By Adedapo Adesanya

The Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has reassured residents that his administration remains committed to securing the safe release of the pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area about a month ago.

In a message contained in his monthly newsletter, the governor acknowledged the pain and anxiety experienced by families and communities since the victims were abducted from schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities almost 30 days ago.

He described the incident as a difficult period for the state, noting that many families have continued to endure uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.

According to the governor, although repeated assurances may have left some residents doubtful, efforts to rescue the victims have not relented, stressing that security agencies are pursuing every credible lead and deploying all lawful means necessary to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Mr Makinde explained that intelligence reports indicate the victims are still within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast terrain stretching across about 10 local government areas and covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres.

He noted that the difficult terrain poses operational challenges for security agencies, requiring patience, coordination and sustained efforts to ensure a successful rescue mission.

The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615, while also cautioning against the spread of unverified information that could undermine ongoing security operations.

Mr Makinde assured families that their loved ones have not been forgotten, stressing that the safe return of the victims remains a top priority for both the state government and security agencies.

“We are doing everything within our power to bring them home safely,” the governor said, while calling on residents to continue praying for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers,” he promised.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have launched a £15 million growth programme aimed at unlocking investment and accelerating economic transformation as both nations deepen their partnership.

This was announced as the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Ms Jenny Chapman, concluded a two-day visit to Nigeria, during which she announced the new £15 million Growth Programme, deepened cooperation on digital transformation and health, and visited communities benefiting directly from UK investment on the ground.

The visit, spanning Abuja and Kaduna, underscored the breadth and depth of the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership and marked a significant step towards both countries’ shared priorities.

According to a statement, the centrepiece was the meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele. During their meeting, they discussed the new UK–Nigeria Growth Programme.

Over three years, it will accelerate economic transformation, unlock private investment and support Nigeria’s transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to sustained, reform-led growth. Alongside the Growth Programme, the UK announced deeper collaboration on Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative, delivered under the UK’s Digital Access Programme. SPRIRET will support digital governance reforms across five Nigerian states, reducing regulatory barriers and enabling greater investment and innovation in broadband, digital services and emerging technology.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr Oyedele said, “We continue to value the UK–Nigeria relationship, one of the most important partnerships for both our countries. Today, that relationship extends beyond traditional ties and now focuses on development, growth, and shared prosperity.

“The UK–Nigeria Growth Programme helps bring this partnership to life—supporting capital market development, technology investment, small businesses, and technical assistance. We look forward to seeing how these opportunities deliver lasting benefits and drive progress for both countries.”

During the visit, Ms Chapman met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Jumoke Oduwole and discussions covered progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), including boosting exports via the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, fintech and capital markets links.

In Kaduna, she met with Governor Uba Sani to take stock of over 20 years of UK–Kaduna partnership and explore how cooperation can deepen shared priorities.

She also heard from the business community and key institutional investors about their investment aspirations and the role of the UK in supporting investment mobilisation and enabling climate finance, and met with community animal health workers and livestock breeders to discuss the UK’s support on breeding techniques, animal health and livestock vaccines.

The UK minister also visited Unguwan Sanusi Primary Health Care Centre, which serves approximately 20,000 people in Kaduna South, hearing directly from patients and frontline health workers about the impact of UK-supported health programmes.

At the end of the visit, she said, “This visit has reinforced everything I believe about the UK–Nigeria partnership. That it is deep, it is real, and it is moving in the right direction. From launching our new Growth Programme with Honourable Minister Oyedele, to meeting from frontline health workers in Kaduna — every conversation this week has shown me a country full of ambition and a partnership that is genuinely delivering for both sides.

“Nigeria is a partner that the UK is proud to stand alongside and I leave more convinced than ever that the next chapter of this partnership is its most exciting yet. The UK is here for the long term, and we are ready to grow together.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu has noted that his reforms have restored investor confidence in the Nigerian economy, marked by growing investments in sectors as diverse as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation and the creative industries.

In a nationwide Democracy Day broadcast on Friday, he said the reforms pursued by the current administration since its inauguration have restored stability and credibility to economic management.

“Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security,” the president said in his address.

“Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities,” he added.

The president said upon his assumption of office in May 2023, he implemented an array of reforms aimed at speeding up economic growth and attracting international investors. These include the abolishing of petrol subsidies and unifying the foreign exchange market by collapsing multiple, segmented exchange rate windows.

On security, he threatened bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism, declaring that those who continue to destabilise Nigeria’s peace and security will face the full force of the law.

“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” President Tinubu declared.

“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he added.

His comments come amid recurring debates over the identity of criminal groups and concerns that insecurity could deepen ethnic divisions in the country.

President Tinubu urged Nigerians to unite against a common enemy.

“We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history,” he declared.

The President expressed confidence that Nigeria would ultimately overcome its security challenges and emerge stronger.

“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to reject pessimism and embrace a shared vision of progress.

“Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence,” Tinubu said.

“Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.”