Author: The Nation

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday expressed sadness at the death of two-year-old Ivan Omhonrina killed by a stray bullet of the NDLEA on July 13.

The toddler was killed by stray bullet while operatives of the NDLEA were conducting a raid at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta.

Stray bullet also hit Ivan’s sibling, one-year-old Eromonsele in his left eye and is currently receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.

“I mourn the death of little Ivan and sympathise with his parents for the painful experience of losing an innocent child in a most tragic manner.

“Ivan did not deserve to die that way. We must ensure the incident did not end like that and that what happened to Ivan does not happen to any other person again.

“I also pray for the quick recovery of Eronmonsele, who was reportedly injured in that unfortunate event.

“That incident is unacceptable. We must unravel those who foisted agony on the Omhonrinas and ensure they are brought to justice,’’ Tinubu said.

Meanwhile, the president has directed the NDLEA to speedily and thoroughly investigate the incident with a view to punishing those found culpable.

The president also charged security agents to be more professional and be more careful when conducting their operations to avoid risking the lives of innocent Nigerians.

(NAN)

Read more Tinubu related stories:

• Ekiti Gov Oyebanji urges Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu
• Subsidy: Ogun Senator commends Tinubu on palliatives for Nigerians

The House of Representatives says it will include the revitalisation of Gele-Gele Seaport in Edo in the 2024 budget estimates.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Esosa Iyawe (LP-Edo) at the plenary in Abuja on Tuesday

In his motion, the lawmaker noted that the maritime industry remained the second largest contributor of revenue to Nigeria’s economy.

He said it had been touted as capable of surpassing the oil sector in terms of revenue generation.

He said the Gele-Gele Seaport in Edo had an important place in history, saying that it was where the first European travellers to visit Benin landed.

Iyawe said that the subsequent diplomatic and trade relations between the Portuguese and the great Benin Kingdom were carried out via the same seaport.

He said that in spite of its relevance as an international trade route, the Gele-Gele seaport was abandoned after Nigeria’s independence.

The lawmaker further said that attention was diverted to Lagos ports which were currently overwhelmed, adding that the need to focus on other ports had become imperative.

Iyawe said that maritime industry remained one of the most lucrative industries in the world, saying that it sets the pace of growth experienced in other industries.

He said that Nigeria’s economic growth through the industry would largely depend on the development and expansion of its seaports to accommodate the demands of the sector.

He said maritime transportation needed quick response and the labour market in the industry required both skilled and unskilled workers for the sector to function properly.

Iyawe said that this would help in the revitalisation of the Gele-Gele seaport, adding that it would create huge employment opportunities.

He said this would not be limited only to the people in the South-South zone but also for the teeming unemployed youths in Nigeria.

According to him, if Gele-Gele seaport is revived and developed to meet international standards, it will play a significant role in boosting Nigeria’s ailing economy.

Read Also: Reps call for centres to check high blood pressure, sugar levels at airports

“This is because Edo State is geographically connected to various parts of the country, which makes it an economic hub for international trade and investments,’’ the lawmaker said.

Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to, in line with its diversification agenda, leverage the huge economic potential in the maritime sector.

According to the House, this is by including the revitaliation of the Gele-Gele Seaport in Edo State in the 2024 budget estimates.

The House also mandated the Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, when constituted, to ensure compliance.

(NAN)

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday assured Nigerians of the determination of the Tinubu administration to continue to develop economic policies and programmes that will drive investments.

The Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Mr Olusola Abiola, in a statement, said Shettima gave the assurance when the board and management of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), led by the Chairman, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.

The vice president also reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government toward creating more jobs, especially in agriculture and the digital sector.

He said “the President is determined to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership, rest assured that we will continue to develop policies that will drive investments.”

Shettima explained that the Federal Government would, among other measures, enhance engagements and partnerships with the private sector, including the NESG, to achieve its objectives.

“I will suggest that we have a quarterly mini-summit (between the NESG and the NEC) so that we can digest the previous three months, cross-pollinate ideas and come up with robust solutions to our nation’s challenges.

“It is absolutely essential because the world today is knowledge driven. Nobody has the monopoly of ideas that is why we have to constantly engage with you.”

On harnessing Nigeria’s population for economic development, Shettima noted that the trajectory of global growth was facing Africa and Nigeria would make or mar that transition.

“The anticipated demographic bulge by 2050 where we are expected to be the 3rd most populous nation on earth is a major factor.

“Nigeria is a unique nation; we have to make it work. Opportunities abound everywhere. By 2035, there will be over 65 million global talent deficits. USA, Russia and China will have six million talent deficits. We are at a unique position to take advantage and create jobs in the digital world.”

“We have the capacity to turn the anticipated demographic bulge into demographic dividends or they will be the demographic disaster that will consume all of us.

“So, it is absolutely in our self-enlightened interest to salvage our country. Agriculture, digital education and energy transition, in terms of infrastructure, are some of the key areas that we will focus attention on,” Shettima added.

Read Also: JUST IN: Shettima receives NESG delegation

Earlier, the Chairman of the NESG, Mr Yusuf, said the visit was to congratulate Shettima and offer the group’s support for the Tinubu administration, especially in strategic areas of the economy.

“The NESG offers its support and is always willing to assist the new government in its strategic priorities and initiatives aimed at actualizing the mandate of the President Bola Tinubu administration,” he said.

He said different sector experts from the NESG would always be available to provide technical and associated support for the National Economic Council and other key interventions by the Federal Government.

Also present at the meeting with the VP were the Chief Executive Officer of NESG, Mr Laoye Jaiyeola; former NESG Chairman, Mr Kyari Bukar; NESG Chief Operating Officer, Dr Tayo Aduloju, and Lumun Feese, among others.

(NAN)

Nollywood veteran, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has cautioned filmmakers over misleading pictures of  dressing and makeup in movies.

Kanayo, in a video on his Instagram page on Tuesday said that most times filmmakers  do  not align with movie costumiers.

Captioning the video, he wrote; “Many Nollywood Producers paint the wrong picture of dressing/Makeup in the movies, all in the name of fine picture. It’s misleading.

“The reality is that many practitioners have not realised that filmmaking is part of agenda setting in national development especially the culture and tradition of the people.

“The rich most times dress casually. Many are known by their expensive wrist watches, footwear, Tshirt and not Agbada.

“How can a man be resting in his house, lying on the Sofa fully dressed? How can a woman be adorned with full makeup while cooking?

Read Also: Kanayo O. Kanayo unarguably a legend – Jnr Pope

“Most of the ladies sleep with their wigs on, with applied full facial foundation. Ahhhhhhh. Dear colleagues, let’s watch it.”

According to the actor, it is important to be realistic in images created by filmmakers.

He added that part of his PhD dissertation was about, “The role of Nollywood in shaping and sustaining a Nigerian culture identity”.

He said by doing so, the industry would  become more credible and then acquire a more formidable character with which it cannot be ignored in the national and international agenda.

“This is what the music industry has done with Afrobeat. Now, they are all getting paid like they hit a jackpot. Nollywood can do better than them,” he added.

(NAN)