🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
ADC dismisses Trump's letter as validation for Tinubu's administration amidst Nigerian challenges
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The African Democratic Congress ADC has criticized the Nigerian presidency's celebration of a letter from former United States President Donald Trump to President Bola Tinubu. The opposition party stated that such diplomatic correspondence cannot shield the President from the judgment of Nigerian voters, especially as the country faces insecurity, economic hardship, and declining living standards. The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that routine diplomatic exchanges should not be presented as endorsements of the administration's performance. The party emphasized that Trump's letter does not reflect the realities in Nigeria or alter its security and socio-economic challenges. The ADC highlighted that the true measure of any government is the daily experience of its citizens, not international recognition. They pointed out the ongoing captivity of women and children in Borno and Kwara states, and violent attacks in Benue and other regions, arguing that diplomatic letters offer little comfort to those living under constant threats. The party also questioned the celebration of the letter given the U.S. Department of State's Level Three and Level Four travel advisories for parts of Nigeria due to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. The ADC urged the Federal Government to prioritize tangible improvements in governance over publicizing diplomatic exchanges, stating that Nigerians will judge the administration based on its record in office
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The Nigerian Federal Government has launched the training of its first group of smart electricity meter installers under the Power Force program. This initiative, overseen by the Presidential Metering Initiative PMI, saw nearly 220,000 young Nigerians apply for 5,000 available positions. The initial cohort will undergo a three-week intensive training before being deployed as certified meter installers across the country. Olu Verheijen, Executive Secretary of the PMI and Special Adviser to the President on Oil and Gas, stated that the PMI, established by President Bola Tinubu in 2023, aims to ensure Nigerians pay only for electricity consumed. Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, emphasized that the 5,000 trained installers will form the backbone of Nigeria’s smart metering workforce, highlighting that electricity reform involves creating opportunities and building human capital. He also commended the Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria for withdrawing a court action against the meter deployment program. Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Edmund Nnaji, urged other governors to support expanding the trainee pool. Minister of Youth Development, Ayo Olawande, noted that Power Force aligns with his ministry’s One Youth, Two Skills initiative, focusing on job creation and national development. After the Abuja launch, training will extend to centers across all six geopolitical zones, with trainees receiving
Anthony Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has refuted Tyson Fury's recent comments suggesting their anticipated heavyweight boxing match might not occur. Both boxers are scheduled for warm-up fights this week: Fury, 37, against Mariusz Wach in Pattaya on Friday, and Joshua, 36, against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah on Saturday. These bouts are considered crucial precursors to their potential November clash. Hearn emphasized Fury's history of withdrawing from fights, contrasting it with Joshua's consistent record of facing contenders. He specifically mentioned Fury's previous withdrawal from a fight with Joshua due to an arbitration ruling involving Deontay Wilder. Hearn stated that only a defeat or injury to either fighter this weekend would prevent the November fight. Joshua's upcoming fight will be his first professional bout since a car crash in Nigeria in December that resulted in the deaths of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. Joshua expressed his ongoing struggle to cope with the loss, stating it still hurts him.
Remi Oseni, a lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency in Oyo State, has launched the Remi Oseni Smart Learning Intervention Legacy Programme. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide for students in the constituency by establishing smart learning hubs. The program will provide training in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, coding, digital marketing, and data analysis, along with mentorship. It also includes free WAEC and NECO registrations, JAMB sponsorships, bursaries, scholarships, and support for young entrepreneurs. One Smart Learning Hub will be established in each of the nine local government areas of Oyo South. Five hubs are already completed in Eruwa, Agbadagbudu, Ido, Oke-Ado, and Oja-Igbo, with construction ongoing for the remaining four. The hubs are solar-powered and off-grid to ensure uninterrupted learning, allowing students to use facilities for homework, research, and learning applications in various subjects. A "train the trainers" program is scheduled for July 23-25, 2026, in Agbadagbudu. The program is free for participants, with the lawmaker sponsoring the initiative. Approximately 25 schools and over 250 students attended the unveiling ceremony.