Category: Government

Emmanuel lkpeama 

To facilitate the needed relief to Nigerians and ensure the effectiveness of humanitarian and social development programmes, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of seven qualified Nigerians to head strategic agencies and programmes under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

According to the release signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale stated that Dr. Badamasi Lawal is appointed às the Chief Executive Officer, National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

Dr. Lawal holds a doctorate degree in education, and he previously served as a commissioner in Katsina State,others are Ms. Funmilola Olotu — Programme Manager, National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office

Ms. Olotu holds a master’s degree in business administration, and she is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on state lotteries.

Ms. Aishat Alubankudi — Programme Manager, Grant for Vulnerable Groups

Ms. Alubankudi holds a bachelor’s degree in community development. She has experience as a risk assessor and financial manager.

Princess Aderemi Adebowale — Programme Manager, Home Grown School Feeding

Princess Adebowale holds a doctorate degree. She is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Civic Engagement and previously served as a local government chairperson.

Mr. Abdullahi Alhassan Imam — Programme Manager, National Cash Transfer Office

Mr. Imam holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and has served as chief accountant, Northern Dairies Ltd, and as a bank manager.

Mr. Ayuba Gufwan — Executive Secretary, National Commission for People with Disabilities

Mr. Gufwan holds an LLB and is the executive director of the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre, Jos.

Ms. Lami Binta Adamu Bello — Director General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons

Ms. Binta holds a master’s degree in public administration and has served as the Secretary-General of ALGON, and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, as well as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Ajuri noted that the President expects the new heads of these critical agencies and programmes to discharge the functions of their offices with utmost integrity and diligence so as to ensure that Nigerians, especially vulnerable groups, are the exclusive and direct beneficiaries of his administration’s reconfigured welfare programmes.

 

Emmanuel lkpeama 

The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has inaugurated the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC.

Inaugurating the members of the Commission,at the Governor’s Lodge,Amawbia,which include Magistrate Chinelo Genevieve Osakwe as Chairman of the Commission,Mrs. Bernadine Obande, Barr. Osita Cyril Igbokwe, Sir Chinedu Anthony Nnalue, Mrs. Helen Ifeyinwa Umeh and Mr. John Emeka Okeke as members of the Commission.

Governor Soludo stressed that they have been called to perform an onerous task, especially as it concerns the conduct of local government election in the state.

He stated that the law clearly spelt out their wide range of functions, asking them to expedite action and set a date for the conduct of local government election for ndị Anambra.

Soludo charged the newly appointed officers on rendering sterling service with honour and integrity, while recalling that the conduct of a local government election was a major promise he made to ndị Anambra when he was inaugurated and emphasized that crafting the law and getting the institution up and running, took some time

“The rest of the job is in your hands. People of Anambra are expecting you to hit the ground running.”

“When you are done, announce to the people when you’ll hold elections. I’ve done my job.”

“Ndị Anambra, here comes your ANSIEC Commissioners”, the Governor added.

He expressed optimism that with their credentials, it is expected that the Commission would render first-rate action.

On her part, the ANSIEC Chairman, Magistrate Osakwe, expressed happiness for being given the opportunity to serve.

“This is a big task. We will wade through the storm.

“Ndị Anambra will be grateful after our work. We will render this service diligently and transparently.”

“This is a formidable team. We’ll do our work and do it well, “she emphasized.

lnvestigator News reports that terms of reference of the members include organizing, undertaking, and supervising all elections and matters pertaining to elections to the elective offices in the local government councils in the state, render such advice as

it may consider necessary to the Independent National Electoral Commission on the compilation of the register of voters In so far as that register is applicable to the Local Government of the State, prescribe guidelines to political parties, stipulating the rules and procedure for the conduct of Local Government elections in the State, conduct voter and civic education.

Others are to promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes, conduct any referendum or plebiscite required to be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution(as amended) or any law of the State, prepare and submit its budget directly to the House of Assembly, liaise directly with the Commissioner of Police, Director, State Security Service, and other relevant security bodies that may facilitate violence-free and fair elections; consult regularly with all registered political parties in the State and ensure free flow of information about the Commission, appoint a lawyer to defend the Commission and prosecute anyone who violates the provisions of the law, assign poll clerks and orderlies in respect of each polling station or unit to assist at the poll and perform such other functions as may be conferred on it by Law.

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The functions of the Commission under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section shall include the division of the area of the Local Government, into such number of ward or constituencies as are prescribed by law for the purpose of the elections to be conducted by the Commission.

In the exercise of its function under paragraph (a) of sub-section (1) and under sub-section (2) of this section, the Commission shall use the Voters Registers compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Highlight of the ceremony was oath of office taking by the members chairman and members of the commission.

Those in attendance at the event include the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Sylvia Ifemeje, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, SA on Legal matters, Tobechukwu Nweke SAN, and other members of the State Executive Council were present at the event.

.…..Says  removal of fuel subsidy not feasible 

Tunde Omoniyi and Felicia Asuquo 

After three consecutive days of #EndBadGovernance protest against economic hardship and high cost of living that have caused chaos across the 36 states of the country including the nation’s capital Abuja,the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally addressed over 200 million Nigerians on Sunday 4th August,2024.

President Tinubu who urged the protesters to suspend the nationwide rallies and embrace dialogue as he has heard their cries and appeal concerning the economic hardship being faced in the country.

“Fellow Nigerians, I have heard you loud and clear,l understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.

“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future, where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity.

“I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states,” he added.

He urged the protesters to suspend the nationwide rallies and embrace dialogue ” he stated

On the issue of removal of fuel subsidy,President Tinubu ruled out the return of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) famously known as petrol., stating that fuel subsidy is necessary and its removal is not feasible.

“For decades, our economy has remained anaemic and taken a dip because of many misalignments that have stunted our growth.

“Just over a year ago, our dear country, Nigeria, reached a point where we couldn’t afford to continue the use of temporary solutions to solve long-term problems for the sake of now and our unborn generations.

“I therefore took the painful yet necessary decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems which had constituted a noose around the economic jugular of our Nation and impeded our economic development and progress.

“These actions blocked the greed and the profits that smugglers and rent-seekers made. They also blocked the undue subsidies we had extended to our neighbouring countries to the detriment of our people, rendering our economy prostrate.

“These decisions I made were necessary if we must reverse the decades of economic mismanagement that didn’t serve us well. Yes, I agree, the buck stops on my table. But I can assure you that I am focused fully on delivering the governance to the people – good governance for that matter.”he submitted

Full Speech Of the President Broadcast:

BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY BOLA AHMED TINUBU, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE NATIONWIDE PROTEST

DATE: SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST 2024

My fellow Nigerians,

1. I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states.

2. Notably among the protesters were young Nigerians who desired a better and more progressive country where their dreams, hopes, and personal aspirations would be fulfilled.

3. I am especially pained by the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and other states, the destruction of public facilities in some states, and the wanton looting of supermarkets and shops, contrary to the promise of protest organisers that the protest would be peaceful across the country. The destruction of properties sets us back as a nation, as scarce resources will be again used to restore them.

4. I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction.

5. As President of this country, I must ensure public order. In line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.

6. Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity. Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation. To those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of this country, be warned: The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.

7. Our democracy progresses when the constitutional rights of every Nigerian are respected and protected. Our law enforcement agencies should continue to ensure the full protection of lives and properties of innocent citizens in a responsible manner.

8. My vision for our country is one of a just and prosperous nation where each person may enjoy the peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihood that only democratic good governance can provide – one that is open, transparent and accountable to the Nigerian people.

9. For decades, our economy has remained anaemic and taken a dip because of many misalignments that have stunted our growth. Just over a year ago, our dear country, Nigeria, reached a point where we couldn’t afford to continue the use of temporary solutions to solve long-term problems for the sake of now and our unborn generations. I therefore took the painful yet necessary decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems which had constituted a noose around the economic jugular of our Nation and impeded our economic development and progress.

10. These actions blocked the greed and the profits that smugglers and rent-seekers made. They also blocked the undue subsidies we had extended to our neighbouring countries to the detriment of our people, rendering our economy prostrate. These decisions I made were necessary if we must reverse the decades of economic mismanagement that didn’t serve us well. Yes, I agree, the buck stops on my table. But I can assure you that I am focused fully on delivering the governance to the people – good governance for that matter.

11. In the past 14 months, our government has made significant strides in rebuilding the foundation of our economy to carry us into a future of plenty and abundance. On the fiscal side, aggregate government revenues have more than doubled, hitting over 9.1 trillion Naira in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023 due to our efforts at blocking leakages, introducing automation, and mobilising funding creatively without additional burden on the people. Productivity is gradually increasing in the non-oil sector, reaching new levels and taking advantage of the opportunities in the current economic ambience

12. My dear brothers and sisters, we have come this far. Coming from a place where our country spent 97% of all our revenue on debt service; we have been able to reduce that to 68% in the last 13 months. We have also cleared legitimate outstanding foreign exchange obligations of about $5billion without any adverse impact on our programmes.

13. This has given us more financial freedom and the room to spend more money on you, our citizens, to fund essential social services like education and healthcare. It has also led to our State, and Local Governments receiving the highest allocations ever in our country’s history from the Federation Account.

14. We have also embarked on major infrastructure projects across the country. We are working to complete inherited projects critical to our economic prosperity, including roads, bridges, railways, power, and oil and gas developments. Notably, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway projects will open up 16 connecting states, creating thousands of jobs and boosting economic output through trade, tourism and cultural integration

15. Our once-declining oil and gas industry is experiencing a resurgence on the back of the reforms I announced in May 2024 to address the gaps in the Petroleum Industry Act. Last month, we increased our oil production to 1.61million barrels per day, and our gas assets are receiving the attention they deserve. Investors are coming back, and we have already seen two Foreign Direct Investments signed of over half a billion dollars since then.

16. Fellow Nigerians, we are a country blessed with both oil and gas resources, but we met a country that had been dependent solely on oil-based petrol, neglecting its gas resources to power the economy. We were also using our hard-earned foreign exchange to pay for, and subsidise its use. To address this, we immediately launched our Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (CNG) to power our transportation economy and bring costs down. This will save over two trillion Naira a month, being used to import PMS and AGO and free up our resources for more investment in healthcare and education.

17. To this end, we will be distributing a million kits of extremely low or no cost to commercial vehicles that transport people and goods and who currently consume 80% of the imported PMS and AGO.

18. We have started the distribution of conversion kits and setting up of conversion centres across the country in conjunction with the private sector. We believe that this CNG initiative will reduce transportation costs by approximately 60 per cent and help to curb inflation.

19. Our administration has shown its commitment to the youth by setting up the student loan scheme. To date, 45.6billion Naira has already been processed for payment to students and their respective institutions

20. I encourage more of our vibrant youth population to take advantage of this opportunity. We established the Consumer Credit Corporation with over N200billion to help Nigerians to acquire essential products without the need for immediate cash payments, making life easier for millions of households. This will consequently reduce corruption and eliminate cash and opaque transactions. This week, I ordered the release of an additional N50billion Naira each for NELFUND – the student loan, and Credit Corporation from the proceeds of crime recovered by the EFCC

21. Additionally, we have secured $620million under the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) – a programme to empower our young people, creating millions of IT and technical jobs that will make them globally competitive. These programmes include the 3Million Technical Talents scheme. Unfortunately, one of the digital centres was vandalised during the protests in Kano. What a shame!

22. In addition, we have introduced the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA); the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA); and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP).

23. Also, more than N570 billion has been released to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefitted from our nano-grants. An additional 400,000 more nano-businesses are expected to benefit.

24. Furthermore, 75,000 beneficiaries have been processed to receive our N1million Micro and Small Business single-digit interest loans, starting this month. We have also built 10 MSME hubs within the past year, created 240,000 jobs through them and 5 more hubs are in progress which will be ready by October this year.

25. Payments of N1billion each are also being made to large manufacturers under our single-digit loans to boost manufacturing output and stimulate growth.

26. I signed the National Minimum Wage into law last week, and the lowest-earning workers will now earn at least N70,000 a month.

27. Six months ago in Karsana, Abuja, I inaugurated the first phase of our ambitious housing initiative, the Renewed Hope City and Estate. This project is the first of six we have planned across the nation’s geopolitical zones. Each of these cities will include a minimum of 1,000 housing units, with Karsana itself set to deliver 3,212 units

28. In addition to these city projects, we are also launching the Renewed Hope Estates in every state, each comprising 500 housing units. Our goal is to complete a total of 100,000 housing units over the next three years. This initiative is not only about providing homes but also about creating thousands of jobs across the nation as well as stimulating economic growth.

29. We are providing incentives to farmers to increase food production at affordable prices. I have directed that tariffs and other import duties should be removed on rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for the next 6 months, in the first instance, to help drive down the prices.

30. I have been meeting with our Governors and key Ministers to accelerate food production. We have distributed fertilisers. Our target is to cultivate more than 10 million hectares of land to grow what we eat. The Federal Government will provide all necessary incentives for this initiative, whilst the states provide the land, which will put millions of our people to work and further increase food production. In the past few months, we have also ordered mechanized farming equipment such as tractors and planters, worth billions of Naira from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil. I can confirm to you that the equipment is on the way.

31. My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.

32. But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future, where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity.

33. The task before us is a collective one, and I am leading the charge as your President. A lot of work has gone into stabilising our economy and I must stay focused on ensuring that the benefits reach every single Nigerian as promised.

34. My administration is working very hard to improve and expand our national infrastructure and create more opportunities for our young people.

35. Let nobody misinform and miseducate you about your country or tell you that your government does not care about you. Although there have been many dashed hopes in the past, we are in a new era of Renewed Hope. We are working hard for you, and the results will soon be visible and concrete for everyone to see, feel, and enjoy.

36. Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let us choose hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation. The economy is recovering; Please, don’t shut out its oxygen. Now that we have been enjoying democratic governance for 25 years, do not let the enemies of democracy use you to promote an unconstitutional agenda that will set us back on our democratic journey. FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER!

37. In conclusion, security operatives should continue to maintain peace, law, and order in our country following the necessary conventions on human rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory. The safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount.

38. Thank God — and Thank you for your attention, and may God continue to bless our great Nation. Thank you very much.

 

 

 

Emmanuel Clement 

In recognition of Somolu’s evolution into a thriving business hub, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu, the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, applauded residents and youths for their calmness and orderliness amid recent nationwide protests.

Salawu, affectionately known as Dullar, highlighted how Somolu’s refusal to succumb to unrest has reinforced its reputation as a world-class community.

During a tour of significant ongoing projects, including the new Somolu Local Government Administrative Complex, Legislative Complex, Fire Service Station, and Bashua Police Station, Salawu emphasized the importance of peace in driving development.

“Your dedication to safeguarding our community from toxic external forces ensures that Somolu continues to thrive,” he stated

Salawu attributed much of Somolu’s progress to the exceptional leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. “Governor Sanwo-Olu’s visionary approach to security and infrastructure has laid the foundation for a prosperous business environment in Somolu,” he submitted

Expressing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Salawu praised the recent cancellation of import duties on all food items, a decision he believes will significantly boost the economy.

The Chairman also lauded the efforts of security agencies and volunteer youths in protecting both government and private properties. He urged all residents to remain vigilant. “Our collective vigilance is crucial in maintaining a resilient and prosperous community,” Salawu concluded.

 

Emmanuel lkpeama 

The Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Hon. Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello, has passionately appealed to residents of Ejigbo and its environs to shun violence during protests, emphasizing that such actions could lead to loss of lives and property within the community.

This appeal was made in light of recent events and the growing tensions surrounding the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1st.

Also,the council boss while delivering his keynote address to stakeholders, highlighted the detrimental effects of protests on the community, referencing the 2021 End SARS protest in Lagos, which resulted in significant loss of lives and property for both the Lagos State Government and private individuals.

Hon. Obe further assured residents of the community of full support and cooperation with all security agencies within the LCDA, including the Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Lagos State Neighborhood Watch (LNSC).

In orderwords, He urged all program participants to return to their communities and encourage the youth to remain calm, fostering peace and tranquility in their respective areas.

Furthermore, the Divisional Police Officer of Ejigbo Division, CSP Vera Ameh Akpa, also addressed the residents, expressing gratitude for their cooperation with the police force. CSP Ameh implored residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals within their community.

The paramount ruler of Ejigbo and Ijon Land, His Royal Majesty Oba Moruf Adisa Adekunle OjoOla, appealed to residents to engage in dialogue rather than protest. He advised that any protests should follow appropriate channels and respect the property of both the government and private individuals.

The stakeholders of Ejigbo LCDA pledged their full support and commitment towards maintaining peaceful coexistence in the area, responding positively to Hon. Obe’s appeal.

The Council Manager, Mr. Olusegun Ajagunna, expressed his appreciation to stakeholders and residents for heeding the Chairman’s call and pledged to support his efforts in maintaining peace and stability in Ejigbo LCDA.

Present at the event are the Executive Committee, Legislators, Management staff of Ejigbo LCDA and Major Stakeholders in Ejigbo LCDA

 

Emmanuel lkpeama

As part of his efforts to avert violence relating to the protest scheduled from August 1 to 10, the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu ‘Dullar’,has engaged various community Stakeholders,Political,head of religious bodies,youth leaders, as well as security chiefs and officials from the National Orientation Agency.

During the meeting,’Dullar’ emphasized that government properties are communal assets that must be protected by all.

He cited the destructive #EndSARS protests of 2020, which saw Alade Market, Alade Police Station, and Onipanu Police Station set ablaze, while urging the community to prevent such criminal acts in the future.

The chairman went further to cautioned against suspicious and frivolous gatherings that could trigger violence in any area of Somolu, noting that proactive approach put in place is aimed to ensure that the planned protest does not disrupt the peace and stability of the community.

Also the Chairman ‘Dullar’, in company of the Vice Chairman, Hon. Adekunle Ekiyemi-Odujobi, also met with the Somolu Legislative Council and the Somolu Executive Council.

The meetings were attended by notable figures such as Apostle Peter Oyewusi (Chairman of APC Apex Leaders in Somolu-Bariga), Alhaji Fatai Bakare, and Hon. Ademola Adefalujo-Olisa, among others including Hon. Williams Lawanson, Hon. Michael Oikeh, Hon. Rasaq Tajudeen, Ademola Ogunade, and Hon. Adewale Oseni

 

Felicia Asuquo, Abuja 

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has declared that the electoral umpire is capable of successfully conducting LG elections if saddled with the responsibility by law.

The INEC chief made this known when he appeared before a Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters to present the Ondo and Edo off-cycle elections budget on Thursday.

He, however, raised the question of funding for their by-elections in the country.

Mahmood explained that the commission, which currently conducts hitch-free elections in the 62 wards in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area councils in addition to national and state government positions, can conveniently conduct the same across the 774 local government areas with the amendments of certain provisions of the electoral laws.

It will be recalled that State governments currently organise LG elections in their respective domains with the ruling parties in states sweeping the chairmanship seats of all local councils, a development kicked against by opposition parties.

For the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship poll and the November 16, 2024, Ondo governorship election, the INEC boss urged Nigerians to appreciate the tremendous technological improvements of the commission.

He ruled out frequent malfunctions of the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal that characterised the 2023 presidential election, maintaining that the commission has learnt its lessons.

He further explained that the commission has no fears regarding the funding for off-cycle elections, as the executive has pledged to release funds for the seven by-elections before the commission.

Again, Mahmood appealed to the lawmakers to speedily pass the Electoral Offenders Bill under the current Assembly to empower the commission with the capacity and resources to effect arrests, thoroughly investigate electoral offences and mitigate electoral malfeasance.

Emmanuel lkpeama 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with effect from August 14, 2024.

Mrs. Walson-Jack was appointed as Federal Permanent Secretary in 2017 and has served in several Ministries.

President Tinubu, while thanking the outgoing Head of Service for her stewardship, tasks the incoming Head of Service to discharge her duties with innovative flair, integrity, and stringent adherence to the extant rules and regulations of the Civil Service of the Federation.

According to the release signed by the Special Adviser on Media Chief Ajuri Ngelale stated that the new appointee will take over from the incumbent Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR, who is due to retire on August 13, 2024

 

Okafor 

By Ikenna Orioha, Owerri 

Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs, Prince Henry Okafor, has enjoined youths of Niger Delta not to engage in violent and criminal activities that could cause destruction of pipelines nor ruin development of their area by government and oil conglomerates operating therein.

Okafor also appealed to the youth to often remain peaceful and law-abiding so that the plans of government towards holistic development, socially, economically and otherwise would easily be feasible or attainable with a view to improving good living, goodness, conviviality, comfort and progress, saying actual development does not thrive in violent atmosphere.

He gave the advice in his speech during A One-day Imo Niger Delta Stakeholders/Leaders Meeting held on Tuesday at Chillis Event Centre, Owerri, themed “Fight Against Illegal Oil Bunkering, Illegal Oil Refining And All Forms Of Criminality In The Niger Delta Areas Of Imo State; Development And Wellbeing Of The Imo Niger Delta People”.

“Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is standing for the owners of the land where Oil Companies operate. We are to defend and speak for their welfare. We are not for politics, we are here to put heads together, find solution to the real challenges faced by our people”, Okafor added.

In his remarks, Chairman of the event, former Inspector General of Police and former Chairman, Police Service Commission, Chief Mike Okiro, stated that the gathering was germane as such would effectively strengthen effort towards mitigating plights of the oil producing communities.

Okiro pointed out that with Prince Henry Okafor saddling the Ministry there would be hope for the people at the end of the tunnel, saying it is the first time such a Ministry would be created to solely look into the needs of the host communities and arrest them squarely.

Contributing, Christian Onyekachi, who hails from Agwa community in Oguta LGA, noted that major problems host communities face is the selfish activities of the Oil Companies operating in the area who he added do not consider the collective interests of the host communities, hence underdevelopment, poverty, restiveness and oil vandalism.

Onyekachi accused the Oil Multinationals of “concentrating majorly on drilling and milking dry the natural resources belonging to the people without due attention to their needs such as bad roads, decaying school structures, lack of electricity, nonpayment of bursaries to students, youths, women, non- oversees or home internships/scholarships for youths, unemployment, among other deficiencies bedeviling the people”.

Onyekachi remarked that the only way Oil Vandalism could be abrogated is when Oil Companies start meeting their Corporate Social Responsibilities to the land owners, with government doing the needful too.

Commissioner for Petroleum, Emeka Ngbudem, past members of Imo State House of Assembly traditional rulers, women, youths and student union leaders, among others, attended the meeting, which was successful.

…Targets healthcare education and agriculture as priority in 2025 fiscal year

Onyebuchi Onwuchekwa 

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that his administration will not renege on dispensing purposeful leadership for Rivers people in order to advance development.

Governor Fubara disclosed this while addressing newsmen shortly after the inspection of the Degema Zonal Hospital undergoing reconstruction and expansion by the Rivers State Government.

The governor who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Health, Rivers State, Dr Adaeze Oreh, said healthcare, education and agriculture will be given priority attention in the 2025 fiscal year as no matter the situation his administration is still much focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

Governor Fubara said the inspection was to ascertain the level of work done on the project, noting that accommodation facilities for staff and medical workers including a modern mortuary and a laundry have been included in the new plan.

“We are here this afternoon, just like what happened yesterday and if you remember I said part of our areas of concern going forward will be healthcare services. Yesterday I mentioned that we were on inspection to check the Zonal Hospital covering that particular Senatorial district and today we are here. I said we will come to see the Zonal hospitals in Degema, Ahoada and Omoku. But we are here in Degema today to assess the work ongoing. ”

“As you can see we don’t have a standard and befitting health facility here and that is why we need to put this place in order to make it standard.”

“Part of the areas that have been explained to me is the area earmarked for staff quarters for Doctors and Nurses. Areas that will be used for development of a modern mortuary, and very important , because a medical facility must have a standard laundry, they have also shown me where they are doing the foundation.”he stated

He said the upgrade of the health facilities to a befitting standard will help to address the health needs of the people in the Senatorial District, just like other zonal medical facilities in Bori, Ahoada and Omoku.

“What we’re doing is to assure our people that it’s not just about giving them roads, and other things, but to protect them and give them quality health care services. My target in 2025 is to give effective health care, education and agriculture to the people”.he submitted

Sir Fubara urged the people of Degema to continue to support his government in order to provide purposeful leadership as one that understand the needs of the people.