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2023 : Nigeria would be among the greatest nations in human history, Says APC presidential aspirant, Bola Tinubu

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The former governor of Lagos State and presidential aspirant under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has listed his agenda for the country if voted into power, saying improving the economic prospects of young Nigerians must be prioritised to reclaim the glorious past.

Mr Tinubu spoke on Thursday as the lecturer 25th convocation ceremonies of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. He spoke on the theme; “Global Trends: The Rightful Place of Nigeria in the World.”

The convocation lecturer, who was represented by the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, said time was running out for Nigeria to address her challenges, insisting that it is not enough to have potential but to convert them for the benefit of humanity.

He announced the donation of a N1 billion worth of centre to the university, which he noted would be for the incubation of leadership skills and training for future leaders in the country.

Speaking on the difference between the country’s potential and the sad realities, Mr Tinubu said Nigerians should no longer befool themselves, saying “history is patient yet not forever lenient regarding negligent folly.”

He said; “There comes a time when there is no time. Either action is taken, and the urgent word is said or precious chance slips away, lost forever. Our nation is approaching such a moment.

“We have boasted of enormous potential for decades, consoling our discomfort by saying that potential will be realised tomorrow. But something disappointing seems to happen when tomorrow becomes today. Years and decades have passed, yet greatness remains elusive.

“If greatness came merely by speaking of it, we would be among the greatest nations in human history.

“Instead, Nigeria remains locked in place. We remain an economy unjustly designed to export raw materials and import increasingly expensive finished products. The name of the raw materials might have changed from cocoa and groundnuts to oil and gas. The dire effects of this uneven economic arrangement remain the same

“We must be truthful enough to acknowledge this lapse, bold enough to correct it, and tolerant enough not to endlessly vilify each other for causing it. We are all both causes and hopefully solutions. Let us join hands. We must reform this nation.”

Listing his agenda and strategies for reform in the country, the presidential hopeful said the government must support strategically important industries to employ large numbers of young people for them to unleash their productive capacity and boundless energy.

He said national industrial and employment policies must move from the pages of documents to real life, saying the next sector to be properly reformed should be agriculture.

Mr Tinubu said: “We must increase food production while lowering consumer prices. Commodity exchange boards need to be reinstated to assure minimum farm incomes. Reforms are needed to give farmers more access to credit by loosening mortgage requirements and allowing greater leeway to execute forward contracts on what they grow.

“To combat food spoilage, we need to improve the rural road network and fund refrigeration systems for use by farmers and merchants in major local markets in each state. In the areas affected by extreme weather, water catchment systems and small-scale irrigation projects must take hold to mitigate the consequences of droughts and floods while also ensuring water for year-round agriculture.”

Real estate, education
The former governor also listed the real estate sector as one requiring urgent attention, saying its reform will allow the unlocking of economic potential in urban areas.

“It will make it easier to convey and mortgage real estate to lower the costs and time associated with the acquisition and sale of land, thus better allocating land to the most productive uses. Our mortgage institutions need to be revised and better-financed so they can provide affordable residential mortgages to young people just entering the workforce,” Mr Tinubu said.

According to Mr Tinubu, reforming education and the economy cannot be left out. He noted that formal education must be linked with the skills and expertise the business community seeks in the coming years.

He also said there is a need for a massive national infrastructure plan as he added that no national economy can grow beyond the capacity of its infrastructure to service the economy.

“Potable water should be readily available in our cities. Electrical power is the fulcrum of our development. We enact the reforms necessary to power businesses and homes at affordable prices. Firms in the sector must work as much for the public good as for private gain. Businesses contributing to power generation should receive generous tax treatment and forbearance,” Mr Tinubu said.

Centre donation
Meanwhile, the university’s vice-chancellor, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, while congratulating the graduands on the successful completion of their studies, announced that Mr Tinubu donated a N1 billion centre to LASU.

Mrs Olatunji-Bello said it will be named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Centre for Leadership and Development, even as she urged the graduands to always conduct themselves in such ways and manners that will bring glory to them, their families, and their alma mater.

“You have been taught what it takes to succeed in life. Go and explore the world, do not limit your capabilities, be focused on whatever you do and involve God in your endeavours. Always remember that we are LASU and we are great,” Mrs Olatunji-Bello said.

She also congratulated all honourary awardees, saying their choice from amongst a lot of other suggested names after rigorous scrutiny, is a confirmation of their sincerity, sacrifice and unparalleled contributions and service to Nigeria.

“To Distinguished Professor Peter Akinsola Okebukola, the conferment of the rank of Professor Emeritus on you today is our modest way of appreciating all you have done and still doing for us at the Lagos State University, other Universities in Nigeria, and the world at large,” the vice-chancellor added.

On his part, the pro-chancellor and chairman of the university’s governing council, David Sunmoni, congratulated the families of the graduands.

He said; “Today’s convocation ceremony is for the Awards of PhDs, Conferment of the rank of Emeritus Professor and Honorary Doctorate Degrees to those who have been trained, examined, and undoubtedly found worthy both in character and in learning and eminent personalities who have contributed immensely to the development of humanity.”

The university’s chancellor, Gbolahan Elias, a professor, who was represented by the chairman of the convocation lecture and governor of Katsina State, Bello Masari, also told the graduates that their hard work and effort are recognised.

“You should continue to show interest in the progress of LASU, just as LASU must always keep track of your progress. The formal link between you and your university is provided for through the convocation. Please do not forget your roots here. LASU will certainly come to you for support in the months and years ahead,” he said.
Honorary doctorate awards were conferred on the governors of Kano and Borno states, Abdullahi Ganduje and Babagana Zulum, a professor of engineering, and the chairman, Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Also honoured are the former chairman of First Bank, Ibukunoluwa Awosika, and the chairman of Ikeja Hotel Plc, Goodie Ibru.

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UPDATED: Police Arrest Adeyemi Over Alleged False Claim as PFIPC Director-General in Osun

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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in Osun State.

Adeyemi, who had been the subject of an intensive manhunt by security agencies, was apprehended following intelligence-led operations weeks after investigations into allegations about the purported federal agency’s activities.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the suspect was arrested without incident by a team of IRT operatives and has been moved into police custody for further interrogation.

He confirmed the arrest while speaking to our correspondent in Abuja.

His arrest followed days of coordinated efforts by security operatives, who had earlier raided his family residence while tracking his whereabouts. Reports indicated that investigators questioned his family members during the search for the suspect.

Adeyemi came into national prominence after controversy erupted over the operations of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an organisation widely described by government officials as having no legal backing or official recognition.

The controversy deepened following allegations that the suspect claimed close links with top government officials and allegedly used the platform to project influence in government circles.

Oyo police rescue abducted farmer after joint security operation
The matter also generated public attention after claims surfaced that huge sums of money were exchanged in connection with promises of government appointments. Those allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.

The Presidency had earlier distanced itself from the activities of the organisation, while the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, denied any connection with the group or its activities, maintaining that neither the office nor the Presidency authorised the operations of the PFIPC.

Police investigators are expected to interrogate Adeyemi on the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operations of the organisation, the authenticity of documents allegedly used in its activities, and claims that some individuals were deceived into believing it was an official government body.

Investigators are also expected to determine whether other suspects were involved in the alleged scheme and whether additional offences, including impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, forgery and conspiracy, may have been committed.

As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue a detailed official statement on the arrest or announce possible charges against the suspect. Demographics

The arrest is, however, expected to advance investigations into one of the most controversial cases involving the alleged use of a non-existent government agency to project influence within the Presidency.

Adeyemi is expected to remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment before a competent court.

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Breaking : Nigerian Soldiers Kill ISWAP Cameraman, Uncover Foreign Terrorist Network in Borno

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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province cameraman and recovered video materials indicating the presence of three foreign facilitators, including a Palestinian Arab identified as a trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist group in Borno State.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the operational success was recorded on Saturday following a failed infiltration attempt by members of ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Goni said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.

The statement read, “Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.

“The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.”

The failed attack, he said, occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position.

“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” Goni said.

According to him, the attempted looting further lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group.

“The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.

“Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators. They include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established,” he added.

He said the presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals further reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.

“Following the successful engagement, troops immediately dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses,” he added.

The Army spokesman said troops recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during the operation.

He further stated that initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal.

“This has since been corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the engagement,” he said.

According to him, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care, adding that both personnel remained in stable condition.

“The failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for ISWAP and caps a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre,” he said.

He added that the outcome underscored the increasing difficulty the terrorists faced in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops while further degrading their combat capability, morale and freedom of action.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East,” he assured.

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BREAKING: Security Forces Rescue Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers in Oyo Forest Operation

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Eight kidnappers arrested

Ibadan, Oyo State – Nigerian security agencies have successfully rescued a group of kidnapped pupils and teachers following a coordinated operation in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Photos circulating after the operation show the rescued victims gathered in a rural forest location alongside security personnel shortly after they regained their freedom.

According to available information, the victims were abducted by suspected kidnappers before security operatives launched an intensive search-and-rescue mission. The operation, carried out through coordinated efforts by security agencies, led to the safe recovery of the pupils and their teachers.

The rescued victims have since been reunited with security officials and are expected to undergo medical examinations and trauma counselling before being reunited with their families.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any arrests were made during the operation or if a ransom was paid. However, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The successful rescue has been welcomed by residents of the area, who commended the swift response of the security agencies while calling for increased security around schools and rural communities to prevent similar incidents.

The incident once again highlights the persistent security challenges facing some parts of the country, particularly the threat of school-related kidnappings, which have raised concerns among parents, educators, and community leaders.

Security agencies have assured the public that efforts are continuing to track down the perpetrators and strengthen measures aimed at protecting schools and vulnerable communities across the country.

Further official details are expected as the authorities provide updates on the operation.

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