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Shettima Criticizes Northern Poverty and Corruption, Calls for Systemic Overhaul

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has attributed the recent vandalism and looting in parts of Northern Nigeria to long-standing issues of poor leadership, corruption, and pervasive poverty in the region. He expressed that these challenges have been tolerated for too long, leading to the emergence of a generation with little regard for God, law, or societal values.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 20 indigent pupils from Hau’wa Memorial School (HMS), owned by the AMA Foundation, Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmad, emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of the system. He noted that the accumulated problems in the region have contributed to the destruction of lives and property during nationwide protests against economic hardship.

“For too long, we have tolerated poverty, corruption, and poor leadership, and now we see the consequences—a generation that has no respect for God, the law, leadership, or our values,” Shettima stated.

The Vice President assured that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to making Nigeria work for future generations, just as past generations benefited from the legacies of leaders like the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

Reflecting on recent events, Shettima remarked, “In the last two weeks, the country has faced difficult times, mostly driven by young people who are angry and hungry, who feel the government does not care about them. They have no respect for authority because they believe every authority has let them down.”

He urged the youth to direct their frustration towards the political system, which he described as defective, producing leaders unfit for governance. Shettima also called on parents to take a more active role in raising their children, stressing that there is no justification for looting or stealing.

“We must work hard to rebuild this country, showing our children that they can succeed through hard work, just as previous generations did,” he added. Shettima also encouraged the graduating pupils to embrace hard work and integrity as they move forward in life.

Shiekh Ahmed Gumi, who spoke at the event, described the protests as a wake-up call for leaders to address societal needs and curtail lawlessness. The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Abdulsalami Nasidi, emphasized the importance of educating and empowering the youth as a means to revive the North, noting that nation-building begins with nurturing the child.

Musa Abdullahi, Executive Chairman of AMA Foundation, urged the graduating pupils to be good ambassadors of the school and to use the knowledge they have gained to positively impact their communities.

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Dangote, Amosun bicker over demolition of cement factory in Ogun

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President of Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has accused the former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, of twice demolishing his cement plant in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area.

Speaking during a visit to the plant, which is nearing completion, Dangote praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for persuading him to return to Ogun State to resume construction. The billionaire businessman alleged that his project was repeatedly halted under the Amosun administration.

“That factory was demolished twice. We started, and Governor Amosun demolished it. The second time, we started again, and he demolished not only the factory but also the fencing, so we left. But now, because of His Excellency, my brother, Prince Dapo Abiodun, we are back,” Dangote stated.

He highlighted the significance of the plant, which will include two 6,000t/day clinker production lines, reinforcing Ogun State’s status as an industrial hub. Dangote also pointed to his company’s broader contributions to Nigeria’s economic transformation, including making the country self-sufficient in cement and fertilizer production.

Dangote’s investments, he noted, have helped Nigeria shift from being an importer to an exporter of refined petroleum products. His company’s 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Ibeju-Lekki is set to meet local demand for petroleum products, while its petrochemical complex has also begun polypropylene production.

The businessman commended Governor Abiodun’s pro-business policies, attributing his decision to resume operations in Ogun State to the current administration’s support.

In response, former Governor Amosun, through his media aide Lanre Akinwale, denied Dangote’s allegations, asserting that the billionaire lacked the necessary approvals for the structures that were allegedly demolished.

“We want to appeal to Alhaji Dangote to avail the public of the requisite approvals for the construction of the structures he alleged were demolished,” Amosun’s camp stated.

The former governor insisted that his administration enforced the law fairly and did not allow any entity, including Dangote, to operate outside established regulations. He recalled that during the commissioning of the Ibese Cement Factory, Dangote had previously praised the Amosun administration for supporting investments in Ogun State.

Amosun emphasized that his tenure attracted over 500 companies to Ogun State, earning it recognition from the World Bank for its Ease-of-Doing-Business policies. He warned against what he described as attempts at blackmail, stating, “Not all Nigerians can be compromised, bullied, or blackmailed. Some of us will continue to uphold high standards, irrespective of whose ox is gored.”

The dispute has reignited conversations on business-government relations in Ogun State, with stakeholders keenly observing the unfolding developments.

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Seyi Tinubu deserves some medals, not attacks – Balami

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Prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and youth advocate, Comrade Isaac Balami, has dismissed the criticism surrounding Seyi Tinubu’s recent tour of northern Nigeria as “needless and politically motivated.”

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Balami suggested that negative reactions to Tinubu’s visit stemmed from growing calls for him to contest the Lagos State governorship seat.

Balami praised Seyi Tinubu’s humanitarian efforts, stating that he had consistently engaged in selfless service across the country, irrespective of religious or political affiliations. He argued that instead of being criticized, Tinubu should be recognized and awarded for his contributions to national unity and development.

“The attacks on Seyi Tinubu are unfair,” Balami stated. “His acts of kindness and support for Nigerians, regardless of background, should be commended, not condemned.”

Balami further noted that Tinubu’s philanthropic activities predate his father’s presidency, pointing out that his Iftar outreach initiatives began over a decade ago. He questioned why critics now view his efforts through a political lens.

“Seyi Tinubu’s outreach during Ramadan is no different from what many other prominent Nigerians do. His work during the COVID-19 pandemic was remarkable, and he has even assisted individuals from opposition parties. His actions speak louder than words,” Balami added.

The APC chieftain also criticized claims that Tinubu’s tour was politically motivated, arguing that even if it had political undertones, it would not be unusual. He contrasted Tinubu’s engagement with the people to the perceived aloofness of other children of past and present Nigerian leaders.

Balami urged Nigerians to focus on the positive impact of Tinubu’s initiatives rather than seeking to discredit them. He encouraged young politicians and entrepreneurs to emulate Tinubu’s commitment to social causes.

Seyi Tinubu recently embarked on a tour of northern Nigeria, where he engaged with Muslim communities in the spirit of Ramadan and provided empowerment opportunities to various individuals. The visit sparked mixed reactions, with some critics questioning its motives.

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SDGs must be integrated into development plans – FG

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The Federal Government has emphasized that achieving the **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)** requires their full integration into national and sub-national development plans rather than treating them as isolated initiatives.

 

The **Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire**, made this call during the **North-East Regional Consultation in Gombe**, part of Nigeria’s **2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR)** preparations for the **High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York this July**. Represented by **Dr. Bala Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser**, she explained that the **United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)** established the HLPF as a global review mechanism for the 2030 Agenda. Nigeria, now conducting its third VNR, is engaging stakeholders across all six geopolitical zones to assess progress, challenges, and future opportunities.

 

A statement from her **Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communication, Desmond Utomwen**, highlighted the urgent need to accelerate SDG progress. Citing the **2024 UN Sustainable Development Goals Report**, she revealed that only 17% of SDG targets are on track, nearly 50% show minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third have stalled or regressed. She attributed Nigeria’s slow SDG progress to dwindling financial resources, the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent insecurity.

 

Orelope-Adefulire stressed the importance of **robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) mechanisms**, including SDG Progress Reports and the VNR, to track achievements and challenges. She called for stronger collaboration among public and private sectors, the UN Development System, donor agencies, academia, and civil society to ensure no one is left behind.

 

Referring to the **“Pact for the Future”** adopted during the **79th UN General Assembly**, she reaffirmed world leaders’ commitment to bold and transformative actions for SDG acceleration. She also echoed **UN Secretary-General António Guterres’** call for massive investments and strategic partnerships to drive key transitions in food security, energy, and digital connectivity.

 

She commended **Nigeria’s Multi-Stakeholder Core Working Group for the 2025 VNR**, acknowledging the contributions of members from government agencies, the UN Development System, private sector groups, civil society organizations, and academia.

 

The **North-East Regional Consultation** brought together 150 participants from six states, focusing discussions on institutional frameworks for SDG implementation, progress across the 17 SDGs, and challenges and lessons learned.

 

**Gombe State SDGs Focal Person, Engr. Sulaiman Turaki**, described the event as a critical dialogue shaping Nigeria’s next VNR. He urged stakeholders to actively contribute, ensuring the review accurately reflects progress, challenges, and opportunities while ensuring no one is left behind in the country’s development efforts.

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