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Appreciating Bagudu’s Quiet Revolution in Economic Planning

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Appreciating Bagudu’s Quiet Revolution in Economic Planning

By Ochonu Ochonu

 

In a country where economic plans often spark more debate than results, Senator Atiku Bagudu is rewriting the narrative with a rare blend of discipline and vision. As Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the former Kebbi governor is turning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda into a framework that delivers for our country and the cotizens. His appointment was no gamble—Bagudu’s track record of fiscal prudence and bold reforms has made his ministry a linchpin for Nigeria’s prosperity, proving that steady leadership can outshine the loudest promises.

Bagudu carries a reputation for getting things done—not with fanfare, but with the steady resolve of someone who knows a single policy can change millions of lives. His work, rooted in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is quietly reshaping Nigeria’s economic narrative, weaving stability and opportunity into a nation hungry for progress.

Bagudu’s journey to this moment began in Kebbi, where he governed from 2015 to 2023. There, he earned a rare accolade: leaving office with a healthy treasury, not a trail of debts like many of his peers. Farmers in Birnin Kebbi still talk about his rice revolution, a program that turned Kebbi into Nigeria’s rice basket, boosting local incomes and cutting import bills. That knack for practical solutions now defines his role as minister, where he’s tasked with aligning budgets to Tinubu’s vision of national integration, job creation, and social progress, as mandated by Chapter Two of Nigeria’s Constitution.

When Bagudu took office, Nigeria’s economic planning was often criticised as reactive, bogged down by short-term fixes. He saw a bigger canvas. Drawing on his experience in international finance—he holds a master’s in economics from the University of Jos and trained at Columbia University—Bagudu introduced a strategic edge to the ministry. He pushed for policies that look beyond oil, prioritising agriculture and technology to diversify Nigeria’s economy. His National Development Plan (2021–2025), still a guiding framework, emphasises measurable outcomes, ensuring funds flow to projects that deliver tangible results, from irrigation schemes to tech hubs.

One of Bagudu’s standout moves has been stabilising the naira, a feat many thought impossible amid global economic headwinds. By coordinating with the Central Bank and international partners like the IMF, he’s helped tighten fiscal leakages, boosting investor confidence. In 2024, foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s non-oil sectors rose by 15%, a nod to Bagudu’s ability to project stability. His knack for storytelling—using relatable anecdotes about farmers or small traders—has made complex policies accessible, rallying public support for reforms that might otherwise feel distant.

Agriculture, a cornerstone of Tinubu’s agenda, has been a focal point. Bagudu has fast-tracked funding for programs like the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, empowering smallholder farmers with loans and training. In 2024 alone, over 200,000 farmers benefited, increasing maize and rice yields by 12%, according to ministry data. His push for modern technology—think drone-assisted farming and digital marketplaces—has brought Nigeria’s rural economy into the 21st century, reducing reliance on oil and sparking growth in exports like sesame and cashew.

Bagudu’s global outlook sets him apart. His years of fostering international collaborations, from World Bank partnerships to bilateral deals with China, have unlocked funding for infrastructure. A $1.2 billion loan secured from the AfDB in 2024 for rural roads and power grids bears his fingerprints, aimed at connecting remote communities to markets. Yet, he remains grounded, often reflecting on his Kebbi days when he walked through rice fields, listening to farmers’ struggles. That empathy drives his welfare programs, like cash transfers for vulnerable households, which reached 3 million families last year.

Appreciating Bagudu’s Quiet Revolution in Economic Planning
By Ochonu Ochonu

Nigeria’s political landscape is no easy terrain. Bagudu’s insistence on financial prudence—rejecting bloated contracts and shadowy deals—has ruffled feathers but earned him respect among reformers. His ministry’s open-data portal, launched in 2024, lets citizens track budget spending, a bold move in a country where opacity often breeds mistrust. This transparency has not only curbed waste but also empowered Nigerians to demand accountability, a quiet shift toward participatory governance.

As Nigeria eyes its 2050 prosperity goal, Bagudu’s work is laying the foundation. His focus on long-term planning—anticipating climate risks and youth unemployment—ensures today’s budgets don’t mortgage tomorrow’s dreams. In a nation where leaders are often judged by their failures, Bagudu stands out for his discipline and foresight. He’s not chasing headlines; he’s chasing results, proving that leadership can still inspire. From Kebbi’s rice fields to Abuja’s policy rooms, Atiku Bagudu is building a Nigeria where progress isn’t just a promise—it’s a plan.

Ochonu writes from Oxford University, UK.

Politics

Top Reps Aspirant, Abudu-Balogun Assures Constituents of Inclusive, Progressive Representation

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Top Reps Aspirant, Abudu-Balogun Assures Constituents of Inclusive, Progressive Representation

 

It is an incontrovertible fact that Watersiders should GET IT RIGHT this time around by overwhelmingly support this distinguished Watersider, Hon. Abudu-Balogun to emerge as the Candidate of APC for the Federal House of Representative in the 2027 elections.

Apart from being a respected politician among the creme-de-la-creme professionals in politics in Ogun State, and undoubtedly a prominent grassroots politician of Waterside extraction, Hon. Abudu-Balogun has seen it all in National politics that will be of great benefits to the Federal Constituency if eventually elected.

 

Hmmm! With the emergence of the distinguished Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as the consensus Governorship candidate of APC in Ogun State, Waterside agitation for enduring developmental projects and its realisation like Deep Sea Port, assumption of Oil producing LGA via Eba Oil deposits, sustainable Electricity Supply would be a walk-over. This anaysis is predicated upon a scientifically established empirical evidence that Hon Abudu-Balogun is a sustainable Bridge between this Federal Constituency and the Powers that be at Federal level.

 

He has the competence, he posseses the Capacity, he has the cognate political experience, he has fortified the developmental blueprint, he has worked tirelessly, and earned the link to facilitate the expected developmental projects to this Federal Constituency.

 

Above all, Hon Abudu-Balogun has concluded political and economic arrangements to galvanise support in all respects from the main actors at the National and sub-national levels in the country for the tasks ahead.

 

TENI NI TENI. This is the time TIME FOR “ACTION” in the realisation of the enduring Developmental Agenda (that has been eluding us from time immemorial) for the entire Federal Constituency, particularly, our dear Ogun Waterside LGA.

 

Distinguished Watersiders, particularly, the comrade professional politicians and the astute Professionals in politics, please factcheck this. Hon Abudu-Balogun is a very popular and honoured politician in Ijebu-North LGA, he is cherished and respected professional in politics in Ijebu-East LGA, he is a consistently consistent rare breed politician in Waterside who has the interest of Waterside development at heart.

 

ACTION needs our support, he needs our endorsement at this political turning point of our dear LGA, the Wealth Side of Ogun State.

Iwe teni, iwe teni, iwe teni o.

Ajuse ri Dede Eni o.

Happy Sunday to us all.

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ADC Unstoppable, Like the Sun — Aregbesola Declares at 8th National Convention

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ADC Unstoppable, Like the Sun — Aregbesola Declares at 8th National Convention

 

 

ABUJA — Former Osun State Governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the party remains “unstoppable,” likening its rise to the inevitability of the sun, despite what he described as attempts by the ruling establishment to weaken opposition forces.

Speaking at the ADC’s 8th National Convention, Aregbesola said the party’s existence is rooted in the will of Nigerians and protected by the constitution, insisting that no political pressure or institutional interference could halt its progress.

“Just as no power can stop the sun from rising, so can the ADC not be stopped,” he told delegates.

Blasts Political System, Accuses Ruling Forces of Undermining Democracy

The ADC leader accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of actions he described as anti-democratic, alleging efforts to frustrate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

He criticized what he termed the normalization of political “criminality,” arguing that recent political realignments and electoral practices undermine democratic integrity.

According to him, ADC does not owe its existence to any individual or institution but to Nigerians “tired of deceit and mismanagement.”

Harsh Assessment of Economy, Security, and Governance

Aregbesola painted a grim picture of the nation’s condition, citing economic decline, rising inflation, and worsening living standards.

He noted that the naira’s depreciation from about ₦700 to ₦1,400 per dollar reflects what he described as poor economic management, while fuel prices have surged significantly, making daily life difficult for citizens.

On security, he described the current situation as one of the worst in Nigeria’s history, raising concerns about increasing violence and what he called a lack of empathy from leadership in responding to national tragedies.

ADC Positions Itself as Nigeria’s “Rescue Mission”

The former minister said the ADC has, within months, transformed into a major opposition force, claiming it now represents the “hope of the Nigerian people.”

He outlined the party’s rapid structural expansion, ongoing membership drive, and efforts to build alliances with other opposition groups including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Aregbesola emphasized that the party is preparing to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections through what he described as a “united opposition front.”

Defends Party Leadership Changes, Convention Legitimacy

Providing details of internal restructuring, Aregbesola said the emergence of new leadership, including David Mark as caretaker national chairman, followed due constitutional process and was duly communicated to INEC.

He argued that the commission’s refusal to monitor the convention violates provisions of the Electoral Act, insisting that ADC fulfilled all legal requirements.

Alleges Persecution of Opposition Figures

The ADC leader further accused the government of using state institutions such as anti-corruption agencies and security services to intimidate opposition politicians.

He cited cases involving figures like Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, describing the trend as a dangerous signal for democracy.

Calls for United Front Ahead of 2027

Aregbesola concluded with a rallying call for Nigerians to support the ADC’s mission to restore “freedom, security, and prosperity,” warning against political apathy.

“A democracy without opposition is an autocracy,” he said, urging citizens to reject what he termed any attempt at political “coronation.”

Closing Note

The convention, themed “So that Nigeria will work for Freedom, Security and Prosperity,” brought together party delegates and stakeholders, marking a significant step in ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

 

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CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO APC CONSENSUS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, SENATOR SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN ADEOLA YAYI

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CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO APC CONSENSUS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, SENATOR SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN ADEOLA YAYI*

 

On behalf of our Grand Patron, Dr. Tunde Osinowo (Pepperito Jnr.), we leaders and Members of Ogun East for Yayi heartily congratulate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for being the consensus Governorship candidate of our party, APC, in the 2027 election.

This is marvelous and indeed great in the sight of God.

Without mincing words, the choice of Yayi by the party stakeholders is the best and the most surest assurance to coast the Party to victory at the general elections come February, 2027.

We commend the maturity, dispositions and spirit of sportsmanship with which all the Gubernatorial aspirants embraced the decision and extended hands of fellowship to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, the Gubernatorial Hopeful.

We beseech God to grant Yayi and all of us, leaders, followers and supporters, the enablements to see him duly elected as Governor of Ogun State at the general election in Jesus mighty name.

We congratulate the incoming Governor of Ogun State and our Excellency in waiting, Yayi.

This is Yayi O’clock.

Praise God!

Mo yo fun e, mo yo fun ra mi.

 

 

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