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2023 Elections:Atiku Promises To Fight Hunger

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar with Dr Michael Olawole

 

The People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate in the forthcoming general elections Atiku Abubakar has promised to lead Nigeria out of darkness by stimulating growth that will create jobs and wage war against hunger if elected into power.

The former vice President made the pledge at the Private sector economic forum on the 2023 presidential election, which was hosted in Commerce House, Victoria Island Lagos today, by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and industry.

In an address presented by the President of the Chamber, Dr Michael Olawale Cole, he warmly welcomed the participants and enumerated the status of LCCI which was established in 1888 as the foremost Chamber of Commerce and Industry in West Africa, representing over 70% of private sector organizations in Nigeria.

In his words, the President stated that “while the Chamber is non-partisan, we are however interested in the economic agenda of the candidates and their plans to make a better Nigeria in the next dispensation”. He promised that members of LCCI wish to contribute in setting a new economic order that can take the Nigerian economy from the doldrums and reemphasized that the gathering was necessary in order to fashion out new policy directions, institutional reforms and sound governance as critical elements toward creating a new economic order in Nigeria.

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The president maintained that the Chamber has organized similar session in every election circle within the past 16 years as its public policy advocacy to provide a first-hand opportunity for the leading political parties to speak to the organized private sector on their economic blueprint for Nigeria. Dr Cole was vocal in highlighting the myriads of challenges confronting the nation which include oil theft, unsustainable subsidy regime, insecurity and the current foreign exchange crisis and mentioned the need for the incoming government to pay special attention in education, as that will determine the future of the Nigerian youths.

In his presentation titled “Nigeria dresses in borrowed robes”, the PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar used the opportunity to acknowledge the President and members of the Chamber for initiating such an intellectual gathering where germane issues affecting the growth of the country are discussed.

He stated how comfortable he was in the midst of captains of industry, entrepreneurs and businessmen and women which as a private sector person, it was like a home coming to him which he simply defined as a meeting of like minds.

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Atiku stated that in times of uncertainties, it is the hallmark of leadership for business and political actors to pause and anticipate before taking the next steps.

He maintained that our actions today will have consequences on our tomorrow and the day after.

The former vice president charged the audience to take stock of the assets of the present day government (if there are any) and liabilities (which will be huge!!) and take a position as the 2023 polls draw near. In his words, “it is also your responsibility to interrogate those who aspire to govern the country by assessing their understanding of the environment, their policy priorities and their strategies for dealing with a plethora of local and national issues from the mundane to the most complex”.

Atiku warned Nigerians not to allow political slogans to take the place of development plan; hence political propaganda on facebook, tweeter and Instagram is never a substitute for proper socio-economic and political agenda. He maintained that the private sector remains the key to any government’s development agenda and any administration that wants to succeed must always listen to them.

He emphasized that private sector leadership in driving growth is the first of the three key principles of his economic growth and development agenda for Nigeria.

The former vice President made an elaborate presentation with statistics on why Nigerian economy is crawling rather than growing and emphasized that under the present administration, our people are not working. He enumerated clearly that more Nigerians are poorer and more miserable today than in 2015, with high capital flight which he summarized by saying that Nigeria is being dressed in borrowed robes.

Atiku stated that these economic challenges have persisted because the APC led government indulges in a policy of blaming the opposition and external factors for Nigeria’s economic woes; hence an unprepared leadership fails to anticipate impending crisis and is always slow to react.

He stated that the evidence however is overwhelming that the country’s under-performance is largely attributable to leadership failures in the management of the state.

Having identified the key indices inhibiting economic and socio-political growth of the nation, Atiku mentioned the importance of a warm hand shake with the private sector as a strong productive and pro-growth private sector is needed to create wealth, generate employment opportunities and help to fight poverty.

He promised to do things differently if he is elected the resident of Nigeria, by supporting the private sector to drive growth. Atiku promised to establish strong partnership in investing in infrastructure, in creating jobs and improving income in the fight against poverty.

He promised to restore investor confidence in the Nigerian economy with a better coordinated fiscal monetary policy that will control inflation, stabilize the exchange rate and interest rates that will be supportive of business quest for credit.

The former vice President promised to break the jinx in infrastructure financing and undertake far reaching institutional reforms to engender efficiency and reduce administrative costs.

Atiku mentioned that he has a good grasp of the challenges bedeviling Nigeria and knows the root causes of the problems confronting the country which he classified majorly as self inflicted and promised to reverse the trend with determination.

In his final words, Atiku assured the audience that he is not a novice in economic reforms and economic management matters. In his words, “I have a history of economic reform and economic transformation. With me at the helm of affairs of this country, the good old days of prosperity will return” and warned Nigerians never to hand over their future to a green horn.

 

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Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Unveils 2026 Lagos Convention Logo

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The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), Nigeria, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, unveiled the official logo for its 2026 Lagos National Convention at a press briefing held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama, Abuja, with former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, calling for conviction-driven Christian leadership across business and public life.

The unveiling marked a key milestone in preparations for the national convention, which is expected to attract members and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond. Leaders of the fellowship used the occasion to outline the vision, theme, and activities planned for the 2026 gathering.

Among dignitaries present were the National President of FGBMFI Nigeria, Barrister Isaac Okpanachi; Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Southwest 3 District Coordinator and Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Sunny Beyioku; Board of Trustees member, Arc. Daniel Wadzani; National Vice President (Convention), Mr. Victor Tony Emmanuel; National Vice President (Outreaches), Mr. Wake Ademo; Chairman, Special Outreaches, Dr. Kelechi Idimogu; Chairman, National Convention Committee, Mr. Kelechi Agu; and District Coordinator, North Central 1, Sir Roland.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Beyioku assured members of the public that preparations for the convention were progressing steadily. He said all districts of the fellowship were actively involved in the planning process, with deliberate efforts to highlight the origins and growth of FGBMFI in Nigeria, adding that the fellowship remained committed to fulfilling its mandate.
Addressing the gathering, Barrister Okpanachi announced that the 2026 National Convention would hold at the National Theatre, Lagos, described as the historic venue where the fellowship first began in Nigeria. He also unveiled the theme of the convention as “Pressing Towards the Mark” (Philippians 3:14), noting that it reflects focus, resilience, and unwavering commitment to God’s calling.

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The national president explained that the newly unveiled logo symbolises the fellowship’s vision of reaching professionals, public servants, and individuals engaged in legitimate vocations. He also acknowledged Senator Anyim for his longstanding support of the fellowship, expressing optimism that Nigeria would continue to serve as a model for integrity in business and governance.

According to him, the 2026 convention is designed to connect, inspire, and reposition members spiritually and professionally. Planned activities include rallies, Bible teachings, prison outreaches, and exclusive dinners and luncheons for professionals, politicians, civil servants, artisans, and other stakeholders.

Responding to questions from journalists, the leadership highlighted the impact of previous conventions, noting that sustained outreach programmes and publications have increased the fellowship’s visibility nationwide. They cited several prominent Nigerians who have been associated with the fellowship as examples of ethical leadership in public service.

On digital engagement, FGBMFI leaders said the fellowship is strengthening its online presence, expanding virtual meetings, and developing youth-focused content. Barrister Okpanachi also referenced his YouTube platform, LifeLight Help TV, as part of efforts to reach a wider audience.

Speaking at the event, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim stressed that Christian engagement in public and professional life must be rooted in conviction, noting that the fellowship plays a critical role in reinforcing moral values across sectors.

The event concluded with a joint unveiling of the convention logo and closing remarks by NEC member, Dr. Jerry Abutu, followed by prayers.

Founded in December 1951 in Los Angeles, California, by dairy farmer Demos Shakarian, the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International has grown into a global movement. Nigeria is currently described as having the largest concentration of FGBMFI chapters worldwide.

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Defection: One Kano Agenda Supports Any Political Shift For Development

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A non-partisan civic movement, One Kano Agenda, has said that the political party under which a governor operates is less important than the quality of governance delivered to the people, following the recent defection of Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Kano, the group said its position was guided strictly by the interests of Kano State and not by party politics.

Addressing journalists, the Director-General of One Kano Agenda, Ambassador Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai, stressed that the organisation remains a strictly non-partisan civic platform committed to unity, inclusiveness, and sustainable development.

“Our allegiance is not to any political party or coalition, but solely to Kano State and its people. Kano comes first, always,” Yakasai declared.

According to the group, a governor’s change of political party is irrelevant as long as governance remains inclusive, people-centred, and focused on tangible development outcomes. It noted that leadership should be assessed based on actions, policies, and results rather than party labels.

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One Kano Agenda said it was prepared to engage constructively with any administration that demonstrates commitment to peace, security, economic growth, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and youth and women empowerment, regardless of party affiliation.

The group also commended Governor Yusuf for establishing the Kano Elders Forum, describing it as a laudable initiative capable of strengthening unity, stability, and long-term thinking in the state if sincerely sustained.

“The creation of a non-political forum of respected elders reflects an appreciation for wisdom, experience, and moral authority in governance,” the group said.

However, One Kano Agenda cautioned the governor against allowing political pressures or external influences to derail his primary responsibility to the people of Kano State.

“Kano State is bigger than any political party. Its future must never be subordinated to partisan battles, external political calculations, or personal ambitions,” the group warned.

The organisation further cautioned political actors and other stakeholders against exploiting the current political situation to spread division, misinformation, or tension within the state, urging maturity and restraint.

It called on citizens and the media to focus attention on pressing challenges facing the state, including unemployment, insecurity, education, healthcare delivery, urban development, and economic revitalisation.

In a show of goodwill, One Kano Agenda extended an open hand of engagement to the governor and his administration, offering policy ideas, research, and citizen-driven input aimed at improving governance and accelerating development.

“Democracy allows for political movement, but it also demands accountability and results,” the group stated, urging residents to prioritise performance, integrity, and impact over party affiliation.

The press conference concluded with a reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to Kano State above politics and personal ambition.

The statement was jointly signed by Ambassador Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai, Director-General of One Kano Agenda, and Barrister Moukhtar Musa, Secretary-General of the organisation

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Buba Galadima says late President Buhari ensured Abba Kabir Yusuf wasn’t rigged out in 2023 — and was bitter after ex-Governor Ganduje mocked him as Habu Na Habu

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A prominent politician and ally of NNPP National Leader Buba Galadima said the late President Muhammadu Buhari made sure that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s victory at the polls during the 2023 general election was affirmed and announced by INEC.

Buba Galadima stated this in an interview with Arise Television.

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Buba said the late President was bitter when, prior to the general election, former Governor of Kano State Abdullahi Umar Ganduje addressed the late President as Habu Na Habu, meaning a drunkard who goes naked on the streets.

Buba Galadima was reacting to the recent defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the APC from the NNPP, a brainchild of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Buba Galadima said Almighty Allah is on their side and He gives power to whom He wishes, and Abba became the Governor.

He said at the Tribunal they were given victory, but the judgment was changed in Abuja and they appealed. He said the judges were intimidated and they declared Gawuna.

According to him, when they took the case to the Supreme Court, three judges said they did not want a bloodbath in Kano, and on January 12, 2024, they reaffirmed Abba Kabir Yusuf as Governor of the state.

Buba Galadima was reacting to the recent defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressive Congress where Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is the party leader in Kano

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