Tag: Bayo Onanuga

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Nigeria ready, willing to host Commonwealth Games — Tinubu

Nigeria on Thursday welcomed the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to Abuja, a major step towards hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, formally received the delegation at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

“What I can assure you is that we’re ready,” Tinubu told the delegation.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to hosting an inclusive, diverse, and world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games on African soil.‎

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Thursday titled, ‘Nigeria ready to host Africa’s First Commonwealth Games in 2030-President Tinubu assures‎.’

Gbajabiamila, along with a strong Federal Government team of Ministers and senior government officials, held strategic talks with the delegation led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport, and a member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission.

President Tinubu emphasised that the Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves its moment after nearly a century.‎

Africa has never hosted the Games since their inception in 1930. Nigeria made an unsuccessful bid to host the 2014 Games. The city of Durban in South Africa won the bid to host the 2022 Games, but could not do so due to financial difficulties. Birmingham in the UK took over and hosted the Games. Thus, Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Games would be historic, Onanuga stated.

In his welcome remarks, Gbajabiamila called on the visitors to savour Nigeria’s renowned hospitality: “You’re very welcome to Nigeria. I hope you enjoy our great hospitality, which we are known for. Mr President also asked me personally to convey his regards; he fully supports this bid.”‎

“The President has written a Letter of Guarantee to you; his full weight is behind this bid. What I can assure you is that we’re ready. We’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this. It’s been almost 100 years. The games have not been held on any soil in Africa.

‎”The element of inclusivity is what the Commonwealth is, and we hope that will benefit us,” he stated.

President Tinubu stressed that his administration has set some bold reforms to reposition sports, having realised its role as a strategic driver of national development.

He added that he scrapped the Ministry of Sports and replaced it with the National Sports Commission in the bid to drive sports development.

The President further assured the delegation that all infrastructural, security, and hospitality needs will be met ahead of schedule.‎

He emphasised that Nigeria’s bid is not just about hosting but also leaving a legacy for youth and national development.‎

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, made a strong case for Nigeria over India, stressing that Africa has 22 Commonwealth nations, and Nigeria, as the continent’s giant, deserves the honour.‎

“One thing I want to assure you is that the President sees the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, if we win the bid, as a celebration of the country’s growing force in sports, beyond just participation.”

‎President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, Habu Gumel, said the country is ready to host an environmentally sustainable Games.‎

Chairman of the Bid Committee, Mainasara Illo, presented Nigeria’s proposal, highlighting key plans and innovations.‎

He revealed that Nigeria proposes 15 sports, with football introduced to boost excitement, global visibility, and audience engagement.‎

Director of Games and Assurance, Darren Hall, thanked President Tinubu and the Nigerian team for their warm welcome.‎

“I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavours, including sports.”

He said the Commonwealth, now comprising 56 nations, aims for greater diversity as it approaches its 100-year milestone.‎

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, Minister of Aviation, Festus Kayamo, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and‎ Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, attended the meeting and made statements in support of the bid.

Nigeria and India are the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad, in Gujarat, as their proposed host cities.‎

‎After a thorough evaluation of both bids, the Commonwealth Games General Assembly will decide the host city in November 2025.

PUNCH Online reports the next Commonwealth Games will be held in 2026 across four venues in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2. (Punch)

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We have reversed medical tourism – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute their expertise and resources to consolidating national development and building a stronger and more prosperous country.

The President said the government has also reversed the trend of medical tourism by upgrading healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality services at home.

President Tinubu spoke on Thursday at Kahala Hotel and Resort, Yokohama, Japan, during an interactive meeting with select members of the Nigerian community on the sidelines of the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9).

The meeting, which brought together professionals and entrepreneurs across various fields, allowed the President to share his administration’s achievements and assure them of his commitment to drive economic growth.

President Tinubu according to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, expressed delight at meeting those he described as a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s diversity, assuring the Diaspora community that his government is determined to make the country conducive for all citizens.

The statement partly read: “The President invited the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and the executive vice chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, to speak on the government’s programmes and achievements. Wale Tinubu, the President’s nephew, provided insight into how the government’s reforms have impacted the economy positively by making businesses more competitive, attracting investment, and expanding the stock market.

“President Tinubu said Nigeria is on the rise again under his leadership. He reiterated that leadership is about “thinking and doing” — blending visionary ideas with practical actions to drive stability, unity, and growth.”

He noted significant improvements in passport issuance, making the process seamless for residents and the Diaspora. He reaffirmed his administration’s priority to create an environment where every Nigerian can feel the positive impact of change.

“I am happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home. Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s a fundamental right of the individual, but for the economic growth and opportunity available in Nigeria, don’t stay away. Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?” the President asked.

President Tinubu stressed that national development cannot be left to the government alone; it requires a shared sense of responsibility between citizens at home and those abroad.

He urged the Diaspora community to remain ambassadors of the country by projecting Nigeria positively in their engagements abroad.

“If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be,” he cautioned.

He reminded his audience that the strength of citizenship is not only in holding a Nigerian passport but in character and commitment to the nation’s progress.

According to him, negative portrayals of Nigeria do little to advance the cause of development and discourage the investment and partnerships the country needs.

Regarding the economy, Tinubu assured that his administration has stabilised key fundamentals and is driving reforms to unlock immense opportunities for investment and job creation.

“He said the government has also reversed the trend of medical tourism by upgrading healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality services at home,” the statement added.

Some of the Nigerians in Japan expressed their satisfaction with the pace of the government’s reforms, affirming their support. They also pledged to explore avenues for greater involvement in Nigeria’s economic and social transformation.

Mr. Emeka Ebogota, President of the Nigerian Union in Japan, thanked President Tinubu for finding time to meet with them. He affirmed his members’ support for the administration’s efforts to reposition Nigeria.

Other notable attendees included John Ologbotsere, a Japanese national award winner for electrotechnical standardisation; Mr. Kingsley Kabuyashi, entrepreneur and investor; and businesspeople, doctors, and students.

Also present were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Charge d’Affaires, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Minister of Budget, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed; senior government officials, and top private sector leaders. (Vanguard)

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Tinubu departs Japan for Brazil after TICAD9 engagements

President Bola Tinubu departed Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday night for Brazil, where he is scheduled to commence a state visit on August 24, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga, in a release dated August 22, 2025, said the President will make a stopover in Los Angeles before continuing to Brasilia, the Brazilian capital.

“President Tinubu will continue his diplomatic engagements in Brazil after successfully attending the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9),” the statement read.

The President embarked on his two-nation tour on August 15, leaving Abuja with a brief stopover in Dubai, UAE, before arriving in Yokohama on August 18.

During his stay in Japan, Tinubu participated in the opening ceremony and plenary of TICAD9 on August 20 and held bilateral meetings with key partners.

The visit culminated in an interactive session with Nigerians in the diaspora on Thursday night.

“The engagements have been productive, and the President is now set to build on these discussions with strategic cooperation in Brazil,” Onanuga added.

Tinubu arrived in Tokyo, Japan, in the early hours of August 20 for a series of official engagements at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, held from August 20 to 22.

The conference, co-hosted by Japan, the United Nations, UNDP, the African Union Commission, and the World Bank, focused on Africa’s economic transformation, private investment, innovation, and creating a resilient and sustainable society.

Tinubu held bilateral meetings and engaged with Japanese companies investing in Nigeria before departing for Brazil. (Punch)

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Emir of Zuru’s passing significant loss, Tinubu mourns

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the government and people of Kebbi State over the death of the Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammadu Sani Sami (retd.), Gomo II.

The traditional ruler, who was also a former military governor of Bauchi State, passed away on Sunday.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late emir’s death as a huge blow to the nation.

“The President described the death early today of the retired general and onetime military governor of Bauchi State as a significant loss for the country,” the statement read.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria would “long remember the late emir’s contributions as an administrator and revered traditional ruler.”

He recalled that as a young military officer, the emir also served Nigeria during the Civil War between 1967 and 1970.

Acknowledging the monarch’s impact in Kebbi, the President said the royal father provided “sterling leadership, which helped bring stability and development to the Zuru Emirate and Kebbi State.”

Tinubu prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the emir eternal rest and give his family and subjects the fortitude to bear the loss. (Punch)

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Tinubu mourns founder of Mighty Jets FC, Isyaku Ibrahim

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the family, associates, and the people of Nasarawa State over the death of elder statesman and founder of Mighty Jets Football Club, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, who passed on Saturday in Abuja at the age of 88.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late Ibrahim as a businessman, politician, and sports promoter whose life was dedicated to the service of the nation.

“President Bola Tinubu has sent a message of condolence to the family and associates of business leader, politician, and sports promoter Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, who died on Saturday at 88 in Abuja,” the statement partly read.

The late Ibrahim, a native of Wamba in Nasarawa State, was a prominent chieftain of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN, in the Second Republic, and later played a role in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the transition to civil rule in 1998.

Tinubu praised his lifelong contributions to Nigeria through business ventures, political involvement, and community leadership, recalling in particular his founding of the Jos-based Mighty Jets FC, which flourished for decades as one of the country’s most prominent football clubs.

The President extended his condolences to the government and people of Nasarawa State and prayed for the repose of the soul of the late politician. (Vanguard)

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Presidency defends Tinubu’s $150k Falcons gift, cites BBNaija’s ₦150m prize

The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s $150,000 reward to the Super Falcons, arguing that the gesture is well-deserved, especially when compared to the ₦150 million prize money awarded to winners of the reality TV show, Big Brother Naija.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu’s generous reward to the Super Falcons following backlash from some Nigerians about the gifts splashed on Nigeria’s women’s national team.

Defending the President’s gesture in a tweet on Tuesday, Onanuga compared the gifts to prize money awarded by reality show Big Brother Naija, saying some Nigerians didn’t appreciate President Tinubu’s gifts to the victorious players.

He wrote: “When you remember that Multichoice, the organizer of the BBNaija reality show, is offering the winner ₦150 million grand prize, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons. President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit.”

The comment comes amid debate over Tinubu’s lavish package for the national women’s football team after they clinched their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco on Saturday.

On Monday, the President hosted the victorious Falcons at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and announced national honours and substantial financial rewards for the team.

Each player received a national award of Order of the Niger (OON), a three-bedroom apartment, and $100,000 (approx. ₦153 million) in cash. 

The 11-member technical team was also gifted $50,000 (₦75.6 million) each in recognition of their contribution to the team’s success.

President Tinubu praised the team’s resilience, calling their comeback from two goals down against host nation Morocco “a testament to the Nigerian fighting spirit.”

Despite widespread celebration of the win, some critics questioned the size of the reward amid Nigeria’s economic challenges. 

The Super Falcons’ latest WAFCON triumph marks their 10th title, further cementing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team. (Vanguard)

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Tinubu mourns, sends Shettima to accompany Buhari’s remains from UK

President Bola Tinubu has announced the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the development as a national loss.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness”, the statement partly read.

Onanuga added that Tinubu has since reached out to the bereaved family.

“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow and offered his deep condolences”, he stated.

To facilitate preparations and arrangements for the return of the late president’s remains, Onanuga revealed that the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel immediately.

“President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria,” he added.

The statement concluded that as part of the nation’s mourning, Tinubu ordered a symbolic tribute, stating, “President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.” (Punch)

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Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia strategic engagement, not vacation – Presidency

The Presidency on Sunday defended President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia, describing it as a landmark diplomatic and cultural mission.

It said the visit is rekindling Nigeria’s ancestral and strategic ties with the Caribbean nation and the wider CARICOM bloc.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said, “In the wake of some Nigerians’ misguided, mischievous, and uninformed comments regarding President Bola Tinubu’s historic state visit to Saint Lucia, it is necessary to clarify the purpose of the visit.”

The statement is titled ‘Why President Tinubu is on a state visit to Saint Lucia.’

It added, “First, from the perspective of the Government of Saint Lucia, the visit by the Nigerian leader paves the way for the rekindling of our ancestral bonds, igniting a new era of diplomatic, cultural, and economic possibilities between our nations.”

Onanuga explained that Saint Lucia, like many Caribbean nations, has deep ancestral roots connected to West Africa, especially Nigeria.

The statement read,” In the mid-19th century, a wave of immigrants from present-day Nigeria arrived in Saint Lucia, bringing cultural and religious practices that persist today.

“Citizens of Saint Lucia are excited that President Tinubu has chosen to visit the island.

“They long to strengthen their bonds with African nations with which they share ancestral links.”

The Presidency described the visit as a major effort within the framework of South-South cooperation and Nigeria’s Four D’s foreign policy strategy- Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography.

It said, “Saint Lucia is the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and the gateway to the 15 CARICOM member states.

“The CARICOM states have a combined GDP of over $130 billion, a significant figure in South-South trade discourse.”

Citing diplomatic and historical bonds, Onanuga recalled key historical ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, most notably the life and career of Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979.

“Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian-born jurist who died on February 10, 1989, served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979,” it said, adding that, “He first came to Nigeria in 1957, recruited as a legal draftsman by the Western Regional Government of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

It explained that Alexander became the acting Director of Public Prosecutions in 1958.

In 1960, he was appointed Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Western Regional Ministry of Justice.

Four years later, he was appointed a judge in the Lagos High Court, and in 1969, the defunct South Eastern State appointed him the chief judge.

He later became the Chief Justice of Nigeria in 1975, succeeding Sir Teslim Olawale Elias.

The presidency also highlighted the contributions of other Saint Lucians, including Neville Skeete, who helped design the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, and Sir Darnley’s son Michael, a frontline medical officer during the Nigerian civil war.

On the cultural front, the Presidency stated that Tinubu’s visit aligns with the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which recognises the African diaspora as a key development partner.

“Nigeria actively fosters cultural exchange through collaboration in education, culture, and heritage preservation.

“Our cultural exports, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, and literature, are already making a significant impact on Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean,” it said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s growing cultural footprint, the statement noted, “The Gros Islet Street Party is arguably one of Saint Lucia’s most famous cultural events. It has been held every Friday for over 50 years.

“On the Friday before President Tinubu’s arrival, Afrobeats and Nigerian music dominated the airwaves, a testament to Nigeria’s growing soft power and cultural footprint.”

On democratic values, the Presidency stressed that “Saint Lucia is a stable parliamentary democracy, making it a natural ally for Nigeria, which has enjoyed 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.”

During the live coverage of Tinubu’s arrival, a Saint Lucian commentator reportedly described him as a “fighter for democracy.”

Regarding Nigeria’s growing population, the statement said, “Nigeria is projected to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050.

“President Tinubu has consistently emphasised that Nigeria’s youthful population is a driver of economic transformation via education, industrialisation, and innovation.”

As part of his itinerary, President Tinubu is scheduled to visit the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to deepen educational partnerships.

The delegation also includes members of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, who are deployed to ACP countries to provide professional services.

“This assistance is delivered through the deployment of Nigerian professionals to recipient countries to address specific needs,” Onanuga explained. (Punch)

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Killings: Tinubu postpones scheduled Kaduna trip, to visit Benue Wednesday

President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State. Instead, he will travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Monday.

“The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction,” Onanuga stated.

According to him, Tinubu was scheduled to visit Kaduna State on Wednesday to commission various state government projects.

However, the official visit will now occur on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

During his stay, Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups, to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.

“In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State.

“The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit,” the statement read.

Tinubu has previously condemned the ongoing violence in Benue State and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crisis. (Punch)

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President Tinubu Mourns Nigerian Iconic Igbo Musician Ejeagha

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and many fans of Mike Ejeagha, one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language, who passed on to eternity on Friday at 95.

In a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga,  President Tinubu lauded  Mike Ejeagha for using his music and distinctive storytelling style to preserve and project Igbo culture and customs, inspiring generations.

“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” President Tinubu says.

The President commended the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for honouring the music icon while still alive.

President Tinubu prays to God Almighty to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort to all who mourn his loss.

Mike Ejeagha, popularly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” was a renowned Nigerian folklorist, songwriter, and highlife musician born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. 

He passed away on June 6, 2025, at the age of 95.

Ejeagha’s music enjoyed renewed popularity in 2024 when his 1983 track Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Ochewent viral through a dance challenge, introducing his work to younger audiences. 

He is celebrated as one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists and a custodian of Igbo culture through music. (VON)