A top contender for the Nasarawa State Governorship Primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Executive Vice Chairman, National Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna has received a major support from youths across the state to pick the ticket.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday in Lafia, the state secretary of Renewed Hope Grassroots Movement, Alhaji Umar Abdullahi said Haruna remains the best candidate to lead the state and he is the candidate to beat in this week’s primaries.

L-R: Coordinator of Chiroma Ward, Alhaji Mohammed Nasiru, State Secretary of Renewed Hope Grassroots Movement, Alhaji Umar Abdullahi, Publicity Secretary of the Group, Abdullahi Zakari Shehu, and the Coordinator of Lafia LG, Mr Haruna Akpo, during a press conference in Lafia  on Saturday to endorse Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna for Nasarawa Governorship.

The APC has scheduled May 21st 2026 for the conduct of its Governorship Primaries across the country.

He described the coming of Haruna into the race as a defining moment in the political evolution of the state.
He said the ex-NASENI boss reflects a broad recognition of his years of public service and commitment to development.
He said: “We are a support group that have structures in all the 13 LGAs and 147 wards, and we hereby endorse Prof Mohammad Sani Haruna as the most qualified and the best candidate for the governorship of Nasarawa State in 2027.

“This endorsement is based on his proven track records of delivering tangible, industrial and human capital development projects that directly uplift Nasarawa State and its people.

“His achievements demonstrate vision, capacity, and commitment to transforming Nasarawa from a civil service state into an industrial and technology hub.”

He said, the ex-NASENI boss has attracted a lot of investments to Nasarawa State which include the establishment of NASENI Renewable Energy Industrial Park Gora, Karu.
He said the park is focused on renewable Energy manufacturing and innovationvwhich is attracting investments and creating skilled jobs for Nasarawa youths.

“The establishment of NASENI Skills Acquisition Center and North Central Zonal Engineering and Science Integrated Laboratory, Keffi is providing technical training and research facilities to equip youths with practical engineering and science skills for the 21st century economy.

He said the projects by Haruna have placed Nasarawa State at the centre of Nigeria’s industrialization and technology development agenda

“They reflect Haruna’s ability to attract federal presence, creates jobs, build skills , and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth. Therefore, the renewed hope grassroot movement, Nasarawa State chapter endorses Prof Mohammad Sani Haruna as the best candidate to lead Nasarawa State.

“We believe his experience, vision, and proven capacity to deliver will accelerate development, unite the people, and align Nasarawa with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said

From Adeko Ukpa

Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs in the Office of the Vice President, Dr. Tope Fasua, on Thursday defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, saying the measures, though painful, were necessary to stabilise the economy and create long-term opportunities for inclusive growth.

Fasua spoke at the second conference of Rotary International District 9127 in Abuja, where he delivered a keynote address titled, “Nigeria’s Economy: Pathways, Reforms and Opportunities for Inclusive Growth.”

He said the reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu were already beginning to produce results despite the hardship faced by many Nigerians.

Drawing comparisons with countries such as India and China, Fasua argued that economic transformation often required sacrifice before meaningful gains could be achieved.

“There is a time to sow and a time to reap,” he said, noting that India’s rise as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies was driven by years of difficult but deliberate reforms.

L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs/Keynote Speaker, Dr. Tope Fasua, District Governor, Rotary International D9127, Dame Joy Nky Okoro, Chairman, DISCON Committee, Emeka Iloegbunam and Representative of the President, Rotary International, Dr. Geeta Manek, during the opening ceremony of the 2nd District Conference organised by District 9127 them; “Uniting for Good, Fostering Friendship and Celebrating Service, held at Rotary Centre in Abuja, yesterday.

The presidential aide identified fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms and tax restructuring as major policy steps taken to reposition the economy.

On fuel subsidy removal, Fasua said the previous system had become unsustainable because of widespread corruption and abuse. According to him, billions of dollars were lost yearly through fraudulent subsidy claims and manipulation within the oil sector.

Although he admitted that the removal of subsidy contributed to higher fuel prices and inflation, he maintained that the policy was necessary to stop leakages and restore fiscal stability.

He said inflation, which he noted rose to nearly 35 per cent by the end of 2024, was gradually easing.

Fasua also defended reforms in the foreign exchange market, saying they had reduced arbitrage and speculative practices while encouraging exports and discouraging excessive imports.

He described the administration’s tax reforms as “pro-poor,” explaining that low-income earners and small businesses were protected under the new framework.

“The President’s position is to allow poor Nigerians breathe,” he said.

The economist urged Nigerians not to define the country solely by poverty, insisting that Nigeria still possessed enormous economic potential despite prevailing challenges.

“I’m one person who doesn’t agree that Nigeria should be defined by poverty,” he said.

Fasua cited the recapitalisation of banks, growth in cryptocurrency participation and increasing local investments as signs of resilience in the economy.

He also pointed to the growing presence of foreign educational institutions in Nigeria, saying universities such as Coventry University and the University of Birmingham were establishing partnerships in the country, while schools such as Charterhouse and Rugby School had expanded operations into Nigeria.

According to him, such developments could reduce capital flight and create business opportunities for Nigerians.

The presidential aide, however, acknowledged that insecurity, inflation, high interest rates and poor electricity supply remained major concerns.

He said the current monetary policy rate was still too high for businesses and borrowers, while also identifying energy shortages as a major challenge for households and industries.

Fasua expressed optimism that renewable energy, particularly solar power, would become more affordable and play a larger role in Nigeria’s energy future.

He also urged Nigerians to take greater interest in governance and development at state and local government levels, noting that reforms were gradually shifting more opportunities away from the federal system.

“Please go back to the states, go back to the local governments, watch your state. Even if you live here in Abuja, take interest,” he said.

Calling for patriotism and collective responsibility, Fasua urged citizens not to lose hope in the country despite present economic and security challenges.

“This is our country. We are the ones we have been waiting for,” he added.

Also speaking at the conference, Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, commended Rotary International for its humanitarian and community development efforts, describing the organisation as a critical partner in advancing social development and nation-building.

Balarabe, represented by the Director-General of Intergovernmental Affairs, Hanatu Mohammed, said the Kaduna State Government valued Rotary’s contributions in healthcare, education, youth development, water and sanitation, economic empowerment and peace-building.

She said the administration of Governor Uba Sani remained committed to inclusive governance and people-centred development, stressing that sustainable progress required collaboration between government, civic organisations, development partners and the private sector.

“A government alone cannot meet all the needs of the people. Rotary has consistently demonstrated that service above self is not just a motto, but a practical and impactful approach to nation-building,” she said.

The deputy governor described the conference theme, *“Uniting for Good, Fostering Friendships and Showcasing Service,”* as a reflection of Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian service and community impact.

Meanwhile, Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo, represented by Geeta Manek, commended Rotary District 9127 for its interventions in healthcare, maternal and child health, and polio eradication.

Speaking at the conference, Manek said the district had distinguished itself through impactful humanitarian projects and strong leadership in community development.

She particularly praised Nigerian Rotarians for their contributions to the eradication of polio in Africa.

“When you eliminated polio from Nigeria, we declared Africa polio free. Thank you, Nigeria,” she said.

Manek, however, urged members not to become complacent despite their achievements.

“So friends, I encourage you, this is the time to roll up your sleeves, not to be complacent, but to continue the fight against polio,” she stated.

She further called for stronger collaboration between Rotary, governments, communities and corporate organisations to deepen humanitarian impact across the continent.

“Africa is no longer on the menu, Africa is at the table. In Rotary, Africa is at the top of the table,” she added.

Earlier, District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Dr. Joy Okoro, said the conference was aimed at strengthening collaboration among Rotarians across the 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory under the district.

Okoro said the gathering provided an opportunity for clubs to network, exchange ideas and review projects implemented across communities.

According to her, discussions focused on Rotary’s seven areas of focus, including maternal and child health, education, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability and polio eradication.

She disclosed that District 9127 had increased its membership from 88 to 95 Rotary clubs, alongside the addition of eight Rotaract clubs under her administration.

Okoro added that the district had undertaken several community projects, including the provision of incubators and phototherapy lamps for hospitals, renovation of schools and donation of school furniture.

The event also featured awards presented to notable philanthropists for their contributions to humanitarian causes and support for Rotary activities.

By Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, urged African leaders to strengthen strategic partnerships with the United States instead of entering into fresh agreements with France, accusing the European nation of exploiting Africa for decades without meaningful development.

Frank in a statement in reaction to the ongoing, “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit” being attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and several African leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Nairobi-Kenya, said African countries, particularly in West Africa, had little to show for years of French influence despite their abundant natural resources.

He argued that recent political developments in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger had exposed what he described as France’s exploitative relationship with African nations.

“France has nothing more to offer Africa. African leaders must not fall into any new arrangement that will drag the continent back into economic and political bondage,” he said.

According to him, the military takeovers in some Francophone African countries had opened the eyes of many Africans to what he termed “decades of exploitation.”

“Since the military takeover in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, Africans have seen clearly that France was only using the people and their resources without giving anything meaningful in return,” he stated.

He maintained that African leaders should instead pursue stronger bilateral relations with the United States, especially in the areas of insecurity, election integrity, trade and investment.

“We believe Africa will get a better deal with the United States than with France. The areas we should focus on are insecurity, election integrity and stronger bilateral economic ties,” he said.

The international affairs advisor also called for increased cooperation with the US in tackling terrorism and strengthening democratic institutions across the continent.

According to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, African leaders should renegotiate terms of engagement with the United States in ways that would directly benefit African citizens.

“Wherever we feel the United States has not done well in the past, it is our responsibility to identify those areas and renegotiate better terms that will benefit Africa,” he added.

He described France’s long-standing influence in parts of Africa as “modern slavery,” alleging that Paris had historically supported leaders who protected French interests regardless of the wishes of their citizens.

“As long as African leaders are doing France’s bidding, France will protect them even when their people no longer want them in office,” he claimed.

He cited Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic and Cameroon as examples of countries where, according to him, are still under the stranglehold of France’s continuous rape of their once thriving economies.

He further argued that countries distancing themselves from French control were beginning to witness improvements.

“Since they broke away from France, countries like Burkina Faso have shown signs of doing better. That proves Africa does not need France to survive,” he said.

The political activist also endorsed the idea of an Africa-US summit, describing it as more productive than renewed France-Africa engagements.

“Africa-US summit will benefit Africa more than any France-Africa arrangement. African leaders should focus on building stronger ties with the United States,” he said.

He further expressed optimism that the administration of President Donald Trump would offer Africa a more beneficial partnership based on mutual interests and democratic values.