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We Are Building Viable, Globally Competitive Economy, Says President Tinubu

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We Are Building Viable, Globally Competitive Economy, Says President Tinubu

** Lauds First Bank’s legacy of innovation, adaptability at groundbreaking for new headquarters

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration is working assiduously to create a system that is sustainable and globally competitive for Nigerian banks and other financial institutions to thrive.

He noted that government policies under his administration are motivated by the reality that the nation no longer has the luxury of time to postpone its economic transformation.

President Tinubu, who spoke on Wednesday when he performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new state-of-the-art headquarters of First Bank of Nigeria at Eko Atlantic City in Lagos State, observed that banks can only prosper under a thriving economy.

Represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President however pointed out that what his “administration does and sets out to accomplish rests on the cooperation and capacity of” the financial institutions.

“Banks are the engines of economic growth, and we owe it to them to champion a system that guarantees sustainability and global competitiveness. Our expectation is for our banks to excel, to expand beyond our shores, and to earn their place among the world’s most viable and profitable enterprises,” he stated.

President Tinubu maintained that his administration is working to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish despite assuming office at a time that required difficult but necessary decisions to stabilise the nation’s economy.

He said, “We assumed office at a time that demanded bold, progressive thinking—a time that called for difficult but necessary decisions to stabilise our fiscal and monetary landscape. Our policies are inspired by the reality that we can no longer afford to postpone our economic transformation.

“This administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish, and I assure you that you have a partner in this government. We are here to climb the hills of progress with you.”

The President commended First Bank for standing the test of time, saying the secret of the bank’s steadfastness, legacy of innovation and adaptability lies in the art of reinvention.

“From the Bank of British West Africa to Standard Bank of West Africa and, finally, to this 130-year-old success story, First Bank has remained a towering institution, outliving disruptions and redefining banking through the decades.

“In an industry where the fate of many banks is sealed in the dusty pages of history, surviving—let alone thriving—demands more than just calculated risks; it takes ambition, and the brilliance of refined minds. I join you here today to celebrate a legacy of innovation and adaptability that has kept First Bank ahead of the curve,” he added.

President Tinubu congratulated the board and management of First Bank for investing in a new head office, noting that it is a reassurance to the bank’s “customers, shareholders, and the government that Nigeria’s oldest financial institution is not resting on its laurels.”

He continued: “I understand all too well that history demands the best of us. The ability to manage risk is what distinguishes great banks from transient institutions.

“This groundbreaking ceremony is not just about laying the foundation for a new edifice; it testifies to First Bank’s commitment to reinvention—to adapting to the realities of our time while staying true to its heritage.

“The decision to establish this state-of-the-art headquarters in Eko Atlantic City is symbolic of a vision that extends beyond the present, positioning First Bank as a financial powerhouse in Nigeria and beyond.”

In his remarks, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, thanked Vice President Shettima for the work he is doing for the country in support of the President.

The Governor poured encomiums on President Bola Tinubu, recalling that he was in his cabinet when the idea to create Eko Atlantic City was birthed, many of the cabinet members expressing doubt about the possibility to create a dry ground out of the bar beach.

“We want to set Lagos on a trajectory of becoming the centrepiece of finance and commerce not only in Nigeria but Africa and beyond. It will be Africa’s mega city that is safe and secure to take the mantle of leadership in the financial sector.”

Sanwo-Olu thanked the Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Holdings, Femi Otedola, noting that while he is economical with his words, each statement he makes carries significant weight.

Also speaking, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said it was an honour to witness what could be aptly described as an iconic building and a significant milestone for the First Bank.

He noted that the building further redefines First Bank and its resilience in the banking industry, saying “this is bold, audacious, what tenacity is all about and First Bank has always blazed the trail.”

According to him, First Bank has since 1894 evolved into a bank with well over seven hundred branches in Nigeria and worldwide.

On his part, Chairman of First Bank Holdings, Chief Otedola, expressed gratitude and excitement over the groundbreaking ceremony, just as he eulogized President Tinubu “for his unalloyed support for this great project.”

Otedola also praised Vice President Shettima for being at the forefront of encouraging development in the country, even as he thanked the Lagos State Governor for his unwavering support and creating a conducive atmosphere for doing business in the state.

He also expressed gratitude to customers of First Bank, the regulators, especially the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria for stabilising the activities of the services industry in the country, among others.

Welcoming the dignitaries and other guests to the ground breaking event, Managing Director and CEO of First Bank Plc, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, said since its establishment in 1894, First Bank had been at the forefront of Nigerian banking evolution, stressing that the journey of the bank has been defined by accountability, transparency and unwavering commitment to customers.

“It is a legacy that stood the test of time – over 13 decades, engulfing the financial landscape of our great nation and continuously shaping the business of banking in Nigeria and beyond,” he stated.

In his goodwill message, the chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, commended the Chairman of First Bank Group and his Board members “for building the massive structure,” describing it as always being first while others follow.

He said he is being challenged to join First Bank in Eko Atlantic City, noting, however, that after delivering the refinery, he needed to rest but will join Eko Atlantic City in the near future.

We Are Building Viable, Globally Competitive Economy, Says President Tinubu

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Unidentified visitor dies suddenly at Niger Government House Lodge

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Unidentified visitor dies suddenly at Niger Government House Lodge

By: Zagazola Makama

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the sudden death of an unidentified man who collapsed and died at Government House Lodge, Minna. Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred on Friday, Aug. 2, 2025.

Sources said that the deceased had visited House No. 8, Government House Lodge, in an attempt to see Mr. Sammy, Chairman of Niger Foods. However, upon meeting his host’s absence, the man suddenly took ill.

Medical doctors were reportedly contacted from the IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna, for urgent attention. Unfortunately, by the time the doctor arrived, the man had already passed away.

Following the report, a team of police operatives from GRA Division visited the scene. The body was photographed and evacuated to the IBB Specialist Hospital Mortuary for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Unidentified visitor dies suddenly at Niger Government House Lodge

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Bauchi Guber: Sen Buba accepts calls by Bauchi North APC members to contest in 2027

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Bauchi Guber: Sen Buba accepts calls by Bauchi North APC members to contest in 2027

By Amina Ahmed Dankawuwa

The Senator representing Bauchi South at the national assembly, Senator Shehu Buba Umar has accepted the calls by the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bauchi North Senatorial District to contest for Governorship come 2027.

The Director General of the campaign for the actualisation of Sen Buba’s Gubernatorial ambition, Alhaji Muhammad Sade (Usman) accepted the calls on behalf of the Senator during a town hall meeting held on Saturday by the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bauchi North Senatorial in Azare.

He appealed to members of APC to maintain peace with all other aspirants within the party.

“Let’s respect other aspirants, such that anybody who win the primary election can have will be assisted by others, so we must value and respect each other”, he reasoned.

Muhammad Sade also called on party members to commence looking for delegates for ahead of the party primaries.

“It is now that we have to look for those that have votes. I call on our esteemed supporters to start mobilizing for delegate”, he emphasized.

He also advised social media handlers (citizens journalist) to avoid creating problems for personal gain, adding that social media some times create a lot of problem within and out side the party endorsed Senator representing Bauchi South, Senator Shehu Buba Umar for Bauchi Governor come 2027.

Baushe Daily Times reports that members of the APC gathered in thousands during the meeting in Azare during which they unanimously agreed to support Senator Shehu Buba for Governor come 2027.

Earlier in a welcoming address, former majority leader in the Bauchi state house of assembly, Hon Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, the choice to support Sen Shehu buba Umar’s Governorship ambition was due to his concern and care he has for the people of Bauchi state.

“He respects us, he values our people politically and he also call on party members to respect each other because politics shouldn’t be considered as a do or die affair”, he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Bashir Bukar Rimin Zayam charged the youth to cast their votes for the youth only and avoid voting older politicians who will always be going abroad for medical attention.

He therefore, appealed to members of APC to mobilised people to support Sen Shehu Buba for Governor.

Among those who attended the town hall meeting include state assembly member Azare/Madangala Hon Zakariyya sale maigero, comr sabo Mohammed S A to Sen Shehu Buba on media and communication, Hon kasuwa Shehu Damana, Hon Adamu Fanta Misau, Hon maiwada Misau,Hon Mohammed Hassan, Barr Muktar Umar, Alhaji Nura Adamu among others.

Bauchi Guber: Sen Buba accepts calls by Bauchi North APC members to contest in 2027

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NHRC: Closure of Badeggi Radio, A Suppression of Press Freedom, Affront to Democracy

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NHRC: Closure of Badeggi Radio, A Suppression of Press Freedom, Affront to Democracy

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned in strong terms the closure of Badeggi Radio in Niger State by the State Governor Mohammed Bago, discribing it as not only a suppression of press freedom but an affront to democracy.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr Tony Ojukwu, condemned the action while reacting to the ugly incident. He said the governor’s decision to shut down the radio station without following due process is disappointing and a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Ojukwu noted that the consequences of suppressing press freedom are far-reaching and can lead to increased government opacity, reduced citizen participation, creat obstacles to accountability, and weakening of democratic institutions.

He said: “The arbitrary shutdown of media outlets undermines the checks and balances essential to a functioning democracy.”

He called on Governor Bago to immediately unseal the Radio Station and allow it to resume full operations, asking him to channel issues concerning any alleged unconstitutional operations of the Radio Station to the appropriate authority and not act with impunity.

He said: “This is both a moral imperative and a democratic requirement.”

Ojukwu who is also the president of the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa ( NNHRI-WA) urged the governments to protect journalists and media freedom, foster a culture of tolerance, and support independent media. “Journalists must be able to operate without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence,” He emphasized.

He lamented that the media has severally come under attack in various forms, a situation he termed as unacceptable in a civilized society.

He called on the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to be firm in carrying out its Statutory mandate which must not be abused at any slight opportunity.

He used the opportunity to ask media practitioners to be professional at all times in order to prevent needless censorship by political office holders.

He also called on Nigerian Guild of Editors to provide professional guidance at regular intervals as this will curb the use of hate speech, fake news and other unprofessional conducts capable of adversely affecting the media houses.

He insisted that the Commission remains committed to promoting and protecting human rights in Nigeria and would continue to monitor the situation closely.

NHRC: Closure of Badeggi Radio, A Suppression of Press Freedom, Affront to Democracy

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