Tinubu to W'African Leaders: Turn Region's Demographic Strength, Mineral Wealth into Jobs, Industry Okonjo-Iweala: W’Africa must break trade barriers to unlock $500bn potential
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday urged the West African leaders to harness the region's youthful
population and abundant natural resources for economic transformation through industrialisation, education, and innovation. This is just as the Director-General
of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called on the West African leaders to dismantle trade barriers, and reduce costs, to unlock the subregion’s $500
billion economic potential and secure prosperity for its young and growing population. Delivering an opening address at the inaugural West Africa Economic
Summit (WAES) in Abuja, the President described the region's vibrant, youthful population as its greatest asset. "However, this demographic
promise can quickly become a liability if not matched by investments in education, digital Continued on page 5
PFAs Increase Stakes in FGN Bonds, Stock Market to N17.22tn… Page 5 Sunday, June 22, 2025 Vol 30. No 11032
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Outrage over Killing of 71 in Borno, Kano, Kebbi, Plateau; Shettima, Mutfwang Condemn Attacks Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
No fewer than 71 people were killed in attacks by bandits and female suicide bombers in Kebbi and Borno states, respectively, as well as a bomb
explosion in Kano State, and a mob in Plateau State. Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned in strongest terms the suicide bomb attack at a local food joint in Konduga Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno
State on Friday night. Similarly, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang and his Kaduna State counterpart, Uba Sani, have also condemned the tragic mob action that claimed the lives of travellers in Mangun District of Mangu Local
Government Area (LGA) of the state on Friday evening. In Kebbi State, the government confirmed the loss of 30 lives in the recent bandit attacks on the Zuru communities. The Chairmen of Zuru and Danko
Wasagu LGAs, Muhammad Gajere, and Hussaini Bena, reported that 16 people were killed in Tadurga, while 14 others lost their lives in Kyebu and Yar-Kuka in the Waje District. While speaking during a visit by the State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar
Tafida, to Tadurga at the weekend, Gajere and Bena added that several others were injured. The attackers also made away with livestock and other valuables. Continued on page 5
2027: THE CHALLENGERS
The Men Who Could Face President Tinubu
See story on page 12
▪Goodluck Jonathan - The Relunctant Candidate
▪Atiku Abubakar - Waiting for the Marabout
▪Peter Obi - Hopeful Candidate
▪Bukola Saraki - On the Sidelines
▪Rabiu Kwankwaso - Challenger from Kano
▪Chibuike Amaechi - Table Shaker
▪Nasir El-Rufai - Disruptor
▪Ibrahim Shekarau - Calm before the Storm