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Tinubu Inaugurates Institute of Vocational Training, 100 CNG Buses in Kaduna

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 President Bola Tinubu on Thursday inaugurated the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Kaduna, marking a major step towards youths empowerment and workforce development in the state.

The initiative, strongly aligned with Gov. Uba Sani’s vision for economic inclusion and human capital growth, was aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills for self-reliance and employment.

While at the Murtala Mohammed Square,  Tinubu also unveiled 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, part of the state government’s efforts to modernise public transportation and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

The projects are part of the broader agenda of both the Federal and Kaduna State Governments, focusing on infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, youths empowerment, and economic growth.

In his remarks, former Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness the inauguration of various projects in Kaduna, particularly the 300-bed Specialist Hospital named after Tinubu.

Sambo described the hospital’s inauguration as the fulfilment of a vision that began in 2009 during his tenure as the Governor of the state.

“Today, we celebrate the realisation of a project that was conceived over 16 years ago. It is a dream come true for the people of Kaduna,” he said.

Sambo recalled that as Governor, he was confronted with a painful healthcare reality fewer than 3,000 hospital beds were available for a population exceeding six million.

Sambo added that the situation worsened when Kaduna metropolis lost its 800-bed hospital following the relocation of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital to Shika, Zaria.

“Many families were forced to travel outside the state in search of specialist medical care. Our goal was to reverse health tourism and provide world-class medical services at home,” he said.

“The newly inaugurated 300-bed specialist hospital is expected to significantly boost healthcare delivery in the state and reduce the pressure on tertiary medical centres.”

Also speaking at the event, Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, commended Tinubu for what she described as a focused leadership that was “refocusing the country and renewing citizens’ hope in governance.”

She said that the president’s commitment to resilience and sustainable development had laid a solid foundation for national progress.

According to her, the vocational institute is a component of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to create jobs, drive economic development, and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.

She also praised Gov. Uba Sani for running an inclusive and people-centered administration.

In his remarks, Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), described Kaduna as a growing hub for skills development in Nigeria.

He stated that while the state faced significant challenges related to youths unemployment and economic diversification, vocational training presented a viable solution.

“Vocational training and skills development are widely recognised as a pathway to empower individuals with practical knowledge, enhance self-reliance, and ensure gainful employment,” Bugaje said.

Speaking also ,the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu-Bamali, commended Tinubu for his visit to Kaduna and his continued support in inaugurating the legacy projects across the state.

The emir, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers’ council, described the projects as impactful and unforgettable contributions to the state’s development.

He also appreciated the collaboration between Tinubu and Sani, particularly in the area of security management.

“We are witnessing the return of peace to various parts of the state, especially in Giwa and Igabi local government areas, as well as the southern zone of Kaduna,” he said.

The royal father reaffirmed the support of the traditional institution for the government’s efforts towards lasting peace and development.

Dignitaries present at the epochal visit included the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen; and the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu-Bamalli, among others.

The project is part of a broader effort to improve health infrastructure and service delivery in the state. (NAN)

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Otu Receives New Charts for Bakassi Deep Seaport

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From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Cross River State Government has recorded a major breakthrough in its quest to transform the state into a maritime hub with the official presentation of the Hydrographic, Geotechnical, geophysical Report and New Navigational Chart for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport project.

Out, who spoke at a formal ceremony held in the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar, described the event as a “historic milestone” that not only affirms Nigeria’s maritime boundaries but also sets the stage for an economic revolution across the Gulf of Guinea.

“This is truly a historic day, not just for Cross River State but for the entire country,” Governor Otu said.

“What we have achieved today replaces charts dating back to 1903 and settles long-standing debates about Cross River’s status as a littoral state. This chart clearly affirms our coastal status.”

Otu emphasized that the updated maritime chart now aligns with S-100 international standards, positioning Cross River for deepwater commerce and international shipping operations.

“When we connect this with the ongoing coastal highway, we’re looking at a completely different city,” he said. “The economic potential is enormous.”

Otu acknowledged the foundational work of former NDDC Chairman Professor Eyo Etim Nyong, describing the seaport project as a dream revived and revitalized.

“We picked up this dream where the former governor, Professor Ben Ayade left off. Public funds had been committed, and we could not allow it to die. Today is another giant step toward its full realization,” he said.

With the technical phase complete and the report formally presented, Governor Otu disclosed that the project now awaits a final seal of approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“Once we get that FEC seal, work starts almost immediately,” he assured. “Cross River is ready, and this project is not just for us, it is for Nigeria and for West Africa.”

The presentation was led by Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, Hydrographer of the Federation and CEO of the National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria, alongside senior naval officers including the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Rear Admiral Anyo Olokunle.

Rear Admiral Olugbode described the report as the culmination of an intensive multi-year effort, beginning with a formal flag-off on December 21, 2024, and followed by rigorous data acquisition starting January 6, 2025. The survey, he said, covered hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical dimensions, all aimed at ensuring safety, precision, and international compliance.

“This is more than just a technical report. It is the bedrock for constructing and operating the Bakassi Deep Seaport,” he said. “It provides essential data for engineering design, dredging, breakwater construction, and navigation safety.”

He added that the data would boost investor confidence, enable effective ocean governance, and contribute to global initiatives such as Seabed 2030, a project that aims to map the entire seafloor of the world by 2030.

Olugbode also praised the Cross River State Government for its unwavering support.

“Your Excellency, your administration’s commitment and facilitation of logistics created an enabling environment for the success of this complex operation,” he noted.

The Bakassi Deep Seaport is expected to catalyze investments in shipping, logistics, trade and tourism, while creating jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy.

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Tinubu on  Visit, Approves  Diplomatic Relations between Nigeria, Saint Lucia

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By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia, describing it as a “symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering closer ties between us.

Tinubu stated this while addressing a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.

The President proposed creating a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement as a mechanism for structured cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Tinubu also announced that he would offer full scholarships to students from the OECS to promote cultural understanding, further strengthening the bond between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean states.

The Nigerian leader, who delivered his address in the presence of leaders from the OECS, emphasised the deep historical and cultural bonds between Nigeria and the OECS and called for greater people-to-people engagement.

The leaders of Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, the Premier of Montserrat, Saint Martin and Saint Vincent were in the audience.

Tinubu declared Nigeria’s openness to visa waivers for OECS diplomatic and official passport holders and urged reciprocal gestures to facilitate smoother official travel and closer institutional cooperation.

Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman was quoted as saying: “I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation.”

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties with OECS and Caribbean nations, anchored in shared African heritage and Pan-African ideals.

On economic diplomacy and trade, President Tinubu offered OECS access to Africa’s largest market and called for joint ventures and deeper commercial ties.

He advocated enhanced trade and investment partnerships, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and services that would position Nigeria as a supplier and destination for OECS exports.

Tinubu proposed a maritime university collaboration and extended Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps (TAC) programme to OECS countries.

He emphasised Nigeria’s readiness to provide skilled education, healthcare, and engineering professionals to support regional capacity-building.

Recognising the existential climate threats facing small island states, Tinubu called for joint research on adaptation strategies, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and climate-induced migration.

Reiterating Nigeria’s Afrocentric foreign policy, Tinubu emphasised the cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and the diaspora, as well as its enduring role in global Black solidarity.

While calling for unity, Tinubu quoted Marcus Garvey and an African proverb.

 “Likewise, an African proverb teaches us: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Let us journey together, united in purpose and fortified by our common heritage,” he said.

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Group Commends Matawalle for Zamfara Cargo Airport Vision

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By David Torough, Abuja 

A Zamfara-based civil society group has hailed the former Governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, for his foresight in initiating the Zamfara Cargo Airport project.

The Zamfara Good Governance Group (ZGG), in a statement issued on Monday, praised Matawalle’s leadership, describing the cargo airport as a “strategic and transformative initiative” aimed at unlocking the state’s economic potential.

Chairman of the group, Aminu Kabiru Tsafe, said the airport project was designed to attract foreign direct investment into critical sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.

“Dr Matawalle awarded the project at N11.8 billion, with N7 billion already paid,and the construction has reached 60 percent completion before he left office, showcasing his fiscal discipline and developmental drive,” Tsafe said.

He noted that the former governor’s broader vision was to position Zamfara as an economic hub, capable of creating job opportunities and lifting residents out of poverty.

ZGG also commended Matawalle’s security achievements, stating that his administration rescued over 1,200 kidnapped victims and recovered significant weaponry, all with limited resources.

However, the group expressed concern over the revocation and re-award of the cargo airport contract by the current administration under Governor Dauda Lawal.

Tsafe accused Governor Lawal of inflating the project cost to N62.9 billion, and further to N90 billion in a revised budget, calling the move “unjustifiable and wasteful.

“It is important to remind the people of Zamfara and Nigerians that this is the same Dauda who, when coming into office, promised the people heaven and earth. He vowed not to touch the government’s coffers.

“But how come he inflated a project that was initially awarded at the cost of ₦11.8 billion to ₦60 billion? And that wasn’t enough—another variation of ₦30 billion has now brought the total to ₦90 billion.

“It is now left for the people to judge between Dr Matawalle and Dauda Lawal—who truly has the people’s interest at heart? Even an international airport would not require such a huge budget.

“Dauda clearly does not have the interest of Zamfara people at heart. We must tell ourselves the truth.”

He also remind the public that Lawal had promised the airport would be used for Hajj in 2023, a pledge that was never fulfilled.

ZGG criticised what it called Governor Lawal’s failure to build on the foundation laid by Matawalle, despite receiving significantly higher monthly allocations than his predecessor.

“Zamfara deserves better. We call for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources,” the group said.

The statement concluded by urging citizens to recognise and uphold the legacy of Dr Matawalle while demanding better performance from the current government.

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