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President Tinubu Vows To Strengthen LGs To Tackle Insecurity

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By Gloria Ikibah
President Bola Tinubu has pledged commitment to strengthen Local Governments (LG) to overcome the challenges of insecurity in the country.
The President stated this at a one-day  National Discourse on Nigeria’s Security Challenges and Good Governace at Local Government Level organised by the House of Representatives in collaboration with the UK International Development and Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL), on Monday in Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, President Tinubu said that it is imperative to confront the challenges of insecurity headon, if Nigeria has to move forward in the ourney towards development.
According to him, the challenges of insecurity have persisted over time, posing a threat to safety and well being of the nation.
He said that the scourge of insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality, had inflicted untold suffering on the people and undermined collective peace and prosperity.
The President said: “We must realise that the local government system is not just a matter of administrative convenience. It is a cornerstone of our national security architecture by empowering local governments to fulfill their mandate if we efficiently and ethically create a solid foundation for ensuring safety, stability and well being of Nigerians.
“It is in light of the foregoing that our administration is committed to implementing measures aimed at bolstering the local government system.
“This commitment is deeply rooted in our bottom of development approach; recognising that sustainable development, national security and prosperity can only be achieved when every level of government functions effectively and accountably”.
The President further said though significant strides and remarkable results had been made under his administration, so much more is needed to be done particularly by governments within the local areas where these attacks are prominent.
He said that simply building arms and ammunition does not guarantee peace and security and political stability, but with true national security laid in eradicating hunger, diseases, poverty and unemployment through sustainable development programs.
According to him, addressing these factors hold the key to achieve an enduring national security.
“The Local governments being the closest government to the people are strategically position in promoting human security by delivering essential services like health, education, sanitation and social welfare programs directly to communities where they are most needed.
“They are important in ensuring that our communities are safe, prosperous and resilient. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to strengthen our local government system to effectively address those challenges by empowering local government authority with the necessary resources and capacities to implement sustainable development initiative.
“We can create a more secure and stable nation, it is crucial to acknowledge that security is fundamentally about human beings first and foremost, not just the state.
“Local governments are the frontline defenders against insecurity, as they are closest to the people and possess intimate knowledge of their communities need and challenges,” he stated.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu said that effective governace at the national and subnational levels will bring about all round meaningful growth.
He believes that every Nigerian should, as a matter of civic responsibility, be interested in the effective functioning of governance and that good governance is no doubt the bedrock of a prosperous society which encompasses transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and responsiveness.
According to Speaker Abbas, Nigeria has a total of 774 Local Government Area which are viable instruments for development and for the delivery of social services to the people as a result of their proximity to the grassroots.
He said that an effective and efficient local government is an important recipe and tool for good governance at the grassroots and therefore we must do everything to improve good governance and enhance service delivery at our local government levels.
He expressed worries that most Local Governments depend on the Federation account for their spending, including payment of staff salary.
But said that Local Governments must evolve new and viable ways and sources to generate more money into the coffers of their councils to augment what is coming from the Federation account through the states.
He said: “It is also necessary for the states to be devoid of Local Taxes and Levies, Commercial activities for example, public transportation, markets, car parks among others.
“This will enable Local Governments to use money generated to discharge their statutory responsibilities and embark on more developmental projects”.
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Building houses for judges: It’s Tinubu’s policy for judicial independence, not mine-Wike explains

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has debunked allegations that the construction of houses for judges in Abuja is aimed at influencing them for political purposes.

During a media call on Wednesday, Wike clarified that the housing project is not his personal initiative but part of a welfare package designed by President Bola Tinubu to support judicial independence.

Wike emphasized that he is simply fulfilling his role by implementing an already approved project.

Wike explained, “(Tinubu said) ‘Where do the judges live? They have no home and are therefore open to political manipulation and for me, as president who wants to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, judges must have their home.”

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“I am not Mr. President; I am fortunate to have been appointed minister under this government and to be in a position to implement its policies. And Mr. President said, look, this is what he wants; come by and see what we can do.

“It was approved by the President and sent to the National Assembly in the 2024 budget that judges and judges’ quarters should be built. That they should move judges from where they rent houses and live among criminals.

“A policy that everyone should commend, Mr. President, it is in the 2024 budget, appropriated by the National Assembly, approved by Mr. President, which is a law. What’s the problem? I’m just the executor, going to implement this.

“The Federal Executive Council approved the contract and everything. It’s not my policy. How are you going to kill me for implementing what the federal government has approved?”

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Wike insisted that there was nothing wrong even though it was his idea to build houses for judges, adding that he had done something similar as Governor of Rivers State.

The former governor of Rivers State lamented the criticism instead of praise for this project, especially from those in the legal profession.

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Eniola Shokunbi: 12-yr-old Nigerian girl invents air filter, gets $11.5m funding

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Eniola Shokunbi, a 12 years old Nigerian from Connecticut, USA, has designed an air filter to reduce spread of air borne diseases in US schools.

The design targets creating low-cost air filters for classrooms. The Connecticut State Bond Commission approved $11.5 million in funding for the design.

In her fifth grade at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, they were tasked with creating a solution to enhance safety in schools during potential future pandemics.

Therefore, to combat airborne viruses like COVID-19, she developed a simple but effective air filter system.

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Design
Shokunbi’s air filter design showcases both innovation and cost-effectiveness. The unit is constructed using a simple combination of components: a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard.

This ingenious assembly results in a remarkably low production cost of approximately $60 per unit. This makes it a highly affordable alternative to commercial air purifiers.

Eniola Shokunbi said: “The air goes through all the sides, and it comes out of the top. So it filters in and out.”

With support from scientists at the University of Connecticut, UConn, Shokunbi’s design underwent rigorous testing.

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The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, confirmed that the device effectively eliminates over 99% of airborne viruses, showcasing its potential to significantly improve classroom safety.

The recent approval by the State Bond Commission allocates $11.5 million for the implementation of these air filters across Connecticut schools.

This funding is part of UConn’s SAFE-CT: Supplemental Air Filtration for Education Program, which aims to ensure that every public school classroom has access to these vital air purification systems.

Shokunbi’s vision extends beyond Connecticut; she aspires to see her air filters implemented in classrooms nationwide.

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“A lot of people don’t realize that the only thing standing between them and getting sick is science,” Eniola Shokunbi said.

Also, she emphasized the importance of investing in scientific solutions for children’s health.

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Mikel Obi explains how Kai Havertz dishonoured Chelsea fans

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Ex- Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi believes Arsenal striker Kai Havertz dishonoured Blues fans during last weekend’s north London derby.

During the recent 1-1 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge, Havertz, a former Chelsea player, thought he had scored for the Gunners.

Despite facing boos from Chelsea fans throughout the match, he responded by signaling for the crowd to be quiet.

Mikel Obi said such gestures, regardless of the circumstances, could be perceived as disrespectful to the fans of a club where a player has previously made significant contributions, including winning major trophies such as the Champions League and the Club World Cup.

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In a discussion on the Obi One podcast, Obi-Mikel reflected: “Looking back, it’s understandable that adrenaline and passion can influence actions in the heat of the moment.

However, showing respect for a former club and its fans is crucial.

“While playing for Chelsea, I sometimes faced challenges where the fans appreciated, but my love for the club remained strong and I focused on my responsibilities on the pitch.

“When a player returns to his former club and scores, it is important to celebrate in a way that recognizes the connection with the fans, rather than dismissing them. While I may not know all the reasons behind Havertz’s actions, I believe maintaining respect is essential for both players and supporters.”

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