Author: Anule Emmanuel

By Anule Emmanuel As Britain’s top diplomat in Nigeria prepared to leave, he offered an unusually candid endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s sweeping economic reforms, calling the measures painful in the present but vital for long-term stability. Dr. Richard Montgomery, the outgoing British High Commissioner, made the remarks during a farewell call at the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) corporate headquarters in Abuja, where he met Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the agency’s Executive Chairman. Dr. Montgomery, CMG, who arrived in Nigeria on May 18, 2023, in succession to Ms. Catriona Laing, CB, described the NRS as a central ally in the effort…

Nigeria and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have agreed to back a minerals-processing corridor linking Lagos to Dakar. AfDB said at the weekend that the step aims to turn raw deposits into higher-value exports and lure private investors into the region. The pact emerged from a ministerial forum on “critical minerals, value chain and beneficiation” convened by the AfDB in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Under the plan, countries along the route would specialise as processing hubs for particular minerals, sharing costs, risks and the rewards of downstream development. “We must convert Africa’s abundant mineral resources into sustainable growth,” AfDB President Sidi…

Nigeria and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have agreed to back a minerals-processing corridor linking Lagos to Dakar. AfDB said at the weekend that the step aims to turn raw deposits into higher-value exports and lure private investors into the region. The pact emerged from a ministerial forum on “critical minerals, value chain and beneficiation” convened by the AfDB in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Under the plan, countries along the route would specialise as processing hubs for particular minerals, sharing costs, risks and the rewards of downstream development. “We must convert Africa’s abundant mineral resources into sustainable growth,” AfDB President Sidi…

The Nigerian Air Force on Monday said it completed factory acceptance tests for the first three M-346 Fighter Attack jets at Leonardo’s Venegono, Italy, production facility, clearing the way for delivery and induction into the service’s expanding combat fleet. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF headquarters in a statement said, a joint delegation from the Nigerian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence conducted the tests between June 29 and July 9. NewsQuest reports that the delegation certified the aircraft designated NAF 01, NAF 02 and NAF 03 had met contractual, technical and airworthiness…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike on Monday said the administration targets to complete between 8 to 10 ongoing infrastructure projects by January 2027. Wike who stated this while inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja also pledged to clamp down on illegal street racing that has sprung up on newly paved roads. The projects, he said, remain on schedule despite recent commissioning events, and contractors will receive timely funding to clear critical stages ahead of the rainy season. “We will not let them down,” Minister Wike told reporters. He explained that “People have seen promises made and promises…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State Central on Sunday formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu and a full slate of party candidates as the ruling party ramps up preparations for the 2027 general elections. At a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Petroleum Training Institute conference center in Effurun, party leaders—including Delta State APC Chairman Chief Solomon Arenyeka and founding leader Chief O’tega Emerhor—voted unanimously to back Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone, among others. The endorsement was moved and seconded by senior figures and carried by a voice vote, Arenyeka said. “The strategy we set in June…

Comrade Adesina Julius, a former student leader and advocate for youth inclusion known as “Prestige,” has praised Honoirable Tayo Koleosho for what he called the revenue official’s sustained commitment to youth development. Koleosho, who serves as Chief of Staff  to the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has “consistently demonstrated a genuine passion for creating opportunities for young people and preparing them for leadership positions,” Adesina said in a birthday message circulated in Oyo State. The tribute singled out Koleosho’s mentorship and career support as having “positively impacted many lives.” Adesina pointed to Koleosho’s prior government roles including Special…

President Bola Tinubu has named Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju‑Smart as his special adviser on National Assembly matters for the House of Representatives, the presidency said Monday. Dr. Wasiu, 40, succeeds Honourable Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who stepped down to pursue an elective post in his home State. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President in a statement said the appointment takes effect immediately. A scholar and public‑policy specialist, Dr. Wasiu holds a Ph.D. in educational management from Lead City University and a master’s in public administration from Harvard University. He is an Edward S. Mason Fellow at the Harvard…

The Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa on Saturday said that deepening investment in human capital and overhauling tertiary schools are central to President Bola Tinubu’s drive to expand the country’s economy to $1 trillion by 2030. Dr. Alausa in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications said the Federal Government is repositioning the education sector to produce a globally competitive workforce capable of meeting domestic development needs and exporting skills abroad. “We want to be the manpower supplier of the world,” the Minister  said, adding that the administration aims to convert the country’s large youth population…

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa has praised Bayero University, Kano, (BUK) as a “world‑class” institution and urged Universities to turn academic research into commercial value as part of a broader drive to strengthen the nation’s higher‑education system. Speaking during an official visit to the campus recently, Alausa said the University’s steady climb in national rankings reflected “good leadership” and careful administration. A post by the University’s official Facebook page said the Minister singled out the University’s “beautiful and well‑maintained” grounds and what he called a peaceful, orderly transition of leadership as evidence of institutional maturity. “I am not surprised…