National News
VP SHETTIMA TO NCP MEMBERS:’Our Decisions On Privatisation Must Resonate In The Lives Of Nigerians
VP SHETTIMA TO NCP MEMBERS:
‘Our Decisions On Privatisation Must Resonate In The Lives Of Nigerians‘
*Urges members to embed reforms in Tinubu’s 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda
By: Michael Mike
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has charged members of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) to ensure their economic decisions and reforms are reflected in the lives of Nigerians from all parts of the country.
Specifically, he urged them to defy the way things were being done in the past in order to pave way for economic growth that is in harmony with the aspirations of the citizens.
The Vice President gave the charge on Monday during the induction programme for members of the NCP and other critical stakeholders at the conference centre of the NIA headquarters, Abuja.
Last Friday, Senator Shettima had, while inaugurating the newly constituted NCP at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, told members to station themselves on the frontline of actualising the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
Speaking at the induction programme for Council members three days after, he said, “This retreat is for each of us to, once again, pledge our allegiance not only to our roles but to the aspirations of every Nigerian. Our decisions here must transcend the boardrooms; they must resonate in the lives of our fellow citizens, from Abia State, down through Lagos State, to Zamfara State. We must stand together to pave the way for a nation in tune with the dynamics of the changing world.
“I am, therefore, confident that each of you would understand the need to be more inclined to engage wholeheartedly, challenge conventions, and envision a future where the engines of economic growth roar harmoniously with the aspirations of our people. But, then, we are not there to consider an alternative path.”
Delivering his address titled, “Let’s Create a Difference Together,” the VP told the NCP members categorically that they cannot afford to write the chapter of the nation’s history unfavourably in the voyage of discovery they were embarking on, adding that a lot depended on the solutions they proffer in the pursuit of their mandate to make Nigeria “a vineyard of economic opportunities”.
VP Shettima who is also Chairman of the NCP reminded members of the Council that the task before them demands “going to every horizon of the hotbed of opportunities to initiate transformative reform and to collaborate,” even as he implored them to embed the reforms they were set to make in President Tinubu’s 8-point renewed hope agenda.
He continued: “Whatever we set out to adopt as the cardinal of our reforms must be embedded in the eight-point presidential priorities announced by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Our choices should echo as the guiding light illuminating our path ahead.
“From ensuring food security to eradicating poverty, from fostering inclusive growth to facilitating job creation, from enhancing access to capital to upholding the rule of law and combating corruption, we must realise that these are not mere aspirations but the fundamental pillars upon which our nation’s prosperity rests.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the National Council on Privatization, along with the Bureau of Public Enterprises, bears the critical responsibility of driving commercial interventions that align seamlessly with these priority areas.
“However, it’s essential for each of us to pledge to create a future where every citizen thrives. Our aim is to transform economic prosperity from a distant dream into a tangible reality.
“By the end of this retreat, my hope is that we will become more resolute about the necessity of letting our discussions resound with echoes of innovative strategies, collaborative initiatives, and uncompromising commitments to the principles enshrined in Mr. President’s visionary agenda.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, underscored the significance of the Federal Government’s privatisation programme and highlighted its impact on the management of enterprises owned by the government since the inception of the programme.
For his part, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, commended members of the newly constituted Council for their commitment to national service as demonstrated by their participation in the induction programme.
He urged them to give their best in the new task, noting that the success of the Council would largely be dependent on synergy among stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
Also present at the induction programme were Hon. Joshua Audu Gana and Hon. Aluko Ahmed Yinka, representing the National Assembly; Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; Mines and Steel Development, Alh. Shuaibu Audu, and the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mairiga.
VP SHETTIMA TO NCP MEMBERS:
‘Our Decisions On Privatisation Must Resonate In The Lives Of Nigerians
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to strengthen unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of the institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
He said the occasion, which signifies the end of a period of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion, provides an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to the values of peace, compassion and national unity.
Ochogwu urged Muslims to sustain the virtues cultivated during Ramadan—such as self-discipline, patience, charity and piety—beyond the festive period, stressing that such values are essential for building harmonious communities and strengthening the nation.
According to him, Nigerians must also rise above religious, ethnic and political differences and embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as vital ingredients for national development.
“At a time when the country is confronted with complex challenges, unity of purpose and collective responsibility are crucial to overcoming divisions and building a more secure and prosperous nation,” he said.
The institute also expressed concern over recent security incidents in parts of the country, including the tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed several lives.
Ochogwu extended condolences to families of the victims, praying for the repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to its mandate of promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution across Nigeria, noting that IPCR would continue to work with government institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict.
The IPCR boss further urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and actively support peacebuilding initiatives in their communities.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and every Nigerian has a role to play in safeguarding it,” he added.
Ochogwu also prayed that the Eid-el-Fitr celebration would usher in renewed hope, healing and unity for Nigeria while advancing peace, stability and national progress.
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
National News
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that those behind recent attacks in the country will be decisively confronted.
He noted that beyond the presidential directive to security chiefs, the Federal Government was investing more in equipment and other logistics to boost the fight against terrorism across the country.
Senator Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he visited victims of the bomb blast who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Condemning the gory multiple explosions in Maiduguri on Monday in which more than 100 people were affected by the incident, with over 20 confirmed dead, he described the perpetrators as barbaric, stressing that no cause justifies the killing of innocent people.
The Vice President said his visit was to sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragedy, assuring of government’s support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.
The Vice President was accompanied by Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur; NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar; Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Federal Government, the minister urged Muslims to uphold the core values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which define the Ramadan period. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to reflect on these virtues beyond the fasting season as part of efforts to build a more harmonious society.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, to use the festive period to pray for national peace, unity, and sustained progress, noting that collective responsibility remains key to the country’s stability.
He further encouraged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.
The declaration underscores the government’s continued commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the country, as millions of Muslims prepare to celebrate one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
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