News

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

Published

3 hours ago

November 1, 2024

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.”

News

Speaker Abbas Felicitates Gov. Diri On Bayelsa Annual Thanksgiving

Published

2 mins 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

6 mins 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

Confusion As Terrorists Block Major Highway, Kidnap Dozens Of Passengers

Published

3 hours ago

November 1, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Bandits along the Maiga-Kontagora road in Niger State have kidnapped about 20 passengers traveling in five vehicles.

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, who represents Mariga Constituency, informed newsmen that the incident occurred on Thursday when bandits blocked the Mariga-Kontagora road between Baban-Lamba and Beri.

Sarkin-Daji was responding to a statement from the military refuting claims that bandits were operating within its training grounds in Kontagora LGA, which also extends to Mariga LGA.

According to the Speaker, families of previously kidnapped victims had taken ransom payments to bandits multiple times in a forested area, reportedly part of the military grounds.

Released victims also told their families they were held in a forest near the Kontagora Army Barracks.

“The passengers kidnapped on Thursday on the Mariga-Kontagora road were also taken to the same forest,” the Speaker said, urging the military to act on accurate information and clear the bandits from the area.

Sarkin-Daji emphasized that, as representatives, they regularly receive feedback from their constituents about their struggles, and they thoroughly investigate these issues before presenting them in the Assembly.

He clarified that while they do not underestimate the military’s capacity to combat bandits, it is dismissive to ignore constituents’ complaints.

He urged the federal government and relevant authorities to address these concerns, as local communities claim that the military training ground has become a safe haven for bandits who emerge from the forest to carry out attacks.

He pointed out that even those released after ransom payments have stated that they were held within sight of the Kontagora Army Barracks.

The Speaker said the military should verify information from the victims and address the issue, rather than dismissing statements made by House members.

He added that despite the military’s dismissal of one Assembly member’s statements on Wednesday, bandits blocked the road between Baban-Lamba and Beri on Thursday, October 31, kidnapping over 20 passengers and moving them to the same forest.

He urged the military to act and clear the criminals from the area, stressing that their role is to protect the people.

The Speaker affirmed that they will continue to raise awareness so the federal government and all stakeholders understand the plight of their people.