Author: Adekunle

Nigeria’s economy is showing signs of a significant rebound in 2024, building on the firm reforms implemented over the past 18 months by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This was contained in a press release issued on Sunday by the Global Economic Policy Initiative (GEPIn) and signed by its President, Mr. Bernard Okri. “We must say that the Renewed Hope agenda is no longer a specter that we cannot see. It has begun to take shape, yielding tangible economic results that will benefit Nigerians in the months ahead. “Our position is based on recent macroeconomic indicators, such as…

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, received an overwhelming reception on Friday upon his arrival in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, for a six-day holiday. The convener of the Zamfara APC Supporters, Kasimu Yusha’u Tsafe, described the turnout as a spontaneous display of love and admiration for the minister. He said” Despite issuing no formal invitation or announcement about his visit, thousands of enthusiastic supporters flooded the streets to welcome him. “Men, women, children, and even persons with disabilities thronged Gusau’s main thoroughfares, chanting, singing, and waving banners to celebrate his homecoming. “This is not a political season,…

As the year draws to a close, organizations, groups, and media outlets traditionally reflect on the events and personalities that defined the past 12 months. They evaluate who and what dominated the headlines, considering why these stories matter, even as they look ahead to the coming year. For Nigerians, one topic certain to attract scrutiny is the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ministers in 2024. Some have been commended and honoured, others have been censured and received the accompanying opprobrium. They failed callously and deserve it. Some Ministers have notable towered the ranks in their deliveries, others have stayed…

The Zamfara All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth League has accused the Zamfara State Government of failing to develop the State, while abandoning the State to live in Abuja. In a Press Statement distributed to members of the Press last week, the group, led by its Coordinator Ubaidullah Yahaya Kaura stated that since the commencement of the Dauda Lawal’s tenure, the “Zamfara has faced a troubling decline—sinking deeper into poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment.” The group accused the Governor of spending time and resources of the State on television appearances, while making unfounded claims about developments in the State which were contrary…

The simmering feud between Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, the Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Television and Radio, and Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, is far from new. Recent developments have, however, cast this longstanding rivalry into the spotlight, raising questions about its origins and the motives behind the ongoing hostilities. The Genesis of the Dispute Investigations reveal that the roots of this animosity trace back to Dr. Matawalle’s tenure as Governor of Zamfara State. During his time in office, Dr. Matawalle reportedly declined to patronize Alhaji Ramalan’s media outlets. This decision, sources…

The Zamfara APC Youth League has called on Governor Dauda Lawal to take heed of his predecessor’s achievements and adopt similar strategies to uplift Zamfara State. In a press conference that features the the Forum’s Coordinator, Ubaidullah Yahaya Kaura, its Executives and members, the youth group urged Governor Lawal to prioritize the welfare of Zamfara’s citizens by building upon his predecessor’s foundations rather than dismantling them. The group also urge the Governor to engage with stakeholders by recommiting to addressing pressing challenges, and work toward restoring Zamfara’s trajectory toward progress and prosperity. Kindly Read The Press Statement Here: …

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has evolved into a significant driver of Nigeria’s self-reliance and industrial growth in recent time. Under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Halilu, the agency has taken on a renewed mission to catapult Nigeria toward self-reliance in technology, bolstering industrial growth with strategic initiatives that are beginning to yield remarkable results. From pioneering research and innovation to securing foreign investments, NASENI is working to transform Nigeria’s economic landscape. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Strategic Partnerships A recent highlight in NASENI’s achievements is the $3.25…

In recent appearances on Channels Television and TVC, the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, spent considerable airtime casting aspersions on his predecessor, now the Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Bello Matawalle. With accusations ranging from alleged financial support for banditry to outright complicity in Zamfara’s security woes, Lawal’s claims stirred controversy and pointed a finger at the very individual now entrusted with a critical national security portfolio. Governor Lawal’s use of public funds for these media campaigns against Dr. Matawalle raised eyebrows. His accusations, heavy with implication but thin on proof, came at a significant expense to the…

On the 30th of September 2024, a video surfaced online, featuring the notorious terrorist Bello Turji—this time, not with his characteristic bravado, but in a startling display of vulnerability. The once-defiant bandit was seen pleading for forgiveness and calling for dialogue with the Federal Government, signaling his desire to end armed violence in Zamfara State. He accused the Governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, of politicizing insecurity, yet conveniently neglected to acknowledge the undeniable military gains made since Matawalle led the Service Chiefs to Sokoto. Governor Lawal, despite his criticisms…

As a teenager living in Kaduna in the 1990s, with an uncle who was a Colonel in the Nigerian Army, I was often puzzled by the annual Christmas gift we received from him—a bag of salt from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). Given my understanding that DICON stood for Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, I could not fathom why the organization was producing salt instead of military hardware. It struck me as an anomaly because DICON, established to be a leader in the production of weapons, arms, and ammunition, had not lived up to its intended purpose. DICON…