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COSMAS CHUKWU ,Enugu
Some groups of Enugu indigenes living in the diaspora have expressed commitment to strengthen the relationship with the Enugu State Government in order to bolster investment and rebuild the state; growing its economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
This was disclosed by Dr. Chy Agbayi, the National President of the Enugu State Association in the United States (Enugu USA), while leading a delegation of other diaspora groups to the Enugu State Government House on Monday.
Dr. Agbayi, a medical practitioner in the United States, said that the group had noticed how bullish the state governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has been in developing the state, prioritizing education, healthcare, infrastructure, security of life and property and making the state attractive for investment, tourism and living, had come to commend him and also seek collaboration with his administration in developing Enugu.
According to her, Governor Mbah has demonstrated vision and purposeful leadership as his efforts in the area of human capital development, especially as it concerns education and health, have tremendously impacted lives.
“We are here today to commend His Excellency for the job he is doing for our state. Actually, when we came back, we were able to see much of what he has done and what he is still doing. We, the diasporians are here to see how we can collaborate with the state government to join them in the good work they are doing and see how we can foster more things that can help the economy of Enugu State.
“Our health care is a major thing that has been lacking for a long time, but currently, we are impressed with what the governor is doing in that sector. I am equally calling on other diasporans to join the governor in making Enugu our dream state,” Agbayi said.
Speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who represented the governor in the meeting, said that the Governor Mbah-led administration is a focused administration that translates every policy it makes into reality.
According to him, the state government had embarked on a massive infrastructural rebirth which includes, building the Enugu Smart Green Schools to enable the younger generation embrace the use of modern technology, 260 Type-2 primary healthcare facilities that will eliminate maternal and child mortality, as well as the revamping of all moribund assets across the state.
Governor Mbah recalled the government’s efforts in constructing and paving roads in the state, including opening up the rural areas and linking them to the urban cities, enabling farmers to transport their goods to the cities and reducing post-harvest losses.
He added that the state was committed to increasing its revenue from $4.4 billion to $30 billion as a way of boosting economic growth, job creation, and eradication of poverty through wealth creation.
Stressing that education has maintained a large share of 33% of the state’s 2024 and 2025 budgets, Governor Mbah promised to make the state a reference point for education, medical tourism, and inflow of investments.
He further noted: “In Enugu State, transparency, traceability and accountability is the key. We are intentional about everything we do in Enugu and that is why we do stakeholders engagements to ensure that our people are being carried along, enabling them to take ownership and by so doing ensuring sustainability.
“We are touching every sector. In our education, we have established the Institute of Experiential Learning where teachers are being trained and researches conducted before the pedagogic learning takes place in the classrooms. In our smart schools, we teach Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Robotics, Mechatronics, Argumented Realities, etc. This is to enable our kids to compete with their peers in developed countries.
In the health sector, the governor said: “There is no way a woman should die during childbearing. It was discovered that some women die during the prenatal stage. That was the idea behind the Type-2 primary health care centres, even as we are equally equipping other health care facilities in the state. We have a lot going on in our state, and our target in the area of human development and empowerment is to reduce our poverty headcount to zero,” he said.
Other participants in the meeting included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Mrs. Olangwa Ezeukwu,
Also participating via Zoom were the presidents of Enugu diaspora organizations in the America’s, Europe, United Arab Emirates and South Africa.
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COSMAS CHUKWU , Enugu
In a move to boost culture and tourism as well as dignify and uphold the Igbo tradition and culture, the Enugu State Government has unveiled an imposing Ijele masquerade metal sculpture at Onuasata Round About, Obiagu, Enugu.
Performing the unveiling at a ceremony, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, extolled the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his massive infrastructural facelifts of Enugu, which he said was restoring the glory and place of the Coal City as the headquarters of Ndigbo and the entire former Eastern Region.
Achebe said that the sculpture represented the rich cultural heritage of the great people of Igbo land, who see the Ijele masquerade as a valuable and magnificent masquerade, noting that the Ijele, which enjoys the respect of every other masquerade in Igbo land, is embedded with everything pertaining to humanity.
“Unarguably, Enugu is the headquarters of Igbo land. It was God that destined it to be so. On that note, anything that will make Enugu to be great is of utmost importance to every Igbo man, and that is why I am here.
“Ijele masquerade is the biggest of all the masquerades, and it is peculiar to Anambra and Enugu State, and there is a reason we own the masquerade. Everything pertaining to humans is in Ijele, and the story surrounding it is endless. That was the reason it is regarded as the biggest.
“So, we thank Governor Peter Mbah, who is also an Ijele himself, for making this possible and for making the state and Igboland a beautiful place,” the highly respected royal father, Agbogidi, stated.
The Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, who also doubles as the Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, said that the traditional rulers of the region were present at the event because of the dignity the sculpture accords to a culture of the people, describing the ceremony as an epoch-making event aimed at telling the world the richness of Igbo culture and the significance of the masquerade to the land.
“We, the traditional rulers in Enugu State and indeed the South East, are here to witness this epoch-making event that signifies our culture. We thank the governor for his good work in the state. This signifies our rich cultural heritage,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairperson, Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame Rita Mbah, said that the Ijele sculpture was in line with an effort by the Mbah Administration to make Enugu State a place rich in arts and culture as well as a premier destination for tourism.
She explained that the choice of location of the Ijele sculpture was informed by the fact that it is a place where people converge to watch masquerades perform during festivities.
“The concept behind this work is that the Ogui people are known for their Ogene and masquerades. Enugu people are generally known for their culture. So, we decided to put this wonderful edifice here. Do not forget that this is a place where Enugu people and tourists alike converge during festive periods to watch masquerades. For that reason, we deemed it fit to put this wonderful Ijele masquerade here,” Mbah said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Enugu East Traditional Rulers, and the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike Community, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, appreciated the governor and his team for upholding the culture of the people with the unveiling of the Ijele boldly erected in the land of the Nike people.
“This place we are standing is a centre where the Nike people gather to celebrate their masquerades. Every traditional ruler is Ijele; every leader is Ijele. This is a way of attracting tourists to know that Enugu is a cultural home where you can come and have fun.
“Enugu is a very important city and an administrative headquarters, not only of the present-day South East, but the defunct Eastern Region, and at a point the entire South except Lagos. So, today, the governor did something unique by highlighting the place of Ijele and the place of Enugu in our history,” he added.
Also present at the event were senior government functionaries and other prominent traditional rulers, including the Chairman of the Culture and Tourism Committee of the House of Assembly, Hon. Chima Obieze, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, HRH Igwe Abel Nwobodo, HRH Igwe Greg Ugwu, among others.
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AHMED MARI, ,Maiduguri
The Borno state Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has reminded youths that they are the backbone of any nations development.
Speaking at the National Council of Youths Meeting held at the Government House,on Thursday Governor Babagana Zulum” ” As a government, we recognize that our youth are the backbone of our society and it is our responsibility to provide you with all the necessary support and resources to thrive and develop to your full potentials”
Zulum said “I urge you all to break barriers,challenge the status quo and think boldly. The future belongs to those who believe in the power of the dreams and it is our duty to empower and equip our youths to chase these dreams”.
“I am profoundly delighted and highly pleased to address this gathering of young minds and future leaders. As we gather here today, I want to acknowledge the importance of youth develpment in our nations growth and progress. It is an honour to host this National Council on Youths, where you will brainstorm, innovate, interact and collaborate for the betterment of our dear nation.”, the Governor said
He said “indeed,, we are greatly honoured to host two National Council meetings in the State within a span offew weeks. The State successfully hosted the 65th National Council on Health last month and this week onYouth, the good memory of which is still fresh in ourminds.Borno indeed has reclaimed its glorious position of Home of Peace and Hospitality. So please feel at home and enjoy the centuries long hospitality of the good people of Borno State.”
“We believe that investing in our youths is investing inour future and we are committed to creating opportunities for you to grow and be successful. In Borno State, we have implemented various initiatives aimed at empowering our youths, including the provision of vocational training skills programmes,education, scholarships, distribution of Keke Napep, electric motor vehicles, establishing mechanical villageat Molai and other entrepreneurship support” he added.
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The Governor said ” youth population is an asset of a nation. Recent statistics showed that 70 percent of the Nigerian population is under the age of thirty (30).This is a great potential as it translates to a largerproductive economy in the near future with thesepromising demographics. In our society, the youths have faced numerous challenges, ranging from economic uncertainties, educational barriers and insufficient opportunities among many others.
” It is on record that youths in Borno have greatly contributed to peace and security and the overall socio-economic development of the State. The emergence of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has brought a great respite to the security architecture of the State. The phenomenon has become a model for other states States to adopt.”, he stressed.
He further pointed out that “it is imperative that we address theunique needs of youths across different regions. Let usembrace the diversity of experiences and challengesfaced by our young people and ensure our policies areinclusive and effective.
I also understand that you will embark on a reviewof the 2019 National Youth Policy. As we embark onthis important dialogue, ”
In his remarks, the Minister of youths Development , Ayodele Olawabde urged state governments to prioritize youth development, as according him, it is only through this President Bola Tinubu’s administration will succeed.
The Minister commended Governmor Babagana Zulum for his youths development oriented Initiatives in Borno and urged other state Governmors to emulate his examplary leadership style.
In his welcome address, the Bormo state commissioner for Sport, Youths and Empowerment, Hon. Saina Buba thanked Governmor Zulum for making it possible for them to host the meeting.
He urged the youths to contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation, stressing that no nation will develop without the youths
As Nigeria’s banking sector undergoes crucial changes through transformative recapitalisation, the chief executive officer (CEO), of Manroe Realty Limited, a visionary real estate company, Dr. John Edumoh has said the process will reshape various sectors of the economy including increased access to finance for real estate development.
Dr. Edumoh while responding to questions from journalists in Abuja, reiterated that banks across Nigeria, due to recapitalisation, are strengthening their capital bases to meet new regulatory requirements as well as enhancing their financial stability, and lending capacity.
The real estate developer, who described this crucial change, driven by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to have profound positive impacts on the Nigerian real estate sector by creating a fertile ground for companies like his to grow, also stressed that as banks bolster their capital adequacy ratios, they can extend more substantial loans and credit facilities to the real estate sector.
In his understanding, the recapitalisation is also set to enhance Nigeria’s appeal to foreign investors, adding that a stable and well-capitalised banking sector restores investor confidence and makes the country a more attractive destination for international capital.
“Foreign investment brings not only capital but also international standards and expertise. This can elevate the quality and innovation in our projects, making Nigerian real estate competitive on a global scale.”
“Manroe Realty is keenly aware of the importance of infrastructure in real estate development. The enhanced financial capacity of banks, thanks to recapitalization, is expected to support large-scale infrastructure projects across the country. Improved infrastructure, such as roads, power, and water supply, directly benefits real estate by increasing property values and making locations more attractive.”
“The strengthened banking sector also means expanded mortgage financing options. For Manroe Realty, this is a new vista. Increased availability and affordability of mortgages will make homeownership accessible to more Nigerians, driving demand for residential properties.
As more Nigerians gain access to mortgage financing, we can cater to a growing market of aspiring homeowners”, he emphasised.
Furthermore, he said recapitalised banks are well-positioned to support public-private partnerships (PPPs) in real estate and infrastructure adding that these collaborations are vital for addressing the housing deficit and improving urban infrastructure.
A leading Nigerian advocate for women’s empowerment and founder of Daurama Foundation, Samira Buhari, has announced the launch of the Samira Buhari Mentorship Program. This groundbreaking initiative is poised to transform the lives of young African women by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to excel in leadership and entrepreneurship.
This is as Samira was honoured at the esteemed ‘100 Most Notable Africans’ Business Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Samira Buhari Mentorship Program, unveiled in Kigali, aims to empower emerging leaders, promote sustainable development, and enhance business acumen. The program features a meticulous mentorship matching process, pairing mentees with experienced industry leaders for tailored guidance and support. This initiative seeks to provide participants with invaluable insights, expand their networks, and equip them with the skills necessary to thrive in their chosen fields.
Meanwhile, at the ‘100 Most Notable Africans’ Business Summit in Kigali, in her address, Dr Samira expressed her deep gratitude to the summit organisers for the opportunity to share her vision.
She stated, “I believe in the boundless potential of Africa’s young women. By providing them with the right support and opportunities, we can cultivate a generation of strong, independent leaders who will drive positive change across our continent.”
The significance of the announcement at the 100 Most Notable Africans Business Summit was underscored by the presence of notable attendees such as Zamfara State governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, and Hon. Sen. Dr.
Aplonia Munzverengwi, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mashonaland, East Province, Republic of Zimbabwe. Their presence at the summit highlighted the importance of the event and the collective effort to recognise and foster leadership and entrepreneurship across Africa.
During the event, Samira Buhari was honoured with the prestigious Africa Award for Advocacy and Community Development. This award acknowledges her relentless efforts and significant contributions to advocacy and community development, reinforcing the value and impact of her work through the Daurama Foundation.
The Samira Buhari Mentorship Program exemplifies the Daurama Foundation’s commitment to addressing critical issues such as health, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls. Through this initiative, Samira Buhari aims to inspire and equip the next generation of female leaders to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond.
The Daurama Foundation, established by Dr. Samira Buhari, is committed to improving health outcomes and championing the rights of women and girls across Nigeria through advocacy, comprehensive education, and active community engagement. The Foundation works to tackle pressing issues that affect the well-being and rights of girls and women in the communities we serve.
“Our programs aim to address domestic violence, improve neonatal health, and advocate for menstrual health and hygiene. Empowering women and girls, fostering sustainable development, and attaining equality heavily rely on these pivotal focus areas,” it stated.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Abdullahi Suleiman Ango as the Mandate Secretary for the newly established Youth Development Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The appointment marks a significant milestone in the administration’s ongoing efforts to prioritise youth development and empowerment in Abuja.
The Youth Development Secretariat will serve as a robust administrative structure to coordinate youth-related matters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Secretariat will also serve as a veritable platform for the implementation of youth policies and programmes as well as training for skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Prior to his appointment, Ango was FCT Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria from 2018 till date; Member of Presidential Grassroots Independent Campaign Council; Director of the Directorate of Youth and Mobilisation, FCT Senatorial Elections; Publicity Secretary, Arewa Youths for Tinubu/Shettima and member, FCT Universal Basic Education Board, 2023.
He hails from Kuje in the FCT and a holder of Bachelor of Science degree in International Studies from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State .
He also holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the Nasarawa State University and currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the Nasarawa State University.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert, has stated that the local government remains a primary agent of change at the grassroots, noting that an effective local government administration will bridge the urban-rural divide and enhance development in all the 36 States of Nigeria.
Hon. Robert spoke during the Citizens Accountability and Rights Forum (CARF) interactive session on public policy making and execution which was organised by the Committee For the Defence of Human Rights in collaboration with the Centre For Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) in Lagos.
The Commissioner, ably represented by Mr. Raymond Ogunjobi, affirmed that empowering rural communities through Local Government Administration involves encouraging active participation in decision-making processes, equitable distribution of resources that would strategically address infrastructural deficits, enhance healthcare, and improve educational facilities in rural areas.
He, however, asserted that while the potential for Local Government to drive rural development in Nigeria is immense, it has been averagely explored because the government has to address the bottlenecks that surround the autonomy that Local Government deserves.
He cited some of the challenges, which include limited financial resources, lack of administrative capacity, and policy and governance issues, amongst others.
“Amidst all these limitations, Lagos State has remained committed to its development agenda in our rural communities and this is why one of the policy trusts of the administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is to make Lagos State a 21st Century Economy,” he said.
Commenting at the forum, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Gbenga Omotosho, disclosed that there was a daily influx of people into the State, adding that the increase is about 80 to 90 per cent, whereas the people who leave or go out of Lagos were minimal.
He stated, “Lagos deserves a special status as there is a daily influx of people in the State, adding that the increase is about 80 to 90 percent whereas the people that leave or go out of Lagos is minimal.
“Lagos State population is about 25 million, the size of about three countries in Africa. The number of taxpayers in Lagos is about 6.5 million.“
He mentioned the flag-off of the construction of a 400-meter road in ljake Community in Oto-Awori LCDA and a 510-meter road at Ganiyu-Oduntan/Lamidi-Agoro Street in Ikorodu, provision of 16 potable water to 16 rural communities of the State in form of Type A, Modified Type A, Solar Powered Type A and Micro Water Schemes.
He added the the rehabilitation of five dilapidated existing water facilities in rural communities around Ibeju-Lekki LGA; and other LCDA’s.
“This includes an ongoing provision of ninety-three (93) numbers of Water and Sanitation facility projects in various rural communities across the State, which includes sixty-five (65) water schemes, ten (10) communal toilets, and rehabilitation of eighteen (18) dilapidated existing water schemes,” he said.
On the state of the roads in Lagos metropolis, he noted that in the bid to continue to bring infrastructural development to the grassroots and to fulfill Mr. Governor’s mandate of making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy, the Ministry recently flagged off the commencement of the construction of a 1.3-kilometre road in Ayubu-Bashorun Street in llupeju Community area of ljede LCDA, Ikorodu.
Speaking, chairman, CDHR/CACOL, Debo Adeniran, remarked that in light of the recent judgement by the Supreme Court on the financial autonomy for LGAs in the country, there was a need to look at the benefits while embracing an all-inclusive implementation of the government’s policies to enhance the socio-economic well-being of residents of the State.
North-West lawmakers caucus in the House of Representatives on Friday lauded President Bola Tinubu for signing into law the North-West Development Commission Bill into law.
Recall that the President signed the bill into law on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, alongside the South-East Development Commission.
The caucus is made up of lawmakers from the seven States of Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Katsina and Zamfara.
Addressing a press conference on Friday at the National Assembly Complex, spokesman for the group and lawmaker representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency, Katsina State, Mr Sada Soli commended Tinubu for the feat, saying that the singing of the bill “Will cause the rebuilding of our ruined infrastructure, from roads, schools, health facilities and markets, to homes and places of worship, business premises and other social amenities.
“It comes on the heels of the recent policy decisions that underline President Tinubu’s fervent patriotism, and his determination to ensure that growth and development permeate every region of the country.”
He continued, “We, the House of Representatives North West Caucus are particularly gratified with the signing of the North-West Development Commission Bill, which was sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, in the effort to ginger the economic and social development of the geo-political zone and restore parity to a people who for years were forced to watch as their lands were ravaged by the gratuitous violence of bandits and other miscreants.”
According to the All Progressives Congress chieftain, “The Commission brings renewed hope to a geopolitical zone whose social fabric and mental well-being have been brutalised by senseless violence that has been unabating and intractable.
“The sporadic attacks have since escalated into a multi-dimensional crisis that has hampered agricultural activities and trade and turned some of the most industrious and thriving communities in the North West geopolitical zone into ghost towns as people flee their homes and become refugees.
“This has manifestly impacted the famous cross-border trade and flourishing agribusiness between the geopolitical zone and neighbouring countries. Most of our border constituencies, which were historically vibrant commercial centres, with massive large-scale farmers exporting produce to various parts of Africa, including Niger Republic, Mali, and Benin Republic, have since been abandoned by farmers, importers and exporters, due to this wanton violence.”
This, he said, has resulted in a shortfall in the Internally Generated Revenues of the states in the region.
Soli came short of saying that the signing of the bill was a reward from the President for a region that voted overwhelmingly for him during the 2023 general election.
He said, “Politically, in voting so overwhelmingly for President Tinubu in the last election, the North West geopolitical zone had hoped that the famous Asiwaju, who had shown himself to be a patriot of the first order and a man who believed in fairness and equity, would make policy decisions that will bring development to our states by rescuing them from the evils of banditry and cross border terrorism.
“This commission is, therefore, a tremendous boost to the valiant efforts of the governors of the North West geopolitical zone and it has further justified our trust in President Tinubu’s commitment to help revamp this geopolitical zone and place it on a sound pedestal.”
That said, the caucus called on the President to intensify the war against insurgency and other forms of security challenges in the country even as they called on organisers of the August 1 nationwide protest to give peace a chance.
The member representing Ideato North/South federal constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law.
The lawmaker also commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for sponsoring the Bill alongside all South-East federal lawmakers in the House.
Recall that the Bill was sponsored by Kalu and all the lawmakers from the South-East region from the House of Representatives.
They included Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, Hon. George Ozodinobi, Hon. Mariam Odinaka Onuoha, Hon. Chinedu Emeka, Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Hon. Victor Ogene, Hon. Dennis Agbo, Hon. Obinna Aguocha, Hon. Pascal Agbodike, Hon. Canicmoore Nwachukwu, and Hon. Dominic Okafor.
Others were; Hon. Obiageli OrigboHon. Uchenna Okonkwo, Hon. Clement Eleodimmuo, Hon. Maureen Gwacham, Hon. Emmanuel UguruHon. Eze Nwachukwu, Hon. Osi Kama Nkemkanma, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, Hon. Chinwe Nnabuife, Hon. Joseph Nwaobasi, Hon. Stainless Okereke, Hon. Chimaobi Atu, Hon. Chijioke Nwodo, Hon. Paul Nnamchi, Hon. Sunday Umeha, Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta, Hon. Jonas Okeke, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, Hon. Akarachi Amadi, Hon. Emeka Idu, Hon. Emeka Sunday Nnamani, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Hon. Onwusibe Ginger Obinna, Hon. Ogah Amobi Godwin, Hon. Alozie Munachi Ikechi, and Hon. Chris Nkwonta.
The Bill sought to establish a commission that will be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage fund from allocation of the federation account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damage suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the civil war after 54 years.
The commission, when established, will tackle the ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the South-East States.
Ugochinyere, in a statement on Wednesday, thanked President Tinubu, his colleagues in the National Assembly and all Nigerians for supporting the Bill.
He said Igbo people were elated, noting that the commission, when established, will address the critical needs of the South-East region.
President Bola Bola has assented the North-West and South-East Development Commission Bills into law, thereby setting the stage for the establishment of the two interventionist agencies to address development challenges in the North-West and South-East parts of the country, respectively, following years of insecurity.
The Deputy President of the Senate and sponsor of the North-West Development Commission Bill, Senator Jibrin Barau, disclosed the presidential assent to the Bill during a chat with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday night.
Similarly, the chief press secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Levinus Nwabughiogu, took to his Facebook page on Tuesday night to also disclose that President Tinubu had assented to the South-East Development Commission Bill, which was sponsored by his principal, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
“South East Development Commission Bill signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
“Ndi Igbo, this government loves us
“Congratulations to my principal, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (Enyi Abia) who championes this cause.
“Congratulations to Ndi Igbo worldwide,” Nwabughiogu wrote.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Senate President Barau has commended President Tinubu for assenting the North-West Development Commission Bill, which is now an Act of the National Assembly.
Expressing his happiness on the presidential assent to the Bill, the Deputy President of the Senate in a media chat with journalists said the commission, when established, would help to drive development across the seven states in the North-West zone.
He explained that he sponsored the Bill as one of the federal lawmakers from the zone as a means of restoring development to the area after years of Boko Haram insurgency in some parts of the zone, armed banditry and other anti-development criminalities.
He assured that stakeholders in the zone would collaborate to make the commission serve the purpose for which it was intended for and called on Nigerians to continue supporting President Timubu in his development strides across the country.
Senator Barau, who represents Kano North, said: “President Bola Tinubu today signed into law, the North West Development Commission Bill sponsored by me.
“The Commission will assist in the development of geo-political zone in terms of required infrastructure, production of food, etc.
“It would be recalled that Boko Haram, kidnappers and bandits ravaged the zone like the North-East with attendant drop in development indices.
“With the assent to the bill, the coast is now clear for rebuilding of the zone.
“President Tinubu has no doubt shown that he loves the people and in the light of this, I called on Nigerians to be patient with Mr President.”
The director-general of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, Kwara State, Comrade Issa Aremu, has hailed the inauguration of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) by President Bola Tinubu.
Aremu said it was significant that as many as 170,000 applicants from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education now have accounts with NELFUND with 110,000 applicants that have successfully completed the loan application process and awaiting loan disbursements.
He made the commendation at the occasion of the 2024 Nelson Mandela Day held at the MINILS.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the United Nations had declared July 18 Nelson Mandela Day with the maiden edition launched on July 18, 2009.
The 2024 event with the theme; “Nelson Mandela Day (NMD): Combating Poverty and Inequality”, was the fourth edition since the assumption of duty of Aremu as the chief executive of the institute.
Aremu observed that the real sustainable solution against poverty is “mass quality affordable education”, recalling that the late Mandela once observed that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“The issue is not to agonize about poverty but initiate policy initiatives such as NELFUND as President Tinubu has done to give loans at zero interest rate to the children of the poor to access higher education,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration in the areas of food security, poverty eradication, growth, job creation, access to capital, inclusion, rule of law, and fight against corruption.
Aremu also hailed the creation of the new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to manage the nation’s trillion naira livestock economy.
While agreeing with the United Nations secretary general, Anthonio Gueterres, that the world was “unequal and divided”, the MINILS boss urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, noting that the New Hope agenda of President Tinubu was capable of eradicating poverty and inequalities in Nigeria.
Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, says he is exploring new collaborations to accelerate the country’s drive for blue hydrogen investment and development.
He said in a statement, on Thursday, that he held insightful discussion with Mr Joseph McMonigle, Secretary-General of International Energy Forum (IEF), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
He said he also met with Mr Tony Okpanachi, the MD/CEO of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and his team, and congratulated them on becoming the first Nigerian financial institution to be accredited by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
He said this opened a new vista of climate financing for important projects nationwide.
“Furthermore, we discussed how to partner in advancing the priority areas of President Bola Tinubu’s administration within our green industrial growth acceleration programme,” said the envoy.
Ngelale said he also held a 90-minute discussion with lead climate negotiators representing 119 other countries in a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) virtual meeting on the just transition.
“I also hosted the Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), Mr Xavier Muron and his team, alongside the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) leadership.
“We deliberated on the various pathways to economically benefit decarbonisation in the context of maximising our natural resources to fund the energy transition.
“There are many exciting economic opportunities that will result from this deepening partnership,” he said.
Similarly, Ngelale on Thursday engaged virtually with a team from the Canada-based Alberta Carbon Market Collaboration.
He said he exchanged views with the NCCC leadership on Nigeria’s value chain localisation agenda and the evolution of a carbon market ecosystem that favors the Nigerian economy and citizenry above all else.
“Following this on Thursday evening, I held a high-level virtual discussion with leaders from the NDC Partnerships Group.
“We followed up on Nigeria’s update to the NDC framework, and deliberated fruitfully on converting the aspirational NDC framework into a business-tailored, project-driven plan that details in specificity the bankability of critical projects across the nation,” said Ngelale. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Idris Ajimobi as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development (Office of the President).
According to a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday, the appointment followed the recent inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms and the establishment of a new Ministry of Livestock Development.
“The President seeks to harness and develop Nigeria’s agricultural potential, including the animal husbandry ecosystem, to spur sustainable economic growth, create industries and jobs, and eradicate violent conflicts between farmers and herders over time.
“The President expects efficient coordination and liaison on matters relating to this critical sector,” Ngelale said.
LEADERSHIP reports Mr Ajimobi is married to the daughter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The Executive Director, Electoral College Nigeria (ECN), Kunle Lawal, has hailed the Thursday’s Supreme Court verdict on financial autonomy for local government areas in the country, describing the third tier of government as a cornerstone for true federalism.
Lawal, in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, said lack of financial autonomy had hindered the ability of the local government area councils to deliver essential services and infrastructure to their communities.
“Financial autonomy for local governments in Nigeria is a cornerstone for achieving true federalism and grassroots development. Despite being recognized as the third tier of government by the Nigerian Constitution, local governments face significant challenges in managing their financial resources independently,” he stated.
The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria acknowledges local governments as an essential level of government. Section 7 of the Constitution guarantees the system of local government by democratically elected councils.
However, the financial operations of local governments were predominantly controlled by state governments through the mechanism of the State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA). This account pools funds allocated to local governments from the Federation Account before disbursing them to individual local government councils.
The SJLGA system, while designed to ensure equitable distribution of resources, often becomes a bottleneck and a tool for political control.
State governments have significant control over the disbursement of funds, which can lead to delays and even misappropriation.
The opaque nature of the SJLGA has been criticized for fostering corruption and inefficiency. Local governments frequently complain about receiving far less than what is allocated to them, impeding their ability to function effectively.
Lawal highlighted some of the challenges to financial autonomy to include; political interference where state governors wield considerable influence over local government funds, often diverting resources for state-level projects or personal interests, adding that this undermined the financial independence of local councils and their capacity to address local needs, corruption and mismanagement.
“The lack of transparency in the SJLGA system allows for corruption and mismanagement of funds. Local governments are left with insufficient funds to execute development projects, leading to poor service delivery.
“Dependence on Federal Allocations – Local governments heavily rely on allocations from the Federation Account, with limited capacity to generate their own revenue.
“This dependence makes them vulnerable to the financial whims of higher tiers of government, Lack of Capacity – as many local governments lack the administrative and technical capacity to manage finances effectively. Training and capacity-building initiatives are needed to empower local officials to handle financial resources competently,” he further pointed out.
Lawal concluded that achieving financial autonomy for local governments in Nigeria is essential for sustainable development and effective service delivery at the grassroots level, noting that while there were significant challenges to overcome, concerted efforts through constitution reforms, legislative actions, capacity building, and citizen engagement can pave the way for more autonomous and effective local governments.
“This autonomy will empower local councils to address the unique needs of their communities, ultimately contributing to national development,” he stated.
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