The Nation Newspaper

Tag: David B. Lawal

  • God has hands in Nigeria’s economic challenges – Oyegun

    God has hands in Nigeria’s economic challenges – Oyegun

    • Buhari’s Fight Against Corruption Yielding Results – CAF

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun on Thursday said that Nigeria’s present economic downturn could be an act of God to remind Nigeria on the need to implement and embrace radical change, particularly in the country’s current economic model.‎

    Chief Oyegun made the disclosure when he received in audience a 15-member delegation of an APC support group, Change Agents Foundation (CAF) led by its Director-General, Dr. Felix Felix at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

    His words: “I think God has a hand in the current economic predicament of the country. Imagine the sudden fall in the price of crude oil, the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, from its heights in 2014, averaging $112 per barrel down to the current price of $28 per barrel — lower than the $38 per barrel which the proposed 2016 budget is predicated on.

    “It is an object lesson for us. It tells us that we must embrace radical change in our economic model.”

    According to him, the fall in oil price has taken its toll on the revenue and expenditure of the Federal Government and as a result is having a severe effect on the economy.
    “The concept of change is a difficult one. Nigeria must be ready to adapt to new ways of doing things. As a party, we know and understand it calls for tremendous sacrifice, there is no other way.

    “Yes the economy is in a bad shape, but maybe that is the kick we need to be innovative and find ways to drive the economy out of the woods.

    “The luck we have is that we have as president a man committed to personal probity and sincerity of purpose to the project of developing Nigeria. Today, we must think and be innovative in ways of fashioning out new economic models which diversifies from the present over reliance on oil.

    “We are in the process of organising a three-day dialogue which will bring the party, government and stakeholders for an exposition on the realities facing the country, particular the economy.  It will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas so that we go home with a clear direction on how to go forward.”

    Also speaking at the meeting, the Director-General, CAF, Dr. Felix congratulated the APC National Chairman for leading the APC to victory at the last presidential election which ushered in the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    He said: “We are here to identify with you in this success and to say that while achieving success is a difficult thing, sustaining success is even more difficult. It is this realisation that prompted our coming together to form the Change Agents Foundation.”

    The Director-General said the fight against corruption being waged by the Buhari-led administration is already yielding results.

    “Our party promised Nigerians Change and this change Nigerians have already started experiencing through the unprecedented simplicity and transparency our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari has brought to governance of Nigeria.

    “The fight against corruption has already started yielding results as looted public funds are being exposed and returned while everybody occupying public office today is conscious of his actions knowing that there would be consequences for any inaction or wrong action.” Dr. Felix said.

    The CAF Director-General requested the National Secretariat of the APC to register the organisation to enable it contribute its quota towards efforts to deliver on the Change Mantra and objectives of the APC.

    The 15-member delegation included: Dr. Felix Felix; Henry Odili, Engr. Paul Iheayichukwu; Philip Chikwe; Amb. Tony Anucha; Amb. Alban Paulinus; Eze Emeghara; Amb. Prince Uzoka Emeka; Hon. Tubonemi Aggo; Engr. Iroigak Ikann; Iyke Oginah; Chigbo Eligwe; Awu Pereowei Kelvin; Comrade George Jeremiah Oba and Graham Waribo (Secretary-General).

  • Olamide, Reminisce, others for MTV Base TV Special

    Olamide, Reminisce, others for MTV Base TV Special

    Some of the biggest music artistes in Nigeria will appear in an all new MTV Base television special.

    The first of many programmes from MTV Base for 2016 is the programme titled: “MTV Base Lagos Party Special“, which Olamide and Steph_1will premiere on Saturday, 23rd of January.

    Featuring a headline performance from Olamide in addition to sizzling performances by Lil Kesh, Falz, Adekunle Gold, Niniola, May D, CDQ, Immaculate, Big Sheff, Viktoh, JJC, DJ Xclusive, DJ ECool.

    Also expected at the Ikeja City Mall, venue of the event hosted by MTV Base, VJs Ehiz, Stephanie Coker and City 105.1 FM’s Sensei Uche and C-Von, include Wande Coal, Reminisce, Phyno and many others, the MTV Base Lagos Party Special held.

    The show will feature exclusive interviews, party footage and backstage access to the stars, giving viewers a complete experience of one of the biggest Lagos party nights ever.

    The MTV Base Lagos Party Special will be on MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322) by 8:00pm same day.

    Similarly, the pan-African music and lifestyle channel has concluded plans to air exclusive red carpet fashion police special, titled: #BaseSlayedorShade on Sunday, January 24th.

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”category” link_target=”_blank” category=”13″ count=”8″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]

  • Twitter hit by temporary outages in Europe, Africa

    Twitter hit by temporary outages in Europe, Africa

    Social media giant, Twitter on Tuesday said its network was suffering outages in several parts of the world and it was working to resolve the issues.

    The Social network said this through its status website where it acknowledged the problem saying: “Some users are currently experiencing problems accessing Twitter

    It would be recalled that both Twitter web and mobile services suffered outages for at least an hour from January 17 till 19th, with smartphone users receiving the warning: “Tweets aren’t loading right now.”

    Similarly, Twitter users on desktop have not been able to access some other Twitter tools like analytics, and Stats.

    “We are aware of the issue and are working towards a resolution,” a company spokeswoman said.

    However, service began to get better for some affected users in Europe by 1000 GMT, although access remained spotty as hashtags could not be accessed.

    Japan also reported outages but users in other Asian countries said Twitter service was operating normally.

    Also, some African countries suffered outage with the inability to use twitter tools like Tweetdeck, stats among others.

    Some Twitter users in Europe were still able to publish, suggesting there was never a complete blackout in the region.

    [news_box style=”3″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”Social media, Twitter” count=”8″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]

  • Nigeria, Kenya as emerging consumer markets in Sub-Saharan Africa

    Nigeria, Kenya as emerging consumer markets in Sub-Saharan Africa

    • Logistics professionals eye growing middle class, but many still wary of entry

    A new survey of global logistics executives has said that consumer spending by a fast-growing middle class is as important a growth driver for Africa as mineral and resource demand.

    In the survey, which is part of the 2016 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, industry executives rank South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana as the most promising markets in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Meanwhile, poor infrastructure, lack of power generation and corruption continue to pose the most risk to African economies, according to the more than 1,100 executives responding to the survey.

    Despite recent growth and surging foreign investment, Sub-Saharan Africa remains a challenging frontier for many.

    Only 21.2% of logistics industry executives surveyed said their companies have operations there. Another 12.7% said they are in the planning stages to enter African markets. More than 43% said they have no plans to set up in Africa.

    “The results show a serious disconnect between the perception of the market and actual opportunities. These are some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Africa’s requirement for logistics services and supply chain expertise is huge and growing every day.

    “At the same time, many of the companies that need logistics to enter the market don’t know how to get started in Africa or aren’t willing to take the risk,” said Geoffrey White, CEO of Agility Africa.

    “The market is open for first movers who can navigate risk and nurture African talent. The opportunity is for those seeking to build long-term, sustainable businesses that bring world-class practices and adapt to local conditions.”

    The Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, now in its 7th year, offers a snapshot of logistics industry sentiment and ranks the world’s 45 leading emerging markets based on their size, business conditions, infrastructure and other factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, air cargo carriers and distributors.

    China, the world’s second-largest economy, remains the leading emerging market by a large margin. Among the countries at the top of the Index rankings this year, UAE (No. 2), India (3) and Malaysia (4) leaped over the commodity-dependent economies of Saudi Arabia (5), Brazil (6) and Indonesia (7). Rounding out the top 10 are Mexico (8), Russia (9) and Turkey (10).

    The leading markets in Sub-Saharan Africa are South Africa (No. 16) and Nigeria (17). South Africa has Africa’s most advanced logistics industry and transport infrastructure, but its economy has been hobbled by chronic power shortages, slumping commodity prices, a plunging currency and labor unrest.

    Nigeria climbed 10 spots in the 2016 Index, tying Egypt (No. 22) for the biggest gain by any country in the seven years since the Index was first published.

    Nigeria’s enormous potential has become clearer since its recent decision to update the methods by which it collects economic data. Even so, its economy is heavily reliant on oil and has been hurt by low energy prices.

    Other countries in the region fall toward the bottom of the rankings: Ethiopia (37), Tanzania (40), Kenya (43) and Uganda (45). Among countries in North Africa, Morocco ranked No. 20, trailed by Egypt (22), Algeria (30), Tunisia (36) and Libya (41).

    Other Index findings: UAE, home to the powerhouse economies of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has the best business climate and the best ‘connectedness’, a measure of infrastructure and transport connections, of any emerging market.

    As a result, UAE ranks as the world’s No. 2 emerging market after China, even though China’s economy is 25 times larger; India’s is five times larger; and Brazil’s is six times larger.

    – UAE, Malaysia, China, Chile lead in ‘connectivity’, meaning they have the best infrastructure and transport links, along with the most efficient customs and border administration.

    – Nigeria’s size and growth suggest it should rank near Brazil (No. 6) or Mexico (8) in the overall Index. But Nigeria is no more business friendly than Venezuela and Uganda, and its weak infrastructure, transport links and customs regime puts it with Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Tanzania in ‘connectivity’.

    – Among countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa has the best ‘connectivity’. In North Africa, Morocco has the best business climate and connections.

    – Countries in Latin America are losing ground to other emerging markets as a result of recession and political turmoil in Brazil, the region’s biggest economy, and depressed prices for commodity exports. Of the 10 countries that slipped furthest in the Index, six are in Latin America: Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. Even so, Chile continues to be the top-ranked emerging market with GDP under $300 million.

    – Russia, hurt by Western sanctions and isolated economically since it began backing rebels in Ukraine and intervened militarily in Syria, fell from No. 7 to No. 9 in the Index. Tension with Russia and the loss of economic output in the breakaway Crimea region have hurt Ukraine, as well.

    Also, Ukraine fell four spots to No. 34.

    Other survey findings include:

    – Industry executives view oil prices and China’s economy as the leading risks to the global economy in 2016. Both represent potential threats for some Sub-Saharan economies.

    Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania and others want to exploit huge new energy finds but are hamstrung by low prices. China, the leading buyer for African minerals and other key commodities, will buy less as its economy slows.

    – Logistics executives see ‘economic shock’ as the top risk in Asia Pacific, a sign of concern that a slowdown in China could ripple through economies and supply chains elsewhere in the region. A significant percentage (38%) said they are reassessing their China strategies. In the past, industry executives said natural disasters and corruption were the top risks in Asia.

    -The logistics industry is intrigued by the possibility that Iran could emerge from its long economic isolation as the result of an agreement to curtail its nuclear program. In the survey, Iran moved up 12 spots – from No. 27 to No. 15 – among countries with potential as major logistics markets.

    “It was a volatile year for emerging markets, and you see that in the Index. Eight of the top 10 emerging markets shifted places,” said Essa Al-Saleh, President and CEO of Agility Global Integrated Logistics.

    “Despite the turbulence, the fundamentals driving growth remain consistent – a rising middle class with spending power, progress in poverty reduction, growing populations. That’s why we are still positive on the outlook for emerging markets and see them driving global growth.”

    Transport Intelligence (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, compiled the Index.

    John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive Ti, said: “The world’s economy is still riven by instability, and emerging markets such as China and Brazil have not been immune. However others, such as Mexico, are in a far stronger position and will benefit from the economic growth experienced in the U.S. and Europe. More than ever, investors in emerging markets need to be discerning and the results of our Index are critical to providing clarity in a confusing and complex world.”

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”category” link_target=”_blank” category=”7″ count=”8″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]

  • Senate proposes 30 bills for 2016 – Saraki

    Senate proposes 30 bills for 2016 – Saraki

    The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki on Monday announced 30 bills for the 2016 legislative year.

    Bukola noted that the Senate has 30 bills of interest that will address governance, economic reform to fast track necessary changes.

    According to him, the 30 bills to reform critical sectors of the country have been submitted by ‘my colleagues and now awaiting consideration and passage’.

    “The 30 bills when passed would give backing to necessary reforms in area of security, judiciary, anti-corruption, taxation and poverty eradication.

    “They are meant to drastically change business environment and promote inclusive growth especially in agriculture & other non oil sector.

    “Also we have National Assembly Budget & Research Office Bill as part of the #30Bills that will be debated.

    “It is our beliefs in National Assembly that diversification can only happen if we provide the necessary regulatory and legislative framework.

    “The 30 bills will encourage private sector participation in railways, road construction & other transport infrastructure to create jobs.

    “The bills will establish a framework for agencies of government to set goals, measure performance and submit related plans and reports to NASS,” he said.

    The Senate President also added that it is the National Assembly’s belief that diversification can only happen if we provide the necessary regulatory and legislative framework.

    “As we await the debate of the 30 bills, I encourage Nigerians to follow closely so as to attend the public hearing or send in recommendations,” Bukola summed.

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”Senate” count=”6″ show_more=”on”]

  • Diversion of arms funds, heartless – Aregbesola

    Diversion of arms funds, heartless – Aregbesola

    • Commends President Buhari for unraveling the arms scandal

    The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has on Friday described the diversion of money meant for procuring arms for Nigeria soldiers to fight insurgency as a monumental scandal.

    The Governor stated this at the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and laying of wreath in honour of fallen Soldiers held at the State House of Assembly in Osogbo.

    He commended  the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in unravelling the crime.

    He insisted all the guilty must be brought to justice to forestall future occurrence.

    This year’s Armed Forces Remembrance is the first to be held at the State House of Assembly after the cenotaph was constructed next to the parliament.

    The Governor stressed that the symbolism of holding the ceremony at the military cemetery is impeccable but bringing it to the parliament is of even greater significance.

    Aregbesola added that the Parliament is the symbol of authority of the people and so the fallen soldiers “being celebrated today in the midst of the people for their gallantry and supreme sense of patriotism.”

    He noted every well-meaning Nigerian is of the hope that all those involved in the mismanagement of the arms fund will receive full retribution.

    Aregbesola lamented the situation where some of the soldiers caught and indicted have been pardoned and some losing their commission while others face uncertain future, said it is pertinent that a fresh inquiry be set up so that justice ‎will be done.

    According to him, “It is even a monumental scandal of unimaginable proportion that funds meant for procuring arms for soldiers are shared among members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) without the least compunction.

    “I commend the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in unravelling this heinous crime and I sincerely hope that all those involved will receive full retribution. Some of the soldiers caught in the maelstrom and indicted have been pardoned but some have lost their commission while others face uncertain future.

    “Considering the circumstances of this unusual event, it is pertinent that a fresh inquiry be set up so that justice will be given to all those involved and our gallant soldiers will not be punished unjustly.”

    On the roles of soldiers in the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections in 2014 which the committee set up by Military has submitted it’s report, Aregbesola said that the deployment of soldiers was avoidable.

    “‎The military high command also set up an inquiry into the roles soldiers played in the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections of 2014. The committee has submitted its report and made recommendations.

    “As a victim of the reckless deployment of soldiers in those elections, I will say it was an avoidable deployment of soldiers for a civilian duty and for which there was no threat beyond the capability of the police and other security agencies”. The Governor stated.

    Aregbesola, not oblivious of the fact that soldiers are trained to obey a command from a superior, described as a dilemma a situation where a soldier fails to carry out instruction.

    He added that, for a military command to manipulate an election in favour of a particular candidate and harass opposition candidates and members is unconstitutional and abuse of the military.

    ‎The Governor said that military high command should address the abuse of soldiers  by insulating them from carrying out unlawful commands so that the military itself will not be subject to abuse by any government in power who might be drunk with the idea that the military is the armed wing of its political party.

  • Police over-power robbers on Zuba/ Kaduna Express

    Police over-power robbers on Zuba/ Kaduna Express

    Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on escort duty ran into a gang of armed robbers on Tuesday along Zuba/Kaduna Road at about 02:00 a.m.

    According to the Force, a gun duel ensued and two of the robbers were fatally wounded while others fled after they were over-powered by the police personnel.

    “The area was combed but no arrest was made.

    “Three (3) AK-47 rifles, one hundred and four (104) rounds of live ammunition, N57,130 cash and a red coloured Toyota Corolla car with registration number KSF 58 AJ, were recovered from the hoodlums,” the Police said.

    The force added that injured suspects were taken to University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada where they were confirmed dead, and their Corpses were deposited at the same hospital mortuary.

    [news_box style=”3″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” category=”256″ tag=”Robbers” count=”8″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]

  • Lagos plans night operation for BRT

    Lagos plans night operation for BRT

     

    The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts on the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative aimed at lighting up every nook and cranny of the State.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, in a post on his website, said most major highways and streets have been lightened up, while massive repair of street lights are being carried out in other strategic places.

    In keeping faith with the actualization of the project targeted at creating an enabling environment that will ensure 24-hour power supply to residents in the next two years, Governor Ambode had set up an Advisory Council chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Idiat Oluranti-Adebule, with a charge on them to make electricity available to Lagosians for both business and domestic use.

    Ambode had equally urged individuals and corporate bodies to light up their streets and neighborhood, with a promise that such gestures would be duly rewarded and recognized by the State.

    The main idea behind the setting up of the Advisory Council was said to have been for members, who were drawn from the public and private sector, to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Power to actualize the dream.

    Speaking on the progress made so far on the project, a source said: “If you notice, in the past few months, if you move from Berger to Lekki, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, the entire Ikeja axis, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and so on, it is very clear that there are more street lights in Lagos today more than ever before.”

    While expressing confidence in the sincerity of the Ambode administration, the source however expressed hope that government would be able to sustain the project and make sure that street lights are on at all times in the State.

    When contacted, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo confirmed the efforts being made by government toward lighting up every nook and cranny of the State, and recalled that same were in line with the campaign promise made by Governor Ambode to the people.

    Oluwo said to underscore the commitment of government, arrangement has been concluded on having Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) buses to work at night once the light up project is completed.

    His words: “This is one of the campaign promises made to the people by the Governor and just like he has fulfilled others, this project will not be an exception.

    “The intention of government is to light up all highways in the State. In fact, the Governor is about to embark on 114 road reconstruction which will be done two per each Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the State with walkways and street lights.

    “You see, the street light project is more or less complimentary to the security equipment worth N4.8 billion recently donated by the Governor to the police, and the ultimate goal is that when all the street lights are on, we will start having BRT buses working at night.

    “You will recall that the Governor also promised to make Lagos city a 24-hour economy, this exactly is the change that the people voted for. We just appeal and pray that the Governor will continue to have the energy and resources to consummate all the promises and Lagos will be in the real sense of the word a megacity.”

    “We are assuring Lagosians that the process of lighting up every corner of the state has begun in earnest and we are not going to stop until we achieve our aim.”

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”Lagos” count=”8″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link” header_background=”#d6aa71″ header_text_color=”#000000″]

  • MTN, Yudala others nominated for Consumersng awards

    MTN, Yudala others nominated for Consumersng awards

    In a bid to turnaround the diminishing ethical business standards in Nigeria, Consumersng, an online consumer rights advocacy platform established to ensure a more consumer-centric culture in Nigeria has released names of nominees of its maiden awards which aims at celebrating brands who are delivering premium services to Nigerians.

    In a press statement released by the organizers of the award, the Rights Advocacy Platform explained that part of the keys to unlocking the desired customer appreciation policy in the country is to showcase organisations doing things RIGHTLY and position them as models for others to emulate in a country where consumer appreciation is continually on the decline.

    “This year, we set our theme on rewarding companies deploying the best and latest technological solutions to providing world class services to their customers.

    In selecting the winning brands, consumers themselves will be voting their choice brands and this is what makes the award different from others.  We have kick started a voting process online which will be complimented by other criteria such as comments and recommendations from panel of judges which comprises majorly of stakeholders, analysts and watchers from the respective sectors will also be considered.

    The various categories and nominees include; E-governance: LASRA (Residency Card), Ondo E-card (Kaadi Igbe Ayo), Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (E-wallet), Nigeria Immigration Service (64 Page E-Passport); Bank of the year: Diamond Bank, GTBank, UBA, Zenith; Printing (Innovation of the year): Instantprint, Printivo, Printmagicng, Hospitality/Tourism (Innovations): Cleartrip, Hotelsng, Jovago, Education Site of the year: Prepclass, Passng, Tutor.ng, Myedu.ng, Car Search site of the year: Nigeriancardealers, Cheki, Carmudi, Nigeriancarmart, Beauty and Cosmetics (Innovations): Natures Gentle Touch, Yangabeauty, Eyeslipsface, Real estate site of the year: Lamudi, Propertysearch, Hutbay, Castles.

    Others include; Online retailers; Yudala, Kaymu, Jumia, Konga, Health service: Oleander Health Shop, Malbo Pharmacy, Nigeria Pharmacy, Flying Doctors Nigeria, Telecomms: MTN, Airtel, Etisalat, Glo, Foods/drinks related services: Hellofoods, Forfoodonly.com, Easyappetite, Drinksng, Employment/Job creation: Ejobs, Jobberman, Careers24.com, Hot Nigeria Jobs, Transport: Oya, Wakanow, Ajala, Easy Taxi, Logistics (Innovations): Konga Express, Jumia Express, ACE, Quo Nigeria, New Media (Innovations): Iroko TV, Gamesole, Ibaka TV, Online payment platform: Cash Envoy, Interswitch, GTpay, Etranzact, Social Enterprise (Impact) Gidi Traffic, BudGiT, Mamalette, Risenetwork, Corporate Finance: Quest Advisory, Dunnlorenmerrifield, RMB Nigeria, Agriculture: Nosak group, Hellotractor, Erisco Group.

  • Niger Delta declares ‘War on Books’

    Niger Delta declares ‘War on Books’

    • “A book must stir you up to do something. To be, we have to think.” ~ Ken Saro-Wiwa”

    For decades, the Niger Delta has been engaged in agitations over the exploitation and neglect of the region by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The region is responsible for over 90% of the revenue that accrues to the Nigerian State.

    Isaac Boro, an Ijaw Nationalist is a forerunner of the Niger Delta struggle. Being a man of conviction, youthful passion and exuberance, he led the region into an historic declaration of the Niger Delta Republic characterized by arms bearing which has since defined the Niger Delta struggle.

    But things are changing in the Niger Delta, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, an Ijaw man became President of Nigeria and the zone was pacified.

    Niger Delta Books 2The former President, who launched a National bring back the books campaign and oversaw a Niger Delta amnesty programme that witnessed a lot of emphasis on education and training, seems to have set an agenda for his people unsuspectingly.

    Mr. Udengs Eradiri, the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) who was preceded by the fiery Asari Dokubo and Kaima declaration signatory, Mr. Felix Tuodolo has taken up the charge and has decided to declare a war on books in an attempt to change the course of the struggle in changing times.

    What is not lost upon him is the simple quote ‘Knowledge is Power’ and Mr. Eradiri has taken this message to the Niger Delta youths as the new alternative to violence, arms bearing and insurgency.

    Eradiri’s IYC has sent a strong message to impress this philosophy with the launch of a Library and Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state. He said ‘First of all, they must be educated’ and added that the initiative was set up ‘to create an environment to develop young people’, he said the motives of  ‘a library and an ICT centre’ is primarily ‘to change the perception of our young people’ while it o provide costless means of studying and quality research through internet-linked laptops and computers.

    Mr. Eradiri, said that the center will be used as a resource and also a training hub for youths while noting that it shall develop programmes and ‘enter into agreements to encourage learning among the youths’.Niger Delta Book 1

    Mr. Eradiri’s IYC has entered into partnership with Books to Africa, a UK based international Non-governmental Organization, which donated about 1000 books that formed the first stock of the library and ICT center which has dozens of Computers. The NGO is known to give books from donors majorly in the UK to need areas in Africa.

    The library was named in the honor of the late Dr. Oronto Douglas, a renowned intellectual and writer who has traversed the globe in pursuit of the Niger Delta struggle.

    The Ijaw Youth Council pledged to contribute its quota to ‘ensuring that it (the forum) becomes a breeding ground for leadership.’

    ‘And how do you breed leaders?’ asked Eradiri who intimated the people present at the launch of the facility of the Educational Endowment which his leadership has instituted. He challenged other eminent indigenes and business interests  in the Niger Delta region to contribute to the endowment funds.

    Meanwhile the fortunes of Oil which the bedrock of the agitation is in steady reversal. The instruments of the impending Ijaw resurgence will be data not bazookas.

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”tag” link_target=”_blank” tag=”Niger Delta” count=”6″ show_more=”on” show_more_type=”link”]