NEWS
NESG, Ministry Inaugurate Joint Planning Committee for 30th Economic Summit

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Public Sector, represented by the Federal Ministry Budget and Economic Development and the Organised Private Sector, represented by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), on Tuesday inaugurated the Joint planning committee (JPC) for the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#30).
While welcoming participants to the event, the Vice Chairman of the NESG and Chairman of the NES#30 Anniversary Committee, Mr Omoboyede Olusanya, said that the inauguration of the NES#30 Joint Planning Committee marks the official commencement of preparations for the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit.
According to him, the Summit has consistently provided a reputable and widely recognised platform for fostering consensus and mutual understanding on the country’s economic policy trajectory and growth strategies.
Furthermore, Mr Olusanya said that the 30th anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect on a legacy that has played a critical role in promoting Nigeria’s transition to a private sector-led economy and that the journey of strategic innovation and steadfast collaboration is vital for Nigeria’s continued economic development
He noted that Nigeria has encountered various economic and political obstacles in recent years, underscoring the urgent need to redesign its systems and address structural issues.
“One of Nigeria’s pressing concerns is translating economic growth into improved living standards for all its citizens. Despite experiencing growth, the country grapples with rising unemployment, income disparity, and multidimensional poverty.
“These challenges are worsened by an uneven allocation of resources, macroeconomic instability, and institutional deficiencies. Moreover, the new government implementation of fuel subsidies and exchange rate reforms in quick succession has had unintended adverse effects, exacerbating existing structural issues.
“On the flip side, international organisations have applauded the long overdue reforms and have revised Nigeria’s credit rating outlook to positive from stable. Furthermore, the twin reform has led to significant improvement in Nigeria’s current account, Federation account allocation and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows,” Mr Olusanya stated.
He pointed out that the NES has played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies and development strategies over the years and that its advocacy and recommendations have led to significant reforms in the banking sector, telecommunications, maritime and seaports, and the energy sector, among others, noting that each step, from privatising state-owned enterprises to the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, has moved Nigeria towards a more efficient, competitive, and diversified economy.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Nebeolisa Anako, while inaugurating the JPC said that the day marks the commencement of another summit year and that the NESG remains a shining example of collaboration between the government and the private Sector.
Anako also noted that the Summit provides an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, noting that key outcomes play essential roles in shaping government policies and that the partnership has helped in the development of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2025 and long-term Plan Nigeria Agenda 2050.
He also stated that members of the JPC were carefully selected in terms of interest in the development of the nation and are expected to review the outcomes of #NES29, make preparations for the hosting of #NES30, develop a program of events and timelines, articulate budgetary requirements and propose an optimal strategy for funding. He further noted that the JPC will also mobilise the public and private Sector at state, local government and development partners for the Summit and is expected to prepare and deliver the green book within three months.
The theme of NES#30 is “Collaborative Action for Growth, Competitiveness, and Stability,” and it is scheduled to hold between the 14th to 16th of October, 2024. The Summit will catalyse discussions aimed at mobilising leaders to address pressing economic realities. The focus will be on navigating uncertainties and turbulence and fostering an environment that encourages innovation, diversification, and sustainable development.
The first Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#1) was held from February 18-20, 1993. Participants at NES#1 concluded that it is imperative for the private sector to dialogue and cooperate with the public sector continuously. Since that first Summit, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, a private sector think-tank and nonprofit organisation, has organised the Annual Nigerian Economic Summit in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The NES has become an annual dialogue and, indeed, the flagship event of government and business.
The Nigerian Economic Summit has provided a credible and widely recognised platform for forging understanding and consensus on the national economic policy direction and growth strategies. Over the past 30 years, national and global policymakers and business leaders have acknowledged that the annual NES is the premier platform for public-private dialogue in Nigeria.
NEWS
Tinubu Honors Buhari, Renames University of Maiduguri after Late President

By David Torough, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved the renaming of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State as Muhammadu Buhari University.
“May we now adopt the University of Maduguri as the Muhammadu Buhari University,” Tinubu said at the close of a special session of the Federal Executive Council held to honour Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Thursday.
The President paid a glowing tribute to Buhari, describing him as “a good man, a decent man, an honourable man” whose legacy of discipline, patriotism and moral uprightness would endure for generations.
Tinubu said although the late president was not without flaws, his unwavering commitment to national service set him apart.
“President Buhari was not a perfect man, no leader is, but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man.
“His record will be debated, as all legacies are, but the character he brought to public life, the moral force he carried, the incorruptible standard he represented, will not be forgotten.
“His was a life lived in full service to Nigeria, and in fidelity to God,” he said.
Reflecting on Buhari’s time in office and his long military and civil service, Tinubu praised the late leader’s simplicity, humility, and stoic resistance to the trappings of power.
He said, “He stood, always, ramrod straight; unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who do what is right, rather than what is popular.
“His was a quiet courage, a righteousness that never announced itself. His patriotism lived more in action than in words.”
Tinubu also recounted their political alliance, which culminated in the historic 2015 elections that marked Nigeria’s first democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.
“We stood together, he and I. Alongside others drawn from across the political spectrum, regions and tongues, we formed an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.
“When he was sworn in as our party’s first elected President, he led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore the burdens of leadership without complaint,” he said.
The President expressed admiration for Buhari’s post-office modesty, noting that he returned to his hometown, Daura, without seeking to wield influence behind the scenes.
“When his tenure ended, he returned to Daura; not to command from the shadows or to hold court, but to live as he always had, never seeking to impose his will but content to let others carry the nation forward.
“Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life: not a sigh, not a groan, just a quiet submission to the will of God. Such was the man Nigeria has lost. Such was the man for whom our nation now mourns,” he added.
Tinubu thanked the Inter-Ministerial Committee and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, for organising a befitting state funeral within 48 hours, describing it as a “profound honour” to lead the burial procession in Daura.
He concluded his tribute with a prayer: “Mai Gaskiya, the People’s General, the Farmer President, your duty is done. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness. President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.”
Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, at the age of 82.
NEWS
C’River First Female NUJ Chairman Describes Tenure as Trial Period

The first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Cross River, Archibong Bassey has said that her first tenure in office was a trial period.
Bassey, who was returned unopposed in council’s election, made the assertion in an interview on Thursday in Calabar.
The Bassey- led executive was first elected on 9th May 2025, to complete the tenure of Nsa Gill, who was then appointed as Chief Press Secretary to Gov.
Bassey Otu.The chairman, who thanked the members for keeping faith in her and her team, said that she would improve on her achievements while correcting any mistakes she might have made in her first tenure.
She pleaded that any member who she must have offended in the course of her leadership should forgive her as she was not perfect and called for unity among members.
“Let’s leave any form of rancour behind, I need all your support;push me from the back, support me as you can.
‘’Tell me your ideas of moving the council forward and not what someone told you about me; I am asking God for the spirit of humility and love, to enable me lead the council well.’’
Earlier in his goodwill message, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, had commended the union’s unity in electing its new executives.
According to Ekpang, they will continue as a government to give the Cross River Council of NUJ what it needs and all the necessary support to enable it carry out its functions objectively.
“I want to thank you for your unity, it’s better to come unopposed, I believe one day, the Cross River Council will emerge as the best in the nation,” he said.
Other executive members who were returned unopposed are Mr Sunday Inah of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) as Vice Chairman, Michael Abang of Business Day as Secretary.
Others are Kingsley Agim of the Cross River Ministry of Information as Assistant Secretary, Mrs Achiane Adams of the Ministry of Information, Treasurer, and Benedine Tete Anam of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Auditor.
NEWS
Gov Makinde Confered With Prestigious Chieftaincy Title of Aare Omoluabi of Akure Land by Akure Kingdom

The Akure Kingdom will today bestow a prestigious chieftaincy title, Aare Omoluabi of Akure Land, meaning President of the Respectable People, upon His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
The conferment ceremony, which will take place in Akure, Ondo State, marks a significant recognition of Governor Makinde’s exemplary leadership, integrity, and contributions to the advancement of Yoruba culture and national development.
The title, one of the highest honors in the Akure Kingdom, celebrates individuals who embody the virtues of respect, dignity, and service to humanity.
Governor Makinde’s conferment reflects his outstanding commitment to good governance, infrastructural development, and fostering unity across Nigeria.
The ceremony will be attended by traditional rulers, dignitaries, and government officials, underscoring the significance of this historic event.
This honor further strengthens the bond between Oyo and Ondo States, fostering mutual respect and cooperation for the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.