News
Youth Minister Applauds Launch of Hope Sentinels Magazine By Nigeria First Vanguards
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has commended Nigeria First Vanguards Limited on the successful launch of the inaugural edition of Hope Sentinels magazine.
Representing the Minister at the launch event, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Omolara Esan, delivered the goodwill message.
In his remarks, the Minister congratulated the editorial and management team, describing the magazine as “a truly important and timely initiative.” He emphasized the critical role such platforms play in shaping national discourse, especially as Nigeria faces both significant challenges and emerging opportunities in its pursuit of inclusive development.
“This magazine isn’t just a publication; it’s a platform,” he said. “A space for thoughtful conversations about where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going as a country.”
The Minister highlighted the magazine’s thematic focus on governance, legislation, and security, areas he identified as essential to national stability and future progress.
He further commended Hope Sentinels for its reflection on institutional reforms and the synergy between the executive and legislative arms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
He also noted recent developments within the Ministry, including the creation of two new departments, one of which is the Youth Mental Health and Psychosocial Affairs Department, established to address the evolving needs of Nigerian youth.
“We are committed not only to the economic empowerment of young people, but also to their intellectual and social development,” the Minister stated. “Platforms like Hope Sentinels amplify voices that often go unheard. They challenge us to think deeper, act better, and engage more meaningfully with the task of nation-building.”
He encouraged the Hope Sentinels team to continue using their platform to promote civic engagement, national unity, and stories that inspire progress:
“Please keep going. Keep pushing. Keep using your voice and your platform to move the conversation, and our country forward.”
The Ministry expressed its anticipation for the continued growth and long-term impact of Hope Sentinels in fostering dialogue and inspiring a generation of patriotic changemakers.
In his welcome address, Mr. Iberedem Eshiet, CEO of Nigeria First Vanguards Limited, expressed deep appreciation to the editorial board, contributors, researchers, and designers whose collective efforts brought the publication to life.
“Each page of this magazine is a tribute to resilience, leadership, and the collaborative spirit of governance, even amid economic and security challenges,” he said.
He noted that through in-depth reviews and interviews, the magazine explores government economic blueprints, legislative reforms, constituency outreach, and the stabilizing roles of security agencies, all aimed at safeguarding national progress.
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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