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BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has parleyed global investors in Paris, France, placing much emphasis on transparency and fiscal discipline, while explaining the rationale for the swift implementation of bold reforms. At the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, highlighted Nigeria's strong GDP growth in dollar terms in 2025. He said that Nigeria recorded 11.2% GDP growth in dollar terms last year, a record that reinforced the country's ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy in 2030.  Oyedele emphasised the government's near-term priorities of translating reforms into results for the Nigerian people. He also pledged to publish quarterly financial data. The Director General of the Debt Management Office, Mrs Patience Oniha assured investors of the government’s responsible approach to debt financing and its focus on sustainable debt management.  The investors were from Citibank and France's ...

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed deal with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) on consumer protection enforcement and the replacement of hazardous products in Lagos. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Commission’s CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, and the General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo. Part of the terms of agreement stipulates that both parties must recognise that mutual collaboration and cooperation in protecting consumers are vital to achieving an optimal, stable, and reliable goods- and services-based market, consistent with their respective mandates. The parties, in recognition of their joint and mutual responsibilities, are expected to facilitate effective, efficient, and coordinated discharge of their respective functions for the benefit of consumers and business operators in Lagos State. On the scope of the MOU, the parties agreed to cooperate and collaborate in discharging their res...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government has strengthened its ambitious target for accelerated road infrastructure and security on key corridors across Kogi State.  This formed the crux of discuss at a  high-level engagement between the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and Commissioner for Works, Kogi State, Hon. Salam Ozige Deedat in Abuja.  The minister explained that the major challenge confronting infrastructure delivery nationwide remains funding, even as the Federal Government continues to intensify efforts to address infrastructure deficits across all regions. He emphasised that the current administration is undertaking unprecedented road construction and rehabilitation works, noting that if past administrations had achieved similar levels of development, the present infrastructure pressure across the country would have been significantly reduced.  He reiterated that all parts of the country are demanding attention, adding that ongoing wor...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has informed market women in the FCT that the era of marginalisation and absence of women in key leadership positions must end, as the 2027 general elections inch closer.  National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim Bura disclosed this during a marketplace advocacy programme held at Wuse Market, Abuja, organized by NAWOJ FCT in collaboration with partners. She declared that women must no longer remain passive participants but active to influence outcomes, take leadership, and win elective positions. Bura commended NAWOJ FCT for taking advocacy directly to the grassroots, describing the marketplace outreach as a bold and impactful step toward empowering women where it matters most. She urged the market women to prioritise their health while taking deliberate steps towards leadership and active participation in the 2027 general elections to enhance women’s representation in governance. "No ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Given the unfolding grandstanding, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has called for ceasefire among political stakeholders in Ebonyi Central, advocating unity, and alignment with the leadership of the State.  This was even as he pleaded with Ebonyi National Assembly hopefuls to close ranks with Governor Francis Nwifuru as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.  This followed a video that surfaced on April 24, 2026, showing what appeared to be a misunderstanding between the Senator representing Ebonyi Central, Ken Eze, and a National Assembly aspirant from Ikwo Local Government Area, Chief Christian Asaga Nwali at the burial event of the father of Chief Peter Orogwu AKA BabyOku.  The disagreement, which quickly elicited response online, centered on who should succeed Senator Eze at the end of his current tenure. Concerned by the development, Umahi, who described both men as his political mentees, moved swiftly to dou...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Chief Executive Officer of SHEIKS & BISHOPS Consultant, Chief Sir Chikwe Udensi has formed strong alliance with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter, aimed at strengthening grassroots empowerment for women, particularly in health, social welfare, security and community development. Udensi stated this when the executives of NAWOJ FCT, led by its Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang visited him in Abuja.  He commended NAWOJ FCT for the market placec advocacy initiative, noting that the approach provided an opportunity for direct, one-on-one engagement with women at the grassroots. Udensi observed that such interpersonal communication is especially important in communities where limited electricity supply could affect the reach of conventional broadcast messages. He advised the association to expand its advocacy to include security awareness, encouraging journalists to sensitise the public on the importance of bei...