National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, has defended the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying they are already yielding positive results by restoring investor confidence, boosting economic growth and laying the foundation for a $1 trillion economy.

Speaking at the Colloquium 2.0 organised in his honour to mark his 58th birthday in Jos on Thursday, Nentawe said the Tinubu administration had taken bold decisions that previous governments contemplated but lacked the courage to implement.

According to him, Nigeria’s economic growth has, for the first time in years, overtaken population growth, while the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has risen significantly from below $300 billion to about $375 billion within two years.

He said the reforms had also restored international confidence in Nigeria, leading to the return of foreign investors and companies that had previously exited the country.

“For the first time, our exports have exceeded our imports. Investors are returning to Nigeria because confidence has returned. The productive economy we have long desired is beginning to emerge,” he said.

Nentawe said the administration was making unprecedented investments in critical infrastructure, including deep seaports, railways, highways and inland dry ports, to lower the cost of doing business, improve trade and transform Nigeria into the economic hub of West and Central Africa.

He explained that the planned network of deep seaports, rail lines and superhighways would facilitate trade with neighbouring landlocked countries, expand Nigeria’s export capacity and create new economic opportunities.

According to him, every kilometre of road constructed represents increased commerce, improved security and accelerated economic development.

The APC National Chairman said President Tinubu’s vision extends beyond immediate political gains, describing it as a long-term strategy aimed at creating prosperity for future generations.

“President Tinubu has a master plan. He is not building for today alone; he is building a future that our children and grandchildren will inherit,” he said.

Nentawe also expressed appreciation to the APC leadership in Plateau State for giving him the opportunity to contest the 2023 governorship election, describing it as the platform that launched him onto the national political stage.

He specifically acknowledged former Governor Simon Bako Lalong and other party leaders for supporting his political journey and thanked President Tinubu for entrusting him with greater national responsibilities.

Describing himself as the party’s “chief campaigner” for the President, Nentawe pledged to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing confidence that the APC would secure victory in the 2027 general elections.

“I am deeply grateful to Mr. President for believing in me. As National Chairman of the APC, I remain committed to marketing the vision of this administration and ensuring victory for our great party,” he said.

Earlier, Governor Hope Uzodima of Imo State and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, represented by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, commended Nentawe’s leadership, saying he had strengthened the party, expanded its membership and successfully conducted nationwide party primaries with minimal disputes.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang Represented by his Deputy Hon. Josephine Piyo also described the APC National Chairman as an accomplished academic, technocrat and administrator whose leadership continues to inspire young Nigerians to pursue excellence, integrity and purposeful service.

Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Hon. Patience Chaimang Shishang, expressed appreciation to dignitaries, guests, organisers and participants for contributing to the success of the colloquium. She said the event reflected a collective commitment to celebrating excellence, leadership and selfless service.

She commended members of the planning committee and volunteers for their dedication, noting that their hard work ensured the smooth organisation of the programme.

According to her, the success of the colloquium demonstrated what could be achieved through unity, teamwork and shared vision.

Shishang also thanked the keynote speakers, panelists and participants for enriching discussions on leadership, youth development and nation-building, expressing confidence that the ideas shared would continue to inspire positive change.

She concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon Plateau State and Nigeria, urging citizens to remain united in the pursuit of peace, development and national progress.

Also speaking, the National Convener of the colloquium, Comrade Gaknung Seri, said the event was conceived not merely to celebrate Prof Nentawe but to document his life, achievements and enduring contributions to education, leadership and national development.

Seri noted that while many distinguished individuals are often honoured only after their passing, the organisers deliberately chose to celebrate Professor Nentawe during his lifetime so that younger generations could learn directly from his experiences and leadership journey.

He described Prof Nentawe as a symbol of selfless service whose commitment to mentoring young people, promoting education and placing the welfare of others above personal interests had transformed many lives across the country.

According to him, the colloquium was designed to preserve Professor Nentawe’s values, character and legacy while inspiring Plateau and Nigerian youths to embrace integrity, excellence, hard work and service to humanity, expressing confidence that the conversations would continue to shape future leaders.

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