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PANDEF Faults Tinubu Over Scrapping Of Niger Delta Ministry

Published

5 days ago

October 28, 2024

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) led by elder stateman Pa Edwin Clark has faulted the Federal Government over the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta.

In a communique issued at the end of a meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on October 24, 2024, the Forum’s General Assembly noted with “serious concern the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta which was established to address specific issues bordering on the peculiar circumstances of the Niger Delta, it’s damaged environment and its overall importance to the national economy”.

“The Assembly further condemns that the Ministry has been dissolved into a non-existing body without due consideration to those specific circumstances that led to its creation nor consultation with the critical stakeholders.

“PANDEF, therefore, calls on the federal government desire to further discuss this matter with a view to addressing several specific concerns, especially at a time when the government is pursuing policies to radically increase oil production.

“The Assembly welcomes the proposed South-South Commission to supplement existing Federal Agencies. However, the name of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NÐDC) should reflect its functions and the actual membership.”

On matters specific to the Niger Delta region, the Assembly called on the state governments to fully utilise the revenues from the 13% derivation to undertake the various critical programmes.

“These include roads like East-West Highway and the existing seven seaports in the area not being operated.

“To remedy the situation, the Assembly calls on the Federal Government to repair all failed roads, complete the East-West Highway, commence the building of the Calabar-Lagos railway, and set up maritime mass transit system for the riverine areas of the Niger Delta.”

PANDEF urged the state governments in the zone to embark on massive industrialisation programmes to generate wealth, employment, and skills. amongst other things.

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Speaker Abbas Felicitates Gov. Diri On Bayelsa Annual Thanksgiving

Published

4 hours ago

November 1, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on the state’s annual thanksgiving ceremony.

The Speaker also sent hearty felicitations to the good people of Bayelsa State on the occasion of the thanksgiving.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the Bayelsa State Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on November 2, annually, following the enactment of a law to that effect in 2012. It includes a monthly praise night and daily morning devotion at the official residence of the governor.

Speaker Abbas lauded Governor Diri for making the annual thanksgiving one of the most memorable days in the lives of Bayelsans.

“I join His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri, and the good people of Bayelsa State on the momentous occasion of the Bayelsa Annual Thanksgiving.

“It is gratifying to note that since its introduction in 2012, the thanksgiving has become one of the most important events in the lives of the people of Bayelsa, as it offers them the opportunity to pray and recommit the state to the hands of God.

“As you celebrate this day, I pray that God Almighty will continue to bless Bayelsa State to grow from strength to strength in years to come,” the Speaker said.

News

African Youths Key to Agenda 2063 – Deputy Speaker

Published

4 hours ago

November 1, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has emphasized the crucial role African youths play in realizing Agenda 2063, the African Union’s vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and united Africa.

In a virtual keynote at the 2024 Arise Nigeria Youth Summit, held at the National Assembly in Abuja to mark African Youth Day, Kalu noted that Nigerian youth, in particular, have the capacity to lead this transformation.

He commented young people in the continent as “the heartbeat of Africa’s future—the innovators, leaders, and change-makers.”

His address focused on “Harnessing the Power of Africa’s Youth: Driving Innovation, Leadership, and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

Kalu acknowledged the resilience and creativity of Africa’s youth, despite challenges like unemployment, insecurity, and inequality.

“Africa needs your voice, your ideas, and your leadership. Let us commit to building a continent where every young African can thrive, where unity transcends division, and our collective dreams become reality.

“Africa’s future is in your hands—be bold, be visionary, and continue to rise. Together, we will shape the Africa we want”, he said.

He further urged African nations, including Nigeria, to prioritize education, entrepreneurship, and good governance to empower youth. “The road to 2063 is long and challenging, but with determination, innovation, and collaboration, Africa’s youth will be the driving force behind a brighter, more prosperous continent. The future is yours to build.”

Chairing the event, Hon. Martins Esin lawmaker from Akwa Ibom State, urged young Africans to amplify their voices, directing their energy towards a brighter future for the continent.

He said: “Our youth are the driving force, capable of leading Africa to new heights,” while, encouraging the use of technology for connection and growth, and advised positive engagement on social media for societal development.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, echoed this commitment, assuring that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is creating avenues for youth not only to participate but to lead. Represented by Ambassador Akoshile Muktar, Olawande described youths as agents of change who should actively work together for a better future.

Joy Akut, Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker on Youth and Women Affairs, called the event a rallying call for youth potential, describing Nigerian youth as “a gold mine of untapped talent, intelligence, and ambition.” She emphasized the importance of programs like the Apprenticeship Scheme Bill, sponsored by Kalu, to bridge skill gaps and equip young Nigerians with practical career skills.

“Our youth are the heartbeat of our economy, the innovators, creators, and community-builders,” Akut stated. “Nigeria’s greatest resource is our people, especially our youth—they are our strength, our hope, and our pride.”

Goodwill messages from representatives of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the International Republican Institute (IRI) highlighted support for youth empowerment. The event also included the unveiling of a new book, *Listening to Your Inner Mentor*, by Hon. Karu Simon.

News

You’ve Lifted 25m People From Poverty With 25k – Shehu Sani Derides FG

Published

7 hours ago

November 1, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ex-Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has mocked the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, over Federal Government’s empowerment programme. Sani said Edun thinks he can lift 25 million Nigerians from poverty with N25,000. Edun had said the social investment programme had expanded its reach to 25 million vulnerable Nigerians from five million households.

The programme involves direct cash transfers to individuals on the social register, verified through biometric identification and paid through bank accounts or mobile wallets. Speaking with State House Correspondent at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Edun said the first and second payments have already been made to beneficiaries.

According to Edun: “Those payments have been rolled out. They’ve now reached five million households, 25 million Nigerians, and first and second payments are being made.” Reacting, Sani posted on X: “N25k for 25million people.Minister Edun has lifted 25million people out of poverty, they have now arrived at the Airport of prosperity. Kudos.”