The Nation Newspaper

Tag: minister

  • Minister, Dabiri-Erewa seek support for girl education in ICT

    Minister of Science and Technology Prof.Ita Okon Bassey Ewa has called for the education of girls in information communication technology (ICT) so that they could actualise their dream and compete with their counterparts in other parts of the world.

    The minister, who spoke at the Girls ICT Day celebration convened by a group, Women in Technology (WITIN) in Lagos, pledged his ministry’s support for girl-child education in building science and technology innovation so that they can achieve their goals.

    House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the event, which was set aside by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), would help develop girls in the world of ICT and prepare them for future leadership position.

    She promised to liaise with the chairman, House Committee on Science and Technology to meet with WITIN so that the two could synergise to support the girls child initiative in ICT.

    She charged girls to be focused in their dream to achieve their set goals, adding that the girl-child education initiative should be encouraged at all levels.

    The President of WITIN, Mrs Martha Alade, said the workshop was aimed at encouraging girls into ICT to compete favourably with their counterparts in other parts of the world.

    She, however, said only 23 per cent of women has access to internet in sub-Sahara Africa, adding that WITIN plans to go to the rural areas to educate people about ICT.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Amaechi, Minister at war over Rivers PDP

    Amaechi, Minister at war over Rivers PDP

    • Temple of justice desecrated, says embattled governor

    • Wike: I want to be governor in 2015

     

    Embattled Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and his erstwhile associate and confidant, Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Education, yesterday openly drew the battle line in the struggle for the soul of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    Amaechi, whose camp recently lost the control of the party through a court verdict to a rival group led by Wike, called the judgement a desecration of the temple of justice.

    He asked Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Maryam Mukhtar to step in with a view to saving the integrity of the judicial arm from further assault.

    But Wike, a lawyer and ex-Chief of Staff to Amaechi differed. He said by virtue of his profession, he would not cast aspersion on the judiciary.

    He spoke of how he put his life on the line for Amaechi during the intrigues that attended the choice of the party’s governorship candidate for the 2007 election in the state.

    Wike said that struggle led to the death of his driver while he himself was almost consumed.

    Port Harcourt, the state capital, was all tension for much of yesterday after thousands of Amaechi’s supporters from the 23 local government areas of the state converged on the Government House, demanding a response to Friday’s tumultuous arrival in the city by Mr. Felix Obuah, who was declared the new chairman of the PDP in the state by a Federal High Court, Abuja.

    Amaechi, who is already locked in a battle of wits with the Presidency and the national leadership of the party over his perceived interest in the 2015 presidential race, obliged his supporters with a rally at the Government House.

    But it was his deputy, Tele Ikuru, an engineer who addressed the crowd on his behalf.

    He said: “As a nation, one area we should not allow mud to go into is the judiciary. As a nation, that is one area we should not allow to become a thing of play in the judiciary.

    “The temple of justice has been desecrated. Nigeria arise. If we do not rise, we will lose our country. As a nation, any day we allow the temple of justice to be desecrated, we will lose our country.

    “Any day a poor man cannot go to the court and state his case and get justice, that country is lost. I therefore call on the judges, particularly the CJN, to very quickly, with alarm, move into this matter. This is another case for her to prove that she sits at the helm of justice in this country. She will ensure that justice is given to all.

    “I was privileged to be part of the Rivers State congress of PDP (on March 17 last year at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt). I was privileged to see the votes counted. I was privileged to see the results announced and then suddenly, in broad daylight, somebody said that, that election produced another person.

    “When certain people die, their eyes will not close, because they tell broad daylight lies. Those who open their eyes, know what is right, see what is right and say something different. The day they will die, their eyes will never close.”

    Another supporter of the Governor, Senator Magnus Abe, also addressed the rally, saying, Rivers’ people would not be slaves in their own country.

    Abe, who had served at different times as Information Commissioner, Secretary to the State Government and member of the House of Assembly, said the crisis in the state was the handiwork of those he said were trying to play God.

    Such politicians, according to him, were desperate for power and money.

    He told Amaechi’s supporters not to be afraid.

    He wondered why the Godspower Ake-led executive committee of the PDP in the state was dissolved by the court when the March 17, 2012 congress leading to the emergence of the exco, in the first instance, was held in the presence of the three senators from the state.

    He said even before now, a Rivers State High Court, sitting at Okehi in Etche LGA of Rivers State had, in a judgment, confirmed Ake as the duly-elected chairman of PDP in the state.

    His words: “Somebody (Chief Felix Obuah, aka Go Round, being backed by Wike and was inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday, also a former chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA of Rivers State, where the ex-Governor, Dr. Peter Odili hails from) who neither picked form nor contested election, is now the chairman of PDP in the state.

    “Rivers people, hold your peace. Do not go for war. Judiciary has done it before and will do it again. The will of Rivers people and the will of God will be done.”

    The leader of the Rivers House of Assembly, Chid Lloyd told the rally that Amaechi’s loyalists stood by the decision of the Okehi court.

    “Truth will prevail. Do not be pushed into doing things that will make you to fight or quarrel. The PDP is united under the leadership of Gov. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi,” he said, adding:”Wike and Obuah want to truncate democracy in Rivers State. We will not allow them to declare emergency rule in the state.”

    Wike responded while fielding questions during a radio phone-in programme in the city yesterday, the minister said: “Rivers government is playing politics with federal presence in the state. People should not play politics with every issue. Federal Government should be appreciated.

    “I was the director-general of Amaechi campaign organisation in 2011. I was offered a lot of things in 2007, but I stood by Amaechi. My relationship with Amaechi is very cordial, but he is not appreciating the efforts of the Federal Government in Rivers State. You do not intervene in what you have not been invited to.

    “I supported Amaechi in 2011. My LGA (Obio/Akpor) gave Amaechi the highest votes during the 2011 governorship election. I do not have personal problems with Amaechi. We may disagree on certain issues.

    “My choice is Felix Obuah (newly-inaugurated PDP chairaman). He purchased form. I have no regret for supporting Obuah. I am not standing against somebody (Amaechi) I fought for him in 2007. I supported Amaechi in 2007 and we fought till the end. I was the Commander-in-Chief of that era. I also supported Amaechi in 2011. Obuah should not be denied his rightful position. I never sponsored Ake’s election.

    “There is no confusion. If you feel that you are being denied of your position, you can go to court, without carrying arms and ammunition. Obuah got judgment on April 15.

    “I have the right to have ambition (to be Rivers Governor in 2015). Only God will decide who will be Governor or not. I did not fight dirty for Amaechi. I have the right to report to the police, anybody that is doing anything inimical to peace. Police will do their jobs.

    “Some people got ex-parte order in Port Harcourt. Nobody said the judge was corrupt. If there is an order from another court, they will say Oga and Madam (President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience) have influenced it. Obuah had inaugurated the LG and ward executives of the party in the state, before they got their court order.

    “The Rivers ALGON members who are supporting Amaechi want to come for second tenure. They believe that if Obuah is the chairman, they will not get the tickets. They are frustrated.

    “I am not a member of Ogboni and I have never belonged to any secret cult/society. My father is a Reverend. When I was fighting for Amaechi, nobody called me an Ogboni member. We know the hardened cultists.”

    The Minister of State for education asked the people of the state to continue to give peace a chance, and PDP members to keep supporting Obuah and members of his executive.

    Wike, like Amaechi, is Ikwerre.

    The Governor said last year that it would be unfair after serving for eight years as Governor, he was succeeded by another person from Ikwerre.

    Yesterday’s pro-Amaechi carnival-like rally had his supporters drumming, singing and dancing, leading to traffic congestion on Azikiwe Road and adjoining roads and streets.

    Obuah had his own rally on arriving Port Harcourt from Abuja on Friday.

    He was accompanied into the city by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara; ex-governorship candidate, Sergeant Awuse, aka Bulldozer; and Senator Lee Maeba, among other eminent personalities.

    Obuah and members of his executive were received by loud drumming, singing and dancing.

    While briefly speaking at the airport, Obuah said: “I will unite the party. I will bring back all the aggrieved members, who left the PDP. The teeming supporters at the airport to receive me indicate that I have the support of party members in the state.”

    Ake who was sacked by the Abuja Federal High Court has alleged that Wike is “not alone in the fight against Amaechi. There are others at the top, conspiring to destroy Amaechi’s structure. The party is actually not the target, but the Rivers State Government.”

    He spoke while receiving a delegation of council chairmen in the state during a solidarity visit.

    He has secured a court injunction in Port Harcourt restraining Obuah and his team from parading themselves as officers of the party pending the determination of the substantive case challenging Obuah and his group.

    Meanwhile, the National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar has described Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State as a pillar of democracy in the current dispensation.

    Omar spoke when he led a delegation of top NLC officials on a courtesy call on the Governor in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

    The NLC President and other members were in the Rivers State capital for a conference to elect new executive of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services (AUCPTRC).

    Omar said: “Nigerians are watching. Nigerians are very, very intelligent people. They are watching, they know things, they know what is happening(to Amaechi) and they are also passing their own judgment.

    “You have been one of the major pillars of democracy in this dispensation and we always like to in our only small way, associate with good things, especially when I recall that when I was here last, you decided to show me some of the projects, that at that time, a lot of them were not even completed but by the time we arrived this time and we passed through some of them, especially primary schools. 3 are completed.

    “I have not seen any where the children in public primary schools are learning under such very conducive atmosphere. This is what is required of democracy, for leadership to provide the dividends of democracy to the people practically, not theoretically, and I think that is very abundant in Rivers State. We believe in what you are doing because we have seen it and we only want to urge you to continue in that direction”.

    Governor Amaechi urged the Nigerian Labour Congress to continue to represent the poor and give voice to the voiceless for a better Nigeria.

    “I think that basically the greatest voice that the poor can have will not be any other voice than the voice of the workers. “

  • Encomiums as Abuja fetes minister

    Encomiums as Abuja fetes minister

    He is widely regarded as a democrat par excellence and firm believer in delegation of duties to subordinates.

    Little wonder that the Tarnscorp Hilton venue of the reception put together by Captain Shehu Iyal, Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Aviation and some friends in honour of Kabiru Tanimu, Minister for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs attracted a huge crowd.

    Prominent Nigerians and foreigners from all walks of life graced the colourful dinner at which Nigerians were assured that the choice of Kabiru Tanimu (SAN) as Minister  of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs was not a mistake.

    Those in attendance included Titus Ashaolu (SAN); Dr. Hain Ayalon; Giovanni de Bertie of Emeraldo; Nasrat Mansour; MD, Mannimpex Holdings; Dr Olu Owolabi of SACHOL; Hon. Baba Akawu, former Deputy Leader House of Representatives; Mr. Abu Gumel; Senator Ibrahim Musa; Hon. Bello Kawoje; Hon. Buhari Bala; Aliyu Kalgo of AMCON; Justice Sadiq Umar; Justice Danlami Sanchi; business moguls Aliyu Usman and  Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim.

    Others were Alhaji Abubakar Musa, a banker; Attorney Jude Menes from Texas, USA; Abbas Umar of NIS; Zanna Maideribe, Chairmanm Cavendish Petroleum;  Prof. Lawak Khalid, CMD, ABUTH; Dr Abdulah Usman, Public Health Consultant; Captain Farouk Umar, as well as the Personal Assistant to the Minister, Lawal Umar and Jamil Jega of FCT Judiciary, among several others.

    Though the night was not for speech-making, two dignitaries nonetheless insisted on saying a word or two about the Dan Masani Gwandu who was identified as the youngest northerner to have attained the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) status. He got his SAN in 2002.

    Hon Buhari Bala, in his comments said though Tanimu was younger in age, he remained a colossus in politics among his peers and those before him as a result of his doggedness.

    “Though he is younger in age, but in politics he is up there. His Machiavellian politics and his leadership style of taking the back-seat when it comes to decision making for his subordinates set him apart  because that is a very rare trait among our politicians,” he said.

    International Olympic Committee (IOC) top shot, Mr Abu Gumel, an engineer, expressed his optimism that Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from the wealth of experience the young minister is bringing to government.

    He cited the tireless work done by the minister during his time as a member of Team Nigeria saddled with the responsibility of raising funds for Nigerian teams to execute the country’s participation in the Olympics.

    Gumel said: “He is a tireless team player that is always primed for results. I am very confident that the ministry and the nation by extension would benefit immensely from the experience he is bringing into the Ministry. I am also convinced that the President has not made a mistake by choosing him as a minister”.

    The organiser of the event, Captain Iyal said he was not surprised by the accolades showered on the minister, expressing confidence that the country would see more of such commendations coming the way of the minister in future.

    “He is not only young, he is energetic, forthright, committed and intelligent, which I’m sure must have been traits identified in him by the President before making him one of his lieutenants.

    “The large turnout tonight only goes to show that this is the kind of Nigerians we need to encourage in order to see that Nigeria and indeed Nigerians continue to grow. He has excelled in previous responsibilities given to him, and I have no doubt that he will excel in this new challenge to the betterment of the country,” he said.

    The minister, in his appreciation, promised not to let down those who believed in his ability to make a positive difference in the responsibilities given to him by the President.

    According to Tanimu, having been exposed to the challenges of governance due to his membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), he is now more resolved to contribute his own part to move the nation forward.

    While pleading for understanding of Nigerians, the Minister assured that the relative improvement being witnessed in the nation’s transport system, especially rail network, power supply and health care delivery system would be sustained and improved upon.

    He said that he was happy to be part of President Jonathan’s team, adding that great things are ahead for the country and its people.

     

  • Minister denies plan to sell, convert National Theatre to hotel

    The Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke has denied plans of selling the National Theatre, Lagos or converting it to an hotel

    The Minister who spoke with newsmen yesterday in Abuja said the relocation of some key parastatals away from the National Theatre was to give way for the renovation of the 37 years old edifice.

    He described the reported sale of the National Theatre to a “Niger Delta big man” as  reported in the media as a false.

    Duke who solicited the support of the private sector in the renovation of the edifice, said its renovation  was necessitated due to the collapse of roads and services around it.

    “Nobody is being given the National Theatre to convert to an hotel. The media should not embark on a campaign of calumny against the Federal Government.

    “The main structure is to be rehabilitated, a committee made up of various stakeholders in the Culture Ministry to ensure the rehabilitation of the National Theatre under the Public Private Partnership.

    “The National Theatre is to be upgraded to a more functional theatre, its masterplan, which was developed in 1976 now requires ancilliary services to support its activities as it is being done in other countries of the world,” he said.

    He said arrangements had been made with the Lagos State Ministry of Land and Housing to relocate all the agencies under the Culture Ministry that operate in the National  Theatre to a befitting location pending the renovation.

    The General Manager of the National Theatre, Mr. Kabir Yusuf, said the decision to chase away all the hawkers around the vicinity of the theatre was to give access for the renovation scheduled to begin soon.

     

  • Minister of sports visits Jossy Lad at UCH

    Minister of sports visits Jossy Lad at UCH

    Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission, Hon. Bolaji Abudllahi on Sunday morning visited ailing former Falcons Coach Joseph Oladipo fondly called ‘Jossy Lad’ who has been receiving treatment since a week at the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan.

    The Minister, who felt bad over the condition he met the former Shooting Stars’ player and Coach, made a cash donation of .5million naira to the children of Jossy Lad towards his treatment.

    He, however, reassured the family of Government’s continuous support to ensure he gets back on his feet, saying “government is conscious of its responsibilities to all its sports heroes, either active or retired”.

    “Our prayer is to see Jossy Lad back on his feet, he’s part of the first generation of footballers in this country and has greatly contributed to the development of the game in Nigeria. We would always be supportive to any of our heroes especially in their trying times”.

     

  • Boko Haram members arrested in Mali, says minister

    Foreign Affairs Minister Olugbenga Ashiru yesterday said the French-led troops operating in Mali on Saturday arrested some Boko Haram members.

    He broke the news at the 18th Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony of Stephen Oluwole Awokoya Foundation for Science Education (SOAFSE), held in Lagos.

    The minister, who defended the country’s deployment of troops in Mali, said the decision was taken to among others, destroy the terrorists’ link with their counterparts in northern Mali and restore peace to the country.

    He said 1,200 soldiers have been deployed in Mali since the operation began, adding that the joint operation in the country has dislodged the terrorists, destroyed their training camps and detonated their ammunitions.

    Ashiru said: “Nigeria’s leadership and dignity has been aptly demonstrated at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by the various top leadership positions it has held in the last two years. We have continued to make good contribution to the promotion of democracy, good governance across the West Africa sub-region and the entire continent.

    “In the case of our peace support in Mali, Nigeria has deployed 1,200 soldiers as part of African Union support on the peace operation.

    “I use this opportunity to explain to those that have been sceptical about our deployment of troops in Mali that they should look at the larger and much bigger picture because there is a linkage between those terrorists and the ones operating in northern Nigeria.

    “In fact, one of the facts confirmed to us by the French Foreign Minister on Saturday was that those arrested in northern Mali were elements from Boko Haram.

    “The security agencies were doing so much to contain the situation.

    “Apart from the last unfortunate one that happened on Monday, where they went to detonate their bombs in a motor park, where innocent citizens were gathered, there have been a decline in the past nine months in the sect’s ability to strike.

    “This is because our security agencies have infiltrated the sect, discovered many factories where they manufacture their bombs as well as many ammunition depot.

    “I believe they are making progress. And with our intervention in Mali where it has been established they were training there, with all their training calms, ammunition and logistics destroyed, the insurgence will die off in no time.”

    He described the late Awokoya as a pioneer in formal education, whose work had remained a source of inspiration.

    Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, who was represented by former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. T.N. Abdul, said Prof. Awokoya’s name would be included in the country’s history, especially in education.

     

  • Minister lauds Stallion Group’s VON automobile plant

    Minister lauds Stallion Group’s VON automobile plant

    The Ministry of Trade and Investment has expressed satisfaction with the proficiency and quality of manufacturing at VON Automobiles Nigeria Limited, local manufacturers of buses, trucks and light commercial vehicles, including brands, such as Ashok Leyland.

    The Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, said this when he and his team visited the plant in Lagos.

    He said: “I have inspected and seen what VON Automobiles Nigeria is doing and I am impressed with the quality of work here as well as the capacity of the plant. I have toured other parts of the country and I am saying that what I found here is of international standards. We can now encourage people from other African countries to import from Nigeria. The products are of the best quality and can be used in any part of the world”.

    Ortom added: “I am impressed with this and secondly, they are into expansion and they are not just into buses, they are looking at other lines that will produce various types of automobile vehicles.”

    The minister, who led a high-powered delegation of members of the Committee on Mass Transportation for Nigerians to VON Automobiles, lauded the vehicle assembly plant for transforming the defunct Volkswagen of Nigeria (VWoN) plant within a relatively short time.

    The investors, Stallion Group of Nigeria, showing immense financial commitment and perseverance, has led VON’s successful resuscitation. VON’s buses are already plying Nigerian roads and have gained appreciation on their quality being better than imported vehicles.

    VON is a subsidiary of Stallion Group, which is a 45-year- old multi-billion conglomerate with presence in 18 countries, employing in excess of 10,000 workers and engaged in diversified businesses, including commodities, agri-business, automobiles, industries, food, FMCG and services. In the automobile industry, Stallion has partnered world-class brand including Honda, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Porsche, Audi, Skoda, Ashok Leyland and others.

    Following the plant tour, the minister said: “I am satisfied with what I have seen and the truth is that you can supply us with the quality and quantity we need and I want to reassure you that I will take this back to the committee and within a very short time, government should be in a position to allow you make offers to the body that requires your products.”

    He re-assured VON Automobiles of President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment to the progress of vehicle assembly plants in the country. “Mr. President is quite committed and down-to-earth about it and he is not paying lipservices and this is why you have seen me here today,” Ortom said.

    The Managing Director, VON Automobiles Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tokunbo Aromolaran, told the visiting team that the plant has an installed capacity of 4,000 buses per annum and will shortly take delivery of plants to produce 36,000 vehicles per year.

    He said: “One of our biggest hopes is to turn some areas around this location to a components manufacturing village where automobile components can be manufactured.

    “VON seeks to be in the forefront of the imminent transformation of Nigerian automotive industry, making the country the regional giant in this sector. In doing so, VON is poised to launch several collaborations with world leading brands, bringing the best of technologies to the country.”

     

  • Minister praised for generating 198,534 jobs

    The Federal Executive Council has praised the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, for his efforts at job creation and resolution of industrial dispute.

    He was also commended for the advancement of paradigm shift in labour administration as well as development of strategic plan for the Ministry and pro-active approach to industrial related issues in the country,

    These commendations came shortly after the Minister presented last year’s performance report of his Ministry to the Federal Executive Council, presided over by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

    Chief Wogu, among other various achievements, listed during the presentation, according to a statement, revealed that the Federal Government was able to generate a total of 198,534 jobs from the various contracts approved for implementation by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) last year.

    The Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, who is also responsible for the coordination of the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of the MDAs, commended the minister for a detailed presentation. He encouraged other ministers to emulate the contribution of the Minister of Labour and Productivity to the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

     

  • Petroleum minister, others for NOG intelligence launch

    Petroleum minister, others for NOG intelligence launch

    The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezanni Alison-Madueke is among the personalities that would grace the launch on Thursday of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Intelligence (NOGintelligence) – a weekly electronic newsletter that will focus on oil and gas industry.

    Alison-Madueke, according to a statement, will be the special guest of honour while the guest speaker will be the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Osten Olorunsola. She will speak on marginal fields. The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Ernest Nwapa, an engineer, will also speak on the local content.

    The board of NOGintelligence Limited said the company will provide the oil and gas community with actionable data and intelligence on the industry, which will be officially launched on March 14 at the Metropolitan Club in Lagos.

    Other guests of honour that will be at the event include the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Olugbenga Ashiru and the Director General, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) as well as top officials of the oil and gas and the financial industries.

    The Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of NOGintelligence, Remi Aiyela, said: “The official launch of NOGintelligence comes at a time when investors from around the world have their eyes firmly on Nigeria and are thirsty for knowledge and information about our industry. We are very excited to be at the crest of this wave.

    “Each issue of NOGintelligence carries quality information on new projects, what is happening, who is doing what, contracts that are being awarded, new cases, new laws and regulations, new fields coming on stream, new technology and much more.

    “Our main intention is to ensure that people from all sectors of the industry – from the drilling engineer to the energy lawyer to the environmental campaigner – find something relevant and of interest to them in every issue. There is something for everyone from every sector of the oil and gas industry.”

  • Minister promises review of corps members’ allowance

    The Minister of Youth Development,Inuwa Abdulkadir, has said the Federal Government would review National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members’ allowance.

    Abdulkadir was addressing corps members mobilised under the 2013 ‘Batch A’ orientation programme in Kano and Jigawa states.

    He said the welfare of corps members remains the priority of the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

    A statement by the minister’s Chief Press Secretary, Olusola Abiola in Abuja, said the Federal Government is committed to implementing the various multi-sectoral youth employment and empowerment programmes.

    He said: “ There are so many schemes the Federal Government has mapped out to provide jobs and economic empowerment for the increasing army of job seekers and unemployed graduates all over the country.”