President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that things would soon turn around for their own good, in response to the present economic hardship in the country.

The President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made the statement on Thursday, at the State House in Abuja at the official Unveiling of the Nigeria For Women Programme.

He said the government is aware that Nigerians are complaining about hunger, adding that his administration is pushing out palliatives to cushion the effect of hunger, is also ready to implement a new minimum wage.

He said: “My administration is committed to Nigerian women and this is reflective in my policies. It gladdens my heart to stand before you and tell you the future of women in Nigeria looks very promising. Ministry of Women Affairs is working day and night, leaving no stone unturned to ensure that all your needs are met and exceeded, the Ministry has embarked on several notable projects.

“As a government, it is our duty to prioritize interest around the most vulnerable citizens which are women and children, so that we’ll put this behind us.

“The federal government actively working to ensure that programmes designed for Nigerian women are impactful and accessible to the intended beneficiaries, we are nit just committed to women in Abuja and other urban centres, the government is committed to all women particularly the most vulnerable who live in the rural areas.

“I am gladdened by the use of technology in dispensing sustainable development for our women. Sustainable agriculture, empowerment and technology is key in driving national prosperity.

“I am calling on all partners here to take a pledge today to support my administration and the Minister of Women Affairs. Today I want to officially unveil the Nigerian for Women programme. In a few days time, as we go into Ramadan, we should all rise up and pray for our country, let us pray for a more united Nigeria, let us pray for peace, let us pray for our President and the continuation of our Federation.

“Today we complain about hunger, we would be pushing out palliative so that the effects of hunger can be brought to a minimum. Ours is a very complex Federation, based on three tiers of governments, we have the federal, state and local governments and all of them have direct access to the Federation account. So winning together we can do a lot for our people. Today things are a little bit harsh, but this is not forever.

“Things would soon begin to change as more food is brought to the table of our citizens and as we prepare to implement a new minimum wage.”

The Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye explained that the programme intends to empower women in all states of the federation by providing them with machines to produce a lot of the things local women extert so much energy and time producing locally.

She said thee-market platform would be used to market the products of local women entrepreneurs all over the country for buyers and banks have already shown interest in assisting the women access their finances and payments digitally.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in his remarks, urged the government to look beyond Abuja when implementing programmes especially those that affect women.

He said, “Their is life beyond Abuja that we all come for the central position of governance, it is very important for all our people to feel governance. I would like to employ our women here, ably led by the Minister of Women Affairs, please do not let this thing be one off. Try as much as possible to leave your comfort zone to go and feel what people are feeling from time to time.

“We have a lot of political networks that you can actually connect to disperse these programmes that you want to actually give to our mothers, to the women of our dear country for them to continue to impact on how to instil morals in the society and how to better the lots in terms of empowerment.”

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has asserted that individuals convicted of abducting young people should face capital punishment.

She made this statement in response to the recent reports of approximately 200 women being kidnapped in Borno State and over 280 pupils and teachers abducted in Kaduna State.

Additionally, she condemned the actions of the kidnappers, labeling them as coward and evil perpetrators.

Calling on the state governors, the First Lady urged them to find a solution to the situation and ensure that any abductor apprehended is subjected to capital punishment.

The First Lady said, “Whoever is kidnapping young people is sick, cruel, and a coward.

“Enough is enough and I call on the state governors that once we take hold of them, they deserve capital punishment.

“Why don’t they take people their size? Why are they torturing our children? What they are trying to do is kill our future.

“We all know parents, when we are old we rely on our children.

“Why would you go and take them from schools? Right now, I think enough is enough. As a former lawmaker, I believe that any one of them captured deserves capital punishment.

“They are animals, they are evil and we should take them out of our midst.

“The state governors and the lawmakers should do something.”

The overbearing influence of Seyi Tinubu over state affairs was first noticed prior to the Lekki Toll gate massacre of Nigerian youths who were out on a peaceful protest against police brutality. Seyi's company is alleged to hold the monopoly of right to the lighting and the camera system at the facility. Though, his role, or of the company was hidden from the prying eyes of the public but its effect set the stage for what will become the worse state onslaught against peaceful and unarmed civilians in human history. They set the stage for what was to follow by switching off the lights before the military opened fire on the citizens, sending countless to early grave. Till date, lack of public transparency still trails the tragedy.

The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces at that time was Muhammadu Buhari, who by implication is responsible for ordering the shoot at sight of the peaceful protesters.

The worst human puppet in the history of national leadership, once you can find a narrative to appeal to his ego you have pulled the string to get the puppet to dance to your sound. Buhari will later confess what the narrative that got the order out was; "the young people want to overthrow my Government"!

Who pulled the string on the President?

Though unseen, Seyi and Father's hands can't be exonerated from the deaths at the toll gate, while the yoke remains Buhari's burden to bear. Truth has never been buried successfully, if time doesn't reveal it, characters will! 

Our King had hardly been crowned when the first son of Pastor Remi Tinubu for the President, Oluwaseyifunmi Tinubu , the Crown Prince of Lagos State and the Olu-Omo of Nigeria showed us their families mission to power. He showed up in the chamber of the state house pacing up and down needlessly during the Federal Executive Council meeting. The rudeness of his conduct not even his father could keep his pretence of. He was forced as it looks now, against his will to openly rebuke his son. Seyi according to Mr. President has no business being in the chamber during the FEC meeting.

Please, what business then does he have to be on the entourage to Qatar?

Tinubu said he will cut the cost of governance by limiting his entourage on foreign trips to 20 persons after the national outcry that greeted the trip to the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates where over 1400 delegates were alleged to have made the trip, and about 590 of them were sponsored by the government at an alleged cost of #885 million to taxpayers.

"Emi lokan"; seems to be clearly defined, "Emi lokan and Sons" Nigeria Limited!

The entourage to Qatar included 3 members of the Tinubu immediate and extended family, 35 members of the main body who arrived in 2 separate jets and an advance team estimated at 40 persons who also flew in a separate jet. 

In all, 3 jets from the presidential fleet landed in Qatar, with about 70 persons, excluding flight crew of 15 persons for 3 aircraft.

The Presidency' s ear is lost. It is one which is not ready to be corrected . He has successfully surrounded himself with YES men; sycophants and hypocrites?

No man of conscience should spare Tinubu and sons on this! 

I read a friend of mine who is an APC chieftain on the WhatsApp Platform of my Media friends and I was sorry for the President and his family. He wrote; 

"This eyesore and hideous incident is another low for Tinubu as a leader. I was appalled and disgusted because this is coming when Nigerians are in pain, despair, hungry and angry about how they are being governed.

One can just imagine how the Qatari officials will be thinking when the President's sons who are not government officials or known investors could be there to talk less of being introduced before the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

I wish one could hear how Tinubu introduced his two sons. 

Would he say: 

"Meet Oluwaseyifunmi Tinubu my son, the first son of the Federal Republic of Nigeria". 

And again: 

"This is Oluwayinka Tinubu, the Second Son of The Federal Republic of Nigeria".

I'm just wondering what will be going through the mind of the Qataris.

This is impunity taken to the highest level. It is highly provocative and nauseating. It is disrespectful to all Nigerians. Tinubu is democratically elected as President and not as a King in a Monarchical country. It is high time people who are close to this president talked some senses into his head. He should cease from insulting and disrespecting us.

There is a thick cloud over this country. No one knows the straw that will break the carmel's back".

If my friend was angry with the President and his sons, I would not! My anger is with men who failed to lift up their heads when it matters, led by the Honourable? Can we in all honesty still retain any honour for men who couldn't stand up for their own honours? 

Qatar's order of protocol is the most dishonouring one I have seen in my 57 years of life. Next to Tinubu and sons in order of protocol were, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Foreign Affairs Minister . The Minister was joined on the line of shame by the elected Governors of Borno and Kaduna, their Excellencies Babagana Zulum and Uba Sani. The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, made the line with Dele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals, same for Nuhu Ribadu Defence Adviser, Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, and the parrot at the Villa Ajuri Ngalele completed the line of "Iwofas"(serfs) who filed behind Oluwaseyifunmi and Oluwayimika Tinubu. 

Church Ministries like public Ministries are held in trust for the people. Many don't understand it when we demand succession transparency and accountability for leaders of Churches. This conduct is not different from what the attitude of our church leaders are.

I assumed they managed the situation by not walking away from that line of protocol. I have waited to see a resignation by any of the appointees and a media chiding of what the elected Governors were subjected to by the sons of Tinubu but I seem to be waiting in vain to see if any iota of honour is still left with these men that should compell them to resign for breach of protocol and gross disrespect to their offices upon their return to Nigeria.

Dr Reuben Abati, who studied protocol for four years, who wrote and passed exams according to him, asked; “Are the sons of the President not gainfully employed?”. 

And I also want to remind Sade, Seyi and Yinka that they are adults and not dependants of the President. 

They should focus on their own careers".

What seems to be a rumour before 2023 that the President Bola Tinubu wanted Seyi Tinubu as the Governorship candidate for Lagos State seems to be adding up. I think we should be prepared for Seyi in Lagos as Governor in 2027. Mummy back to the Senate for senate Presidency and Oluwayimika can make do with the Chief of staff to his father. Please, don't dare say it is not possible! What have you done to the embarrassing impossibility that has become our reality in Qatar?

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamid, after his warm embrace of PBAT was led in hand by the President to the most senior official of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on his entourage without official Portfolio! Mr Oluwaseyifunmi Tinubu followed in order of seniority of protocol by Oluwayimika Tinubu!

Many Nigerians had risen in defence of this indefensible!

What have you seen in the media against this Institutional nepotism by Tinubu? Buhari was no where near this, when crumbs seeking South West Media descended on him. Where are they now? They are shut up by Awa lokan! If not for the Arise Team that raised this, it probably would have gone unnoticed!

Tinubu has exceeded Buhari in nepotism with the appointment of his son-in-law as DG FHA, his brother as a Minister, now his sons were presented to the world as the most senior officials from Nigeria after their father; even though they were banned from attending FEC meeting!

A pity, if Nigerians can't see this "Emi lokan and Sons" Nigeria Limited coming and rise against it!

Dr Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder. He's also President Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener Apostolic Round Table.

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A former spokesperson for ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, has called for legal action against those involved in the printing of N22.7 trillion ($50 billion) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between 2015 to 2023, under former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

Akande described the situation as an “economic calamity” and demanded that those responsible “be made to answer in court”.

Akande was the chief spokesperson to Osinbajo, who was the vice president during the period the money was printed.

He expressed concern that the issue could be swept under the rug and urged the current government to take action beyond simply complaining.

Although Akande said the CBN granting Ways and Means to the Nigerian government was not necessarily bad, he said the scale at which it was done without a corresponding uptick in productivity in the country was “shocking”. 

“We must ensure that this does not happen again…there must be consequences,” Akande said on Channels TV’s Sunrise on Thursday.

“Everyone that is involved in this calamity, which is an economic calamity,They must be made to answer in court. We dont want a situation where the case has died, it is going to repeat itself.”

He said while there fears about the “misbehaviour of the monetary institution” before the end of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, he had no idea that “things were that terrible”. 

“There was nobody in that administration that did not have an idea of how things were going…the shoddiness, the sloppiness, lack of patriotism,” Akande told Channels TV.

Akande’s statement came after Finance Minister Wale Edun linked the printed money to Nigeria’s current hyperinflation.

Edun blames the “eight years of just printing money not matched by productivity” for the economic woes. 

The Senate had previously resolved to investigate N30 trillion ($66 billion) in Ways and Means funding spent by the Buhari administration.

It said the funds were mismanaged and contributed to the country’s food and security issues.

Edun confirmed plans to audit how the funds were expended and pledged to use revenue generated from a recent N7 trillion ($15 billion) bond issuance to repay the central bank and restore fiscal balance.

The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to strategically overhaul his economic team.

Ohanaeze said strategically overhauling his economic team would address the escalating crisis in the Southwest and North.

It said Tinubu should emulate former President Olusegun Obasanjo and allow globally renowned Igbos steer his restructured economic team.

In a statement he signed, factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said: “President Tinubu should promptly consider a strategic overhaul of his Economic Team to address the escalating crises witnessed in the North and Southwest regions.

“It is paramount for President Tinubu to recognize the prevailing atmosphere of relative peace in the Southeast, underscored by the absence of rampant looting of essential resources that has plagued regions such as Abuja, parts of the North, and Southwest.

“Acknowledging the integral role played by Ndigbo as the economic backbone of Nigeria, President Tinubu is implored to draw inspiration from the leadership demonstrated by former president Obasanjo’s economic team, which was steered by globally renowned Igbo economists. Central to this proposal is the establishment of a new economic consortium led by Igbo professionals and advocating for Nigeria’s integration into the BRICS economic bloc, fostering a robust Naira that can compete effectively with other currencies through the discontinuation of the Dollar in Nigeria.”

The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu advised former President Muhammadu Buhari to print Naira in 2020.

A Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, described such a claim as erroneous.

Recall that a spokesman of the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, had claimed Tinubu advised Buhari to print Naira in 2020.

Ibe’s remark followed Minister of Finance, Wale Edun’s comment on the printing of N22.7 trillion under Buhari’s administration.

Edun had said the printing of N22.7 trillion by the Central Bank of Nigeria in the name of a Ways and Means loan under Buhari’s government and ex-CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele was responsible for the current rising inflation and economic hardship in Nigeria.

Speaking during an interface with the Senate Committee on Finance, the minister said the Ways and Means loans of N22.7 trillion under the past administration were done aimlessly.

He further stated that the alleged reckless spending of the overdraft collected from the CBN under Emefiele largely accounted for the country’s food and security crises.

The minister vowed that Tinubu’s government would audit the CBN printing in the last eight years.

Reacting, Onanuga recalled that Tinubu had clarified the issue when it was first reported.

Posting on X, Onanuga wrote: “President Tinubu did not advise the Buhari administration to print Naira, the way it was erroneously reported in 2020. He provided a clarification in Thisday of 30 March, 2020, a day after the false report came out.”

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, has encouraged Nigerians to maintain hope and patience with the present administration in the country, reassuring that positive changes are on the horizon.

Oyetola emphasized that the current socio-economic challenges resulting from the fuel subsidy removal are temporary and can be overcome. He expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s ability to lead Nigeria towards progress and prosperity.

Speaking on Thursday at the official inauguration of the newly-built ultra-modern Aragbiji palace in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, the Minister conveyed his message of hope and optimism to the Nigerian populace.

Oyetola who acknowledged the pocket of challenges confronting the nation, said “it is time for the citizens to rise to the occasion and begin to rally round the government in its resolve to reposition and transform the country.”

“In view of the concerted efforts to get over the current challenges, we need a lot of patience, I believe that our president will take us to where we desire. We need to continue to pray for him, for wisdom, good health and resources to continue to lead our country aright. I have no doubt that he will take us to promised land.”

Unveiling the state-of-the-art palace, Oyetola eulogized the sons and daughters of the ancient town for their unwavering commitment towards the actualization of the edifice.

He attributed the successful completion of the palace to the unity of purpose that exists among the indigenes of the town saying “it is a further fulfillment of our resolve as a progressive community to unleash infrastructure development on our community.

Are you aware Yoruba is not only spoken in Nigeria? It is predominantly across some other countries you will read about here. Yoruba is one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria; it is mostly spoken in the Southwestern part of the country. The language has its roots as a Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family.

Farming is a major occupation; trading too is an integral aspect of the lives of Yoruba people. Cocoa is a major cash crop including maize, plantains, yams, groundnuts, and millet. In terms of artistic skills and productivity, Yorubas have always been among the best in Africa. Traditionally, women engage in basket weaving, cotton spinning, and cloth dyeing. Bronze casting was at its peak in Yoruba land between the 13th and 14th centuries and has since been a symbol of excellence across West Africa.

1. Salvador, Brazil

Brazil, one of the Yoruba-speaking countries, has a history of African descent. Salvador is a city and capital of Bahia in Brazil. It is located in the southern area of the country which separates it from the Atlantic Ocean. Yorubas are quite predominant there and they worship Ogun, Yemoja, Sango, and Egungun. 

The existence of this tribe in Salvador can be traced to the migration that happened during the “Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade” centuries ago. One of the unique traits of these people is their relentless effort to practice their tradition despite the sorrow and struggles they went through as slaves. 

The worshippers of the Yoruba gods are known to always dress in white garments led by priests and priestesses. It is always quite interesting whenever they make sacrifices at the shrine and dance to the melodious tune of a traditional drum called “Ilu Agere”. Another cultural trait exhibited by the Yorubas in Salvador is their love for bean cake known as “Akara” – it is highly consumed; and prepared with the same recipe as in Nigeria like palm oil, onions, beans, and pepper.

2. Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a Western African country. A Portuguese explorer called “Pedro de Sinatra” was the first to discover Freetown harbour in the 15th century. “Serra Lyoa” (Lion Mountains) refers to the different hills that surround the harbour. Sierra Leone is one of the most prominent Yoruba-speaking countries in the world. The liberated Yoruba slaves in the mid-19th century who later settled in this country are referred to as “Oku or Aku. ” They reside mostly in Banjul and are found in Fourah Bay, Fula Town, and Aberdeen Village. 

The slaves discussed here were mostly Yoruba business people from Abeokuta and Lagos. In addition to what we mentioned earlier, Oku people are descendants of liberated Yoruba Africans who later settled in Sierra Leone – they eventually formed a distinctive community right from the 1840s. 

3. Benin Republic

Benin Republic, formerly known as Dahomey, is a country in West Africa. The capital city is Porto-Novo; the seat of governance is in Cotonou — the economic capital and the most populous city. The economy of the country is heavily dependent on agriculture. 

As one of the Yoruba-speaking countries, Benin Republic shares history with Nigeria ethnically. “Ketu” is the name adopted by the Yorubas and their traditional ruler is called “Alaketu” — related to Ile-Ife, Nigeria. According to history, Ketu is one of the original kingdoms established by the children of Oduduwa but some sources claim the kingdom was much dependent on Oyo; they paid annual tribute to them. 

Regardless of the different narrations, without a doubt, Oyo and Ketu have maintained close friendships due to their historical, cultural, and ethnic ties. When the kingdom was part of Oyo’s forces, they often fought Dahomey but they were eventually defeated in the 1880s and sold into slavery. The Benin Yoruba has a unique accent because of the influence of some languages like “Egun” spoken in the country.

4. Togo

Togo, a country in West Africa also part of the Yoruba-speaking countries, shares formidable similarities with its counterparts in Nigeria. The capital is called “Lome” – it extends to the Gulf of Guinea. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the coastal region was the European slave trade post — it is referred to as “The Slave Coast.”  

Atakpame, a town in Togo, shares similarities with Abeokuta and Oyo. This small town in Togo is surrounded by seven mountains just like the aforementioned state in Nigeria – that has Olumo Rock and Oke Ibadan as their ancestral symbols. Atakpame also shares historical similarities with Idanre in Ondo state — a town with huge and beautiful mountains. 

The Ife Togo – a dialect of Yoruba is spoken by about ninety thousand people in Atakpame. The Ife settlers migrated from Dahomey into the Togolese territory and founded Atakpame. Ife Togo dialect retains all the originality and tonal features of the Yoruba language; every word is tone marked but just the mid tone which is no longer marked in the current writing system of Yoruba in Nigeria is still marked. Another angle is, two consonants that are no longer allowed to be used together are still present in Ife Togo; for instance “Oshogbo’ should be “Osogbo’”, and “Ogbomosho” is now “Ogbomoso.” 

5. Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire is located in the Western part of Africa. Its capital is called Yamoussoukro; the largest city and economic centre is Abidjan. The official language of the country is French;  indigenous languages are also widely used. One of the first set of migrants in Côte d’Ivoire were the Ejigbos but they first settled in Ghana, Togo, and Benin. 

Ejigbo is a city in Osun state, Nigeria founded by Akinjole Ogiyan  — a descendant of Oduduwa. Together with his brother, the founder of Ikire-Ile, left Ile-Ife with Oranmiyan to establish their own town. Akinjole became the paramount ruler of many villages across Yoruba land. 

Ejigbo people have a long history as emigrants mostly to Côte d’Ivoire since the 1900s. They refer to their community leader as “Oba”. It could be “Oba Aboba”, “Oba Treichville” and so on. The Oba of Abidjan is referred to as “Oba Abidjan ” – he is the head of the Ejigbo community leader of Cote d’Ivoire. The love of trading has made the Ejigbos more comfortable in Abidjan and has become a welcoming place for Yoruba speakers.

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated an 11-member committee to implement the recommendations outlined in the Oronsaye report.

The report, TRIBUNE ONLINE gathered, focuses on the reorganisation and streamlining of government bodies, agencies, and commissions.

According to Nairametrics, Tinubu was ably represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, during the ceremony.

Below are the names of the members of the committee:

The committee includes Sen. George Akume (SSG), Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan; and Hadiza Bala-Usman, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.

Others are Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reform; Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar-Gumel, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate); Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Principal Secretary to the President, Richard P. Pheelangwa, Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office, and Ibrahim Olarenwaju.

Ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo, Olumide Akpata, the flag-bearer of the Labour Party (LP), has vowed to resist any attempt to rig the poll.

He gave this assurance during an interactive session with OBIdients on X space titled “Vawulence Space: One-on-one with Olumide Akpata” on Thursday.

“I will do all I can to protect the votes of the people in Edo,” he assured the audience.

The ex-NBA President promised to engage with stakeholders to ensure the safeguarding of votes during and after the poll.

He equally pledged to lead a government based on merit rather than nepotism.

He stated that his administration would prioritise a merit-based system and appoint qualified individuals to key positions for an effective and efficient government.

Recall Akpata was declared winner of the LP governorship primary election held in Benin City, Edo, garnering 316 votes in an overwhelming victory.