Home Blog Page 3

We Seek To Sanitize Online Journalism, Set Standards – GOCOP President, Chigbo 

The President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Ms. Maureen Chigbo, has said that the Guild’s primary objective is to sanitize the online media space and establish standards for the industry.

Speaking at the launch of GOCOP’s maiden publication: “Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing,” and a fundraising event for the GOCOP Media Center in Abuja, Chigbo emphasized the need for collaboration with stakeholders to achieve this goal.

She said that as a group of professional journalists with over two decades of experience in mainstream media, GOCOP is committed to promoting ethical online publishing practices.

Chigbo noted that the organization’s members are dedicated to upholding the principles of truth, fairness, and balanced reporting, and have introduced a self-regulatory mechanism to ensure compliance.

To maintain high standards, GOCOP has established several committees, including a Disciplinary Committee/Ombudsman to address public complaints and ensure accountability.

Chigbo stressed that the organization takes its self-regulation responsibility seriously and is committed to weeding out unprofessional conduct.

The GOCOP President acknowledged the contributions of members, contributors, and supporters, including Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of PREMIUM TIMES, who wrote the foreword to the book as well as the reviewer, and president, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku.

She also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, state governments, institutions, and corporate organizations for their support.

Chigbo appealed for generous donations to strengthen GOCOP and build the Guild’s Media Centre, which will empower members to run their businesses profitably.
She also urged public relations practitioners, advertisers, governments, and civil society organizations to support GOCOP businesses, emphasizing the critical role that online media plays in building a society where justice, peace, and individual rights are respected.

By promoting ethical online publishing practices and collaborating with stakeholders, GOCOP aims to establish itself as a leading voice in the online media industry and contribute to the growth and development of the sector.

Late Ebira Paramount Ruler, Ado Ibrahim, Makes Posthumous Donation At GOCOP Event In Abuja

The Ohinoyi (paramount traditional ruler) of Ebiraland in Kogi State, late Alhaji Dr. Ado Ibrahim made a posthumous donation of N250,000 to the pulse of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) today, June 17, in Abuja.
GOCOP launched the first Book it ever published, titled: “Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing,” alongside a N2.3 billion fundraising campaign for the GOCOP media centre.
In a message sent to the event, the son of the late monarch and Executive Director of some of his investments, Prince Nazir Ado Ibrahim said that the cash donation was on behalf of his late father.
He said that as lover of media men and women, late Ado Ibrahim would have been physically present at such an occasion that drew top notch journalists, editors and publishers from across the country if he had been alive.

Late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim

Prince Nazir Ado Ibrahim recalled that the first set of people his late father invited and interacted with in his palace at Okene, when he was crowned as Ohinoyi on June 2, 1997, following the death of his predecessor, Alhaji Sanni Omolori, were senior journalists from Lagos, Abuja and Kano.
“And throughout his reign until his death on October 29, 2023, in Abuja at the age of 94 (born February 7, 1929) after a brief illness, the late paramount ruler maintained close relationship with media and the practitioners. He successfully and diplomatically used them to attract the attention of government at all levels to the needs of his subjects.
“Such a ruler, a bundle of humility, grassroot oriented, media friendly and cheerful mien will continue to live in our memories till the end.”
Apart from the cash donation from the late monarch, many dignitaries who attended the event did not announce the specific amount they donated.
The dignitaries included the minister of information and national orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the immediate past information minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on media and strategy, Bayo Onanuga and representative of Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni in the person of his information commissioner, Abdullahi Bego.
Others were representatives of the NNPCL, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NEMA, Nigerian Customs Service, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, the Inspector General of Police as well as top government officials.
The 197-page book was reviewed by the President of the Nigerian Public Institute of Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku
The publication, a timely and compelling exploration of journalism in the modern digital era, captures the evolving role of journalism in the digital age, championing ethical standards and innovation in online journalism.
The book explores the enduring core values of journalism, truth, fairness, and accountability and a conscious effort to reset the tone, ethics, and values that underpin journalism in the digital age.
This was even as the Minister of Information and National Orientation urged GOCOP to step up its task of checkmating the menace of fake news.
He challenged the Guild to look out for peddlers of fake news even if they are not members of the Guild with a view to exposing them.
He assured that President Tinubu is committed to a professional, free, fair and vibrant press in Nigeria, adding that FG is willing to work with the press to strengthen democracy and shape the future of the journalism in Nigeria.

Emir Sanusi Of Kano, Elumelu, Ebira Traditional Title Holder, Imam, Others Honoured At Silent Heroes Awards In Abuja

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu; the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his Bauchi State counterpart, Abdulkadir Bala Mohammed as well as a traditional title holder, the Onizeiza (Dan Amana) of Ebiraland in Kogi State, Dr. abuBakar Imam were among outstanding Nigerians that were yesterday evening, June 14, honoured at Silent Heroes Awards In Abuja.
The seventh edition of the Silent Heroes Awards, which took place at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja, also featured the official unveiling of Volume 3 of Nigeria’s Silent Heroes, a compendium compiled by award-winning journalist and renowned biographer, Odita Sunday. The publication documents the lives and quiet achievements of individuals who have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s progress.
A total of fourty Nigerians in various disciples were conferred with awards for their outstanding service and impactful contributions across various sectors, including politics, public service, business, media, civil society and security.

… abuBakar Imam…
Also on the list of honourees were Hamid Joda, MD/CEO of TAJ Bank; Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of Defence; Prince Arthur Eze; Dr. Daniel Olukoya, Founder and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry; Chief Jeferrey Nnaji, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology; Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Minister for Niger Delta Development; Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission; Dr. Adedolap Fasawe, FCT Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment; Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre; and Hajiya Zubaida Umar, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Established in 2018, the Silent Heroes Awards is said to aim to recognise men and women whose daily work quietly powers the nation forward. These are individuals who serve not for recognition, but out of genuine commitment to community and country.
According to the project coordinator of the Silent Heroes Award initiative, Mrs. Ozioma Sonia Odita-Sunday, “The awards remind us that patriotism isn’t always loud, and can sometimes be found in people who simply show up every day and do what is right.”
The event recognized fourteen additional Nigerians who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and are making meaningful, long-term impacts in their respective fields.

NIPSS Kicks Out PRNigeria CEO, Yushau Shuaib; He Kicks

Yushau Shaibu

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has officially ordered the withdrawal of the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PRNigeria, Yushau Shuaib, from the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47.
Shuaib had earlier written a petition over what he tagged “unjust treatment and cybercrime.”
The Director General of the Institute, Professor Ayo Omotayo, who ordered his sack, cited: “misconduct and disregard for constituted authorities.”
In a letter addressed to a professional body which Shuaib belongs to, the Director General said that the decision, which has been approved by its management followed a disciplinary committee’s recommendation to expel Shuaib over alleged breaches of confidentiality and institutional guidelines.
However, the withdrawal letter, signed by Muhammad Kabir Suleiman on behalf of the Director General, did not specify the exact offenses constituting “misconduct.”
The letter concluded by requesting a bank account details to process a prorated refund of Shuaib’s course fee.
Shuaib had earlier sent a petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, detailing what he described as “unjust, humiliating, and deeply distressing” treatment at NIPSS. In his petition, titled: “Unjust Treatment at NIPSS Over Articles Supporting Digital and Blue Economy Reforms,” he alleged harassment, cyberbullying, and professional ostracization—despite claiming full compliance with institutional guidelines.
He said that he was abruptly asked to vacate the NIPSS premises following his suspension on May 2, 2025, a move that reportedly shocked his family and colleagues, especially as other participants remained in the programme.
Shuaib argues that he was unfairly queried for innocuous articles, including a news story titled “NIPSS Goes Digital,” which he neither authored nor edited, as well as a positive opinion piece on the “Blue Economy” that made no mention of NIPSS.
Among several troubling episodes, he cited a discriminatory instruction forbidding him from identifying himself as a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (mnipr) during plenary sessions.
“This was particularly baffling, since others were freely allowed to use their professional affiliations, including informal titles like ‘Dagger’ and ‘Sword.’”
Shuaib said that during a disciplinary panel, he was denied the opportunity to defend himself, with the panel allegedly relying on a rewritten response imposed by Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha on behalf of Barrister Nima Salman Mann, the acting Director of Studies.
The PR practitioner also accused NIPSS of illegally intercepting and accessing a restricted internal PRNigeria editorial email, describing it as a serious breach of digital privacy, cyberbullying, and professional misconduct.
Shuaib said that despite paying the full N18.2 million course fee, he was excluded from SEC 47’s international study tours and officially alienated from other participants.
He attributed psychological distress from the ordeal that led to a hypertension diagnosis at the institute’s clinic.
In his appeal to President Tinubu, Shuaib sought an independent investigation into the disciplinary process and alleged cyber-privacy violations.
He also requested a review of his suspension and exclusion, along with the establishment of a clear communication policy for NIPSS participants.
Shuaib criticized the “excessive militarization” of the academic environment at NIPSS, even as he highlighted the institute’s lack of a defined communication policy, leaving participants without clear guidance on what constitutes public, restricted, or classified information in social or media engagements.
Shuaib said that NIPSS told him that it had not provided any updates on his status for nearly two months since his suspension, despite his awareness of prior attempts to expel him.
“I’m still expecting their correspondence to me directly, as they stated in the suspension letter they addressed to me about two months ago.”

Interfaith Media Group Suggests Policy Reforms To Combat Sectarian Violence In Nigeria 

The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria) has suggested comprehensive policy reforms and grassroots engagement to combat religious discrimination, hate speech, and sectarian violence.
It also advised the Federal Government to adopt a proactive and inclusive approach to promoting religious tolerance, national unity and peaceful coexistence across the country.
These were contained in a statement by the Guild’s Chairman, Abdulkarim Abdulmalik, shortly after the Governing Board’s meeting in Abuja on Friday.
The Guild said that in the quest for strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria, there is need for comprehensive policy reforms and grassroots engagement to combat religious discrimination, hate speech, and sectarian violence.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. Promoting religious tolerance is not only a moral imperative but also a national security and development priority.
“It is against this backdrop that the Guild proposed a six-point policy framework for the Federal Government to implement:
1. *Strengthen Interfaith Dialogue Mechanisms* :
Reinvigorate the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and establish interfaith dialogue forums at the state and local levels to foster regular engagement between Muslim, Christian, and traditional religious leaders.
2. *Integrate Interfaith Education into Schools* :
Revise national education curricula to include content on empathy, religious coexistence, and mutual respect to combat ignorance and stereotypes among young Nigerians.
3. *Guarantee Equal Protection for All Faiths* :
Ensure security for all places of worship and prosecute religious hate crimes and incitement without bias or delay.
4. *Promote Responsible Religious Reporting* :
Collaborate with media organisations to train journalists on reporting religious issues responsibly and promote narratives that foster understanding and peace.
5. *Support Faith-Based Peacebuilding* :
Provide funding and logistical support to credible interfaith NGOs and youth groups engaged in community outreach, humanitarian services, and peace education.
6. *Depoliticise Religion in Governance* :
Encourage leaders to avoid exploiting religious sentiments for political gain and ensure fairness and inclusivity in appointments and public service delivery.
“GIMP-Nigeria also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to demonstrate national leadership by taking visible steps to unify Nigerians across religious lines, particularly as the country continues to grapple with economic hardship and social unrest.
“Now is the time for leadership that inspires trust and unity, not division. Promoting religious tolerance is essential for building a secure, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.”
The Guild said that this way, the possibility of using ethnic and religious sentiments by politicians to mislead the citizens would drastically reduced and good governance ensured.

Nigerian Faults Gov Soludo’s Praising Of Tinubu’s Policies, Says The Poor Are Sinking

A Nigerian, Danladi Ndayezhin from Minna, Niger State capital, has faulted Governor Chukwuma Soludo for praising the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu.
Reacting to Governor Soludo who recently said that President Tinubu’s reforms have rescued Nigeria’s economy and restored public finance, the concerned Nigerian asked: “rescued (Nigeria) for who?”
Governor Soludo had said that Tinubu’s reforms rescued the country from what he called “tipping” and advised Nigerians to embrace ethical rebirth and issue-based politics for lasting national progress.
However, Danladi who is one of the thousands others that disagreed with Governor Soludo said: “While economists debate and elites applaud, the poor are sinking. Food is unaffordable. Fuel subsidy gone, no cushioning for the masses. Exchange rate liberalized, prices soar, salaries stagnate. Millions now survive on less than hope.
“Yes, reforms may promise long-term gains. But right now, the people are bleeding. If the short-term pain is fatal, who will live to see the long-term benefit?
“Democracy Day should be a celebration of shared progress, not elite praise while the people cry.
“Leadership is not about applause in high places. It’s about action on the ground. Rescue the people, not just the economy on paper.”

If You’re Not Happy Over Naming Of ICC After Tinubu, Go And Kill Yourself – Minister Wike

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has asked anybody that is not happy with his naming of the International Conference Centre (ICC) after President Bola Tinubu to go and Kill himself.
He declared at the commissioning of a road project in Abuja city today, June 13: “if you are not happy that we named it after Mr. President, go and kill yourself. I have done it and I have no regret.”
Wike stressed that the rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre and its renaming after the President was part of the government’s attempt to give the best to the country.
He argued that President Tinubu has demonstrated strong leadership in ensuring the restoration of the ICC.
“We want the best for the country and the President has given the best to the country.”
President Tinubu, represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio,
commissioned the 15-kilometer left-hand service carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), stretching from Ring Road I to Wasa Junction in Abuja.

Our Coalition Is To Stop Tinubu From Privatizing Nigeria – Atiku

Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has said that the ongoing effort to build a broad, united opposition front is not about power for power’s sake.
“It is a moral imperative. It is about defending the legacy of June 12. It is about ensuring that no one — no matter how powerful — is allowed to privatize the state and reduce the people to pawns in their political chess game.”
In a statement he issued to mark the Democracy Day today, June 12, Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of governing the country with the unmistakable intent to dominate, subdue, and silence. “Their tactics are not subtle. Opposition voices are being systematically erased. Contracts for multi-billion-naira infrastructure are funnelled to cronies and family associates of the president. “National institutions, once symbols of unity, are being brazenly renamed in honour of a sitting president — as though the country were a private estate.
“What we are witnessing is not governance — it is conquest.”
Atiku noted that today, Nigeria teeters on the edge of a dangerous precipice — a creeping one-party dictatorship is replacing the democratic order we bled for.
“Those who laid down their lives did not do so for Nigerians to groan under the yoke of authoritarianism and economic suffocation.”
The Vice President under President Oludegun Obasanjo said that Tinubu’s government represents the lowest ebb in the democratic journey of the country, adding that institutions have been weaponized.
“Policies are crafted not to empower the people but to entrench fear, obedience, and control.
“The common Nigerian has been abandoned at the altar of elite comfort. “And make no mistake: this is the antithesis of everything June 12 stands for.
“We are again at a historic threshold. ” “Nigeria must choose: the path of democratic renewal or the dark alley of despotism.
He said that the coalition is aimed at reclaiming Nigeria for Nigerians and safeguarding the future of generations unborn.
“This is not just a political contest; it is a moral crusade. A struggle to liberate our economy, our democracy, and our dignity from the grip of authoritarian forces.
“And like every righteous struggle, it demands courage, clarity, and collective resolve.
“As long as oppression thrives, June 12 lives on — not just as memory, but as movement. The time to rise is now.”
Atiku recalled that thirty two years ago, Nigeria stood on the cusp of greatness, saying that the winds of democratic change were sweeping through Africa, and all eyes turned to Nigeria with hope for it to rise as a beacon of liberty, justice, and self-determination.
“I was privileged to be an active participant in that defining chapter, which culminated in a historic election that captured the imagination of the world and reshaped our political destiny.
“It was a moment of great promise — and great sacrifice.
“The political class made painful compromises, but it was the Nigerian people who bore the heaviest burden. They yearned for a new democratic order, and many paid dearly for it.
“I, too, made my fair share of sacrifices, most notably setting aside my own presidential ambition in deference to the late Chief MKO Abiola — a gesture made in faith and fidelity to a higher national cause.
“But others gave far more. The late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Tafida Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Alfred Rewane — these brave souls gave their lives in pursuit of a freer Nigeria.
“Their memories are etched into our national conscience and must never be forgotten.
“The gains of June 12 were hard-won. But sadly, the democratic promise that blossomed in 1999 is being steadily dismantled before our very eyes.”

Tinubu, The Audacity To Hope: Two Years After, By Segun Adeleye

The second year has gone since Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was sworn in as the President of Nigeria, which translates to half of his tenure already spent!
At the first anniversary, the thinking in some quarters was that one year was too short to assess the performance of any government. But now that it’s half of the tenure and behind the scene networking for him to return for the second term is in full gear, a comprehensive assessment should better be done by anyone that cares.
Surprisingly, there is no meeting point between the two opinions on the performance of the President so far, and it seems there will never be a convergence, with those that are against him having nothing good to point at as achievement, while those in support are ready to sing his praise to the heavens.
Those on the left pole as expected are from the camp of the opposition parties who are yet and may not be able to cross to the ruling party, and of course millions of citizens who are negatively hit by the president’s economic policies in the last two years. It has been very difficult for many to comprehend why government cannot banish an extreme hardship that has even surpassed what they saw when they thought there could never be a worse clueless leadership in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s political system is yet to have a measurement mechanism where the performances of the leaders and the mood of the populace can be gauged as we see in many advanced democracies where opinion polls on leaders are released from time to time, and they are taken seriously, like a mirror to know the possibilities in future elections.
THE NAY SAYERS
The voice of those who seem to be discontented with the way things are going in the country no doubt is the loudest. The hardship voice is so loud in every corner such that if public opinion counts and if there is a remote possibility of having a free and fair election in the country, one would say that the President and his ruling party will be having sleepless nights.
It will be interesting to see anyone that can swear that there is a free and fair election in Nigeria. I believe the closest to a consensus will be that candidates will rig and win where they are popular. This can explain why some supporters will sing ‘ba tie dibo, oti wole’ (even if we don’t vote, you have won) during electioneering campaigns or the audacity that the PDP had then to boast that it will rule for 60 years.
The loud voice of discontentment in the last two years stems from the removal of fuel subsidies, Naira depreciation, spiraling inflation as high energy and food costs eroded the purchasing power of most Nigerians.
In the opinion of the former Vice President Atiku Abubarka who is occupying the extreme end of the opposition, in two years, the Tinubu’s administration has proven to be one of the most incompetent, disconnected, and anti-people governments in Nigeria’s democratic history.
He claimed a disregard for transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership, saying the government has not only deepened poverty, but set new records in wasteful public spending.
Pointing out that Nigeria’s total public debt in two years skyrocketed from 150 per cent to N144 trillion when compared to those of state governments where debt levels dropped from N5.86 trillion to N3.97 trillion, he concluded that Tinubu administration was the primary driver of Nigeria’s debt crisis.
His former boss, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also shared same sentiment as he was quoted to have written in his book, Nigeria: Past and Future, that the Lagos-Calabar highway typifies waste and corruption.
He was quoted as saying: “Typical examples of waste, corruption and misplaced priority are the murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road on which the President had turned deaf ears to protests and the new Vice-President’s official residence built at a cost of N21 billion in the time of economic hardship to showcase the administration hitting the ground running and to show the importance of the office of the Vice-President. What small minds!”
Atiku’s political party, the PDP is also singing the same song while urging Tinubu to urgently address the issue of insecurity, reverse all economically suffocating policies and check the wholesale corruption, greed, unbridled profligacy, reckless misdirection of resources, arrogance in failure and totalitarian tendencies in his administration, which has shown itself as anti-people and impervious to the suffering of Nigerians.
Mr. Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party has always been critical of President Tinubu’s administration, particularly on economic issues. He had expressed concerns about the country’s economic downturn, highlighting a significant decrease in GDP from $477 billion to $252 billion, which dropped the country from the biggest economy in Africa to number four.
SIMPLY THE BEST?
But in a sharp contrast, those that could see with the same lenses as the President, particularly those in the organised private sector are happy with what they are seeing so far.
Ironically, the removal of fuel subsidy which many are lamenting about is what the President’s admirers have embraced as one of his best achievements so far.
They believe that Tinubu’s economic reforms are promising despite being tough on Nigerians and businesses as they see positivities in the fuel subsidy and foreign exchange rate unification; Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative to save over N2 trillion monthly by cutting petrol imports; Billions approved for the Student Loan Scheme; significant increase in government revenue with funds being channeled into large-scale infrastructure projects; rise in oil production; over $500 million in foreign direct investments; other social intervention programmes which include over N200 billion allocated to the newly established Consumer Credit Corporation; N570 billion disbursed to states for livelihood support; new national minimum wage to N70,000; increasing NYSC allowances to N77,000; tariff waivers on food and pharmaceutical imports among others.
Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Founder and Chairman, BUA Group in an interview listed what the administration had done right to include the removal of the fuel subsidy which he said was the biggest economic scam in our history. He said the administration unified the foreign exchange market and restored stability, fairness, and confidence in the economy.
“These are the foundations of growth. Nigeria is full of potential. With the right leadership, which we now have, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” Rabiu said.
The Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote also shared the same view with Rabiu as he described Tinubu as a visionary leader, saying one of the Tinubu administration’s most transformative initiatives is the Naira for Crude Policy.
He said that the policy stood out as a clear testament to the administration’s commitment to economic recovery and national sovereignty.
He said: “This bold policy has enabled us to reduce product prices consistently and guarantee availability for the overall benefit of Nigerians. It has also helped significantly in stabilising the prices of petrol, diesel, jet fuel, LPG, and polypropylene to their lowest levels ever. The effect of this development is the stabilisation of our currency, a critical element in the development of economic policy and budgeting by businesses.”
He also lauded the administration’s Nigeria First Policy, which aimed to drastically reduce reliance on foreign goods and services, prioritising local patronage in investment decisions, business operations, and consumption habits.
Anambra State governor, Prof Charles Soludo from an opposition party also joined the camp of those that believed that Tinubu had been outstanding in the last two years. He said the President’s bold and visionary economic reform policies, have positioned the country on a trajectory of sustainable growth and development, despite temporary setbacks.
He said President Tinubu’s game-changing initiatives, including the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign exchange reforms, and significant investments in infrastructure development, demonstrate his decisive commitment to building a prosperous nation.
MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE
As expected, the administration has not been slack at defending its record with the President dismissing critics of his legacy projects for being ignorant about how the government awarded them to contractors.
The President will be right if he borrows the phrase ‘man shall not live by bread alone’ to defend his administration’s thirst for legacy projects if one should reflect on the past when the country was turned into the dumping ground for imported products with strategic infrastructures left undeveloped.
The administration no doubt has been bullish and performed beyond expectations on infrastructure development if one should reflect on the time that these projects were conceived, like the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway which was said to have been envisioned 47 years ago under the Shagari administration.
Another area where one can argue that the President has also surpassed expectation is the quality of appointment into strategic agencies as he did away with the past culture of mediocre in high places. I had in one of my early series, ‘If I were Tinubu: Setting a Tinubunomic agenda’, wrote that “ The President will need the right professionals to run the oil industry. Specifically, there will be a need for a total overhaul of the system. The new NNPC Limited should be made to advertise the positions of its CEO and other top directors to attract the right professionals from all over the world.”
When the President initially retained the old management of the NNPCL, I had thought that could only happen because he had seen what people from outside could not see. But the dramatic replacement of the management and board which could pass for a corporate coup has been applauded in many quarters as the right thing to do.
On sports, while the Tinubu’s administration has been commended for its development initiatives, particularly the reinstatement of the National Sports Commission (NSC) as the governing body for sports along with the timely payment of bonuses and allowances to athletes, its yet to be seen when these will translate to Nigeria winning medals in international events.
With the government also deserving credit for the bold tax reform agenda which is expected to become more pronounced when the new tax bills are signed into laws, it’s not also too difficult to identify the areas where hope is still hanging in the balance.
For instance, the claim of a repositioned health sector despite all odds has not been felt by a large segment of the masses, so also the initiatives to boost local food production, support farmers, and stabilise food prices have not yielded recognisable results, as the level of hunger in the land is still at the extreme.
Moreover, the government has not been convincing with its programmes to improve electricity supply as the grid keep on suffering multiple collapses, with most people still living with poor supply despite increase in tariff.
Also the blue economy that raised so much hope with the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy ministry has not lived up to the billing, with no sign of definite direction to harness the huge potential in the sector.
While the road infrastructure where huge resources have been committed also hold great prospect for the country, it is understandable that the impact may not be felt in the next one or two years.
TINUBU UNSTOPABLE?
Going forward, it will be difficult to expect any dramatic change in the posture of the president for the rest of his term, more so when the groundwork for his reelection has started.
By now, most Nigerians would have formed their opinions about who the president is, yet no one can absolutely boast that they know him. To say that he is stubborn or brave would be an understatement. Like a script in a mafia book, he has plotted his ways through the political trench to built a cult of followership and emerged as the most powerful and influential leader Nigeria has ever seen. His influence in the National Assembly is overwhelming, which would make it possible for him to push his agenda either legislatively or through Executive Orders. Unlike Obasanjo who would have instigated crisis in order to uproot their leadership as he would not like to share the limelight with anyone, Tinubu has allowed them the room to breath while pulling the string behind the scene to get his ways.
In a congratulatory message to the President on the second anniversary in office, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio said Tinubu had restored the hope of Nigerians for a viable and sustainable nation through transformative and courageous leadership… he had placed Nigeria on a solid developmental pedestal using the Renewed Hope Agenda as his policy thrust.
There may be likelihood of positivities in the enormous power that the President has amassed if positively deployed as the case of Lee Kuan Yew, the Singapore’s first Prime Minister who transformed his nation from a developing country to a developed one through visionary leadership and pragmatic policies between 1959 and 1990. If Tinubu can push through his legacy projects and other reforms, he could achieve the feet of Yew with Nigeria. However, since he is human and as absolute power corrupts, the fear of abuse cannot be overlooked.
The opposition parties that could give him a run for his money are currently in a disarray. One will be expecting more manoeuvring to weakening them and lure away their remaining prominent leaders in the coming months, which will make victory look very obvious for the President in 2027 even if the masses are crying murder.
The minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the Economy, Wale Edun told foreign investors few months ago that the government through its veracious reforms had laid the foundation that would make the country the desired destination for private investors, saying the country is on the road to 7 per cent annual growth, while the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, similarly said Nigeria’s economy is on a path of stabilisation and recovery following months of tough but necessary reforms.
With assurances like these coming from government officials while the opposition parties are at disarray with defection waves sweeping through the South South up to the North, Nigerians can only buckle up for the rough ride that may go beyond 2027, with hope and prayer that light will eventually come at the end of the tunnel.

*Segun Adeleye is the President/CEO, World Stage Limited, the publisher of WorldStage Newsonline. He is the author of Tinubu The Audacity To Hope, So Long Too Long Nigeria among others.

Journalists’ Cooperative Society Formally Kicks Off In Lagos 

The Innovative Media Partners Cooperative Multipurpose Society (IMPCMS) has formally taken off.
The President of IMPCMS and Publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, who announced the take off in statement today , June 12, said that all registration formalities and opening of a bank account are now in place.
He said that the Executive Committee of the IMPCMS has approved the take off and that it now has the full compliments of members.
Other members of the Executive Committee include Ugomma Cookey, a member of the Board of the Media Career Development Network, as Vice President; Nkanu Egbe, Publisher of Lagos Metropolitan, as General Secretary; Ijeoma Popoola, Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria, Financial Secretary; and Dolapo Otegbayi, a prominent media and marketing consultant, as Treasurer.
The Ex-Officio members are media trainer, Taiwo Obe and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WVL Development Advisers Limited and former Acting Managing Director/CEO of Bank of Industry, Dr. Waheed Olagunju.
Oladipo gave details of how to join the cooperative society, which is for practicing journalists and media professionals. He said that would-be members should fill a form, which can be obtained at the secretariat at 1, James Robertson Street, Surulere, Lagos.
He said that for the electronic version of the form, a WhatsApp message can be sent to: 08023204836, or email to: nkanu.egbe@gmail.com.
“The cost of membership is N10,000, payable into the cooperative society’s account with the United Bank for Africa: Innovative Media Partner Surulere Multipurpose Cooperative Society, with account number 1028258688.
“Among the early financial members of the society are the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Eze Anaba; seasoned broadcaster, Anike-ade Funke Treasure; eminent journalist, Dr. Hope Orivri; Publishers of Oriental News, Chika Izuora and Yemisi Izuora and Dayo Ojo.
“All members of the Executive Committee of the IMPCMS have also become financial members.
“The society was formed as a fallout of the Second Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, in 2024, and organised by The Journalism Clinic, founded by Obe.”

Advertisement
Advertisement ADVERTORIAL
WP2Social Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com