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Tinubu has sagacity in finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problems. We need more patience, says Umar Abubakar

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Tinubu has sagacity in finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problems. We need more patience, says Umar Abubakar

By: Michael Mike

A Nigerian citizen, Engineer Umar Abubakar, whose heart is drawn towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s capability to proffer needed solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, currently joins his voice to numerous lovers and die-hard believers of the All Progressives Congress political leader and declares support for the President’s sagacity in finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problems.

In his words, Eng. Abubakar stated that the government has achieved significant milestones in improving the transmission network under the able leadership of Engineer Abdulazeez, a member of the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

Mr. Umar Abubakar, who started his primary school education in Kebbi State and proceeded to secondary school and polytechnic, where he was a distinction student, later completed his postgraduate studies and earned a Master’s degree at Ambrose Alli University in Edo State. He subsequently obtained a PhD in Accounting from Nasarawa State University.

To complement the competence of the present government, Eng. Abubakar also declared his vision and mission to work towards achieving the milestones and objectives set by this administration.

He said: “It is evident that the government started amidst turbulence, but by the grace of God, we are gradually achieving stability”. Initially, some people did not understand the government’s direction, but we are now witnessing improvements in the economy. For example, in the past two days, we have seen positive changes in the foreign exchange market and an improvement in balances daily. It has been a wonderful journey with significant foreign investments being realized.

Though we can say that Nigerians are always impatient, it is getting noticed now that the little patience we have extended to the government is yielding results. We have observed the naira appreciating, something we thought would not happen. Fuel is now readily available everywhere, and prices are gradually stabilizing.

The introduction of the CNG project has become one of the cornerstones of this administration. For instance, I recently visited a place where people were queuing to be part of the CNG arrangements. The government is doing well, and I believe 2025 will be a remarkable year with significant economic improvement. Every project encounters challenges at the beginning, but we are overcoming them gradually.

I appeal to my fellow Nigerians to remain patient and dedicated to their jobs to make these milestones achievable. I am confident that, with proper public support, this government will accomplish great things.

The President has good intentions. While the reforms he introduces are commendable, they should be discussed thoroughly to ensure proper understanding and inclusivity. I wish this government success, and I enjoy serving in this glorious administration.”

Working in the Federal Ministry of Power, Eng. Abubakar shared the numerous challenges encountered in the system, noting that these challenges have been identified and steps are being taken to address them.

He further highlighted his experience in finance administration under the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and other financially inclined agencies, adding that he is also a Chartered Accountant.

“Our administration has significant debts that need to be addressed, and we have introduced schemes to ensure these debts are paid off,” he stated.

According to Eng. Abubakar, the Honourable Minister of Power has taken the grid issue seriously. The solution lies in transitioning from a centralized grid to a mini-grid system, ensuring consistent electricity availability across states.

“The management is working hard to implement these solutions. With the current government initiatives, I believe power supply will be stable by 2025,” he said.

“It is impractical for everyone to have the same electricity band. The bands are designed to ensure fairness. For instance, Band A is for people with more consistent power supply, and naturally, they pay higher tariffs than those with less supply.

The introduction of these bands ensures payment fairness while incentivizing increased light hours. Each state now has the authority to manage its power supply, which aligns with government policies.”

Eng. Abubakar also addressed concerns about power distribution across states. “The Power Ministry is not rocket science; it requires effective administration. Whether the minister is an accountant or an engineer, the focus is on managerial capability. As an accountant, I can develop projections that ensure efficient power distribution.

Nigeria’s challenge is insufficient power generation—5,000 MW cannot meet the needs of over 200 million people. This shortfall must be addressed.”

He emphasized: “If given higher responsibility in the Ministry, with wisdom from the President and collaborative meetings, the power sector challenges can be resolved. Non-performing individuals should be replaced.

It should be noted that some believe Nigeria focuses excessively on hydropower. We need to diversify into other power sources like solar. No country survives solely on one power source. While hydro is cheaper, the government recognizes the need for diversification and is working on integrating other energy sources.

In terms of megawatts, distribution has been privatized, but some companies are not fully prepared for the task. The distribution companies must expand their capacity. It is the responsibility of the President and Minister of Power to ensure distribution is effective.

Until customers experience consistent electricity, the distribution reforms will have limited impact.”

Talking about an assessment of the President’s progress since May 29, 2023, especially in economic reforms, Eng. Abubakar said: “President Tinubu has been exceptional. Though misunderstood initially, he has made tough but necessary decisions. If asked to score him, I would give an 8/10. By the end of 2025, I believe Nigerians will have cause for celebration. The economic and tax reforms, particularly the consolidation of multiple taxes into one, are commendable.

I believe in President Tinubu’s capability to deliver results. With time, I saw the wisdom in his decisions. As an accountant, I recognize that progress requires patience. Prosperous nations have endured similar phases, and we must be willing to persevere.

While Mr. President continues to flourish in directing the affairs of the Nigerian economy, I wish President Tinubu prosperity and appreciate his vision and leadership. I wish him good health, wisdom, and continued success in making transformative decisions for Nigeria.”

Tinubu has sagacity in finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problems. We need more patience, says Umar Abubakar

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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State

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RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State


…Making it the 20th State to Benefit from the Support

By: Our Reporter

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Program, launched in Abuja in March 2024 to provide monthly support to vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities, has reached Yobe State—making it the 20th state to benefit from the initiative.
Since its inception, the program has covered Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto States before arriving in Yobe.
With generous support from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and another industrialist who prefers to remain anonymous, assorted food items were delivered, bringing relief to many households, particularly those with disabilities.


The First Lady and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that donors provide two truckloads of food items to each beneficiary state for onward distribution. Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, she highlighted Yobe as a major beneficiary of RHI programs and interventions.
These include:

  • The Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economists Empowerment Program, which supported 500 women with ₦50,000 each.
  • The RHI Women Agricultural Support Scheme, where 20 women received ₦500,000 each.
  • A ₦68.9 million grant from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to the Young Farmers Club.
  • Annual financial support to senior citizens, with 100 beneficiaries receiving ₦100,000 each in 2023 and 250 beneficiaries receiving ₦200,000 each.
  • A ₦50 million financial grant to 1,000 petty traders.
  • The Women in ICT Program, aimed at empowering women in the digital economy.
    According to Senator Tinubu, these interventions are designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni represented by his Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the initiative, noting that the state has aligned with RHI through various empowerment programs for women, children, and vulnerable groups. These include the distribution of household items, skill acquisition schemes, and post-insurgency recovery programs that have economically empowered many women.

  • The State Coordinator of RHI and Wife of the Yobe State Governor, Hajiya Hafsat Kollere Buni, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for extending such impactful support to Yobe State. She also looked forward to stronger collaborations to further project the ideals of RHI and improve the lives of the people.
    Also present at the event was Dr. Ubong Udoh, Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, one of the key donors to the program.
  • RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State
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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

By: Zagazola Makama

Former National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), has warned that Nigeria’s fight against insurgency will remain elusive without national cohesion and a united front across society.

Monguno stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said Boko Haram and other violent groups had thrived by exploiting Nigeria’s divisions, stressing that disunity among citizens, political actors, and institutions weakened the country’s capacity to defeat terrorism.

“Without national cohesion, insurgency will not end. Terrorists feed on our fault lines – ethnic, religious, political – and they weaponise them against us. If we remain divided, no amount of military might will deliver lasting peace,” Monguno said.

He urged Nigerians to rise above parochial sentiments and embrace a spirit of patriotism, solidarity, and common purpose. According to him, the fight against insurgency must go beyond the battlefield to include reconciliation, justice, and inclusive governance.

The retired General emphasised that the scars left by Boko Haram were not just physical but also psychological and social, making unity a vital condition for national healing.

“The book reminds us that security is not just the work of soldiers. It is the responsibility of leaders, institutions, and citizens. Unless we build cohesion, insurgency will continue to mutate in different forms,” he added.

Monguno commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experience, describing the work as a guide that combines history, strategy, and national lessons for the future.

The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, diplomats, and senior government officials.

Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

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Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

By: Zagazola Makama

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency through military operations alone, stressing the need to embrace soft power and address root causes of insecurity.

Kukah made this known in Abuja on Thursday while reviewing Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He said the country’s reliance on military doctrines and repeated counter-insurgency operations had failed to produce lasting peace because Boko Haram represented an ideology, not just an armed threat.

“For years, we have had Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Safe Haven, and many others. Yet, when one operation fails, another is launched. These operations have not ended the insurgency because you cannot fight an idea with weapons alone,” Kukah said.

The cleric argued that describing the insurgency only in military terms forecloses other sources of information and non-kinetic solutions that are critical to peacebuilding.

According to him, Boko Haram’s struggle is framed as a jihad, and many of its fighters see death as martyrdom, making them indifferent to conventional deterrence.

“The challenge before us is not merely about defeating insurgents on the battlefield, but about understanding the soft issues of life and death. Guns cannot build peace; soft power must complement military power,” he said.

Kukah pointed to chapters 11, 12 and 13 of Irabor’s book, which emphasise reconciliation, good governance, justice, and national healing as critical conditions for security.

He praised the author’s reflections for going beyond military strategy, describing them as “the writings of a priest” that call for dialogue, reforms and moral renewal.

The bishop added that Nigeria must prioritise structural reforms, political inclusion, patriotism, and judicial integrity to tackle grievances that feed extremism.

“The urgency now is to invest in soft power – in human development, reconciliation, and building trust in institutions. Military operations can only create space; it is ideas and justice that will sustain peace,” Kukah said.

The event attracted former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, senior government officials, service chiefs, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
End

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