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Drop your weapons or pay supreme price, Tinubu tells insurgents
President Bola Tinubu has advised insurgents across Nigeria to drop their weapons or pay the supreme price.
Tinubu gave the warning on Thursday at the 1st NAN Annual International Lecture with the theme: “Insecurity In the Sahel (2008-2024); Dissecting Nigeria’s challenges -genesis, impacts and options,” in Abuja.
The president who was represented by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said his administration has in the last one year, put both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in place to eliminate threats across the country.
He stressed that the administration has also adopted a multifaceted approach in tackling the security challenges as enshrined in the Renewed Hope Agenda which prioritised security as a critical component of government focus.
“The administrations in the last one year had put in place processes, policies and programmes to achieve improved security, economic development, improved welfare for all Nigerians,” the president said.
He stated further that the administration has developed both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in considerably eliminating the threats of Boko haram, describing them as bad people to be confronted by the security forces.
“Enough is enough. For 15 years we’ve been going through hell in this country. Bad people are doing what they like. They continue to interfere with where we live our lives, interfere with our commerce, interfere with our education, interfere with our health system, interfere with our transportation and so on. And we just sit down and stand and allow them. Enough is enough. It has to stop. It will stop”.
President Tinubu further warned those kidnapping for ransom, threatening that they must stop saying “It’s a warning to them. Small time remain. If you want to live, leave it this way. If you want to live your life, stop it.”
He stressed examples were being made with the defeat of leaders of the criminal gangs, and offered the opportunity to embrace the non-kinetic window still open by the government.
“Now non-kinetic is still important. Windows are open, doors are open. If you are ready to come and surrender and stop it. Otherwise, you know what is going to happen to you, whoever you are. It is heartening that hundreds of our compatriots in the north are now returning home following restoration of peace in their communities and raising hope to boost in food production,” he said.
He noted that kidnapping has replaced old crimes such as armed robbery, bank robbery, house breaking as economic crime, the president warned perpetrators to desist or face the wrath of the law.
“We have defeated Armed robbery before in our country. We will also defeat kidnappers. It’s a matter of time. We are just only one year, three months or four months. Give us time. Give us time.”
The President further described insecurity in the Sahel as complex with deep roots in factors such as climate change, food insecurity and extremism which have created a ring of violence and instability
“A secured Nigeria is a secure Sahel region because of our number, because of our size, because of our strategic position where we are, we are fixing Nigeria, and you see, it is going to translate into the other parts of our neighbours who are indeed facing challenges and difficulties,”
…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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