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Democracy Day: NTAC DG Commends Nigerians, Calls for Active Electoral Engagement
Joel Ajayi
Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps,Rt.Hon.Yusuf Buba Yakub has said that it is a proven fact that participatory governance, otherwise known as democracy, remains the best form of leadership in the nations of the world.
In a Statement Issued by the Special Assistant to the NTAC DG Media and Publicity Nkem Anyata-Lafia on Thursday in Abuja.
While identifying roles for both the leaders and the led,the NTAC boss called on Nigerians to recommit themselves to the fine tenets of democracy, stressing that no laws and prescription of punitive measures were required to coarse Nigerians to get actively involved in the democratic process.
Rt.Hon.Buba,who stated the above today, Thursday,in Yola, during the official opening of the newly-built Adamawa APC State Secretariat and the celebration of Democracy Day in the State,used the occasion to salute President Tinubu,his lieutenants and all the leaders across the nation and Nigerians whose very commitments and contributions have ensured that the nation’s current democratic experience has continued unbroken for 26 solid years.
He said Nigerians had every reason to celebrate this long era of freedom from interference in the democratic order and expressed optimism that democracy has come to stay for good.While urging the citizenry,the civil society groups and , indeed,other agencies of government and faith-based organizations to always use their many platforms to preach the importance of democratic governance and the need to participate in it as a basis for sustainable peace, progress and, particularly ,development in all its ramifications,Buba said it was the only way to continue to pay glowing tribute to the memories of those who participated in the democratic struggles of the past,some of whom made the supreme sacrifice.
“Across the world, military incursions in national leadership have since been considered an aberration.It is an unfashionable means of power change without the consent of the majority in a nation,which ultimately limits the kind of development and progress that democracy engenders.Participatorydemocracy, famously defined by Lincoln as ‘Government of the people,by the people and for the people’is the best form of government and every effort to preserve what we currently enjoy must be supported by all.
“It is, therefore,no wonder that His Excellency,our dear President,a former battle-weary crusader for the concept ,has made “Democracy ” one of the cardinal points of his 4-D Foreign Policy Initiative,knowing full well that Democracy remains the bastion of civil leadership upon which every form of development, national liberty, freedom of association and free speech,is hoisted.
“What this entails is that for Nigeria and Nigerians to continue to enjoy the exemplary leadership that is currently being witnessed across the nation,the positive competition in the States of the Federation and the Local Councils in the areas of both human and development in infrastructure,leaders and followers alike must daily resolve to commit totally to the requirements of democracy.
“Some of these requirements are characterised by periodic elections and participation therein,presence of the legislature and the necessity of setting constant agenda for its members, existence of an independent judicial system and the maintenance of rule of law amid the presence of a free and vibrant press,which acts as a watchdog on society,”the DG emphasised.
The former federal lawmaker,who noted President Tinubu’s credentials as a renowned democratic activist during the dark days of the military juntas that had kept democracy at bay for so long,said he considered Nigerians lucky to be led currently by a man who understands the importance of free speech and all that democracy entails.
He used the occasion of today’s celebration to sue for support for Mr.President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and for other elected representatives across the entire rungs of our democratic ladder in order to aid the delivery of Mr.President’s vision for a New Nigeria.
The DG ,who finally called on Nigerians to spare a thought and a prayer for all who lost anything in the struggles for the democratic experience we currently enjoy,also conveyed his congratulations to all Nigerians and prayed for the sustenance of continuous democratic rule across the country.
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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