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VP Shettima Attributes Nigeria’s New Growth Trajectory To President Tinubu’s Bold Leadership, Policies
VP Shettima Attributes Nigeria’s New Growth Trajectory To President Tinubu’s Bold Leadership, Policies
** As Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue to resume after decade-long break
By: Our Reporter
Ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold, courageous leadership and well-thought-out policies, Nigeria is now on a new growth trajectory, ready for investments across different sectors.
This is just as Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, is set to lead a delegation of top executives in the country’s public and private sectors on a state visit to Nigeria for the second session of the Brazil-Nigeria Mechanism for Strategic Dialogue, after over a decade-long break.
Speaking on Tuesday during an update meeting with relevant ministers and heads of agencies at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Shettima noted that “in President Bola Tinubu, we have a leader who has shown that dexterity, that audacity to hope for a better tomorrow.”
Senator Shettima expressed satisfaction with the firm grasp of the real issues by ministers in the key sectors targeted for deliberations during the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism slated for the later part of the year.
He called on all the key actors on the Nigerian side to make adequate preparations for the meeting, noting that there has to be some clarity, strategic coherence and a deep understanding of issues that will be tabled for discussion.
He said, “I want to urge all Ministers involved in this Nigeria-Brazil strategic dialogue to take charge of the initiative of the discussions so that we can take it to the next level, let’s walk the talk. Please, drive the process, engage with the different strategic focus groups to give you weekly updates to prepare us for the visit of the Brazilian Vice President and his delegation.
“The most important thing at this moment is for us to actualize the dreams of our nation’s development. We have the resources and institutional knowledge to make this work for our country.”
On the similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, the Vice President stressed the need to leverage the huge opportunities inherent in the partnership between both countries to actualize Nigeria’s vision across agriculture, culture and tourism, livestock production and military technology, among others.
Earlier in his speech, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the dialogue presents a renewed opportunity for Nigeria to revitalise the nation’s agricultural sector to attain the food sovereign goals of the administration.
“On behalf of the agriculture sector, it is time for us to walk the talk. It is a good day for Nigeria because agriculture will play a major role in the partnership. We have an opportunity to catch up with the rest of the world and be on our way to food sovereignty,” the Minister said.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa spoke on the cultural significance of the partnership, saying, “There is a huge population in Brazil of Nigerian descent who have a lot of interest in Nigeria.
“What we have done in the Ministry is to engage Brazil actively in working together. Already, we have an MoU, but we want to expand that beyond cultural diplomacy. Brazilians have a lot of interest in tapping into our creative industry,” she added.
The Minister hinted on plans to rebuild the Nigerian House in Brazil as well as host an annual Orisha Festival soon.
On defence cooperation, Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, stated: “All is set for signing of a defence agreement with Brazil. We are also engaging with them on defence industry development to start production centres in Nigeria.”
Also, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate, highlighted healthcare opportunities that dialogue presents to Nigeria, noting that the platform is an important relationship for Nigeria.
He said, “Brazil is able to produce almost everything they need, including pharmaceuticals and vaccines. We are keen on turning things around and with the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are unlocking the healthcare value chain. Manufacturing vaccines, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals is on the agenda, but it’s a very long journey and we are determined to walk through it.”
Also, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture (Office of the Vice President), Ms. Marion Moon, said, “Brazil’s agricultural expertise—from their successful cropland expansion to their global leadership in key commodities—offers invaluable insights for our development. The upcoming $1.1 billion Green Imperative Project exemplifies the depth of our relationship and its potential to revolutionize Nigerian agriculture through modernization and technology transfer.”
She explained that the Strategic Dialogue will be preceded by a Trade and Investment Forum coinciding with the anticipated visit of Brazil’s Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, H.E. Geraldo Alckmin.
Others who spoke at the meeting included the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and a representative of the Minister of State for the Environment, Balarabe Lawal, among many others.
VP Shettima Attributes Nigeria’s New Growth Trajectory To President Tinubu’s Bold Leadership, Policies
Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian government has condemned the attempted military takeover of government in neighbouring Benin Republic.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received with grave concern and unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in our friendly neighbour and brotherly nation, the Republic of Benin in the early hours of Sunday 7th December, 2025.
“This act of destabilization represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions.
“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.”
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled,” the statement added.
The statement further read: “Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development and regional stability. Unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.
“As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.”
Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin
ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned the attempted military takeover of government in Benin Republic
A statement on Sunday by the ECOWAS office in Abuja read: “ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military take-over in the Republic of Benin.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.
“ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.
“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsable for
any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.
“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary, including
the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.”
ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin
NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalization of a vital telecommunications tower in Yobe State.
A statement on Friday by the spokesman of NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale said the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has achieved a major breakthrough with the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in the vandalism of a vital telecommunications tower in Yobe State.
He revealed that the operation was executed following a credible intelligence report that indicated unscrupulous elements were conniving with a terrorist group to vandalize a live telecommunications tower located at Savannah, in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.
He noted that the SIS operatives swiftly responded, resulting in the arrest of the suspects at the scene. The arrested suspects, all from Yobe State, are Ibrahim Jibrin, 44, from Damaturu; Dahiru Ibrahim Isa, 38, from Babban Layi, Potiskum; and Usman Ali Isa, 27, from Dabar Mai Chafa, Potiskum.
He said ongoing investigation has revealed that Mr. Ibrahim Jibrin, who specializes in the act, was allegedly hired to decommission the mast for N800,000 and had received an initial payment of N200,000 from an accomplice identified as Alhaji Kabiru from Kano before his arrest. Exhibits recovered from the suspects include vandalized components of the tower and various tools used in the criminal operation.
Babawale said in line with the Corps’ renewed mandate to confront criminality, the SIS also made several other arrests across different locations. Acting on intelligence received on November 15, 2025, concerning criminal elements snatching motorbikes and phones in the Kuje and Tungan Maje axis, SIS operatives arrested two suspects, David Moses and Nuhu Inusa, in the Gui suburb of Abuja. Stolen phones were recovered, and the duo confessed to the crime, revealing their mode of operation and naming an accomplice who paid them with two Bajaj motorbikes (valued at N400,000 and N350,000 respectively) in exchange for stolen items.
He revealed that three additional suspects Akawe Uter, Sunny Obasi, and Ezugwu Godwin were apprehended in connection with an earlier arrest of one George Nyitamen. Their charges relate to unauthorized connection and distribution of power,tampering with electrical installations, and harassment of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) staff.
Babawale said following a distress call, Vincent Haliru Maigari, 27, was arrested for stealing plumbing materials from an apartment he was contracted to fix, which was intended to be converted into a hotel near Didi/Madiba Casa Estate. Maigari confessed to the theft, and some of his accomplices who fraudulently purchased the stolen items have also been arrested.
He noted that the Corps Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi has directed all specialized units to intensify efforts against critical infrastructure vandalism and various forms of economic sabotage.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the SIS, Commandant of Corps Samu Appollos Dandaura,l expressed strong optimism that with the sustained collaboration of the public, the Corps will discharge its mandate maximally, promising that all arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the completion of diligent investigation.
NSCDC Arrests Three for Vandalization of Telecommunications Tower in Yobe
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