News
Minister Musawa Mourns Passing of Pope Francis
Joel Ajayi
Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa is deeply saddened by the death of Pope Francis, whose death occurred early Easter Monday.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy said the Pontiff’s life transcended the Vatican and religion, touching hearts globally.
Musawa described Pope Francis as a champion of peace, unity, and reconciliation, noting his efforts to bridge gaps between warring nations and religions.
“I mourn the loss of a global leader who embodied compassion, humility, and a commitment to social justice. Pope Francis’s unwavering dedication to the marginalized and his call for a more inclusive world inspired countless individuals.
“Pope Francis was compassionate, a Talakawa ( voice of the poor and downtrodden), a humanitarian, an advocate for peace and unity. He championed the reconciliation of warring nations and religions.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the Catholic faithful worldwide and the global community. May his legacy of love, compassion, and unity continue to inspire us all toward a more just and equitable society. May his soul rest in peace.
Pope Francis was the Spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics and reportedly died at 7.35am at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa MartaHe was aged 88 years.
News
Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
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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