Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi Hosts Champion Boxer Idowu Rasheed, Donates Generousity to Support His Career

Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi Hosts Champion Boxer Idowu Rasheed, Donates Generousity to Support His Career

The Jagunmolu Olubadan of Ibadanland and Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting sports and nurturing Nigerian talent by hosting renowned boxer Idowu Rasheed, popularly known as ID Burster, at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort.

During the visit, Chief Sanusi expressed his admiration for Rasheed's resilience, skill, and outstanding performance in the ring, especially in light of the recent controversies surrounding his fight in Accra, Ghana. To further encourage Rasheed in his boxing career, Chief Sanusi presented him with a ₦1 million donation, emphasizing his unwavering support for Nigerian athletes who strive for excellence.

The visit follows the Universal Boxing Organisation's (UBO) declaration of Idowu Rasheed as the rightful winner of the Africa Light Heavyweight title. The title bout, held on Saturday, April 13, in Accra, initially ended in controversy when Rasheed knocked out Ghana's Bastie Samir in the second round. Despite the fight being declared a technical draw, the UBO, after a thorough review, concluded there was no evidence of any illegal blow and officially recognized Rasheed as the Africa Light Heavyweight Champion.

Chief Sanusi’s gesture is a testament to his enduring commitment to the advancement of sports in Nigeria and his belief in empowering talented individuals to achieve global recognition.

Dr. Temitope GLORIOUS Calls for More Investors as he Commissions 2nd FINREL Supermarket in Ona Ara

Dr. Temitope GLORIOUS Calls for More Investors as he Commissions 2nd FINREL Supermarket in Ona Ara

Ona Ara Local Government Executive Chairman, Dr. Temitope Kolapo GLORIOUS, has called on investors to explore opportunities in the area as he commissioned the the second FINREL Group’s Supermarket Olorunsogo branch. The event, held on Friday, marked the company's second office in Ona Ara Local Government.

This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Chairman's Press Secretary, Mr. Rahmon Alawode, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday morning.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Temitope GLORIOUS expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for the reconstruction of the first phase of the Olorunsogo-Dagbolu road, which had suffered decades of neglect. The chairman noted that the newly reconstructed road played a key role in attracting the FINREL Group to establish its second branch in Ona Ara Local Government.

He also appreciated Dr. Jimi, the MD/CEO of FINREL Group, for choosing to invest in Ona Ara Local Government. “Your decision to establish another branch in Ona Ara is a boost to the local economy and a clear testament to the growing opportunities in this area. We are truly grateful for your commitment to our community,” Dr. GLORIOUS said.

Addressing the circumstances surrounding the land on which the FINREL Group built its new edifice, Dr. GLORIOUS highlighted his commitment to prioritizing development over personal grievances. He revealed that despite challenges encountered during the land acquisition process, he chose to focus on the greater good of the community.

“The establishment of this branch is a testament to the development we are fostering along the Olorunsogo-Olunloyo axis,” Dr. GLORIOUS told the large crowd present at the ceremony. He assured residents that more companies would be opening in the area soon, promising sustained efforts to attract further investments.

Pharm (Dr) Jaiyesimi Obajimi, the MD/CEO of FINREL Group, commended Dr. GLORIOUS for his maturity and understanding during the land acquisition process, acknowledging that the land originally belonged to the Local Government. He also thanked the guests and well-wishers who graced the occasion.

Dignitaries at the event included the National Vice Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists, Pharm Olugboyega Oguntoye, Chairman Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Oyo State Branch, Pharm (Col) Segun Ajanaku (RTD) and Oyo State Chairman of Community Pharmacists, Pharm. Adebayo Gbadamosi, Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Local Government, Hon. Femi Abolade Yerima, alongside other Councillors, the Community Chairman, Supervisory Councillors, and Special Assistants.

The commissioning of the FINREL Group Olorunsogo branch is expected to enhance economic activities in Ona Ara Local Government and create more employment opportunities for residents.

NPFL: Ikorodu City Pips Shooting Stars 2-1

Ikorodu City Pips Shooting Stars 2-1

The search for the first away win of the season continued as Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) lost 1-2 to Ikorodu City in a Matchday 12 encounter.

The Oluyole Warriors surrendered  a 1-0 lead to throw all points away in the  encounter played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

Backed by their vociferous supporters, including their Lagos based and traveling fans, the Ibadan soccer lords ,failed to hold onto their early lead, conceding two second half goals.

Anthony Okachi scored his first goal of the season, scoring the opener in the 15th minute, finishing off Samuel Ayanrinde's well laid pass.

The Stars dominated the first half and should have added to their tally but were undone by poor finishing.

The second half was a different ball game, as the hosts came out smoking, taking the game to the visitors.

They eventually levelled up in the 59rh minute through Shola Adelani who put the ball in after the Oluyole Warriors failed to clear their line during a goal mouth melee.

With two minutes left, RivioAyemweren jumped to head in a cross from the flank flank to score the winning goal, thus ensuring that the homers ran away with all points.

The results pushed Shooting Stars to the 12 position on the log with 15 points and the team will on Sunday, play host to Bayelsa United in a Matchday 13 fixture.

Tosin Omojola

Media Officer, 3SC

Ondo: ‘I Want To Believe I Am A Winner’ – ADC Governorship Candidate

Ondo: ‘I Want To Believe I Am A Winner’ – ADC Governorship Candidate

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate in the just-concluded Ondo State governorship election, Myson Nejo, has criticized the conduct of the poll, alleging widespread vote trading.
Nejo, who spoke in a telephone interview with Punch on Sunday, attributed his loss in the election to his refusal to engage in vote buying.

The election results, announced by the State Returning Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, at the State Collation Centre in Akure, showed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, securing a decisive victory with 366,781 votes.

Aiyedatiwa defeated his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 117,845 votes, and Nejo, who finished far behind.


Governor Aiyedatiwa won all 18 local government areas in the state and was subsequently declared re-elected by INEC.

He said, “The reaction of the people? I thank the good people of Ondo State for voting for me without giving them any money, and they still voted for me. I want to believe that my vote is valid because there was nothing like vote-buying or any unethical practices on my side. So far, I want to believe I’m a winner in this election.”

On the issue of vote buying during the election, Nejo specifically confirmed that the votes were being bought for as much as N20,000, describing the development as worrisome.


Nejo further stated, “People were buying votes for N20,000 or N15,000, and in my polling unit, it was N10,000 to N15,000.

“Because I didn’t have money and I told them I wasn’t going to give even a kobo to buy votes, I ended up with only two votes in my unit and about 40 votes in total, but I don’t care. People were calling me, asking for money in exchange for their votes, but I stood my ground. If they want to vote, they should vote. I wasn’t going to give a kobo to buy votes.”

Breaking: Labour Party Suspends Senator Kevin Chukwu Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities

Breaking: Labour Party Suspends Senator Kevin Chukwu Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities

The Labour Party (LP) has suspended Senator Kevin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone, from the party over alleged anti-party activities and insubordination.

The suspension, which was announced by the Amuri Ward executives of the party, was communicated in a letter signed by the Ward Chairman and addressed to the Labour Party Chairman in Enugu State through the Local Government Chairman.

Tumite News reports that Senator Chukwu’s suspension follows accusations of actions that contravened the party’s principles.

In the letter, the Amuri Ward leadership cited Chukwu’s alleged disregard for party directives as the basis for the decision.

The letter made available to newsmen on Sunday reads, “Distinguished Senator Kelvin Chukwu,

“Notice of Your Suspension from the Labour Party

“We, the members of the Executive Council of the Labour Party, Amurri Ward, Nkanu West LGA, hereby formally notify you, Distinguished Senator Kelvin Chukwu, of your suspension from the Labour Party for a period of 90 days, effective from the date of this notification, and/or the date of your receipt of this notice.

“This resolution has been passed as a result of your acts of insubordination to the leadership of the party, your involvement in anti-party activities, and your failure to adhere to the party’s principles.

“You have failed to avail yourself of the opportunity to be heard, despite several requests made to you in this regard.

“Be assured that the constitutional provisions of the party are at your disposal should you wish to assert them following your being suspended.”

The letter was signed by Comrade Chika Okoh, for and on behalf of the Executive Council of the Labour Party, Amurri Ward.

[Breaking] Ondo Election: PDP Rejects Results, Alleges Vote Buying And Manipulation

[Breaking] Ondo Election: PDP Rejects Results, Alleges Vote Buying And Manipulation

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the results of the Ondo State governorship election, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, declared the winner.

Aiyedatiwa won all 18 local government areas, securing 366,781 votes to defeat PDP’s Agboola Ajayi, who garnered 117,845 votes.

The results were announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the election held on Saturday.

In a statement on Sunday, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba described the election as falling “short of all expectations and requirements of a free, fair, and credible election.”

“The Peoples Democratic Party and indeed all lovers of democracy in Nigeria and across the world have just witnessed the worst election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” Ologunagba stated.

The PDP accused the APC of orchestrating widespread “electoral swindle, deceit, and manipulation,” citing allegations of vote buying, monetization of the process, and voter suppression.

“The poll witnessed widespread election merchandising, monetisation, and barefaced vote buying,” Ologunagba alleged, adding that the PDP would review the election outcome and “take appropriate action.”

The party called on Nigerians and the international community to take “serious action” to address election manipulation and safeguard the country’s democratic integrity.

Aggrieved Candidates Should Seek Redress In Court – Tinubu Reacts As Aiyedatiwa Wins Ondo Guber Election

Aggrieved Candidates Should Seek Redress In Court – Tinubu Reacts As Aiyedatiwa Wins Ondo Guber Election

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on his victory at the just-concluded gubernatorial election.
Tumite News reported that Aiyedatiwa secured victory in all 18 local government areas of the state, defeating his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other candidates.


President Tinubu in a statement through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the election was another litmus test of the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), affirming that the electoral body justified the confidence of the people with early preparations, deployment of staff and materials, and handling of the electoral process.
Tinubu urged candidates dissatisfied with the election’s outcome to explore the opportunities provided by the judicial system to seek redress in conflict areas.

The statement added, “President Bola Tinubu felicitates with the winner of Saturday’s Ondo State Governorship election, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress, while also commending the peaceful conduct of the process.

“The President congratulates Aiyedatiwa and other candidates of the 17 political parties for the maturity and sense of purpose demonstrated during the campaigns and the election, attributing the success of the polls to the civility in the state.

“He enjoins the political actors to allow their orderly conduct to permeate the post-election activities and processes.

“The President also commends INEC for the efficiency of uploading more than 98 per cent of results on the same day of the elections.

“President Tinubu extends his appreciation to the Nigerian Police Force, National Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Youth Service Corps, the military and other security outfits for their professionalism in maintaining peace and order.”

2025 AFCON: Super Eagles To Miss Key Players Ahead Of Clash With Rwanda

2025 AFCON: Super Eagles To Miss Key Players Ahead Of Clash With Rwanda

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be without some key players when they take on Rwanda in their 2025 AFCON qualifying final match at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 18.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, who is dealing with family matters after the recent loss of his father, and dependable wingback Ola Aina are both unavailable for the fixture.

Ademola Lookman’s participation remains uncertain due to a knock sustained in Thursday’s match against Benin Republic.

Maduka Okoye is expected to take the goalkeeping duties in the Super Eagles against a motivated Rwandan side at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Note that Aina returned to England at the request of Nottingham Forest, as the Premier League club needed him to prepare for an upcoming match against Arsenal since the Super Eagles have already secured their AFCON qualification.

Additionally, Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will miss the match due to an undisclosed injury that kept him out of action against Benin.

Currently, the Super Eagles sit at the top of Group D with 11 points, solidifying their place in the next round. This allows Coach Austin Eguavoen to field some fringe players eager to showcase their talents, as they have the chance to play for pride in this fixture.

Rwanda, positioned third in the group with five points, will be looking for a victory to leapfrog Benin Republic into second place, especially as the Cheetahs prepare for a challenging match against Libya, who are in the hunt for qualification after recently defeating Rwanda.

CAF Awards: Victor Boniface Rates Himself Over Ademola Lookman

CAF Awards: Victor Boniface Rates Himself Over Ademola Lookman

Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, Victor Boniface, has openly shared his disappointment after not being nominated for the prestigious 2024 CAF Men’s Player award.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced a shortlist of 10 nominees last month, which included notable names such as Victor Boniface’s international teammates, Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong.

Despite his exceptional performances that led to a remarkable season for Bayer Leverkusen, where he played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal, Boniface found himself excluded from the nominee list.

This exclusion has been met with surprise and regret, especially considering his significant contributions to the field.

“It’s certainly disappointing not to be recognized on the shortlist Victor Boniface remarked during an interview with BBC’s Oluwashina Okeleji. “Looking back at my performances last season, I believe I had a strong case for consideration, so it’s hard not to feel let down. However, I try not to dwell on it too much.”

When asked about who he would consider worthy of the award, Boniface was quick to express his admiration for his teammate Lookman.

“If I had to choose the winner, it would undoubtedly be Lookman, 100 per cent he stated. “But if I were given the chance to select the nominees myself, I would certainly include my name among them.”

Tinubu Departs Abuja To Join World Leaders In Brazil For G20 Summit

Tinubu Departs Abuja To Join World Leaders In Brazil For G20 Summit

President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday to participate in the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit.

Tumite News learnt that the summit will be held from November 18 to 19, and the Nigerian president’s attendance follows an invitation from Brazilian President and current G20 Chair, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the G20 summit will bring together leaders from the world’s 20 largest economies, along with representatives from the European Union, the African Union, and major multilateral financial institutions.

This year’s summit, under the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” will focus on discussions regarding hunger and poverty eradication, global governance reform, sustainable development, and energy transitions.

The statement further highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing advocacy for the reform of global governance institutions, particularly its push for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

On the sidelines of the summit, President Tinubu is expected to engage in bilateral talks aimed at advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic reforms.

The statement partly read, “This year’s meeting, under the theme, ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,’ will see the participants discuss the fight against hunger and poverty; reform of the Institution of global governance and; sustainable development and Energy Transition.

“Nigeria has always strongly advocated for a reform of the global governing institutions, and often presented its impressive credentials as a strong contender for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

“President Tinubu is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit in advancement of Nigeria’s socio-economic reforms.”

The President will be accompanied by key officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Ministers of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Art, Tourism, Culture and Creativity, Hannatu Musawa, and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, as well as the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

He is scheduled to return to Nigeria upon completing the visit.

‘APC Has Agenda To Turn Nigeria To One-Party State, Ondo Election Not Free And Fair’ – CUPP

‘APC Has Agenda To Turn Nigeria To One-Party State, Ondo Election Not Free And Fair’ – CUPP

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has described the recently concluded governorship election in Ondo State as lacking credibility, citing the absence of key elements required for a free and fair democratic process.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the CUPP spokesman, Comrade Mark Adebayo, alleged that the fundamental principles of a transparent and credible election were “glaringly missing” during the exercise.

The statement reads, “The widespread vote buying, especially by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the bias demonstrated by the security agencies who are supposed to curb such a menace was an eyesore.

“It is evident that the APC at both the national and subnationals has performed woefully on all indices of development and cannot win any fairly contested election. But the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conceptualized a dangerous agenda of state capture via a tendency towards turning Nigeria into a one-Party state prior to the 2027 genera elections. Therefore, the Party has set in motion the machinery to turn Nigeria into a one-Party state.

“It is clear to all Nigerians that the APC is the Party that has elevated poverty, hunger and economic collapse into active state policy which has destroyed many businesses and crippled the capacity of Nigerians to live a good life. Insecurity has never been as bad as it now obtains nationwide, inflation is at all-time high of 34.7% and still rising, youth unemployment and the phenomenon of out-of-school children has attained epidemic proportions under a government that has proven not only grossly incompetent but also egregiously wicked and unconcerned about the plights of regular Nigerians and swims in the slimy ocean of corruption and criminal extravagance, just to mention a few of its horrible records.

“Under these circumstances, a Party like the APC cannot win a free and fair election. But here we are, as it was done in Edo state, so it was orchestrated in Ondo State to force a fait accompli on the people by state force. This is not democracy, but a deliberate policy of state capture by antidemocratic forces who are determined to undermine and ultimately destroy our democracy as they did in the first and second Republics.

“As opposition, we remain vigilant and determined to ensure that we do not allow antidemocratic forces bring down our country by scuttling our democratic development as a sovereign nation. All hands shall be on deck to rescue Nigeria and Nigerians from the shackles of oppression, repression and the corrosive influence of obnoxious politicking.”

Ondo: ‘PDP, Ajayi Will Take The Next Action In Few Days’ – Party Agent

Ondo: ‘PDP, Ajayi Will Take The Next Action In Few Days’ – Party Agent

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Collation Agent, Olaniyi Ogungbuji, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying over N35 billion to induce voters in the just-concluded Ondo State governorship election.
Ogungbuji made the allegation shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APC’s candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the winner of the Saturday election.

The announcement was made by the Returning Officer, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, at exactly 2:29 p.m. on Sunday at INEC headquarters in Akure.

Governor Aiyedatiwa secured a landslide victory with 366,781 votes, defeating his closest rival, PDP’s Agboola Ajayi, who polled 117,845 votes. Adeyemi Nejo of the African Democratic Party (ADP) trailed with 4,138 votes.


Speaking to newsmen after the declaration, Ogungbuji alleged, “This is the end result of the election but I can tell you that APC as a party deployed over N35bn into inducing the electorate. And if this is the future of this nation, I think we are doomed for it.”

He also worried that the election didn’t occur at some polling units at Idanre LG but his position was discarded at the collation centre.

Ogungbuji hinted that the party’s candidate, Agboola Ajayi and the party would decide on the next line of action in the coming days.


“I will report back to him (Ajayi) and the party as well, they will take the next appropriate action in the next few days,” he said.

But the APC state agent, Ade Adeogun, dismissed the allegation of vote buying, describing it as flippant excuses.

He further stated, “You need to understand that throughout this electioneering period, we even complained that Ondo State was over policed.


“So, if they had any genuine evidence, which is why I mentioned cogent and verifiable reasons, they would have reported to the security agencies and those persons involved in votes buying or any inducement would have been arrested.

“Without evidence, you can’t just go around and make flippant excuses. They lost an election. They lost woefully and they’re looking for a straw to hold onto.”

He said the opposition party should be allowed to ‘weep’ over the defeat, saying the party has a right to do so.


Adeogun said, “It’s an allegation and when you go to court, he who alleges must prove. For you to prove, you must present cogent and verifiable reasons.

“If you have 10 political parties contesting and only one is complaining, you would understand that it’s a pain of loss that they’re still experiencing and we must give them that right to weep.

“If a child has failed an examination, he is allowed to weep. Let’s give them time to absorb the defeat and then probably accept the fact that they lost because they didn’t deserve to win.”

Tinubu Confers Nigeria’s Second-highest Honour On Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi

Tinubu Confers Nigeria’s Second-highest Honour On Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi

President Bola Tinubu has conferred Nigeria’s second highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
Modi was honoured with the title on Sunday during his visit to President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

Tinubu also declared the Indian Prime Minister as a friend of Nigeria.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu honours Prime Minister @narendramodi confers him with Nigeria’s second highest honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) declares him friend of Nigeria,” presidential media aide, Dada Olusegun wrote on his X account in confirmation of the development.
Earlier, Tumite News reported that President Tinubu, on Sunday, received the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at the State House in Abuja.
The Nigerian leader personally received the Indian Prime Minister at the forecourt of the Aso Rock Villa.
Modi inspected a Guard of Honour, and a 21-gun salute was also made in his honour.
Modi’s visit to Nigeria is the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, when the two nations established a strategic partnership.
In other news, President Tinubu has bestowed a posthumous award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Tinubu conferred the honour on Friday, during the funeral service in honour of Lagbaja, which was held at the National Cemetery in Mogadishu, Abuja.

“Our Next Target Is Osun And Oyo” – Ganduje Declares After APC Won Ondo Governorship Election

“Our Next Target Is Osun And Oyo” – Ganduje Declares After APC Won Ondo Governorship Election

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has disclosed that the target of the party is to have political control of the entire southwest states.
Ganduje made the declaration on Sunday, shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared the APC as the winner of the 2024 Ondo State governorship election.

The APC National Chairman said the party would do everything possible to ensure all states in the southwest are controlled by the ruling party.
Speaking to newsmen in Akure, Ganduje said: “Our next target is this geo-political zone, the southwest geo-political zone, and you know we are good in  hitting our targets, that is Osun State and Oyo State. We assure you that we will do all what is possible to bring them into the fold so that we have political homogeneity in the southwest geo-political zone.”
He also declared the conduct of the Ondo governorship election as free and fair.
“There’s no doubt this is a moment of joy, seeing is believing, and this is democracy in action, but what is more important is that all the major stakeholders in conducting this election believe that the election is free, fair and credible, especially INEC which provided the logistics arrangement, the manpower arrangement,” he said.

Details Of Discussions, Agreements Signed Between Tinubu And Indian Prime Minister Emerges

Details Of Discussions, Agreements Signed Between Tinubu And Indian Prime Minister Emerges

The presidency, on Sunday, disclosed that Nigeria and India have agreed to reinforce strategic partnership, including boosting economic, defence, health and security ties.

The statement confirmed that during their bilateral discussions at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, agreed to a greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.

The presidency said Tinubu’s visit to India in 2023 is already yielding results, noting that shortly after the Indian Prime Minister received a formal welcome, including a 21-artillery gun salute at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi went into a tete-a-tete, and later jointly presided over an expanded bilateral and political talks.

With growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, the two leaders also agreed to coordinate actions to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy.

The two countries pledged to continue regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard critical maritime routes.

”The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens.

”They called for zero tolerance to terrorism and expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism in the UN Framework as well as implementation of the UNGA and the UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism.

”It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter terrorism,” the joint statement said.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s readiness to support Nigeria’s defence modernization efforts, highlighting India’s emergence as a trusted defence manufacturer.

The two leaders also highlighted the vibrant economic relationship between India and Nigeria, with India positioned as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a significant contributor to its economy.

Nigeria commended the contributions of over 200 Indian companies operating in the country, which have generated substantial employment and investment opportunities.

On bilateral trade expansion, both leaders directed their officials to finalize pending agreements, including the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), to boost trade and investment.

They noted with satisfaction ”the fruitification of some of the investments” agreed to by the Indian companies during the visit of President Tinubu to India in September 2023, and committed to facilitating early finalization of the remaining investments.

On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held from September 9th-10th, 2023, in New Delhi, the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Business Conference had taken place, where Indian investors pledged a combined total of over $14 billion across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The investments were targeted at industrialization, energy, telecommunications, and defence sectors.

On infrastructure Development, the joint statement arising from Prime Minister Modi’s state visit, stated that India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities through concessional Lines of credit and technical expertise.

On energy collaboration, Nigeria and India agreed on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply and technical support in pipeline transmission security, CNG conversion and LPG bottling distribution.

The two leaders also discussed broader collaboration on food security and agriculture, health, education, and cultural exchanges.