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Only time can define decisions of true leader – Tinubu
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has extolled the virtues of the first premier of the western region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, saying his principles have withstood the tests of time and geography.
Just like the late sage, whom he said had been a dependable ally of time, the President identified the power of time to judge fairly, noting that it is only time that defines the tough decisions, character and sacrifices a leader has to take to make a difference.
Speaking on Wednesday during the 2024 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership held at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, President Tinubu described the late Awo as a compass and guiding light for several generations of leaders.
The Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, a prestigious, biennial, international prize that follows a rigorous process of nomination and subsequent screening by a selection committee, celebrates the democratic and development-oriented ideals of Chief Awolowo, a foremost Pan-African nationalist.
President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, observed that understanding Chief Awolowo’s teachings requires coming to terms with “the obscured reality of leadership,” even as he said that “overcoming the conspiracies of mischief-makers, sceptics, and saboteurs” is the very first test every true leader must undergo.
Delivering the President’s address titled, “Leadership: An Alliance with Time,” Senator Shettima stated: “For the great sage from Ikenne, his enduring impact persists despite revisionist efforts. Time sifts through biases and lies, and through hidden agendas and propaganda. Time delivers to us the naked truth that defines the tough decisions and sacrifices every sincere leader must make to create a difference.
“But, in all we do, we must always find strength in the belief of those who trust the process, those who give us the benefit of the doubt. There is no greater honour than the privilege to lead one’s people, and assuming a position of leadership during times of turbulence is the ultimate test of our mettle as leaders.
“It is in these moments of uncertainty that true character and capability come to the forefront. While the immediate judgment may be rendered by the people we either impress or displease, the long-term verdict is carved by time, the passage of time.”
The President recalled how Chief Awolowo contended with forces both within and outside his political party, stating that the great sage was a victim of his ambition to make a difference and was dragged by a hostile opposition until he found himself behind bars.
He however noted that with the passage of time, even the harshest of Awo’s critics came to realize the futility of taking a man who stood out, even in death, because of his refusal to compromise his convictions for granted.
“He (Awolowo) fought until his very last days in defence of democracy in Nigeria, and these are the examples that make him a hero of the nation. There is no doubt that time has been Chief Awolowo’s ally. Time has revealed the enduring impact of his ideas and actions,” President Tinubu said.
He congratulated the President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adeṣina, for clinching the 2023 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, describing the former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture as a “maverick change-maker who has not only flown our flag all over the world but has dazzled the world with the novelty of his thoughts, indispensability of his ideas, and dynamism of his actions”.
Adesina won the 2023 prize to become its fourth recipient after Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka; former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, and legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola had clinched the prize meant to encourage, recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in leadership.
Likening the AfDB President to a Prophet they have chosen to honour in his hometown, President Tinubu said just like Awolowo, Adesina “has exemplified the values that have shaped the course of history at all the institutions he has headed, all the offices he occupied.
“In celebrating Dr. Adesina’s achievements, we are not merely acknowledging a leader; we are recognizing a role model and mentor who paves the way for current and future generations,” the President further noted.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Adesina recalled the visionary leadership and legacies of the late sage, Awolowo which, according to him, spreads across education, healthcare and infrastructure development.
The AfDB President who delivered the prize lecture, said the award has humbled, inspired and motivated, even as he pledged to support initiatives that will transform more lives and livelihoods across Africa.
He noted that the issue of feeding Africa must be achieved because there is no pride in begging for food.
“We must make poverty and hunger history in Africa and Nigeria,” Dr Adesina stated, assuring that the AfDB will support the Tinubu administration in transforming agricultural practice to boost production and improve livelihoods.
He also spoke about the possibilities of a new Nigeria where all the states are viable, and peace, security and prosperity for every citizen is assured.
“In the coming season farming season, across states, the AfDB will mobilize resources to cultivate 300,000 hectares of land for rice production, 300,000 hectares of land for maize production and 150,000 hectares of land for cassava production, among others,” Adesina pledged.
He further stressed the need for urgent interventions by governments at different levels to invest massively in human capital development and initiatives by the bank to support the efforts.
Earlier in her remarks, chairperson of the ocassion and President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, commended the foresight of the eminent team of the judges for selecting Dr Akinwunmi Adesina for the 2024 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, noting that they would not chosen a better recipient.
She said Dr Adesina is more than the President of the AfDB, describing him as a true African leader and agent of transformation who has carried his responsibilities with grace, humility and uncommon commitment.
On his part, President of the Union of Comoros, Azali Assoumani, paid glowing tribute to the achievements and efforts of Dr Adesina, noting that the fruits of his innovative ideas is felt across Africa’s landscape, particularly in Agriculture, industrialisation.
In the same vein, the President of Ehtiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, emphasized the importance of celebrating people whose works impact millions of lives, especially in developing countries.
She said the presence of present and former leaders across Africa and beyond at the event was a testimony of Dr Adesina’s visionary and purposeful leadership, particularly his efforts that have taken the AfDB to global heights.
Also present at the event were former Head of State and Presidents of Nigeria, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd); Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Dr Goodluck Jonathan; former Vice President Namadi Sambo; former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
Others include Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State, Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Abba Yusuf of Kano State; Dikko Raddah of Katsina State and Alex Otti of Abia State.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, promising to reclaim the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Adelabu, who was the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2019 elections, made the declaration on Friday during consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across Ogbomoso and Oyo zones.
Speaking at the residence of a party leader, Ayoade Adeseun, in Ogbomoso, Adelabu said the meetings were part of his grassroots engagement and a step towards building a formidable coalition ahead of the polls.
“I’m here to tell you that I want to contest for governor of Oyo State in 2027,” Adelabu told party members. “I’m ready to put to test all the experience I’ve gathered from the past two elections.”
He assured stakeholders that the APC would not impose any aspirant on the party, adding, “I’m up to the task, I want to show them that I can withstand and survive competition and come out victorious.”
The minister, who appealed to aggrieved members for forgiveness, emphasised the need for unity within the APC in Oyo, urging members to focus on reclaiming power from the PDP.
“We should be concerned with how the party will come back to power in 2027,” he said. “Ogbomoso is very important in this state’s politics. I’m happy to see that all factions here are now united.”
Governor Seyi Makinde of the PDP, currently in his second and final term, is expected to support a successor.
During his visit to Oyo town, Adelabu said he is read to run an inclusive government if elected.
“I will run an all-inclusive government where everybody will be involved in the governance of the state and no one will be left behind,” he said. “Oyo zone deserves better treatment because it is symbolic. Oyo is historical, symbolic, and a blessing to the entire state.”
He also used the occasion to rally support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“This is another turn of Yorubas to serve their two terms as President of Nigeria. Nigeria has a lot to benefit if Tinubu is re-elected,” Adelabu declared.
Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, says the 2027 elections will be the “simplest, easiest” for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.
Bello spoke on Saturday at a rally in Isanlu in Yagba east LGA of Kogi while welcoming a group of politicians who were defecting to the APC.
Bello declared that the wave of defection translates to Kogi becoming a “one-party state,” adding that Nigerians will keep Tinubu at Aso Rock till 2031.
“Today, Kogi state house of assembly is going to be one. There would be no minority leader again. The minority leader in the state house of assembly is decamping today,” Bello said.
“Kogi is a one-party state. And, by the special grace of God, come 2027, I have said it before that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock. Tinubu’s mandate was given to him by Nigerians, and they will say to him, ‘hold this mandate until 2031’.
“Who is doing more coalition when everybody is coming to our party? The 2027 election is going to be the simplest and easiest for APC and the president.”
The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has listed the Silverbird Entertainment Centre in Abuja for sale to recover a longstanding multi-billion naira debt linked to a former Nigerian Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, and his companies.
The listing, published in a recent public notice by AMCON, shows that the Abuja Mall, a prime commercial complex located in the Central Area, Cadastral Zone, is now open for bids from interested buyers. The property is among several assets AMCON disposes of across different states, including Lagos, Rivers, Oyo and Plateau.
The Abuja mall, operated under Silverbird Entertainment, was previously seized following a 2016 Federal High Court order over a debt of more than N10 billion owed to AMCON by several companies owned by the Murray-Bruce family. Those affected include Silverbird Productions Limited, Silverbird Showtime Limited and Silverbird Galleria Limited.
In June 2016, the court appointed a receiver, M.A. Banire, to take over the companies’ assets on AMCON’s behalf. Justice C.M.A. Olatoregun, who presided over the matter, also barred Mr Murray-Bruce, his brothers Guy and Roy Murray-Bruce, and other family members from interfering with the receiver’s work. The court’s order covered several mortgaged properties in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.
Despite negotiations that followed the initial seizure, the debt remained unresolved. AMCON said the latest sale is part of a broader asset recovery strategy targeting high-profile debtors who have failed to meet their obligations.
Silverbird’s Abuja mall is one of the group’s flagship properties, housing retail shops, a cinema, restaurants and office spaces. According to AMCON’s notice, the property comes with a gross lettable area of 15,050.91 square metres and is being sold as is.
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who served in the National Assembly representing Bayelsa East from 2015 to 2019, is also a prominent media entrepreneur and founder of the Silverbird Group, which operates television and radio stations in Nigeria and Ghana, as well as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) beauty pageant.
As of 2017, AMCON said over 400 high-profile obligors were responsible for about N4.5 trillion nearly 80 per cent of the total outstanding debt on its books. The Corporation has since adopted more aggressive recovery efforts, including asset sales and legal enforcement.
Bids for the Abuja mall and other listed properties are due by 11 July.
Prospective buyers are advised to visit AMCON’s official website or contact the designated coordinating agents for details.
Murray-Bruce did not respond to a request for comment on the planned sale as of the time of filing this report.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Global South and Emerging Economic Bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS).
The President’s flight touched down at the Galeao Air Force Base tarmac at 8:45 pm on Friday, where the Galeao Air Force Base Commander coordinated the Guard of Honour.
Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Ambassador Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and the Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture, received President Tinubu.
President Tinubu is in Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva. The Nigerian leader will attend a bilateral meeting hosted by President Lula today, July 5, ahead of the summit on June 6 and 7.
At the BRICS Summit, the President will participate in a plenary session and deliver an address on Nigeria’s ongoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness.
According to the Presidency, he will also attract investors to capitalise on the country’s opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy.
The summit’s theme is “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Deliberations will centre on health, Artificial Intelligence, governance, and Climate Change issues.
Ahead of the Leaders’ Summit, the political negotiators of BRICS brainstormed over aligning more commitments to combat socially determined diseases, artificial intelligence governance, and climate finance.
State Governors participating in the summit with the President are Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger).
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori as the acting National Chairman of the party following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Dalori, who currently serves as the Deputy National Chairman (North), was directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assume the leadership role in an acting capacity pending the meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which is being convened immediately to fill the vacancy.
The announcement was contained in an official statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Friday in Abuja.
According to the statement, Ganduje tendered his resignation with immediate effect in order to attend to “urgent and important personal matters.”
Dalori’s appointment comes nearly two years after Ganduje was appointed National Chairman in August 2023, succeeding Senator Abdullahi Adamu.
During his tenure, Ganduje was praised for promoting party cohesion, driving electoral strength, and overseeing key defections into the party.
With Dalori now at the helm, the APC said it remains “steadfast and unwavering” in delivering President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and sustaining internal unity.
The party expressed gratitude to Ganduje for his “invaluable contributions and distinguished record of service” and extended well wishes for his future endeavours.
President Bola Tinubu has signed the four tax reform bills into law. Tinubu assented to the bills at the Presidential Villa on Thursday.
The four proposed laws are the Nigeria tax bill, the Nigeria tax administration bill, the Nigeria revenue service (establishment) bill, and the joint revenue board (establishment) bill.
The signing ceremony was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, and Julius Ihonvbere, house majority leader.
Also present were Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, governor of Kwara, Hope Uzodinma, his Imo counterpart, and Wale Edun, minister of finance, among others.
Tinubu transmitted the proposed legislation to the national assembly on October 3, 2024, urging lawmakers to pass the tax reform bills.
The bills initially faced opposition from the northern governors, who argued that the proposed laws could harm the region’s interests, asking the national assembly to reject the bills and demanding fair and equitable implementation across all regions.
However, in January, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) endorsed the bills after agreeing on an “equitable” VAT-sharing formula.
The house of representatives passed the bills in March, while the senate approved them in May.
On June 18, the legislature transmitted the bills to the president for assent.
Speaking earlier on Thursday, Tinubu said the tax bills will unify the country’s fragmented tax system.
“They (tax reform bills) deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu said.
“For too long, our tax system has been a patchwork—complex, inequitable, and burdensome. It has weighed down the vulnerable and shielded inefficiency. That era ends today.”
Tinubu added that the bills will eliminate wasteful duplications, reduce red tape, restore investor trust, and promote transparency and coordination at all levels.
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