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Tinubu’ll land Nigeria safely from turbulence- Akume

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President Bola Tinubu has been described as a veteran captain that would safely land Nigeria from its current turbulent situations.
Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said this when the management of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) visited him on Wednesday in Abuja.
The NAN delegation, led by Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the Agency, includes the Director of Administration, Abdulkadi Khaliel and the Editor in Chief, Ephraims Sheyin.
The aim of the visit was to brief Akume on the forthcoming inaugural Annual International Lecture by NAN on Oct. 3.
The theme of the lecture is ‘Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges—Genesis, Impacts and Options’.
The SGF described the state of Nigeria that Tinubu met as a situation being witnessed by a pilot who took off in a turbulent weather.
He added that such pilot must be an experienced type for safer landing. It’s true that there’s a lot of turbulent situations in the country.
“Tinubu’s government is like a plane that takes off in turbulent weather, but when a plane takes off in turbulent weather, it’s not easy to control.
“But when you have a pilot who is very skillful, he knows where he is going, he knows there’s a problem but the problem is his landing, yes he will land us safely that’s why he is a veteran captain,” he said.
While describing NAN’s forthcoming lecture as a ‘wonderful initiative’, Akume said media sectors have critical roles to play to disseminate information on government’s policies and programmes to educate the public.

“This is a very wonderful initiative. There is no way you can do any meaningful and purposeful summit and conference in this country now without having a very rich content of security.

“And for those of you in the Media, you have a critical role to play and that’s why your forthcoming lecture is one of these roles you are playing to disseminate this information through such initiative about government’s policy. “
The SGF explained that security architecture had been redesigned by the present administration, adding that things have started picking up gradually in the country.
Speaking earlier, Ali lauded Akume for the tremendous achievements recorded by his office since the inception of the present administration.
Ali said that the lecture was imperative looking at Nigeria’s state of insecurity and NAN’s position of disseminating news wider across the international level.
“We are here to intimate you of our impending first international lecture organised by the News Agency of Nigeria.
“We are here to let you know first hand and also to invite you formally,” he said.
While speaking on the choice of the topic, Ali said NAN management was looking at the state of insecurity, as not only a disturbing issue in Nigeria but within the Sahel region.
“Actually we are looking at insecurity at the Sahel region and that’s why it is an international lecture.
“The insecurity is becoming a serious issue and we restricted it between 2008 to 2024 as part of the national effort to enliven public discourse on the debilitating challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, militancy among others,” he said.
He used the visit to laud the efforts of Tinubu’s government on its commitment to fight the insecurity by equipping the Nigeria Armed Forces to curb the ugly situation across the country.
“So, we are looking at all of these, beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“We are convinced at the editorial board of the News Agency of Nigeria to look at this beyond Nigeria at the Sahel region, which has remained hot bed of crisis,” Ali said.(NAN)
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Alake, Ayankele to Lead Workshop on Illegal Mining

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr Dele Ayanleke, are expected to headline a national workshop aimed at addressing the growing challenges of illegal mining and mineral smuggling.

Scheduled to take place from 29 to 30 April 2025 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the event is being organised by Allied Bond Consulting.

It is expected to bring together policymakers, security chiefs, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for securing mining sites and fostering sustainable development within mining communities.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ahmed Yahya, and the Workshop Coordinator, Willie Tawo, the organisers said the two-day event would focus on “articulating pragmatic strategies and proactive measures to combat the menace of illegal mining and smuggling.”

The workshop also aims to promote international best practices in mining operations, enhance security at mining sites, and explore how the sector can attract further investment and serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic diversification.

Participants will deliberate on creating a stable, secure environment for mining, promoting peaceful coexistence in host communities, and using the solid minerals sector as a platform for building the country’s industrial base.

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Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire Congratulates Otunba Olufemi Pedro on LASU Honorary Doctorate

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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has congratulated former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Otunba Olufemi Pedro, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.

The honorary degree is being awarded as part of the institution’s 28th Convocation Ceremony, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 10th April 2025, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Lagos.

In a statement released on Wednesday by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, Princess Orelope-Adefulire described the honour as “well-deserved and long overdue,” noting that Otunba Pedro’s life and career reflect a legacy of excellence, innovation, and integrity in both the public and private sectors.

“Otunba Pedro’s remarkable journey—spanning the financial sector and public service—is a shining example of visionary leadership and selfless dedication to national development,” the statement read.

“As former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, he played a pivotal role in laying the foundations for the fiscal reforms that have contributed immensely to the state’s economic growth and transformation.”

Princess Orelope-Adefulire further stated that the conferment by LASU is not just a recognition of Pedro’s achievements, but an affirmation of the enduring values he represents: humility, integrity, and service to humanity.

She commended the Lagos State University for recognising one of its most distinguished alumni, adding that the honour would serve as motivation for emerging leaders and professionals across Nigeria and beyond.

“This award is a timely reminder that true greatness is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the positive impact one has on people, institutions, and society at large,” she added.

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She prayed for God’s continued guidance, strength, and good health for Otunba Pedro as he continues to contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos State, Nigeria, and the global community.

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Group Slams Zamfara Governor,Daudae Over Insecurity

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A civil society organisation in Zamfara State has strongly criticised Governor Dauda Lawal, accusing him of gross incompetence and failure to secure the lives and property of the citizens under his watch.

In a scathing statement signed by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Suleiman Ibrahim Usman, the organisation alleged that Governor Lawal has abandoned his responsibilities, choosing instead to blame his predecessor, Dr Bello Matawalle, for the state’s persistent security challenges.

“Governor Lawal has failed woefully in his primary duty of safeguarding the people of Zamfara,” the group said.

“Rather than tackle the escalating insecurity, he spends his time pointing fingers at his predecessor, all while living lavishly and ignoring the plight of his people.”

The group criticised what it described as the governor’s “luxurious lifestyle”, claiming that while communities in the state suffer from hunger, sickness, and fear of bandit attacks, Governor Lawal is busy acquiring exotic vehicles.

“It is disgraceful for a leader of a traumatised state to indulge in such extravagance,” the statement read.

The statement further accused the governor of mismanaging the state’s increased federal allocation and internal revenue, questioning what tangible security investments have been made since he assumed office.

“Under Governor Matawalle, despite limited funds, security agencies received over 200 Hilux vehicles and motorcycles. What has Governor Lawal done with the increased allocation?” the group queried.

The civil society group also criticised the ongoing road projects in the state, describing them as mere reconstructions of long-standing roads rather than the development of new infrastructure.

“These are not new roads; they are just politically motivated renovations focused mostly on his own local government area,” the statement alleged.

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It condemned aides of the governor for attacking the current Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, saying he had contributed to improved security in the state.

“Thanks to Matawalle’s interventions, many villages are now able to sleep with both eyes closed, and farming activities are gradually returning,” Dr Usman claimed.

“It is only hypocrites or those who have never stepped foot in Zamfara that would commend this administration. We challenge anyone to visit the state and see the suffering of the people firsthand.”

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