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  • Minister vows to report disappointing projects in Niger Delta to Tinubu

    Minister vows to report disappointing projects in Niger Delta to Tinubu

    • Applauds NDDC’s project in Rivers

    The Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, has described some of the projects he inspected in the Niger Delta, especially the East-West Road as a big disappointment.

    The minister, who toured Rivers State, in his first official visit outside Abuja, vowed to report his findings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Describing Tinubu as a listening President, he expressed optimism that the President would transfer the East-West road project to his ministry.

    He, however, commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) for expanding the scope of the Okrika-Borokiri Road with three bridges to connect many communities to Port Harcourt.

    Speaking during a meeting with the Management and Staff of the NDDC at the headquarters of the Commission in Port Harcourt, Momoh asked the NDDC to continue to deliver on viable projects.

    Momoh in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, applauded the Rivers State Government for showing interest in partnering with the commission on the project.

    Momoh said: “I am delighted to be at NDDC today. This is my first official visit outside Abuja and I am starting from the Rivers State capital.

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    “So far, we have inspected some projects being handled by NDDC, as well as the East-West Road, which I consider a big disappointment. What I saw was an eyesore.

    “I will take the matter to Mr. President who is a listening leader. I am confident that he will listen to us and transfer the East West Road to the Ministry.”

    He congratulated Dr. Samuel Ogbuku on his return to the board of the NDDC and saying that in the past people had always felt that NDDC was not doing enough.

    The minister also visited the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in the company of the NDDC Acting Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

    In his welcome remarks, the NDDC boss, expressed delight over the visit of the Minister to the commission’s headquarter, as part of a two-day working tour of the Niger Delta region.

    Ogbuku said: “We are happy to receive the Minister. NDDC will always cooperate with the Ministry, and we hope that the Ministry will also support us. I assure you that there will be no friction between the Ministry and the NDDC. The joint inspection today testifies to this new cordial working relationship.”

    Earlier at the Okrika-Borokiri Bridge project in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Ogbuku observed that it would provide many benefits to the people.

    He said the project was designed to connect many communities to the Rivers State capital.

    He said that when completed, the road would reduce traffic congestion on the refinery axis of the East-West Road as well as reduce travel time from Okrika to Port Harcourt.

  • Minister gives NIS two weeks to clear outstanding passports

    Minister gives NIS two weeks to clear outstanding passports

    Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has given a two-week ultimatum to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)  to clear over 200,000 international passport applications before it. 

    Tunji-Ojo gave the directive during a meeting with the Acting Comptroller General of the NIS,  Wura-Ola   Adepoju,  and top officials of the ministry.

    The meeting also had Yinka Fisher, managing director of Iris Smart Technologies,  a third-party company  that produces passport booklets, in attendance.

    The minister, according to his media aide, Alao Babatunde, said  the directive was in line with his  promise to remove “bottlenecks in the acquisition of passports and other immigration documents.”

    Tunji-Ojo  added    that delay  in  processing and enrolment of passports in the country had been a source of frustration for citizens.

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    He said: “As far as I am concerned, the issue of passport is a national emergency. I keep getting emails daily from Nigerians complaining. We cannot continue like that.

    “It has become an embarrassment to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I represent him here as your minister. That embarrassment is mine now. I am not changing my words. I need the backlog cleared in two weeks.”

    Adepoju assured the minister that necessary resources and measures would be deployed to ensure that the backlog was cleared.

    The acting  NIS chief, who revealed that  the number of passport  applications was  in the region of 200,000  , said the agency has been able to secure enough booklets. 

    The minister also met with the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa;  the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi.

  • Why you must become wealth creator, employers of labour, Minister tells Corps members

    Why you must become wealth creator, employers of labour, Minister tells Corps members

    The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, on Tuesday, urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme to thrive toward becoming wealth creators and employers of labour.

    Mahmoud gave the advice at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch B Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC FCT Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, FCT, Abuja.

    She urged the corps members to give their best in the service of the country in their respective places of primary assignment and community.

    The minister said while improving their host community, they should, at the same time, strive to invest in building themselves for self-reliance.

    She said: “I am aware that you acquired different skills during the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme in the course of this orientation exercise.

    “I enjoin you, therefore, to follow up with the post-camp training to master your skills. This is one sure way of becoming self-reliant and reducing post-service unemployment among ex-corps members.

    “Take advantage of this and become wealth creators and employers of labour in the near future.”

    The minister said the NYSC scheme has attained remarkable milestones in its mission of national integration and development.

    She called on the corps members to be worthy ambassadors of the scheme and keep the flag flying.

    She noted that nation-building and socioeconomic development were twin areas of vital importance to the country.

    Mahmoud stated: “The FCTA believes that you will galvanize your talents and potential toward enthroning a more united, prosperous, and egalitarian nation that will not only be the pride of all but a legacy for future generations.

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    “Wherever you may find yourselves, you must strive to make a difference; spearhead transformation; and promote harmonious interaction and creative development. For me, the joy of mentoring the youths is incomparable.

    “We have no choice than to inspire and guide them towards becoming responsible citizens that will take over the mantle of leadership of this great country, into the distant future.

    “I, therefore, feel very privileged to have become a part of this noble scheme and I will give all my best on this assignment.”

    She assured the corps members of adequate security, saying “the security of lives and property remain paramount in the agenda of the FCTA.

    “I assure you of our determination to continue to provide the needed peaceful environment for you and all residents of the FCT.

    “However, I implore you not to expose yourselves to danger and avoid unnecessary journeys and other security risks; please, prioritize your personal security.” 

  • Ladipo, SWAN chair set agenda for new Sports Minister

    Ladipo, SWAN chair set agenda for new Sports Minister

    New Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh must rally technocrats with genuine interest and love for sports development, if he hopes to return Nigeria to its glory days in sports and succeed in his new designation.

    This was the submission of the founder and President General of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo, as he joined other stakeholders and sports enthusiasts to welcome the new minister to the National Stadium, Surulere yesterday.

    In the same vein, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Lagos Chapter, Ms Olatutu Oladuni said her hopes and that of sports writers in Lagos and indeed Nigeria, is to see a better spirit of reinvigoration, of undiluted and uncompromised spirit of service delivery, that will have direct impact of positivity and productivity on the sporting family and the sports sector in general.

    Expatiating further, Dr. Ladipo said the new minister should not surround himself with mediocre and praise singers, whose sole aim is what they can gain for themselves.

    He lamented the general state of the Sports City, saying it has become used and dump, which does not befit the history it carries.

    “Quite frankly, the sports city has become a used and dumped stadium. A stadium that produced the likes of Odegbami, Chukwu, Okocha, Yekini and other great athletes shouldn’t have been left to deteriorate to that level.

    “Many have said the solution is privatisation, but the government should do a thorough review of the situation, taking into cognisance the interest of the generality of Nigerians. If care is not taken, even the Abuja National Stadium may become like this, because we lack maintenance culture.”

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    Oladunni on her part also recommended a special welfare package for sports men and women, past and present, stressing that they’ve been neglected for long.

    “We should focus on their welfare, which includes support- technical and financial motivation, psychological as well as emotional. They also need proper education and reorientation to help them avoid issues of doping.

    On why she decorated the minister and presented him with a gift, the SWAN chairman said: “That was for his sportsmanship, humility, warmth and accommodation.”

  • Govt’s hammer to fall on illegal miners, says minister

    Govt’s hammer to fall on illegal miners, says minister

    The Federal Government yesterday unfolded plans to reposition the solid minerals sector, in consonance with the Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said that the law against illegal mining was still in force, warning culprits to desist or face the dire consequences. 

    He said the law is no respecter of status, urging the perpetrators, whether state, individuals or corporate institution, to halt the illegality. 

    Alake gave the warning in Abuja at the graduation and presentation of starter packs to Batch Three graduates of the ministry’s programme on gemstone and jewellery master training and empowerment.

    He said the ministry was working closely with security agencies to design a solid and enduring formula for combating illegal mining and exploitation of  minerals.

    Stressing that there will be no business as usual, Alake said: “Lt me use this opportunity to send a very stern and strong warning to the entire nation, that with Mr. President, there is a new sheriff in town. With illegal mining, exportation of gemstones, critical minerals will no longer be tolerated by this administration.

    “My ministry is currently putting in place some strategies, tactics and logistics. We are working very closely with the security agencies, with a view to designing a very solid and enduring formula for combating illegal mining and illegal exploitation of all critical minerals in this country.

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     ”In due course, the details will be unfolded to the public, but I’m just using this opportunity to send a strong warning to those currently engaged in illegal mining in Nigeria, that henceforth, it will no longer be business as usual.

    “The definition of illegal activity is very straightforward. Those who are mining without the requisite Federal Government approved licences. Those are illegal miners. Whether it is a state, individual or corporate institution, it doesn’t matter who is committing the offence. It’s an offence to mine illegally in Nigeria. And this practice has been going on for ages, in fact, before independence. However, it must stop.

    “And that’s why I gave that stern warning. And I mean it, that is the message of the President. illegal activities in this critical mining sector, solid mineral sector, must stop henceforth and it’s not just exaltation is not just sermonisation, we are putting very concrete and enduring steps and strategies to combat this menace, because he’s really affecting, adversely affecting the economic fortunes of Nigeria.”

    He added: “We must harness all our critical resources for the benefit of our nation. Today, it is a known fact all over the world that hydrocarbons are on the downward trend in global international trade. 

    Oil that has been very contingent to our development, GDP substantially, is no longer what it used to be and is on the decline. So, what do we do? We have to shift attention to non-oil exports? And believe me, Nigeria is sitting on one of the most humongous amount of mineral resources in the world.

    “There is virtually no single state in this country that does not have one mineral or the other that are sought after international global markets.”

    Project Coordinator, Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver), Sallim Salaam, an engineer,  said the essence of the training and empowerment was for value addition, which has always been the plan of the government.

    He said the third batch of 30 trainees would join the other batches, bringing the number of trainees in the gemstone and jewellery to 70.

    He said the trainees would be expected to return their states and train others in jewellery making.

  • ‘Israel fits as youth minister’

    ‘Israel fits as youth minister’

    The Youth Wing of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider appointing Dayo Isreal, as the Minister of Youth.

    Isreal is the current national youth leader of the APC.

    President Tinubu had on Monday sworn-in  45 new Ministers, but no minister was named for the ministry of youth.

    The Youth Wing said since assuming office 18 months ago, Israel had the extensive international exposure, remarkable antecedents, impressive profile, and excellent leadership skills and was the best person for the position.

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    The Youth Wing stated this in a statement by Jamaludeen Kabir, deputy national youth leader, all zonal leaders, including Oluwaseun Oguntade  and Mogaji Olatunde who are APC youth wing members.

    The youth wing said Israel’s commitment and contributions during the party’s presidential campaigns further demonstrate his dedication, noting that his appointment would greatly benefit Nigerian youths and the nation as a whole.

    The statement further stated that just like his colleague, Beta Edu, the former woman leader of the APC who was appointed Minister of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation to represent her gender, they were confident that Isreal was the best to lead the youth, urging the President to grant their request.

    According to the statement, “Dayo Israel has shown capacity, especially in his role as national youth leader of the party, his success and immense achievements cannot be over-emphasised.

    “His commitment and contributions during our party’s presidential campaigns further demonstrate his dedication to our cause. I believe his appointment would greatly benefit Nigerian youths and the nation as a whole.

    “We urge President Tinubu to consider this young energetic man given the chance to serve as the minister of youth, as his colleague Beta was given the opportunity to represent her gender well. We believe in the President and his government as a listening leader.

    “Dayo Israel, an ardent BAT supporter, has proven that the mantle of Youth leadership saddled on him is not a mere one. He is executing his role with all sense of responsibility, appreciating the importance of the obligation at hand; he is fully prepared for it.

    The statement further stated, “He has toured some major cities spreading the gospel according to the book of BAT, and this makes it easier for the young ones to accept someone from the seemingly old generation.

    “His extensive international exposure, remarkable antecedents, impressive profile, and excellent leadership he has shown in the last 18 months that he has been leading the Youth Wing of our party make him the best fit for the position.

  • Mercy Nku lauds Enoh’s appointment  as Sports Minister

    Mercy Nku lauds Enoh’s appointment  as Sports Minister

    Former Nigerian international sprinter, Mercy Nku has hailed the appointment of Senator John Enoh as Minister of Sports Development by President Bola Tinubu.

    Nku, the second Nigerian woman after Mary Onyali to run in the 100m final at the World Athletics Championships, says Enoh possesses the administrative acumen  and experience to lift Nigerian sports out of the woods.

    “Senator Enoh has been in the House of Representatives and the Senate and the experiences he has garnered there, especially with oversight duties are not one  that can be bought on the shelf,”  the Cross River-born sprinter who won four gold medals at the African Youth Championships in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire in 1995, stated.

    Nku said  Senator Enoh is known across Cross River State as an achiever and a thoroughbred administrator who does not take decisions without due consultations.

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    “I think President Tinubu has done the right thing by bringing a man who pays attention to details as Senator Enoh to my constituency. The Sports sector has  failed to grow for over 40 decades now and it will require a man who understands how to manage and inspire people to begin the renaissance the sector urgently needs.”

    The two-time Nigeria champion and fourth woman to break 11.10 seconds in the 100m said the recent disappointments Nigerians suffered at the World  Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary will show the Sports Minister how badly we have fared in sports.

    She noted: “If I am not mistaken, we have returned from the World Athletics Championships 11 times without winning a medal out of 19 times we have participated since we  made our debut at the inaugural edition of the competition in 1983.

    “During my time we had over 10 athletes competing in the international circuit, athletes who are not pushovers but today, instead of having more, the number  has been reduced to just two who we can rely on for an appearance in the final of major, global championships and Games.

    “There is no gainsaying that Senator Enoh will need the support of all stakeholders in sports, especially former Nigerian internationals across all sports  and that is why I am delighted we have a man who is ready to listen and discus issues as Sports Minister,”  added the Canada-based sprinter.

  • Minister pledges to complete 17-year-old abandoned National Library building

    Minister pledges to complete 17-year-old abandoned National Library building

    Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman has pledged that the 17-year-old abandoned National Library would be completed and inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu administration.

    The minister made the pledge during a tour of the edifice in company of the National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, and some senior directors of the Federal Ministry of Education.

    The contract of the library, which lies fallow on Plot 35, Cadastral Business District, in the Federal Capital Territory, was awarded to Reynolds Construction Company in 2006 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for N8.9 billion with an initial completion period of four years.

    The firm was said to have requested an upward review because of the decision of the Federal Government to incorporate new technology into the building.

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     The administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua then approved an upward review to the tune of N18b.

    Seventeen years after the contract was first awarded, however, the building has yet to be completed.

     Former education minister, Adamu Adamu handed the project to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) for completion.

     The Federal Capital Territory Administration had at a time, raised the alarm that criminals were turning uncompleted buildings in the capital city into hideouts.

     Addressing reporters after the tour of the Library, the minister said: “This project is too important for Nigerians and we have this project uncompleted for close to 20 years. We know the importance of a library not to talk about a national library.

     “So, the decision is that we have a president who does not tolerate uncompleted projects anywhere. He is determined to deliver on what will bring progress and development and the national library is one of the major edifices anywhere in the world.

     ”So, the decision is that everyone involved must come back to the site.”

     Asked about the cost required to complete the project, the minister said though there were issues surrounding the project but that it was being worked out as everyone involved would come together to review the cost.

     “There are some issues here and there but the project will be completed in about 21 months.

     ”But we are urging them (Construction company) to deliver the project earlier because we’ve dragged it for too long and the project is too important for it to be dragged any further.

     ”So whatever obstacles in the project, we are determined to go over it and attend to it so it doesn’t become an obstacle,” he said.

  • Agenda for Coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare

    Agenda for Coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare

    Sir: The appointment of Professor Muhammad Ali Pate as Minister of Health and Social Welfare can be likened to putting a square peg in a square hole.

    As a world-class public health specialist, Prof. Pate sacrificed a personal growth opportunity to answer a clarion call by his nation, while turning down an offer to serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Global Vaccine Alliance (GAVI). The singular action shows patriotism and is an indicator he is fully aware of the daunting task needed to rejuvenate and reshape the health sector which perhaps only physicians of his calibre and expertise can undertake.

    Dear minister, it is germane that I highlight some issues affecting quality healthcare delivery and which the citizens will like you to tackle headlong.

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    Health workers under different umbrellas have almost consistently withdrawn service in 2000, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022 and the recently suspended one by the NARD just over a week ago.

    These recurring strike actions by health workers result in avoidable fatalities. Hence, policies for better welfare of medical professionals, recruitment of more personnel to suit the country’s population, standard and fully equipped medical facilities will tackle the issue.

    Hon. Minister, on May 7, at the maiden International Maternal and Newborn Health Conference (IMNHC2023) held in Cape Town, South Africa, Nigeria was listed as part of the countries which contribute to 97 per cent preventable maternal and new-born mortality globally. Such statistics does not befit the giant of Africa. Investing in maternal healthcare and collaboration with local and international non-governmental organisation which will engage in sensitisation on the subject at the grassroots will work miracles.

    Many Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the federation have issues too. They are not a sight to behold and are additionally plagued by poor staffing, inadequate equipment and insufficient drug supply and other medical consumables. The PHCs are closest to the people, hence availing them adequate human and material resources would be a step in the right direction. 

    Furthermore, the numbers are not good for children who have not received any form of immunisation or zero dose immunisation as it is more appropriately referred to. With over two million children in this category, it would be timely to follow up on the construction of ‘standard vaccine hubs’ in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano states inaugurated by your predecessor. This will help fast track the process and when resources becomes available, more of such should be spread across the country.

    Interestingly, foreign healthcare-related services spent by Nigeria in the first quarter of 2023, amounted to a whopping $1.04m. In this case, putting up state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and equipment, public and private sector partnership, foreign training of medics to equip them with working knowledge and trends in the profession are strategies that can work wonders in curtailing medical tourism. 

    Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are generally underestimated in country as a result, 100 million Nigerians are at risk of at least one of 20 NTDs in the country. Almost absent from the global health agenda, enjoying little funding, and associated with stigma and social exclusion, channelling funds for treatment alongside sensitisation since ignorance of the diseases is a major contributory factor for the figures mention will cut the Gordian knot.

    Mental health though has been around for a long time, discussion round prevention and treatment is only recently gaining traction globally. Potentially six in 10 Nigerians suffer from mental illness compelling former President Muhammadu Buhari to assent the Mental Health Act in January. The transition has distorted some activities all over thus, it becomes critical to revisit the act and make certain its adequate implementation.

    The health sector lacks accurate data on even the most common diseases which should come handy in formulating policies for disease prevention and control. Utilising technology to create a database is essential for disease tracking, monitoring and surveillance shall produce good outcome.

    Issues surrounding family planning, overall family health, out-of-pocket spending, and investment in local production of pharmaceuticals require your expert attention.

    The inclusion of social welfare in your portfolio would allow for a more integrated and holistic approach to improving Nigerian lives as it gives you the chance to develop policies that bridge the gap between health and social services. For example, addressing issues such as poverty, malnutrition, portable drinking water and education could lead to improved health outcomes.

    On a final note, a blueprint should be drawn and timeline pegged on every feat you hope to achieve. This will keep actors on their heels to produce results on time whilst simultaneously keeping you abreast of whether or policies and implementation are getting to intended targets.

    • Lawal Dahiru Mamman, Abuja.

  • NRC MD, management to appear before minister today

    NRC MD, management to appear before minister today

    The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, and his management team are expected to appear before Transportation Minister Saidu Alkali at the Bukar Dipcharima House today in Abuja.

    The NRC boss is expected to brief the minister on the activities of the railway, Nigeria’s oldest public corporation.

    The Nation gathered that the new minister had, ahead of the planned meeting, embarked on a tour of the Abuja Train Station of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) to have a first-hand idea about what was on the ground at the nation’s standard gauge flagship, which started commercial operation in 2017.

    Alkali had hinted that the meeting with the NRC boss could be stormy, based on the revelations he had obtained on how the Abuja train service was being run.

    Okhiria, who is on his second term as the NRC Managing Director, supervised the transformation of the corporation, which had given birth to three modern networks.

    These were in addition to the rehabilitation of the two old narrow gauges the nation inherited from its colonial masters and sustained till 2002 when the 25-year Master Plan was developed for the NRC.

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    The minister is expected to hear how the NRC has performed in the last decade, where its fortunes are being kept and its prospects.

    Alkali is also expected to ask questions on the status of all the NRC subsidiaries, especially the Nigerian Railway Corporation Property Management Services Limited (NRCPMSL), arguably the largest property holding firm in Nigeria.

    Expectedly, Okhiria will intimate the minister with details on the nation’s engagement with the ChinaExim Bank, which facilitated the loan with which the nation had procured the busiest trunk network – the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge – a contract the Muhammadu Buhari administration completed the Lot II segment from Lagos-Ibadan in 2021.

    A report in a national daily on Alkali’s inspection of the Abuja Train Station had said the minister threatened to sanction the NRC boss, if he failed to “give satisfactory answers” to queries on why the Idu Station in Abuja was falling apart and why security operatives accompanying the train were owed salaries.