community in Nigeria have recorded significant achievements within a short period of time under the leadership of the VP.

He assured that the agency will continue to collaborate with sister organisations to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.

Other dignitaries at the event were the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. Fadahunsi Anthony; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong; Chairman of the House Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises, Hon. Mansur Manu Soro; Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Evelyn Ngige, as well as heads of government agencies and parastatals.

Our Resolve To Protect SMEs Remain Unshaken – VP Shettima

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NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials

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NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials

By: Michael Mike

Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt.Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his trailblazing leadership as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and for his current role as the National Security Adviser.

The NTAC boss , who made the commendations on Saturday in Abuja, while celebrating the foremost lawyer and public servant, who turned 65 on Friday, also lauded Ribadu for steering Nigeria through complex security challenges with courage and integrity, stating that this has set an enduring example for all public officers to emulate.

In a message he personally signed and made available the media in Abuja,Buba emphasized the great roles Mallam Ribadu has continued to play in the evolution of the Nigerian state.

He said: “I have the honour to refer to the above subject-matter and avail myself of the opportunity of this auspicious moment to celebrate you, Dear Leader and Brother, on the occasion of your birthday celebration this year.

“Yesterday again marked yet another milestone of wisdom, dedication, and service as you celebrated 65 years of life, many of which you have invested in the service of our nation and humanity at large.

“Without the risk of reciting the obvious, Sir,
your trailblazing leadership as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where you transformed the fight against corruption, and now as the National Security Adviser, steering Nigeria through complex security challenges with courage and integrity, has set an enduring example for all of us to emulate.

“Your legacy of principled reform, selfless service, and steadfast patriotism continues to inspire countless Nigerians, especially the young professionals and Volunteers we work with every day. May Allah (SWT) continue to strengthen you for greater wisdom and performance as you age in wealth and wellness.

“For myself, my dear family and on behalf of the Management and staff of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), where with your kind support I have served as DG these past years, I extend heartfelt congratulations to you, Sir, on this remarkable milestone and solemn achievement.

“May Allah grant you good health, long life, and the special wisdom to keep guiding our nation toward peace, security, and prosperity.

“We pray that the years ahead bring you abundant joy, fulfillment, and the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of your tireless efforts in many more years of blessings.”

NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials

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Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers

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Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers

By: Zagazola MAkama

Suspected jihadists on Friday attacked and seized control of the Gendarmerie Camp in Garbougna, Niger Republic, killing more than 21 gendarmes, according to security sources.

The attackers, believed to be affiliated with Sahel-based extremist groups, stormed the facility in large numbers, overwhelming security personnel during the early morning assault.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the insurgents also carted away several vehicles, along with a significant quantity of arms and ammunition stored at the camp.

“The situation is dire. The Garbougna gendarmerie post was overrun, and dozens of weapons and vehicles were taken. The number of casualties is still being compiled, but more than 21 gendarmes are feared killed,” one security source said.

The attack underscores the escalating insecurity in parts of Niger, where jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State continue to mount coordinated assaults on security formations and rural communities.

Niger’s military authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident as at the time of filing this report.

Zagazola recalls that the tri-border region spanning Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has witnessed intensified jihadist activities in recent months, with security forces increasingly targeted in ambushes and camp raids.

Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers

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Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty

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Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has emphasized the critical role of independent broadcasters in promoting the country’s information sovereignty, national cohesion, and digital security. 

Represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, at the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference, on Thursday, Tuggar stressed that the broadcast sector is a key player in shaping Nigeria’s global narrative and ensuring internal stability.

The event’s theme, “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion and Digital Security,” according to the minister aligns with the nation’s foreign policy objectives.

He urged broadcasters to produce locally relevant content, counter disinformation, and bridge ethnic and cultural divides, adding that a united Nigeria commands greater international respect.

He also highlighted the need for robust digital security measures to protect against cyber threats and misinformation campaigns, warning that breaches in the sector could undermine national security.

He called for stronger collaboration between the government and media to safeguard Nigeria’s information ecosystem and project a positive global image.

The conference aimed to address the evolving challenges of broadcasting in a digital age.

Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty

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