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How Buhari rejected lavish gifts including jet from Emir of Abu Dhabi— Garba Shehu

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Late Former President Muhammadu Buhari

How Buhari rejected lavish gifts including jet from Emir of Abu Dhabi— Garba Shehu

Former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu has disclosed that ex-president Muhammadu Buhari rejected opulent personal gifts during his time in office—among them, a diamond-encrusted wristwatch and a private aircraft offered by the Emir of Abu Dhabi.

Shehu, who served as Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity from 2015 to 2023, made the revelation during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television.

He recounted two key instances where Buhari turned down luxury gifts, highlighting them as evidence of the former president’s consistent integrity.

One such occasion involved a globally acclaimed Nigerian fashion designer who presented Buhari with a custom-made diamond wristwatch bearing his portrait.

“A diamond wristwatch from a Nigerian fashion designer, who is successful on the global stage. And the guy, fascinated by President Muhammadu Buhari, crafted this wristwatch studded with diamonds. Customised, with the picture of the president embossed on it. And he brought it,” Shehu explained.

However, Buhari was quick to refuse the gift.

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“The president looked at it, and he said, ‘Diamond wristwatch? I can’t wear this. Please tell this young Nigerian that he’s doing well for himself. He’s also a good ambassador of the country. We’ll continue to encourage him. Let him please continue to promote the image, the name of this country in his trade. But the wristwatch—take it back to him. I can’t use it.’”

According to Shehu, the former president’s ethical standards were just as firm during his travels abroad.

He shared that during a 2016 visit to the United Arab Emirates, the Emir of Abu Dhabi made Buhari a remarkable personal offer.

“When we went to the United Arab Emirates in 2016, and in Abu Dhabi, which is the capital,” Shehu recalled, “the Emir of Abu Dhabi actually asked the president of UAE, which aircraft did he want? He offered him an aircraft.”

The offer was declined once it became clear that the aircraft was intended for Buhari’s personal use rather than for Nigeria.

“The president said, if it is for my country? I will accept. But the Emir said, ‘No, it’s for you personally, so that you can also use after you leave office.’”

Buhari responded with characteristic restraint.

“I don’t need an aircraft when I leave office. In any case, I can’t maintain it.’ And that ended the story.”

Shehu said the gesture, which some may have viewed as a helpful transition gift for Buhari’s return to Daura after his presidency, was not something the ex-president would entertain.

“So President Buhari’s personal integrity is unimpeachable. As a spokesperson for that leader, you were comfortable with one thing. You were never going to be greeted by embarrassing stories of your boss being involved in wrongdoing in any way,” Shehu said.

Shehu also reflected on the challenges he faced during his tenure, particularly from journalists eager to test his resolve.

“You know, the journalists, we’re all trained in this sometimes. Because they like to prick you, they like to pinch you in a way that will remind you that you’re one of us. Don’t think that because you’re in the villa, you are too far from us,” he recounted.

These revelations come as Shehu promotes his new memoir, According to the President, which offers an insider’s look at his years as Buhari’s official spokesperson and serves as a reference for others in similar roles.

How Buhari rejected lavish gifts including jet from Emir of Abu Dhabi— Garba Shehu

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VIDEO: Tinubu Approves 27 Road Projects Worth N3.9 Trillion Across 15 States

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VIDEO: Tinubu Approves 27 Road Projects Worth N3.9 Trillion Across 15 States
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

VIDEO: Tinubu Approves 27 Road Projects Worth N3.9 Trillion Across 15 States

  • Minister Umahi Announces Completion of 118km Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway Section

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved 27 road projects valued at over N3.9 trillion across 15 states, marking one of the most significant infrastructure interventions in the country’s recent history.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the Federal Government’s infrastructure development programme. The projects span Adamawa, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe states.

Speaking on the development, Umahi stated that the approvals reflect the administration’s commitment to bridging Nigeria’s infrastructure gap and stimulating economic growth through strategic road construction and rehabilitation.

“The President has demonstrated unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure. These approvals are not just about roads; they are about connecting communities, enabling commerce, and saving lives,” Umahi said.

According to the Minister, the largest single project under the approval is the re-award of the 409-kilometre dual carriageway project in Niger State, valued at N1.8 trillion, to Aliko Dangote under the tax credit scheme. The project is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the North-Central region and facilitate the movement of goods and services.

Other major projects approved include N276 billion for the dualisation of the Ilorin-Ogbomoso Road, N265 billion for the reconstruction of the Iseyin-Eruwa-Agbesi Road connecting Oyo and Kwara states, and N217 billion for the dualisation of the old alignment Ijaye to FGC to Ilorin Road with a spur to Akinmorin.

In the South-East, the Federal Government approved N116 billion for the 21-kilometre Abakaliki-Afikpo Road in Ebonyi State and N86 billion for the reconstruction of the Enugu-Abakaliki Road with a flyover. The government also approved N86 billion for the Adikpo-Ajayi-Tese-Akpa-Otukpo Road connecting Benue and Cross River states.

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The South-West region received significant attention with the approval of N110 billion for the Ogbomoso-Oko-Illupu Road linking Oyo and Osun states. Additionally, N98 billion was approved for the construction of the 30-kilometre Idi-Araba-Ayede-Olodo Road in Oyo State, N82 billion for the rehabilitation of Igbeti Road, N74 billion for the Igbeti-Soro-Kishi Road, and N15.5 billion for the 13-kilometre Badeku-Jaiye Road in Oyo State.

Ekiti and Ondo states will benefit from the N34 billion, 18-kilometre Ikere-Ekiti-Ijare Road project, while the rehabilitation of the Kabba-Ifaki-Ado Ekiti Road connecting Kogi and Ekiti states received N24.7 billion.

In Lagos State, N15.7 billion was approved for the construction of Pacific Road linking Igbe Laara to Ikorodu, a project expected to ease traffic congestion in the densely populated Ikorodu axis.

The North-East region also received substantial allocations, with N83 billion approved for the Jimeta-Mayo Belwa Road project in Adamawa State, N71 billion for the construction of the 52-kilometre Dabban-Makina Road in Niger State, and N62.99 billion for the Tungo-Karamti Road with five bridges between Adamawa and Taraba states.

The rehabilitation of the Yola-Hong-Mubi Road phase 2 received N58 billion, while phase 2 of the Yola-Fufore-Gurin Road project in Adamawa State, covering 20 kilometres, received N15.246 billion.

Plateau State will benefit from N92 billion for the rehabilitation of the Baban-Lamba-Sharan phase 2 Road, while Yobe State received N15 billion as augmentation for a 32.2-kilometre road project in Gashua originally awarded in 2022.

In Kwara State, the government approved N21 billion for a flyover bridge at Oko-Olowo Junction, while the rehabilitation of sections 1 and 2 of the Ilorin-Omorin-Ebe-Kabba-Obajana Road in Kwara and Kogi states received N104 billion.

Umahi also disclosed that the first 118-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Highway, valued at N137 billion, has been completed. He expressed optimism that work on the remaining 164-kilometre section would be completed by November.

The Minister also announced the approval of the full business case for the operation and maintenance concession for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. He directed the immediate commencement of reconstruction of the failed sections of the Ibadan axis using concrete technology to ensure durability.

“We are not just building roads; we are building a foundation for sustainable economic development. The use of concrete technology on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will ensure that the road serves Nigerians for decades to come,” Umahi added.

He noted that the projects would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the affected states and boost economic activities in the regions.

The Minister urged contractors handling the projects to adhere strictly to specifications and timelines to ensure timely delivery of the projects.

VIDEO: Tinubu Approves 27 Road Projects Worth N3.9 Trillion Across 15 States

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Breaking: Third Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Violence Arrives in Lagos

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Breaking: Third Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Violence Arrives in Lagos

The third batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa touched down in Lagos on Tuesday, as the Federal Government continued efforts to bring home citizens caught in the wave of anti-immigration protests and xenophobic attacks that have unsettled parts of the Southern African nation.

The evacuees arrived aboard an Air Peace aircraft, which landed at the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 10:54 a.m.

The latest evacuation comes amid growing concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa following weeks of demonstrations targeting undocumented migrants and businesses owned by immigrants. The unrest has disrupted livelihoods and heightened fears among many Nigerians living in the country.

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The Federal Government, through its diplomatic missions and relevant agencies, has been coordinating the voluntary evacuation of Nigerians who indicated their willingness to return home. Air Peace has been providing the evacuation flights as part of the humanitarian effort.

The ongoing repatriation follows renewed xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals—particularly Africans from countries including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Somalia—have repeatedly come under attack during anti-immigration campaigns.

Over the years, similar outbreaks of violence have led to deaths, destruction of businesses and strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa, prompting repeated calls for stronger protection of migrants and lasting solutions to xenophobia.

 

Breaking: Third Batch of Nigerians Fleeing South Africa’s Xenophobic Violence Arrives in Lagos

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FG Overhauls NYSC After 53 Years, Approves Civilian Leadership, Skills-Based Service Scheme

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FG Overhauls NYSC After 53 Years, Approves Civilian Leadership, Skills-Based Service Scheme

FG Overhauls NYSC After 53 Years, Approves Civilian Leadership, Skills-Based Service Scheme

The Federal Government has approved the most far-reaching overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) since its establishment 53 years ago, paving the way for a civilian-led, skills-driven service scheme designed to equip graduates for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.

The landmark reform, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), will see the NYSC transition from military operational leadership to civilian management, while the military will retain responsibility for the security of corps members. The reforms also introduce specialised career streams, expanded vocational training and a new orientation camp structure aimed at producing a workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

To fast-track implementation, FEC directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to reflect the approved changes.

Speaking on the reform, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the review was necessary to reposition the scheme as a modern institution focused on youth empowerment, skills development and productivity.

She explained that the reforms would strengthen Nigeria’s human capital by aligning the NYSC with the country’s economic priorities.

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According to her, the review covers virtually every aspect of the scheme, including registration, deployment, security considerations, orientation camp activities and post-service opportunities.

Under the new model, corps members will undergo a redesigned six-week orientation programme. The first two weeks will focus on civic responsibility, national values and leadership development. The next two weeks will cover career mapping, financial literacy, business planning and access to finance, alongside a structured career engagement programme with employers and public institutions.

The final two weeks will be dedicated to specialised training based on each corps member’s academic background, career interests and chosen service stream.

Bala Usman disclosed that the government has created 11 specialised NYSC streams from which participants will choose during registration.

The streams include Agric Corps, Medical Corps, Education Corps, Tech and Digital Corps, Legal Corps, Public Service Corps, Infrastructure Corps, Green Corps, Enterprise Corps, Creative Economy Corps, and Paramilitary and Security Corps.

She said each stream would offer targeted training designed to prepare graduates for careers in critical sectors of the economy.

According to her, the reform represents the first comprehensive review of the NYSC since its creation in 1973 and reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the scheme into a platform for building skilled manpower capable of driving economic growth.

The NYSC was established by Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973, in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War to foster national unity, integration and reconciliation among Nigerian youths.

The scheme is currently headed by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu but will, under the approved reforms, transition to civilian operational leadership once the necessary legal amendments are completed.

 

FG Overhauls NYSC After 53 Years, Approves Civilian Leadership, Skills-Based Service Scheme

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