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Kwara Gov Swears-in Sets Agenda For New Commissioner Nafisat Buge, Others

Published

2 years ago

December 22, 2023

… Posterity won’t forget Gov’s support for youth: Buge

Joel Ajayi

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday inaugurated Nafisat Musa Buge as Commissioner for Youth Development, charging her and other cabinet members to be good ambassadors of their constituencies and communities in and outside of government.

The Governor said her pick was on the strength of her “antecedents as a progressive political activist, her modest contributions to the growth of the party in her community, and her passion and consistent support for the administration”.

“You are joining an administration with a rich profile in youth empowerment, gender inclusion, community development, prudence, accountability, empathy for the poor and vulnerable, service and responsiveness to the plight of the people,” the Governor said.

“I expect you and all other officers of the government to fully key into these and be good ambassadors of your constituencies and communities in and outside of government.”

AbdulRazaq congratulated the new cabinet member and her family, and wished her the best in her service to the state.

At the event were the Secretary to the Kwara State Government Prof Mamman Saba Jibril; Chief of Staff to the Governor Prince Abdul Kadir Mahe; Commissioner for Communications Bola Olukoju; Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development Aliyu Kora Sabi; Senior Adviser and Counsellor Alhaji Sa’adu Salau;
Permanent Member, Kwara State Civil Service Commission Jamila Adamu Bake; among other government officials, bureaucrats, and relatives of the new commissioner.

Prof Jubril, in his introductory remarks, said her coming on board should be seen as a call to service and develop the state.

“You have been tested by the state government by sending your name to the State House of Assembly for screening, and you are fortunately considered fit for the job,” he said.

Buge, in a brief comment acknowledging the gesture, commended the youth inclusion policy of Governor AbdulRazaq which she said continues to inspire young people within and outside of the state.

“On behalf of the Youth constituency in Kwara State, I want to thank Your Excellency for making us real leaders of tomorrow, as we used to sing when we were in secondary schools. I thank you for giving us hope, for helping to fulfill our aspirations, and for being our supporter,” she said.

Buge pledged to offer her best in service to the state and humanity.

“Your choice of mentees will, in the next few years, by God’s grace, increase the number of committed young leaders in Nigeria. And history and prosperity will be kind to you.”

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Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy

Published

11 hours ago

October 6, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.

He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.

Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.

“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.

“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.

Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.

On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.

“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.

International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”

Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.

“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.

With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.

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