Tag: Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

  • Akwa Ibom Gov seeks Tinubu’s support for Ibom Deep Sea Port

    Akwa Ibom Gov seeks Tinubu’s support for Ibom Deep Sea Port

    The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Friday, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support the development of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, describing it as a game changer for the state, the South-South region, and Nigeria’s economic growth.

    Governor Eno appealed when he led a high-powered delegation of Akwa Ibom stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, and business representatives, to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The visit aimed at seeking federal government intervention in key infrastructural projects critical to the state’s development.

    “No state government can build a deep sea port alone. We need the federal government’s support to make this a reality. The Ibom Deep Sea Port has the potential to transform not just Akwa Ibom but the entire country by expanding our maritime economy, creating jobs, and reducing pressure on existing ports in Lagos and Rivers State,” Governor Eno said.

    The Ibom Deep Sea Port, with a natural depth of 17.2 meters, is set to be the deepest in Nigeria, making it suitable for handling large cargo vessels.

    The project, which is part of the Ibom Industrial City, is expected to attract foreign direct investment, boost trade, and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.

    Governor Eno explained that while the Akwa Ibom government has already made significant investments in the project, including the construction of access roads and other supporting infrastructure, the federal government’s partnership is crucial to completing and operationalizing the port.

    “We are already building roads leading to the deep sea port, and we have provided other necessary infrastructure. However, for this project to come to fruition, we need federal government backing, both in terms of policy support and funding.”

    The governor emphasized that once completed, the Ibom Deep Sea Port will open up new economic opportunities, particularly in exportation, logistics, and manufacturing, and significantly contribute to the country’s non-oil revenue.

    “This port will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for our people. It will also ease congestion at existing ports, improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business, and serve as a gateway for international trade.”

    Governor Eno also used the opportunity to seek the President’s intervention in addressing Akwa Ibom’s ecological challenges and infrastructure development.

    “We have so many ecological issues—gully erosion is almost consuming even the Government House. But we embarked on an ambitious project to reclaim an erosion site and turn it into a resort – the Arise Resort. I have invited Mr. President to commission this project, and we have asked for federal intervention.”

    The delegation included key Akwa Ibom stakeholders, such as former Governor Udom Emmanuel, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and traditional rulers, who all threw their weight behind the request for federal intervention in the project.

    “This is not just about Akwa Ibom; this is about Nigeria’s economic future. A functioning deep sea port in the South-South will reduce dependence on Lagos ports and create alternative shipping routes,” a delegation member stated.

    As a symbolic gesture of support, Akwa Ibom traditional rulers conferred the title ‘Otuekong’ (Commander-in-Chief) on President Tinubu, recognizing his leadership and urging him to prioritize the completion of the port.

    Eno expressed optimism that President Tinubu would consider the request, given his administration’s focus on economic expansion and infrastructure development.

    He also extended an invitation to the President to visit Akwa Ibom, where he could see the progress of the port and other key projects firsthand.

    “We are confident that Mr. President understands the importance of this project, and we look forward to working closely with the federal government to make it a reality.”

    Eno said the visit was aimed at appreciating the President’s support for Akwa Ibom State, strengthening ties with the federal government, and seeking intervention in key developmental projects.

    “Part of our visit was to thank Mr. President for standing by our son, distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, as the Senate President of the 10th Senate, and appointing our sons and daughters into the federal government.

    Principal among them is the Honorable Minister for Petroleum Gas, and other appointments he has graciously given to Akwa Ibom indigenes,” he stated.

    Eno also commended Tinubu’s leadership, particularly in navigating the country through economic challenges. He noted that while the President inherited a difficult economy, his bold reforms are beginning to show positive results.

    “To lead the people is never an easy task. When the President took over, the economy was down. But we have to encourage him to continue on these reforms as we begin to see signs of recovery. When you encourage leaders, they do more. That’s why we came as Akwa Ibom leaders, to also show the peaceful nature of our people.”

    In a show of unity, the delegation included past and present leaders from both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), demonstrating a collaborative approach to governance in the state.

    “Today, you saw most of our past leaders, distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, His Excellency Deacon Udom Emmanuel, myself, and others, working together to ensure sustainable growth for Akwa Ibom State.”

    Also speaking after the meeting, former Governor Udom Emmanuel praised Tinubu’s welcoming disposition, describing the visit as a historic show of unity among Akwa Ibom leaders.

    “Mr. President opened his doors, welcomed us with open arms, and made one statement that answered all questions—he said he is a member of the Akwa Ibom family.”

    Udom lauded Governor Eno for successfully bringing together leaders across party divides, stating that such unity fosters peace and progress in the state.

    “This is unprecedented. Once there is unity, there is peace, and peace brings progress. I am impressed that almost all our past leaders, senators, and National Assembly members, past and present, were here. This is a great step forward.”

  • Insecurity: Tinubu reiterates call for inter-agencies collaboration

    Insecurity: Tinubu reiterates call for inter-agencies collaboration

    ABEOKUTA— PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, yesterday, emphasised the need for inter-agencies collaboration in tackling banditry, kidnapping, and armed robberies, among other insecurity challenges confronting Nigeria.

    President Tinubu equally sought more support for the Nigeria Police Force to perform its duties effectively, stressing that the business of providing adequate security for the country, is a shared responsibility by all.

    The President, who was represented by his Vice Kashim Shettima, said this in Abeokuta while declaring open a three-day retreat for senior police officers across the country.

    Tinubu said that his administration recognised the importance of strong internal security towards the continued prosperity of the country.

    He noted that his government has been working to bridge the existing security infrastructural and equipment gap through a comprehensive and sustainable programme that includes renovations of police barracks, improving mobility and upgrading combat and protective gear.

    Tinubu said: “While the Nigerian police are constitutionally empowered to maintain internal security, protection of lives and property, and uphold public order, it’s essential to recognize that security is a shared responsibility.

    “Therefore, community and citizens must actively collaborate with the police, to foster a safer society because no matter how well funded and equipped or well trained a police force is, it cannot succeed without the cooperation of the people it serves.

    “Public engagement and trust are central in the process of inclusive policing. Synergy among security agencies is also vital to eliminating banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminalities.

    “You must, therefore, in your deliberation focus more on strategies to achieve multi-agency collaboration in tackling all forms of criminal acts in the country.”

    In his welcome address, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun said that the annual gathering serves as a crucial platform for reviewing police operational strategies, exchanging insights and realigning the country’s policing objectives with the evolving global security landscape in the country.

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    On his part, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said adequate security for all remained a top priority of his administration.

  • Lagos Assembly Speakership: No confirmation of meeting with Tinubu — Presidency source

    Lagos Assembly Speakership: No confirmation of meeting with Tinubu — Presidency source

    A presidency source has stated uncertainty about reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    The unconfirmed report alleged that the meeting was held to discuss the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

    It was said to have been attended by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat, the leader of the GAC Tajudeen Olusi, and other members.

    When contacted, the presidency source told Vanguard, “I am not sure Tinubu met with them.”

    On January 13, 2025, the Lagos State House of Assembly officially removed its Speaker.

  • Tinubu approves N80bn for immediate reconstruction of Alao Dam

    Tinubu approves N80bn for immediate reconstruction of Alao Dam

    ABUJA — PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has approved N80 billion for the immediate reconstruction and expansion of Alau dam in Borno state.

    Situated in the Alau community of Konduga local government area of Borno State in the Northeast region of Nigeria, constructed in 1984-1986. It impounds a major reservoir on the Ngadda River, one of the tributaries of the Lake Chad.

    In 2024, the dam collapsed, causing catastrophic flooding in Borno State and killing over 150 people, with at least 419,000 people displaced.

    The Minister of Water Resources and sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided by President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

    He said that Tinubu’s approval during Council meeting followed the submission of report of the Ministerial Committee that was set up on the 23rd September, 2024 and headed by him for the evaluation of dams in Nigeria.

    Prof Utsev said the committee constituted with ministers of finance, environment, works, information and the National Security Adviser as members and himself as chairman, was inaugurated on the second of october 2024.

    “The mandate of that committee was to assess all dams in the country and come up with recommendations of how best the dams can be put to use, the areas of water supply, flood control, irrigation and fish farming,

    among others.

    “The committee constituted a sub committee which coopted Members of the Nigeria Society of engineers, the Council for regulation of engineering in Nigeria, and that of Council of dams experts in Nigeria.

    “So the committee swooped into action and brought out recommendations of about 35 dams that have assessed so far.

    “So, today the interim report was presented to the Federal Executive Council. We saw some challenges as a result of flooding on the 10th of September last year.

    “So, the designs, analysis and everything of that particular dam, Alau dam, was done and presented to the sub committee, and that report was made before Mr President, and mr president graciously gave an approval of N80 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of Alau dam immediately, in Bono state.

    “So, as it stands now, the approval for the construction of new rehabilitation of alao dam has been done by Mr. President, which is awaiting ratification of the Federal Executive Council when all other due process are being observed.

    “The Borno state government is working with the sub committee and members of the Nigerian security advisory office. They are  working together to kick start that that project, and we are believing that between now and July this year, the first component of that work will be established, so that this year there will be no flooding in Maiduguri again.

    “Then the other components like desilting will commence by December this year. The project is supposed to expand for a period of 24 months.”