Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has justified the decision of the anti-narcotics body to go after the assets of drug barons and traffickers as part of ongoing offensive action against illicit drugs.

Marwa, explained the reason the action to go after assets of drug barons was taken at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday to kick off a week-long activities to celebrate the 2024 International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking, which NDLEA organized in conjunction with other stakeholders like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Marwa said: “Permit me to share with you that our offensive action against drug cartels and traffickers, launched in January 2021, has to date continued to yield the desired result with the arrests and prosecutions of several barons. As you are all aware, two serial traffickers got life imprisonment in court in April. Our prosecution efforts have continued to achieve successes in courts given the painstaking investigations and diligence in the prosecution of cases. Our water tight case preparations are unassailable. This has been further strengthened with our forfeiture regime with the passage of Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA 2022).

“Apart from conviction, the assets of the convicts used as instrumentality of the crime or the proceeds derived from the crime would be forfeited to the federal government. Indeed, a civil action in rem could be maintained against assets reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime in which case the burden of proving the licit origin of the asset would be on the defendant who claims ownership of the asset. This diligent and painstaking preparation of investigations and prosecutions explains the success of the high conviction rate.”

Marwa who was represented by the agency secretary, Mr. Shadrach Haruna on the drug demand reduction efforts of the NDLEA, said the flagship programme, war against drug abuse (WADA) built on ‘the whole of society approach’ to preventive action against drug abuse has been a tremendous success as an effective tool of advocacy for social action and an awareness-driven vehicle for public engagement and collaboration against illicit trafficking and abuse, which he said aligns with the theme for the 2024 world drug day, WDD.

He explained that the world drug day, observed on June 26 every year, “is an important day for the global community, and an occasion during which current efforts against illicit drug problems are given policy direction for the next 12 months.”

He added that the theme for this year: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”, emphasises the importance of preventing people from falling into the danger of experimenting with illicit drugs and subsequently falling into the trap of dependence on psychoactive substances.

He noted that: “Prevention is an important aspect of the effort to curb the menace of abuse of illicit drugs in society. At NDLEA, prevention, as ably anchored in our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), social advocacy programme is a priority area for us. Within our modest means and with the support of the Federal Government and our various stakeholders, we have invested in prevention by various means over the past three years as part of the reforms being undertaken in the agency.”

He gave the breakdown of the weeklong activities to include: Juma’at Service at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday, Walk Against Drugs in collaboration with MTN and other stakeholders on Saturday, Thanksgiving Church Service at the National Christian Centre on Sunday, among others.

He expressed gratitude to the federal and state governments for the support given to the agency in various ways in the onslaught against drug traffickers.

He said: “The UNODC has been a strong support for us as well as our foreign partners, including the US-Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the British Border Force, National Crime Agency (NCA) of United Kingdom, as well as our stakeholders like Nigerian Armed Forces, the Customs, Police, Immigration, NAFDAC, NFIU, NACA, FRSC and Civil Defence, among others. And importantly, our media friends. That you are here today is a testament to the support you have given to us these past three years. I cannot help but thank you and the media you represent.”

In his remarks, UNODC Country Deputy Representative, Mr. Danilo Campisi on his part, called on government at all levels and other stakeholders in Nigeria to invest in drug use preventive measures to avoid a 40% rise in the population of drug users in the country especially the youth population.
According to him, “projections show that by 2030, there will be a 40% increase in the use of drugs in Africa, based on the population of young people. This is extremely concerning, if we consider that 2030 is only six years away.

He said: “We are all familiar with the saying: “prevention is better than cure” and considering the data and projections, it has become even more critical for Nigeria to invest heavily in drug use preventive measures. I do not think it would be an exaggeration to describe this as a national emergency. If the country is to take on the challenge of this projected increase in drug use, it is imperative that it adopts scientific evidence-based approaches that prioritise prevention and treatment.”

He said UNODC has worked with the “Government of Nigeria to adapt and implement evidence-based prevention measures which include the highly successful UNPLUGGED, a school-based Drug Prevention Programme implemented together with the Federal Ministry of Education, in 110 Unity Schools and in a few states in the country, notably Kebbi, Bayelsa and recently, Kaduna, on the initiative of the State Governments in these States.”

In a continued effort to shed light on and expose the tactics of terrorist groups amid the ongoing fight against Boko Haram in the Northeast, Neem Foundation, a member of the Truth Alliance, sponsored a radio talk show as part of the “Time to Tell the Truth” campaign in Maiduguri.

In a press statement issued on Monday by the Spokesperson of The Truth Alliance, Mr Ahmed Mustapha, the talk show, aired live this Saturday on Peace FM Radio Station (102.5 FM), marking the second instalment of the series, featuring discussions with guest speakers on how the community can participate in the peace-building process.

The week’s guest speakers, Garba Yusuf and Abdullahi Muhammad, both of whom serve as counsellors and researchers at the Neem Foundation, shared insights based on their community engagements and expertise. The discussions were hosted in Hausa by Muhammad Abubakar Askira.

Garba Yusuf highlighted the rise of insurgency, attributing it to parental negligence and unemployment. “During the advent of the menace, you will notice that some parents are showing neglect on their wards without asking where, what, and with whom they are mingling. Besides, the key factor that lures the people is unemployment,” Yusuf stressed. He pointed out that jobless individuals are more susceptible to being recruited into terrorism, as financial incentives can easily sway them. He also emphasised the importance of a good upbringing in preventing such involvement.

Abdullahi Muhammad focused on the targeted recruitment strategies of terrorist groups. “If you consider the tactics terrorist groups use to deceive people to join their ranks, about 60% or 70% of whom fall victim are young people, specifically those between 18 and 30 years of age,” he stated. Muhammad emphasized the critical role of youth in society and the need to engage those lacking focus to prevent their exploitation by insurgents.

Towards the end of the program, an interactive call-in session was featured, with listeners from as far as Fune LGA in Yobe State and Jigawa calling in to commend the discussion and share their perspectives on the topic.

Muhammad Buba from Fune, Yobe State, remarked, “Alhamdulillah, we have started getting peace in our region, and I call on all to participate in the process by supporting the military with information and other things that bring peace.”

Umar from Kwaram, Jigawa State, commended the program and urged the continuation of such initiatives in the region.
Mustapha stressed that The Truth Alliance remains committed to fostering community engagement and promoting peace and stability in the Northeast. 

He stated: “The Truth Alliance is committed to unmasking the truth behind violent and extremist groups and empowering communities to resist tyranny and violence. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, the Truth Alliance strives to build a safer, more resilient society for all.

“In a campaign tagged ‘Time to Tell the Truth’, the Truth Alliance has come together to expose the truth behind how violent extremist groups draw young people into their ranks. Their message is simple: These groups manipulate, they deceive, they Control, they kill, they kidnap, they destroy, and their movement as well as ideology is inherently weak.”

By Harrison Akamule 

The Founder and General Overseer of Christ Mission Ministry, Akugbene Community, in Bomadi Local Government Area, Pastor Austin Temeowei-Ebi, has said that Nigeria was suffering today because those at the helm of affairs lacked the fear of God.

Pastor Temeowei-Ebi made the assertion while reflecting on the current hardship the country was faced with.

In his words, “Where we are today in this country is due to the lack of the fear of God. Leaders lack the fear of God. When we talk about fear of God, we are talking about knowing what God wants, and doing it the way God wants it to be done”.

“Leaders should know who made them leaders, the wisdom they need to lead can only come from God, therefore, God must be the central focus of leadership. So leaders should look up to God and practice God’s leadership style so there will be justice, truth, sincerity”. He said

The Clergy noted that the economic and political situation Nigerians have found themselves in was caused by leaders from top to bottom because Leaders and Nigerians failed to realize that it is God alone that allows anyone to be in a leadership position.

He mentioned that the Church has a vital role to play because the wellbeing of the country is the wellbeing of the Church, adding that, Church leaders should always tell the political class and others in leadership positions the truth.

Pastor Temeowei-ebi encouraged all leaders in different positions and Nigerians at large, to be steadfast and imbibe the fear of God to actualize God’s purpose for the betterment of all Nigerians.

The Founder and General OverSeer of Christ Mission Ministry, Akugbene Community, Bomadi LGA, Delta State, Pastor Austin Temeowei-Ebi . Pix. Harrison Akamule 

The Federal Government has ordered the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to take over the protection of transmission lines and towers across the nation.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunjo-Ojo gave the order on Friday during the passing-out parade of the 2nd batch of mining marshals of NSCDC in Abuja, decrying that: “It is not acceptable for a country to spend billions on power infrastructure for it to be vandalized.”

The Minister while expressing deep concern over the constant vandalism of transmission lines, towers and transformers, described the oft-repeated vandalism of critical national assets as economic sabotage which must be nipped in the bud.

Tunji-Ojo added that: “I will speak with my brother, the Minister of power, the rate of vandalism , the rate of destruction of our critical infrastructure in the sector and a lot of sabotage going on with our transmission lines, our generation points and all the rest has to be looked into.

“It is your job to make sure that no critical asset of government is destroyed and we are ready and I believe NSCDC is up to the task.

“The next time I come here, I want to see my Power Rangers, I mean people that will protect our distribution lines, people that will protect our Gencos people that will protect every power sector. it’s not reasonable, it’s not acceptable for the for a country like Nigeria to spend billions of dollars on power infrastructure all for it to be vandalized no country grows or develops without the power sector so NSCDC it is time for you to play your part.

“In terms of the power sector we will take this sector by sector. I have decided that the solution towards you accomplishing your mandate is sectorization of your responsibility.”

Tunji-Ojo also assured Nigerians that the country would do everything it takes to win the war against illegal miners.

He said: “Today, I can tell you the revenue from the solid mineral sector is not where it used to be, it has improved. The security in terms of our mines has improved and of course Nigeria is a big country therefore, we need to train more, we need to deploy more personnel into making sure that all our mines and all critical assets of Nigeria are well protected.

“We have seen that there is no solution to our problems that Nigerians cannot prefer yes we’ve not yet won the war but we know we will win the war.”

On his part, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake acknowledged that the revenue in the mineral sector has improved after the introduction of NSCDC Mining Marshals.

Alake, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, however warned miners to formalise their operations or face the law.

He said that the illegal operations of the miners have continued to cause land degradation.

In his remarks, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi lamented that the nation’s security especially the mining sector is being threatened by the nefarious activities of illegal miners, bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, among others, noting that this has led to a major setback in the development of the country’s otherwise very lucrative mining sector that is very critical to the country’s socio-economic development.

Audi said: “There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundance of mineral resources which if properly tapped and managed, could significantly boost Nigeria’s revenue base which represents another giant stride towards stabilising the economy.”

He noted that adequate security measures towards strengthening security and safeguarding our collective patrimony needs to be put in place, while insisting that there is need for a robust policy guideline backed by legislation, for a robust regulatory measures to combat and criminalise illegal mining.

The CG explained that this measure will no doubt attract and encourage genuine investors (both indigenous and foreign) to the mining industry.

On the new mining marshals, he said: “I am of the firm believe that this intensive training has sufficiently equipped the participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to discharge their duties diligently and professionally. Let me at this juncture remind today’s graduands of the expectations of Government and to charge you all to maintain a high sense of professionalism, integrity, discipline, civility, humility, and level headedness and to ensure that knowledge gained in the course of the training is effectively utilized to fortify security at all mining sites across the country.

“You are also expected to imbibe the spirit of patriotism, absolute loyalty and to eschew acts or unethical conduct capable of dragging the image of the Corps in the mud as anyone found wanting will be appropriately sanctioned. Furthermore, you are to shun any act of unhealthy rivalry with other Security Agencies but rather regard yourselves as partners in the wheel of progress and development of this great Nation.”

Monday 17th

Stakeholders on Thursday advocated improved capacity for law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute money laundering and terrorism financing cases in Nigeria.

The participants at the dialogue on strengthening Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism framework engagement on Nigeria’s FATF delisting, also demanded effective strategies that could lead to the removal of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force grey list.

The FATF greylisted Nigeria in February 2023, and the country again failed to scale a review carried out by the global financial intelligence agency at its plenary, in November of the same year.

The participants were drawn from the Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the University of Warwick and the University of Lancaster.

The programme which was held in Abuja, was hosted by the African Centre for Governance, Assets Recovery and Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Global South Dialogue on Economic Crime, the University of Warwick, the University of Lancaster and the Economic and Social Research Council, among others.

An assistant professor at the University of Warwick Law School, Dr. Joy Malala, noted the greylisting of several African countries by the FATF and proposed that “a shared approach to mitigating the risk of listing needed to be documented.”

Malala stated, “So, part of our aim is to do a NEEDS assessment and try to understand the challenges that many of the government agencies face; whether it’s data management, whether it’s interagency collaboration, communication and what they do with that data as well.

‘’We are also interested in many of the judicial actors, trying to understand how the prosecution works, taking these cases forward to the courts, how the courts adjudicate them, and trying to see how police interact with Customs, interact with other agencies, to better understand the needs of Nigeria.

She explained that money laundering is not a nation-specific crime, emphasising its cross-border, transnational nature, adding that a better coalition would, in fact, limit and constrain how illicit finances flow.

‘’It would better constrain how money flows within these networks, these organised crime networks. So, we are hoping to expand it to other countries, but the focus of this project is strictly on Nigeria as a case study,” she clarified.

Also speaking, Dr Nkechi Azinge-Egbiri of the University of Lancaster said the participants at the dialogue who included stakeholders from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Directorate of State Services would rub minds and strategise against the challenges in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

“We want to ask and find out what the challenges are, to benchmark their capacity, and to see how we can aid in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, which is very crucial and would contribute to Nigeria’s ability to also attain SDG 16, which is about reducing illicit financial flows within the country, and outside the country,” she said.

The Executive Director of the African Centre for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, said the centre was collaborating with the Federal Government under the International Coordination Review Group, to ensure Nigeria’s delisting from the FATF grey list.

She listed the outstanding issues to include prosecution, investigation, intelligence gathering, and managing data related to terrorism financing cases.

The former NFIU director noted, “Well, today, we are essentially looking at how to improve our systems, whether we’re talking about investigation, prosecution, or in terms of gathering intelligence that will support the investigation.

‘’One of the challenges relates to the investigation of terrorism cases as opposed to any other crime, and also to make sure that when we do that, every law enforcement agency that is involved has the intelligence to do their work, has the capacity to then investigate and then prosecute.’’

By Andy Emephia

Precisely one year in office as Senator representing Delta North Senatorial district in the 10th Nigerian Senate, his has been a game changing foray, a trailblazing one of remarkable might , mirth , and main.

Inaugurated on 13th June 2023, this personality , who represented Aniocha/Oshimili fedral constituency, at the green chambers of the National Assembly , has truly lived up to his billing, literally eclipsing the achievements of his predecssors in that office.

Inaugurated on the 13th of June 2023, this pathfinder, who, twenty years ago , had represented the good people of Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency , at the green chambers of the National Assembly , has unarguably , surpassed the performance of his predecessors with a landmark 20 bills to his credit , as well as numerous motions dovetailing around the greater good of the downtrodden , not only in Delta North , but the entire natíon at large.

A member of 16 strategic senate committees , among which he is Vice Chairman of the strategic environment committee , he has demonstrated ample capacity in his legislative duties of law making and oversight functions , to the admiration of not only the people of Delta North , but also to the entire members of the 10th Senate.

Highly respected , Senator Prince Chinedum ( Ned Nwoko), the doyen of the Paris club loan refunds that lifted Nigeria from economic depression, the first Nigerian to go to Antarctica and hoist the nation,s flag in the quest for malaria cure, the Chancellor of the first Sports University in Sub Saharan Africa , culture and tourism connoisseur , philanthropist per excellence and lots more , is indeed a pride of Anioma in particular , and Delta in general.

A man of high transparency , Ned, as he is fondly called, had announced that he had attracted a whooping #3.5bn from the 2024 federal budget , for sundry infrastructural projects to Anioma , cutting across roads , schools , markets and so on, in total contrast to the sickening secrecy displayed by politicians in this clime.

SCORECARD lN ONE YEAR.

In November 2023, 250 persons were empowered and given #150,000 each, in a poverty alleviation and wealth creation scheme designed to take the youths and women off the unemployment rung , into self sustaining vocations.

In the works also , is another of such programmes scheduled for the end of June 2024.

Not done , over 1,000 persons , through the federal government’s social investment scheme , are slated to benefit from a #50,000 each Conditional Cash Transfer scheme, to be supervised by the senator,s office.

Senator Ned Nwoko,s desire for the people of Delta North to enjoy uninterrupted electricity through the step down of the Okpai electricity project , has started yielding results with assurances that the step down project , whiwaslong abandoned by successive federal governments, will see the enjoying their God given natural endowment.

Also on his list of achievements within the period under review, is the resuscitation of the Ogwashi uku Dam which was started over 20 years ago when he was the House of Reps member representg Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency and also abandoned by the federal agency in charge of the project, the federal ministry of water resources . The project,s completion is dear to Nwoko,s heart , as it will bring the agricultural prowess of the surrounding communities to the fore through irrigation as is done across the world.

Senator without border

The release of the family involved in fire arms production at Onicha Olona in Aniocha north , clearly attests to Ned,s knack for seeing beyond to ferret the good out of a bad siruation . For the sheer fact that he met with the military hierarchy at the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army to personally plead for the release of the family members involved in this seemingly criminal act of producing fire arms and soliciting for them to be integrated into a process whereby those skilled in manufacturing arms can be integrated into a programme where they can be formally engaged to work with the relevant military hardware production outfits , is a clear manifestation of his uncanny knack to discover talents in any field of human endeavour.

The Okwuama issue: Ned again to the rescue

Unmindful of the fact that he was not a representative of the Okwuama people of Delta Central , Ned played a key and central role in the release of the Ewu kingdom Monarch , HRM Clement lkolo, Urhukpe 1, who was detained by the Military authorities in Abuja , over the March 14, 2024 killing of 17 soldiers on a peace mission to the community . Even the monarch after his release , visited Ned at his Maitama , Abuja residence, where he openly admitted that his release was largely due to Ned,s intervention.

Bills and Motions.

Too numerous to mention what Senator Ned Nwoko has put forward within this one year at the floor of the Senate . But suffice it to say that though they are in the public domain , they range from firearms ownership , diaspora voting , youth empowerment , rent related matters and anti open grazing across states among others.

His legion motions include stoppage of gas flaring , completion of the East/ West Road, total rehabilitation of the Benin Onitsha highway and sundry others too numerous to mention.

Not the least indicative of a man in tow with the urgency of the moment , Ned,s bill for the creation of Anioma state from the present Delta State , clearly speak volumes of his awareness of history.

Conclusion

With the groundswell of hearty approbation and vote of confidence garnered from the youth , women , traditional institutions and the entire people of Anioma, it is as clear as crystal , as chill as the reaches of outer space , that Delta North has struck gold with a worthy repsentative at the red chambers , in Ned.

Over 5,000 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been deployed in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to allow for a hitch-free celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

A statement by the spokesman the FCT Command of the NSCDC, Samuel Idoko said that the Commandant, FCT Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu made the deployment of 5,112 personnel to beef up security in the FCT, before and during the Sallah celebration.

He said the deployment which would cover all the nooks and crannies of the six (6) Area Councils as well as the city centre, especially sensitive locations, soft targets, black spots and flash points that are prone to criminal activities, is to ensure that residents enjoy a peaceful holiday this season.

The Commandant warned miscreants, vandals and other mischief makers to keep off Critical National Assets and Infrastructure as the Corps will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on any one caught or found culpable.

Odumosu also warned against burning of tyres on the road as it affects the integrity of the road and therefore constitutes act of vandalism, anyone caught will be made to face the law.

The Commandant warned miscreants who take advantage of festive seasons to commit acts of vandalism of infrastructures such as street lights, solar panels and batteries to desist from that as the command has men all over the FCT and anyone caught perpetrating such criminal act will face the full weight of the law.

He warned that: “The FCT administration have spent so much to provide good roads and other basic infrastructure for residents of the FCT, we will therefore not tolerate any act that will sabotage the effort of government.”

He also charged Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to deploy massively in their various jurisdiction and to ensure adequate security coverage in all places of interest.

He urged personnel to be committed, vigilant, responsive and resolute in their avowed commitment to ensuring a crime free environment, and a hitch free celebration devoid of security breaches or threats.

“The Corps is committed to ensuring safety of lives and property of residents and the protection of Critical National Assets in the FCT.

“You are to ensure 24 hours protection of all these infrastructures, and the holiday makers in the city. We must show commitment in the discharge of our duties as law enforcers.

“However, there is no room for carelessness or over zealousness while carrying out your duties and the operational order must be followed to ensure professionalism on your part,” he said.

The Commandant has deployed all special forces such as the Armed Squad, Intelligence and under cover officers, Counter Terrorism Unit, Female Strike Force, Special Crack Squad (operation Adaka-su), and Agro Rangers to ensure the maintenance of law and order.

Odumosu assures residents of FCT that the Command will join other sister agencies to provide security at prayer grounds all over the FCT, at motor parks, recreational centres and other places of interest.

The Commandant felicitates with all muslim faithfuls in the FCT as they mark the Eid- El Kabir celebration and pray that Almighty Allah accept their sacrifice.

By Andy Emephia

The conclusion, both unanimous and obvious, for the creation of the long overdue Anioma State, is incontrovertible.

From the spirited efforts of Anioma traditional rulers led by the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, to the strident appeal by pan Anioma socio cultural body , the Izu Anioma, to the affirmation by pan lbo socio cultural body , Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the time is indeed ripe.

Taking the gauntlet recently , the ever proactive Senator representing Delta North Senatorial district at the Nigerian Senate, distinguished Senator Prince Chinedum( Ned) Munir Nwoko , made a proposal on the floor of the red chambers , for the creation of Anioma state , to become the sixth ( 6th) State of the south east region, which is the only region among the six geo political regions , that has less states, five to be precise.

Apart from the political imbalance in the distribution of states that is the lot of the south east geo political zone, Senator Ned Nwoko is emphatic that the creation of Anioma state is “urgent and compelling”.

Noting specifically that only the south east , with five states , have 15 Senators , instead of the 18 and above that other regions boast of, Anioma State , with 9 local governments , boasts of huge natural and mineral resources , including crude oil and huge gas reserves in six of her local governments , and as such , qualifies for meeting any laid down criteria , for state creation.

Senator Nwoko added that creation of Anioma state is not just about adding to the number of states in the south east geo political zone , but also about ensuring fair representation and resource allocation for the south east.

Why place Anioma with South east?

The saying that “the truth wears no disguise” , underscores Senator Nwoko,s bold step in this regard . Culturally speaking , the Anioma region has a lot in common with the five south eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. Apart from sharing similar language and cultural features with the south east states, it is widely acknowledged that their ancestor Ezechime , has clans all over Anioma land , especially Aniocha north.

Even the Aro people domiciled in the south east , are reputed to be descendants of Ezechime , the historical figure associated with the many clans in present day Aniocha North.

Conclusion

Without mincing words , Senator Ned Nwoko , always braving odds where others dare to thread, is on the road to history again.

The creation of Anioma state is a crucial step towards creating justice and equity for the people of the south east.

With the collaborative effort of major stakeholders , and Ned Nwoko at the Senate to drive the process to it’s logical conclusion, the Anioma state dream, with it’s full proof claim of historical and resource allocation neglect , is but a hair,s breath away
And Ned,s name , as always , is primed to be indelibly etched as the undisputed arrow head of a dream soon to come true.

By Harrison Akamule 

The inability of successive administrations to summon political will to address the autonomy of local government administration has led to the collapse of the local government Councils in Nigeria. 

The Executive Director for Good Governance at the Grassroots, Sir Godwin Ebelli, made the assertion at Akugbene Community, Bomadi Local Government Area, of Delta State.

According to Sir Ebelli, Local Government Councils are poorly funded due to the Act establishing Joint Allocations with the State Governments 

He pointed out that the leadership recruitment process into local government Councils where elections are not held regularly has caused more harm than good to the masses in the local government areas, adding that even if elections were conducted, the Parties in power would win it all.

He reiterated that the selection of local government Chairmen and Councilors’ was one of the reasons local governments are under-developed, saying that if local government areas which was the third tier of government were deliberately empowered, there would be so much relief for the federal and state governments.

He stated that political Parties should have direct internal democracy for people to choose candidates of their choice so that they can be held accountable and responsible if they fail.

He appealed to the National Assembly to revisit the Act establishing local governmentadministration and do the needful so that rural dwellers can hold local government council administrators accountable if they failed to perform.

Sir Ebelli noted that the overbearing grip of local government Councils by the State Governments has inadvertently affected them and the people from meaningful development and growth.

He said since the federal government does not have direct control of funds going to the states, state governments too should not have direct control of local government funds.

In his words “If local Government Councils are properly funded, and the leadership recruitment process is done within the principles of democracy, mass movement of people from the rural to urban areas for white color jobs would be reduced “.

-Sir Godwin Ebeli, Executive Director for Good Governance at State and Grassroots. Pix. Harrison Akamule 

BY SUNNY A. DAVID

A scandal involving the alleged dIversion of 1,300 sanitary buckets meant for the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) has rocked Onitsha South Local Government Area, leading to the flee of a local government staff and two others.

Some people had been paddling information that the former Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area Chief Emeka Joseph Orji diverted those buckets meant for the residents.

Our correspondent gathered that those who paddled the information had flee the town after discovering that they collected N7millions to discredit the former Chairman of the council.

It was also gathered that among the fleeing persons include a staff of Onitsha South local government council, who is still under investigation by the Police.

The contractor handling the project said the three persons who made allegation were paid the sum of N7 millions by a politican fighting to replace Orji as Transition Committee Chairman.

According to the contractor, when they lost their bid as stakeholders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA in the area to stop the renomination of Orji as one of the mandatory three aspirants for the job, they decided to make wild allegation against him.

However, Onitsha South Media, said those buckets were not diverted but were kept for safety on the mandate of the Contractor Menezes Int. Ltd. headed by the Managing Director and CEO of the firm Chief Sir Edwin Ukaora.

The contractor, Chief Ukora in a statement confirming the safe keeping of the buckets said:
“The attention of Menezes Int. ltd. has been drawn to a video and report alleging that the former Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area Chief Emeka Joseph Orji stocked Anambra state government sanitation buckets at his private residence in Onitsha.

“Against this backdrop, the management of Menezes Int Ltd wishes to state as follows.

“That the said allegations are not only false but unfounded as the property in question belongs to the Company.

“That the true position is that Menezes Int Ltd was contracted to supply sanitation buckets to the Anambra State government.

“By the time Anambra Waste Management Agency ASWAMA gave the contract to procure and distribute those sanitation buckets the firm had serious challenges of where to keep those buckets totaling 300 as first batch of the supply and later 1,000 buckets.

”Menezes had no option but to search for space, and it is on record that the company approached warehouses in Onitsha, and they charged her high cost of storage, which the company found too expensive to pay.

”On a second thought, Menezes Int Ltd approached the then Chairmen of Onitsha North and South local government areas, and they accepted to allow the firm to store those buckets under their custody.

“Onitsha North local government area had enough space to store some of the buckets while Onitsha South had no such space hence the Chairman Chief Emeka Joseph Orji offered his residence in Onitsha for the company to store those buckets at no cost at all.

“Consequent upon the above the Board and Management of Menezes Int ltd wish to state categorically that the said buckets is owned by the company and was not diverted by the former Chairman of Onitsha South local government area Chief Emeka Joseph Orji.

“That those buckets still bear the name of the company that supplied them, which is Menezes Int Ltd.

“The management sees those spurious allegations as a calculated attempt by some bunch of paid agents and rabble rousers to dent the image and reputation of Chief Emeka Joseph Orji.

“Meanwhile three suspects are said to be on the run following the intensed investigation over the matter and financial transactions have also been uncovered to the tune of N7 million allegedly paid to the blackmailers to pull Chief Emeka Joseph Orji down politically.

“The Management would make public the three suspects, which includes a staff of Onitsha South local government area who has been facing police interrogation over several allegations of obtaining under false pretenses and arson on public and private properties.

“The Management of Menezes Int Ltd wish to urge the general public to discountenance those reports as they misleading smacks of campaign of calumny targeted at the former Chairman of Onitsha South local government area.”

… Borno Govt shares N220m to vulnerable women, widows

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has delivered part of the 36,000 50kg bags of assorted grain donated by the Federal Government to Borno State Government to support resettled communities and other vulnerable families.

The distribution took place Monday in a large open field in Pulka town, with 10,000 residents each receiving a 50kg bag of assorted grain.

Zulum expressed gratitude to the federal government for the donation, noting that it came when such a gesture was most needed.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Zulum said, “We are here to launch the distribution of relief materials from the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The total sum of about thirty-six thousand 50kg bags of assorted grains comprising maize grain and millet was given to the Government of Borno State by the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

He added, “Let me express my sincere appreciation on behalf of the government and people of Borno State to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this great gesture. This is not the only support that we received from him. We have received tremendous support from the President in the last one year.”

Zulum also stated that the federal government has donated rice to Borno, which the state government is receiving.

“In addition to this grain, the federal government is also providing some rice; we have started receiving it, but they are yet to complete the delivery of the rice to the state government,” Zulum said.

… Borno Govt shares N220m to vulnerable women, widows

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum also supervised the distribution of N220m cash to 22,000 vulnerable women and widows in the Pulka ward of Gwoza Local Government Area on Monday.

Zulum noted that each of the 22,000 women received N10,000 cash support and one wrapper.

“In addition to the food items donated by the federal government, on our part, Borno State government is also distributing N10,000 cash and a wrapper to each of the 22,000 women here, Zulum said.

“The beneficiaries were drawn from Pulka, Ngoshe, Warabe and Kirawa communities of Gwoza Local Government Area,” Zulum added.

Governor Zulum was accompanied by the member representing Gwoza, Damboa and Chibok at the House of Representatives, Hon Ahmed Jaha; the member representing Gwoza at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Buba Abatcha; Northeast Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Ahmed Sirajo and other officials of the Borno State Government.

….visits farms, supports South Chad Irrigation Revival Initiative
 
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, visited Baga town in Kukawa Local Government Area on Sunday to address a reported threat by Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists against residents. 
 
The governor met with military officials to discuss strategies to prevent further displacement of communities and build resilience against ISWAP’s propaganda, calling for residents to flee Kukawa or face attack in the past week.
 
“No community has been displaced in the last four years and under no circumstances will we allow Boko Haram to displace anyone again,” Governor Zulum declared after the meeting. He downplayed the terrorists’ strength, calling them “weak and seeking cheap popularity.” 
 
Governor Zulum expressed confidence in the military’s ability to handle the situation, citing the strong presence in Baga and Cross-Kauwa, where he confirmed discussions with the Theatre Commander, Brigade Commander, and Sector Commander.
 
The governor further said that “I’m here to discuss the matter with the military on ways to abort the situation of displacement so that it does not reoccur. They are very weak and are seeking cheap popularity. But I believe we have military strength here in Baga and Cross to address the issue of Kukawa. I have spoken with the theatre commander, brigade commander and sector commander.”
 
…boosts transport unions and farmers Association with operational vehicles

Besides the security concerns, Governor Zulum boosted various associations by presenting vehicles during his visit to Baga town. The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) received vehicles to facilitate transportation.
 
The vehicles presented included 7 golf saloon cars and 10 units of tricycles to NURTW, 3 golf saloon cars and 5 units of tricycles to RTEAN. Farmers and fish buyers also received 15 units of vehicles to assist with transporting produce and goods to markets.
 
Leaders of the benefiting associations expressed gratitude to the governor for his continued support, acknowledging its positive impact on the local economy.

 
…visits farms, supports South Chad Irrigation Revival Initiative
 
Meanwhile, the governor also visited farms to support the revival of the South Chad irrigation scheme with initiatives that include subsidising fuel sales and providing farm inputs to encourage irrigation farming. 
 
The governor directed the Kukawa Local Government Chairman to compile a list of farmers for further support through the World Bank’s ACReSAL project. 

The governor was accompanied on the trip by Hon. Usman Jaha Babawo, Member of the House of Representatives representing Chibok, Damboa and Gwoza Federal constituencies; Hon. Karta Maina Maaji Lawan, Member of the State House of Assembly representing Kukawa LGA; Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs; and Hon. Bawu Bamusami, Commissioner for Agriculture.

Also present were Hon. Aliyu Muhammad Buba Lawan, Commissioner of Transport and Energy; Barrister Mustapha Busuguma, Permanent Secretary, Government House, former Chief of Staff; and elders of Kukawa Local Government Area.

Ahead of the September, 21 governorship election in Edo state, the media team of othe DR AZEMHE AZENA MANDATE, has urged members of the public to disregard unfounded information aimed at causing disaffection in the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP.

A press statement signed by AUSTEN AKHAGBEME

Head, Media Team and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Monday, June 06, 2024 reads: 

“Our attention has been drawn to the fake news making the rounds in some blogs and social media spaces about the purported suspension of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Governorship Candidate, Dr Azemhe Azena, from the Party by the Ward 10 Chairman of his Etsako-East local government area.

“In the fake letter signed by an impostor,  one Hon Kadiri Eshimokha as Chairman with Mrs Stella Afebua and Hon  Eshiobo Johnson as Women leader and Youth leader respectively, who are not known to the party, especially at the Ward level, these mischief makers, in their figment of imagination, accused the esteemed Gubernatorial candidate of anti-party activity.

“It should be stated clearly that these self-acclaimed officers of the party in Ward 10 are fake and unknown to the Ward, much more to the Party.

“The Ward Chairman, Mr GODDAY JOSEPH IYAMAH together with the Women leader, Mrs  Patricia Bello and the youth leader, Mr Garuba Paul are highly surprised at this development and will respond officially soon.

“All members of our great Party and lovers of the DR AZEMHE AZENA MANDATE should kindly disregard such unfounded information aimed at causing disaffection in our Party.

“We should rather continue to work as we’re doing already to ensure that our candidate succeeds at the polls thereby ushering in a government that the Edo people deserve come September, 21st.”

Large consignments of codeine-based syrup and Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis worth about N2.2 billion in street value have been intercepted at the Port Harcourt seaports, Onne and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday said at the Lagos airport, NDLEA officers with the cooperation of other security agencies last Friday intercepted a large consignment of Loud, packed in eight suitcases, containing 320 parcels with a total weight of 164.5 kilogrammes of the strong psychoactive substance coming from Canada on a KLM flight via Amsterdam, Netherlands.

He noted that the consignment estimated to be worth N960 million which was brought in by a passenger, Ughenu Nnaife was discovered at the E-arrival hall of the airport by personnel of NDLEA, Customs and others during a joint search operation by the security operatives while the suspect was attempting to smuggle the suitcases out of the hall.

He said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a resident of Germany but travelled to Toronto, Canada to transport the drug to Nigeria.

Babafemi added that during his interview, he claimed he was recruited as a mule to convey the drug to Nigeria for an agreed fee of N6 million.

He disclosed that at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, NDLEA operatives last Monday intercepted a container marked TEMU 6807401 imported from India enroute C to C bonded terminal in Enugu. During a joint examination of the container by NDLEA, Customs and other security agencies, 1,750 cartons of codeine weighing 26,250 kilogrammes, containing 175,000 bottles of the opioid worth over N1.2 billion in street value were discovered.

In Abuja, a 25-year-old lady, Blessing Thomas, was arrested with 1 kilogramme methamphetamine by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Kwali – Gwagwalada expressway last Friday while travelling in a commercial bus from Lagos to Yola, Adamawa state, also operatives in Nasarawa state last Wednesday nabbed a 70-year-old grandfather, Muhammadu Ibrahim, with 57.2 kilogrammes cannabis in Lafia, the state capital.

Babafemi said two suspects: Suleiman Kazeem, 35, and Sunday Gbenga, 20, were arrested when NDLEA officers raided Ara forest, Ara-Ekiti in Ekiti State where they recovered 426 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa already processed and packed in big sacks, while they destroyed over 4,000 kilogrammes of same substance on 1.66 hectares of farmland last Thursday.

In Katsina state, 76 blocks of cannabis weighing 42 kilogrammes were seized from a Nigerien, Suleman Audu, 29, when he was arrested by NDLEA officers along Zaria – Malumfashi road last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others with equal vigour in the past week.

While commending the officers and men of MMIA, PHPC, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Katsina and FCT commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) noted that their efforts and those of their compatriots across the country have in no small measure reduced access to and availability of illicit substances in Nigerian communities. He charged them to remain vigilant at all times and continue their collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders in their areas of responsibility.

Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, the Senior Environment Specialist at the World Bank Nigeria Office and Task Team Leader for the ACReSAL Project, has expressed concerns about the geological situation in Zone C of Benue state. She recommends conducting a hydrological assessment of the area to explore its groundwater potential. “Let’s deploy the necessary technology and conduct a detailed technical study of the area’s groundwater potential,” she said.

Speaking during the ongoing joint World Bank/Federal Government of Nigeria Hybrid Implementation Support Mission for the ACReSAL Project in Benue state, Dr. Agene emphasized the need for an integrated policy on Environment, Water Resources, Climate Change, and Agriculture to ensure the project’s sustainability. She commended the state government for its efforts so far and requested an update on the gazettes of parks in the state.

Regarding riparian areas, Dr. Agene highlighted the need for intervention around the River Benue to mitigate the impact of flooding, which has destroyed livelihoods and claimed lives. She emphasized that Benue state should develop activities to protect people living in flood-prone areas, as the ACReSAL Project aims to reclaim at least 50,000 hectares of riparian areas, with Benue state targeting 20,000 hectares.

Mr. Abudulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator for the ACReSAL project, emphasized the importance of sustainability plans for investments like tractors. He expressed gratitude to the Benue state government for its support and participation in the project.

Hon. Odoh Ugwu, the Benue State Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, welcomed the mission team and appealed for their support in addressing issues beneficial to the state and the entire Northern region. He assured the team of the government’s commitment to ensuring the project’s continuity and sustainability.

Other speakers, including Mr. Lawal from the Federal Ministry of Finance, emphasized the need for continuity and sustainability of investments, timely repayment of Community Resolving Fund (CRF) loans.

The ACReSAL State Project Coordinator highlighted the state government’s efforts, including the payment of 1 billion naira in counterpart funds. He noted the provision of 50 solar-powered boreholes to communities under the ACReSAL Project amongst other achievements so far.

Rivers crisis: court grants interlocutory injunction restraining Amaewhule-led Assembly from sitting, acting as lawmakers

The state High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has issued an interlocutory injunction barring the lawmakers led by Speaker, Martins Amaewhule from further sitting and parading themselves as members of the state House of Assembly.

The court presided over by Justice C.N. Wali, gave the order in a suit filed by the pro-Governor Siminalayi Fubara House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo and two others, Sokari Goodboy and Orubienimigha Timothy.

The suit listed 25 lawmakers as 1st to 25th defendants and the governor of Rivers State, the Attorney-General and the Chief Judge of the state as 26th to 28th defendants.

The court had on May 10th granted a similar order on a motion ex-parte, stopping the governor, the attorney-general and the Chief Judge from interacting with the affected lawmakers.

Granting the interlocutory injunction on May 29th, the court adjourned to July 1st, 2024 for mention.

The court said: “An order of interlocutory injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and/or meeting/sitting at the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at off Aba Road Port Harcourt or at any other place whatsoever to purport to carry out the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit

“An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby made restraining the 26th to 28th defendants from dealing with, interfacing, accepting any resolutions, bills and/or however interacting with the 1st to 25th defendants in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly their legislative seats having been declared vacant with effect from 13th December, 2023 pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit”.

…Directs completion of 300 meters to boundary with Imo

…Works on Zonal hospital Omoku to commence next week.

…As former governor, Dr. Odili commissions road

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has stated that his administration will not make unfulfilled promises to the people of Rivers State, but ensure that it lived up to its mantra of putting Rivers first by addressing the critical development challenges of the people.

He emphasised that decisions for projects execution will only be taken within the capacity of the government to deliver such projects on schedule.

Governor Fubara stated this in his remarks at the commissioning of the dualised Omoku-Egbema road project held at the Masters Junction, Obrikom road, Omoku on Saturday.

Addressing Rivers stakeholders at the event, Governor Fubara said the major concern of his administration is to ensure that every part of the state is directly impacted by key projects that will uplift the standard of living of the people.

The governor noted that commissioning of the dualised Omoku-Egbema road is a bold statement that a project that seemed impossible to accomplish has been delivered by his administration and on record time.

He reiterated his commitment to serving the people adding that the philosophy of his administration is anchored on Rivers first, and assured of more projects in the area.

“We are here to tell our people today that they are very important to us. We are here to assure you that every part of this state will have a positive feel of our administration.”

While thanking the people for their support during and after the elections, Governor Fubara assured them of completing the remaining 300 meters of the road connecting the state to Imo State, adding that work will resume at the abandoned Zonal hospital, Omoku in a weeks time.

Speaking as the special guest of honour to commission the road, former governor of the state, Sir Dr Peter Odili described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a humble man of God whose life reflects the fear of God, noting that the governor has demonstrated uncommon love for the people of Onelga and as such earned their unalloyed support.

Dr Odili further commended Governor Fubara for focusing his governance on the people, as they remained the greatest asset of the state, and assured that Rivers people will continue to rally behind the Governor to succeed because he is trustworthy.

He pointed out that though the next election is far but with what the governor has done for the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area he is guaranteed of the people’s support at all times.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr Atamea Briggs in giving brief on the road thanked the governor for having the interest of the people at heart and in taking the bold initiatives to complete the road after it was abandoned.

He stated that the 23 kilometers dual carriage road which cost the state government the sum of N13,071,483,375.53 has been fully paid for after completion and will benefit the people of the LGA in advancing their businesses and help in their social integration.

On his part the Area Manager of Setraco Nigeria Limited, Michael Issa applauded the Rivers State Government and Governor Siminalayi Fubara for giving the company the opportunity to deliver the road and pledged to contribute more to the road infrastructure development programme of the state when called upon.

In a welcome address on behalf of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni people, Dr. Shedrack Akaloku commended and congratulated Governor Siminalayi Fubara on his successful one year in office in spite of the man-made challenges, especially as actual governance in Rivers State began in February 2024, stressing that the successes far outweigh public expectations.

He noted that the governor’s mantra of Rivers first demonstrates the character of a man prepared to serve the people and pleaded for additional consideration of projects that cuts across the local government area including completion of the remaining 300 meters of the road linking up to the boundary of Imo State.

…Says Apache Aluminum of America to build aluminum plant in Ogoni

…Israeli company to manage Songhai farms, others

…To eliminate double taxation

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has said his administration is committed to making Rivers State the best place in the country to invest and do business by creating a vibrant, investor-friendly business environment, and improving the ease of doing business in order to boost investors’ interest and confidence.

Governor Fubara stated this at the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit holding at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The governor emphasised that his government is building a resilient, robust, and diversified economy which holds the key to sustainable peace, security and progress as well as the spiritual, social, and physical well-being of the people.

He noted that he is committed to re-industrialisation of the State in partnership with the informal and organised private sectors through necessary policy, legal, and other support measures, and systems.

Gov. Fubara pointed out that the state has since lost her rating as one of the industrialised and most competitive as a preferred destination for domestic and foreign direct investments which resulted in the continuous posting of low economic growth, high unemployment rate, and slow development.

“For decades, the Rivers State Government had continued to depend more on allocations from the federation account to fund its expenditures because tax revenues had remained low due to low investments and economic growth.”

He said this necessitated his approval of the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit 2024 as the first of several measures to unveil the economic potential of the State to both local and foreign investors and markets.

“Against this background, I feel very optimistic that Rivers State will emerge from this summit and position itself as a premier investment destination, offering boundless economic opportunities for domestic and global investors.”

The governor noted that Rivers State is blessed with enormous human and natural resources, including fertile soil, solid minerals, and an extensive coastline with great water bodies, adding that the state is the centre-point of oil and gas industry in West Africa accounting for over 40% of crude oil production onshore in the country and 100% of liquefied gas that the country exports.

“Rivers State also is the second largest economy in Nigeria, and with a nominal GDP of over $28.4bn, and the economy ranks in the top 25 economies in Africa comparable to countries like Botswana, Rwanda, and Gabon.”

“The State has a relatively robust infrastructure, including good roads, two seaports, an international airport, and a free trade zone, and with a population of over seven million indigenously diverse, educated, highly hospitable people, and a business-friendly environment, and stands at the centre of diverse economic opportunities.”

He therefore called on investors to take advantage of the vast opportunities across the diverse sectors of the economy, which includes the oil and gas, agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism, education, ICT, and healthcare, infrastructure development, glass products, and garments production, as well as power generation and transmission.

“With over 40% of fertile cultivable landmass, Rivers State has the potential to make a significant contribution to national food security with commercial investments in mechanised agriculture and the agro-processing industrial value chains.

Sir Fubara listed several of the state-owned but moribund companies, farmlands, and business infrastructure, which includes oil palm estates, rubber plantations, poultry, and fish farms that are available for interested private investors to take over and revitalize, stressing that the State presents lucrative opportunities for the commercial production of highly valued cash crops for the export market.”

He stated that his administration has already implemented certain policy initiatives and reforms, including the prompt allocation and issuance of land titles and certificates of occupancy to prospective investors and a moratorium on State taxes and levies on new businesses, adding that his government is working on the harmonization of State and Local Government taxes to eliminate double taxation and the imposition of multiple levies on investors.”

The governor emphasised that his government recently launched a N4 billion naira matching fund loan scheme with the Bank of Industry for small, micro, and medium-scale businesses to drive financial inclusion and enhance their growth and development.

“Furthermore, we have also approved the establishment of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency to provide one-stop-shop investment services and facilitation to investors in the State.”

He stated that in the first year of his administration, he received an appreciable number of expressions of interest from local and foreign investors in diverse sectors of the economy, which led to signing a development agreement with TAF Nigeria Limited for the construction of 20,000 mixed houses in the Greater Port Harcourt City and another development agreement with Gosh Nigeria Limited for the construction of an international spare parts market with the State providing hundreds of hecters of land as its equity.

“In addition, Apache Aluminium LLC of America has started the acquisition of land to establish a multi-billion-naira aluminium rolling mill (plant) in the Ogoni axis of Rivers.”

“We have opened discussions with Imagine Adama Agricultural and Technology of Israel to support the State in developing our huge agricultural potential, including reviving abandoned agricultural projects and infrastructures such as the Rivers Songhai Farm, the School-to-land farms, fish farms, feed mills, oil palm estates and poultry farms across the State. We have earmarked about 10 million USD for this project this fiscal year.”

Sir Fubara pointed out that the State Executive Council recently approved the proposal by Rainbow Heritage Group to build the New Port City in the State on about 1000 hectares of land in collaboration with the Greater Port Harcourt City Authority.”

“We have also concluded arrangements for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Planet One Holding Limited of Dubai for a 10,000,000 USD Mangrove Forests Conservation and Carbon Capture Project under the Private Public Partnership arrangement.”

He reiterated that the mantra of his administration is “Rivers First, which is a covenant and commitment to serve the people with compassion, honesty, and responsibility, assuring that the intentions of his government are right, unwavering, and with the collaboration of the people they will collectively harness the economic potential of the State to achieve considerable high and sustainable economic growth and prosperity to build a brighter future for the state.

Speaking earlier, the chairman of the summit and former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke lauded the vision of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in putting together the economic summit to create a pathway for economic growth and prosperity for the state, describing it as the real policy action to restore the state to her true position as the treasure base of the nation.

He said Rivers State has greater potential as it is blessed with diverse natural resources to attract investors from across the globe and diversify her economy.

In his keynote address, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu harped on the relevance of the summit in advancing the economic opportunities of Rivers State and commended the initiators as it provides the platform for investors to take advantage of.

On his part, the Chairman of the local organizing committee and Chairman of Rivers State Internal Revenue Service, Dr. Chibeoso Aholu said the theme of the summit, “Rivers Emerge: Advancing Pathways to Economic Growth and Sustainability” reflects the collective aspiration to harness innovative strategies and sustainable practices for a thriving economic future.

He said the summit is designed to explore dynamic trends, foster insightful dialogues, and build strategic partnerships that will propel the state into a prosperous future.

-Gist Report

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Thursday charged parents on child protection, insisting that parents should go all out to protect their wards from all adversaries especially pedophiles.

Speaking in Kwali local government area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Director-General of the agency, Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, gave the charge at a one-day community dialogue and advocacy on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

The D-G also charged the parents not to shield perpetrators of SGBV on their child, saying such act is a crime in the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

She noted that: “The Child Rights Act (CRA) is a strong law that protect the children, their interest should take prominent place in the heart of the parents.

“Grievous cases of SGBV like rape, incest should not be covered up, we must always learn to do the right thing in reporting these cases to law enforcement officers, or NAPTIP.

“Preservation of evidence in these cases must be guided well so that NAPTIP can prosecute the matter, such offences is not allowed to be settle at the community level.

“Everybody must ensure victims are protected, while perpetrators are brought to book, settling grievous SGBV cases at the community level is doing injustice to the victim.

” NAPTIP has started sending a strong message to parents who try to shield perpetrators of SGBV, or hide evidence, it is a crime that attract jail sentence,” she stressed.

The Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Mr Danladi Chiya, pledged his readiness from henceforth to support NAPTIP in watching out for SGBV crimes,

Represented by Mr Mathew Yakubu, the Acting Head of Social Welfare of the council, the Chairman charged communities in Kwali to also support NAPTIP and report all SGBV cases happening in their vicinity.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kwali, Mr Mohammed Kwainanga disclosed that a lot of SGBV cases are recorded by the division, while blaming the various chiefs and parents on some of the rape cases happening in Kwali.

He said: “We received such complain a lot, parents do compromised when it comes to reportage, this is not helping matters, parents in Kwali communities must wake up to their responsibilities.”