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Our Youths Will Transition Nigeria Into Digital Economy Powerhouse – President Tinubu

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Our Youths Will Transition Nigeria Into Digital Economy Powerhouse – President Tinubu

  • As African countries commit to greater financing, digital access at IDA21 Summit:
  • Resolve to mobilise domestic resources for Africa’s economic transformation

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on Monday that Nigeria is set to harness the potential of its youthful population to transform into a global digital economy powerhouse.

He also hinted at the nation’s plans to become a global hub for outsourcing talent within the digital and creative economy.

This was the submission made by President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the meeting of African Heads of State and Government on the 21st Replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA21) in Nairobi.

This is just as African Heads of State and Government committed countries on the continent to strengthen implementation capacities, mobilising domestic resources, and partnering effectively with IDA to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation.

President Tinubu also reiterated Nigeria’s plans to build a vast digital market capable of absorbing cutting-edge innovations and technologies, positioning the country as a hub for outsourcing talent in the digital and creative economy spheres.

“Being a young country with a median age of about 18, our interventions in the digital economy have been so extensive that we are no longer boasting of having the most unicorns, but preparing to serve as a global hub for outsourcing talents,” the President stated in his submission titled “The Path to Recovery: Nigeria’s Journey Beyond Sabotage”, which was delivered to the Summit by VP Shettima

President Tinubu informed other African leaders of the sweeping reforms implemented by his administration to curb illicit activities and currency manipulation that had long hindered the nation’s progress.

“Since assuming office, President Tinubu has remained steadfast in fulfilling his promise to end the reign of economic saboteurs who have long exploited and hindered the progress of our nation. I am pleased to report that our economy has escaped the phase of sabotage,” the VP noted.

Alongside the digital transformation agenda, President Tinubu said Nigeria is committed to prioritizing climate resilience and becoming an attractive destination for carbon market investments.

“The tensions resulting from climate-induced disruptions serve as a pressing call to action. The profound impact of climate change on our continent’s security underscores our dedication to transforming innovative concepts from conference discussions into tangible actions. We aim to become an investment-friendly destination for carbon market investments,” the organ was informed.

He expressed Nigeria’s belief that the summit’s communiqué would reflect the collective needs of African and IDA countries, capturing their “nuances, consensus, dreams, and projections.”

President Tinubu listed key priorities for Nigeria’s economic recovery in his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, anchored on poverty alleviation, to include economic expansion, job creation, enhanced access to capital, food security, and inclusivity.

He also stressed the importance of regional economic integration through instruments like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement to dismantle investment barriers and facilitate access to international markets.

“Our path to the future depends on nurturing strategic partnerships with other nations and development organizations. Therefore, we will utilize our absolute and comparative advantages to establish partnerships across borders,” the President said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, said the summit was urgent because it was “convened at a critical juncture facing a convergence of global crises which include escalating geopolitical tensions that challenge international unity, a deepening development and debt crisis that threatens our economic stability, and an urgent climate emergency that demands immediate and collective action for our planet’s survival.”

He gave instances of the devastating impact of severe flooding in the East African region which, according to him, has displaced thousands in Nairobi alone, and the vulnerability of the continent to extreme weather patterns, which points to the critical role of the IDA in financing Africa’s development and stability.

“This new normal demands our immediate and united action to safeguard our collective future. This underscores the critical role of IDA for Africa Summit as a cornerstone for financing for Africa. IDA has directed 75% of its total commitment which is nearly $26 billion to Africa in the last fiscal year with African countries comprising 8 of IDA’s top 10 borrowers. This support is not just financial but it’s a lifeline for development and stability,” President Ruto said.

Also speaking, the World Bank President, Ajay Banga, expressed optimism about Africa’s potential, saying “it’s very easy to feel hopeful when we’re together anywhere in Africa,” adding that you feel the infectious energy of young people.”

Banga affirmed the IDA’s commitment to accelerating progress on the continent, vowing to “move with urgency and purpose,” while making the institution more efficient and impactful.

“We stand at the crossroads of a new era of growth and prosperity for Africa,” he said.

At the end of the Summit, African Heads of State and Government adopted a joint communique committing countries on the continent to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation by strengthening implementation capacities, mobilising domestic resources, and partnering effectively with IDA.

They also called for an ambitious replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) to support the continent’s development goals.

The Nairobi Communique described IDA as Africa’s largest source of concessional financing, outlining priorities for IDA21 to include building human capital, creating jobs, boosting energy and digital access, enhancing resilience to climate change and fragility, and promoting inclusive growth policies.

Our Youths Will Transition Nigeria Into Digital Economy Powerhouse – President Tinubu

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Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery

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Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery

By: Michael Mike

In a significant move to bolster public service efficiency, Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has formalized performance contracts with heads of agencies under the Ministry of Interior. This initiative aims to strengthen institutional legacy and ensure measurable improvements in service delivery.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday at the conclusion of the 2025 retreat of the Ministry of Interior, the minister highlighted the event, which also featured the signing of performance contracts by all board members.

He said: “This initiative is about the effect on Nigerians and on Nigeria as a whole.”

Tunji-Ojo during the signing ceremony, said: “Our Ministry signed a performance contract with Mr. President last year, and after executing that for a year, it is time to extend this level of accountability to each agency.”

The performance contracts, which include measurable timelines for delivery, are designed to improve services to Nigerians and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he noted.

The Minister also emphasized that this exercise is not merely symbolic but is intended to have a meaningful impact on Nigeria’s security landscape.

Challenging common stereotypes, Tunji-Ojo commended the ministry’s staff for their commitment and hard work. He said: “Some people often say civil servants are ‘evil servants.’ Personally, I do not share that view. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best people God has created here in the Ministry of Interior.”

The Minister paid tribute to M.T. Umar, who retired after 35 years of service, describing him as central to Nigeria’s passport reforms. “The story of our passport revolution cannot be told without his name,”

He further stated that retirement does not depriving your nation of your knowledge, your character, or your service.

He urged staff to emulate Umar’s loyalty and integrity, stressing that “talent and brilliance are important, but it is loyalty and integrity that sustain a career.”

Addressing the agencies under the ministry the Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, NCoS, FFS, and NIMC the minister commended their achievements but called for greater efforts in immigration reforms, protection of critical assets, correctional transformation, emergency response, and data security.

He said: “Our task is to ensure Nigerians feel our impact in their daily lives through safer communities, efficient services, and systems that inspire trust,” while further reminding the agencies that their collective output contributes directly to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Meanwhile, heads of key agencies pledged to scale up performance following the retreat.

Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, said the exercise offered a chance to review past achievements and correct lapses. “From the contracts we signed last year, we have fared very well. But of course, there are areas for correction, and that is the essence of this retreat,” he said.

Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, described the retreat as timely. “Sometimes when you are busy trying to improve performance, you need to take time to measure yourself. By the first part of next year, we should be able to appraise our progress,” he said.

For his part, Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode, said the exercise was an “eye-opener” for his agency. “By the next retreat, there will be positive impact, and Nigerians will know there is a new fire service in place,” he assured.

Olumode stressed that the performance contracts were a pledge of accountability. “It’s all about signing a bond to let the Nigerian public know it’s not business as usual. We must strengthen mechanisms that make us perform and give real value to our jobs.”

Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery

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Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects

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Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects

By: Zagazola Makama

The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested two suspects in connection with the crime in Kachia Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said the incident followed a report by one Williams Ayuba of Azara village, who disclosed that his wife, Theresa Williams, was abducted while working on their farm at Bishini village on Aug. 27.

Zagazola learnt that the operatives from Katari Division, in collaboration with sister security agencies, launched a search operation in the surrounding forests.

Sources added that on Aug. 29, acting on credible information, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Jere mobilised a rescue team which successfully rescued the victim unhurt.

The sources saod two suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi, of Nasarawa Toto, and Kabiru Abdullahi, of Mallam Tanko village, were arrested.

“The suspects have confessed to the crime and provided useful information to the police. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang,” it added.

The victim, the sources said, was taken to Abaku Hospital for medical attention and has since been reunited with her family.

Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects

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Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau

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Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Four Nigerian soldiers have sustained injuries in a vehicle accident on the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State.

The accident occurred on Thursday while the troops were moving across the mountainous terrain of the area, Zagazola reports.

The Emir of Mambilla, Dr. Shehu Audu Baju, was said to have personally joined in the rescue operation to ensure that the soldiers received prompt assistance.

Following the rescue, the injured personnel were evacuated to the 20 Battalion Barracks in Serti for urgent medical care.

Community members and traditional leaders in the area have expressed sympathy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the soldiers, while also calling for the safety of other security operatives on duty.

Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau

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