NEWS
‘You Have A Deep Sense Of Duty, Wisdom, And Knowledge’ – President Tinubu Celebrates Ooni Of Ife On 50th Birthday
President Bola Tinubu has sent a note of congratulations to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on the occasion of his 50th birthday anniversary.
President Tinubu, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the Ooni as a traditional ruler with a deep sense of duty, wisdom, and knowledge.
He also commended the Ooni of Ife for his critical roles and unifying duties as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.
Tinubu lauded other virtues of the traditional ruler and prayed for God to grant him a more prosperous lifetime and reign on the throne.
“The statement by Onanuga reads: “President Bola Tinubu proudly joins Nigerians, the people and chiefs of Ile-Ife, and the global Yoruba community in commemorating the 50th birthday of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, the Ojaja II.
“The President notes Ooni’s extraordinary leadership and maturity since ascending the throne at 41, emphasising his significant role in preserving the rich traditions of the Yoruba people in the ancient city known as The Source.
“President Tinubu acknowledges Oba Ogunwusi’s deep sense of duty, wisdom, and knowledge as he fulfils his responsibilities as both the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the revered spiritual leader of the Yoruba people.
“The President also recognises Ooni’s critical contributions as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, where he serves as a unifying figure, a steadfast supporter of government policies, and a passionate advocate for religious tolerance, peace, and the unification of our nation.
“President Tinubu commends Oba Ogunwusi’s tireless advocacy for women and youth empowerment through education and entrepreneurship, underscoring his admirable philanthropy and unwavering commitment to uplifting those in need throughout Nigeria and beyond.
“With heartfelt optimism and support, the President pays tribute to the Ooni for exemplifying the traditional Yoruba values of humility, peace, and generosity while also honouring the dignity and integrity of his exalted throne.
“As the esteemed Yoruba monarch celebrates this significant milestone, President Tinubu offers his sincere prayers for the continued success and prosperity of His Imperial Majesty’s reign, which will undoubtedly benefit the people of Ife and the nation at large.”
NEWS
Hardship: Don’t Reverse Current Reforms – World Bank Tells FG
The World Bank has advised the Federal Government of Nigeria against reversing its ongoing economic reforms, cautioning that such actions could have severe negative implications for the country.
This warning comes in the wake of significant public discontent regarding the government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the abolition of multiple foreign exchange systems, which were introduced on the first day of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
At a press conference held in Abuja during the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report, Dr. Ndiame Diop, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, acknowledged that while the reforms may cause immediate hardship for many citizens, they are essential for the nation’s long-term stability.
He stressed that reversing these reforms would be detrimental, stating, “Reversing these reforms would be detrimental and would spell doom for Nigeria.”
The economic landscape has shifted dramatically since the removal of the fuel subsidy, with the pump price of petrol surging from ₦198 to over ₦1,000 per litre.
Similarly, the naira has depreciated significantly, now trading above ₦1,700 for one dollar in the parallel market, compared to just below ₦600 prior to the reforms.
In support of the reforms, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining these policies.
He emphasized that any effort not sustained would be futile. “Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course, tackle inflation, and ensure we move in the right direction,” Edun stated.
The focus, he noted, is on reducing inflation while ensuring that investments flow into critical sectors such as industry, which can create jobs. The government anticipates significant investments in the near future.
However, not everyone agrees with the World Bank’s stance. Andrew Mamedu, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, criticized the World Bank’s comments as insulting to the millions of Nigerians enduring unprecedented economic hardship.
NEWS
Igbo Muslim Emerges As Abuja National Mosque Imam
Professor Iliyasu Usman, an Igbo man, has been appointed as the Imam of the Abuja National Mosque.
Naija News reports that Usman delivered his first khutbah (sermon) today during the Jumm’at prayer, signifying an important occasion for the Muslim community in Nigeria.
This appointment has been widely celebrated, particularly among the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), which regards it as a reflection of Usman’s dedication to Islamic scholarship and leadership.
In a statement, SEMON commended the inclusivity demonstrated by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
SEMON highlighted that this appointment represents not only a personal achievement for Usman but also a sacred responsibility to guide the Muslim community in worship and service to Allah.
The organization expressed optimism that his leadership would strengthen the Igbo Muslim community and promote unity within the broader Nigerian Muslim populace.
The statement reads, “We, the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ilyasu Usman on your recent appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.
“This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.
“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety.”
NEWS
Having Tinubu, Shettima Out Of Town Not Ideal – Osinbajo’s Former Aide
Laolu Akande, ex-aide, to former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has frowned at the absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima from the country simultaneously, describing the situation as not ideal.
Naija News reports that while Tinubu is currently on a working leave outside Nigeria, Shettima travelled to Sweden on an official visit on Wednesday.
The absence of the two top citizens from the country when the nation is facing severe economic challenges has raised concerns among some Nigerians.
In reaction, Tinubu’s spokesperson on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said there is “no leadership vacuum in the country.”
In an interview on Channels TV, Akande emphasized the importance of having at least one of the two leaders present to maintain regular communication and attend to urgent issues.
Speaking on his experience during the previous administration, Akande said the scenario only happened once, noting that the past government managed to keep one leader in the country at all times.
He recalled instances where Osinbajo had to conclude foreign trips abruptly to return home when pressing issues arose.
He said, “I think the ideal thing is for us not to have a situation where both the president and vice president are not in town. During my eight years of service, it happened only once—during the burial of the Queen of England and the United Nations General Assembly. The president and vice president maintained regular communication, ensuring that someone was always available to address any urgent matters.
“This is the second time this has occurred under President Tinubu, as mentioned by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
“This situation is not ideal, and it highlights a potential issue of sustained trust in the relationship between the president and vice president over time.”
He further acknowledged the precedent set by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who delegated authority to his deputy during his travels.
Akande urged the current administration to prioritize this ideal scenario, adding, “You have a president and vice president; let us have a situation where at least one of them is on ground.”
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