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Osinbajo: Ekiti has higher GDP than Gambia, Cape Verde, Seychelles
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says Ekiti state has a higher gross domestic product (GDP) than Gambia and several other African nations.
Osinbajo advised that states in Nigeria “must think like sovereign nations” to improve the livelihood of their residents.
The vice-president spoke at the Fountain Summit held in Ekiti on Thursday.
He said revenues from federal allocations can “provide infrastructure and services to the communities” but added that “the size of the sum and the quantum of opportunities available for the populace” depends on how well states can attract investment.
“The economy of the subnational is a peculiar animal. A state within the federation is not a nation, but it must behave like a nation. It derives some resources from the federal pool and generates some income,” the vice-president said.
“The sum of those will provide infrastructure and services to the communities. But the size of the sum and the quantum of opportunities available for the populace will depend on how the state enables local and external investors — small and large — to put their resources into businesses in the state.
“Two Saturdays ago, I represented Mr President at the swearing-in ceremony of the new president of the Sao Tome and the Principe Republic. As I sat in that well-appointed hall and took in the solemn grandeur of the oath-taking of the new democratically elected president, I reflected. Here was a country whose GDP is $472 million and it’s a nation.
“It has one vote in the United Nations just as we have. Ekiti state has a GDP of $2.8 billion – five times the GDP of the nation of Sao Tome and Principe but it’s not just Sao Tome and Principe.
“Ekiti’s GDP is higher than that of the nation of Gambia. Gambia has a GDP of $1.9 billion and also a higher GDP than that of Cape Verde with a GDP of $1.7 billion or Seychelles, the lovely tourist destination which has just $1.1 billion.
“Ekiti’s GDP is the same as the GDP of Liberia which just has $2.95 billion and we’re talking about Ekiti state now, we’re not even talking about Lagos.
“The attractiveness of the state to commerce is a radical issue. The very lives and livelihood of the people within the borders of the state depend on it. Nigeria’s subnational is indeed a peculiar animal. There has to be a collective change of mindset. There’s a need for a subnational to think like a sovereign state. You have bigger GDP and even more revenues than many nations.”
“I think the surest way forward is to deepen investments in the niche areas. We have already noted the enormous potential in agriculture and dairy. But clearly, the way of the future, especially for the huge population of young men and women seeking good-paying jobs, is technology. Clearly, the future of the fast-growing economy is in the knowledge economy. Every day we are beginning to see the transition.”
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Sanwo-Olu Approves N50,000 Wage Award for Lagos Workers
Sanwo-Olu Approves N50,000 Wage Award for Lagos Workers
Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved a N50,000 wage award for public sector workers in Lagos State as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
The announcement was made on Friday during the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, where the governor was represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.
According to the state government, the wage award will apply specifically to the month of May and will be paid to all categories of workers across board, irrespective of grade level.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the prevailing economic challenges facing workers, including rising fuel prices and broader economic pressures. He said the temporary wage support was designed to provide immediate relief during a period of financial strain.
“For the month of May, Lagos State Government has approved an additional N50,000 for all workers,” the governor stated, noting that the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare amid ongoing economic difficulties.
He further emphasized the critical role of workers in the development of Lagos State, describing them as the backbone of governance and economic growth. The governor commended their dedication and resilience, highlighting contributions from civil servants, teachers, healthcare personnel, and artisans in sustaining the state’s progress.
The Lagos State Government also indicated that the measure aligns with broader efforts to mitigate the effects of inflation and improve workers’ living conditions. Authorities acknowledged ongoing challenges such as transportation and housing, noting that additional policies are being implemented to address these concerns.
The latest wage award follows earlier interventions by the state government aimed at enhancing workers’ welfare, including previous allowances and bonus packages introduced in response to economic pressures.
Labour stakeholders are expected to monitor the implementation of the wage award, while discussions on longer-term salary adjustments and welfare improvements continue at both state and national levels.
Sanwo-Olu Approves N50,000 Wage Award for Lagos Workers
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News
Tinubu Nominates Tegbe as Minister of Power, Seeks Senate Confirmation
Tinubu Nominates Tegbe as Minister of Power, Seeks Senate Confirmation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The nomination, contained in a State House press release issued on Thursday, has been formally transmitted to the National Assembly in line with constitutional provisions requiring legislative screening and approval of ministerial appointments.
Mr Tegbe’s nomination follows the resignation of the former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from office to pursue elective political ambitions.
According to the Presidency, the nominee is a seasoned fiscal and economic reform expert with more than 35 years of experience across both public and private sectors. He previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led major initiatives in fiscal policy reform, institutional restructuring, and governance.
The statement also highlighted Tegbe’s advisory roles to key government institutions and private sector organisations, particularly in the areas of regulatory frameworks, strategic reforms, and investment structuring.
Currently, Tegbe serves as Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), where he oversees efforts to deepen development cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China. His role includes coordinating engagements with public sector stakeholders to advance economic and social development objectives aligned with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
In the power sector, Tegbe is said to have participated in several reform-driven engagements involving agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), focusing on regulatory and institutional improvements.
The Presidency expressed confidence that, if confirmed, Tegbe would strengthen ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s power sector, improve grid stability, and attract sustainable investment in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
President Tinubu also urged the minister-designate to deploy his extensive expertise toward delivering measurable improvements in electricity supply and overall sector performance for Nigerians.
Tinubu Nominates Tegbe as Minister of Power, Seeks Senate Confirmation
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Tinubu Orders Crackdown on Plateau Killers, Approves ₦2bn Relief Package
Tinubu Orders Crackdown on Plateau Killers, Approves ₦2bn Relief Package
President Bola Tinubu has pledged to deploy the full instruments of federal authority against individuals and groups responsible for the recurring violence in Plateau State, warning that those identified as instigators or sponsors of unrest will face decisive government action.
The President made the declaration on Tuesday evening during a high-level meeting with Plateau State leaders and stakeholders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he also approved a ₦2 billion humanitarian relief package for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area.
The meeting, which lasted several hours and ended around 8 p.m., brought together Governor Caleb Mutfwang, all living former governors of Plateau State, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political stakeholders, including the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu told the delegation that his administration would no longer tolerate cycles of violence, urging leaders in the state to take responsibility in identifying those fueling conflict.
“No protocols, no obstacles; we are here to speak our minds and find a permanent solution to a recurring conflict and chaos,” the President said.
He stressed that tolerance, unity, and accountability among leaders were essential to ending decades of recurring communal clashes in the state.
Tinubu also issued a strong directive to state authorities to identify individuals allegedly responsible for instigating violence, warning that they would face firm government action.
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“If you identify and you know the names of troublemakers, agents provocateurs who want to continue killing or instigate killing, let us know. We will use the instrument of office to deal with them,” he warned.
The President added that anyone found to be recruiting or inciting violence would face the full weight of federal power.
He further called for fairness, justice, and ethnic inclusiveness in governance, insisting that peace-building efforts must be rooted in equity and mutual respect among communities.
At the meeting, the Federal Government approved ₦2 billion in humanitarian assistance for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, where over 27 people were reportedly killed in a violent assault on returning worshippers.
The funds, according to officials, will be used to support displaced families, rebuild damaged property, and provide emergency relief to affected communities through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
The approval follows Tinubu’s earlier promise during his visit to Jos on April 2, shortly after the incident.
Tinubu reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary reform to address Plateau’s persistent security challenges.
He urged federal lawmakers present at the meeting to work toward constitutional backing for decentralized policing, arguing that local security structures would improve response times and enforcement.
The President also directed the newly constituted Plateau peace committee—made up of all living former governors of the state—to review existing white papers on past conflict resolutions and present consolidated recommendations.
He encouraged flexibility in restructuring previous peace frameworks, stressing that ineffective committees should be dissolved or merged for better results.
“Forget those committees you mentioned to me; if it’s not working, it’s not working. Consider this group as the committee until we find a lasting solution,” he said.
The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, urged the Federal Government to strengthen security deployments in the state, noting that existing forces were overstretched and required better equipment and manpower.
He also reiterated the need for the promised installation of thousands of AI-enabled surveillance cameras across Plateau State to enhance monitoring and early warning systems.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the meeting as historic, noting that it was the first time all living former governors of Plateau State were gathered together in a unified peace initiative.
He pledged full cooperation with the Federal Government’s peace efforts and emphasized the need to rebuild trust across ethnic and religious divides.
Former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase also highlighted drug abuse as a growing driver of insecurity in the state, calling for stronger enforcement measures.
Tinubu concluded the meeting by urging stakeholders to prioritize unity, warning that continued violence would only deepen poverty and instability in the region.
He also proposed expanded inclusion of non-indigenous communities in governance structures as part of broader reconciliation efforts.
The President reaffirmed that his administration is committed to ending violence in Plateau State and across Nigeria, stressing that peace and stability remain central to national development.
Tinubu Orders Crackdown on Plateau Killers, Approves ₦2bn Relief Package
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