Community Forum

Akpabio explains why Tinubu has not handed over power Akpabio maintained that Tinubu remained in office and was still carrying out his constitutional responsibilities despite being outside the country. He said, “I am the Senate President, and I am not the acting President of Nigeria, because President Tinubu is still in power.”

Akpabio further argued that modern communication had made it possible for the President to continue directing government affairs remotely.

He added, “He is on a working leave, and there is no absence in Aso Rock. The world is a global village, and one can give instructions over the internet. So, why are people complaining?”

The Senate President also said there was currently no presidential vacancy, stressing that Tinubu remained in control of the affairs of the country. Presidency yet to announce Tinubu’s return date Akpabio also pointed to Tinubu’s recent diplomatic engagements as evidence of his continued involvement in governance, including communication with French President Emmanuel Macron.

However, the Presidency has not announced a formal return date for Tinubu. Akpabio’s comments come amid public discussion over whether the President’s extended stay abroad should require a formal transfer of power to the Vice President.

The Dangote Foundation is expected to work with state governments to help eligible women participate in the refinery’s planned initial public offering. Dangote Foundation to donate additional shares Dangote said the initiative would not only help vulnerable women purchase shares but would also provide additional shares to some beneficiaries as a form of long-term savings.

He said, “We are partnering with state governments to ensure that widows and other vulnerable women are able to buy shares in the refinery.”

The businessman added, “Beyond enabling them to buy shares, the foundation will also support them by donating additional shares that they can hold as savings for the future.”

According to Dangote, the initiative is targeting about two million women, particularly those affected by conflict and economic hardship. Initiative linked to Dangote Refinery IPO The programme is part of the broader Dangote Refinery “People’s IPO”, which is intended to expand Nigerian participation in the ownership of the 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery through the sale of shares.

The proposed arrangement will involve state governments and the Dangote Foundation facilitating eligible women’s participation in the IPO, while donated shares would provide beneficiaries with an additional financial asset. Dangote said, “We are looking at reaching about two million women through this initiative.” The plan places widows and other vulnerable women among the groups being targeted for participation in the refinery’s planned share offering.

Rachael Okonkwo gets creative industry role Okonkwo, popularly known as Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Film and Creative Industry Development. The actress, whose full name is Nnenna Rachael Okonkwo, is known for her role in the popular Nkoli Nwa Nsukka film series. She hails from Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State and has built a career in Nollywood.

Her new position will see her work on matters relating to the state’s film and creative industry. Eucharia Anunobi takes women mobilisation role Meanwhile, veteran actress Eucharia Anunobi was appointed Special Assistant on Women Mobilisation for Enugu-North Zone. Anunobi rose to prominence in Nollywood during the 1990s and has featured in more than 90 films.

She later became an evangelist.

The appointments bring the two actresses into the Enugu State Government, with their new roles focusing on creative industry development and women mobilisation. The development has also drawn attention because of the growing involvement of entertainment personalities in public service and government appointments.