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Shettima reaffirms govt’s commitment to Northeast economic revival
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to driving economic revival and development of the Northeast
He, however, said that the cooperation of everyone would be required to reclaim and shape the narrative of the region.
Speaking while laying the foundation for the new headquarters of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Maiduguri, Borno State, the vice president described the event as a demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise and commitment to the region’s development.
According to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Shettima noted that the new headquarters symbolises the strength of the nation’s collective will to rebuild and overcome challenges.
Shettima also inspected the on-going construction of the Jere Bowl Road Network and performed the groundbreaking for the second phase of the project.
He emphasized the importance of road networks in accelerating urbanisation, enhancing security, and fostering economic growth.
The vice president said: “NEDC is a product of the people, and it shall serve the interests of the nation. It is this foundational principle that guides the NEDC. This institution, therefore, embodies our collective resolve to transform the narrative of this region – from one marred by despair and devastation to one defined by renewal and triumph.
“Today is a demonstration of our promise, an assurance of our commitment, and a reminder of what this sub-region means to the nation.”
Shettima explained that the foundation-laying was a step towards fulfilling President Tinubu’s promise to prioritise initiatives that safeguard the interests of the Northeast.
“This promise is not merely a political commitment but a moral obligation to the people who have endured so much and deserve nothing less than a future defined by peace, stability, and prosperity,” he said.
The vice president stressed that the new head office surpasses mere infrastructure, embodying the strength of the nation’s collective will to rebuild, restore, and overcome the challenges that have hindered the region’s progress.
He added: “This head office shall symbolise the strength of our shared aspirations as a people with shared objectives. As we lay this foundation, we do so with a vision of a Northeast that is vibrant, resilient, and forward-looking.
“We do so imagining our contributions to building a nation where every child has access to quality education, where healthcare is accessible to all, where infrastructure supports thriving economies, and where peace and security are the bedrock of daily life.”
The projects, Shettima noted, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the development and prosperity of Northeast state.
“This project”, Shettima said, “symbolizes our dedication to improving the lives of our people, enhancing security, and fostering economic growth. It is a testament to our unwavering resolve to build a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of their location, has the opportunity to thrive.”
On the significance of the project, he explained: “A robust road network accelerates the process of urbanisation. As rural areas become more accessible, we will witness the development of new urban centers, leading to better access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
“Each road we construct supports security, commerce, and agriculture. They enhance the standard of living for our people. Without a reliable network of roads, we cannot fulfil our promises to the people, nor can we sustain our democracy. The full participation of remote communities in our nation’s development depends on a dependable road network.”
Underscoring the socio-economic importance of Borno to the Northeast region, Shettima stated: “The economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is rooted in supporting each state of the federation in achieving its objectives and fulfilling our promises to the nation.
“Borno State holds a pivotal role in our nation’s economy and will always remain a top priority in our efforts to stabilise and promote unity and peace across the nation.”
Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, who doubles as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, praised Shettima for mobilising support for the smooth operations of the NEDC.
“We are very proud of what you are doing as our leader in the North East by ensuring the smooth take-off of this project as well as enhancing the operations of the NEDC,” Yahaya stated.
He urged governors and other stakeholders from the Northeast to work towards achieving the goals of the NEDC.
The governor however lamented the devastating effect of the Boko Haram insurgency, which he said took the zone backwards by 50 years.
“We therefore need to work hard to recover the lost grounds, and with Vice President Shettima’s motivation and support, we can achieve that,” he added.
Acting Borno Governor Usman Kadafur also applauded the good work so far done by the NEDC in the six states of the region.
He said: “The effort of the NEDC is adjudged a quite successful story and it is the pride of the various state governments across the region.”
NEDC Chairman Maj.- Gen. Paul Tarfa said the the foundation-laying for the construction of a befitting headquarters has opened a new chapter in the history of the Commission, symbolizing growth.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decided not to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York this year.
The president has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.
President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, according to a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.”
“The high-level General Debate, with the theme ‘Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,’ will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024,” the statement added.
Since return to democratic governance in 199, Shettima will be the first Vice President to Nigeria’s delegation to UNGA.
Only Goodluck Jonathan represented Nigeria as Acting president in September 2010 at the 65th UNGA, while late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua was away in Saudi Arabia due to his ill health.
The Plateau State House of Assembly, on Thursday, approved N5.8bn for the conduct of the local government election in the state slated for October 9, 2024.
The approval by the House followed a communication from Governor Caleb Mutfwang, which was read at plenary by the Assembly Speaker, Gabriel Dewan.
The Speaker stated that the request was necessary as there was no budgetary allocation for the LG elections in the 2024 budget.
A member of the State Assembly, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak for the Assembly, confirmed the development to The PUNCH in Jos on Thursday.
The lawmaker said, “Governor Mutfwang, at Tuesday’s plenary, sought the House’s approval for N5.7bn as the 2024 supplementary, which was increased after upward review by the legislators.”
He continued, “The House leader, Joseph Bukar, presented the bill during our plenary. While soliciting the support of members for speedy passage, he said PLASIEC was running out of time in preparation for the election.”
“In their individual contributions, Hon. Kalamu Dal suggested a downward review of the budget size, while Hon. Daniel Nanbol urged for a critical review and deliberations. Afterwards, members approved a revised sum of N5.8bn, as opposed to the N5.7bn requested.”
The increase, as explained by Bukar, was due to an increase in security allocation for the election, from N2.7m to N4.2m. “So, that is what happened, and that is where we are at the moment regarding the forthcoming LG election,” the lawmaker concluded.
Security measures have been intensified in Enugu and Kwara states ahead of their Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
In Enugu State, the Police Command has pledged to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the elections.
However, the peace accord signing for the elections was marred by the absence of major parties like the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, and Labour Party.
Only representatives from the All Progressives Grand Alliance and Accord attended but chose not to sign the accord, citing the lack of participation from the leading parties.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, said all wards and flashpoints had been identified, and security personnel would be on high alert to prevent any disruptions.
The Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Chris Ngwu, said the commission was fully prepared for the elections with the support of the state government in procuring necessary materials.
In Kwara State, security agencies have been actively coordinating to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Over 3,000 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed across the state.
The Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission has completed arrangements for a trouble-free election.
Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, reported that a strategic meeting with heads of various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and others, had been held to ensure coordinated efforts for maintaining law and order.
The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, guaranteed maximum security for the election period.
The NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Umar Mohammed, announced the deployment of 3,000 personnel to various polling units and emphasised their role in preventing violence, ballot snatching, and other disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, Telumun Tombowua, announced on Thursday that eight political parties will participate in the upcoming LG elections in the state, scheduled for October 5, 2024.
Addressing journalists in Makurdi, Tombowua said the election would be conducted fairly and transparently.
He emphasised that the law establishing the BSIEC does not permit the use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation Machines for this election.
Regarding the APC, Tombowua confirmed that the National Working Committee of the party had requested the commission to work with the seven-man caretaker committee appointed to oversee party affairs in the state.
He noted that while 14 parties had initially shown interest, only eight completed the necessary processes and submitted their candidates.
Shettima becomes 1st VP to lead Nigeria’s delegation to UN Assembly in 25 yrs
Plateau Assembly approves N5.8bn for LG election
Enugu, Kwara tighten security ahead of LG polls
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