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Tinubu finalises new cabinet list, bars lobbyists from UK residence
There are strong indications that President Bola Tinubu has finalised the names and roles of those who will form his revamped cabinet, PUNCH reported Saturday.
According to multiple sources within the Presidency, Tinubu has completed the list of ministers set to be retained or removed and was expected to release it on Thursday night, just a day after arriving in the United Kingdom for his two-week annual leave.
Amid growing economic challenges and the widespread protests that occurred in August, the President has been under increasing pressure, both from within his party, the All Progressives Congress, and external forces, to dismiss underperforming ministers.
Despite repeatedly issuing warnings regarding underperformance, the president’s cabinet has remained largely
intact, with the notable exception of the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, in January 2024.
During a three-day retreat for cabinet members and presidential aides in November, Tinubu introduced a Central Delivery Coordination Unit, overseen by his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman. This unit was tasked with evaluating the performance of ministers and other top officials.
The President made it clear that these performance assessments would determine who would stay or leave the cabinet.
“If you are performing, nothing to fear. If you miss the objective, we’ll review it. If no performance, you leave us. No one is an island and the buck stops on my desk,” Tinubu told the attendees.
Nearly a year after the president’s cabinet was inaugurated in August 2023, reports suggested that a reshuffle was forthcoming, although officials remained unclear about the exact timing.
It was revealed that the changes would go beyond a simple swapping of portfolios. Certain ministries, such as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, were expected to be scrapped, while other portfolios would likely be merged or split.
Speaking under anonymity, officials disclosed that while the list was initially slated for release on Thursday, the President decided to “sleep on it” for a bit longer.
“We are just waiting for the go-ahead. All I know is that we are expecting him to send the new names of those he wants to drop and those he wants to appoint,” one source shared.
Another official added, “I’m surprised the list did not come out yesterday. That list is nearly finalized.”
Reports suggesting that lobbyists were crowding Tinubu’s residence in the UK were also dismissed by officials. “That’s not true. Even if they know where he is, access is restricted. He’s resting, and no one can just walk in to see him like that,” one source clarified.
On September 25, 2024, the Presidency confirmed that a cabinet reshuffle was imminent, based on performance data gathered by the Central Delivery Coordination Unit.
Tinubu’s working leave in the UK commenced on October 2 and is scheduled to end on October 16.
By Francesca Hangeior
President Bola Tinubu has stated that the Federal Government is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child, even as he said plans have been concluded to establish a Child Protection and Development Agency to coordinate all issues affecting Nigerian children in a unified and focused manner.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday during the first regional meeting of the Africa Pathfinder Countries of the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children.
The event was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The president was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu said his administration is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child.
“Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. From the Child Rights Act to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Nigeria has laid down the statutory foundation for the protection of children.
“But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable — it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference.
“That is why our national strategy also embraces prevention and early intervention.
“We are strengthening families and communities through programmes that promote positive parenting, challenge harmful social norms, and provide targeted support to vulnerable households. But we must be honest with ourselves. We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticising their vulnerability, Tinubu said.
He stated that the real hope lies in action — concrete, deliberate action.
“Our commitment must run deep, reaching into the very architecture of our education and health systems. This is the soul of our human capital development strategy,” he said.
Tinubu added that every Nigerian child should grow and learn in a safe environment.
“We aim to ensure that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. This is not simply a policy objective; it is a moral obligation.
“We are investing in safe schools and embedding socio-emotional learning into our national curriculum.
“We are rolling out the National Guidelines on Alternative Care to ensure that even children without parental care are raised in love, safety, and stability,” he said.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Friday announced the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results.
The board disclosed that it is withholding the results of 39,834 candidates over issues relating to examination irregularities.
Recall that over 1.9 million applicants participated in the just-concluded exercise.
JAMB also disclosed that 80 suspects across the country are currently under interrogation for examination fraud, with Anambra State leading the pack with 14 suspects.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated this on Friday while officially releasing the 2025 UTME.
He also disclosed that while 467 underage candidates met the prescribed minimum score, 50 were engaged in cheating scandal.
A press conference to this effect is ongoing.
Details coming…
The Oloba of Oba-Ile in Akure North Council Area of Ondo State, Oba Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade, Otutubiosun 1
has joined his ancestors.
Oba Agunbiade who passed on Friday morning reigned for 39 years .
He was aged 84 years.
Sources told newsmen that traditional announcement of the monarch’s demise is however being awaited.
Details shortly…
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