News
VP Shettima: Diversity should be Nigeria’s strength, says traditional institution top on Tinubu’s agenda
The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima has said the traditional institution and its leaders are at the top of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s list of priorities in his administration’s bid to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s diversity.
He noted that the nation’s diversity should be a source of strength and not of division, just as he urged Nigerians to keep imbibing the lessons firmly fixed in the country’s cultural tapestry.
A statement on Saturday issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), has it that the Vice President stated these during the 37th Annual Akesan Festival in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, expressed delight with the way Nigeria’s noble traditions that serve as poignant reminders of the origins and identities of its people have endured.
Delivering his address titled, “Learning from the Past: Unity and Tradition in the Akesan Festival,” at the event, Sen. Shettima said, “I am further delighted by the significance that the Akesan Festival has achieved, even though I expected nothing less. So, I must, once again, express my gratitude to my brother, our industrious Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and His Royal Highness, Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, for inviting us to witness this festival and participate in shaping this historical narrative.
“Your Royal Highness, this festival serves as an opportunity to reinforce President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to giving priority to our traditional leaders in navigating the intricacies of our diversity. The commitments articulated by our administration stand firm, and we pledge to honor these assurances, ensuring positive transformations in the lives of our people”.
Like previous festivities, the VP noted that the 37th edition of the Akesan Festival is imbued with the essence of the unity Nigerians have forged as a nation, even as he described Ogun State as a template for the complexities of the nation’s cultural practices.
His words: “It (Akesan Festival) symbolizes the heartbeat of our nation, and Ogun State has long become the template for the resilience of our cultural practices as vehicles for progress. From intellectuals and cultural icons to industrialists, Ogun State has been an enduring source of inspiration at the crossroads of culture and modernity.
“Your Excellencies, Your Majesty, distinguished ladies, and gentlemen, this land has not only nurtured industries but also cultivated a rich cultural heritage that unites us. Our nation will forever cherish the sacrifices you’ve made, serving as guardians of tradition, preserving our cultural legacy, and fostering unity among all of us”.
Applauding the state for investing a good dose of time and resources to establish Iperu Remo on the global map, the Vice President urged Nigerians to take a cue from the spirit of unity, cooperation and determination in the community.
VP Shettima continued: “I am not here today just to celebrate with you; I am here to testify to your resilience and spirit. I am here to thank you for reminding us of the sociology and economics of cultural festivities in nation-building.
“Through your preservation of these beautiful traditions, you have reinforced the identities and pride of your communities, fostering their patriotism and commitment to pursuing our collective progress and nurturing the bonds that bind us as a people.
“As we revel in the festivities, let us not forget the lessons ingrained in our cultural tapestry. This diversity within our nation is a source of strength, not division. It is a testament to our adaptability as a people. So, we must thank all those who’ve made this happen, from bottom to top.
“We must acknowledge the artisans, the craftsmen, the historians, the cultural custodians and the everyday people who have devoted their lives to preserving our heritage, passing down traditions from one generation to the next.”
Asking other communities to actively take part in the beauty of the country’s traditions as well as the potential that lies within them, which he said the Akesan Festival signifies, the VP noted that by celebrating their culture, Nigerians are celebrating their identity and showcasing the richness of their values to the world.
Welcoming guests to the event, the Akarigbo/Paramount ruler of Remo Kingdom, HRH. Obama Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa II, hailed President Bola Ahmed, saying despite the current challenges in Nigeria, the visions and programmes of his administration would definitely wriggle the country out of the woods.
He urged the indigenes to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
Governor Yahaya Bello who spoke for the Chairman of the occasion, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State, called on the people of Ogun State to continue in their peaceful coexistence and cohabitation as existing amongst the people of the state.
In his speech, Governor of Ogun State, Chief Dapo Abiodun, said Akesan Day was an unending heritage that is fast boosting the tourism potential of the state.
He pledged further commitments to the festival, saying it was fast becoming a uniting event among Ogun people as well as people of its neighbouring states.
He described the Gateway International Cargo Airport as one mega project that would blossom in the South West and Nigeria at large, adding that it would soon be open for business.
Present at the event were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Yahaya Bello; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alh Adebayo Lawal; Senator Solomon Adeola; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba; serving and past members of the National Assembly, including former Speaker of the House of Reps. Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole; traditional rulers, and a host of others.
News
2027: Fubara declares support for Tinubu, Wike’s candidates, says time for war over
River State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his support for the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the aspiration of Hon Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.
In what could be described as a public declaration of peace and total cessation of hostilities in the political arena in the state, Governor Fubara said that as a loyal member of the APC, he has also become a member of the Rainbow Coalition, the political group put together by his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to advance the interests of the ruling party in Rivers State.

The Governor made his position known on Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Riven Medical Industries Project in Port Harcourt and disclosed that the hitherto contending political forces in the state have resolved their differences and agreed to work together in the interest of the peace and development of the state.
According to Onwuka Nzechi, Chief Press Secretary to the River State Governor, Fubara charged his teeming supporters across the state to, without prejudice to the past, join him in supporting the ambitions of Tinubu, Chinda and all the other candidates of the APC in Rivers State during the forthcoming elections.
“We have made peace in the state and I am supporting our Rainbow Coalition. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our president, and is the one we are supporting. OK Chinda is the governorship candidate that I am supporting and anybody who believes in me will support him and every other candidate that is under the Rainbow Coalition.
” I’ve gone back to our family. So, please, whoever you are, give your total support to the Rainbow Coalition. We need to move forward. The time of war is over. It is time for peace and this peace is taking us to another level.
“I want this to be made clear to every body. So, don’t go anywhere and say you’re supporting Fubara …. No. No. No. My position is this: I have said it here and clearly for everyone to hear. If you’re not hearing we’ll, use cotton wool to clean your ears and let it enter well. I’m not party to anything that will bring any form of disunity in this state. I’ve done what I need to do and we are moving forward,” he said.
Governor Fubara described the Riven Medical Industries Project as a positive development for the state, but warned against a repeat of the ugly experiences in the past where some investors were given the opportunity to operate in the state only to renege on some aspects of the agreement, leading to litigations.
According to Governor Fubara, his administration endorsed the project out of the conviction that the new investors have the capacity and commitment to deliver on the mandate to revive the project, create jobs and boost economic development in the state.
He charged the investors to endeavour to keep to the timelines and ensure that the first phase of the project will be successfully achieved in the next three months. He also appealed to the host communities and the leadership of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to give their maximum support to the project and avoid anything that could disrupt its smooth operation.
Governor Fubara pledged that his administration will continue to provide total support the project to ensure its success.
The Riven Medical Industries Project is a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Rivers State Government and Enbay Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, and represents one of the State’s most strategic investments in industrialization, healthcare, and economic development.
The project is being implemented through Riven Medical Industries Limited, the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established by Enbay Pharmaceutical Industries Limited to revive and redevelop the former Integrated Medical Industries (IMI) into a world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing complex.
When completed, the facility will manufacture pharmaceutical formulations, gelatine capsules, intravenous (IV) infusions, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), significantly expanding Nigeria’s local pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, reducing dependence on imported medicines, strengthening the nation’s healthcare value chain, and enhancing medicine security.
The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate technology transfer, attract local and foreign investment, and position Rivers State as the leading pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare investment hub in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a transformative journey that reflects the Rivers State Government’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth, economic diversification, improved healthcare outcomes, and strategic partnerships that deliver lasting value for the people of Rivers State and Nigeria.
News
PDP, APM Alliance: The New Dawn
The challenges we face today require more than just politics as usual; they demand a unified, strategic, and bold rescue mission. It is time to hit the reset button on our nation’s trajectory. It is time for the Reset Nigeria Movement.
To achieve the Nigeria of our dreams, we cannot walk alone. We need a synergy of vision, experience, and grassroots mobilization. This is why a powerful coalition has emerged: The Grand Alliance.
At the heart of this movement is the historic PDP and APM Alliance, a formidable partnership between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied People’s Movement (APM). This is not just a political coalition; it is a declaration of intent to rescue, rebuild, and restore the glory of our great nation, Nigeria.
The PDP and APM Alliance brings together the strength, structure, and localized reach necessary to unseat stagnation and bring true democratic dividends to the people.
The Reset Nigeria Movement is committed to policies that empower the youth, support local businesses, and alleviate the economic burdens facing everyday Nigerians.
This Alliance is built on the belief that every Nigerian voice matters. It represents a broad spectrum of our society, ensuring that leadership is accountable to everyone, not just a few.
The alliance is pooling our collective resources, intelligence, and political will to create a safer, more united Nigeria where citizens can thrive without fear.
Whether you are a student, a professional, a market woman, an artisan, or a patriotic citizen eager for a new dawn, there is space for you in this movement.
Stand on the right side of history.
Join the Reset Nigeria Movement.
Join the Alliance.
Join the PDP and APM Alliance today!
Together, we will rescue and reset Nigeria.
News
First Lady donates N2b to promote Akwete in Aba, receives traditional title
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has Remi Tinubu, has donated N2b to support Akwete weaving industry in Aba, Abia State.
She said the gesture was to support the development of the Akwete production site, with a view to creating more jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
She made the donation in Aba on Tuesday, during her visit to the state to celebrate and promote the historic Akwete weaving heritage.
The President’s wife explained that the gesture was to support the development of the Akwete production site, with a view to creating more jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the uniqueness and the richness of the Akwete fabric, crafted on vertical looms by women in Abia, using cotton, raffia, and silk and famous for its vibrant colours and intricate geometric motifs.
“I am in awe of all the richness of what the Akwete fabrics stand for.
”I love traditional outfits because our tradition, our culture, tells us who we are. The moment we lose that, we won’t remember where we come from.
“The craft was transferred from generation to generation. It is a sacred craft done with love, patience, and endurance.
“The tradition of the Akwete handmade fabric is dear to the hearts of the women who make it, and they should be encouraged to pass it on to the next generation,” she said.
She Tinubu encouraged the younger generation to embrace their culture, particularly cultural attire that connects the young with the older generation.
According to her, people should be proud of their cultural heritage and wear the African traditional attires with pride.
”We should not let our children forget that.
“To the women of Akwete, I heard your cry. I am here to announce to all Nigerians and the Igbo people that it is time to take Akwete fabric to the national stage.
”Therefore, all the notable sons and daughters of Igbo land should rise to preserve this culture. On my part, I am donating N2 billion for the project,” she said.
She promised Governor Alex Otti that if President Bola Tinubu wins the 2027 presidential election for a second term, she would wear a wrapper and “buba” made from Akwete for the inauguration.
Responding, Otti and his wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, thanked the first lady for the gesture, saying, “it will significantly transform Akwete fabric production in the state”.
Mr Otti also pledged total support to President Tinubu’s economic policies, stressing that the reforms were gradually setting the country on the path of sustainable growth.
The Abia Council of Traditional Rulers conferred the traditional title of “Ugo Nwanyi Abia” (the Pride of Abia Women) on the first lady.
-
News1 year agoSenate to speed up conclusion of Nigeria Forest Security Service Bill
-
News12 months agoThe Many Lies Against Bashir Haske
-
News3 years agoBreaking: Tinubu’s authentic ministerial nominees
-
News3 years ago“Anytime we want to kill terrorists, President would ask us to take permission from France but they were killing our soldiers-” Niger Republic coup leader
-
News3 years ago“I’m leaving the Catholic church because Bishop Onah is oppressing me,” says Okunerere
-
News3 years agoRadio Nigeria’s veteran broadcaster Kelvin Ugwu dies three months after retirement from service
-
News3 years agoMy nude photo leak was a mistake- lawyer Ifunanya
-
News3 years agoDokpesi and the Gazebo Mystique
