Delivering the Distinguished Postgraduate Personality Lecture of Ajayi Crowther University, ACU, Oyo, on 24th March 2026, Farombi stressed the need for industries to invest in university research, warning that without such a  collaboration, groundbreaking discoveries risked being lost in what he termed the “Valley of Death.”

The lecture, titled “University-Industry Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer: The Two Intricate Nexus in National Development,” examined the critical but often underutilised relationship between academia and industry.

Farombi explained that while universities created knowledge through research, industries transformed that knowledge into economic value.

He described collaboration as the essential bridge connecting theory with practice, driving innovation and development.

A central theme of the lecture was the “Valley of Death,” the translational gap where promising research findings fail to become marketable products due to lack of funding or technical expertise.

“Exciting observations and innovative insights most times are lost in translation,” he lamented. “They get stuck in an ever-widening gap that moves basic science down the path toward treatments.”

Drawing on historical precedent, the professor traced the rise of Silicon Valley to collaboration between academia and industry.

He credited Professor Frederick Terman of Stamford University, who nurtured partnerships with the electrical power industry, helped launch Hewlett-Packard, and created an industrial park on Stanford’s land, a model that eventually birthed global tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook.

To strengthen the synergy, Farombi urged industries to invest in university research, offer internships, participate in curriculum development, and support technology commercialisation.

He also outlined the role of universities, calling on them to encourage applied and interdisciplinary research, establish technology transfers offices, promote entrepreneurship among students, and  bridge the “Valley of Death.”

The government, he noted, must play a central role by creating enabling policies, funding research, and encouraging public-private partnerships, forming what scholar, Henry Etzkowitz, describes as the Triple Helix of university-industry-government collaboration.

In a practical demonstration of the potential for collaboration, Prof. Farombi showcased phytochemicals from his laboratory, developed over 25 years that are ready for industrial commercialisation.

These include carotenoids from red palm oil, kolaviron from Garcinia kola seeds, curcumin from turmeric, and phenolic compounds from Hibiscus sabdariffa and soybeans, among others.

The lecture concluded with a charge to all stakeholders, universities, industries, and government to work together to build a knowledge-driven economy.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, appreciated all the deans of faculties, staff, and students present at the lecture.

She also thanked the Dean of the Post-Graduate School and Chairman of the Committee of Deans, Prof. Paul Akanbi, for organising the first Distinguished Lecture in the university’s history.

She described Farombi as an astute scholar and an academic to the core, noting that the theme of the lecture aligned with the vision of the university.

In alignment with her 28-point agenda, which has been summarised into 10 point agenda, she promised to move ACU beyond the 3-Helix Model of University-Industry-Government to a 5-Helix Model of University-Industry-Government-Community-International Community.

Oduwole reiterated the ranking of ACU among the best private universities in which to study Engineering in Nigeria, promising that the university would move higher through viable collaborations with industries.

Also, the Dean of the Post-Graduate School and Chairman of the Committee of Deans, Prof. Akanbi, appreciated the university management under the leadership of Oduwole for providing all the necessary support toward the success of the lecture.

He enjoined all guests to pay rapt attention to the guest lecturer and tap from his wealth of experience.

The ACU Distinguished Postgraduate Personality Lecture serves as a platform to engage scholars and professionals in critical discourse on issues shaping Nigeria’s development.

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Coordinator of the event, Tayo Popoola, stated that the annual 10km race had attracted over 8,000 participants from various parts of the country and even beyond.

She expressed delight that the event, which is in its 10th edition this year, is getting bigger in line with the vision of the Lagos State government.

“We are happy with the great support we are enjoying from the Government of Lagos State. The Lagos State Sports Commission DG, Lekan Fatodu, has been monitoring our activities with great enthusiasm.

“All is going well and we expect next week to be full of activities for the 2025 event,” Popoola said.

This year, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has been named an Ambassador of the Lagos Women Run and the Special Guest of Honour.

The Lagos Women Run is an initiative of Gym Assured, Marathon & Road Race Organization, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and a dedicated group of women with professional backgrounds in sports management, administration.

Fatodu, LSSC GD, it was learnt has charged all those in charge of various departments of the organizing committee to double efforts as the event draws near.

Already, plans are also in top gear for the EXPO expected to start on November 4 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

Coordinator of the EXPO, Sidikat Folami, said there are various activities and empowerment initiatives lined up for the participants of the Lagos Women Run pre-event.

The Lagos Women Run takes place on Saturday November 8.

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Coordinator of the project, Tayo Popoola, told our correspondent that Oduwole would be the Special Guest of Honour for this edition and also a new ambassador of the LWR.

“We do this every year and this time we are so happy to have the confirmation of Dr. Oduwole as our special guest and our ambassador.

“There are many other plans on the cards to make this edition better than all the past ones.”

November 8 is the date and Lagos State Government has been working round the clock with the organisers in the past weeks to stage an upgrade of previous editions.

The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, is at the centre of it all charging all those in various committees to work hard and deliver accordingly.

The objective of the Lagos Women Run is to encourage women to embark on a journey towards fitness and general well-being, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDG.

LWR aims to support and foster the growing fitness culture across the continent while addressing critical issues affecting women, such as No Poverty, Female Child Education, Zero Hunger, and Equality.

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He said beyond the GDP growth of 4.23 per cent recorded in September 2025, the economic reforms spearheaded by his administration had started yielding tangible results across sectors, surpassing projections from multilateral agencies and indigenous economic experts.

President Tinubu who stated this in Abuja on Monday when he officially declared open the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit, noted that the belief in the nation’s economic experts had been the magic wand behind his administration’s ongoing reforms.

Represented at the summit by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the president maintained that all decisions taken by his administration had been “guided by the pursuit of balance between economic logic and public expectation.”

Stating why the administration established the ₦200 billion intervention fund to support MSMEs and manufacturers, President Tinubu restated his administration’s resolve to rekindle hope for poor, vulnerable and jobless Nigerians by creating corridors for them, especially the youth, to access loans, grants and equity investments.

His words: “As a people-oriented government, our priority remains restoring hope to the unemployed, the poor, the excluded, and the vulnerable. We have created pathways for young Nigerians to access grants, loans, and equity investments of up to 100,000 dollars to scale their enterprises, innovate, and build sustainable livelihoods.

“We established a ₦200 billion intervention fund to support micro, small, and medium enterprises and manufacturers, helping them overcome structural challenges and enhance competitiveness.

“Our expansion of digital micro-loan access has improved financial inclusion, empowering small businesses and stimulating community-level productivity. These efforts underline our commitment to an economy that works for all Nigerians.”

The Nigerian leader attributed the significant progress his administration has made so far in stabilising Nigeria’s economy and rescuing public finance to the patience and sacrifices made by Nigerians.

“As experts in the economy, you know more than the average citizen that the stability in our foreign exchange market is not accidental. It reflects deliberate choices guided by the same economic wisdom that gatherings such as this embody.

“Along with subsidy removal, these decisions have rescued our public finances, stabilised the economy, and reassured investors at home and abroad. We owe this progress to the sacrifices of Nigerians, whose patience and understanding have been the bedrock of our endurance. To them, I say: the better days we promised are already within sight,” he stated.

The president acknowledged what he described as a “resounding consensus” that ongoing reforms by his administration had stabilised the nation’s macroeconomic environment, with the economy “expanding to ₦372.8 trillion in 2024, up from ₦309.5 trillion in 2023.”

Outlining some of the progress made so far in reviving the economy, President Tinubu said, “Our total revenue collection also rose from ₦19.9 trillion in 2023 to ₦25.2 trillion in 2024, and as of August 2025, it had reached ₦27.8 trillion, surpassing the revenue target of ₦18.32 trillion.

“These triumphs and projections are guided by the promise we have made to the nation—to grow Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio from 97 per cent, where we met it, to a sustainable level.

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“Aside from the good news that this ratio has now reduced to less than 50 per cent, I am proud to share that this performance, in our early days in office, inspired Fitch to upgrade Nigeria’s sovereign rating to B with a stable outlook, and Moody’s to lift our issuer rating to B3 with a stable outlook. Both praised our improved economic foresight and clearer policy direction as their barometers.”

For non-oil revenues, the president said it grew by 411 per cent year on year in August this year, with tax-to-GDP ratio now nudging 13.5 per cent, “up from barely 7 per cent a few years ago.

“Our debt-to-GDP ratio now stands at 38.8 per cent, far below the limits set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act at 60 per cent, and those of ECOWAS and the World Bank at 70 per cent,” he added, noting the numbers speak volumes of a nation prepared for the present, just as they represent the promise his administration made to Nigerians.

On why his administration increased monthly federal allocations to states, enabling them to fund critical projects and social interventions, President Tinubu said he came to office “fully aware that the secret to a successful federation lies in empowering each federating unit with the resources and autonomy to pursue development peculiar to its needs.”

Every reform introduced by his administration, the president noted, had been inspired by a “deep reflection and the courage to act in the interest of the nation.”

He thanked the nation’s economic experts and stakeholders in public policy for staying with his administration through turbulent tides, providing insights, offering criticism, and reminding the government that “our collective goal is not comfort in divergence, but progress in convergence.”

The president further assured that the four Tax Reform Acts he recently signed into law “will boost domestic revenue mobilisation, reduce dependence on oil, and simplify compliance.”

“These reforms protect low-income earners, ensure fairness in corporate taxation, and strengthen digital innovation in tax administration. By promoting transparency and coordination among all tiers of government, we are laying the foundation for a fairer and more prosperous Nigeria,” the president added.

Declaring the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit open, President Tinubu told participants that he was looking forward to their fruitful deliberations.

Earlier, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, lauded the partnership between his ministry and the NESG, saying it had blossomed for over 30 years, ensuring public and private cooperation for the development of the Nigerian economy.

He pointed out that since May 2023, President Tinubu had been reforming the economy and enhancing productivity in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, suggesting a gradual easing of the cost of living and an increase in domestic production.

For his part, Chairman of the NESG, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, advised relevant stakeholders and authorities to address security as an enabler of reforms, noting that without peace, reforms cannot take root, investors cannot take risks, and Nigerian youths cannot find opportunities for prosperity.

“Tackling insecurity in rural and urban areas alike is vital to unlock productivity and restore confidence,” he added.

In a presentation, the Vice Chairman of NESG, Mr Boye Olusanya, commended the strategic reforms of the Tinubu administration, especially the stabilization of the foreign exchange market, the tax reforms and the removal of fuel subsidy, among others, which he described as bold and critical to achieving the target of building a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

He said though the reforms are necessary for transforming Nigeria’s economy and achieving other goals, they are largely insufficient in addressing overarching issues in the polity, warning that a reversal of key policy decisions will retard growth and set the country on a backward trajectory in many folds.

Dignitaries who graced the event include the Coordinating Minister of Finance and the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani.

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Dangote made the remarks over the weekend during a visit by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, to the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals and Dangote Fertiliser Limited in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

Commending President Tinubu’s efforts at addressing the issue of crude supply challenges to domestic refineries, Dangote praised the Naira-for-Crude initiative and the Nigeria First policy as bold and transformative steps capable of revitalising the economy faster than expected.

“I believe we must sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for ensuring that there have been improvements in the supply of crude oil. His insistence that all crude oil transactions be conducted in naira has been particularly commendable. For us to effectively meet market demand—which we have the capacity to do—it is essential that crude is priced and purchased in our local currency,” he said.

The leading industrialist noted that the initiatives, along with other economic reforms, had brought a measure of stability to the naira-to-dollar exchange rate.

He expressed optimism that the naira would continue to strengthen in the coming weeks as the effects of the reforms become more visible.

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According to him, the improved market predictability has helped investors make sound business decisions and restored confidence in the investment climate.

“We are also beginning to see some stability in the naira-to-dollar exchange rate, which has had a positive impact. There is now less fluctuation, and this has brought a degree of predictability to the market

“For those of us in the business sector, this is a welcome development, as it allows us to plan more effectively. Looking ahead, as market conditions continue to improve, we can expect to see a more favourable exchange rate,” he said.

Dangote also commended the federal government for establishing a One-Stop Shop, OSS, initiative to improve coordination among regulatory and security agencies, thereby facilitating smoother operations under the Naira-for-Crude programme.

He emphasised that the OSS had significantly reduced bottlenecks and allowed for real-time resolution of issues, in line with President Tinubu’s directive.

“The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has established a One-Stop Shop that is working diligently. I am confident that the government intends to replicate this model in other sectors, particularly to streamline the clearing of goods—an essential area of business.

“At present, we are not experiencing any significant issues with loading. All the relevant agencies have been brought together under one roof, including the Navy, NIMASA, NPA, and others. This coordination has greatly improved efficiency. Whenever issues arise, they are promptly addressed through the leadership of the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Mr Zack Adedeji, who is doing an excellent job.”

The business magnate further disclosed that the refinery was set to launch a new initiative involving the deployment of 4,000 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) tankers to distribute petroleum products more efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner.

He explained that the move would reduce logistics costs and ensure Nigerians receive products at more affordable prices, closer to their locations.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to promoting domestic investment and addressing the challenges faced by local investors.

“We are here today as a result of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s clear focus on domestic investment. As you are aware, we held a Domestic Investment Summit on Monday—the first of its kind. Today, we are gathered at the invitation of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a leading investor who has committed an extraordinary amount of resources to Nigeria’s development,” she said.

Oduwole hailed the refinery as a landmark project, noting that even governments shied away from initiatives of such scale.

She said the administration was demonstrating real support for domestic investors by taking practical steps to reduce constraints and foster growth.

“He has taken on a project of such magnitude—one that even governments often hesitate to undertake. As an administration, we do not take this lightly. We are here to show our full support for him, both as a foremost domestic investor and as a prominent champion of African investment on the global stage.

“Our support is not limited to words; we are demonstrating our commitment through action. We are encouraging other domestic investors by recognising and backing those, like Alhaji Dangote, who put Nigeria first. This is not mere rhetoric—our time, attention, and effort are fully aligned with our priorities.

“That is why we have dedicated an entire day to immersing ourselves in this project—the Dangote Refinery.”

She added that the federal government was continuously engaging with stakeholders and reviewing regulatory and legislative frameworks to reduce business costs and stimulate industrial development.

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Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Dafang I. Sule, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, thanked the company for “doing a good job” in Nigeria.

Dangote Group is one of the sponsors of the 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair that was declared open by the President on Saturday.

The federal government’s accolade came on the heels of numerous commendations from stakeholders around the world.

Sule also informed participants that his ministry has been partnering with the Dangote Group to drive government policies and programmes, one of which is the Backward Integration Programme.

“The quality of Dangote products is not in doubt and that is why people patronize them. You can see that the company is growing every day. I think it is doing a very good job,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, KADCCIMA, has acknowledged its partnership with the company, describing it as the Unique Selling Point, and a major competitive advantage of the 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair.

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Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, Director General of the Chamber, Alhaji Usman Saulawa, defined Dangote Group as a conglomerate that is helping to drive the Nigerian economy.

According to him, the company has not only made a significant positive impact on the business community in Kaduna State but has also contributed immensely to the growth of both the Nigerian, and global economy.

He said no fewer than five countries are participating in the fair that has as its theme: Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Trade, and Agriculture through Digital Transformation.

He added: “Our selling point is the joint collaboration and full involvement of Kaduna State Government, Dangote Group and other companies.”

The Director General hailed the symbiotic partnership between KADCCIMA and the Dangote Group, commending Aliko Dangote, the Group’s president, as an unwavering benefactor of Chamber.

He said through the consistent sponsorship and participation of its Strategic Business Units, Dangote Group had supported economic development in the state.

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Dangote Group was recognised under the Visible Impact Award for Resilience & Entrepreneurship; Dangote Cement won the Sectoral Excellence Award in the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products category, while the 650,000bpd capacity world’s largest single train refinery, Dangote Refinery won the Groundbreaking Investment award.

Basking in the euphoria of the recognitions, Dangote Industries Limited’s Vice-President, Oil and Gas, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, who was on ground to receive the awards described them as reflecting the values of Dangote Group and its subsidiaries as top employers of labour showing resilience in the face of tough business operating environment.

He said the award would only spur the management of Dangote to continue in the trajectory of the fine best global best practices in business with more investments in the task of rejuvenating the nation’s economy.

In the same vein, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and her counterpart in Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), were recipients of the “Visible Impact in Public Service Award.”

This year’s awards, dubbed “Defying the odds”, NECA said, was geared towards promoting and encouraging best practices in Corporate Performance, People Management and Industrial Relations practices amongst employers in Nigeria.

That, it explained, was in a bid to celebrate outstanding contributions of enterprise to national development, noting that the award provided a platform for celebrating the resilience, doggedness and outstanding performance of employers in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, President of NECA, Dr. Ifeanyi Eric Okoye, noted that the award ceremony was to celebrate the excellence, resilience, innovation and unwavering commitment demonstrated by businesses across the various sectors of the Nigerian economy in 2024.

He said the Awards’ theme, “Defying the Odds,” reflected the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian enterprises that had consistently risen to the challenges posed by the dynamic and demanding local and global economic landscape.

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Said he, “This annual ceremony is a testament to remarkable progress made by organisations that share our vision of a thriving private sector as the bedrock of national development. Over the years, the NECA’s Excellence Award has become a hallmark of prestige highlighting organisations that exemplify best practices in corporate governance, industrial relations and environmental sustainability.

“Our honours tonight do not only serve as a beacon of hope, and a reminder that in the face of adversities excellence is achievable, it is also an opportunity to increase visibility by highlighting their achievements and innovations to a wider audience.

“As we celebrate tonight, let us not only celebrate the achievements of the award recipients; let also celebrate all businesses here present and those that have left in the past few years and recommit ourselves to fostering innovation, inclusivity and resilience in all that we do. Together we can build a future where Nigerian enterprises thrive as global leaders.”

Also speaking, the Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, explained that the awards were a statement that, irrespective of the challenges the private sector employers have been facing “since January till now, there is time for all of us to sit down and just breathe and celebrate the resilience, doggedness, innovations your businesses were able to bring on-board and their contributions to national development.”

Oyerinde stated further: “So, we are gathered this evening to celebrate your businesses, contribution and support to NECA. We have broken away from the traditional issues of labour and employment that you know us with and are now dealing with all fundamental issues that affect your businesses either now or in the future like Environmental, Social and Governance in sustainability issues.

“We are also deepening our collaboration with CIPE moving into the realms of ethics with emphasis on doing business correctly. We are also deepening our engagements with the International Labour Organisation, ILO, in the context of responsible business conduct for our members to operate responsibly within the context of the law.

“This strengthens our hands to advocate against unfavourable business regulations that see businesses as cash cows rather than agents of national development.”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Head of Service, Lagos State, Mr. Shuaheeb Agoro, commended NECA for its remarkable legacy of championing enterprise, competitiveness, responsible business practices and industrial harmony describing the award as another remarkable way of motivating employers in the private sector.

Sanwo-Olu said, “This year’s theme could not to be more apt as it speaks to the determination that Nigerian employers have continued to demonstrate in overcoming challenges to sustain businesses, create jobs and drive national development. This resilience is a reflection of enduring entrepreneurial spirit that defines our great nation.”

The governor pointed out that the award inspired the culture of best practices in corporate governance, industrial relations, environmental sustainability and responsible business conduct.

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Tinubu gave the charge after swearing in seven ministers in Abuja, following their swift review by the National Assembly.

The president emphasised the importance of service, stating, “Service is the hallmark of this human endeavour you are being called upon to serve.”

Tinubu expressed optimism about the country’s economic recovery, saying, “Economic recovery is on the horizon.”

He added: “We have a good path to realise our dreams and it is not just only for us, it is for our children and grandchildren.”

He acknowledged the challenges Nigerians face, including a high cost of living, but highlighted progress in paying the new minimum wage and reducing debt servicing from 97 per cent to 65 per cent of revenue.

The new ministers sworn in are Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour & Employment, and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Others are Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment (Trade and Investment); Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development; Yusuf Ata, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Dr Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State for Education.

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Tinubu thanked the National Assembly for its efficient review and approval of the new ministers.

In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for her appointment and reaffirmed her commitment to aligning with the government’s foreign policy objectives.

“The President has made things easier by establishing a clear foreign policy direction,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the importance of leveraging the creative potential, skills, and capital of young Nigerians and the Diaspora to enhance service delivery.

She highlighted the significant contribution of the Diaspora, which remitted 22 billion dollars annually, and suggested partnering with them to forge strategic relationships with global financial institutions.

Meanwhile, Jumoke Oduwole, acknowledged President Tinubu’s trade and investment agenda.

She stressed the need to optimise the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, for Nigerian businesses and retain domestic investment while aggressively attracting new investments.

Source: NAN

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The nominees were confirmed after hours of screening during the Senate plenary on Wednesday.

However, some of them who had served the country in different capacities in the past, and were confirmed by the Senate, were simply asked to introduce themselves and take a bow and go.

The ministerial appointees who were screened and confirmed are: Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Muhammadu Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.

Others are Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Development; Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata, Minister of State, Housing and Dr Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State for Education.

The Senate on Wednesday gave a clean bill of health to Bianca, wife of former governor of Eastern Nigeria, Odumegu Ojukwu, and six other minister-designates forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu.

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In her presentation, the nominee from Anambra, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, lamented the state of the country’s embassies abroad.

She said that poor funding had put the posts in “deplorable conditions that do not represent Nigeria’s standing in the comity of nations.”

“It is imperative to renovate the buildings and make the surrounding suitable for lawmakers to use when you come to these countries, and to interface with foreign partners,” she added.

She said that among the country’s challenges was commitment to service, adding “if we are committed to serving this nation with the focus of finding peace, we shall succeed.”

A few senators, who spoke during the exercise, commended Tinubu for bringing in nominees in spite of party affiliations.

The nomination, according to Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia), highlighted the administration’s focus on the unity of the country.

He said, “The President must be commended for nominating someone across party lines, even someone from APGA, and the wife of my former party leader, late Chief Odumegu Ojukwu.

“By this, the President has started a unity government and the process of national integration.”

For his part, Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra), described her nomination as a healing process for the country.

Source: NAN

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This was revealed on Friday, at the town hall meeting, by the Special Adviser to the President on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

According to her, the town hall meeting, chaired by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, was organised to receive an update of the report on Regulatory Reform Accelerator, RRA, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point agenda and prioritising business climate reforms.

She further said the minister, Gboyega Oyetola, summoned a meeting of the heads of agencies under his watch and charged them that he wanted the ministry to come top and today he’s made it.

“The minister deserves a special recognition and applause,” Dr. Oduwole added.

This recognition is said to be a testament to the strategic vision and tireless efforts dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector by the minister.

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