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President Tinubu Announces Ambitious Reforms and Initiatives
In a nationwide address, President Bola Tinubu outlined a series of significant reforms and initiatives aimed at improving Nigeria’s economy, youth empowerment, and infrastructure. He emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the Nigerian people and fostering a more prosperous and equitable nation.
CNG Initiative and Economic Relief
President Tinubu highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce transportation costs by approximately 60% through the distribution of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits and the establishment of conversion centers across the country in collaboration with the private sector. This initiative is expected to help curb inflation and alleviate the financial burden on citizens.
Support for Youth and Education
The administration has shown its commitment to the youth by setting up a student loan scheme, with 45.6 billion Naira already processed for payment to students and their respective institutions. President Tinubu encouraged more young Nigerians to take advantage of this opportunity. Additionally, the government has established the Consumer Credit Corporation with over N200 billion to assist Nigerians in acquiring essential products without the need for immediate cash payments.
President Tinubu announced the release of an additional N50 billion each for NELFUND, the student loan program, and the Credit Corporation from proceeds recovered by the EFCC.
Digital and Creative Enterprises Empowerment
The President revealed that $620 million has been secured under the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) program to empower young people and create millions of IT and technical jobs. Despite a setback due to vandalism during protests in Kano, the government remains committed to initiatives like the 3Million Technical Talents scheme, Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP).
Economic Support and Job Creation
Over N570 billion has been released to the 36 states to expand livelihood support for citizens, benefiting 600,000 nano-businesses, with an additional 400,000 expected to benefit. Furthermore, 75,000 beneficiaries will receive N1 million Micro and Small Business single-digit interest loans starting this month. The government has also established 10 MSME hubs, creating 240,000 jobs, with five more hubs to be completed by October.
Large manufacturers are receiving payments of N1 billion each under single-digit loans to boost manufacturing output and stimulate growth.
Housing and Infrastructure Development
President Tinubu inaugurated the first phase of the Renewed Hope City and Estate in Karsana, Abuja, as part of an ambitious housing initiative. The project is the first of six planned across the nation, with each city featuring a minimum of 1,000 housing units. Additionally, the Renewed Hope Estates will be launched in every state, each comprising 500 housing units, with a goal of completing 100,000 housing units over the next three years. This initiative aims to provide homes, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
Agriculture and Food Security
To increase food production and reduce prices, the President announced the removal of tariffs and import duties on rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for six months. The government is working closely with governors and key ministers to accelerate food production, distributing fertilizers and aiming to cultivate over 10 million hectares of land. Mechanized farming equipment worth billions of Naira has been ordered from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil to support these efforts.
In closing, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to God and the Nigerian people, wishing for continued blessings on the nation. “Thank you very much for your attention, and may God continue to bless our great nation,” he concluded.
Search efforts and inquiries remain ongoing after Prince Andrew was released under investigation following a day spent in police custody.
More than 19 hours after he was photographed reclining in the back seat of a vehicle upon release, the King’s younger brother remains at the centre of an active inquiry. The 66-year-old spent approximately 11 hours in custody on his birthday after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The development marked the first arrest of a senior royal in modern history.
Following his release, Andrew departed Aylsham Police Station after a lengthy period that involved hours of transport and waiting.
Although no charges have been filed, Andrew has been released under investigation — meaning he is free to resume daily activities for now, but remains subject to further questioning as inquiries progress.
Authorities continue to examine matters linked to properties associated with the Duke, including locations connected to the Sandringham Estate.
According to royal correspondent Helena Wilkinson, Andrew’s legal situation remains unresolved, and he may be required to return for additional interviews as the investigation develops.
Authorities have confirmed that Prince Andrew was arrested earlier today on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking a significant development that is now set to move through the formal legal system.
The arrest took place at a residence on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk at approximately 08:00 this morning. Police have since continued investigative searches at that property, as well as at his former home located within Windsor Great Park.
In recent weeks, Andrew had relocated from Windsor to establish a temporary base at Sandringham while renovation work progresses on his future long-term residence at nearby Marsh Farm.
The Sandringham Estate, originally acquired in 1862 as a private retreat for the future Edward VII when he was Albert, Prince of Wales, has long remained a cherished country residence passed from monarch to monarch. It continues to serve as a traditional gathering place for the Royal Family, particularly during the Christmas period.
It is understood Andrew has been staying at Wood Farm, a secluded house near the village of Wolferton. The residence holds personal significance, having been chosen by his father, Prince Philip, as his primary home following retirement from public duties in 2017.
Today, Sandringham has seen heightened police presence as the investigation proceeds.
Meanwhile, King Charles III continued with his scheduled public engagements in London, where he was greeted by both questions and expressions of public support upon arrival.
Maintaining continuity and stability, the King chose—like the Queen earlier—to proceed with previously planned duties. In a statement, he reaffirmed confidence in due process, noting that “the law must take its course.”
It has also been confirmed that neither the King nor Buckingham Palace were informed in advance of the arrest, underscoring the independence of the legal process now underway.
Authorities are assessing new information concerning private jet movements at Stansted Airport after fresh scrutiny linked to the activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Essex Police confirmed it is examining details related to private flights arriving at and departing from the airport in light of disclosures emerging from the recently published Epstein files.
The review follows calls from former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who urged in the New Statesman that law enforcement should “urgently” revisit whether Epstein’s victims may have been trafficked into or out of the United Kingdom.
A previous investigation identified 87 flights connected to Epstein that either landed at or departed from UK airports between the early 1990s and 2018.
Stansted Airport has maintained that private aircraft operations are conducted independently, noting that it does not oversee passenger arrangements for privately chartered flights.
The police assessment is part of broader efforts to understand any potential connections between flight activity and trafficking concerns raised in the wake of the latest disclosures.
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