The minister of sports development, Senator John Owan Enoh, will be attending the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee meeting in Cairo, Egypt, as Nigeria intensifies its bid to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Nigeria and Republic of Benin submitted a joint bid to host the AFCON 2025 after CAF stripped Guinea rights to stage the event.

The Sports Minister and the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will be attending the meeting as representatives of the federal government of Nigeria.

According to a press statement released on Tuesday by the minister’s media office and signed by Kola Daniel, Nigeria’s delegation will make presentation to CAF’s executive committee during their meeting in Cairo, Egypt.

All countries, who submitted bids to host the AFCON tournament in 2025 and 2027 respectively are expected to attend the meeting during which the independent assessment committee of CAF will submit their reports for assessment and discussions by CAF Exco.

The CAF’s inspection team had previously visited Nigeria to assess facilities at different proposed host venues around the country.

The Nigerian delegation includes the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar; president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau; general secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, and bid coordinator, Mallam Mainasara Ilo.

Nigeria will make a 10-minute presentation to the CAF’s executive committee and, thereafter, will be allocated time to answer questions from its presentation.

The meeting will hold on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

[Leadership]

Niger State government on Monday commenced the profiling of miners across the state following complaints that miners were paying bandits and terrorists in the state to access mining sites.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago had on different occasions alleged that banditry in the state had persisted due to unchecked mining activities in the affected communities.

Garba Sabo Yahaya, Commissioner for Mineral Resources, told newsmen that a petition had been submitted at the ministry accusing miners of paying bandits to allow them access to the mining sites.

“We want to have the actual data of the miners in the state. The profiling will include their location, and when there is intervention from the government, we can easily locate them.

“Also, there is information from some quarters that miners are sponsoring bandits. People alleged that they pay bandits to allow them do their mining businesses. So, profiling them will enable us know who is who and his location and if the need be, we will be able to trace him,” he said.

But the state Chairman, Miners Association of Nigeria, Muhammad Mambo, who said the decision was a good step, disagreed that miners were paying bandits to access mining sites.

“I want to say without apologies that there is no miner, legally licensed and operating in Niger State that connives or has any affiliation with bandits. No single miner has been arrested for collaborating with bandits or sponsoring bandits.

“The governor can allege that banditry is linked to mining activities but that needs to be proved. I am in support of government profiling miners but there is no record to show any miner conniving with bandits,” he said. 

He said 70 per cent of Niger State residents including women and children were into mining as means of survival due to hardship and poverty.

[DailyTrust]

The continued rise in the price of crude oil at the international market has raised anxiety about a further petrol price hike in Nigeria.

DAILY POST reports that the product sold at $93.55 per barrel on Monday,

The development comes in the face of the Naira depreciation at the foreign exchange window, exchanging at N980/$1 on Monday at the parallel market.

However, the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, and the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria have allayed the fear of a possible petrol price hike over the rising price of crude oil at the global market and the free-fall of the Naira at the forex window.

DAILY POST recalls that in the last three months fuel price has been increased twice.

Upon removing the fuel subsidy in June, the pump price was reviewed upward by 210 per cent to N546.83 per litre from N175/per litre. Less than a month later, the fuel pump price was increased to N617 per litre from N546.83.

Between July and September, no fuel increment has been affected despite the continued fall in the price of Naira at the forex market.

The development is sequel to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurance to Nigerians that there will not be further fuel pump price increments, according to Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

“We repeat, the President affirms that there will be no increase in the price of petroleum motor spirit,” he said.

The Group Chief Executive of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mele Kyari, reiterated Tinubu’s assurance.

Except in July, when Emadeb Energy imported 27 million litres of fuel into Nigeria, NNPC limited has been the sole supplier of the product nationwide.

There are also claims that the Federal Government was indirectly subsidizing the commodity in order to avert a further increment in the pump price.

Speaking exclusively to DAILY POST on Monday, the President of IPMAN, Chinedu Okonkwo said there is no cause for alarm over the fuel price increase.

He said the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited is the sole supplier of petrol nationwide and has not proposed an increment plan.

Okonkwo explained that fuel marketers purchase their products in Naira.

He urged the federal government to speed up efforts toward ensuring the implementation of Compressed Natural Gas as a viable alternative to fuel.

“We are getting fuel products from our source, the NNPCL Retail. NNPCL has not told us that the price of fuel will change; I should not speculate on price increments.

“I think we have NNPCL that solely gives us products. The market fundamental determines the price; if NNPC decides to increase the fuel pump, we will also change.

“For now, there is nothing to worry about. The same reason the price could go up, it can also come down. NNPCL can do anything to remain in business. No marketer should complain of dollar scarcity because they are not importing PMS. NNPCL is the sole importer for now.

“Government should include stakeholders like IPMAN into the Compressed Natural Gas initiative; that is the way out”, he said.

Also, a former Chairman of MOMAN, Tunji Oyebanji explained that the country has a special fuel-deregulated market where NNPCL sets the price as the sole supplier.

According to him, as long as NNPCL remains the sole supplier and fuel importer, the product’s price may likely remain unchanged in the interest of the generality of Nigerians.

“We are operating in a deregulated market in a peculiar situation, because the company importing fuel to Nigeria is only the NNPCL.

“If I want to import, the landing cost may be higher than the prevailing market price. As a result, only NNPCL can import at this time.

“That means that they indirectly set the price in the market since they are the sole importer.

“They are suppliers to the entire market and, at the same time, a retailer. So, NNPCL’s price is going to be an indication of what the market is saying today in the country.

“Because we are operating in a market with a single supplier, that supplier will determine the product’s price. There may be a price increase if fuel importers other than NNPCL enter into the supply chain market,” he stated.

[DailyPost]

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, in their first 100 days in office, hold the record of the most travelled presidency since 1999. The President’s first trip abroad was to France to participate in the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact. Next was attending the ECOWAS summit in Guinea Bissau, then the AU meeting in Kenya and the G-20 Summit in India quickly followed. His biggest on the global stage is the UN General Assembly (UNGA) last week in New York. These exclude stopover in Benin Republic, London and the UAE. Vice President Kashim Shettima, on his part, has represented the President in Italy, Russia and at the G77 Summit in Cuba.

Some diplomacy scholars have described the President’s diplomatic shuttle as regenerating economic growth through foreign policy. A common theme in the President’s many foreign trips is the search for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), re-establishing Nigeria as the premium economic powerhouse in Africa and situating her regional leadership status across the sub-Saharan region.

Historically, this would not be Nigeria’s first attempt to weave her foreign policy around economic diplomacy. General Ike Nwachukwu, as IBB’s Foreign Minister, introduced economic diplomacy as a conscious policy. It simply meant that Nigeria’s economic interests would guide her external affairs. That interest emphasized Afrocentric self-reliance. 

The success or failure of the current economic diplomacy is left for political economists to decipher. However, this new government is wittingly or unwittingly being bullish internationally and weaving Nigeria’s socio-economic renaissance on her regional relevance and soft power in dealing with subregional problems like the coups in the West African region and beyond. It is also a collaboration with global powers and global private capital to direct investments to Nigeria. The President is eager to show the world that Nigeria is ready and open for business and the new government is a significant driver in facilitating and enabling such businesses. 

Nigerians are divided about the value of these global engagements and diplomatic shuttles. Two schools of thought have emerged. First, those who believe our economic growth can only be strengthened by solid external relations. Especially one that prioritizes attracting foreign capital to build up our capital base. The second school believes that the frequency of travel is unacceptable as economic diplomacy as the mainstay of our economic plans is short-sighted. This school believe the country should tackle foundational issues such as insecurity, decrepit infrastructure, poor governance and inefficient institutions before inviting foreign investors.

Both schools have some merit in their arguments. A critical review of these two schools reveals they are not as dichotomous and polarized as they may seem at first. They are part of a two-pod solution to the economic regeneration of Nigeria. A comprehensive economic plan that combines economic diplomacy’s merits, revitalizes domestic structural and economic systems by tackling fundamental local problems is needed and must be implemented efficiently. There is no chicken-and-egg situation here. One must not do one before the other sequentially. Instead, economic diplomacy can be woven together with domestic improvements so that both work together and reify each other to produce more remarkable results. I advocate a multi-prong approach to bringing about growth in Nigeria. However, we must synchronize these approaches so they are not counterproductive. Thus far, it is established that Nigeria, under President Tinubu, intentionally or unintentionally, is changing the focus of her foreign policy to an economic growth-led policy. Therefore, the government must match its extensive travels with articulating an overarching economic agenda showing a direction. Only such an agenda can drive this new economy-centric foreign policy regime. 

The second established issue is the need to address institutional, infrastructural and socio-economic barriers that can stop us from realizing the benefits of economic diplomacy. Indeed, the obstacles are mountainous. The recent disruptions in the domestic economy need to be fixed quickly with a balance of structural economic innovation and social responsibility at home. Human behaviour drives the economy. Our perception shapes our actions and inactions. Therefore, this government must quickly work to change the current dominant perception of a collapsing economy to that of a growing one. This will improve confidence in the system and provide the backbone for growth.

The message of economic reform must showcase something new on offer from Nigeria. Otherwise, we will have only executive air miles to show at the end. Global capital goes where there are clear opportunities that are unencumbered. These opportunities must exist in a context of manageable risk and good returns on investment. The Tinubu Administration is gradually providing the enabling environment for FDI when it pledged to allow companies to repatriate revenue through an open and robust exchange system. We advocate that despite the temporary pain of these economic reforms, the government must sanitize the system and make it fit for purpose to attract investments both locally and abroad. 

The phrase “strong abroad, weak at home” typifies the common sentiment expressed by observers of Nigerian politics and governance. It reflects the perception that Nigeria tends to perform better internationally than it does in addressing her domestic challenges. This perception creates bias immediately. When Nigerians feel that a government is bullish internationally, the assumption is that the government will neglect domestic needs. Nigeria faces numerous domestic challenges. These challenges include political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, a struggling healthcare system, a poorly performing education system, high poverty levels, unemployment and insecurity. These issues have hindered the country’s socio-economic development and the well-being of citizens. The government must prioritise these issues as Nigeria strives to convince the world to come and do business with us. 

Furthermore, this Nigerian leadership must address the perceived hypocrisy of Nigerian leaders. What we say to foreign investors differs from what we do at home. The policy environment (fiscal/monetary) could be more stable yet often out of sync with global best practices. The Nigerian factor makes most policies difficult to implement and impunity reigns supreme. The integrity of actors, actions and processes is sine qua non with the trust deficit inherent in the Nigerian business environment. This we must urgently address and Nigeria’s leadership must imbibe and exemplify this. 

We must never forget that nothing is permanent. Our regional and continental position is often under threat. Knowingly or unknowingly, in our quest to attract FDI we are in competition with other emerging political and economic powerhouses in the sub-region and continent. Therefore, we must strive to maintain our dominance and influence by strengthening our political base and growing our economy. 

Our leadership on the continent and beyond Africa is non-negotiable. We often play a significant role in international organisations such as the United Nations, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). We contribute troops to peace-keeping missions and participate in global diplomatic efforts. We are proponents and defenders of freedom and democracy on the continent. We are pan-African and lead in initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTFAA). Our diaspora is also known for their lofty accomplishments in fields including medicine, technology, and business. We must maintain and build on these strengths. 

The government must rejig the system to improve institutional efficiency and close the governance gap. It should conduct reforms on ease of doing business, administration of justice, protection of local industries, taxation and ease of capital repatriation. The government must not be seen talking the talk and not working the work. We should remember that the worst thing that can be done to a wrong product is to advertise it. You will inadvertently kill the product. We must put our house in order and present value and clear opportunities to the world to do business with us. Nigerian challenges are complex. Opinions also vary on the extent to which Nigeria is strong abroad but weak at home. Some argue that Nigeria’s international role does not necessarily translate to concrete benefits for her citizens. Others believe that the country’s international engagements are essential for her global influence and economic well-being. However, only an alignment between our homegrown economic agenda, structural reforms and foreign policy can provide a message of economic renaissance that the Administration carries on its extensive foreign travels. A travelling salesperson must carefully brand and package his wares.

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has alleged that the Federal Government is negotiating with terrorists in the state without his knowledge.

Lawal, a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been critical of negotiating with terrorists.

He said he has reports that negotiations are being carried out with some terrorists in local governments in Zamfara State.

The governor called for a comprehensive investigation into what he calls “secretive” negotiations held with bandits in the state.

“Reports indicated that a delegation allegedly sent by some agencies of the Federal Government has been holding talks with bandit groups in Zamfara without the knowledge of the state government,” the governor said according to a statement by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris.

He lamented the action of some Federal Government agencies engaged in negotiations with bandits without seeking recourse from the state government and other security agencies.

“Governor Dauda Lawal wishes to call on the Federal Government to clarify and investigate the actions of some un0scrupulous elements sabotaging the ongoing fight against banditry in Zamfara.

“The Zamfara State Government has received reports of how some Federal Government delegation met with different bandit groups in Birnin Magaji, Maradun, Mun haye, Ajah, Bawo, and Bagege.

“Previous administrations in the state failed to achieve positive outcomes in their attempts to engage in dialogue with bandits. We must learn from these past mistakes and adopt a new approach to restore peace in Zamfara,” Mr Idris said.

The governor’s spokesperson reiterated Governor Lawal’s stand that his administration would not negotiate with terrorists.

“Ensuring the fight against banditry is a top priority of Zamfara State Government, and we cannot afford to make any compromises in our efforts. We urge the Federal Government to take swift action by terminating the ongoing negotiations with the bandits in Zamfara, as it undermines progress so far,” he added.

Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) in Zamfara State yesterday confirmed the rescue of 13 students and three others who were abducted by gunmen on September 22.

The university confirmed the development through its verified X (Twitter) handle @officialFUGUS.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin-Daji, had earlier rescued six female students of the institution who were among the unspecified number of students abducted on September 22.

The female students were abducted from their rented hostels at Sabon-Gida, about 200 metres from the university campus.

The gunmen also abducted nine construction workers of a company, GUPRAN Engineering Services Ltd, who were executing a project in the university.

LAST Sunday, the main activity of the day at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, was the National Harvest. It is an event parishioners look forward to every year because of its capacity to create joy, happiness, merriment, and excitement for young and old people. It is always a special moment when parishioners pray for Nigeria and ask for grace for themselves.

The mini-Nigeria atmosphere in the church auditorium is usually festive and vibrant; the colourful display of costumes projects our rich cultural heritage and diversity. The overarching theme of unity is evident: although we come from different regions and tribes, we belong to one nation.

During the procession by each state, the dance steps are beautifully choreographed responses to the popular traditional music from that part of the country. This is followed by a Love Feast and fellowship on the open ground nearby after the church service.

The different food types exhibited is a recognition of our diversity and the excellent culinary skills of our people. You could walk into any tent and sample the food of your choice in a show of love and demonstration of goodwill from your hosts. The simple act of sharing and caring are a manifestation of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness (John 1:17).

When we talk of mercy, kindness and compassion, they are scriptural verses but they are also values that build great nations. Unfortunately, we have allowed tribe and region in the absence of love to define who we are, and these sentiments keep pulling us back. It explains why Nigeria finds it difficult to reach its full potential.

At the church service, one of the hymns was, “There shall be a new Nigeria.” I was fascinated by the hymn and there was an unscripted earnestness on the faces of parishioners as we sang the hymn with this chorus: ‘New Nigeria, New Nigeria I see/Our story is changing for good/A great nation shall be born.’

Indeed, a great nation comprising different tribes and tongues shall be born. The hymn has five stanzas, with each stanza deliberately crafted to inspire the congregation. I am aware a popular prayer point is, “May God not forsake Nigeria,” but when we look around us, what do we see? We do not see a nation but a collection of tribes and multi-ethnic groups.

It is imperative that we change the way we think and behave. We must think of Nigeria first in all that we do. If we can think it, we can do it! What is currently being practiced is that we prioritise where we come from over our national identity.

In a country with three major tribes and more than 250 ethnic groups and 220 million people, why is it difficult to forge a national identity and speak with one voice? My view is that it is the responsibility of the federal government to create a national identity project that would promote citizenship and serve as the glue to hold everyone together so that Nigeria is a no longer a “mere geographical expression” as the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, noted in the past.

The hymn we sang in church last Sunday should be translated into all the indigenous languages for national mobilisation. I say this because we do not have any other country to call our own, and it is only Nigerians that can build Nigeria under the right transformational leadership that would inspire greatness in every Nigerian.

The task of nation-building will begin when we forge and defend a national identity with a new zeal, consciousness and earnestness, and run away from protecting territories. To be clear, where we come from are important but we must always see ourselves as Nigerians first.

A new Nigeria is on the lips of most people. Chief Afe Babalola is a legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola University. At 93 years old, Chief Babalola does not need to grandstand or impress anyone with his comments. He has been an advocate for a new Nigeria based on a new constitution where politics will no longer be a “transactional business.”

If most Nigerians are depressed and refusing to commit to the concept of a new Nigeria, it is because they are treated like refugees in their own country. They also believe strongly that nothing is being done to tackle elite conspiracy which, to a large extent, is the bane of Nigeria’s underdevelopment.

How many Nigerians are proud of Nigeria or ready to die for Nigeria? I am interested in the outcome of this survey because the number of people leaving Nigeria in droves has become worrisome.

Most of my friends and associates who live abroad used to tell me about five years ago that they would love to return to Nigeria but they don’t say that anymore. They ask me: return to what? They even tease me to “ja pa” and join them to become a diaspora Nigerian.

I am worried about the elite conspiracy against Nigeria which has devalued the lives of Nigerians for so many decades. This club of vested interests that capture and divert state resources are usually protected from the long arm of the law.

The poor continues to pay the price of a dysfunctional society that does not inspire any hope. The basic things of life are always absent because we are wicked and unkind to each other. Most patriotic Nigerians know that a “Think Nigeria First” campaign in any form will only make sense when the rich stops stealing from the poor.

When this happens, the stolen funds can be used to develop infrastructure, provide constant electricity supply, build schools and hospitals, and so on. Who is ready to join me to launch “Think Nigeria First” campaign?

Thinking aloud, it occurred to me that it is possible to rename “stolen funds” as “money held in trust” for Nigerians. Let the “owners” borrow us part of the money to address our current economic challenges. In truth, some of them can write off Nigeria’s debt because what we owe is chicken change to them.

With a debt overhang of N87 trillion, are the members of the vested interests club happy? I don’t think so because I know they are patriotic citizens who love Nigeria more than the rest of us. It does not really matter, especially now that we are at their mercy.

This club of vested interests know how they made their money and they are eating alone while the Nigerian economy is bleeding. This is not fair at all; they should think of Nigeria first before they think of how they spend our money.

Even if one dollar sells for N5,000, they can afford to buy millions if not billions of dollars. Most Nigerians are selling off their properties and travelling abroad because of the foreign exchange rate variance. I don’t blame them; they are only obeying the first law of nature which is their survival.

The elites are also amassing wealth because they are keeping the money for us, not because they are thieves.

The increasing number of multi-dimensionally poor Nigerians – over 133 million people, according to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) – are daily thinking of their survival before anything else. Why can’t these elites who conspire against Nigeria and hold our money in trust for all Nigerians not have pity on poor and hapless Nigerians?

As our 63rd independence anniversary draws near, what will be President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message to Nigerians? Mr. President knows that a majority of Nigerians are not happy; they are worried and struggling to survive in a dire economic environment where hope must be renewed as quickly as possible.

Congratulations to all Nigerians. We cannot give up on Nigeria even if the country keeps behaving, disappointingly, like a sleeping giant. Our economy is resilient and it will bounce back with the ongoing reforms.

After series of failed negotiations with the federal Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has convened an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting with its members.

This is to decide if it would embark on a total shutdown of the economy.

According to a notice signed by the NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the meeting is to be held virtually on Tuesday 26 September 2023.

The letter was addressed to all presidents, general secretaries, and treasurers of all NLC affiliates to decide the fate of its planned strike.

Recall that THE WHISTLER had reported that the 14-day ultimatum given to the FG ended on Friday, 22 September 2023.

The NLC has accused the government of not meeting its demands.

Also, the NLC President Joe Ajaero had insisted that Congress was tired of engaging with the government on the same issue without any positive outcome.

He also accused the government of being insincere and insensitive to the needs of workers.

This virtual NEC meeting with the union excos will determine when and how the nationwide indefinite strike action of the Congress will commence.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has stepped down Principals of four public schools for non compliance to the Solution Free Education policy of Anambra State Government.

The Principals of Washington Memorial Grammar School Onitsha, Nkem Nkechi; Kenneth Dike Secondary School Awka, Onwurah Catherine; New Era Secondary School Onitsha, Dr. Cordelia Okonkwo; and, Amaka Ubaka of Prince Memorial High School Onitsha were alleged to have acted in contravention of the Solution policy on Free Education in the State.

The stepping down of the Principals was announced by the Commissioner for Education Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.

Chuma-Udeh stated that a committee has been constituted to investigate the activities of the affected principals.

She further stated that if found culpable, the principals would be made to refund the amount collected.

It would be recalled that Soludo had during his visits to Premier Primary School Odume Obosi and Ado Girls Secondary School Onitsha, announced that in line with the Solution Free Education policy, no child from early childhood education and development up to Junior Secondary School (JSS 3), is required to pay any fee.

He also added that no student in the Senior Secondary should pay more than N5,000.

Taraba state Board of Internal Revenue has sealed off the first Bank branches in the state for tax evasion amounting to 350 million naira.

The bank was accused of contravening section 104 of the state Personal Income Tax Act which empowers the Service to carry out distrain on any Tax defaulter.

Both the customers and staff of First Bank PLC Jalingo branches were stranded as the bank premises were sealed off by the authority of Taraba state Board of Internal Revenue Service.

The bank had a legal battle with the state board for three years when it took the revenue board to a tax appeal Tribunal in Bauchi.

The court ordered the bank to pay the accrued revenue of over 300 million to government coffer at the end of the case.

The failure of the bank to comply with the court Judgement is the reason for this latest power show.

The board is now determined to recover the money after many years of waiting.

Some of the frustrated bank customers expressed their fear in an interview with TVC News.

The Secretary/Legal Adviser of the Taraba Internal Revenue Service Nierus Johnson shed more light on the development.

He insists that the action is not targeted to frustrate the state residents but was taking in good faith by the government to meet its social responsibilities.

When asked the bank manager for response he said that it is only the bank headquarters that can respond.

The Federal Government has unveiled the programme of events for the 63rd Independence Day anniversary celebration.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who led the unveiling of the programme yesterday in Abuja, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved a low-key celebration as a result of the current economic realities.

The SGF assured Nigerians that the current government was working with relevant stakeholders, including the organised labour, to bring succour to all citizens.

Speaking on the programme for the 63rd Independence Day anniversary, Akume said the events started with a world press conference, a national broadcast by President Tinubu on Sunday, October 1, and others.

“As you are aware, the President has given his approval for this 63rd anniversary to be low-key, in line with the present economic realities. The theme of the anniversary is: Nigeria at 63, Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity.

“In view of the above, the following programmes have been lined up to mark the celebration: a world press conference on Monday, September 25, at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja, at 11 a.m;

“An anniversary symposium/public lecture on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at State House Conference Centre, at 10 a.m;

“A lecture on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the National Mosque Conference Centre (Abuja) at 10 a.m, and Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque at 1 p.m;

“A presidential broadcast will hold on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 7 a.m;

“An inter-denominational church service on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the National Christian Centre (in Abuja) at 10 a.m; and

“A military parade on Monday, October 2, 2023, at the Presidential Villa, at 9 a.m,” he said.

On the economic situation in the country, Akume said the Tinubu administration was aware of its effects of the citizens, assuring that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda was tailored to straighten out the situation.

“The government is fully aware of the economic challenges that Nigerians are confronted with since the removal of the fuel subsidy as well as the impact of the global economic downturn.

“The government is working assiduously to provide the necessary palliatives to mitigate such challenges and the provision of buses to ease hardship on transportation, among others.

“At the same time, the government is engaging with labour in order to address areas of concern for the well-being of all Nigerian workers and Nigerians generally.

“It is for this reason that this government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is anchoring on the Renewed Hope Agenda, which will improve food security, guarantee end to poverty, improve security, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, improve the playing field on which people, and particularly companies, operate, respect for the rule of law, and fight against corruption,” he said.