News
THE POSITION OF APC INITIATIVE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE APC-IGG AND APC-IGG PROFESSORS WING ON PLANNED NATION WIDE PROTEST
THE POSITION OF APC INITIATIVE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE APC-IGG AND APC-IGG PROFESSORS WING ON PLANNED NATION WIDE PROTEST
It is important to remember that, much like Rome, economic recovery cannot happen overnight, but it requires a solid foundation. Nigerians will agree that President Tinubu inherited an economy on the brink of collapse, characterized by a high level of indebtedness, with over 90% of revenue mortgaged to both foreign and domestic loans. Despite these challenges, the government, under the banner of Renewed Hope, has implemented measures to reshape the country’s economy since May 2023. These measures are particularly aimed at providing a brighter future for Nigerian youth.
One notable measure is the intervention and capitalization of MSMEs, including a N200 billion fund for various business segments across the country. Specifically, N50 billion in grants have been disbursed to over one million nano businesses, equitably distributed across all local government areas. Additionally, N150 billion in single-digit interest rate loans have been provided to hundreds of thousands of MSMEs nationwide. This initiative emphasises the significant role of state and local government authorities in grassroots development.
Furthermore, N75 billion in loans of up to N1 million each has been distributed, along with another N75 billion allocated to large-scale manufacturers employing up to 1,000 Nigerians per industry. These loans, offered at a single-digit interest rate with a five-year moratorium, are crucial for business intervention and development.The administration’s efforts extend to alleviating the short-term impact of fuel subsidy removal. To mitigate this, the government has invested N100 billion between July 2023 and March 2024 to acquire 3,000 units of 20-seater CNG-fueled buses. These buses will be allocated to major transportation companies based on travel intensity per capita, with participating companies accessing credit at 9% per annum with a 60-month repayment period. This responsibility also falls on state and local governments to ensure citizens benefit directly.
Moreover, the government inaugurated the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), involving a N2 trillion package with allocations for health and social welfare (N350 billion), agriculture and food security (N500 billion), the energy and power sector (N500 billion), and general business support (N650 billion).
To support indigent youths in tertiary institutions, President Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023, on June 12, enabling students to access interest-free loans for their education.
Considering these efforts, it is essential to recognize that protests against the President might harm the economy. Instead, youths should focus on holding some of the state governors and local government chairmen accountable for economic failures, as most government policies are implemented through their channels.
The current administration, led by President Tinubu, has provided sufficient funds to state governors to meet their constituents’ demands. While the economy struggles, positive efforts by states can reduce the central government’s burden. Notably, the President has:
- Allocated N30 billion to each state to address food scarcity and hardship.
- Provided trailers of rice to each senator for their constituencies.
- Introduced a monthly stipend of N35,000 for federal workers.
- Distributed N430 billion among state governors.
The issue of local government autonomy is crucial to reducing neglect and poor economic management by state governors. While the new minimum wage of N70,000 is a step in the right direction, many states have yet to pay the previous N30,000 minimum wage, and youth protests on this matter have been sparse.
It is disappointing to see some of the state governors, who claim to be industrialists fail to manage state investments effectively, leading to over-reliance on FAAC and possibly subsequent bankruptcy. The President has laid a solid foundation for agricultural and electricity sector investments, yet few states have taken advantage of these opportunities. The pressure should not be solely on the President; state and local governments also play a crucial role.
In just one year, President Tinubu has made significant strides. State governors must be held accountable to support his efforts. If they do, Nigeria will undoubtedly improve.
Therefore, Nigerian youths should reconsider the path of agitation. Demand transparency and accountability from influencers and leaders. Opt for dialogue rather than protests. Nigeria’s renewed hope agenda promises a better future for all.
We however, also commend the laudable efforts of various state actors , the like of the Secretary to the government of the Federation, His Excellency Sen Dr George Akume of the skills and acumen he exhibited in mediation, negotiation and reconciliation with various labour leaders, which contributed tremendously, to the good and sustainable working relationship with the labour, as they disassociated with the protest.
That is the advantage of having experienced people in the government. Is like putting the square peg in a square hole.
Thank you.
Amb Musa Muhammed Tsoken National President, APC Initiative For Good Governance APC-IGG
THE POSITION OF APC INITIATIVE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE APC-IGG AND APC-IGG PROFESSORS WING ON PLANNED NATION WIDE PROTEST
Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
•••771 to Graduate in Nigeria in 2025
•••Otuaro Hails Scholars’ Performances
By: Michael Mike
Nine students awarded foreign post-graduate scholarships by the Presidential Amnesty Programme have graduated from their master’s degree rprogrammes in universities in the United Kingdom.
The successful scholars are the first graduates in the offshore post-graduate scholarship deployment to UK institutions by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic session.
They graduated from the Anglia Ruskin University, University of Dundee and The University of Law with master’s degrees in cyber security, data science and engineering, law, construction and civil engineering management, project management, and ICT.
Also, 711 undergraduate and post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries are expected to graduate from universities within Nigeria this year.
The PAP, on Wednesday, 3 December, 2025, organised a graduation reception for the scholars in London.
Otuaro has congratulated them on their successful graduation, stressing that they completed their programmes in record time which shows the seriousness they had put into their studies.
He said they have justified the Federal Government’s investment in their education with their successful graduation, and urged other beneficiaries not to be distracted in their academic pursuits.
“We congratulate these scholars on their successful graduation. It shows that they took their studies seriously. That is what we demand of every scholarship beneficiary, whether at the undergraduate or post-graduate level”, Otuaro said.
He reiterated his unwavering commitment to expanding the scholarship scheme to create more opportunities for indigent students of Niger Delta extraction to access higher education with a view to closing the human capital development gap in the region.
Otuaro said it was for this reason he deployed 3800 beneficiaries in-country in the 2024-2025 academic year, and increased the figure to 3900 in the 2025-2026 academic session with 200 for foreign scholarships.
Otuaro has so far deployed 7700 students for the PAP scholarship scheme within Nigeria in less than two years.
Within this period, also, he has also deployed 162 students from the region for post-graduate programmes in targeted disciplines in the UK universities.
According to him, this is in conformity with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the Niger Delta, who has given unprecedented support to the PAP because of his sincere love for the area.
The PAP boss said, “Our decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Niger Delta. We will continue to create more higher educational opportunities for students from indigent backgrounds in our region.
“We are also deepening the implementation of the programme’s mandate in informal education and other areas for the sustainable peace and socio-economic advancement of the region.”
Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established for Realization of Ondo Project
By: Michael Mike
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited has been incorporated to seamlessly allowed for the Refinery and Free Trade Zone in Ondo State.
A press statement on Thursday read that: “In furtherance of our commitment to the execution of these two major projects – Refinery and Free Trade Zone in conjunction with the Ondo State Government, the joint partners have taken another giant step by incorporating a joint company, namely – SUNSHINE JOINT VENTURE INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED – as the vehicle to be used in executing these projects. A move that further reinforces the sincerity of purpose and total commitment of the funding partners to move ahead together as a united front.
According to the release by Wale Adekola on behalf of the JV, the Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limitedwill, going forward serve as the vehicle to work with the Ondo State Government through the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) in the implementation of the executed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The statement added that: “In moving the projects forward for implementation, the JV team met in Dubai to finalize the funding modalities and put in place structures and plans for the commencement of activities for ground breaking and community engagements. These initial activities are aimed at complementing the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Ondo State and the one year anniversary of the election of the Executive Governor of the Sunshine State, His Excellency, Chief Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa CFR.
At the Dubai meeting were key officers of the JV Company, including: Messrs SALEHI FARHAD; ZAHERI NAVID; EGHBAL KORDJAMSHIDI; SAHEED ZAHERI; DR. STEPHEN DIKE; HENRY OWONKA AND MRS. NAMVAR MARYAM.
The statement further informed that, plans have been concluded to mobilize the relevant contractors working with the locals and host communities to put up structures that will host the information center, architectural models to showcase the projects on offer and facilities that will serve the team. All these are being planned with ONDIPA to execute the relocation and accommodation of the host communities that are likely to be affected by the projects and create a seamless transition that will engender peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship with our host communities.
The JV company further reiterated its commitment to work with Ondo State Government (through ONDIPA) to change the infrastructural landscape of the Sunshine State and for mutual benefits.
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established for Realization of Ondo Project
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
By: Zagazola Makama
Seven suspected bandits were arrested along the Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State during stop-and-search operations, security sources confirmed.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, all Fulani youths, were intercepted after being offloaded from a truck at about 1800 hours on 2 December 2025. A search revealed pictures of assault rifles, including AK-47s, on their mobile phones.
Upon interrogation, the suspects claimed to have travelled from Adamawa State. Investigations are ongoing for the possible recovery of actual firearms and to determine their involvement in criminal activities.
Security agencies have urged members of the public to report any suspicious movements to help prevent criminal acts in the area.
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
The Voice of Dan Balki: An Attempt to Derail the Gains of Building a Stronger North with VP Kashim Shettima as “Jagoran Arewa”
UN Women Calls for Strengthening of Mechanism and Policies Towards Ending Gender Violence
Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News8 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
