News
Tinubu Urges CSOs to Prioritise National Interest, Reject Harmful Foreign Influence
By Francis Wilfred
President Bola Tinubu has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria to align more closely with the Federal Government’s development agenda and place national interest above all other considerations. He also cautioned civic groups against accepting foreign funding that could undermine the country’s sovereignty, security and development objectives.
The President made the call on Wednesday while addressing participants at the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit held in Lagos. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said CSOs should move beyond being seen merely as critics of government and become active partners in promoting sustainable development, accountability and good governance.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Nigeria First and Sustainable Development,” the President described civil society groups as critical stakeholders in national development. He commended their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, flood disasters and other emergencies, noting that their interventions demonstrated patriotism and commitment to the welfare of citizens.
According to a press statement signed by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media to the SGF, the President stated that the concept of “Nigeria First” does not imply isolation from the international community but rather prioritising policies, partnerships and investments that directly benefit Nigerians. He said development efforts must be inclusive, climate-resilient and future-oriented, while being driven by purposeful collaboration among government, civil society and the private sector.
The President noted that the summit’s theme aligns with the objectives of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its eight priority areas, including economic reforms, national security, food security, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, industrialisation and improved governance.
He stressed that CSOs have an important role to play in achieving these goals and ensuring better outcomes for citizens.Tinubu identified food security as one of the major areas requiring closer collaboration between government and civic organisations. He warned that forecasts of prolonged rainfall and increased flooding in parts of Southern Nigeria could threaten agricultural production and livelihoods. He therefore urged CSOs to support climate-smart agriculture, assist farmers and fishermen, and advocate the protection of wetlands and mangrove ecosystems.
The President also highlighted job creation and enterprise development as key strategies for reducing poverty. He pointed to opportunities in the marine and blue economy, renewable energy and climate-related industries, saying stronger partnerships among governments, businesses and civil society organisations could create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youths and women.
On governance and accountability, Tinubu assured participants that his administration welcomes constructive criticism and public oversight. He encouraged CSOs to strengthen their engagement in budget tracking, community monitoring, data sharing and social accountability initiatives that can improve service delivery and enhance public trust in government institutions.
He further called for greater collaboration in healthcare and education, noting that climate change continues to worsen public health challenges, including the spread of diseases such as malaria and cholera. The President cited reforms being implemented under the Federal Government’s HOPE Governance Programme, supported by the World Bank, to improve transparency, financing and workforce management in primary healthcare and basic education.
Tinubu, however, warned civil society organisations to be cautious in accepting foreign funding, insisting that national interest and ethical considerations must guide their decisions. He also cautioned against the unchecked proliferation of CSOs, saying it could create opportunities for criminal and unethical actors to infiltrate the civic space.
Reaffirming his commitment to structured engagement with civil society, the President urged participants to produce actionable resolutions from the summit and announced plans to convene a national summit of CSOs in Abuja later this year.
By Jabiru Hassan
The Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, has appointed AIG Auwal Musa Muhammad as its 25th Commandant. Muhammad formally assumed office at a ceremony held at the Muhammadu Buhari Parade Ground, attended by senior academy officers, invited guests and representatives of host communities.
In his address, the new commandant pledged to contribute to the development of the institution and prioritise the welfare of staff and students, environmental safety and stronger relations with surrounding communities.
Muhammad said his administration would work to maintain the academy’s reputation and strengthen its capacity to produce competent and professional police officers. “I am here to contribute my quota towards the progress of Police Academy Wudil and ensure that the institution’s good image remains impressive,” he said.
He also assured the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to him and improving the learning environment at the academy.
The commandant urged staff to remain dedicated and diligent, saying their collective efforts would contribute to improved academic and professional standards. He commended his predecessors for their contributions to the development of the institution.
During an interactive session with senior academy officials, Muhammad urged them to uphold discipline, integrity and unity while working to strengthen academic excellence. He thanked staff and others who contributed to the smooth transition and pledged to promote collaboration in achieving the academy’s objectives.
By Jabiru Hassan
Farmers from different parts of Nigeria have expressed support for the leadership of Muhammad Magaji Gettado as National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
The farmers, in a joint statement, passed a vote of confidence in Gettado, saying his leadership had contributed to efforts aimed at improving the agricultural sector and making farming more sustainable and profitable. The statement was signed by Alhaji Sulaiman Umar of Gombe State and Malam Abdullahi Mai Nasara of Katsina.
The farmers described AFAN as a platform for promoting unity among farmers and representing their interests in engagements with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant agencies.They said Gettado’s leadership style had strengthened cooperation among members and promoted greater participation across different categories of farmers.
According to the farmers, his background in agricultural development had informed his approach to addressing challenges facing the sector. They also commended previous AFAN leaders for their contributions to agricultural development and said continuity in efforts to improve farmers’ welfare remained important.
Farmers from the six geopolitical zones also expressed their support for Gettado, pledging to work together to promote food production, economic development and opportunities for farmers.They called for continued collaboration among farmers, government institutions and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting agricultural productivity.
From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has commended the Henry Adetayo Foundation for reconstructing Community Secondary School, Oke Agi, in Mopamuro Local Government Area, and urged more private organisations to support education infrastructure.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, gave the commendation on Wednesday during an inspection of the reconstructed school.Fanwo described the project, led by Engr. Adebayo Mike Arayegbemi, as a significant investment in the educational development of the community.
He said the state government was allocating more than 30 per cent of its expenditure to education but could not meet every infrastructure need without support from private individuals and organisations.
Fanwo said the government would consider integrating the school into the state’s public education system and directed the Ministry of Education to assess the possibility of taking over its management.
The reconstructed facility comprises nine classroom blocks, four administrative offices, laboratories, a library, a computer laboratory and a hall for external examinations. It also has a solar power installation designed to provide electricity to the school. Fanwo announced a N1.75 million support package in scholarships and communication gadgets for students of the school.
The Danayangun of Oke Agi, HRH Oba Joshua Are, thanked the foundation for the project, which he said was about 99 per cent complete. The school is expected to be officially commissioned later in the year.
Police Academy Wudil Gets New Commandant
Nigerian Farmers Commend Gettado’s Leadership of AFAN
Kogi Government Commends Foundation for Rebuilding Community Secondary School
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