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396,000 students benefitted from NELFUND – FG

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The Federal Government says no fewer than 396,000 students have benefitted from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) tuition loans under President Bola Tinubu’s Administration.

This was disclosed on Friday in Lokoja, at a townhall meeting to highlight the significant achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the past two years, with particular reference to Kogi.

In his presentation, the Guest Speaker, Mr Lawal Shuaibu, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the initiatives had positively impacted the lives of Nigerians, particularly students.

“One notable achievement is the NELFUND tuition loan scheme, which has benefited over 396,000 students as of August 7, 2025.

“This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to ensure they complete their education and have a secured future,” Shuaibu said.

He noted that Kogi government has seen investments of over N900 billion, with 7,800 hectares of land cleared for farming.

Speaking on industrialisation, he said the government had inaugurated the construction of five mini-LNG plants in Ajaokuta, valued at over $500 million.

“This project is expected to create job opportunities, provide energy for many states, and position Nigeria as a key player in the global energy market,” he said.

Shuaibu said the state government also unveiled plans to train 25,000 youths to take the lead in mineral exploration.

Earlier, Mrs Sabina Abalaka, Head, Federal Information Centre, Lokoja, said the programme aimed to sensitise the public on Federal Government’s achievements.

She said Tinubu’s administration had taken bold steps to confront economic challenges, including the removal of fuel subsidy, to set the country on a path of sustainable growth.

“Despite initial hardships, the government’s decisions are expected to positively impact economic growth and national development,” she said.

Mr Ismaila Isah, the Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi Governor, highlighted the president’s achievements in various sectors.

Isah said Tinubu’s administration implemented the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme (RHAMP), with the commissioning of 2,000 tractors and 9,022 specialized implements.

“This is the largest single mechanisation drive in Nigeria’s history.

“The programme has also led to the cultivation of over 55,000 hectares of land and created 60,000 jobs.

“In Kogi, Gov. Ahmed Ododo has distributed fertilisers to 30,000 farmers and initiated a tractor refurbishment program, saving the state N20 billion.

“The government has allocated 100 hectares of land to the Federal Housing Authority to build a 1,000-unit housing estate under the Renewed Hope Housing Project,” he said.

Isah, who was represented by Mrs Oyiza Bello-Salami, reiterated Kogi government’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s reforms and developmental agenda.

“Gov. Ahmed Ododo praised the president’s visionary leadership and bold policies, which had started to yield positive results.

“The state government is working to implement programmes that align with the federal government’s agenda, including the creation of a Ministry of Livestock Development,” Isah said.

The Maigari of Lokoja, Alh. Ibrahim Gambo, praised Tinubu’s administration for implementing reforms that had positively impacted citizens’ lives.

Represented by the Matawale of Lokoja,, Alhaji Ademu Muhammed, Maigari hailed the NELFUND initiative, saying it has alleviated the burden of school fees and upkeep for students and parents.

He urged that the benefits of the initiatives be extended to people at the grassroots level.

The royal father also appreciated the government’s improvement in foreign reserves.

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IGP Disu’s Reforms Signal New Dawn for Nigeria Police — Comrade Abraham Ada Abraham

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Nigerian political commentator and human rights advocate, Comrade Abraham Anthony Ada, has commended the efforts of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, describing his newly introduced reforms as a bold and necessary step toward rebuilding public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.

Ada noted that the reforms signal a clear shift in direction for the institution, which has long faced criticism over misconduct, inefficiency, and lack of accountability. According to him, the current leadership appears determined to confront these longstanding challenges head-on.

“The new reforms introduced by IGP Olatunji Disu signal a clear shift in direction for the Nigeria Police,” Ada stated. “You may not be a fan of the institution, but it is hard to ignore the determination the IGP is showing.”

He further emphasized that acknowledging internal problems is the first step toward meaningful change, praising the IGP for not shying away from the realities within the force. Ada stressed that such honesty in leadership is both rare and commendable in the current system.

“The IGP has acknowledged the deep-rooted issues within the force and is taking deliberate steps to clean up the mess and restore credibility,” he added.

The human rights advocate expressed cautious optimism that these reforms would not remain mere policy statements but would translate into tangible improvements in policing across the country. He pointed out that Nigerians have long desired a police force that prioritizes service, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

Ada maintained that there is growing hope among citizens that the ongoing reforms will lead to real protection for ordinary Nigerians, rather than serving only the interests of the elite or political class.

“There’s a growing expectation that these efforts will result in real protection for everyday Nigerians,” he said. “People want to feel safe, heard, and respected by those sworn to protect them.”

He, however, cautioned that sustained commitment and transparency would be critical in ensuring the success of the reforms. According to him, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the promises made will be fulfilled in practice.

Ada urged the leadership of the police force to remain steadfast and focused, noting that the opportunity to rebuild public confidence must not be wasted. He also called on citizens to support genuine reform efforts while holding authorities accountable.

“Many Nigerians are watching, hoping, and even praying that this marks the beginning of a police force that truly serves the people,” he said.

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League of Bauchi Professionals Backs Tuggar for Governor, Cites “Integrity, Global Experience”

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…Group says state needs “leadership grounded in empathy,” urges fiscal discipline, security

The League of Bauchi Professionals has called on residents of Bauchi State to back the governorship bid of Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, saying he is “best positioned to unlock the state’s vast potential.”

In a press statement issued by its Secretary, Ibrahim Yusuf, following Tuggar’s official declaration and grand homecoming in Bauchi on Saturday, 25th April 2026, the League said Ambassador Tuggar “embodies the kind of leadership required to inspire progress and deliver results.”

“According to the statement, ‘Bauchi needs leadership that motivates through action and example—leadership grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and a clear vision. Ambassador Tuggar represents the type of leader capable of helping the people shape their collective destiny.’”

While commending the success of the declaration event, the League urged supporters “not to relent but to intensify efforts toward securing victory at the polls.” The group reiterated that the state “requires leadership anchored on service, integrity, and measurable progress.”

The League further emphasized that Tuggar’s track record in public service “demonstrates a consistent commitment to the security, prosperity, and well-being of the people.”

“He understands that leadership is not a matter of convenience, but a solemn responsibility to serve with dedication, accountability, and transparency,” the statement added.

Highlighting the basis of its endorsement, the League pointed to Tuggar’s “core values of trust, truth, consistency, and a strong sense of duty.” It noted that “his tenure as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister reflected a deep moral obligation to national service, adding that Bauchi stands to benefit from his blend of global experience and local understanding.”

The statement also stressed “the urgent need for prudent financial management in the state, calling for leadership that will sanitise public finances, eliminate waste, and enforce fiscal discipline.”

“Bauchi’s resources must work for the many, not the few. Ambassador Tuggar possesses the experience and vision to drive sustainable solutions and attract genuine investment,” the group stated.

Reinforcing its position, the League cited Tuggar’s “commitment to ensuring safety and economic stability across the state.”

“Farmers must be able to access their farmlands without fear, traders must move freely, and every child must feel safe going to school,” it said.

The group further underscored “the importance of transparency and inclusive development, insisting that all wards across the 20 Local Government Areas must be fully informed and involved in how public resources are allocated.”

“Anything less would amount to repeating past mistakes,” the statement warned.

Describing Tuggar as “a proud son of Gamawa and a seasoned statesman with proven integrity on the global stage,” the League argued that “he is uniquely qualified to lead Bauchi into a new era of prosperity.”

It also noted “the need for equitable leadership opportunities across the state, pointing out that since the return of democracy in 1999, certain zones have yet to produce a governor.”

“Ambassador Tuggar’s extensive experience across multiple sectors, combined with his reform-driven governance philosophy—particularly in public procurement and accountability—places him far ahead of other contenders,” the statement added.

The League concluded by reaffirming its belief that “Bauchi’s future depends on leadership capable of understanding its challenges and delivering practical, sustainable solutions.”

“Bauchi requires focused, principled, and forward-thinking leadership. We firmly believe that Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is the man for the job.”

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Advocates Slam Atiku’s Criticism of Tinubu’s Economy as ‘Cheap Politics and Propaganda’

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The Advocates for Economic and Political Advancement on Tuesday described recent criticisms of the Nigerian economy by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as “cheap politics dressed up as concern” and pure propaganda.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the group said Atiku’s comments were not rooted in genuine economic analysis but driven by bitterness after multiple unsuccessful attempts to lead the country.

In his address, Dr Opialu Fabian dismissed Atiku’s reference to Nigeria’s external reserves of about $48.45 billion as evidence of failure.

He noted that the same economic framework projects the reserves to rise above $51 billion within the year, describing the situation as a managed adjustment within an ongoing reform cycle rather than a decline.

The group argued that reserves are influenced by several factors, including exchange rate management, capital flows, and liquidity interventions by the Central Bank, and should not be viewed in isolation or used for political effect.

“Select a number. Strip it of context. Amplify it for political effect. That is not economic analysis. That is political theatre,” the group stated.

The Advocates highlighted what they described as significant macroeconomic improvements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

They pointed to projected economic growth of 4.49 percent, a sharp drop in inflation from over 34 percent to about 14.5 percent — with expectations of further decline to around 12.94 percent — as well as a balance of payments surplus and gradual return of investor confidence.

The group praised the appointment of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, saying it signals a new era of policy coherence, structured tax reforms, improved revenue generation, and better utilisation of idle funds and public assets.

They noted that over $20 billion currently sits idle in the banking system under reserve requirements, while many public assets worth tens of trillions of naira remain underutilised, adding that addressing these inefficiencies forms a core part of the ongoing reforms.

While acknowledging that Nigeria is still in a transition phase with attendant challenges, the group maintained that the bold decisions taken by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of the foreign exchange market, were necessary and are beginning to produce positive results, including increased disbursements to states for development projects.

The Advocates urged Nigerians to focus on the broader picture of structural reforms rather than short-term fluctuations, calling on political actors, especially Atiku Abubakar, to engage honestly with facts instead of recycling talking points that ignore visible progress.

“The economy is stabilising. The reforms are taking hold. The direction is clear. No amount of political noise can change that reality,” the group concluded.

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