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Tinubu’s Address At The 78th UNGA [Full Speech]
Mr. President, Heads of State and Government, Secretary-General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Mr. President, 1. On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of this Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
We commend your predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Csaba Korosi (Cha-ba Kor-o-chi) for his able stewardship of the Assembly.
We also commend His Excellency, Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, for his work seeking to forge solutions to humanity’s common challenges.
This is my first address before the General Assembly. Permit me to say a few words on behalf of Nigeria, on behalf of Africa, regarding this year’s theme.
Many proclamations have been made, yet our troubles remain close at hand. Failures in good governance have hindered Africa. But broken promises, unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad have also exacted a heavy toll on our ability to progress.
Given this long history, if this year’s theme is to mean anything at all, it must mean something special and particular to Africa.
In the aftermath of the Second World War, nations gathered in an attempt to rebuild their wartorn societies.
A new global system was born and this great body, the United Nations, was established as a symbol and protector of the aspirations and finest ideals of humankind.
Nations saw that it was in their own interests to help others exit the rubble and wasteland of war. Reliable and significant assistance allowed countries emaciated by war to grow into strong and productive societies.
The period was a highwater mark for trust in global institutions and the belief that humanity had learned the necessary lessons to move forward in global solidarity and harmony.
Today and for several decades, Africa has been asking for the same level of political commitment and devotion of resource that described the Marshall Plan.
We realize that underlying conditions and causes of the economic challenges facing today’s Africa are significantly different from those of post war Europe.
We are not asking for identical programs and actions. What we seek is an equally firm commitment to partnership. We seek enhanced international cooperation with African nations to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.
There are five important points I want to highlight.
First, if this year’s theme is to have any impact at all, global institutions, other nations and their private sector actors must see African development as a priority, not just for Africa but in their interests as well.
Due to both longstanding internal and external factors, Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic structures have been skewed to impede development, industrial expansion, job creation, and the equitable distribution of wealth.
If Nigeria is to fulfil its duty to its people and the rest of Africa, we must create jobs and the belief in a better future for our people.
We must also lead by example.
To foster economic growth and investor confidence in Nigeria, I removed the costly and corrupt fuel subsidy while also discarding a noxious exchange rate system in my first days in office. Other growth and job oriented reforms are in the wings.
I am mindful of the transient hardship that reform can cause. However, it is necessary to go through this phase in order to establish a foundation for durable growth and investment to build the economy our people deserve.
We welcome partnerships with those who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assume larger roles in the global community.
The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.
Direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of African exports and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation we seek.
Second, we must affirm democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people. Military coups are wrong, as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice.
The wave crossing parts of Africa does not demonstrate favour towards coups. It is a demand for solutions to perennial problems.
Regarding Niger, we are negotiating with the military leaders.
As Chairman of ECOWAS, I seek to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges confronting that nation, including the violent extremists who seek to foment instability in our region. I extend a hand of friendship to all who genuinely support this mission.
This brings me to my third crucial point. Our entire region is locked in protracted battle against 10 violent extremists. In the turmoil, a dark channel of inhumane commerce has formed. Along the route, everything is for sale. Men, women and children are seen as chattel.
Yet, thousands risk the Sahara’s hot sand and the Mediterranean’s cold depths in search of a better life. At the same time, mercenaries and extremists with their lethal weapons and vile ideologies invade our region from the north.
This harmful traffic undermines the peace and stability of an entire region. African nations will improve our economies so that our people do not risk their lives to sweep the floors and streets of other nations. We also shall devote ourselves to disbanding extremist groups on our turf.
Yet, to fully corral this threat, the international community must strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa.
The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure the continent’s mineral-rich areas from pilfering and conflict. Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite the strong UN presence there. The world economy owes the DRC much but gives her very little.
The mayhem visited on resource-rich areas does not respect national boundaries. Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, CAR, the list grows.
The problems also knocks Nigeria’s door. Foreign entities abetted by local criminals who aspire to be petty warlords have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.
Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or by design.
Member nations must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st century pillage of the continent’s riches.
Fifth, climate change severely impacts Nigeria and Africa. Northern Nigeria is hounded by desert encroachment on once arable land. Our south is pounded by the rising tide of coastal flooding and erosion. In the middle, the rainy season brings floods that kill and displace multitudes.
As I lament deaths at home, I also lament the grave loss of life in Morocco and Libya. The Nigerian people are with you.
African nations will fight climate change but must do so on our own terms. To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with overall economic efforts.
In Nigeria, we shall build political consensus by highlighting remedial actions which also promote 14 economic good. Projects such as a Green Wall to stop desert encroachment, halting the destruction of our forests by mass production and distribution of gas burning stoves, and providing employment in local water management and irrigation projects are examples of efforts that equally advance both economic and climate change objectives.
Continental efforts regarding climate change will register important victories if established economies were more forthcoming with public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred initiatives.
Again, this would go far in demonstrating that global solidarity is real and working.
CONCLUSION 41. As I close, let me emphasize that Nigeria’s objectives accord with the guiding principles of this world body: peace, security, human rights and development.
In fundamental ways, nature has been kind to Africa, giving abundant land, resources and creative and industrious people. Yet, man has too often been unkind to his fellow man and this sad tendency has brought sustained hardship to Africa’s doorstep.
To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must end. The will of the people must be respected. This beauty, generous and forgiving planet must be protected.
As for Africa, we seek to be neither appendage nor patron. We do not wish to replace old shackles with new ones.
Instead, we hope to walk the rich African soil and live under the magnificent African sky free of the wrongs of the past and clear of their associated encumbrances. We desire a prosperous, vibrant democratic living space for our people.
To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has stirred controversy after accusing Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of orchestrating the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of Oyo State.
Fayose made the startling allegation during a televised programme while reacting to the kidnapping incident that has sparked outrage across the country and renewed concerns over insecurity in schools.
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The former governor claimed that the abduction may have been politically motivated and aimed at embarrassing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to Fayose, governors have a major role to play in tackling security challenges within their states and should not be quick to shift responsibility to the Federal Government whenever incidents occur.
He questioned Governor Makinde’s handling of the crisis, alleging that the governor prioritized political activities, including party nomination exercises, instead of taking immediate action to address the abduction and support affected families.
“I strongly believe, though I may be wrong, that this incident could have been orchestrated. The governor was engaged in nomination activities while the abduction occurred,” Fayose stated.
The former governor further alleged that the incident may have been designed to portray the Federal Government in a negative light and create the impression that President Tinubu’s administration was failing to address insecurity.
His remarks come days after gunmen reportedly abducted pupils and teachers in some local government areas of Oyo State, prompting national concern and intervention from the Federal Government.
Following the incident, President Tinubu dispatched a high-powered delegation to the affected communities and assured residents that efforts were underway to secure the safe release of the victims.
Fayose’s allegations have since generated mixed reactions among political stakeholders, with some calling for evidence to support the claims, while others described the comments as speculative and politically charged.
Meanwhile, security experts and concerned citizens continue to call for stronger measures to protect schools and prevent further attacks on students and teachers across the country.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has disbursed a total of Two Hundred and Four Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-five Thousand, two hundred and nine naira and eighty kobo (N204,275,209.80) to the next of kin of all staff who died in active service.
According to a government house statement in Osogbo on Monday, the disbursement covers all those, whose documentations have been completed in the Pension Office.
It added that the disbursement was made up of One Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-One Thousand, Eighty-Three Naira, Forty-Five Kobo (#125,631,083.45) for the State level beneficiaries and Seventy-Eight Million, Six Hundred Fort-Four Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Six Naira, Thirty-Five Kobo (#78,644,126.35) for Local Government level beneficiaries.
It was gathered that from 2023 to date, the administration had paid a total of Eight Hundred and Eighty-two Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventeen Naira, Fifty Kobo (₦882,752,717.50) to a total of One Hundred and Eighty-Four (184) beneficiaries across the entire gamut of the public service.
Under the personal accident insurance scheme, the administration had approved and released a total of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Six Million, Seven Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Fifteen Kobo (₦1,866,719,123.15) being the outstanding claims of the Five Hundred and Sixty-three (563) beneficiaries covering September 2013 to 1st of August 2023.
The sharing of cheques for the new beneficiaries was held today at Osogbo with the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina representing the state governor.
In the address of the governor presented by the Head of Service, Governor Adeleke reiterated that his commitment to workers and pensioners’welfare remain unshaken despite the financial challenges facing the state, adding that “what my predecessor failed to implement is what I am executing now.
“When we stated clearly in our 5 – point Action Plan, our desire to make the welfare of the workforce and the pensioners No. 1 priority, our detractors made jest of us, describing the pledge as an impossibility. Today, to the glory of God, we have made significant progress as a talk and do administration”, the governor noted.
He explained that the Group Life Assurance Policy, under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) 2008, Section 15, is designed to cater for death-in-service benefits for Osun State workforce, describing the refusal of the previous government to commit to its settlement as inhumane and uncharitable.
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The governor faulted the previous administration for foisting and condoning irregularities in the payment of Premium to the Insurance Company for the settlement of claims to the beneficiaries.
To correct the anomalies, Governor Adeleke said his administration approved the engagement of VALANIS Insurance Brokers Ltd., as the lead Broker while Capital Express Assurance Plc was engaged as the Lead Insurance Underwriter in August 2023.
“Since then, my Administration had paid a total of Eight Hundred and Eighty-two Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventeen Naira, Fifty Kobo (₦882,752,717.50) to a total of One Hundred and Eighty-Four (184) beneficiaries across the entire gamut of the public service.
“It is also heartwarming that the Insurance Company has added another package known as Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) to the Group Life Assurance Scheme for the State Workforce, which is a free package. Under this package, each officer of the workforce, no matter the Grade Level, is entitled to a sum of One Million (N1,000,000.00) Naira only, for the payment of Medical Expenses for all accidents resulting in bodily injuries.
“This new addition is no doubt a reflection of my commitment to the welfare of all staff in the Public Service. Three (3) of our insured workers had benefitted from this policy to the tune of millions naira.
“As an advocate of politics without bitterness and as one who is committed to the welfare of the entire workforce, dead or alive, I have approved and released a total of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Six Million, Seven Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Fifteen Kobo (₦1,866,719,123.15) being the outstanding claims of the Five Hundred and Sixty-three (563) beneficiaries covering September 2013 to 1st of August 2023.
“This was what our predecessors failed to do thereby making life difficult for the beneficiaries.
“Despite our present financial challenges, we have continued to fulfil our electioneering campaign promises on staff welfare and funding of the pension industry.
“This morning, cheques of Two Hundred and Four Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-five Thousand, two hundred and nine naira and eighty kobo (N204,275,209.80) will be distributed to the beneficiaries. This made up of One Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-One Thousand, Eighty-Three Naira, Forty-Five Kobo (#125,631,083.45) for the State level beneficiaries and Seventy-Eight Million, Six Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Six Naira, Thirty-Five Kobo (#78,644,126.35) for Local Government level beneficiaries”, the governor told the elated beneficiaries.
Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Alhaji M.K. Bello, a retired Director of Administration, commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for approving the reorganisation and disbursement of the cheques, describing the Governor as God-sent.
According to him, “the holistic attention to workers’ Welfare by Governor Adeleke is unprecedented in the history of Osun governance”, adding “we are grateful”.
Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has reinforced its position as Africa’s most influential corporate brands after emerging as the continent’s Most Admired African Brand for the eighth consecutive year.
In the same vein, its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Chief Marketing Officers.
The recognition was announced at the 16th annual Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The survey, regarded as Africa’s most comprehensive consumer-led brand study, covered 30 countries representing more than 85 per cent of the continent’s population and economic output.
In the latest rankings, the DIL emerged as Africa’s Most Admired Brand in aided recall, ahead of South Africa’s MTN and Vodacom. In the spontaneous recall category, it ranked second among African brands, behind MTN and ahead of Trade Kings.
The Group also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Industrial Brand and was ranked the No. 1 African Brand Contributing to a Better Africa, ahead of MTN, DStv, Shoprite/Checkers and Trade Kings, reflecting its significant contribution to industrialisation, job creation, economic development and sustainable growth across the continent.
The rankings show Dangote’s growing influence as one of Africa’s most recognisable corporate brands, built on investments spanning cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, energy, sugar, salt, packaging and logistics.
Brand Africa noted that despite a modest rebound in African brand recognition, homegrown brands still account for only 15 per cent of Africa’s 100 most admired brands, highlighting the continued dominance of foreign brands across the continent.
Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, described the promotion and support of African brands as a critical economic imperative for the continent.
“Converting goodwill towards African contribution into admiration for African brands is the most urgent commercial opportunity for the continent. It is not enough for Africans to believe in Africa, they must buy Made-in-Africa,” he said.
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The survey also ranked Dangote among Africa’s leading brands in sustainability and social impact, placing second in the category of brands recognised for doing good for society, people and the environment.
Despite the dominance of global brands across Africa, Dangote has cemented its position as one of the continent’s leading corporate brands, alongside MTN and Ethiopian Airlines.
The three emerged as the highest ranked African brands in the 2026 Brand Africa rankings, standing out on a list dominated by global names such as Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Apple and Coca-Cola. The achievement is notable given that African brands accounted for just 15 per cent of the Top 100 rankings, compared with 38 per cent for European brands, 28 per cent for North American brands and 19 per cent for Asian brands.
Further strengthening the Group’s standing, its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, was selected for the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100) list, which recognises the continent’s most impactful marketing, brand and reputation leaders.
The ACMO100 initiative, launched by Brand Africa in partnership with African Business magazine, MIPAD and the African Media Agency, honours marketing executives whose work is shaping Africa’s business narrative, strengthening brand equity and driving economic growth across the continent and the diaspora.
Chiejina was among only 20 executives selected from West Africa and one of 17 Nigerians recognised for their contribution to brand building, corporate reputation management and strategic communications.
According to Brand Africa, the selection process was based on independent research, industry impact, leadership influence and contribution to the growth of brands that shape consumer perceptions and economic outcomes across Africa.
The latest recognition adds to a growing list of honours for Dangote Industries, which was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame last year for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands over more than a decade. Its President and Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for championing industrialisation and building one of Africa’s most successful indigenous enterprises.
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