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Tinubu Unveils His Agenda For Nigeria
Tinubu Unveils His Agenda For Nigeria
As part of his campaign itinerary, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, reeled out his blueprint for the country, saying his administration would bring out workable policies to ensure that insecurity is nipped in the bud in the North and across the country.
Tinubu, who spoke during an interaction with northern leaders under the aegis of the Arewa Joint Committee at Arewa House, Kaduna, noted that he would transform Nigeria just like he did upon assumption as Lagos State governor.
The former Lagos State governor noted that the whole country is endowed with resources that can be harnessed for greater economic development.
He praised past leaders of the country, including Nigeria’s late Premier of Northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Nigeria’s first and only Prime minister, Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe for being visionary leaders who gave their all to nation-building.
Before addressing the Northern leaders, Tinunu had earlier visited the tomb of the late Saudauna of Sokoto, who he prayed for, for his invaluable sacrifice to the North and country.
Riding on the wings of the heroes of Nigeria’s independence and history, Tinubu said he would continue to give his best even as president to ensure the country remains indivisible, achieving greatness together as one.
He noted: “As I said when I chaired the Sardauna Memorial Lecture, last year, I have a solemn feeling of responsibility and duty to our country every time I am here. Standing here evokes memories of a great leader and a father of this nation, the Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Sardauna of Sokoto. The contributions of the Sardauna to nation-building remain a reference point for us all. He was a visionary builder of men and institutions.
“The dream of Sardauna, and indeed that of our other great leaders such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, and our first and only prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was for one indivisible and prosperous nation built on shared values of patriotism, equity, justice, and brotherhood.
“It is, therefore, no coincidence that at Independence this vision was clearly laid out and encapsulated in our first National Anthem. It says: ‘Though tribes and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’
“This is a strong statement that acknowledges our diversity, and, therefore, the existence of different perspectives and interests, and how that should not stand on the path of our unity as brothers.
“The framers of this anthem, God rest their souls, will cringe to know that 62 years after, someone would come to this hallowed platform to campaign on the basis of tribe or where others come from.
“The dream of those forefathers, ladies, and gentlemen, was for a nation ‘Where no man is oppressed, a nation ‘with peace and plenty, and these – unity in diversity, peace and prosperity – are the fulcrum of my mission in this contest. They also form the bulk of my address to you this afternoon, in line with the areas the organizers wanted me to address,” Tinubu said.
On his plans for Nigeria as president, Jagaban Borgu promised to consolidate on the investments of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in all sectors of the nation to build on the successes recorded.
“Our economic plan would utilize the vast natural resources we have, through strategic investment in infrastructure which will lead to the diversification of the economy and wealth creation across the entire country. We will pay attention to modern economic drivers such as the digital economy, creative industries, and sports and entertainment sectors for the benefit of our young people.
“The APC Federal Government has taken several measures to build infrastructure and improve the ease of doing business across the country. This has been complemented by the efforts of some of our states to attract investments in diverse sectors of the economy,” he added.
Tinubu also stated that under his leadership, the Nigerian government will be business-friendly, adding that he would focus on tackling underinvestment and effective management.
He continued: “We shall support private businesses in our country and attract foreign direct investment to create jobs, re-industrialize our country and accelerate economic development. Nigerian businesses in sectors like banking and cement have successfully ventured out of the country to build thriving subsidiaries.
“We will build a strong domestic economy, expand the capacity of our domestic market to support growth and encourage export capacity in the areas of our competitive advantage. We have the endowments to be a prosperous country. I will lead a renewed push to move us from the status of a nation of potential into a country of actual accomplishments as an economic dynamo.”
Tinubu also promised to focus on using his experience of building human capital, which made Lagos one of the largest economies in Africa to grow the nation’s economy to an enviable height.
“Using my experience of building human capital, industries, and institutions, which has led to Lagos being one of the largest economies on the continent, I will reposition our existing industries and make them a competitive source of industrialization and growth not just for the North but the entire country. It is time to fetch water from a dry well and I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have done it before and I will do it. We will find a way where there are no roads!
“I will ensure that we take advantage of our resources to convert cotton to textile, plants to pharmaceutical products, groundnut to edible oil, cassava to ethanol and starch, etc., thereby building competitive advantage for our farmers through value addition.
“I will attract investments and create the enabling environment that will ensure the resurgence of our moribund industries and continue the infrastructural revolution of this administration on the railways and highways all over the country and invest in our inland waterways for safer and efficient transportation to complement this industrialization vision,” he said.
Tinubu further noted that the North has a greater advantage in agriculture and under his presidency, the region will emerge as the hub of agribusiness in Africa through huge investment in the sector in collaboration with the private sector.
He said, “Agriculture is of special interest to me. It is both an economic and existential issue for every country.
“Experience in the last seven years has shown the potential of agriculture in solving the problem of unemployment and boosting our GDP. For example, recent investment in the rice value chain has led to the springing up of rice mills across the country with attendant wealth creation and a reduction in our import bill.
“The North has a greater advantage in this regard due to its large and abundant arable land. My vision is for the region to be the hub of agribusiness in sub-Saharan Africa.
“We will improve investment in our livestock value chain. Specifically, subsectors like the dairy industry that has the potential of adding billions of dollars into our economy will receive significant attention.
“In collaboration with the private sector and governments at sub-national levels, we will make available high yield seeds and inputs, invest heavily in post-harvest storage and processing facilities so that we can significantly increase the value of what we produce. To ensure optimizing the full value of their produce, we will utilize Commodity Exchanges to guarantee return on investments, and enhanced wealth for the farmers.
“We will make available funds for research and development to provide the right inputs that will ensure greater yields and tackle climatic challenges bedeviling farmers such as flooding and desertification through enhancement of national drainage architecture and investment in shelter belts.
“Financing is critical to our vision for the agricultural sector. I assure you; I will attract the much-needed investment and re-engineer financing institutions to provide impactful interventions for maximal output.”
On his plans for education and helping reduce the out-of-school children in the North, the APC presidential standard bearer said, “Education is the most effective weapon against poverty. Comparative with other countries, education in Nigeria suffers from a funding deficit on account of our population and limited resources. I will provide the required leadership and mobilize investment for the development of the sector. We will work with both states and local governments to reform and retool the system. These reforms will give special attention to the welfare and training of our teachers and lecturers as necessary catalysts for the better system we desire.
“We will work with stakeholders to evolve creative solutions to the funding needs of our higher education that will bring a terminal end to challenges of funding and the attendant perennial industrial actions. To ease financing for basic education and expand access, we will cut down on the counterpart fund required by states to access UBEC grants to an affordable percentage.
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“Millions of our children are currently roaming the streets instead of being in classrooms. My administration will invest heavily in infrastructure to allow for the proper integration of these children into our conventional schools.
“Thankfully, the current APC government has rolled out several initiatives, in partnership with development partners, to provide alternative access to education and vocation to this particular demographic.”
The event was attended by leaders from Northern Nigeria across party lines, academics, civil society, and youth organizations.
With Tinubu at the event are APC Governors from the North, including the Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai; Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong, who is the director general of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council; Governors of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule; Yobe State governor, Mai Bala Buni, and Zamfara, Bello Matawalle.
Former APC national chairman and deputy director general of the campaign council, Adams Oshiomhole, and Hadiza Bala Usman, deputy director general of the campaign council, were also at the event.
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Senator Adeola Yayi Bags Royal Blessings at Foundation Laying of Yewa Traditional Council Secretariat in Ilaro
Senator Adeola Yayi Bags Royal Blessings at Foundation Laying of Yewa Traditional Council Secretariat in Ilaro
…Clerics, Monarchs and Political Leaders Offer Prayers for His Future Aspirations
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE — The ancient town of Ilaro, headquarters of Ogun West Senatorial District, came alive on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, as royal fathers, political leaders, clerics and community stakeholders gathered for the historic foundation-laying ceremony of the proposed ultra-modern Yewa Traditional Council (Obas’) Secretariat Complex.
The culturally symbolic project, facilitated by the Senator representing Ogun West at the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), attracted widespread commendation, fervent prayers and royal blessings from traditional rulers across Yewaland, alongside leaders and stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ceremony officially marked the commencement of construction of what is envisioned as a state-of-the-art secretariat that will serve as the institutional headquarters of the Yewa Traditional Council.
Stakeholders described the initiative as a landmark achievement in institutional development and a clear demonstration of Senator Adeola’s sustained commitment to grassroots development, cultural preservation and inclusive governance in Yewaland.
Royal fathers present unanimously agreed that the project represents a significant step toward strengthening traditional governance and preserving Yewa cultural heritage. According to them, the proposed secretariat will function as a unifying administrative hub, enhance collaboration among monarchs and safeguard the cultural identity of the Yewa people for generations to come.
Speaking at the event, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Asade Agunloye IV, poured encomiums on Senator Adeola for his extensive infrastructural interventions and developmental footprints across Yewaland and Ogun State.
The monarch noted that the senator’s contributions have repositioned Yewaland on the path of meaningful progress, urging political leaders and stakeholders to embrace unity, cooperation and harmony.
He emphasized that such collective resolve remains crucial to the long-standing aspiration of producing a Yewa indigene as Governor of Ogun State in 2027.
Oba Olugbenle also used the occasion to encourage residents to actively participate in the democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), stressing that civic engagement is the surest route to credible leadership.
“Yayi Is a Unique Son of Yewaland” — Deputy Speaker
The Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Mrs. Lateefat Bolanle Ajayi, described Senator Adeola as a “unique and incomparable son of Yewaland,” whose influence transcends Ogun West to Ogun Central and East.
“We have had good sons in Yewaland, but Yayi stands out. His impact is felt in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode and beyond. Charity truly begins at home. Even the blind can see and the deaf can hear. We must support him. Come 2027, we have a candidate,” she declared.
Clerics Offer Prayers for Success
Offering prayers at the ceremony, Imam Mohammed Tijani Jamiu, Chief Imam of Surulere Central Mosque, Ilaro-Yewa, prayed for Senator Adeola, the royal fathers of Yewaland and the successful completion of the project.
Similarly, Imam Jamiu Adeniyi Kewulere, Chief Imam of Bibire Central Mosque, Oke-Ola, Ilaro-Yewa, also offered special prayers for peace, progress and divine guidance for all stakeholders.
“A Rare Project of Global Significance” — Yewa South LG Chairman
The Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Hon. Tunde Ogunshola, described the occasion as one of the happiest moments of his life, noting that the project is unprecedented in scope and cultural significance
.
“This traditional council building is rare, even globally. It is being realized through the support of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and facilitated by Senator Adeola. When completed, it will stand as a lasting symbol of our heritage,” he said.
The Ogun State Chairman of Cultural Development, Hon. Olayiwola Taiwo, also hailed the project as a major turnaround for Ogun West, a zone he said had endured years of infrastructural neglect.
“This is a remarkable development. Senator Adeola is truly God-sent to Yewaland,” he stated.
Royal fathers including the Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo, Oba Idris Olusola Lamidi Osolo, the Abepa of Joga-Orile, Oba Adeyemi Adekeye, and the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite, all expressed confidence that greater projects linked to Senator Adeola would continue to materialize.
A retired Director-General in the Ogun State Civil Service, Mr. Michael Babatunde Ajayi, likened the proposed complex to the Obas’ Secretariat in Abeokuta, noting that it would reduce the need for monarchs in Yewaland to travel to the state capital for meetings.
“This will be the first of its kind in Yewaland. Kudos to Senator Adeola, whose impact is felt across Ogun State,” he said.
APC Leaders Call for Political Mobilisation
The Ogun West APC Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Adisa (Ekwume), alongside party leaders and community stakeholders, described Senator Adeola’s interventions as purposeful and impactful.
They urged party members to consolidate these gains by strengthening party structures and participating actively in voter registration and mop-up exercises, noting that broad-based participation is essential for electoral success.
Anglican Bishop Describes Project as Timely
Speaking with journalists, the Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. M.A. Oluwarohunbi, PhD, described the project as timely and symbolic, adding that it would enhance the role of traditional rulers in governance.
“This is a very important day in the history of Ilaro and Yewaland. The proposed complex will be an ultra-modern edifice befitting our royal fathers,” he said.
He also prayed for Senator Adeola’s continued strength and the realization of his future aspirations.
At the climax of the event, Oba Olugbenle, alongside other eminent kabiyesis, offered royal prayers and blessings for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi, and other political office holders across Ogun West and Nigeria, seeking divine wisdom, protection and success in governance.
The well-attended ceremony drew a diverse audience, including revered monarchs from across Yewaland, political leaders, community stakeholders and religious representatives from Christianity, Islam and traditional institutions.
Members of the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP) were also prominently represented, led by their National Coordinator, Otunba AbuSatar Idowu Hamed.
The colourful event concluded with the formal laying of the foundation stone by royal fathers and distinguished guests, symbolically ushering in a new chapter in the institutional development and cultural renaissance of Yewaland—an occasion many described as another defining milestone in Senator Adeola Yayi’s growing legacy of service and development.
Courtesy: League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP)
celebrity radar - gossips
Shadows of Greed: Alison‑Madueke’s UK Corruption Trial and the Cost of Power
Shadows of Greed: Alison‑Madueke’s UK Corruption Trial and the Cost of Power
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
When today’s headlines speak of corruption, they often do so as a distant abstraction as a vague moral failure with little bearing on everyday life. But the unfolding corruption trial of Diezani Alison‑Madueke in a London court throws into glaring relief the real, human and systemic consequences of unchecked power merged with self‑interest. This is not merely the story of an individual on trial; it is a lens through which the world must scrutinise the fragile intersection of governance, resource wealth and public trust.
Diezani Alison‑Madueke, once Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources and later the first woman president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), now stands accused before Britain’s Southwark Crown Court of multiple counts of bribery and conspiracy. The accusations against her (which she vehemently denies) paint a portrait of opulence allegedly funded through pay‑to‑play politics that ignored the public good and rewarded those who could feed her lavish lifestyle.
A Life in Oil, a Life Under Scrutiny.
Alison‑Madueke’s tenure as petroleum minister, from twenty ten until twenty fifteen, coincided with a period of immense oil revenue for Nigeria, a country sitting atop the largest oil reserves in Africa. Yet that wealth did not translate into broad‑based prosperity for the citizens she was meant to serve. Instead, British prosecutors allege that her privileged access to that sector was exploited for personal gain.
According to court indictments, she is accused of accepting bribes not in vague promises, but in concrete, high‑value luxury benefits and including cash, chauffeur‑driven vehicles, private jet travel, the use of multiple high‑end properties in London, funded renovations, personal household staff and even costly designer goods purchased at establishments like Harrods and Louis Vuitton. Prosecutors told the court these were not mere gifts, but “financial or other advantages” given by industry players “who clearly believed she would use her influence to favour them.”
The former minister, now sixty‑five, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Alongside her in the dock are two co‑defendants: oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde and her brother, Doye Agama, both of whom deny the charges connected to the same alleged bribery scheme.
The Anatomy of Allegations.
What makes this trial especially significant is the detail and scale of the alleged benefits. Prosecutors have asserted that Alison‑Madueke was offered:
Access
to luxury homes and private residences in London, bought and maintained by associates seeking lucrative Nigerian contracts.
At least a six‑figure sum in direct cash payments.
Private jet flights and schooling fees for her children.
Vast quantities of luxury goods and services from upscale retailers.
While the prosecution concedes it has not yet produced direct evidence that she awarded specific contracts to individuals who should not have had them, it maintains that the acceptance of such benefits by a public official who oversaw multi‑billion‑dollar contracts is inherently improper and contrary to fundamental principles of public service.
Voices of Accountability.
The allegations have drawn sharp commentary from observers worldwide who see the trial as emblematic of broader governance challenges across resource‑rich nations.
Nigerian social justice advocate Aisha Bello has observed, “Corruption is not a peripheral defect in governance but a corrosive disease that accelerates inequality. When leaders treat public office as a gateway to private treasure, citizens pay with lost opportunities and diminished hope.”
Similarly, Professor John Githongo, a renowned anti‑corruption scholar, argues that “Transparency and accountability are not optional extras in public administration; they are indispensable pillars of a just society. When the public good is subverted for private gain, the very fabric of trust unravels.”
These sentiments resonate deeply in contexts where natural wealth exists alongside persistent challenges in education, healthcare and infrastructure also illustrating that corruption is not an isolated moral failing, but a fundamental impediment to development.
Corruption Beyond Borders.
What makes this case notable on the global stage is not just its connection to a former minister, but its international footprint. The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has taken up the case because many of the alleged transactions (the properties, cash flows, and luxury perks) touched British jurisdiction. This underlines a critical truth: corruption today is not contained by national boundaries. Illicit financial flows, luxury goods, and asset holding often travel across continents, making international cooperation essential in pursuit of justice.
Andy Kelly, head of the NCA’s International Corruption Unit, stated during earlier proceedings that investigations revealed “financial rewards” accepted by Alison‑Madueke that were “suspected to relate to the awarding of multi‑million‑pound contracts.” He emphasised that such impropriety has “devastating consequences for developing nations.”
This collaborative legal action reflects a growing global consensus: no public official, regardless of stature, should be beyond accountability. When a former head of state institutions is brought before a foreign court, it is not just a legal milestone but it is a moral affirmation of shared values in the rule of law.
The Nigerian Context.
In Nigeria, the oil sector has long been both a blessing and a burden. Despite generating huge revenues, mismanagement and corruption have often undermined potential gains for the wider population. A 2023 report by Nigeria’s statistics agency ranked corruption as one of the most significant challenges facing the country. It is a sobering backdrop that shapes how this trial is interpreted at home and abroad.
Former officials and critics alike have noted that transparency in governance is not merely a matter of legality but one of national dignity. As legal scholar Dr. Funke Adekola puts it, “When leaders betray public trust, they erode the very essence of citizenship. Restoring that trust requires not just trials, but systemic reform in values and institutions.”
What Lies Ahead.
The trial, expected to stretch over several months of testimony and evidence examination, is itself a test of judicial endurance and political will. It presents complex questions about proof, credibility, and moral accountability. Yet beyond the sterile halls of courtrooms, its wider implications reverberate in global public discourse about how nations manage wealth and how societies hold leaders accountable.
For ordinary citizens around the world, this case is riveting not because of luxury houses or private jets, but because it forces a collective reckoning: What price should a society pay when those entrusted with public resources place personal enrichment above national welfare?
Summative Insight.
As Diezani Alison‑Madueke’s trial unfolds before the world’s eyes, it stands as a stark reminder that the fight against corruption must be relentless and unflinching. It exposes the corrosive effects of unethical conduct at the highest levels of power and underscores the necessity of accountability, irrespective of nationality or office.
In the final analysis, justice is not only about punishment, but about restoring faith in the systems meant to protect the common good. As the British court hears testimony and as evidence is meticulously weighed, the world watches a profound test of justice, one that could shape how future generations understand leadership, integrity and the true cost of power.
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