Empowerment
Lawan Urges Holistic Economic Reforms Beyond Temporary Relief Measures

Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s soaring interest rates, which he described as a chokehold on entrepreneurship, agricultural growth, and sustainable development.
Speaking in Yobe North during a food distribution exercise targeting vulnerable communities, Lawan highlighted the broader structural challenges stifling Nigeria’s economic potential. While acknowledging the importance of providing immediate relief to struggling citizens, he advocated for transformative policies to address the root causes of economic hardship.
Lawan’s remarks signal a call for a shift from reliance on short-term interventions to sustainable economic strategies. His emphasis on affordable financing reflects the need for systemic changes to empower small businesses and farmers.
A statement by his is Media Adviser, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, quoted him to have said,“We can’t continue to manage hunger with handouts,” Lawan stated. “The focus must be on creating an environment where businesses and farmers thrive independently through affordable credit facilities and secure environments.”
According to Lawan, Nigeria’s commercial banks charge prohibitive interest rates of up to 34 percent, a figure he argues discourages investments and keeps the nation’s productive sectors in a state of stagnation.
“In countries where businesses flourish, loans are accessible at less than 1 percent interest rates. We must adopt similar practices to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential,” he said.
Lawan also linked food insecurity to rising insecurity, especially in northern Nigeria, where farmers are increasingly unable to access their farmlands due to banditry. He urged the federal government to intensify efforts to restore peace and create enabling conditions for agricultural revival.
“Food security is a matter of national security,” he declared. “We cannot expect sustainable growth when our farmers are unable to cultivate their lands due to fear of attacks.”
Acknowledging the reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Lawan expressed optimism for economic improvements by 2025.
However, he stressed the need for state governments to complement federal efforts by implementing local strategies that promote food security, job creation, and access to credit.
“Governance cannot be centralized,” Lawan said. “States must take ownership of development plans tailored to their specific challenges and strengths.”
Lawan’s critique of Nigeria’s banking system underscores the need for urgent reforms to lower borrowing costs and expand access to financing for small and medium enterprises.
“The current interest rates imposed by commercial banks are callous and unsustainable,” he argued. “Unless we reform our financial systems to support entrepreneurs and farmers, our fight against poverty will remain a losing battle.”
While the food distribution organized by the Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (SAIL) Foundation offered short-term relief, Lawan insisted that Nigeria’s long-term economic trajectory depends on policies that promote self-reliance.
“Temporary relief measures have their place, but our focus must be on equipping Nigerians to build sustainable livelihoods,” he emphasized.
Lawan’s advocacy highlighted the intersection of economic policy, security, and agricultural development. His push for affordable loans, agricultural security, and federal-state collaboration underscores the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s economic vulnerabilities.
As Nigeria grapples with inflation and food insecurity, Lawan’s call for reforms sets the stage for debates on how to transition from crisis management to sustainable economic growth.
Empowerment
FG Prioritizes Youth Empowerment with Bold Economic Initiatives

The Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, emphasizing its role in driving economic growth and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, made this declaration during a courtesy visit by the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) at his office in Abuja.
Director of Information & Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, in a statement quoted Edun to have highlighted several government-led initiatives aimed at enhancing youth participation, financial inclusion, and economic stability, all in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He indicated that over 100,000 students have benefited from the Student Loan program, with ₦30 billion allocated to support higher education.
Another initiative; the Digital and Creative Economy Fund designed to finance youth-led businesses, with a special focus on women entrepreneurs.
Another initiative is the Consumer Credit Access which is a government-backed initiative that will improve financial access for young Nigerians.
Infrastructure Development according to the Minister is another initiative focused on unlocking agricultural potential and expanding the economy.
The Minister reaffirmed that the government is working to eliminate barriers that hinder youth involvement in key economic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and exports.
He urged young Nigerians to take full advantage of available opportunities and actively engage with government policies.
The National President of the Arewa Youth Forum, Ahmed Mohammed Zagi, commended the government’s economic and job creation efforts, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
While acknowledging the government’s palliative interventions, Zagi appealed for additional support ahead of the Ramadan fast, noting the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The Minister assured the delegation of continued collaboration, stressing that the government remains focused on fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable economy for all Nigerians.
“The future belongs to you,” Edun told the youth representatives, encouraging stronger engagement between youth groups and policymakers to shape a prosperous national future.
With strategic programs like the Student Loan Scheme, Digital Economy Fund, and Consumer Credit Access, Nigeria’s youth are better positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. The government’s dedication to collaboration and empowerment signals a brighter future for young Nigerians.
Empowerment
Senator Natasha Unveils Free Music Studio for Kogi Artistes, empowers them with Cash

In a groundbreaking move to uplift the creative industry in Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has established a fully equipped music studio, providing free access to local artistes and financial support to fuel their careers.
The initiative, unveiled on Valentine’s Day under the Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Foundation, is set to revolutionize the entertainment landscape in the region. Beyond just a facility, the studio serves as a launchpad for emerging musicians who previously faced financial hurdles in recording their music.
The senator’s generosity extended beyond infrastructure—ten artistes received ₦300,000 each to boost their careers, while performers at the event also got financial support.
The Alema/Ohiogu Love Fest, which featured thrilling performances from top local talents, showcased the depth of musical artistry in Kogi Central.
With this initiative, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is not just investing in music; she is shaping a future where Kogi Central artistes have the tools to compete on a national and global scale.
Empowerment
Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho’s Legacy of Compassion Reshapes Kogi East

In an era where public service is often measured by fleeting promises, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho is charting a different course, one rooted in tangible impact and enduring compassion.
The Igala Vanguard, a prominent socio-cultural group in Kogi East, has applauded the senator’s transformative approach to governance, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to healthcare access and economic empowerment.
Senator Echocho’s intervention in settling hospital bills at three major general hospitals has become a beacon of hope for struggling families.
For many, healthcare costs often force heartbreaking choices between medical treatment and basic survival. By lifting this burden, the senator has restored dignity and well-being to vulnerable residents.
“This isn’t just about paying bills; it’s about saving lives and ensuring no one is denied care because of poverty,” remarked Engineer Lawrence Akpa, leader of the Igala Vanguard.
The initiative has triggered discussions about sustainable healthcare reforms and inspired calls for other leaders to adopt similar strategies to fortify public health systems.
But Senator Echocho’s impact stretches beyond healthcare. His empowerment programs, targeting widows, youth, and low-income earners—are equipping citizens with the tools to rebuild their lives. From vocational training and small business grants to educational scholarships, the senator is laying the foundation for long-term economic resilience.
“These programs are creating a ripple effect,” said Akpa. “They are breaking cycles of dependency and giving people the means to take charge of their futures.”
Widows who once faced economic exclusion now run thriving businesses. Youths who lacked direction are mastering trades. Students who risked dropping out are now chasing academic dreams. The senator’s interventions are not just short-term fixes but blueprints for self-reliance.
Senator Echocho’s story has become a rallying point for leadership with empathy. The Igala Vanguard is now calling on other political leaders to replicate his model of service—one that prioritizes impact over optics.
“What he’s doing in Kogi East transcends politics,” Akpa added. “It’s about restoring faith in governance and proving that leadership can indeed be a tool for change.”
Community voices echo this sentiment. Residents have described the senator’s programs as a lifeline, particularly in rural areas where poverty and lack of infrastructure pose daily challenges.
While celebrating these achievements, the Igala Vanguard also expressed optimism about future initiatives. They urged Senator Echocho to sustain the momentum and expand his programs to reach even more underserved communities.
The group reaffirmed its support for his vision, stressing the need for collective efforts among stakeholders to address lingering socio-economic disparities in the region.
As Kogi East moves forward, Senator Echocho’s leadership offers a powerful reminder of what governance can achieve when anchored in compassion, vision, and action. His legacy, still unfolding, promises not just relief but renewal for the people of Kogi East.
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