President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja called for collective action and regional cooperation among African countries in actualizing transformative development on the continent.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call while declaring open the Fourth Annual Meeting of Africa Sovereign Investors Forum (ASIF), hosted by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

He said that shrewd utilisation of sovereign wealth funds was crucial in the ongoing efforts to close the infrastructure gap, build climate change resilience and create job opportunities for the growing youth population on the continent.

The president said that the forum’s meeting, with the theme: “Leveraging African Sovereign Wealth Funds to Mobilise Global Capital for Transformative Development in Africa,” was timely.

According to him, the meeting is holding at a time the world is witnessing rapid transformation and is under pressure to think outside the box.

Tinubu said that it was time to position the continent to seize the opportunities rooted in the wave of global change.

He urged African nations to take a cue from evolving sovereign wealth funds across the world, which had moved beyond serving as mere fiscal buffers to becoming architects of national transformation.

“Our future lies not in working in silos but in pursuing regional cooperation and collective ambition.

“Our sovereign wealth funds must become the anchors for pan-African investment platforms that de-risk projects, standardise processes and deliver sustainable outcomes at scale. This is not just a strategy. This is a necessity,” he stated.

The president acknowledged the fact that Africa is currently facing a development dilemma, as it contends with limited fiscal space, amid growing expectations and demands for long-term capital to fuel inclusive and sustainable growth.

He, however, identified creativity as a solution to the puzzle.

“There can be no greater inspiration to re-imagine how we invest in setting up critical infrastructure, strengthening our climate resilience, promoting food security through agricultural innovation, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises or embracing digital economy to create jobs and expand opportunity.

“None of these is possible without catalytic institutions that combine strategic foresight with sound financial discipline.

“This is why the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority stands not only as a steward of our sovereign capital but as a vehicle for the delivery of strategic infrastructure.

“It is a catalyst in our national quest to redeem renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture and much more. It is also a hub for pioneering innovative capital mobilisation solutions tailored to the realities of our continent,” he said.

Tinubu noted that ASIF had the pan-African apparatus to harness the collective strength of the continent’s sovereign investment institutions, just as he maintained that the time to act was now.

“We must act and act now to close the infrastructure gap, build resilience to climate change and create jobs for our expanding youth population.

“This is precisely why platforms like the Africa Sovereign Investors Forum are not just relevant but essential.

“ASIF offers a pan-African mechanism to harness the collective strength of our sovereign investment institutions.

“It gives us the power to share knowledge, co-invest across borders and speak with a unified voice in the global financial ecosystem.

“Through this kind of collaboration, we will attract the scale of capital required to unlock Africa’s latent potential,” he stated.

The Managing Director of NSIA, Mr Aminu Umar-Sadiq, said that the meeting would focus on how African sovereign wealth funds could achieve three things through effective domestic, continental and global partnerships.

The first one, Umar-Sadiq said, was how Africa could offer the right balance between the risk-takers and the conservative investors managing wealth for future generations in Africa.

“Secondly, how we can collectively co-create a sustainable investment vehicle that can mobilise global capital at scale to channel towards propositions that offer as much emphasis on commercial returns.

“Thirdly, how we can position ourselves as the preferred financial and strategic partners of choice, with the right blend of domestic influence and capital for global investors seeking market exposure in our respective sovereigns,” he said.

The managing director said it was ASIF’s hope that the forum would serve as the catalyst to turn the ‘perfect blend of expertise’ into actionable, transformative outcomes.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, listed priorities for the stakeholders at the forum.

Edun said that the priorities included: capital mobilisation at scale, regional and intercontinental collaboration, human capital and policy alignment, saying that they were critical for transformative development across the continent.

He said that the ASIF meeting would birth significant transactions that could mobilise the required resources, drive economic transformation across Africa, forge impactful partnerships and build a sustainable future.

President of AfreximBank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, emphasised the need for stakeholders to keep African sovereign wealth funds on the continent by investing in domestic markets.

Oramah noted that the forum could help reshape Africa’s development financing in a manner that would give the continent greater opportunity to determine its developmental trajectory.

Also speaking, Chairman of African Sovereign Investors Forum (ASIF), Mr Obaid Amrane, expressed the forum’s commitment to facilitating the participation of sovereign investors in Africa’s transformation.

He said that in just three years, ASIF had made significant strides in enhancing Africa’s global positioning and closing the infrastructure funding gaps across the continent.

A Pan-African activist, Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba, called on leaders across Africa to leverage huge resources domiciled in the continent to invest in the future of the unborn generations.

According to him, it is an intergenerational duty for political and economic leaders on the continent to cater for unborn generations.

Lumumba noted that Africa’s resources were inexhaustible and that leaders must invest in the future of the generations to come. (NAN)

 President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja called for collective action and regional cooperation among African countries in actualising transformative development on the continent.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call while declaring open the Fourth Annual Meeting of Africa Sovereign Investors Forum (ASIF), hosted by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

He said that shrewd utilisation of sovereign wealth funds was crucial in the ongoing efforts to close the infrastructure gap, build climate change resilience and create job opportunities for the growing youth population on the continent.

The president said that the forum’s meeting, with the theme: “Leveraging African Sovereign Wealth Funds to Mobilise Global Capital for Transformative Development in Africa,” was timely.

According to him, the meeting is holding at a time the world is witnessing rapid transformation and is under pressure to think outside the box.

Tinubu said that it was time to position the continent to seize the opportunities rooted in the wave of global change.

He urged African nations to take a cue from evolving sovereign wealth funds across the world, which had moved beyond serving as mere fiscal buffers to becoming architects of national transformation.

“Our future lies not in working in silos but in pursuing regional cooperation and collective ambition.

“Our sovereign wealth funds must become the anchors for pan-African investment platforms that de-risk projects, standardise processes and deliver sustainable outcomes at scale. This is not just a strategy. This is a necessity,” he stated.

The president acknowledged the fact that Africa is currently facing a development dilemma, as it contends with limited fiscal space, amid growing expectations and demands for long-term capital to fuel inclusive and sustainable growth.

He, however, identified creativity as a solution to the puzzle.

“There can be no greater inspiration to re-imagine how we invest in setting up critical infrastructure, strengthening our climate resilience, promoting food security through agricultural innovation, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises or embracing digital economy to create jobs and expand opportunity.

“None of these is possible without catalytic institutions that combine strategic foresight with sound financial discipline.

“This is why the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority stands not only as a steward of our sovereign capital but as a vehicle for the delivery of strategic infrastructure.

“It is a catalyst in our national quest to redeem renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture and much more. It is also a hub for pioneering innovative capital mobilisation solutions tailored to the realities of our continent,” he said.

Tinubu noted that ASIF had the pan-African apparatus to harness the collective strength of the continent’s sovereign investment institutions, just as he maintained that the time to act was now.

“We must act and act now to close the infrastructure gap, build resilience to climate change and create jobs for our expanding youth population.

“This is precisely why platforms like the Africa Sovereign Investors Forum are not just relevant but essential.

“ASIF offers a pan-African mechanism to harness the collective strength of our sovereign investment institutions.

“It gives us the power to share knowledge, co-invest across borders and speak with a unified voice in the global financial ecosystem.

“Through this kind of collaboration, we will attract the scale of capital required to unlock Africa’s latent potential,” he stated.

The Managing Director of NSIA, Mr Aminu Umar-Sadiq, said that the meeting would focus on how African sovereign wealth funds could achieve three things through effective domestic, continental and global partnerships.

The first one, Umar-Sadiq said, was how Africa could offer the right balance between the risk-takers and the conservative investors managing wealth for future generations in Africa.

“Secondly, how we can collectively co-create a sustainable investment vehicle that can mobilise global capital at scale to channel towards propositions that offer as much emphasis on commercial returns.

“Thirdly, how we can position ourselves as the preferred financial and strategic partners of choice, with the right blend of domestic influence and capital for global investors seeking market exposure in our respective sovereigns,” he said.

The managing director said it was ASIF’s hope that the forum would serve as the catalyst to turn the ‘perfect blend of expertise’ into actionable, transformative outcomes.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, listed priorities for the stakeholders at the forum.

Edun said that the priorities included: capital mobilisation at scale, regional and intercontinental collaboration, human capital and policy alignment, saying that they were critical for transformative development across the continent.

He said that the ASIF meeting would birth significant transactions that could mobilise the required resources, drive economic transformation across Africa, forge impactful partnerships and build a sustainable future.

President of AfreximBank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, emphasised the need for stakeholders to keep African sovereign wealth funds on the continent by investing in domestic markets.

Oramah noted that the forum could help reshape Africa’s development financing in a manner that would give the continent greater opportunity to determine its developmental trajectory.

Also speaking, Chairman of African Sovereign Investors Forum (ASIF), Mr Obaid Amrane, expressed the forum’s commitment to facilitating the participation of sovereign investors in Africa’s transformation.

He said that in just three years, ASIF had made significant strides in enhancing Africa’s global positioning and closing the infrastructure funding gaps across the continent.

A Pan-African activist, Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba, called on leaders across Africa to leverage huge resources domiciled in the continent to invest in the future of the unborn generations.

According to him, it is an intergenerational duty for political and economic leaders on the continent to cater for unborn generations.

Lumumba noted that Africa’s resources were inexhaustible and that leaders must invest in the future of the generations to come. (NAN)

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says history has returned the baton of democratic struggle to late Moshood Abiola’s trusted ally, President Bola Tinubu, decades after June 12.

Representing President Tinubu, Shettima stated this on Thursday at the Democracy Day lecture held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking Nigeria’s 26th anniversary of democracy.

He described the late Abiola as a patriot who gave everything for Nigeria, saying Abiola’s sacrifice became the guiding light of the country’s democratic journey.

The Vice-President noted that hope remains an enduring part of Abiola’s legacy, a flame that could neither be extinguished nor ignored in history’s account.

He added that belief in Abiola’s vision has renewed national hope in what he described as the great theatre of providence.

According to him, Abiola’s dream did not die in vain but became a national covenant and enduring resolve among Nigerians.

“Abiola’s dream inspired Nigerians to uphold what is right, defend electoral choice, and honour the sacrifices that built the roots of our democracy.

“This faith in Abiola’s promise has renewed hope for Nigeria.

“In the great theatre of providence, history returns the baton to Abiola’s ally in democracy’s struggle —President Tinubu.

“The ticket once denied Nigerians — the Abiola-Kingibe ticket — finds reflection and vindication in Tinubu’s leadership, mirroring its spirit and conviction.

“Tinubu, a leader who has preserved democracy’s flame through years of fire and storm.

“I’m honoured to share the weight of this history and the depth of its memory,” Shettima said.

He said Nigeria stands today on sacrifices of unsung heroes—those who gave up comfort, freedom, and life for democratic values.

“Nigerians, including myself, remain thankful to serve in a government that listens to all voices.

“There is no doubt Tinubu honours that covenant — reaching across divides to build a nation for all,” Shettima noted.

He said Abiola’s life shows that democracy’s burden is not a lone man’s task but a shared national responsibility.

He urged Nigerians to unite and guard democracy as a fortress that no force of anarchy can breach—even in thought.

Shettima called for strong support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda across the nation.

“Each of us has a sacred duty to support the President in renewing hope, deepening democracy, and institutionalising governance,” he said.

Earlier, Secretary to the Government, Sen. George Akume, recognised heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

He praised their lasting legacies, democratic contributions, and efforts to reshape the national economy.

He encouraged stakeholders to embrace democratic ideals by supporting Tinubu’s efforts towards peace, growth, and prosperity.

Delivering the keynote, Prof. Samuel Egwu said the core of democracy globally is sustained commitment.

He noted that democracy’s full benefits in Nigeria require consistent commitment by citizens and leaders alike.

Egwu added that deepening 26 years of democracy demands officeholders prioritise citizens’ welfare over personal interest.

Cameroon’s High Commissioner, Mr Salaheddine Ibrahim, praised Nigeria’s unity in spite of its challenges.

He urged leaders and citizens to remain resolute in preserving democracy in Nigeria.

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo said recognising June 12 as Democracy Day reflects national will and sacrifice.

He emphasised that democracy thrives not on rituals, but on collective effort, resilience, and continued participation.

The event also featured the unveiling of three books: ‘Tinubunomics’, ‘Leading With Courage’, and ‘Turning Challenges into Opportunities’. (NAN)

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has lauded the achievements of President Bola Tinubu, saying his impactful projects and reforms have rendered political opposition efforts ineffective.

Wike made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja, during the inauguration of Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) and other roads in the Katampe District.

He noted that the impressive pace of development under Tinubu’s leadership had disoriented critics and opposition groups, particularly the supposed coalition created to challenge Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

“I thought there would be a coalition, but when people see new projects being unveiled daily, that idea collapses.

“The coalition has failed because of the good work Mr President is doing,” Wike said.

He explained that the N16 to N20 road was awarded in September and commenced in Oct. 2024 and later extended through Gishiri Village to connect it to Wole Soyinka Way.

The further said that Tinubu administration has built contractors’ trust in government, adding that the contractors now have confidence to execute projects knowing they would be paid.

He disclosed that although the extension of the N16 road to N20 was recently approved by the FCT Executive Council, the contractor had already completed it, citing confidence in prompt government payments.

He also noted that communities affected by the road construction were adequately compensated, receiving 200 per cent of the compensation rate in line with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“President Tinubu has brought that trust back, and the people of the FCT, particularly those in satellite towns are seeing progress like never before,” Wike said.

He thanked the president for giving him the opportunity to be part of what he described as a “revolution in the FCT,” and vowed that no project initiated under his tenure would be abandoned.

Responding, Tinubu commended Wike and his team for their commitment to transformative infrastructure development, describing the minister as a “team builder and a team player.”

“Infrastructure is not a luxury; it is a necessity; it is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity,” the president said.

Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, expressed gratitude to FCT residents for their patience during the construction process.

“To the people of Gishiri, Maitama, and the entire FCT community, thank you for your resilience and belief in the government’s capacity to deliver.

“You are the heart of this city, and this project is a tribute to your enduring hope,” she said.

Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Richard Dauda, said that described the road as a 3.7-kilometre, six-lane dual carriageway.

He said that the road linked Maitama District in Phase I to Katampe, Jahi, and Mabushi Districts in Phase II. (NAN)