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Nigeria Will Not be Divided During My Tenure – President Tinubu, meets US, UK, Saudi Arabia envoys

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Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria will not be divided during his tenure, while unveiling a series of steps he would take to position the country on the path of economic development, stability and prosperity.

Shortly after his inauguration, the President met with envoys from the United Kingdom, United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Israel, Cape Verde, Somalia and Nicaragua with their goodwill messages and letters of support and solidarity at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Dressed in white agbada and buba with a green cap adorned with his trademark logo, the oaths were administered on the new President and the Vice President, Kashim Shettima by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as former president Muhammadu Buhari and his wife Aisha as well Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the new president, and other family members watched in admiration.

Several African heads of state, diplomats and representatives of foreign governments also witnessed the colourful ceremony which featured a march past by the armed forces as well as dances and other performances by the National Troupe.

African leaders present

African leaders who graced the inauguration included President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of Tanzania, Samia Hassan; President of the Republic of Congo Brazzaville, Denis Nguesso, President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Embaló and his Liberian counterpart, George Weah.

Also present were the President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye; the Transitional President of Chad, Mahamat Déby; the President of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum; and President Nana Akufo-Ado of Ghana.

Delegations from Sierra Leonean and Qatar were also present. The Qatari team was led by the Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Representatives of the governments of the US, UK, Canada, India and others also attended the event.

Also in attendance were former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, serving and former governors, traditional and religious leaders, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps among others.

After handing over the reins of power to his successor, former president Muhammadu Buhari was driven in a black SUV to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and flown in a Nigerian Air Force plane alongside his family to his hometown, Daura.

 Addressing Nigerians shortly after taking over power, Tinubu urged his compatriots not to allow the opportunity for greater development of the country to slip away.

He stated, “Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper. We must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding. Let us develop a shared sense of fairness and equity.

“The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise.’

“Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people. As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all,” the President promised.

He said in its over 60-year history, Nigeria had endured hardships that would have made other societies crumble, but for its resilience and strength of its diversity, the country has remained intact.

“To the surprise of many but not to ourselves, we have more firmly established this land as a democracy in both word and deed.”

He said instead of disintegrating, Nigeria had continued to exist “as Africa’s most populous nation and as the best hope and strongest champion of the black race. “

Saying Nigerians were determined to keep the country united, Tinubu stated, “ As citizens, we declare as one unified people devoted to one unified national cause, that as long as this world exists, Nigeria shall exist. “

Speaking on the transition, Tinubu noted, “This handover symbolises our trust in God, our enduring faith in representative governance and our belief in our ability to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be.”

To advance the common vision of a better Nigeria, the President solicited the support of all Nigerians “to join me in making Nigeria a more perfect nation and democracy such that the Nigerian ideal becomes and forever remains the Nigerian reality.”

The president explained that though he fought hard to win the February 2023 election, the victory does not make him any more Nigerian than his opponents, who he pledged to relate to as compatriots.

“The outcome reflected the will of the people. However, my victory does not render me any more Nigerian than my opponents. Nor does it render them any less patriotic.

“They shall forever be my fellow compatriots. And I will treat them as such. They represent important constituencies and concerns that wisdom dare not ignore,” he affirmed.

He described the election that brought him to power as tough but fairly won and dedicated his victory to the country with a promise to do his best to advance its progress.

Economic policy

On the economy, the President said his administration would target a higher GDP growth and significantly reduce unemployment.

He promised to offer budgetary reform that would stimulate the economy without engendering inflation.

“Second, industrial policy will utilize the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.

“Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike. Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well,’’ he maintained.

According to him, his administration would review all complaints by investors about multiple taxations and “various anti-investment inhibitions. We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard-earned dividends and profits home.”

He also mentioned his plan to make security a priority ‘’because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.”

To tackle unemployment, Tinubu reiterated the imperative of creating “meaningful opportunities for our youths”, as he pledged to honour his campaign commitment of one million new jobs in the digital economy.

“Our government also shall work with the National Assembly to fashion an omnibus jobs and prosperity bill. This bill will give our administration the policy space to embark on labour-intensive infrastructural improvements, encourage light industry and provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and vulnerable,” he projected.

He revealed that rural incomes shall be secured by commodity exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for certain crops and animal products even as he will undertake a nationwide programme for storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage.

Tinubu promised to create agricultural hubs nationwide to increase production and engage in value-added processing.

Also, the livestock sector will be introduced to the best modern practices and steps taken to minimize the perennial conflict over land and water resources in this sector.

“Through these actions, food shall be made more abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more while the average Nigerian pays less,” he noted.

The President commended the decision of the Buhari administration to phase out fuel subsidy which he said would save the country at a time of drying resources.

He noted, “We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.”

He explained that the nation’s monetary policy needs thorough house cleaning as he charged the Central Bank of Nigeria to work towards a unified exchange rate.

This, he said, would direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment and jobs that power the real economy.

Tinubu said his administration would treat both new and old naira notes as legal tender, saying despite its intended merits, the controversial currency swap policy of the CBN “was too harshly applied given the number of unbanked Nigerians.”

He explained that his primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African sub-region and the African continent, promising to work with the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and willing partners in the international community to end conflicts and to resolve new ones.

“As such, my primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African sub-region and the African continent. We shall work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and resolve new ones.

“As we contain threats to peace, we shall also retool our foreign policy to more actively lead the regional and continental quest for collective prosperity,” he assured.

Describing Monday’s inauguration as the “proudest day of my life” Tinubu promised to “govern” and never “rule” Nigerians.

“Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate.’’

Envoys meet with Tinubu

Several countries on Monday formally presented their goodwill messages and letters of support and solidarity to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The letters were presented to the president by the special envoys and heads of missions of the countries after his inauguration as the 16th President of Nigeria.

Among the countries are the United Kingdom, United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Israel, Cape Verde, Somalia and Nicaragua.

While congratulating Tinubu, the new UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, presented letters from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, King Charles and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

The US delegation led by Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge, paid a courtesy call to Tinubu and had a brief bilateral discussion with him.

A statement by the media aide to the President, Tunde Rahman, disclosed that the South Korean delegation had bilateral discussions with Tinubu.

While delivering a letter of invitation from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for Tinubu to visit that country soon, the delegation also sought to increase relations between the two countries.

The Saudi Arabian delegation similarly delivered a goodwill message from the Saudi Royal House to the Nigerian president.

A special envoy of the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida equally paid a call on the President and extended a hand of support and fellowship.

The statement read, ‘’In the same vein, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a delegation which met with Tinubu and expressed willingness to work with the country in the area of fintech.

‘’Others, who met with President Tinubu and pledged cooperation with Nigeria, included delegations from Brazil, Somali, Cape Verde and Nicaragua.’’

Biden pledges support

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has pledged his commitment towards working with Tinubu to strengthen ties between his country and Nigeria.

Biden stated this in a statement shortly after Tinubu’s inauguration on Monday.

Biden said the US would continue to work closely with Nigeria to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for the world, noting that ‘’Nigeria’s success is the world’s success.’’

The statement read, “On behalf of the people of the United States, I send warm wishes to the government and people of Nigeria as they inaugurate a new President.

“My administration has worked to strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria, and I look forward to continuing this work with President Tinubu to support economic growth, advance security, and promote respect for human rights.

“The people-to-people connections between our two countries run particularly deep, nurtured by a vibrant Nigerian Diaspora in the United States.

“As we further deepen our partnership with Nigeria, I look forward to drawing even more on the ideas and energy of this dynamic connection between our countries. ‘’

Biden further stated, “As Africa’s largest democracy and economy, Nigeria’s success is the world’s success. Elected leaders owe it to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs.

‘’And the United States will continue to work closely with Nigeria, as a friend and partner, to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous future for our world.

“We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own. We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear and injure it.’’

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CBN And Bank of Industry Partner With CEAN To Stabilise Nigeria’s Creative Sector Post-COVID

For more than a decade, CEAN has played a vital role in connecting Nigeria’s informal creative workforce to structured policy, funding, and formal economic opportunities.

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September 12, 2022, Lagos, Nigeria

In a bold and strategic move to rescue Nigeria’s creative industries from the lingering economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) partnered with the Creative Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (CEAN) to design and implement a nationwide intervention targeting vulnerable creative businesses.

The collaboration, launched in mid-2022, marks a milestone in the recognition of Nigeria’s creative economy as a critical pillar of national development—and affirms CEAN’s position as a trusted stakeholder in industry policy and infrastructure development.

Responding to a Sector in Crisis

The partnership was galvanized by CEAN’s early post-pandemic white paper, “Creating Through Crisis: The Future of Nigerian Creativity Post-COVID.

It presented compelling data and policy recommendations that influenced federal strategy.

While other sectors received initial support under the government’s economic recovery plans, it was CEAN’s persistent advocacy and detailed sector mapping that brought national attention to the creative industries’ urgent needs.

CEAN’s nationwide rollout had seen the training of over 2,000 creative entrepreneurs, advisory support to more than 500 micro-businesses, and the establishment of regional Creative Recovery Hubs in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu.

“From day one of the pandemic, we understood that Nigeria’s cultural workforce—millions strong—was at risk of collapse,” said Adebowale Ewedemi, CEAN founding executive and veteran media entrepreneur.

“We didn’t just lobby for change; we brought the tools, the structure, and the roadmap,” said Ewedemi.

From Blueprint to Implementation

The result was a landmark intervention program backed by BOI and regulated by CBN, with CEAN serving as the official implementation partner.

The program delivers targeted support to struggling sub-sectors including independent film, performance art, fashion, radio, music, design, and digital content production.

Highlights of the program include:

• Access to low-interest working capital for creative entrepreneurs

• Training grants and accelerator programs for skill development

• Support for studio and performance infrastructure

• Technical assistance for digital transformation and business retooling.

CEAN’s nationwide rollout had seen the training of over 2,000 creative entrepreneurs, advisory support to more than 500 micro-businesses, and the establishment of regional Creative Recovery Hubs in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu.

Sustained Leadership in Nigeria’s Creative Economy

This intervention is only the latest in CEAN’s long record of national impact. During the peak of the COVID-19 lockdowns, the association served as a frontline support system—offering emergency relief, transitioning training programs online, and shaping portions of the Federal Government’s Survival Fund.

For more than a decade, CEAN has played a vital role in connecting Nigeria’s informal creative workforce to structured policy, funding, and formal economic opportunities.

Through this work, the association—under Ewedemi’s leadership—has consistently introduced original models, innovative frameworks, and institutional partnerships that define sustainable creative sector governance in Africa.

Architects of a New Creative Economy

This partnership with CBN and BOI reflects a broader understanding that Nigeria’s future is tied to the creative ingenuity of its people—and that long-term development requires strategic institutions with deep insight, trust, and capacity.

“We’re proud to move beyond advocacy into implementation. This is not a moment—it’s a movement. We are helping to reshape the creative industry into a nationally recognized economic force, ”said Ewedemi.

As the creative sector continues to recover and rebuild, CEAN remains committed to ensuring that no artist, content creator, or cultural innovator is left behind.

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President Tinubu congratulates Governor Okpebholo on Supreme Court Victory

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Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on the affirmation of his election by the Supreme Court.

The Edo State governorship election took place in September 2024, and Governor Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Supreme Court, as the final arbiter, upheld the election of the governor today.

According to the press statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), President Tinubu encourages Governor Okpebholo to be magnanimous in victory and rally the citizens of Edo across divides towards a singular vision of advancing the state’s development.

The President advises that now that the governor has cleared the legal hurdles, it is time for him to accelerate the delivery of exceptional services and good governance to the people of Edo State, which he has already begun to do.

President Tinubu also congratulates the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State and calls for cohesion and dedication in effectively discharging the mandate given by the people.

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Senate Launches Investigation Into Ponzi Schemes

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The Senate has mandated a joint committee to investigate the alarming rise of Ponzi schemes across the country, following the collapse of the Crypto Bullion Exchange (CBEX), which has reportedly defrauded investors of over ₦1.3 trillion.

The decision followed a motion sponsored by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East).

In a motion, the lawmaker expressed deep concern over the unchecked spread of fraudulent investment schemes, including the infamous MMM Nigeria (2016), MBA Forex (2020), and most recently CBEX, which lured millions of Nigerians with promises of high returns on digital assets.

Lawmakers in a debate warned that CBEX’s collapse had devastating financial and psychological consequences, pushing victims into depression, family breakdowns, and in some tragic cases, suicide.

The Senate expressed shock that CBEX operated unchecked for months despite its large-scale activities and online visibility, with no timely intervention from regulatory agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The joint committee is expected to hold a public hearing in the coming weeks and submit its findings within one month.

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