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Boundary disputes responsible for insecurity in coastal states – Oborevwori

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has said that boundary disputes were also responsible for the rising spate of insecurity, deaths, violence and retarded progress in the country.

The governor stated this while addressing an audience at a one-day workshop for the creation of a platform for Nigeria’s coastal states and local government areas, held at the Government House, Asaba.

The workshop has the theme, “Towards a Secure, Peaceful and Prosperous Borders,” the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

There are many crises in the country over border issues, with Delta State having its fair share.

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The boundary crisis between the Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area and the Okoloba community in the Bomadi Local Government Area, which had claimed many lives, is being resolved by the government.

Speaking at the workshop, the governor said so many lives had been lost to boundary disputes as he called on the National Boundary Commission and other stakeholders to work assiduously in resolving such disputes in the country.

He described the theme as apt, adding that boundary dispute was an ancient and modern disease of humanity.

He said right from the colonial days, Nigeria had been plagued by boundary disputes, which had disastrous and destabilising consequences for the people.

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“There is scarcely any state in Nigeria that has not been involved in a boundary dispute with its neighbours, which often results in displacement, death, and destruction.

“Reports indicate that between January 2018 and August 2022; 676 people were killed in various communal and boundary clashes in Nigeria.

“The causes of these disputes are traceable to land ownership, community pride, ancient or colonial boundaries, and socio-cultural factors.

“In Delta State, it is safe to say that at least 80 per cent of boundary disputes revolve around land use, either for farming, mining, and other purposes of economic significance.

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“The resultant clashes often leave in their trail a chunk of internally displaced persons with the implication this has for their safety and wellbeing.

“As we all know, the living conditions in IDP camps are unsanitary and inevitably constitute environmental hazards,” he said.

Oborevwori charged the National Boundary Commission to work harder in resolving boundary disputes across the country.

“As the body responsible for resolving boundary disputes in Nigeria, the National Boundary Commission is critical to the peace, security, and prosperity of our communities.

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“It is incumbent on it to embark on enlightenment and sensitisation programmes to educate the people on the importance of respecting boundaries.

“It must also properly investigate cases of boundary disputes. In discharging this vital responsibility, officials of the Commission must demonstrate the highest levels of objectivity, neutrality, and integrity to instil confidence and elicit the goodwill of the people.

“Conversations break down fast once there is a perception of favouritism or nepotism on the part of those who are supposed to be impartial arbiters,” he said.

He added, “It goes without saying that an effective conflict resolution mechanism is critical for maintaining national security.

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“Hence, there is a need for strong political will on the part of the government to implement recommendations that will resolve disputes amicably, and prevent future border disputes.

“With enhanced peace and security at the core of our MORE agenda, we are committed to partnering with the Commission to discharge its functions effectively for a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.”

In his welcome remarks, the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, expressed delight that the African Union Border Governance Strategy would look into good border governance and the attainment of sustainable development.

Onyeme, who doubles as the Chairman of the State Boundary Commission, urged the African Union to sustain the tempo to ensure the harmonisation of all grey areas along the boundary communities.

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He observed that the European colonisers arbitrarily, without due regard to the ethnic homogeneity of many African groups, forced Africans to belong to different nations, while diverse heterogeneous communities were hurriedly bundled into a single nation with distinct boundaries.

On their part, the deputy governors of Bayelsa and Rivers states, Lawrence Egwhrudjakpor and Prof Ngozi Odu, respectively, called on relevant authorities to discuss boundary issues often, to enthrone peace in the country.

Earlier, the Director-General of the National Boundaries Commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, said the workshop was primarily designed to engage Nigeria’s coastal states, local government areas and traditional rulers on effective border governance in Nigeria.

The NAN reports that stakeholders, including some traditional rulers from the South-West and South-South states, attended the event.

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Brain Drain, Infrastructure, Resource Allocation Challenges Of Health Sector – Reps

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has highlighted the detrimental impact of the mass migration of health workers from Nigeria, describing it as a major challenge to the country’s healthcare system.
The Chairman, House Committee on Health Institutions,  Rep. Amos Magaji, stated this during a public hearing on 16 bills aimed at establishing various health institutions, on Thursday in Abuja.
Rep. Magaji underscored the need for better distribution of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, to address population growth and healthcare gaps.
He noted, “Recently, there has been an enormous migration of doctors, nurses, and other health workers in search of ‘greener pastures,’ leaving Nigeria’s health sector severely understaffed. To improve the sector, we must invest in human resources, medical intelligence, and the administrative appointment of capable persons based on merit.”
The Chairman also brought to light the infrastructural deficiencies in healthcare institutions across the country, citing inadequate funding, lack of maintenance, and insufficient equipment as recurring issues.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Jimoh Olawale Salahudeen, in his submission warned against the duplication of health institutions, and stated that such efforts would strain the already scarce resources.
He explained, “Existing Federal Teaching Hospitals and Medical Centers in Nigeria, including those in the North West, already provide cardiovascular care and related services. Establishing a new institute would add financial burden without addressing the core issues.”
Pate also acknowledged the migration of health workers and the need for a stronger workforce to handle emerging health challenges.
“The Federal Ministry of Health supports the establishment of new institutions but insists on considering geographical spread, population density, and disease burden in proposed locations,” he added.
The hearing emphasised the need for balanced development in the healthcare sector, adequate funding for existing institutions, and policies to retain health professionals in Nigeria.
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Access Bank (UK) Limited to Acquire AfrAsia Bank Limited

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By Gloria Ikibah
Access Holdings PLC has announced that its subsidiary, The Access Bank UK Limited (“Access UK”), has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in AfrAsia Bank Limited, the third-largest bank in Mauritius by total assets.
Mauritius, known for its strong financial sector, which contributes 13.4 per cent to its GDP, offers Access UK a strategic base to grow its personal and corporate banking services.
This was contained in a statement by its Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, made available to Naijablitznews.com on Thursday.
According to Ekwochi, the acquisition will also position Mauritius as a hub for Access Bank’s trade finance operations, enhancing its ability to manage cross-border transactions across Africa and internationally.
AfrAsia Bank, as of June 30, 2024, reported total assets of over $5.7 billion and a net profit after tax of $152.4 million, underlining its solid financial position.
**Key statements on the acquisition:**
– Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, speaking on the acquisition said:  “This acquisition is a crucial step in our African growth strategy, strengthening our position as a top Pan-African financial institution. Mauritius’ role as a financial hub aligns with our vision to unlock opportunities that drive trade, support businesses, and promote economic inclusion across the region.”
Also Managing Director of Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, stated: “AfrAsia Bank’s strong balance sheet and established brand in Mauritius give us a solid platform for sustainable growth. This deal supports our strategy to diversify earnings and provide clients with seamless access to global markets.”
Access Bank UK aims to promote sustainable growth, deliver innovative financial solutions, and support trade between Africa and the world.
The acquisition process will be finalized in the coming months, with updates provided as needed.
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FEC approves ₦47.9tn 2025 budget

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved a proposed national budget of ₦47.9 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

This was part of the Medium-Term Expenditures Framework, MTEF, for 2025 to 2027 and in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007.

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“And equally, the fiscal objectives were conservative, because we want to ensure that we study the course much as we believe the projections will be exceeded.

“The budget size that was approved for presentation to the National Assembly in the MTEP is ₦47.9 trillion, with new borrowings of ₦9.2 trillion to finance the budget deficit in 2025,” Bagudu said.

“We need to sustain the market deregulation, commendable market deregulation of petroleum prices and exchange rate, and to compel the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to lower its oil and gas production cost significantly, and even to consider the need to amend the relevant sections of the petroleum industry act 2021 to address the significant risk to Federation.

“The Federal Executive Council approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the physical strategy paper, and it will be submitted to the National Assembly.

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“This is in addition to bills that are already at the National Assembly, the economic stabilization bills and tax reform bills, which we believe we will have a very, very strong growth in 2025.”

During the meeting, the FEC approved its submission to the National Assembly as required by the 2007 Fiscal Responsibility Act.

The framework projected a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 4.6 percent, an exchange rate of $75 to the naira, and oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day. [Channels TV]

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