President Tinubu Condoles with Aso Rock Chief Imam Sheikh Abdulwahid Sulaiman on the Passing of his Mother
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offers his heartfelt condolences to Sheikh Abdulwahid Sulaiman, Chief Imam of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, on the passing of his mother, Hajiya Fatima Abubakar Sulaiman.
Hajiya Fatima departed at 101 in Kaduna on Monday and left a remarkable legacy of faith, family devotion, and unwavering commitment to community service. Her profound impact resonates in the life and work of her son, the Chief Imam.
President Tinubu prays for Allah’s boundless mercy upon Hajiya Fatima’s soul and for strength and solace for Sheikh Sulaiman and his family during this mourning period.
The President encourages the family to find comfort in the knowledge that Hajiya Fatima’s blessed life and legacy of righteousness and service will continue to inspire future generations.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
February 25, 2025
President Tinubu Congratulates Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on his 50th Birthday
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on his 50th birthday.
President Tinubu acknowledges Governor Nwifuru’s impressive journey in public service, highlighting his rise from serving as the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for eight years, beginning in 2015, to his election as governor in 2023.
The President commends the former National Vice-Chairman of the South East Conference of State Legislatures and Chief Whip for his dedication to the development of Ebonyi State and his unwavering commitment to public service.
President Tinubu offers his warmest wishes for Governor Nwifuru’s continued well-being and happiness and many more years of impactful leadership and success.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
February 26, 2025
President Tinubu Congratulates Governor Aiyedatiwa on Fresh Term in Office
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on his fresh term in office.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, was sworn in today in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.
President Tinubu urged him to use his overwhelming mandate to serve the good people of the state and build on the legacy of his illustrious predecessor, the Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, by expanding economic opportunities, reducing poverty, improving security, and providing critical infrastructure.
“I congratulate you for your successful inauguration today for a new term of office after an outstanding run in the last governorship election in Ondo State.
“You have a rare privilege to succeed your illustrious predecessor, who worked for the growth and development of the state and advanced the progress of Nigeria as a whole. Having been sworn in today for a fresh term in office, I urge you to work in the best interest of the people of the state and our country as a whole. I will be your partner in progress to usher in a new era of prosperity to the people of Ondo State,” President Tinubu said.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
February 24, 2025
At Police Strategic Conference: President Tinubu Insists On Inter-agency Synergy To Contain Insecurity
*Says only a stable internal security can foster Nigeria’s economic growth*
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again called for synergy and cooperation among security agencies to deal a final blow to what is left of terror attacks, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.
To this effect, he restated his administration’s resolve to improve the institutional capacity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and position the force to actualise its inherent mandate as the frontline agency in internal security.
President Tinubu gave the charge on Monday in Abeokuta when he officially declared open the fifth annual Strategic Security Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers held in the Ogun State capital.
The President who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, implored the conferees to hinge a significant portion of their discussions on strategies for multi-agency collaboration.
“During my visit to the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja, I stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling security challenges.
“Synergy among all security agencies is vital to eliminating banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality. Please dedicate a significant portion of your deliberations to advancing strategies for multi-agency collaboration,” he stated.
The timing of the retreat, according to the Nigerian leader, is crucial in advancing his administration’s goals, just as the theme of the conference, “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing,” aligns seamlessly with the core objectives of the administration.
He however observed that while one of the administration’s objectives is to take advantage of the nation’s human and natural resources to foster economic growth, the vision cannot be attained until the county’s internal security becomes stable.
“We are committed to fostering economic growth by leveraging the vast potential of our human and natural resources. However, this vision is unattainable without a stable internal security landscape and strong stakeholder collaboration,” the President noted.
President Tinubu pointed out that since it came on board in 2023, his administration had “embarked on bold and decisive reforms to address the deep-rooted challenges stemming from years of mismanagement and neglect”.
He listed the impact of some of the reforms in various sectors including internal security, food security, unemployment, inflation, and infrastructure, acknowledging that they may have been quite challenging at the onset.
Noting that the reforms are vital to realigning Nigeria with the vision of its founding fathers, the President said, “We have introduced reforms to restore investor confidence, stabilise the macroeconomic environment, and reduce inflation.
“We are also taking firm measures to instil fiscal discipline, stabilise the foreign exchange market, and eliminate financial leakages by removing fuel and electricity subsidies. These efforts free up critical budgetary resources, enabling us to address long-standing infrastructure deficits.
“We are investing in roads, railways, and energy projects through public-private partnerships, which will lower transportation costs, expand market access, boost productivity, and create much-needed jobs.”
Mindful of the fundamentals of creating an environment where businesses and investments flourish, President Tinubu said his administration has opted for strengthening the nation’s security agencies and their operational capabilities as a priority by equipping them enough “to confront emerging threats and effectively combat crime.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to enhance “the institutional capacity of the Nigeria Police Force, ensuring it is more effective and well-positioned to fulfil its constitutional mandate as the lead agency in internal security.”
He outlined efforts by the government to achieve this, including recruiting and retaining a competent workforce while fostering a positive and supportive work environment, bridging existing security infrastructure and equipment gaps “through a comprehensive and sustainable programme that includes renovating police barracks, improving mobility, and upgrading essential combat and protective gear.
“Implementing the new minimum wage is among the many steps we have taken to enhance the welfare of Nigerian workers, including police personnel. We will continue collaborating with the police leadership to provide financial incentives to motivate officers and all security personnel to perform at their highest levels.
“While no remuneration can truly compensate for the sacrifices made by our security forces, we remain committed to supporting them in their crucial role of keeping Nigeria safe and united,” he added.
Acknowledging that security is a shared responsibility, President Tinubu charged communities and the citizens to “actively collaborate with the police to foster a safer society.
“No matter how well-funded, well-equipped, or well-trained a police force is, it can not succeed without the cooperation of the people it serves. Public engagement and trust are central to the success of inclusive policing,” he maintained.
Earlier, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State applauded President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their visionary leadership, saying their unwavering commitment to peace and national prosperity has continued to serve as an inspiration to him and his colleagues.
He observed that security underscores the ideal society where citizens feel saved, valued and protected, stressing that security and development are intertwined.
He highlighted the contributions of Ogun State to efficient policing including securing more police vehicles, and motorcycles and collaborating with the French government to Secure high-tech drones, among others.
In his welcome remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, described the annual Police conference as “a critical platform for assessing the administrative and operational strategies of the Nigeria Police Force, extensive insight and realigning policy objectives with evolving global security landscape.”
He stated that in the past two years, the conference has offered valuable insight that has served contemporary policing in Nigeria, promoting innovation, collaboration and best practices.
He said the theme of the conference naturally flowed from the last conference, focusing on the broader issues of enhanced security mechanism, and international development with emphasis on internal policing.
Also speaking, the Inspector General of Police of Kenya, Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho, said Kenya and Nigeria have enjoyed a cordial and mutual relationship for many years while seeking good benefits for their citizens.
He noted that, as African Union Police Chief, he had informed the AU heads of state and government during their meeting in July 2023 in Nairobi of the need for joint exercise and security training, particularly in surveillance of the respective borders in the wake of terrorism and trans-border crimes.
He called for collaboration to improve the needs and welfare of the citizens.
In the same vein, the Inspector General of Police of Rwanda, CG Felix Namuhoranye, described the theme of the conference as “very significant, timely and relevant, as we resonate with the security concerns not only in Nigeria but in Africa in general.”
He said development and peace can only take place in a secure environment, noting that inclusiveness is a moral obligation that is necessary in the police force just as it is paramount in government policy.
*Stanley Nkwocha*
*Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications*
*(Office of The Vice President)*
*24th February, 2025*
President Tinubu Receives NIPSS Report on Digital Economy, Reaffirms Committment to Youth Empowerment, Job Creation
President Bola Tinubu said on Monday in Abuja that the federal government will continue to prioritise the development of the digital economy to enhance youth empowerment and job creation.
The President made the pledge while receiving a report titled “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities,” presented by participants of the Senior Executive Course 46 National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
In their eight-point recommendation, the course participants urged the Federal government to expedite the enactment of the Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2024 and encourage states to waive the Right of Way fees on deployment of telecoms infrastructure.
The 96 participants also recommended that the President issue an Executive Order mandating all MDAs to migrate to the OneGov.ng portal.
They advocated adopting a Quintuple-Helix Model to promote the digital economy, youth empowerment, and sustainable job creation.
Other recommendations were promoting long-term funding for the 3MTT scheme, accelerating the transition from IPv4 to IPv6, establishing Digital Health Innovation Hubs across Nigeria, and developing a preventive maintenance application for the nation’s automotive industry.
Responding, President Tinubu directed the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy to coordinate with the group and present their recommendations to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of the Civil Service for streamlined implementation.
Emphasising the importance of youth empowerment through innovation and digital skills development, President Tinubu said:
“At the core of our administration is youth empowerment. We cannot relent on that, and we need everyone’s collaboration.
“I have listened carefully to your recommendations and the thorough work you did. We will continue to engage the Institute as a resource centre and Think Tank.
“As Nigeria’s foremost policy Think-Tank, you have highlighted the overlap of some government agencies, and we’ll look at that.
“You are an asset to our country, and I thank the participants for their dedication to their studies. We will continue to collaborate with you for the prosperity of our country.”
Highlighting the importance of data in national planning, President Tinubu told the meeting he had earlier met with officials from the National Population Commission (NPC) to discuss the upcoming census.
Prof. Ayo Omotayo, the Director-General of NIPSS, said during the year-long engagement, course participants undertook study tours across Nigeria and abroad, exploring the theme of their study.
“We recognise that in an era where technology drives innovation, Nigeria must aggressively leverage its youthful population to build a thriving ecosystem. The opportunities are boundless, from Fintech to Agri-Tech, E-Commerce to Artificial Intelligence.
“However, systemic challenges such as infrastructural deficits, inadequate digital skills, and regulatory bottlenecks must be addressed.
“Our findings highlight the urgent need for targeted policies that foster an enabling environment for startups, enhance access to finance, and expand broadband penetration.
“We believe that with your administration’s continued support, Nigeria will fully unlock the potential of the digital economy and create millions of sustainable jobs for our teeming youth,” he said.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced that the Digital Economy Bill, currently before the National Assembly, will undergo public hearings in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before its passage in the second quarter of 2025.
According to him, this is the first time legislation will be subjected to such an extensive review.
Regarding Right of Way fees, the Minister disclosed that 11 states have responded to the federal government’s request to waive the charges, a move aimed at facilitating broadband infrastructure expansion.
He expressed optimism that all states in the Federation would comply with this initiative before the end of the second year of the Tinubu administration.
On Nigeria’s progress in internet protocol transition, Tijani stated that the country is on track to become one of the first in Africa to migrate fully from IPv4 to IPv6.
He added that in 2024, the federal government approved a $2 billion investment into 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables to ensure nationwide broadband coverage.
This project will have the third-longest fibre network in Africa, following South Africa and Egypt.
According to the Minister, the project has made significant progress, with support from the Ministry of Finance and a $500 million commitment secured by the World Bank.
In his intervention, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, noted that the ICT sector contributed 16% to Nigeria’s GDP in 2024.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to prioritising the sector as crucial for economic stability and job creation.
He also recalled President Tinubu’s recent meeting with the Chief Executive of Flutterwave, during which the company pledged to support Nigerian youth and SMEs through technology-driven solutions with long-term economic impact.
“Flutterwave is considering listing on Nigeria’s Stock Exchange, and we expect this to strengthen the tech and payments ecosystem further,” he said.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
February 24, 2025
Nigeria Moves Closer to Fresh Census, President Tinubu to Set Up Committee
Nigeria took a step closer on Monday to conducting a new national population and housing census with biometric and digital components. The nation last held a census in November 2006.
President Bola Tinubu, at a meeting at the Statehouse with officials of the National Population Commission (NPC), said he would set up a committee to align the census budget to the government’s present financial realities.
He said the National Identity Management Commission(NIMC) must be part of the review.
“We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data. Without an accurate census, we can’t successfully plan for employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty. So many problems come up without accurate data”, President Tinubu said.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring accurate and reliable figures from the national census to strengthen development planning and improve Nigerians’ living conditions through more efficient social security.
The National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, and some other members briefed the President.
President Tinubu noted that government incentives, such as the sale and distribution of fertilisers, could be easily improved with more reliable data and demographics.
The President told the delegation that biometric capturing should be central to the process, with multiple identification features, including facial and voice recognition.
“We should work on our financial muscle well in place to lift our burden before we go and meet development partners for the census. We should work out the figures before discussing the role of development partners.
“This stop-and-go activity on the census cannot work with me. So we better have a definite path. I will set up a committee for you to look at the issues critically and do a source and application of resources. Where can we get help, and what can we lift before we embark on proclamation?
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the census data would be central to future planning and resource distribution.
“At a retreat for the ministers in 2023, Mr President, you reiterated your commitment to the census, so there is no doubt about your desire and commitment to have the census. In fact, at the last Federal Executive Council meeting, you asked me what the problem was, and I told you it was simply an issue of lack of ability to fund the census.
“Even today, before this meeting, I called the NPC Chairman and restated your commitment to the census. However, the commission and all of us in the team need to agree on the minimum amount we can source to support Mr President in making the final decision.
“The NPC indicated that 40 per cent of the funding for the 2006 census came from development partners,” Bagudu stated.
Bagudu noted that the enumeration done by NPC so far has been helpful.
“Mr President, we have been having ecosystem meetings to link the identity agencies, even the geo-spatial chaired by the ministry, because of our mandate as the supervising ministry of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). So the NPC, NBS, NIMC, Ministry Of Digital Economy, passport, social register, voters register, and even telecoms data have been meeting with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to see how much is available to the government regarding data and how much optimisation can take place.”
In his presentation, NPC chairman Kwarra said the last census took place in 2006, and 19 years later, the figures were no longer relevant in planning, particularly for key sectors that directly impact the population.
He said 760,000 tablets had been acquired and stored with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), assuring the commission would engage with development partners to seek support whenever President Tinubu proclaimed the new census.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
February 24, 2025
President Tinubu Congratulates Daniel Bwala on 50th Birthday
President Bola Tinubu heartily felicitates Dr Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication, on his 50th birthday.
President Tinubu lauds Bwala’s articulation of government policies to ensure the public understands the administration’s agenda.
The President also commends him for leveraging his expertise as a lawyer, political analyst, and public affairs commentator in performing his duties. With clarity and insight, he ensures robust public engagement and understanding of government initiatives.
“On this milestone birthday, I join family, friends, and colleagues in celebrating Daniel, whose insights on government policies and programmes continue strengthening the administration’s outreach efforts.
“May the years ahead bring him continued fulfilment and greater opportunities to advance our collective vision for a thriving Nigeria,” the President states.
Bwala, who is 50 today, is a member of the Nigerian and English Bar.
President Tinubu wishes him continued success and more years of impactful service to the nation.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
February 24, 2025
President TinubuPledges Support for Fintech Companies as Flutterwave Seeks Listing on the Nigerian Exchange
President Tinubu said his administration will support businesses in the financial technology sector that provide payment infrastructure services for Nigerians and Africans.
He said this when he received the leadership of Flutterwave and Alami Capital in Abuja on Saturday afternoon.
Flutterwave, a leading Fintech company founded by young Nigerians and headquartered in Lagos, operates in the U.S., Canada, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, and 29 other African countries.
Olugbenga Agboola, the CEO; Adeleke Adekoya, a co-founder; Oluwabankole Falade and Mitesh Popat, represented Flutterwave at the meeting. Ms Oluseun Olufemi-White represented Alami Capital as its CEO.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr Wale Edun led the delegation to meet President Tinubu. Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director General/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), also attended.
President Tinubu said Nigeria is genuinely open to business, and as President, he is determined to remove all obstacles to allow companies to thrive.
He commended Flutterwave’s commitment to building capacity in the digital economy sector, especially as it is being made possible by energetic, young Nigerians. He said he is honoured to be the President of a country with such a youthful and resourceful population.
He said the leadership Flutterwave provides in the digital world is what Nigeria needs today to grow its economy and make life easier for most of its population.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said Flutterwave has made significant progress since its establishment 10 years ago. It has created jobs and helped diversify the economy by providing innovative digital platforms and payment services in Nigeria and across Africa.
The CEO of Flutterwave, Agboola, said the company has made it easy for Nigerians to pay for some global services with Naira and provided payment platforms for Nigerians in the diaspora who are willing to send money to families and relatives in the country.
He said Flutterwave, valued at over $3 billion, is a Nigerian export and brand employing over 1,000 Nigerians.
He said the company seeks to be listed on the Nigerian Exchange and solicited the President’s support.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, said that as Africa’s biggest economy, Nigeria must demonstrate its economic prowess by strategically positioning products and services by Nigerian companies, such as Flutterwave, in the homes of all Africans.
He said Flutterwave spends millions of dollars monthly on hosting services, but that money goes to other countries.
He suggested supporting Galaxy Backbone’s hosting services to enable it to handle companies like Flutterwave.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
February 22, 2025
President Tinubu Mourns Broadcast Icon Professor Tom Adaba
President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to Professor Tom Adaba’s family, the government, and the people of Kogi State over the passing of the first Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Professor Adaba, an icon of the broadcast industry, passed away today. He was 83.
He contributed immensely to journalism practice in Nigeria, particularly in the broadcast industry.
From teaching and mentoring to administration and consultancy, Professor Adaba was a towering figure and an inspiration to many within Nigeria’s broadcasting circles and beyond.
President Tinubu recognises Adaba’s remarkable achievements as the first principal of the NTA Television College in Jos, an institution renowned for training professionals in the television industry in Nigeria and neighbouring African countries.
The President pays tribute to Adaba’s lifelong commitment to media development, mentorship, community service, and philanthropy.
He affirms that the annals of Nigeria’s broadcast industry deregulation, communication scholarship, and the growth of media scholarship will be incomplete without a generous reference to Professor Adaba’s contributions.
President Tinubu prays for the repose of Professor Adaba’s soul and asks God Almighty to comfort his family, friends, and all who mourn this irreparable loss.
”May his legacies live on in the many professionals he trained, the scholarly books he authored and the integrity he brought to the public offices he held,” the President says.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
February 22, 2025
President Tinubu Pays Tribute to Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, Alaperu of Iperu-Remo
President Bola Tinubu conveys his deepest condolences to the people of Remoland and the Ogun State government on the passing of Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu Basibo, the esteemed Alaperu of Iperu.
Throughout his 22-year reign, Oba Idowu Basibo embodied the virtues of peace, tolerance, and prosperity, bringing dignity and grace to the throne of Akesan-Odoru.
President Tinubu recognises the monarch as a nurturing father figure to many, including Governor Dapo Abiodun, a distinguished citizen of his domain.
President Tinubu commends the late Oba as a beloved community leader who diligently championed governance that served the people’s needs.
The President recalls Oba Idowu Basibo’s enduring legacy of respect and wisdom, noting his impact on individuals and his age group, Egbe Bobakeye. His candid and invaluable advice to leaders will be fondly remembered and cherished.
As the monarch goes to the eternal home, President Tinubu expresses confidence that Oba Idowu Basibo’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations.
He offers prayers for the late Oba’s soul to find eternal peace.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
February 21, 2025