National News
VP Shettima: We’re Undergoing Quiet But Bold Transformation Under President Tinubu
VP Shettima: We’re Undergoing Quiet But Bold Transformation Under President Tinubu
** Nigeria, Brazil rejig strategic alliance to boost trade, clean energy, agric, others at business forum
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said Nigeria is currently witnessing a silent but resolute transformation under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This is coming just as Nigeria and the Federative Republic of Brazil have tweaked their strategic alliance to advance economic development in key sectors, including agriculture, food security infrastructure, clean energy, trade and industry, among others.

Senator Shettima who spoke on Wednesday during the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum tagged, “Roots to Revenue: The Nigeria–Brazil Corridor”, on day three of the Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM), in Abuja, said the renewed strategic alliance with Brazil is grounded in intent, and rich in the potential for mutual growth.
According to him, Brazil’s journey, especially the strides in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and industrial development, speaks to ongoing transformation in Nigeria, and reflects “what is possible when technical capacity is matched with national determination.
“These are the same areas where Nigeria is making bold moves. Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria is undergoing a quiet but resolute transformation. Markets are being opened. Institutions are being rebuilt. Policies are being refocused.

“And what drives these changes is a seriousness of purpose that goes beyond reform for reform’s sake. What we seek are partners who see our direction, who respect our ambition, and who are prepared to walk the path with us,” he stated.
Underscoring the need for the strategic alliance with Brazil, VP Shettima noted that Nigeria is embarking on a journey similar to that of the South American country, particularly in agriculture, as well as the transformation through sustained investment in research, modernisation and support for farmers.
His words: “Our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones are taking form. Our farmers are ready to operate at scale. But we know the difference between going alone and going far. Brazil can stand with us in this effort, not as a donor, but as a partner in innovation, in training and in investment.
“We are equally attentive to your leadership in clean energy. Nigeria’s energy transition is rooted in what we can control. We are harnessing our gas reserves to power our industries and transportation, while also advancing our renewable energy ambitions. Brazil’s example provides guidance that is real and tested.

“We are eager to learn from your experience in building an energy economy that creates jobs, supports industries and expands access to rural communities. Our teams are ready to engage on how to move from policy to practice, from ideas to infrastructure.”
The Nigerian Vice President further disclosed that Nigeria is encouraged by Brazil’s interest in skills development and human capital, saying it aligns perfectly with one of the most pressing national goals, which is to ensure that the youthful country is prepared for future demands.
“We welcome the opportunity for institutional partnerships that promote training, research and the exchange of knowledge in sectors where Brazil has built strength, and in areas where Nigeria is gaining ground,” he added.
Earlier, the Vice President of Brazil, H.E. Geraldo Alckmin, reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria through long-term cooperation, shared innovation, and mutual economic growth.
VP Alckmin described the moment as “one of the most promising” in the history of Nigeria-Brazil diplomatic and commercial relations.
“This is a necessary complement to deepen our relationship. We want this moment to correspond to the production of sustainable partnerships for our people,” he declared.
Highlighting the potential in key sectors such as agriculture, defence, innovation, and energy, Alckmin acknowledged that despite the strong historic and cultural ties, trade volumes between both countries are still much lower than the potential.
“Our trade is growing, but it can increase tremendously. Brazil is ready to work with Nigeria to build a commercially successful South-South corridor,” he stated.
He also spoke on the Green Imperative Initiative (GPI), a $1.1 billion programme to transfer Brazilian agricultural technology to Nigeria, as a model of transformative South-South cooperation.
“Brazil does not just export products, but solutions and ideas,” Alckmin said, adding that under President Lula’s administration, Brazil has simplified its tax regime and is exploring a direct flight route to Nigeria to ease business travel and trade.
On Nigeria’s side, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, called for a reset in the bilateral trade dynamic, lamenting the current $2 billion trade volume, down from $9 billion a decade ago.
“The Nigeria-Brazil corridor is not a nostalgic idea; it is realistic and achievable. Let us walk the talk and ensure our deliberations yield results,” she urged.
Dr Oduwole outlined Nigeria’s priority sectors for investment, including agro-industrial value chains, digital trade, the creative economy, and pharmaceuticals. She also revealed efforts by the Nigerian government to streamline investor engagement through a digital portal tracking live project pipelines.
“We are serious about institutional delivery. Our agencies—NEPC, NIPC, PEBEC, NASENI—are working as one team,” she noted.
Also speaking, Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zarah Mustapha, emphasised state-level reforms as critical to unlocking sub-national investments. At the same time, NIPC’s representative, Mrs Victoria Aigbedion, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to creating a regulatory climate attractive to investors, especially in mining, infrastructure, creative industries, and logistics.
Members of the Brazilian business delegation who spoke at the forum expressed enthusiasm about Nigeria’s investment landscape and long-term investment possibilities.
VP Shettima: We’re Undergoing Quiet But Bold Transformation Under President Tinubu
National News
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
By: Bodunrin Kayode
President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.
The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.
From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.
A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.
“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.
“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.
“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.
Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.
These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001
This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.
And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.
The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.
President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre
National News
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.
This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.
The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).
The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).
Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.
Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.
He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.
“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.
“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.
Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.
He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.
NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe
National News
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
By: Michael Mike
The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.
The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.
In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.
The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.
His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.
In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.
He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.
The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship
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