News
Why Tinubu Will Not Address Nation On Protest – Presidency
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The presidency has denied reports of President Tinubu addressing Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast regarding the planned protest, clarifying that any such claims are false.
Naijablitznews reports the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, clarified this in a statement on Saturday.
He stated that some mischief-makers have been spreading false reports that President Tinubu would address the nation, but there is no truth to these claims.
Onanuga further revealed that those behind the fake broadcast have also circulated a counterfeit speech, reiterating that President Tinubu will not make any such address.
The presidential media aide also shared the text of the fake speech to highlight the misinformation being spread.
Speaking via the X account, Onanuga wrote: “Dear Nigerians
“False text of broadcast in circulation
“Please ignore the text of an alleged broadcast said to have been made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It is totally false. It is the handiwork of mischief makers, people bent on sowing confusion and chaos in our country. Please ignore it. President Tinubu has not made any broadcast.
“Please find below the concocted broadcast.”
TINUBU SPEAKS
“My fellow Nigerians,
“I stand before you today with a heavy heart, but also with hope and determination. Our beloved nation faces unprecedented economic challenges that demand bold and decisive action. As your President, I am committed to leading by example and making the difficult decisions necessary to put Nigeria back on the path to prosperity.
“Effective immediately, I am announcing a 50% reduction in my salary and all other emoluments. I call upon the Vice President, Senate President, and all other top government officials to follow suit. We who have been entrusted with leadership must be the first to make sacrifices for the good of our nation.
“In the spirit of fiscal responsibility, I am also announcing the following measures:
1. The Office of the First Lady will be scrapped to reduce unnecessary expenditures.
2. We will sell off several presidential aircraft that are currently idle, retaining only those essential for official duties.
3. Government ministries will be consolidated, with a maximum of 36 ministers to streamline operations and reduce costs.
4. Fuel and electricity subsidies will be restored to provide immediate relief to our citizens, while we work on long-term solutions to our energy challenges.
5. All government officials will be mandated to use locally manufactured products, including automobiles, to support our domestic industries and reduce foreign exchange outflows.
“These are just the first steps in our comprehensive plan to cut the cost of governance and redirect resources to critical areas of need. We are also implementing the following additional measures:
6. A significant reduction in the number of political appointees and aides across all levels of government.
7. The implementation of a comprehensive e-governance system to reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency.
8. A review and renegotiation of all government contracts to ensure value for money.
9. The introduction of a performance-based budgeting system to ensure that every naira spent delivers tangible results for our people.
10. A freeze on non-essential foreign trips by government officials, with a shift towards virtual meetings and conferences.
11. Effective immediately, there will be no more foreign trips for medical treatment for myself, my cabinet, and all government officials. We will use Nigerian hospitals and medical facilities. This measure will not only save foreign exchange but also demonstrate our commitment to improving our healthcare system. We must have faith in our own doctors and nurses, and work together to enhance the quality of healthcare available to all Nigerians.
“I want to assure all Nigerians that these measures are just the beginning. We are committed to a complete overhaul of our governance structures to make them leaner, more efficient, and more responsive to the needs of our people.
“To our youth who have planned protests under the #endbadgovernment banner, I hear your frustrations. I understand your anger. But I implore you to give us a chance to implement these reforms. Let us channel our collective energy into rebuilding our nation rather than further dividing it.
“The road ahead will not be easy. It will require sacrifice and patience from all of us. But I have faith in the resilience and ingenuity of the Nigerian people. Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
“May God bless you all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Thank you.”
…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.
Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.
Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.
He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.
“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.
“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.
“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.
“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.
“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.
Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.
“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.
“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.
“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.
“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.
She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.
Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.
He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.
Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.
“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
Speaker Abbas Hails Governor Bago @51
Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China
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