Politics
National Philanthropic Office Will Be A Huge Success Under Tinubu – VP Shettima
National Philanthropic Office Will Be A Huge Success Under Tinubu – VP Shettima
Inaugurates NPO local implementation committee
Women to get 50% of $200m grants for MSME start-ups
Sahara Weekly Reports That The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has assured that the success and positive impact of the newly established National Philanthropic Office (NPO) is guaranteed under the Tinubu administration.
According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a firm believer in giving back to society and as such, his enduring spirit of bettering the lot of the citizens is enough guarantee for the NPO to make a huge success and impact.
Senator Shettima stated this on Friday during the inauguration of the Local Implementation Committee of the National Philanthropic Office (NPO) at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The NPO, an initiative driven 100 percent by the private sector, with full support from the government, is part of efforts by the Tinubu-led federal government to raise alternative funding for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMSEs) and other vital economic programmes through collaboration with the private sector.
The office is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the establishment of 12 industrial value-chain hubs and accelerators for startups and small businesses across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
Delivering his speech titled, “Philanthropy and Our Shared Responsibilities,” during the inauguration of the Local Implementation Committee of the NPO, Vice President Shettima disclosed that the NPO is set to raise $200 million in grants and non-financial investment through local and international teams to provide support for start-ups in key sectors of the country’s MSMEs space.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this initiative proposes to raise $200m in grants and non-financial investment, through local and international teams, to provide support to start-ups in the key sectors within the MSMEs space that drive job creation in Nigeria,” he stated.
Noting President Tinubu’s knack for giving back to society, Shettima said his boss’s commitment to philanthropy had always been the mark of his identity.
“Long before stepping into the realm of public service, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a steadfast believer in the ideals of giving back to society. This commitment to philanthropy has always defined his identity.
“The Country Chairperson of the National Philanthropic Office (NPO), Mrs. Thelma Ekiyor, can rest assured that this initiative is in secure hands. Mr. President’s enduring spirit of societal betterment is enough to guarantee its success and impact,” the VP stated.
He acknowledged what he called gaps existing in philanthropy, saying “there’s an unmistakable inadequacy of philanthropy,” even as he added that this “has led to the establishment of the National Philanthropic Office.
“Through this office, we aim to kindle a spirit of support for vulnerable enterprises and ideas that hold the key to our collective progress,” he explained, noting that there is no place in the world “where government thrives in isolation, and without collaboration with private individuals and organizations bound by the virtue of empathy, this practice of philanthropy”.
Shedding more light on the operations of the NPO, the VP said, “While the NPO is 100% driven by the private sector, enjoying government support, it thrives on the reality that worldwide, governments are increasingly exploring alternative funding methods for vital projects and economic sectors through collaboration with the private sector.
“The objective is to create twelve industrial value-chain hubs and accelerators nationwide. This will focus on digitized shared workspaces, agro-processing, and shared industries. The overarching aim is to generate one million jobs directly and indirectly within the MSME ecosystem.
“Additionally, eligible MSMEs will receive grants ranging from 5 million to 10 million. Emphasis will be placed on supporting women-led businesses, constituting 50% of the start-ups.”
While inaugurating the Local Implementation Committee of the NPO, the Vice President implored members of the committee to do their job with a collective vision.
On his part, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who spoke on behalf of Governors of the 36 states of the federation, said the initiative would be most beneficial to businesses and individuals across the states, expressing the delight of his colleagues and pledging their support.
In his remarks, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Nebolisa Anako, commended the Vice President for the initiative, and the private sector partners for their commitment, noting that it aligns with the goals of the Tinubu administration.
For her part, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Aniete, commended all the partners and stakeholders who she said worked towards actualising the first National Philanthropy Office, noting that it will go a long way in impacting lives, livelihoods and the general economy.
On her part, the Country Chairperson of the NPO, Ms Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke, said Philanthropy and Impact Investing are two important avenues of supporting MSMEs that can encourage innovation and provide catalytic capital to entrepreneurs.
She noted and commended the Vice President’s visionary commitment to the initiative, saying it will transform philanthropy and impact the country’s investing landscape.
She disclosed that among other programmes, the office will support the establishment of 12 shared office spaces for StartUps across the six geopolitical zones.
Members of the Local Implementation Committee chaired by Ms Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke include the Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr Moruf Oseni; Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mr Olasupo Olusi; Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr Roosevelt Ogbonna; Chairman, Impact Investors Foundation, Mr Afolabi Oladele, and Founder, Sambo Foundation,HRH, Samuel Sambo.
Others are Managing Director, BUA Foundation, Mr Ubon Udoh; Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Mr Felix Ogbe; CEO of Brownvalley Partners, Mr Terlumun Ikya, and Mrs Ayodele Olojede from Wema Bank, while Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson will serve as Secretary of the committee.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
12th January, 2024
Politics
Top Reps Aspirant, Abudu-Balogun Assures Constituents of Inclusive, Progressive Representation
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.
Politics
ADC Unstoppable, Like the Sun — Aregbesola Declares at 8th National Convention
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.
Politics
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO APC CONSENSUS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, SENATOR SOLOMON OLAMILEKAN ADEOLA YAYI
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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