News
NCPF hails Senate over passage of North Central Devt Comm Bill
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The North Central People’s Forum(NCPF) received with tremendous
excitement and deep appreciation the news of the successful passage of
North Central Development Commission (NCDC) establishment bill into
law by the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This highly laudable and landmark bill has come at the most
appropriate time, to assist towards rapid socio-economic development of
the North Central zone of Nigeria, which had suffered great setback and
neglect in the past.
North central states, made up of Plateau, Nassarawa, Kogi, Benue,
Niger, Kwara, and Federal Capital Territory(FCT) is naturally endowed
with arable land for agriculture, huge solid mineral deposits, oil and gas,
long stretch of rivers Niger and Benue, as well as huge potential for
tourism with beautiful and attractive sites such as Zuma rock, waterfalls
and forest reserves, found in several locations in the zone.
In spite it’s huge potentials, the North central zone has remained
largely underdeveloped due to insecurity problems that has bedeviled its
landscape, such as farmer/herders clashes, banditry/kidnapping, flood
disaster, etc. which has hindered its people from engaging in productive
economic activities, such as farming and trading.
Similarly, as a result of constant violent killings due to
farmers’/herders clashes, communal conflicts and other forms of
insecurity, millions of its inhabitants were forced to live in IDP camps
spread in school buildings and temporary structures.
Therefore, the establishment of the North Central Development
Commission, with funds to be received from the federal government and
international donor agencies, offer great opportunity for resettlement of
displaced persons, reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises
of victims of farmers/herders clashes and communal conflict, tackling
developmental challenges of poverty/illiteracy, as well as creating
enabling environment to attract investments into socio-economic sectors
for rapid transformation and progress of the North Central zone.
In view of these huge benefits from the establishment of the NCDC,
the NCPF wishes to express its huge gratitude to the minority leader of
the senate, Senator Abba Moro and other senators from the North central
states, who persistently sponsored the establishment of the bill since the
9th senate until it was finally passed by the 10th senate. Similarly, the
NCPF appreciates the leadership of the senate led by the senate president
Godswill Akpabio, and other senators who supported the passage of the
NCDC bill.
The NCPF also wish to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
GCFR, to expeditiously give his assent to the bill, after its anticipated
concurrence by the House of Representatives, to enable speedy
constitution of the North Central Development Commission, to fulfil its
mandate for socio-economic transformation of the North Central zone.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment
Anambra Police arrest native doctor, one other for armed robbery, kidnapping
Police Officer interdicted for slapping handcuffed civilian several times
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Metro9 hours agoBusinessDay Journalist Finally Regains Freedom From ‘One-Chance’ Kidnappers In Abuja
-
Metro13 hours agoCourt remands 113 foreigners over alleged cybercrime
-
Metro9 hours agoPolice recover stolen SUV after gun duel with robbers in Abuja
-
News14 hours agoFull List: Innoson, Mitsubishi, Dantama , Others – CAC Delists 80,000 Companies
-
Metro14 hours agoGunmen kidnap journalist’s relatives, demand N50m ransom
-
News15 hours agoJapa: We’ve discovered over 10,000 fraudulent foreign student acceptance letters – Canadian Authorities
-
News14 hours agoFG reinstates Ikechebelu and Modebelu as UNIZIK Acting VC and Registrar
-
News9 hours agoFG insists Rivers State funds is intact was never stopped