Category: Local

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has said many Nigerians blame the President for the country’s challenges because they suffer from a “short memory” and often forget the state of the nation before Tinubu assumed office. Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, Onanuga argued that critics of the administration fail to consider the economic and structural problems Tinubu inherited when he took office in May 2023. According to him, Nigerians are too quick to forget the fuel shortages, foreign exchange crises, and heavy subsidy debts that plagued the nation prior to Tinubu’s emergence as President. Onanuga recalled that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) had significantly reduced fuel imports due to the federal government’s failure to settle over ₦4 trillion in unpaid subsidy claims. He noted that the fuel scarcity witnessed during the 2023 elections forced Tinubu to announce the removal of the subsidy on his first day in office, a decision aimed at reviving the oil sector and stabilising fuel supply. Defending the controversial reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, including the subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, Onanuga insisted these were necessary measures to correct systemic imbalances and ensure long-term stability. He urged Nigerians to give the President credit for tackling issues that previous governments avoided, emphasising that the administration’s actions have started yielding positive results, despite the initial hardships. Onanuga concluded by highlighting the government’s commitment to transparency and its efforts to ease the burden on citizens, pointing to the steps taken to stabilise the forex market and attract investment into the economy.Tools

Enugu State has been announced as the host of the 2025 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), a week-long event themed “Connected Culture,” slated for November 22–29, 2025. The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, presented the hosting rights to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House in Enugu, citing the state’s rich cultural heritage, recent developments, and vibrant atmosphere as reasons for the selection. Asika commended the state’s growing cultural and economic influence, noting that NAFEST would attract over 5,000 participants from across Nigeria and beyond. He added that the festival’s return to Enugu, after 17 years, would not only foster unity but also stimulate youth empowerment and capacity-building opportunities, particularly for the state’s creative sector. Governor Mbah welcomed the development, promising to deliver an exceptional NAFEST experience. He said hosting the festival aligns with his administration’s vision of transforming Enugu into a premier hub for business, leisure, and tourism, with a target of attracting three million visitors annually. He assured participants of safety and a conducive environment, given the state’s investment in security infrastructure. The 2025 NAFEST is expected to significantly boost Enugu’s economy, spotlight its cultural landmarks such as the Awhum Waterfall and Nsude Pyramid Canopy Walkway, and position the state as a key destination for arts and culture in Nigeria. Governor Mbah expressed optimism that the event would be a memorable one, leveraging Enugu’s aesthetic appeal and ongoing infrastructural advancements.

The suspected billionaire ritualist Ezeani, who was arrested while trying to escape Nigeria, has narrated his side of the story, saying some people in his community didn’t want him to be next-of-king, calling his arrest political

Tragedy struck Niger State as a devastating flood swept through Mokwa Local Government Area, resulting in the death of at least 21 people, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed. The disaster occurred during a heavy downpour on Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction across affected communities, according to NSEMA Director General Ibrahim Hussaini, who briefed journalists in Minna on Thursday. Hussaini reported that three individuals—a woman and her two children—were rescued alive and are currently receiving treatment for injuries and shock at Mokwa General Hospital. However, over 10 others remain missing as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-affected areas. The worst-hit communities include Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa in Mokwa town, where more than 50 residential houses were completely submerged and swept away. The emergency agency is working closely with the Mokwa Local Government Council, local divers, and volunteers to recover the missing persons and provide assistance to displaced families. NSEMA assured residents of intensified rescue efforts and the provision of emergency relief to those affected by the flood. This tragic event has once again highlighted the region’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, underscoring the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies in Niger State. Authorities continue to appeal for public cooperation as the search operations persist.

As he marks two years in office, suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to prioritising the interests of the state over personal or political considerations. In a statement released to the press, Fubara reflected on the challenges faced by his administration, particularly the ongoing political crisis, but maintained that his dedication to the collective welfare of Rivers people remains steadfast. Despite the turbulence, Governor Fubara highlighted key achievements in critical sectors, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and human capital development. He expressed deep gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their trust, support, and sacrifices, emphasising that their resilience has been instrumental in driving the progress recorded so far. Fubara underscored the importance of peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness as essential pillars for rebuilding unity and accelerating development in Rivers State. He called on all stakeholders to rise above political divisions, embrace dialogue, and work together to foster a peaceful and prosperous future for the state. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transformational projects and services, Fubara appealed for an end to the lingering political disputes, urging all parties to focus on advancing the state’s growth and leaving a legacy for future generations. He stressed the need for collective action, stating, “Let us unite and build a Rivers State that generations to come will be proud of.”

The Federal Government has announced a transformative initiative to boost digital access and improve infrastructure in Nigerian universities. Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, revealed that no fewer than 12 federal universities will be connected to high-fibre digital infrastructure by the end of 2024, with free Wi-Fi services to be deployed across campuses. Speaking at the commissioning of the facility at the University of Abuja, Dr. Tijani urged students to harness this connectivity to build skills for the global tech ecosystem, citing young Nigerians who have developed billion-dollar online payment firms as examples to emulate. The project, a collaboration between the government, Galaxy Backbone Nigeria Ltd, Huawei Technologies Nigeria, and other tech firms, aims to serve as a digital equaliser for students across various economic backgrounds. The initiative will roll out in phases, with the University of Abuja leading as the first of seven institutions in the pilot scheme. Dr. Tijani emphasised that this access is critical to enabling students to create opportunities and solve real-world challenges, rather than relying solely on traditional employment. In addition to digital access, universities are also set to benefit from improved electricity supply. Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, confirmed that select universities, including the University of Abuja, will begin enjoying 24-hour electricity through the presidential renewable mini-grid project. He assured that all designated “special institutions” would receive similar support before the end of 2026, emphasising that reliable power is key to fostering innovation, research, and learning across campuses. University of Abuja’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Patricia Lar, described the projects as game-changing for the institution. She expressed gratitude for the deployment of high-speed fibre and solar power backup on campus, noting that the initiative would enable students of all backgrounds to access the internet, fuel creativity, and advance their learning. The inauguration was attended by key stakeholders, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NigComSat, and Huawei Technologies Nigeria.

Nigerians have reacted fiercely to President Bola Tinubu’s midterm self-assessment, with critics from opposition parties, civil society groups, and ethnic organisations dismissing his speech as empty rhetoric that fails to address the nation’s worsening economic and security crises. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo described Tinubu’s two-year scorecard as “heavily tainted by the incompetence and corruption of his appointees,” blaming what it termed the “Yorubanisation” of his administration for undermining national unity. While commending a few ministers like Dave Umahi and Nyesom Wike, Ohanaeze warned that the government’s failures could lead to political consequences in 2027. In a similar vein, John Chuma Nwosu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Anambra governorship election, criticised Tinubu’s anniversary speech as a vacuous performance, arguing that Nigerians are “worse off than they were two years ago.” He described Tinubu’s policies as “knee-jerk reactions” that have worsened the cost-of-living crisis, pointing to soaring fuel prices, a devalued naira, and widespread poverty. Nwosu urged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable through protest votes, warning against normalising extreme suffering. Civil society groups like the #EndBadGovernance Movement, JAF, and Youth Arise Movement also condemned the administration’s performance, accusing the government of reckless borrowing, suppressing dissent, and ignoring the worsening insecurity across the country. They criticised Tinubu’s economic policies as an IMF-imposed agenda rejected by Nigerians, and called for nationwide protests on June 12 to demand accountability and an end to anti-people policies. They also demanded the release of detained protesters and transparency on recovered public funds. In response, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defended Tinubu’s policies, blaming past administrations for Nigeria’s current challenges and asking Nigerians to be patient. APC’s spokesperson, Felix Morka, likened the economic hardship to a child learning to walk, insisting that Tinubu’s reforms are necessary for long-term progress. However, critics warned that unless Tinubu changes course and reshuffles his cabinet, the administration risks losing public trust and could face a major political backlash in 2027.

Two years ago, you entrusted me with the sacred responsibility to lead our nation at a time of historic challenges. Together, we faced those headwinds with courage and determination. The economic and general situation I inherited required that we redirect the country’s affairs with a bold and new vision. I immediately implemented two necessary policies—to stop our country from drifting into the precipice. We removed decades-long fuel subsidies and dismantled the corruption-ridden multiple exchange rate windows. These were no longer sustainable and had become a chokehold on our nation’s neck, strangling our future. Let me be clear: the only alternative to the reforms we initiated was a fiscal crisis—runaway inflation, external debt default, crippling fuel shortages, a plunging Naira, and an economy in free-fall. Despite the bump in the cost of living, we have made undeniable progress. Inflation has begun to ease. Rice prices and other staples are declining. Our oil and gas sector is recovering—rig counts are up by over 400%, and over $8 billion in new investments have been committed. We have stabilised our economy. We’re better positioned for growth and prepared to withstand global shocks. Gross proceeds per barrel are aligned with forecasts. Fiscal deficit narrowed from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024. We recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 of this year. We have discontinued Ways & Means financing. The NNPC, no longer burdened by unsustainable fuel subsidies, is now a net contributor to the Federation Account. We are achieving fuel supply security through local refining. Our debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. We paid off IMF obligations. Our net external reserves grew from $4 billion in 2023 to over $23 billion by the end of 2024. Under our bold tax reform agenda, our tax-to-GDP ratio rose from 10% to over 13.5% in just one year. Food, education, and healthcare now attract 0% VAT. Rent, public transport, and renewables are fully exempted. We’re eliminating multiple taxation and protecting disposable incomes—especially for low-income households and small businesses. This is not just about revenue. It is about inclusive economic growth. This is about economic justice. This is the movement we promised—a government of action powered by the energy and innovation of young Nigerians. From Innovate Naija and NASENI’s digital reboot, to electric vehicle assembly and drone engineering, we are restoring dignity to work and opening a future of possibilities. I told security chiefs: up your game and collaborate to end this plague of evil men. Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear. We shall remain vigilant. We are preparing to welcome the world to Nigeria for the Motherland Festival—a landmark gathering that will spotlight our rich heritage, vibrant creative industries, and the beauty of our people. It will showcase Nigeria’s promise—inviting the world to rediscover our nation. Our journey is not over, but our direction is clear. So is our resolve. By the Grace of God, the worst is behind us. The real impact of our governance is beginning to take hold. The future is bright—and together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria. Bet on Nigeria.