The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Onjeh commends Tinubu for ‘well-deserved’ reward of Super Eagles

    Onjeh commends Tinubu for ‘well-deserved’ reward of Super Eagles

    Benue South senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 general elections, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his heart-warming reception and generous rewards on the Super Eagles after their return from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

    “President Tinubu’s gesture in personally receiving the Super Eagles and honouring them each with the National Award of the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and gifts of plots of land in Abuja is not only commendable but also deeply appreciated.

    “This act exemplifies true leadership and recognition of exceptional performance that serves as a source of national pride,’’ Onjeh stated.

    He lauded the President for acknowledging the team’s unwavering spirit and dedication throughout the tournament.

    “The Super Eagles, despite the ultimate outcome, displayed remarkable talent, sportsmanship, and an unwavering fighting spirit that captivated the entire nation,” he said.

    “Their efforts galvanized the country, united Nigerians across divides, and rekindled a powerful sense of patriotism like never before.”

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    He further emphasised the team’s unifying role, stating, “The Super Eagles are arguably the single strongest force that unites Nigerians. They embody the very essence of what it means to be Nigerian: tenacity, excellence, relentlessness, hard work, talent, and perseverance. Their determination and fighting spirit resonate deeply with every Nigerian, serving as a constant reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as one nation.”

    Onjeh, the former Chairman of the Governing Board of PRODA, Enugu, also extended appreciation to the team’s coaching staff, acknowledging their crucial role in shaping the team’s performance.

    “We must not forget the invaluable contribution of the coaching staff who tirelessly guided and molded the players into the formidable team we witnessed on the field,” he added.

    “President Tinubu’s recognition of the Super Eagles goes beyond individual rewards; it serves as a powerful message to all Nigerians that excellence and dedication will be recognised and celebrated.”

    He argued: “This act will undoubtedly inspire future generations to strive for greatness and contribute to the progress of our nation.”

  • Dafinone sues for patience over poor power supply, charges BEDC to improve service

    Dafinone sues for patience over poor power supply, charges BEDC to improve service

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has appealed to his constituents to bear with government while it looks for a lasting solution to the current power problem in the country.

    This is coming following the rising concerns over the acute poor power supply in Delta Central and recent protest by electricity consumers in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. 

    Dafinone gave the assurance when he visited the regional office of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, in Warri, Warri South Local Government Area on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the peculiar issues militating against adequate power in the State.

    The Delta Central lawmaker and members of his entourage at a meeting with the Regional Head of BEDC, Mr Curtis Nwadei and officials of the Warri Regional Office said his visit forms part of the fact-finding mission to ascertain what led to January 25, 2024 protest by electricity consumers, mostly women at the Effurun roundabout which caused serious gridlock. 

    The federal lawmaker expressed dissatisfaction over the power blackout the people are subjected to particularly in Delta State which is one of the highest gas-producing States. 

    He noted, however, that the government is not oblivious of the power problem as the legislative and executive arms are working to deal with the seemingly insurmountable challenges bedevilling the nation’s power sector.

    Read Also: Senator Dafinone wishes Delta Central prosperous New Year

    He urged the distribution company to constantly engage the people of the state on such things as power is a key factor in keeping businesses afloat.

     Dafinone noted that his focus is to look for solutions especially with the generating companies and the gas company of Nigeria to see how supply can be increased in order for the country to experience better power supply.

    He sued for patience while government tackles the problem headlong.

    The Head, Warri Region of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, Mr Curtis Nwadei, apologized to electricity consumers noting that as the last agent in the value chain of power distribution, it is fully committed to satisfying its consumers and appealed for patience with companies in the value chain.

    The senator, before departing the Warri regional office of BEDC, hinted of his plan to pay a similar fact-finding mission to BEDC in Sapele where there are also potential misunderstandings on the power problem.

  • Delta group applauds Keyamo over N2b earmark for Osubi Airport upgrade

    Delta group applauds Keyamo over N2b earmark for Osubi Airport upgrade

    A sociopolitical pressure group in Delta State, Integrity and Transformative Leadership Advocate (ITLA), has applauded the Minister for Aviation and Airspace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo for facilitating the appropriation of N2billion in the 2024 Federal Budget for the rehabilitation and development of Osubi Airport, Delta State.

    Osubi Airport, located at Okpe local government of Delta State, has suffered neglect by successive governments since it was taken by the Federal Government from Shell.

    The Federal Government, through the Aviation and Airspace Development 2024 Appropriation Act, with code: “ERGP31206270 approved N2billion for the Rehabilitation and Development of Osubi Airstrip, Delta State.”

    ITLA in a statement jointly signed by its National Convener,  Chief Oneovosa Emuobo, and  Secretary, Comrade Bibi Kukuru, while commending the Minister, noted that if the N2b is properly used, it would go a long way in repositioning the Osubi Airport, and making it a destination of choice in the Niger Delta region.

    The group praised the Olorogun Keyamo for his tenacity in trying to bring the Osubi Airport back to life, also urged him to ensure that the contract for the rehabilitation and development of the Osubi Airport should be awarded to competent contractors with proven records of excellent delivery.

    They added that as part of their responsibility as a good governance advocate, they will monitor the implementation and execution of the project to ensure that it is down to specifications and globally accepted standards.

    They said: “We the leaders and members Integrity and Transformative Advocate (ITLA), a transparency and good governance advocate applaud the efforts of the Minister for Aviation and Airspace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo for facilitating the appropriation of N2billion in the 2024 Federal Government Budget for the rehabilitation and development of Osubi Airport, Delta State.

    “This is a welcome development, considering the fact that the Osubi International airport have suffered decay for many years now due to neglect by successive government cumulating in the poor states of infrastructure in the Osubi Airport.

    “The appropriation of N2b for Osubi Airport is a great news to us in the Niger Delta. We believe that with N2billion the Osubi Airport runway can be expanded to accommodate bigger planes, hence we are excited about this development.

    “We also wish to assure the Minister, that as part of our responsibility in holding those in government to account, we will monitor the implementation and executions of projects connected to this N2billion to ensure the we gets value for the money.”

  • Group: Urhobo deserve fair representation in govt, others

    Group: Urhobo deserve fair representation in govt, others

    A group, Urhobo Oil and Gas Nationality (UROAGAN), has called for fair representation of Urhobo citizens in government agencies and parastatals. It said despite it huge contributions to the nation’s economy, there is no commensurate benefit for it.

    In a statement jointly signed by senior executives of the group led by its National Chairman,  Dr Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the association urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change the status quo and ensure indigenes of Urhobo get key positions in the oil and gas industry.

    The statement reads: “The reward for our peaceful and loyalty to the Nigeria project has  been rewarded with deprivation in the petroleum sector where we are a major contributor.  Our volume of crude oil  and gas production is far more than the quantum of production of some states.

    “The Urhobo are not found in the board of NNPCL or even as any of the Directors in the corporation. Those who do not bear the brunt of oil and gas exploration and exploitation are the ones occupying the verious lucrative offices in the NNPCL. The very few Urhobo in the corporation are not promoted as their counterparts or colleagues are speedily promoted above them. Infact   there are Urhobos that have been perpetually  kept as casuals in NNPCL without being staffed.

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     “ It is still shock of the century that  Urhobo who produce the highest crude oil and gas in Delta state is subjected to political manipulations in the state owned Commission called Delta state oil producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC thereby bringing Urhobo to 3rd in benefits which is nothing but a clear cut marginalization.

    “Inspite of all enormous contributions by Urhobo,  we have nothing to show for it in the government-owned establishments and  in terms of appointments.

    “We therefore call on the Federal government as a matter of urgency to correct these abnormalities  against the Urhobo people given our huge contributions to the oil and gas production in Nigeria.

    “We humbly call on Mr President, a very reliable administrator and leader to change the narrative. Also, we the  reject the casualisation of our sons and  daughters in the petroleum sector. We believe in Mr President’s capacity to effect the appointment of Urhobo sons and daughters into critical oil and gas establishments in Nigeria.”

  • Blake Resort: Cross River signs over N2bn deal on entertainment centre

    Blake Resort: Cross River signs over N2bn deal on entertainment centre

    The Government of Cross River State, through one of its agencies, the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, has signed an expandable N2 billion deal on Friday with a development partner, Blake Excellency Resort Limited, for the establishment of a one-stop entertainment centre.

    The Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, revealed that the entertainment centre would be located in the Tortulga Island area of the Marina Resort, which has remained deserted for the past two decades.

    He described the investment as an additional benefit because it would take people off the streets while providing more than 200 job opportunities for the state’s people. He stressed that the state’s revenue would increase.

    Ojoi maintained that the state is ready to open up to business and is willing to cooperate with any investor who can create job opportunities and significantly develop the state’s economy.

    Chief Executive Officer of Blake Excellency Resort Limited, Mr. Uzochukwu Akunedozi, said the entertainment center would accommodate kids, youths, and senior citizens.

    He noted that the facilities expected in the entertainment center include a dining restaurant, lounge, a pool, boat cruise, water slides, gaming center for kids, and a floater that can accommodate 50 to 60 people who wish to celebrate their birthdays or any events on top of the water, among other features.

    Read Also: Foundation opens N2.5bn medical facility in Cross River

    “Blake Resort is meant for entertainment; it has hosted people from across the globe, and the testimonies are there to verify. We are here to add value to what has been done in Cross River State. I’m excited because I feel privileged to be part of what the Cross River State government is doing, which is tourism, and without an iota of doubt, Cross River State is the number one tourist destination in West Africa.

    “I’m in a hurry to deliver, and I’m in a hurry to do more than I have said. Our duty is to exceed your expectations. We are looking at between now and October; we should be hitting the ground running”, he added.

    Witnessing the signing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on general duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, expressed satisfaction with the partnership deal and assured that the state government would continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State.

  • Western Delta University to establish Institute of Korean studies

    Western Delta University to establish Institute of Korean studies

    The Western Delta University, Oghara Delta state has announced plans to establish the institute of Korean studies in the tertiary institution.

    Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Augustine Ikelegbe, disclosed this on Thursday during the conferment of Honorary Doctorate degree on the South Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Kim Young- Chae, which was held at the Embassy of Korea in Maitama Abuja.

    Speaking on why the award was conferred on the diplomat, the Vice-Chancellor in his remarks said the honorary degree was the university’s deep appreciation for the Ambassador’s distinguished service and remarkable contributions to society.

    On the establishment of Korean studies, Ikelegbe said it is the  university’s commitment towards exploring potential collaborations in education, research, and cultural exchange with South Korea and promoting cultural understanding and awareness.

    He said: “We are a private university established over 15 years ago. We have awarded thousands of degrees at different levels- undergraduate, postgraduate. As a university, there are certain traditions.  The doctoral degree is the highest degree that can be conferred by a university.

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    “There are two types. There is the one you earn academically and there is another category which universities all over the world offer in recognition of distinguished contributions and service to society and outstanding impacts that certain individuals have made.  These individuals have to merit the honour because like I said, it is the highest degree that universities all over the world can award.

    “Universities have different processes by which they identify and decide on who to give this awards. In our university, we start with the Honorary Degree Research Committee. This committee identifies persons who are worthy of being bestowed with our honorary degree. After that, we still have to go to the Senate of the university. After the senate approves, then it goes to the Governing Council. These processes have been fulfilled in respect of His Excellency, Ambassador Young.

    Present at the occasion were the visitor to the university, Chief James Onanefe Ibori; former Akwa-Ibom state governor, Obong Victor Attah, Pro-chancellor of the university, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, House of Representatives member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu and others.

  • Edo 2024: Umakhihe picks APC guber form

    Edo 2024: Umakhihe picks APC guber form

    Edo state governorship hopeful, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, picked the APC gubernatorial form through a committee of friends known as Edo Unity League Worldwide, on Friday, January 26.

    The group was represented by some Board of Trustees members, led by Chief Victor Ekhator, the Enobore of Benin Kingdom, Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP, and Comrade Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo.

    In a statement, Street2street campaign ambassadors, a group backing Umakhihe’s governorship ambition said: “His preference is divine, his choice is from the people and his election into the office of Edo State governor is unnegotiable.

    “Obtaining the gubernatorial form is the beginning of a very bright future for Edo State. All eligible votes in the forthcoming Edo State governorship election must troop out en masse and cast their votes for Dr. Umakhihe, a reliable, dependable and accessible politician with a unique democratic approach.”

    The group stressed further that if elected as governor of Edo State, Dr. Umakhihe will ensure comprehensive development of the state and make it the genuine Heartbeat of the Nation.

    The public relations officer of the group, Benjamin Aghatise said: “Obviously, Edo State lacked basic infrastructural facilities even though the state is a member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). It’s additionally disheartening to learn that some states in the South Western part of Nigeria are financially stable than Edo State, an oil producing state for that matter, hence, the need to bring on board, a man of optimum dignity, a man of indisputable integrity and a man of great character and that man is Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe.

    “As governor of Edo State, Dr. Umakhihe will embark on immediate resuscitation of the ‘Heartbeat of the Nation’s. He will transform the lives of Edolites in a jiffy, attract basic structural and infrastructural developments, massively empower the youths, artisans, teachers and civil servants in the state and encourage them to live shoulder to shoulder with their counterparts all over the country.

    Read Also: Edo 2024: I will get APC’s ticket, win gov election – Ize-Iyamu declares

    “Dr. Umakhihe, who has promised to give Edo State, the most resounding administration in record, will also embark specially on the health of Edolites. Mother and child care health facilities will be built in a 18 local government areas of the state, free regular medical checkups will be organized, high level of concentration will be placed on private hospitals in the state for them to meet up with gold standards, health workers will be adequately remunerated amongst other very important health related matters. This is because the incoming governor is very much aware that health is wealth.

    “Developments of the youths through sporting and entertainment activities will also be paramount to the administration of Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe. Everyone knows that Edo State has never been a pushover at all National Sport Festivals since inception and the state has produced quite a long list of superstar athletes, footballers, boxers etc. Similarly, the incoming governor would also concentrate heavily on entertainment as it is one of the weapons of keeping the youths legally busy.

    “Above all, education, the best legacy of a child will be provided easily by the Dr. Umakhihe’s administration. Primary, secondary and higher levels of education will be given due attention targeted at their sporadic improvements. Children and youths of Edo State will definitely reap huge benefits from the government of Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe just as adults and elders will not be overlooked.”

    According to Street2street campaign ambassadors, the dream of Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe is to see Edo State at the top echelon of comity of states in Nigeria.

  • ‘No evidence of project concentration in South’

    ‘No evidence of project concentration in South’

    The Governance Accountability and Advocacy Centre (GAAC) has rubbished insinuations that the 2024 budget was skewed in favour of the south. 

    The group said there is no iota of truth in the allegations of lopsided allocations by the Northern Senators Forum, adding that such fallacious claims are intended to cause disaffection among federating entities.

    The GAAC, which made this known at a briefing on Thursday in Abuja, said the budget was passed after careful consideration and debate by the National Assembly. 

    The convener, Okwa Dan, reaffirmed that the budget is designed to benefit all 

    While urging the Senators to interact as colleagues to ensure that the budget is implemented in a way that benefits the nation, Dan said they were elected to work for the good of all Nigerians. 

    He passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the National Assembly, describing them as patriotic, committed, and focused on the Nigerian cause. 

    “We would like to remind the Northern Senators Forum to come forward with a message that clears the air and reasserts that Nigeria is a diverse country with many different ethnic groups and religions. We must work together to build a united and prosperous nation. We must not allow ourselves to be divided along geo-political lines,”  Dan said. 

    “We understand that the Northern Senators Forum may have concerns about the allocation and distribution of resources in the 2024 budget. But these are concerns that can be addressed through dialogue and collaboration. 

    “We urge the Northern Senators Forum to engage in constructive dialogue with their colleagues in the Senate to address any concerns they may have so that some characters will not impersonate them to exploit such. There are provisions for amending the budget, which can be explored to address any identified concerns.

    “We believe that the 2024 budget was passed after careful consideration and debate by the National Assembly. It is a people’s budget that is designed to benefit all Nigerians, not just a particular region or group. We urge the Senators to interact as colleagues to ensure that the budget is implemented in a way that benefits all Nigerians.

    “It is of note that the Leadership of both houses of the National Assembly are evenly distributed across North and South. Membership of the two chambers is also distributed across the country, with the North having more seats than the South. 

    “The Chairmen of Appropriation Committees for both Chambers of the Parliament come from the North and the South, which shows balance. The budget was not passed by lawmakers from the South but by the plenaries of both houses, which had northern lawmakers actively contributing to debates and voting to pass the budget.

    “The reservations that some people are now expressing could have been expressed at the stages when the budget was being considered. This would have ensured that amends were made if there was truly a need for it. But to now begin to castigate a budget they were part of approving smacks of mischief that would not bode well for anyone.

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    *On the executive side, the Minister of Budget and Planning is from the North. He prepared the budget document for the country and could not have allowed the projected spending to be skewed against the North. 

    “As a competent public office holder, he must have put in his best to deliver a budget that addresses the developmental needs of the country. Even if the other stakeholders in the budgeting process colluded to skew the budget against the North, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a true nationalist would not have allowed anything that would undermine the North. 

    “We would like to remind Nigerians that Senators Forum were elected to represent the people of Nigeria. They must consequently work for the good of all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. Their utterances as leaders must therefore be well-guided at this point, particularly bearing in mind the peculiar challenges that the country is having to deal with.”

  • Monitor implementation of 2024 budget, Medaner tells media

    Monitor implementation of 2024 budget, Medaner tells media

    Former Director of Organisation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Prof. Mustapha Ussiju Medaner has charged the media to ensure effective monitoring of the implementation of the 2024 budget by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for good governance.

    The National Assembly passed the N28.7 trillion budget tagged “Renewed Hope Budget” last year, which was assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on January 1, 2024.

    Medaner gave the charge in Abuja while speaking with newsmen on the sideline at a one-day seminar by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) for its senior staff on the implementation of the 2024 budget.

    The seminar was tagged: “The imperative of legal fluency for public servants: Navigating financial regulation, fiscal responsibility and procurement laws.”

    Medaner who is also the Head of Research, Strategy and Documentation, Office of the President of the Senate, National Assembly noted that the country has suffered poor implementation of the budget since independence, hence the need for the media to play its watchdog role.

    “You in the media, you are to help Mr President in implementing the 2024 budget. You are to look at the budget by following up on the money. How do you do that? Now that the document has been made public. Look at the implementation of it in line with the extant laws.

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    “We have seen what has been happening from independence. The implementation of the budget has been our problem.”

    Medaner commended the Commission for embarking on the seminar and called on other government agencies to do similar training.

    He further stressed the need for public servants to look at the fluency of financial regulation, the Procurement Act and Fiscal Responsibility Act by the extant laws.

    The Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Aliyu Tijani Ahmed stated that the seminar is targeted towards advancing the proficiency of staff on the legal aspects that govern the commission’s financial and administrative systems.

    Considering the innovations in the area of public administration, Ahmed maintained that “there is the need for enhancement of knowledge for public servants to suit the demands for effective service delivery.  

    “In an era where the complexities of governance are ever-expanding, the need for our public officials to be well-versed in the legal frameworks that underpin their actions cannot be overstated. Financial regulation, fiscal responsibility, and procurement laws are not just mere guidelines; they are the bedrock upon which transparent, accountable, and effective governance is built.

    “As public servants, the stewardship of the public’s trust and resources is a sacrosanct duty. It is a duty that requires not only dedication and integrity but also a comprehensive understanding of the legal structures that ensure the democratic values we all cherish are upheld. The intricacies of financial regulations are designed to protect our economy, the principles of fiscal responsibility safeguard our future, and the statutes of procurement laws ensure fairness and equality in public service delivery.

    “Let us take this opportunity to commit ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge, to arm ourselves with the legal acumen necessary to navigate the challenges of public service. In understanding the law, we become better protectors of the public interest and more effective guardians of the public purse”, he stressed.

  • Betta Edu: Consider competence, patriotism, capacity not political sentiments —- Amb Okereke

    Betta Edu: Consider competence, patriotism, capacity not political sentiments —- Amb Okereke

    A public affairs analyst, Amb. Chibuzor Okereke,  has urged Nigerians, especially relevant authorities not to be  beclouded by political sentiments over alleged corruption against the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Betta Edu, until she is proven guilty.

    Okereke , in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said: “ As investigations into the issue is ongoing , it will  be an error to jump to conclusions on  allegations against someone  who has been adjudged in many quarters as the best performing minister in terms of competence, capacity, patriotism and passion in less than six months on the job.

    “We must  not allow the  alleged N585million said to have  transferred to the Project Manager’s Account to distract  Nigerians from the issue of alleged over N44bn to have been diverted from the National Social Investments Programs Agency account.”

    President Bola Tinubu recently  suspended  the embattled Minister and  directed the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the allegations of unlawful transfer of N585 million in social intervention funds into the private account of an officer of the ministry.

    However the suspended Minister denied any wrong doing, stating that the payment of the grant to the account of an individual, Oniyelu Bridget, was because the fellow serves as the Project Accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups. 

    Okereke added:  “The focus should be on whether the disbursement got to the people that supposed to really get the money and for the right purpose, because based solely on the leaked N585million memo, there are no infractions by the minister as the financial regulation rules  allow MDAs to use accounts of  project managers and project accountants for  disbursements of special programmes as you can see in  N0. 1402(iii).

    “Those calling for her head are only relying on section 713 of the law , which deals with bank and cheques that is no longer even applicable because of TSA, and the introduction of TSA demands that that section should be reviewed to avoid conflicting application.

    “Financial Regulations N0. 1402 (iii) on Special Advances states that ‘in disbursement of funds for Non-Persona Advance for project/Special Programmes, the leader of the project special programmes shall be the Accounting Officer and shall approve all payments, while an Accountant of an appriopriate grade shall be attached to each project/special programmes and have responsibility  for the disbursement as well as retirement of the Non-Personal Advances.”

    “I think this is section is what the minister actually applied, as it is been done in all MDAs because a private person is someone who is an outsider, a project manager and project accountant cannot be private because he is an officer in the MDA and the regulations provided that he or she shall be held accountable for funds disbursement.”

    “I am of the strong opinion that this matter should not be blown out of proportion but should be looked at objectively to avoid attacking the personality and not the issues and we must not lose focus of the big issues of reforming the National Social Register, involving states and Local Government actors in the implementation of the programs and ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of  the agenc.y

    “The Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation should also ensure that robust accounting systems are established for the Ministry and Agencies under it, while the Officers of the Ministry must ensure that proper internal control systems are maintained regularly.

    “The Humanitarian Affairs Ministry being headed by Edu  is very strategic and central to the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and  despite being the  youngest among all  she has demonstrated capacity and competence;  her passion and patriotism to ensure that President Tinubu succeeds in tackling poverty must not be discarded just like that.”