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Be patient to enjoy economic reform benefits, Tinubu tells Nigerians

Published

1 year ago

September 24, 2024

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Be patient to enjoy economic reform benefits, Tinubu tells Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu said on Monday that despite the hardships caused by the elimination of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms implemented by his administration, Nigerians will soon reap the fruits of their efforts.

Tinubu made the statement during his speech at the 2024 Annual National Management Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chattered), which was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, under the topic ‘Economic Stability and National Security: Contending Issues and the Way Forward’.

The President, who was the event’s Special Guest of Honour and was represented by the Federation’s Head of Service, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, emphasised that the choices were intended to stabilise the poor economy that he inherited.

He stated that in the short time he has been in charge of guiding the nation’s ship, his administration has made major gains in diversifying the economy, including large investments in important sectors such as agriculture, technology, and renewable energy.

He stated, “In the bid to quickly kick-start and stabilise the weak economy that we inherited, we have taken some hard decisions through the economic reforms introduced so far, such as the floating of the naira and the removal of fuel subsidies.

“We recognise the fact that the pains occasioned by these reformative economic policies have been biting hard on the citizenry, but we are convinced that the nation’s economy and the Nigerians will start reaping the benefits of all the sacrifices in no distant time.”

He described the event as a gathering of great minds dedicated to advancing excellent management practices in Nigeria, with a large number of professional managers representing decision-makers in both the public and commercial sectors of the country’s economy.

“Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the Nigerian Institute of Management for their invaluable contributions to the development of our nation. Your commitment to excellence in management is vital, for it is through good management that we can unlock the full potential of our resources and human capital.

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“The theme of this conference, ‘Economic Stability and National Security: The Contending Issues and the Way Forward’, is apt and relevant towards charting a new course and national rebirth for the country in line with the eight-point agenda of the Federal Government aimed at turning around the economy and making life easier for the citizenry,” Tinubu added.

While recognising that the country is at a crossroads where the relationship between economic health and national security cannot be exaggerated, he stated that these two pillars were inextricably intertwined, saying, “Our strategy must reflect that fact.

“By choosing this theme as the focus of this year’s conference, the Institute has further demonstrated that it is committed to supporting the Federal Government in achieving its drive to reposition and turn around the nation’s economy and set it on the path of real development and progress. You have indeed proven, once again, to be partners in progress with the government.”

He stated that in addition to economic disadvantages, the country suffers a multitude of security concerns, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal confrontations, which demand a diversified approach to address them.

“It is imperative that we adopt a multifaceted approach to both economic and security challenges. We must enhance our intelligence capabilities, strengthen community policing, and ensure that our security forces are adequately equipped.

“Moreover, addressing the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate education is essential to ensuring lasting peace,” Tinubu said.

While praising the NIM’s efforts and support for national development, which he believes the organisation has proved through public policy advocacy and other programs, he urged the institute to increase its presence in public portions of the National Assembly.

“I further challenge the Institute to improve its visibility at public sessions of the National Assembly when bills are being considered so as to make more robust professional management input that will be most relevant in the public domain.

“The Federal Government will appreciate the involvement of the institute in the key function areas of governance where the services of professional bodies are needed.”

Be patient to enjoy economic reform benefits, Tinubu tells Nigerians

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UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

Published

8 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Trends Admin

UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has confirmed that 100-level student Sadiya Usman has been found safe after being reported missing earlier this week. The university expressed relief and gratitude to the public and security agencies for their assistance in locating the student.

Sadiya Usman, who is enrolled in the Department of Accounting, was last seen leaving her residence at Kontagora Estate, Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Tuesday, 18 February 2026, at around 8:00 a.m. She was on her way to the university’s Main Campus to sit for her Computer-Based Test (GST 111) but did not arrive for the exam.

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After her disappearance, her guardian reported her missing when all attempts to reach her by phone were unsuccessful. The university promptly activated internal safety protocols and collaborated with security agencies, campus authorities, and the public to ensure her safe recovery.

The student was eventually located late on Thursday, 20 February 2026, around 11:49 p.m., and is reported to be safe, unhurt, and in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that coordinated efforts between the university, law enforcement, and concerned members of the public were instrumental in her recovery.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to student safety and welfare, promising continuous updates as necessary. It also thanked those who responded to the public appeal for information and urged students and parents to remain vigilant about safety.

This incident highlights the importance of campus security measures, timely reporting of missing persons, and the role of community involvement in safeguarding students.

UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing

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Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim

Published

16 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed plans to arrest and prosecute TikTok user Mirabel after she admitted that her viral rape allegation was false, authorities and investigative reports indicate.

Mirabel, a social media influencer, first sparked national attention after posting videos alleging she had been sexually assaulted in her home in Ogijo, Ogun State. The posts quickly went viral, drawing widespread outrage, calls for justice, and prompting the police to launch an immediate investigation.

An audio recording of a phone conversation, shared online by social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM), reportedly captures Mirabel acknowledging that parts of her story were fabricated. In the recording, she apologises and admits creating a threatening TikTok account to support her narrative, claiming she had been taking drugs at the time and “was not thinking clearly” when posting the videos.

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A police source said senior officers, including the Divisional Police Officer, were at the hospital where Mirabel was receiving medical care. Once she is discharged, she will be taken into custody and formally charged under provisions of Nigeria’s Criminal Code relating to false reporting of sexual offenses. “The essence is to serve as a deterrent to others,” the source added.

The Ogun State Police had earlier ensured that Mirabel received medical treatment and support, following procedures to protect her health while the investigation continued. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) confirmed that the incident fell outside its jurisdiction and forwarded all relevant information to the Ogun authorities.

This development has sparked public debate about the responsible use of social media, the impact of false allegations, and the importance of evidence-based reporting. Legal experts warn that fabricating sexual assault claims can carry serious criminal penalties and may undermine the credibility of genuine victims.

Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid spreading unverified claims and to cooperate with law enforcement in ongoing investigations. Updates on the case will be issued by the Ogun State Police Command as formal legal proceedings begin.

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Tinubu Reduces Reliance on U.S, Strengthens Defence Partnerships With Turkey, EU

Published

16 hours ago

February 20, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Tinubu Reduces Reliance on U.S, Strengthens Defence Partnerships With Turkey, EU

President Bola Tinubu has commenced a strategic expansion of Nigeria’s defence diplomacy, engaging the European Union (EU) and Turkey to strengthen the nation’s security architecture while reducing overreliance on the United States. The initiative comes as Nigeria faces multiple security threats, including Boko Haram insurgency in the north-east, farmer-herder clashes in the north-central region, separatist violence in the south-east, and escalating banditry in the north-west.

The move coincided with a visit to Brussels by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who led discussions at the first EU-Nigeria Peace, Security, and Defence Dialogue. Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration on regional stability, counter-terrorism, and violent extremism, while enhancing intelligence sharing, maritime security, and cybersecurity cooperation. An EU diplomat in Abuja emphasized that the bloc would provide non-lethal military support, while respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, describing the EU as “more consistent, more reliable, and more coherent than the United States” in delivering security assistance.

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During his state visit to Turkey in January 2026, President Tinubu also held defence discussions with Turkish officials. Turkish companies pledged to supply military equipment, advanced systems, and tactical hardware, while exploring joint local production arrangements with Nigeria. Türkiye is currently regarded as a global leader in armed drones, which could bolster Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations and reconnaissance capabilities.

Despite these new partnerships, Nigeria continues security cooperation with the United States, including deployments by United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) to support training, intelligence sharing, and operational planning. Recent U.S. personnel arrivals in Bauchi State aim to enhance counter-terrorism capacity without taking direct combat roles, operating under Nigerian command structures.

Analysts say Nigeria’s diversified defence diplomacy seeks to reduce dependency on a single partner, while providing access to a wider range of technology transfer, training opportunities, procurement options, and operational expertise. The strategy also reflects a broader trend of African nations balancing traditional defence alliances with emerging strategic partners to better address evolving security threats.

With regional instability and domestic insurgency on the rise, Nigeria’s engagement with Turkey, the EU, and other partners is expected to strengthen the Nigerian Armed Forces, enhance counter-terrorism operations, and secure national and regional stability.