General News
Faces, Backgrounds of Those Who Want to Rule Nigeria
Yes, the 2015 race for Aso Rock, Nigeria’s seat of power has started — and candidates have completely immersed themselves in the battle of the presidential election!
Leadership newspaper took a look at the contenders are reported that the ‘fireworks’ going off across the various political parties occasioned by the build-up to the elections leave much to be desired.
The presidential seat will certainly be keenly contested for, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) working tooth and nail to retain and indeed, consolidate their grip on power, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to make a case to the electorate as the veritable alternative to the ‘15 years of misrule’ by the PDP.
According to the newspaper, constitutionally, the various political parties will have to come up with a flag bearer as a first step towards the inevitable ‘clash’ on Election Day and as expected, the process towards this is anything but easy, as it has thrown up a number of distinguished Nigerians who want to be sworn in as president on May 29, 2015.
The question, therefore, is whom does the cap fit? In no particular order LEADERSHIP Friday has assembled politicians who are vying for the presidency in 2015 and has examined the edge each possesses over the rest.
President Goodluck Jonathan:
The sitting president of Nigeria on the platform of the PDP, no doubt, is at the centre of the 2015 presidential election.
He will remain a favourite in this contest, because he is the man to beat. Like a boxing champion returning to the ring to defend his title, GEJ is preparing for the 2015 election.
It is widely perceived, however, that his reneging on the alleged one-term pact he signed to in 2011 with the governors and the reality that he has performed below expectations are reasons for the resentment towards him by both party members and a large part of the population, including his political godfather, former president Obasanjo.
But he is still the most powerful politician at present, being the president and commander-in-chief of the nation’s armed forces.
Thus, whichever way things go, he will play a very active role in who wins in the 2015 election. Beating a sitting president has so far not been possible in Nigeria, no matter how unpopular he is.
To defeat this one will require the mobilisation of the whole country in neutralising the rigging machinery often associated with his political party.
Sam Nda-Isaiah:
The publisher of Leadership Newspapers is described as “the new kid on the block” by political strategists and therefore the real face of the “change” the APC sports as its slogan among all the aspirants on the platform.
At 52 and from the private sector, he is the youngest presidential aspirant and thus represents the school of thought earnestly seeking a generational shift in the political power equation of the country.
His being a Christian from the North makes him capable of eroding Jonathan’s pivotal and key support in and from the region.
Sam has another critical advantage. Northern Muslims feel very comfortable with him in a way they do not with others, like Prof Jerry Gana.
His candidacy, therefore, in spite of his political CV (according to political experts), has the potential of uniting the whole North.
His fresh face and lack of political baggage might see him coasting to victory. His candidacy would also put a lie to PDP’s claim that APC is a Muslim party.
He is a member of the Asian think-tank, the Global Institute for Tomorrow (GIFT) based in Hong Kong, an association that has taken him to numerous brainstorming sessions in Singapore, China, India and Hong Kong in search of solutions to today’s global problems and the promise for tomorrow.
Sam has always belonged to the progressive tendency that has been in opposition since 1999.
He was the first to start advocating publicly that Nigerian opposition parties must fuse in order to form a common front to wrest power from the PDP in the interest of the nation.
General Muhammadu Buhari:
This is still the only presidential aspirant who gives the opposition sleepless nights, because of his reputation as an honest and disciplined leader.
Gen Buhari seems to be the most influential man from the North and his voice will echo power come 2015.
Buhari is a very well respected former head of state. He is often described as being as straight as an arrow. His greatest strength is that he is very popular with the masses of the North and that will play a key role as he goes into the elections.
Buhari was selected to lead the country by middle and high-ranking military officers after a successful military coup d’état that overthrew civilian president Shehu Shagari on December 31 1983.
During his regime, he ran a public campaign against indiscipline known as War Against Indiscipline (WAI). Buhari served as the chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), a body funded from the revenue generated by increase in price of petroleum products, to pursue developmental projects around the country.
A 1998 report in New African praised the PTF under Buhari for its transparency, calling it a “rare success story”. His influence and credibility will play a vital role in the weight that the opposition pulls.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar:
A man with nine lives, he is a veteran of so many wars with presidents, the most evident being the one with his ex-boss, former president Olusegun Obasanjo.
The former vice-president of Nigeria seems to be mustering his energies to take another shot at the presidency on the platform of the APC before retiring.
Age, we know, does not seem to be on his side. He played a decisive and prominent role in the factionalism that hit the PDP, his former party.
One of the consequences of that rebellion was the block shift of five PDP governors in one day and the mass defection at the National Assembly of members to APC.
This, according to political strategists, was a signal of the end of the PDP’s monopoly as the only national party in Nigeria. At present, we are faced with one reality, and it is that PDP may no longer remain the one united force — at least not before 2015.
Atiku’s strongest point is the financial war chest at his disposal, with which he can dislodge perceived opponents within the party.
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso:
The governor has undoubtedly done well in his state and will be banking on that to speak for him. He also has the political sagacity and finances at his disposal with which to prosecute his ambition.
He is one of the PDP governors who crossed over to the APC when the president reneged on his alleged promise not to seek a second term in office.
The two-time governor, former minister of defence and ambassador would most certainly make a fine president, but he has to successfully battle the other powerful and credible aspirants in the primaries, if he is to fly the APC flag.
He started work in 1975 with WRECA. He joined partisan politics in the aborted Third Republic, where he contested elections to the House of Representatives; he won and became the deputy speaker.
At the time, he belonged to the Peoples Front faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by General Shehu Yar’adua. Kwankwaso is known for his transformation agenda in Kano State, widely referred to as “Kwankwasiyya”.
He has been able to attend to the plight of the common man and this has given him acceptance and credibility in the state.
Governor Rochas Okorocha:
Governor Rochas’ popularity, occasioned by his free education campaign across the country on a charity basis and his having given the presidency a shot in the past, has put him in a comfortable position in the build-up to the elections.
Rochas cuts it as a true Nigerian, speaking the major languages in the country – Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa, and he also has the financial muscle to flex in prosecuting his ambition.
Governor Rochas has done well in his home state of Imo and that he will be banking on as a reference point.
Okorocha was a commissioner in the Federal Character Commission and a member of the National Constitutional Conference when democracy was restored in 1999. Okorocha had earlier competed in the primaries to be PDP candidate for governor of Imo State, but lost to Achike Udenwa.
He moved to the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and was an unsuccessful presidential aspirant on the party’s platform in 2003. He returned to the PDP and President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him special adviser on inter-party affairs.
Okorocha formed the Action Alliance (AA) party in 2005, planning to become its presidential candidate for the 2007 elections. On March 2 2013, Rochas led an All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) faction and decamped to All Progressives Congress.
He was later elected by his colleague governors in the opposition as chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.
Prof Akasuba Abiola:
One of the wives of the late business mogul, Chief M.K.O Abiola, she hopes to make history as the first female president of Nigeria.
She will certainly be relying on the affirmative action and the fact that women have done creditably well in their assigned duties.
Prof Akunyili of blessed memory readily comes to mind. She will also hope to ride on the name and reputation of her husband, who was denied the presidential mandate he is widely believed to have won.
If she clinches the primaries, her party has the financial muscle and structure with which to see her being sworn in as president.
But she will have to defeat the president at the primaries first. Going by the agitation by women groups, which are struggling for gender balance and equity, Akasuba may whip up quite some support.
Muhibeedeen Aliyu:
Prof Mahmood Muhibeedeen Aliyu is a strong academician who is passionate about leading the country to greater heights and he believes the best platform for this is education.
Aliyu is aspiring on the platform of the APC, although he recently described the party’s N27million presidential nomination form fee as against PDP’s N22million as ridiculous.
Aliyu is a professor of Business Education at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He holds a doctorate degree in the same field.
As a university professor, he has supervised various workshops aimed at fostering national development. He is a researcher with in-depth experience and is well known for his community service. He has headed various departments in different institutions where he taught.
He was the head, Business Education Department, College of Education, Minna. He was the secretary, P.G. Committee, Department of Vocational & Technical Education, ABU, Zaria. He was also the coordinator, L.V.T Programme, Business Education.
Aliyu is an activist who strongly believes it is time for the emergence of a new crop of well-meaning leaders in the country. He has written many books, to foster national development.
Certainly the 2015 general elections will be a defining moment in our national history and evolution, with the hope of a smooth transition for the fourth consecutive time since 1999. With violence, corruption, religious intolerance and underdevelopment plaguing Nigeria’s quest to be among the twenty most developed nations of the world, whoever becomes president will have a lot on his or her plate, as Nigerians earnestly yearn for good leadership.
General News
Tripoint Travels Hosts Pre-GEC Brunch for Nigerian Delegates Ahead of Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2025
In a vibrant celebration of national pride, global relevance, and entrepreneurial drive, Tripoint Travels, the official logistics partner of GEN Nigeria hosted an exclusive pre-congress brunch for Nigerian delegates attending the upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) 2025.
Held at Tripoint’s Lagos headquarters, the event brought together top entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem leaders, and government officials, including Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Pan Atlantic University; Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress Nigeria (GEN Nigeria); Dr. Babangida Ruma from The Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, CEO of the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited; Actor and influencer Mr. Umar Gombe; along with other distinguished guests and representatives from various government bodies, all in anticipation of their journey to Indianapolis, Indiana this June.
The Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC), Organized annually by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), the GEC brings together more than 5,000 participants from over 200 countries, including Entrepreneurs, Investors, Policymakers, Researchers, & Support organizations to build stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide. Since its inception in 2009, the GEC has become a cornerstone of international collaboration and entrepreneurial innovation.
This year’s GEC, hosted in partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), marks the Congress’ return to the United States after 16 years. Held in Indianapolis from June 2–5, 2025, the event aims to spotlight Indiana’s pro-growth business climate while strengthening global ties that promote sustainable economic development and innovation.
The brunch allowed the delegation to connect in an intimate and engaging setting, sharing expectations, ideas, and goals ahead of one of the most impactful convening in the global entrepreneurship calendar. Designed to build camaraderie, align visions, and foster a sense of shared identity, the event emphasized the importance of collaboration as Nigerian representatives prepare to take the global stage.
“The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is not just a conference, it’s a platform that is deliberate about global innovation meeting local action, said Mrs. Shuhda Muhammed, Founder of Tripoint Travels. We wanted to set the tone for our delegates, to ensure that they feel connected to this year’s theme – The Bold Change the World, as well as foster the necessary collaborations to make that happen at the local and global stage.. As a company rooted in both logistics and empowerment, we are proud to play a role in making their journey seamless and meaningful.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria (GEN Nigeria), emphasized the significance of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) as both a meeting point and a growth platform, where Nigerian entrepreneurs engage with global ecosystems to connect, learn, and thrive. He noted that Nigeria’s presence at the GEC is not just symbolic but essential, reflecting the country’s growing influence in the global entrepreneurial landscape. Dr. Anifowose also commended Tripoint Travels for their pivotal role as a trusted partner in mobilizing Nigeria’s brightest talent and making the journey to GEC 2025 a reality.
GEN Nigeria has emerged as a critical force in supporting entrepreneurship at the grassroots and policy level, and with a Partner as Tripoint Travels, its expansive network and initiatives, continues to actively shape the country’s innovation landscape, championing inclusive growth, and equipping thousands of Entrepreneurs with the tools, exposure, and networks needed to succeed in both local and international markets.
With delegates selected for their contributions to Ecosystem building and Entrepreneurship, Nigeria’s representation at The GEC 2025 would reflect the country’s diversity, resilience, entrepreneurship spirit and creative potential. The presence of Founders and Innovators like Mr Rotimi Awofisibe – MD, VFD bank, one of the officially invited participants, is testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in the Global Entrepreneurship arena.
“We’re proud to be a longstanding partner of GEN Nigeria, supporting the Entrepreneurs shaping Nigeria’s future. Attending the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) is about learning, contributing, and returning with a renewed, broader vision. It’s through committed partnerships like ours that such visions become reality,” said Mrs. Muhammed.
More than just a travel management company, Tripoint Travels is a trusted enabler of dreams, mobility, and opportunity. As GEN Nigeria’s official travel partner for GEC 2025, Tripoint is overseeing every aspect of the delegation’s journey, from visa coordination and flight logistics to accommodation and ground transportation, ensuring a seamless and empowering experience.
Tripoint Travels also extends its commitment to ecosystem development through Tripoint Academy, its nonprofit arm that supports early-stage entrepreneurs with training, mentoring, and access to local and global opportunities. Tripoint’s partnership with GEN Nigeria reflects its broader mission: to use travel as a tool for empowerment, education, and national development.
“Every single ticket we issue is a bridge, a bridge between where someone is now, and where they’re meant to be,” added Mrs. Muhammed. “We don’t just book travel. We open up the world for Nigerian entrepreneurs.”
The highlight of the Pre-Congress brunch was the piece of art done by all the delegates present at the event. The interactive art was introduced as an inclusive way to showcase the multiculturalism and pivotal position of the Nigerian business mind, and so the essence of the Nigerian delegation materialised through the painting. The art work will be exhibited and gifted at a special event during the Congress.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, on Wednesday said that no fewer than twelve federal universities will benefit from high-fibre digital infrastructure before the end of the year.
In addition, some Nigerian universities are set to begin enjoying 24-hour electricity supply to enhance teaching, research, and learning on campuses, according to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa.
Dr. Tijani disclosed this at the commissioning of a High-Fibre Digital Facility at the University of Abuja’s old Boys Hostel. He said the initiative aims to equip students with digital skills and access needed to explore emerging opportunities in the global tech ecosystem before graduation.
Citing examples of young Nigerians who have successfully built billion-dollar online payment firms, Dr. Tijani urged students to leverage the digital infrastructure being provided by the current administration to develop themselves and build a future in tech.
The project is a collaboration between the federal government, Galaxy Backbone Nigeria Ltd, Huawei Technologies Nigeria, and other tech firms. It will deliver free Wi-Fi services across campuses, serving as a digital equalizer for students.
Present at the inauguration were the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa; the National Commissioner for the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji; the Managing Director of NigComSat, Mrs. Jane Egerton-Idehen; and the Postmaster General of the Federation, Mrs. Tola Odeyemi.
Also the Vice chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof Patricia Lar and the institution’s Registrar and the Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Nigeria, Mr Teorens Wu attended the event.
Dr Tijani further said digital inclusion was necessary especially for the students to navigate contemporary challenges and become successful in the digital space without waiting for white collar jobs on graduation.
He said the University was the first of the seven universities for the first phase of the pilot scheme. And that by the end of June, they would have connected the seven universities for the first phase.
“This initiative we are launching here today is the first of the seven in a pilot scheme, and by the end of July, we will have connected the seven universities”, he said.
“Galaxy Backbone has the infrastructure in place already; all we are doing is to take the fibre to hostels,” the Minister added.
“Your challenge today is what you do with the knowledge that you’re being given. And this is why to actualise the dream of our president, we’ve taught it to be important that Nigerian university students cannot continue to learn without access to meaningful connectivity.
“It is unacceptable because we know when we give you this access that not only are you going to be better in what you’re learning, but you’re actually going to create the future that our president is asking that we create as a nation”, Dr Tijani said.
Dr. Alausa, on his part, noted that the University was a special institution selected by the government to enjoy a 24-hour power supply. And that other special institutions will enjoy 24hrs power before the end of 2026.
“The president is energising institutions. We have special institutions in the country today enjoying 24-hour electricity via the presidential renewable mini-grid project, the solarisation project.
“The University of Abuja is one of the beneficiaries. You have a 3.3 megahertz mini-grid here and everybody can attest to it now that you have a 24-hour electricity supply.
“The president is not stopping there. Before the end of next year, all the special institutions will have a mini-grid. You will all enjoy a 24-hour electricity supply, “Dr Alausa said.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Patricia Lar in her welcome address described the project as a laudable one that would benefit the school community.
“It’s a special initiative that’s going to create opportunities for students of all economic status to access data to be able to use for knowledge and education, and to feed their creativity with ease.
“We are grateful for deploying fibre to our hostels. This also works with the solar power backup that has been installed in our campus,” she said.
Nigeria has approved a fresh $500 million replenishment of the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF) at the African Development Bank (AfDB), extending the facility for another 15 years.
President of the AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, announced this during his opening remarks at the ongoing AfDB Annual Meetings in Abidjan as he expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their continued support.
“To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to Vice President Kashim Shettima, for your support over the past two years, I am profoundly grateful. Thank you for graciously approving the replenishment of the Nigeria Trust Fund for another 15 years for $500 million.”
The Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF) was set up in 1976 through an agreement between the Nigerian government and the African Development Bank Group. It’s a revolving fund that sustains itself over time and is designed to support the development of low-income African countries in need of concessional financing.
The fund can be used in a number of ways—either to co-finance projects alongside the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund (ADF) or to finance projects independently. It supports both public and private sector initiatives and can also be used to top up funding for ongoing Bank Group-backed projects.
Unlike the ADF, which allocates funds to countries, NTF resources are tied to specific projects. This allows for more flexible, needs-based support where it’s most effective.
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