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KSM New Media, Yerwa (2026)

29/08/2026

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

VP Shettima Arrives Angola For AU Extraordinary Summit

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Luanda, Angola, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

On arrival in the Angolan capital, Senator Shettima was received by senior Angolan government officials as well as members of the Nigerian delegation already in Luanda for the high-level continental meeting.

Among the Nigerian officials who received the Vice President were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd); Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Angola, Amb. Maxy Ogbede; Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, among other senior government officials.

The Extraordinary Summit, themed “Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa,” brings together African Heads of State and Government to review the continent's existing mechanisms for preventing and resolving conflicts and consider practical measures for responding to emerging peace and security challenges.

The meeting, holding in Luanda, is expected to strengthen Africa's approach to early warning and early action, preventive diplomacy and coordination among the AU, member states and Regional Economic Communities, as well as reinforce the role of the AU Peace and Security Council.

It will also consider sustainable African financing for peace and security, stronger responses to terrorism and violent extremism, and measures to improve the effectiveness of the African Peace and Security Architecture and African Governance Architecture.

Ahead of the Heads of State and Government meeting, the 26th Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council was held in Luanda on Saturday, bringing together foreign ministers and other senior officials of member states to prepare the ground for the leaders' deliberations.

Following his arrival, VP Shettima received a briefing from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and officials of the Nigerian Mission on the issues expected to feature prominently at the Summit.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
29th August, 2026

28/08/2026

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Tinubu: Securing Lives Of Nigerians Non-negotiable, Key To Our Economic Ambitions

**Tasks National Defence College Course 34 graduands on deepening cooperation, peace across Africa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said national security remains the fundamental bedrock required to achieve Nigeria's economic ambitions and lasting prosperity.

He noted that his administration views safety and the protection of lives as the fundamental baseline for business expansion, which is why the broader economic plan focuses on stabilizing macroeconomic fundamentals, boosting local industry, and attracting foreign investment.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja during the graduation ceremony for participants of National Defence College Course 34, the Nigerian leader, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, maintained that strengthening the nation's armed forces and neutralizing criminal elements, bandits, and terrorists remain central to the government's focus.

"Our economic ambitions accompany the duty to secure our people. The Armed Forces and security agencies continue to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy and organised criminality with courage and professionalism.

"Government will provide equipment, training, resources and institutional support for their constitutional duties. Peace creates room for enterprise, and enterprise enlarges the citizen’s stake in peace. When communities recover security, opportunity must follow, because stability grows where people can work, trade, learn and hope," he stated.

Aligning with the crux of former President Goodluck Jonathan's recent graduation lecture, President Tinubu pointed out that "Africa’s security will increasingly depend on productive economies, regional value chains, innovation, and industries capable of employing its young population."

As the African Continental Free Trade Area deepens integration, he insisted that 'industrialisation must drive inclusive growth, reduce structural vulnerability and enlarge continental bargaining power," just as he restated Nigeria's commitment "to a peaceful, prosperous, integrated Africa."

The Nigerian leader outlined reforms his administration is pursuing under the Renewed Hope Agenda for a productive, diversified and competitive economy, saying the government is "improving conditions for enterprise, encouraging private investment, promoting local value addition and expanding roads, railways, ports, energy and digital connectivity.

"These investments reduce costs, connect markets and reinforce national integration. We are strengthening capacity in agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, technology and defence industry. Sovereignty acquires substance when a nation can absorb shocks, meet essential needs and defend its interests," he added.

To the graduands of the National Defence College Course 34, President Tinubu reminded them that the course "reflects the breadth required by modern statecraft, drawing participants from the Armed Forces, Police, public institutions and friendly nations."

He lauded the international participants' confidence, urging graduands to ensure their forged networks deepen cooperation, understanding, peace, and development across Africa and beyond.

The Nigerian leader congratulated the graduands on their discipline, curiosity and resilience, charging them to carry the college's values of excellence, courage, patriotism and integrity, even as he commended the Commandant, faculty and staff of the college "for sustaining Nigeria’s foremost institution for strategic education," as well as "their devotion to education and policy-oriented research."

Earlier, Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, said the presence of the President, ably represented by the Vice President, at the graduation ceremony was in acknowledgement of his administration's commitment to strategic leadership development and national security.

He noted that the participants had, in the past 47 weeks, undergone intensive and rigorous training programme comprising research, field tours and seminar presentations, focusing on contemporary security and developmental challenges as well as high level defence management.

The commandant said the participants are expected to translate their experience and knowledge gained during the programme into tangible solutions confronting various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The highpoint of the graduation ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the 103 participants, comprising 33 from the Nigerian Army; 20 from the Nigeria Navy; 9 from the Nigeria Air Force; 4 from the Police; 17 from MDAs, and 20 international participants, as well as awards to deserving participants.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
28th August, 2026

20/08/2026

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Tinubu, Spreading Opportunities Across Overburdened Communities, Says VP Shettima

**Inaugurates 33.5km dual carriageway in Rivers, says it's consistent with president's Renewed Hope Agenda

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deliberately spreading infrastructure and economic opportunities beyond major cities to reduce congestion, expand jobs and promote balanced national development across Nigeria.

This, he noted, is driven by the administration's conviction that such state-driven projects are consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda's push to expand security, welfare and economic opportunity beyond the centre.

Senator Shettima stated this on Thursday while inaugurating the Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Akpabu-Ikiri-Omoku Dual Carriageway in Rivers State on behalf of President Tinubu.

The 33.5-kilometre road runs through Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas of the state, connects communities along an important agricultural, commercial and oil and gas corridor leading towards Omoku, widely regarded as the state's “Gas City.”

“A nation becomes congested when opportunity is congested. People move because roads, markets, jobs and services have not moved far enough towards them,” the Vice President stated.

He said roads are among the most democratic instruments of development, noting that they connect farmers to markets, workers to jobs, students to schools and patients to healthcare.

“Roads are among the most democratic instruments of development. They serve the farmer carrying produce to market, the trader seeking customers, the worker travelling to employment, the student going to school and the patient seeking care. When a road works, society moves,” VP Shettima maintained.

According to him, the completed road will help farmers move produce faster, reduce losses, lower logistics costs for businesses and open communities along the corridor to greater economic activity.

“Public infrastructure must be judged by the lives it improves. A road earns its value when a farmer earns more, a child reaches school earlier, and isolation no longer punishes enterprise,” he said.

Senator Shettima commended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for completing the project, describing it as consistent with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s support for state-led investments that improve security, welfare and economic opportunities.

He also stressed the importance of continuity in governance, saying, “One administration lays a foundation, another strengthens it, and the people remain the final beneficiaries.”

The Vice President urged communities along the corridor to protect the infrastructure against vandalism and other activities capable of shortening its lifespan.

“Our next responsibility is to protect this asset from vandalism, reckless use and every practice that shortens the life of public infrastructure,” he said.

Earlier, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State said the 33.5-kilometre road, with a river crossing bridge, will improve security and ease the age-long suffering of the people of the three local government areas of Ikwere, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni.

The governor explained that in the past, the road was a corridor for kidnapping, oil bunkering, and other forms of criminality, assuring that with the commissioning of the road, insecurity will be a thing of the past along the road corridor, and that security agencies would increase surveillance in the area.

"In this project, we have lights from the beginning to the end. So, even in the night, insecurity is totally eliminated. This won't have been possible without the support of the Federal Government and the good people of Rivers State.

"I want to thank you for this special support that you have been giving to us for us to come here to say, to the glory of God, that promise made is a promise kept," the governor said.

He thanked President Tinubu and the Vice President for their unwavering support to the government and people of Rivers State.

"I am a bit emotional today because for a very long time, I felt maybe we were not part of this country, but today I feel very happy that our country is also standing by us, ably represented here by no other person but distinguished Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You can see why I feel emotion," Fubara added..

On his part, the Commissioner for Works, Rivers State, Prof. Temple Nwofor, said the commissioning of the road represents another significant step in the determination of the Rivers State government to provide durable infrastructure that would improve connectivity, enhance mobility and promote economic activities within the benefiting communities.

He noted that the 33.5-kilometre road linking three local government areas in Rivers State will enhance development and open up opportunities that would address societal challenges.

Also, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area of the state, Dr Chidi Lloyd, said the project will open communities, ease transportation and boost economic activities in the affected local governments areas.

Lloyd said the project was more than asphalt, adding that it was a road to reconciliation and prosperity that connects people's hearts.

"This day is significant not because we are commissioning the Elele-Omoku road but because of what it represents. We sincerely appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We also thank the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for his fatherly intervention and for standing with Rivers people on this journey."

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
20th August, 2026

06/08/2026

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

VP Shettima Begins Two-Week Leave, Pledges Renewed Commitment To National Service

Following the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Vice President Kashim Shettima will begin a two-week leave on Thursday, August 6, 2026 - his first since being sworn into office.

During the period, the Vice President will devote time to study, reflection and intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.

The leave offers Senator Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the Vice President has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

He has also chaired the National Economic Council, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Vice President Shettima has represented President Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development.

Senator Shettima remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.

The Vice President will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
6th August, 2026

04/08/2026

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Tinubu Commissions Africa's First Renewable Energy College In Kogi

**Says Nigeria has assumed position of pacesetter in renewable energy capacity development across continent

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tuesday, commissioned Africa's first renewable energy college, the Barefoot Renewable Energy College, Osara, (BARECKS), and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant in Kogi State, describing the citadel of learning as a world-class edifice, completed to international standards.

He said while the difficulty confronting Nigeria, a country "abundantly endowed with sunlight, wind, biomass and water," had been "converting its endowment into megawatts, and megawatts into jobs," that difficulty will now be addressed by the college.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who commissioned the college on behalf of the President at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, conveyed the greetings of his boss whom he said had taken satisfaction in the completion of the project.

He noted that the Nigerian leader had always maintained "that a government is measured by the industries it plants and by the households those industries feed."

Speaking through his deputy, the President observed that with the Barefoot Renewable Energy College and the Green Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Pilot Plant now open for studies, the question about whose hands should build and maintain Africa's future has been answered.

He said, "This is the first institution of its kind on the African continent, modelled on the celebrated vocational colleges of India that turned unlettered grandmothers into solar engineers.

"If that method could light the villages of Rajasthan, it can light the settlements of Kogi, Ondo and Cross River. Nigeria assumes, from today, the position of pacesetter in renewable energy capacity development across Africa."

Expressing satisfaction with the speed at which the project was completed, the President pointed out that while, as a nation, Nigerians have become used to foundation stones that outlast the men who laid them, the college kept its appointment with the people.

"Two years ago, we stood on this ground for the groundbreaking of this institution, with red earth underfoot and the ambition of a few determined Nigerians for company. Today, we stand before a world-class edifice, completed to international standards," he added.

The Nigerian leader stated that the college was built as "a vocational and technical institution to close the widest gap in Africa's energy transition" which, according to him, is the shortage of competent technical manpower.

"Our continent has never suffered a deficit of intention. We have suffered the scarcity of hands trained to execute them," he added, saying the college will produce technicians, installers, operators and maintenance professionals with practical competence in renewable energy technologies."

Noting that graduates from the college will earn internationally recognised certificates of proficiency qualifying them for employment, starting their own enterprise and competing anywhere in the world, the President said, "A certificate issued in Osara must one day command respect in Nairobi and in Frankfurt."

He called on development partners, the private sector, international organisations and research institutions "to join hands with the college to expand research, innovation and technical training," assuring that"Nigeria is prepared to host and lead such collaboration.

President Tinubu applauded the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, who he said carried the project from the drawing board to the commissioning ceremony through their persistence.

He also commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the government and people of Kogi State for providing the environment that made the project possible.

Earlier, Governor Ododo said the inauguration of the college was a clear indication that Nigeria is on the path to sustainable development through investment in human capital.

He noted that the college will strengthen the country's energy sector through capacity building, while attracting investment and creating opportunities for communities.

The governor commended the federal government for tackling the nation's power challenges through strategic investments in the knowledge economy, describing the initiative as one that justifies continued support for the Tinubu administration.

For his part, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, described the project as a major investment in human capital development and job creation, stating that it reflects the Federal Government's commitment to building a knowledge-driven economy.

Dr. Udeh maintained that Nigeria's ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy depends on developing a skilled workforce in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, urging the pioneer trainees to uphold high technical and ethical standards as well as serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution.

On his part, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, described the institution as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

He said the facility is equipped with smart classrooms, battery energy laboratories, a mini-grid simulation centre, energy efficiency laboratories, and other modern training facilities.

Dr. Abdullahi explained that the college will produce highly skilled professionals in renewable energy research and development in line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Also, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Anaje, said the project will provide young people with valuable technical skills, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to national development, even as he thanked the federal government for locating the institution in the state.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
Office of The Vice President)
4th August, 2026

03/08/2026

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

NEC Approves Refinancing Of $3.3bn Project Gazelle To Optimise Cost, Unlock Additional Liquidity

**As VP Shettima demands responsive social protection policy to end poverty in Nigeria

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the refinancing of the US$3.3 billion Project Gazelle Pre-Export Finance Facility through a new US$4.5 billion facility named "Project Gazelle 2".

The approval allows NNPC Limited to refinance the outstanding balance of approximately $1.5 billion under the original 2023 facility, while unlocking an additional $3 billion in liquidity to strengthen the country's external reserves, support ongoing fiscal and infrastructure priorities of the government.

This was the outcome of the 159th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held virtually on Monday.

NEC's approval followed a presentation by the Minster of Finance, Dr Taiwo Oyedele, which was presented by Chairman of the Council, Vice President Kashim Shettima, underscoring the importance of the project.

NEC observed the significance of unlocking additional liquidity to the federation, among other benefits, pledging its support for the actualisation of the initiative.

Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, the finance minister explained that the refinancing has been structured on more favourable terms than the original facility, including a reduction in the volume of pledged crude oil from 90,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) to approximately 78,750 bpd - a 12.5 percent reduction.

He noted that under the new arrangement, an additional 11,250 bpd for the federation will be released, while there will be reduction in the pledged crude volumes by NNPC limited.

Dr Oyedele added that while accessing additional liquidity on improved terms, the arrangement is freeing up resources for strategic national priorities while strengthening the country's financing structures.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Vice President Shettima called for a responsive, scalable, and data-driven social protection policy to tackle multidimensional poverty in Nigeria.

According to him, government policies are often heard before they are seen, speak through the price of food, condition of hospitals, records in schools, strain on families, the confidence of those who invest their labour in the nation's future, and, very importantly, the ambitions of state governments.

He implored members of Council to ensure that every decision they make assure the citizens "that their government is paying attention to the pulse of the nation and is resolved to respond with competence, compassion and purpose."

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
3rd August, 2026

03/08/2026

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

AT DELTA STATE ECONOMIC AND INVESTMENT SUMMIT 2026:

VP Shettima Encourages Cycle Of Competition Among States For Growth, Prosperity

**Attributes subnationals' proactive economic awakening to President Tinubu's stronger economic reset

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has endorsed the healthy cycle of competition among the 36 states of the federation, saying it is necessary to actualise Nigeria's quest for prosperity, economic growth, human dignity, and job opportunities.

This, he said, is evident in the quality and ambition of the investment summits organised by the states across the country, emphasising that the nation's strength lies in the proactive economic awakening of its subnational governments rather than just the government at the centre.

Senator Shettima, who stated this on Monday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, during the state's Economic and Investment Summit 2026, reiterated the need for states to transition from basic asset documentation to practical ex*****on and job creation.

"The cycle of competition among our states is now evident in the quality and ambition of the investment summits convened across the federation. Every state possesses immense promise, but each must define a trajectory unique to its history, geography, people and comparative advantage.

"This is the race we must welcome: a race that proclaims growth rather than conflict, a race in which the prize is employment, prosperity and human dignity, a race for the future," he said.

The Vice President stated that the cycle of competition among states as well as the attendant economic and investment summits stems from the strong economic foundation laid by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has increased federal allocations for local development.

His words: "This season of summits owes itself to two developments. The first is the stronger foundation laid by the economic reset of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which has placed far larger allocations in the hands of state governments to pursue their internal development agendas.

"The second is that no state wishes to be trapped in the dilemma of having money but not knowing how to spend it. For rescuing us from that dilemma, I believe Mr President deserves a round of applause."

VP Shettima recalled the promise made by the Tinubu administration to place the nation on the path of growth, noting that it is the reason each meeting had become "another platform for turning that promise into enterprise."

Noting that every host state contributes to the nation’s commercial ambition, he said, "One highlights agriculture, another minerals, technology, ports, energy or tourism. In that healthy rivalry, Nigeria discovers the full measure of her wealth."

The Vice President acknowledged that Nigeria is currently on the right path in its growth and development trajectory, citing the reports of international ratings agencies like Fitch, S&P and Moody’s as confirmation of what he described as the nation's "direction of travel."

He applauded Delta State Governor Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori's "bold leap towards a greater Delta and for creating a platform that matches the ambition of his people," stressing that the state has advantage that is larger than its oil wealth.

The state's advantage, the VP noted, lies in its conviction behind the economic and investment summit "that the future of a people cannot be deposited in a single commodity.

"Diversification is an instinct of economic self-preservation and a measure of the quality of leadership. A government that prepares for life beyond oil understands that resources may finance progress, but only ideas, institutions and enterprise can sustain it," he added, expressing confidence in Governor Oborevwori's ability to lead "Delta into a new era of productive expansion."

VP Shettima assured investors, entrepreneurs, financiers, captains of industry, innovators and development partners at the summit that the federal government "stands ready to support credible investments, strengthen enabling institutions and work with the state to remove obstacles to enterprise."

Earlier, Governor Oborevwori said the summit is the result of the bold step he took last year when he led his cabinet members to China and Brazil to harness investment opportunities for Delta State.

He noted that the summit is designed to connect ideas with capital and maximize the comparative advantages inherent in the state's socio-economic potential.

He thanked the Vice President for the honour of gracing the summit, lauding his exemplary leadership and the vital role he is playing in advancing the nation's collective good.

Also speaking, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, expressed solidarity with his Delta State counterpart, agreeing that from a macroeconomic standpoint, Nigeria has stabilized and is now on the rise.

He, however, maintained that Nigeria will require foreign capital to thrive, even as he called for networking among stakeholders, adding that "deals are the real thing" at any economic summit.

On her part, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, congratulated the state governor on the developmental strides his administration is making, observing that despite the current global disruptions, there are significant opportunities for Delta State, Nigeria, and the entire African continent to maximize.

The former Finance Minister called for fiscal prudence, lower trade costs, improved ex*****on, and a stronger maintenance culture in the state and Nigeria at large.

For his part, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said states and local governments are now receiving unprecedented revenues due to President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which has helped to establish macroeconomic stability.

He called on states and entrepreneurs to play their respective roles in driving the nation's shared prosperity.

For his part, Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Chief Tony Elumelu, congratulated the governor on his efforts to develop the state, saying Delta State is now safe and hospitable for investment.

He promised to partner with the state government to make electricity distribution more accessible and affordable for the people.

For his part, the Guest Speaker, Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba, urged stakeholders to recognize that oil and all of Africa's assets must be fully utilized.

He called on Africa to move towards a "symbiotic relationship" with foreign jurisdictions rather than "parasitic relationships," stressing that Africans should be seen as investors, while Brazil, China, Europe, and the United States should be regarded as partners of goodwill.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
3rd August, 2026

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