Tinubu receives new Beninoise President Wadagni in Lagos
via Punch Nigeria8 min read
President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Lagos received Romuald Wadagni, the newly inaugurated President of the Republic of Benin. This marks Wadagni's first bilateral engagement with his Nigerian counterpart since taking office a week ago. Wadagni was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu upon arrival and subsequently held a closed-door meeting with Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence, which lasted nearly 30 minutes. The details of their discussions were not immediately released. Wadagni's visit follows his inauguration on May 24, 2026, succeeding President Patrice Talon after his victory in the April 12 presidential election. Vice President Kashim Shettima had represented Tinubu at the inauguration ceremony. Benin Republic, sharing a western border with Nigeria, is a close neighbor and a key partner in ECOWAS regional cooperation, trade, and security arrangements in the Gulf of Guinea. Tinubu previously served as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government from July 2023 to 2024.
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The North East Stakeholders Forum for Sustainable Development has praised President Bola Tinubu for approving an N80 billion fund for flood control interventions across Nigeria. The forum, in a statement signed by National Chairman Murtala Jalingo and Secretary-General Danladi Bawa, described the intervention as timely and crucial for mitigating flood impacts in vulnerable communities, especially with warnings of increased flood risks due to persistent rainfall. They expressed confidence that the funds would be judiciously utilized to address the threat of flash floods. The group also commended Abubakar Yelwa, Managing Director of the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission HYPPADEC, for his proactive measures and commitment to service delivery. They highlighted HYPPADEC's annual flood preparedness campaigns and various intervention projects in Gombe and Taraba states, including the provision of life jackets, operational boats, solar streetlights, boreholes, desilting of drainages, construction of classrooms, and support for indigent students. The forum noted that HYPPADEC, under Yelwa, has focused on improving residents' lives rather than solely on institutional development. This commendation comes as Nigerian authorities warn of severe flooding risks in low-lying and flood-prone areas due to heavy rainfall.
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Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, Rector of the Ogun State Institute of Technology OGITECH, Igbesa, reflected on the institution's 20-year journey, highlighting its growth from 52 students and two departments to over 10,000 students across 38 departments and 51 courses. He emphasized his administration's focus on development, staff welfare, and infrastructure, including modern classrooms, a new library, and a laboratory complex. Dr. Oluseye also detailed the establishment of a robotics and innovation center, where students assemble and fly drones, and the institution's commitment to providing value-added certificates alongside traditional diplomas. He stressed the importance of technical education for national development, advocating for more polytechnics and increased funding, while addressing challenges like discrimination against polytechnic graduates and land encroachment. The Rector praised the National Education Loan Fund NELFUND for its positive impact on student access to education, noting that about 200 OGITECH students have benefited, with 400 more on a waiting list. He also mentioned OGITECH's use of e-voting for student elections and a mobile application for timetables and communication, showcasing its ICT-based approach. Dr. Oluseye affirmed the institution's zero-tolerance policy against anti-social vices and lecturer misconduct, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment.