Politics
Nigeria’ll Work Again Under Tinubu – Shettima
Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has assured Nigerians, especially those living in Russia, that the country, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, will experience positive change and progress.
He gave this assurance during an interactive forum with members of the Nigerian community in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The Vice President, who met with them on Friday evening, addressed concerns raised by members of the community.
He stated, “Be rest assured that in the next nine to 12 months, there will be a swift change in the fortunes of Nigeria. I’m speaking with all sense of certainty and responsibility because I believe in the capacity and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
According to a statement issued on Saturday by Director of Information at the Office of the Vice President,Olusola Abiola, Shettima spoke about the efforts of the administration to reposition the economy.
He emphasised the pursuit of completing the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and reviving the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON).
“It’s going to be a game-changer. Having a vibrant steel industry is essential for the industrial take-off of any nation. I can bet you, I can promise you that the President will bring Ajaokuta to a reality.
“Be rest assured that if there is one legacy that President Tinubu would bequeath to fellow Nigerians, Ajaokuta is the one”.
I’ll come back to Russia, we are going to drive this process, and my leader, my boss, and principal – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is irrevocably committed to Ajaokuta and to ALSCON.
“We have begun the discussion, and we will see to it that these two companies take off; we have no option than to bring them to reality,” Vice President Shettima emphasized.
Speaking further about Nigeria’s transformation prospects, the VP said the Tinubu administration would harness the vast human and material resources to put the country on the path of sustainable development and growth.
According to him, “This is the land of opportunities; we have the landmass and a vibrant youth population. By 2035, there will be a 65 million talent deficit in the world, with America, Russia, and Brazil all suffering a 6 million talent deficit. Nigeria, with its vibrant young population, will be expected to fill the gap.
“So, opportunities abound in the digital space. Our target is to train 1,000,000 Nigerians on digital skills.”
Citing examples of President Tinubu’s outstanding performance as Lagos State Governor, Sen. Shettima said the President had shown “the propensity to inspire development across all sectors, and he has also shown the zeal, passion, as well as the commitment to transform Nigeria.”
He then commended the conduct of leaders and members of the Nigerian community in Russia, stating that “the maturity exhibited by Nigerians living in Russia is an understatement, and I must confess that I am impressed by the Ambassador’s impressive achievements.”
Representatives of the Nigerian community, in separate remarks, commended the initiatives of the Tinubu administration to actively engage with the Russian government to improve relations between Nigeria and Russia.
Present at the forum were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Amb Shehu Abdullahi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr Gabriel Aduda; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mrs Mary Ogbe; President of the Nigerian Community in Russia, Dr Maurice Okoli, and Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO), Russia, Mr Sampson Uwem, among others.
In a related development, Vice President Shettima on Saturday in St. Petersburg attended the second edition of the Annual Arts Exhibition of the Nigerian Embassy titled “I Imagine Nigeria,” which showcased artworks by young Russian artists.
Besides seeing artworks exhibited at the event and presenting prizes to young Russian artists, the vice president, in a brief remark, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy, noting its potential in deepening ties between Nigeria and Russia.
Politics
Gov Alia Appoints TuFace As Adviser

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”
Politics
Oborevwori, Okowa Dump PDP For APC

Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Politics
Speakers Conference Tasks FG, Governors On Wanton Killings
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.
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