His Royal Majesty, Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany C.Azinge, SAN, OON, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address critical developmental needs in Asaba, Delta State. The monarch made this appeal duringa courtesy visit to the President at the State House, Abuja, on March 20, 2025.
In his remarks, the Asagba congratulated the President on his assumption of office and commended his leadership in steering the affairs of the nation. He also expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support during the passage of his predecessor, the 13th Asagba of Asaba, noting that the representation by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,Senator George Akume, was a gesture deeply appreciated by the Asaba people.
During the visit, the monarch highlighted key areas requiring urgent federal attention. He advocated for the establishment of a Federal University in Asaba, emphasizing that Asaba remains the only state capital without one. He appealed to President Tinubu to rectify this oversight,stressing the need for equitable distribution of federal institutions across the country.
The Asagba further called for the rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure, including the Benin-Asaba Expressway and the Asaba-Illah-Ebu-Ubiaja-Uromi road, which serves as a major gateway to Abuja. Heal so urged the President to ensure the extension of railway lines through Asaba as part of the Coastal Rail Project.
The monarch commended the Federal Government’s approval for the construction of access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, a project expected to drive investment and economic expansion in the region. He also sought the dredging of the River Niger to facilitate transportation and commerce for riverside communities.
Reflecting on history, the Asagba brought attention to thetragic 1967 Asaba Massacre, where over 1,000 indigenes were killed during the Nigerian Civil War. He noted that despite the passage of 58 years, no official steps had been taken to bring closure to the painful memory. He appealed to the President to recognize this chapter of history and initiate measures towards reconciliation.
Furthermore, the monarch called for constitutional recognition of traditional rulers, arguing that their role in governance remains crucial. He urged the President to support legislation that would integrate traditional institutions into Nigeria’s legal and administrative framework, particularly in areas of dispute resolution, grassroots governance,and national stability.
In response, President Tinubu welcomed the Asagba’s proposals, reaffirming his commitment to national development. He assured that his administration remains focused on infrastructure, economic empowerment, and national unity, promising to consider the requests made by the Asaba delegation.
The Asagba concluded his visit by extending an invitation to the President to visit Asaba, expressing confidence that such a visit would strengthen ties between the Federal Government and the people of Asaba.
March 30, 2025
Press Statement
Eid-el-Fitr: PDP Urges Piety, Fear of God
…Charges Nigerians to Stand for Justice, Rule of Law
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Holy Ramadan fasting urging Nigerians to allow the divine lessons, values of love, unity, peace, patience, tolerance, restraint and total submission to the Will of the Almighty Allah among other virtues imbibed during the period to guide their daily dealings with one another.
Our Party urges Nigerians, especially those in leadership positions at all levels to re-dedicate themselves to the path of selfless service guided by love, truth, fairness, honesty and impartiality in all their activities and put away acts of corruption, arrogance, manipulation and insensitivity to the plight of the people.
Indeed, the Eid-el-Fitr offers us as a nation and humanity the divine portal to redeem our nation by standing up for justice, strict adherence to the Rule of Law and accountability in the polity.
The PDP is deeply disturbed that while citizens of other countries are celebrating the Eid-el-Fitr in plenty, Nigerians are dampened in spirit due to the unbearable hardship occasioned by the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration which has worsened in the last two years.
Our Party however charges Nigerians not to relent but continue to apply the lessons of Ramadan in recharging their resilience, focus and love for one another in the pursuit of a God-fearing, secure and prosperous nation that we once had under the PDP administration.
The PDP calls on Nigerians to use the occasion as usual to reach out, uplift and share with one another especially the less, privilege, the displaced and those that are hurting due to one misfortune or the other so that the joy of Eid-el-Fitr can spread to all
Our Party as always prays for the nation and wishes Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPRECIATES NIGERIANS FOR BIRTHDAY WELL WISHES, REVEALS HE NEARLY QUIT 2023 PRESIDENTIAL RACE
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians for their outpouring of goodwill and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday.
At a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night, President Tinubu thanked guests for their presence, prayers, and contributions to the nation’s development.
Acknowledging the challenges he faced on his path to the presidency, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s progress.
The gathering included the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, principal officers of the National Assembly, current and former governors, diplomats, business leaders, religious figures, and some of the President’s childhood friends.
Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu, Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, led special prayers seeking divine guidance and continued progress for the President and the nation.
Reflecting on his political journey, President Tinubu recounted a moment of doubt during the 2023 election campaign when he contemplated withdrawing from the race after an encounter with a close relative.
“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.
“He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?'”
“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.'”
The President disclosed that his uncle later called to confirm receiving the money but admitted that he had only given the messenger N10,000, keeping the rest.
“I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me. When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back’,” he said.
President Tinubu noted that he assumed office during a time of economic uncertainty and had to make immediate, difficult decisions, including removing the fuel subsidy.
“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he said.
Noting that Nigeria had reached a point of no return on the issue, the President said:
“The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time. That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone. The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future,” he said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded the President’s sacrifices, stating that history will remember him as the leader who took on the nation’s most complex challenges.
“Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.
“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.
“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face. But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort. It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the President’s ability to forgive and his relentless passion for national development.
Akpabio described the President as a leader who thinks outside the box and as the ‘most audacious president’ in the country’s history.
He said that, under Tinubu’s watch, governors are getting more allocation.
“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he said.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, described President Tinubu as a leader who has broken barriers and uplifted future Nigerian politicians.
He noted that the President had taken a backseat to raising leaders for decades.
“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment. Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” he said.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State commended the President’s decisive leadership at a time when Nigeria needed stability.
“Only a leader with deep conviction and love for the country could have taken the bold and yet necessary decisions that averted national collapse and now restoring hope and confidence across the federation,” he said.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijjani shared his personal experience of being appointed by President Tinubu despite his past activism.
“Before my appointment, I had never met Mr. President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve,'” he said.
The minister recounted a recent meeting at the World Bank, where a senior official described President Tinubu as the best reformist leader in Africa today.
Professor Shaffideen Adeniyi Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President, reminisced about their early years and how divine providence led Tinubu to the presidency.
“Our relationship did not just start in Chicago; we played soccer together as children. While I chose the library, my brother chose politics because he loved to speak. Today, Allah has shown His greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria.
“The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation on earth. I pray that Allah continues to hold his hand and guide him as he works to save our country,” he said.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
March 29, 2025
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES TENURE EXTENSION FOR COMPTROLLER-GENERAL OF IMMIGRATION KEMI NANNA NANDAP
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an extension of Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap’s tenure as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) through December 31, 2026.
Mrs Nandap began her career in the Nigeria Immigration Service on October 9, 1989.
President Tinubu appointed her as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, to serve till August 31, 2025.
Under her leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has witnessed significant advancements in its core mandate, with notable improvements in border management, modernisation of immigration processes and national security measures.
President Tinubu commended the Comptroller-General for her exemplary leadership and urged her to continue dedicating herself to the Service’s strategic priorities, which align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Immigration Service in fulfilling its mandate to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and promote safe, legal, and orderly migration.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
March 31, 2025
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU RECONSTITUTES NNPC LIMITED BOARD, APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN, GROUP CEO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping reconstitution of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited board, removing the chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure and the group chief executive officer, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari.
President Tinubu removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.
The new 11-man board has Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman.
Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board by President Tinubu.
Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu, North West, Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas( NLNG), who represents North Central.
President Tinubu appointed Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a Non-executive director from the South West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South East.
Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
All the appointments are effective today, April 2.
President Tinubu, invoking the powers granted under Section 59, subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, emphasised that the board’s restructuring is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, boosting local content, driving economic growth, and advancing gas commercialisation and diversification.
President Tinubu also handed out an immediate action plan to the new board: to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives.
Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms to attract investment. Last year, NNPC reported $17 billion in new investments within the sector. The administration now envisions increasing the investment to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.
The Tinubu administration targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million daily by 2030. Concurrently, the government wants gas production jacked to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030.
Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030.
The new board chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is from Borno State. He is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1984. He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris
He started his career in the oil industry at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Total Exploration and Production as a trainee engineer in 1985.
Musa became Total Nigeria’s Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015. Last year, he became an Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group.
Apart from his oil industry career, Ahmadu Musa Kida is a former basketballer and the president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation(NBBF) board.
Ojulari, the new NNPC Limited Group CEO, hails from Kwara State. Until his new appointment, He was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company. His Renaissance recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), worth $2.4 billion.
Like Kida, Ojulari is also an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Elf Aquitaine as the first Nigerian process engineer to begin a stellar career in the oil sector. From Elf, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd in 1991 as an associate production technologist.
Apart from working in Nigeria, he worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities as a petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager. In 2015, he became the managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).
During his career, he was chairman and member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
President Tinubu thanked the old board members for their dedicated service to NNPC Limited, particularly their efforts in rehabilitating the old Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which enabled them to resume petroleum product production after prolonged shutdowns. He wished them well in their future endeavours.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
April 2, 2025