President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mr Frank Aigbogun, Publisher of BusinessDay newspaper, on his 70th birthday.

In a statement issued on October 31, the President described Aigbogun as a distinguished journalist and media entrepreneur who has contributed significantly to the growth of business journalism, economic reporting and informed public discourse in Nigeria.

Tinubu commended him for his commitment to responsible journalism and for providing a platform for insightful analysis of economic policies, investment opportunities and developments that shape Nigeria’s business environment.

He noted in particular Aigbogun’s use of BusinessDay to strengthen connections among the media, the private sector, policymakers and the investing public, while advancing credible business reporting in national development.

“I believe experienced media professionals such as Frank must remain invaluable contributors to Nigeria’s institutional development and the advancement of business journalism, at a critical time, as our nation undergoes economic reforms,” the President said.

Tinubu wished Aigbogun good health, renewed strength and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, affirmed the presence of transformational leadership in Zamfara State under Governor Dauda Lawal.
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The EFCC Chairman delivered the keynote address at the 30th anniversary lecture of Zamfara State, held at the Grand Chamber of the Government House in Gusau.

Other notable speakers at the anniversary lecture included Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande, Professor Sulaiman Kura, Professor Murtala Rufai and Professor Taofik Aminu, among others.

Mr Olukoyede stated that he had conducted due diligence on Zamfara State and its governor before accepting the invitation to serve as a keynote speaker.

He said, “By virtue of the ethical demands of my office, I don’t attend political events; I don’t go to the government house as a matter of principle. But when I received this invitation, something told me to accept and see what was going on there.

“I did a little due diligence on His Excellency and the state. I saw when the state was created and noticed the drastic change over the past 3 years. And I made up my mind. I went to meet my boss, Mr President, and he said, go. I told him what I have seen about Zamfara and the need to support the work His Excellency, Dauda Lawal, is doing in this state.

“I am deeply honoured to be with you this morning. My acceptance to be with you today stems from two distinct realities: first, my professional engagements rarely bring me to this vibrant part of the nation because my office is based in Abuja. This is my first time in Zamfara State.

“As I arrived in Gusau, the first thing I noticed was the new airport. It is noticeable even to first-time visitors. The capital city speaks of visible transformation, as we have seen. Newly paved roads align with street solar lights.

“Zamfara unfortunately ranked near the bottom, not for lack of natural allure, but because the perception of rigid social tendencies overshadowed its immense natural potential.

“Even after becoming a state capital in 1996, transformation was gradual. For years, despite the efforts of previous governors, Zamfara remained among the country’s less-developed states.

“However, today, the contemporary outlook is shifting; indeed, the physical evolution of Gusau serves as a powerful metaphor for the broader Zamfara State.

“I am incredibly encouraged to learn that Zamfara has steadily improved its performance in critical national examinations like NECO and WAEC. Public infrastructure is expanding, positively impacting people’s daily lives. These strides are rightfully attributed to the consolidation of the deliberate reform initiatives and align perfectly with the theme of today’s celebration titled ‘accountability and responsibility in transformational government’.

“Despite the ethical standards of the office I occupied, it will take a serious-minded, committed democrat, a transparent governor, to have the temerity and audacity to bring the Chairman of the EFCC to address the people of the state.”

In his remarks, Governor Lawal emphasised that the anniversary theme, “Reflections, Achievements, and the Future,” is intended to examine the challenges that have shaped the state’s experience and consider what leaders must do to secure a better future.

He said, “I’m pleased this commemoration has fostered serious intellectual engagement beyond ceremony. Today’s papers address key government responsibilities: public accountability, community involvement in tackling insecurity, preserving our history and culture, and linking security with socio-economic development.

“These discussions guide this administration. Our Six-Point Rescue Agenda addresses the State’s challenges. At the same time, the Zamfara State Development Plan 2025–2034 provides a long-term roadmap for the economy, infrastructure, social welfare, human capital, governance and environmental sustainability. We must turn these commitments into measurable improvements in people’s lives.

“I sincerely appreciate all the presenters for the knowledge and experience they have brought to this occasion. I also thank the Chairman of the Occasion, the discussants, the organising committee and the Sub-Committee on Lecture and Publications for their contributions to this event. To all our guests and participants, I am grateful for your presence and participation.”

The Group Chief Executive Oando Plc, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, among others Nigerian business mogul have joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for the performance of Umrah, the lesser Islamic pilgrimage.
The presence of the prominent Nigerian business leaders alongside the President in the holy city has drawn attention, bringing together three influential figures from Nigeria’s political and business communities in a moment of religious observance.
Tinubu and Rabiu, both prominent names in Nigeria’s corporate landscape, were seen alongside the President dressed in the traditional white Ihram garments worn by Muslim pilgrims performing Umrah.
Umrah, unlike the obligatory Hajj pilgrimage, can be undertaken at any time of the year. It involves a series of religious rites in Makkah and holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims across the world.
For the Nigerian business community, the appearance of the corporate leaders alongside the President also offers a glimpse into the intersection of faith, business and public life, particularly when influential figures come together outside the usual settings of boardrooms, corporate engagements and official functions.
The development comes as President Tinubu undertook the pilgrimage to seek divine guidance and offer prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.
According to the Presidency, the President performed the Umrah rites early Friday, October 30, at the Grand Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, where he circumambulated the Holy Ka’abah.
Speaking after completing the spiritual exercise, Tinubu described the pilgrimage as significant, linking it to his commitment to Nigeria and its people. He also expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to pray for the country.
The President’s prayers reportedly centre on national harmony, security, economic prosperity and the need for Nigerians to live together peacefully.
Rabiu also used the occasion to express his hopes for the country, describing it as an honour to accompany the President on the spiritual journey. He prayed for lasting peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria.
For Tinubu, whose Oando Group occupies a prominent position in Nigeria’s energy industry, the journey offered a departure from the familiar world of corporate leadership and business engagements. Rabiu, similarly, is a major player in the country’s industrial sector, with interests spanning manufacturing, cement and food production.
Their appearance in Makkah alongside the President underscores the presence of leading figures from Nigeria’s private sector at an important spiritual moment for the country’s leader.
Umrah, often described as the lesser pilgrimage, is a significant act of worship in Islam. Unlike Hajj, which takes place during a specific period in the Islamic calendar, Umrah can be performed throughout the year.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing his spiritual engagements in Saudi Arabia.