Group backs Tinubu, Urges Gov Sule to run for Senate

…..as future planters LEAD Africa Festival ends

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The Chief Executive Officer of the Community Initiative for Character Moulding and Entrepreneurship Development (CiCMED) and Chairman of Keftigga Group, Mr. Kefas Elisha Tigga, has reaffirmed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election. 

Tigga, however called on governor Abdullahi Sule to contest for the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat at the end of his tenure.

He made the call on Sunday during a press conference at the closing ceremony of the Future Planters LEAD Africa Festival 2025 held at Gaji Luxury Hotel, Akwanga.

The group leader, Tigga described the festival, with the theme “Sowing the Seeds of Change, Harvesting the Future of Africa,” as a major success, noting that it has strengthened the Future Planters Network across Northern Nigeria and the continent.

“This year, we trained hundreds of young people in leadership, agriculture, financial literacy, climate action and entrepreneurship,” he said. 

“Our network has now grown to over 14,000 members. We are not just planning the future; we are planting and building it.”

Tigga said the country is passing through a challenging period, insisting that Nigerians must support President Tinubu to succeed.

“Anyone who understands leadership knows this is not the easiest season for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said. “But we choose unity and encouragement. We choose to stand with the President.”

According to him, the administration’s reforms have begun to reflect in economic stability, resource allocation and support for innovation, agriculture and MSMEs.

“This is not the time to tear down the nation with sentiments,” he stated. “This is the time to build together.”

Tigga commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for what he described as “quiet but impactful leadership,” particularly in mining, agriculture, infrastructure and human capital development.

“The story of Nasarawa State cannot be told without your name written in gold,” he said. “As your constitutionally allowed tenure draws near, we in the Future Planters Network urge you to contest for the Senate. This is not retirement; this is deployment.”

He added that Sule’s experience would be valuable in shaping legislation on mining, agriculture, security and youth development.

Tigga expressed gratitude to volunteers, partners, government agencies and supporters of CiCMED’s programmes, while urging youths and development partners to commit to national growth.

“We believe in continuity, sustainability and leadership succession rooted in integrity,” he said. “Together, we will build a stronger Nasarawa, a stronger Nigeria and a rising Africa.” he stated.