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  • Shekarau warns against playing politics with farmer/herders clash

    Shekarau warns against playing politics with farmer/herders clash

     

    As Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation holds a two-day roundtable on the herdsmen/farmers conflict, former Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau has warned against playing politics with the crisis.

    Speaking to journalists at the occasion in Kaduna on Monday, Shekarau described the brewing crises between herdsmen and farmers, including other social vices as a matters of life and death which should not be politicized, as valuable property and lives are been lost.

    According to Shekarau, “Part of the guidelines to address this issue is to be non political and non partisan . we will not allow any body to politicize this matter, it is a matter of life and death, people are losing lives and properties are been lost , so which politics are you  playing, even you want to come and govern people , if the people are dying and there properties , their houses are been burnt, who are you coming to govern?  So this issue is very important to resolve.

    Shekarau who is the also the secretary of the board of trustee in the foundation said the crises bedeviling the Nigeria will only increase poverty and crumble economy, as there will be no peaceful buying and selling in the country.

    Read Also: Shekarau calls for policy to back online studies

    According to him, “This will affect the economy, because if there is no peace, there will be no peaceful buying and selling and poverty will increase. So its a very serious matter and we are very much concern here at sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation.

    “It is one of the greatest legacies of Ahmadu Bello, which is to unite people, and he travels far and near. There was no conflict no matter how small that Ahmadu  Bello will not even go there to reconcile the matter. This is exactly what we want to uphold and to encourage,” Shekarau remarked.

    Asked whether the the clashes between farmers and herdsmen is capable of affecting the country’s unity, he said: “If there is suspicion, herdsmen being suspected, farmers being suspected to the point of killing one-another, then what do you expect, as a trained teacher and guidance counselor, I know 90 percent of conflict is as a result of suspicion.

    “When any group or any individual suspect that he is being denied his right, and nothing is being done, people take the laws into their hands, and this is partly the reason government must see this thing as it own business totally and the communities, traditional institution, government local government and various organizations every body must own it up.

    “It is not just the issue of herdsmen -farmers, you can see in some communities it has degenerated into tribal, very soon some people will make it like religious, and therefore it becomes a problem of the country,” the former governor stressed.

    In his own remarks, Chairman of the Advisory Council/Chairman Peace Committee of the foundation, Justice Mamman Nasir called on Nigerians to suggest ways of bringing peace into the nooks and crannies of the country.

    Justice Nasir who noted that not only government has the responsibility of ensuring security said, security is a collective responsibility for all Nigerian’s.

    He further urged the Federal Government to fish out the people against the unity of the country because they are destroying the country for their selfish interest.

    Meanwhile, the roundtable discussion was aimed at finding a lasting solution to the farmers/herders and other similar communal conflicts, and rural banditry across the country, particularly in the north.

     

  • Jonathan’s govt frustrated new revenue formula, says RMAFC

    Jonathan’s govt frustrated new revenue formula, says RMAFC

    The refusal to grant the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) audience to submit the new revenue Allocation formula report by the Goodluck Jonathan administration is said to be the reason the new revenue allocation formula has not been passed.

    However, the RMAFC is insisting that the revenue Allocation formula in existence now is still legal.

    A statement from the Commission signed by Ibrahim Mohammed, Head, Public Relations said “the Commission prepared another revenue Allocation Formula Report in December 2013 which was duly communicated to former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in January, 2014.

    However, the Commission was not granted audience to submit its recommendations to President Jonathan up to the end of his tenure in May, 2015. The current administration has also been informed of this development.”

    This reaction “followed recent media reports where it was alleged that the current revenue allocation formula is illegal on the grounds that it was never submitted to the National Assembly by Mr. President” Ibrahim Mohammed said.

    To put the records straight Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, RMAFC’s spokesperson recalled that the first Revenue Allocation Formula duly passed by the National Assembly was in 1982 during the Second Republic of former President Shehu Shagari. After the military take-over, the Act was amended by Decree No 106 of 1992 which continued to operate up to 1999.

    According to him, “It is instructive to note that with the return of democratic rule in 1999, all laws were considered as existing laws as provided for by Section 313 of the 1999 Constitution and therefore Acts of National Assembly which apply to the extent that they conform to the provisions of the Constitution.”

    He also added that “following the Supreme Court ruling in AGF vs Abia and 36 others which voided some of the provisions of CAP 16 as (amended), Mr. President as the relevant authority invoked his power under the provision of section 315 Sub Sections 1 and 4 to issue the Modification Order to bring the voided provisions into conformity with the provisions of the 1999 constitution.”

    Consequently, Ibrahim Mohammed noted that “the President and the Governors met and resolved some grey areas in the provision of the Modification Order, hence the implementation directives released by the Minister of Finance on 15th January, 2004 which is the formula currently in operation.”

    Furthermore, the Commission had in August, 2001 reviewed the Revenue Allocation Formula and submitted its Report and recommendations to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    He also stated that the advice and recommendations were promptly forwarded to the 4th National Assembly for deliberations. “However, the Commission had cause to withdraw its recommendations to make some necessary adjustments because the Supreme Court Judgment of 5th April, 2002 had actually affected some of the recommendations as proposed by the Commission in its 2001 Report.”

    After the review, the Report was subsequently re-submitted to President Obasanjo in December, 2002 which was also forwarded to the 4th National Assembly.

    Unfortunately, the 4th National assembly could not conclude deliberations on the matter up to the end of the first tenure of President Obasanjo in May, 2003. Again, the 5th National Assembly could not conclude deliberations on that sensitive matter up to the end of the Obasanjo administration in May, 2007.

    When the 6th National Assembly came, the Commission was informed that all bills including that of the Revenue Allocation Formula not passed by the 5th National Assembly have elapsed and therefore, should be re-submitted.

    Read Also: Jonathan’s wife, banks trade blame over funds trapped in 10 accounts

  • Buhari awards cash, PHD level scholarships to 3 students

    Buhari awards cash, PHD level scholarships to 3 students

    …Sets up technology hubs in Nigerian universities 

    President Muhammadu Buhari has awarded cash awards and scholarships up to PHD levels to three Nigerian students in secondary schools.

    The students who came first, second and third in the just concluded Young Nigerian Scientists  Presidental competition, came out as the best in the 774 local government areas of the country.

    President Buhari made this revelation on Monday in Abuja, at the opening ceremony of the 2018 technology and innovation expo taking place at the eagle square.

    The President who was represented by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo added that the government is setting up technology hubs in universities in the six geopolitical zones.

    He also added that the president has approved a new science, technology and innovation Roadmap  2017-2030 for Nigeria.

    His words, ” In September 2016 the state house hosted the first Aso villa demo day ro showvase the innovation of emerging startups from around the country, since the the world bank has supported a batch of those innovatiors with grants totally about $3m, the first batch of which has aleeady been disbursed and the world bank is committing an additional $3m in the funding for six~ technology hubs across Nigeria in our universities.

    “The Federal Government is collaborating with the Bank of Industry and other private sector entities to run a Presidential technology innovation challenge in all Nigerian universities, public and private and also some Polytechnics in April of this year, each university winner will be invited to an award event hosted by Mr President at the villa, we are also setting up technology hubs in universities in the six geopolitical zones.

    Read Also: Buhari, Weah meet in Aso Rock

    “We will also establish centers of acquisition of technology in each of the six geopolitical zones, we will provide intervention funds that will strengthen research and development through training programs and partnerships in Nigerian universities and polytechnics, our goal is to develop self-confident nation that is quickly able to identify and take advantage of emerging opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

    “Congratulate our best science students who have emerged as the best in the 774 local government  areas of the country, I am pleased to announce that the candidates who emerged first, second and third respectively in the final examination of the recently concluded Young Nigerian Scientists  Presidental competition have been granted full scholarships, up to PHD levels in any science related discipline of their choice in any of our universities, the future of Nigeria belongs to the young people and it is our duty as a government to create tye enabling environment for them to grow to their full potential.

    “As part of our effort to create a nurturing environment for technology and innovation in Nigeria, President Buhari has approved a new national science, technology and innovation Roadmap 2017-2030 for Nigeria.

    “He has also approved a national strategy for competitiveness in raq materials and product development in Nigeria. It is our intention as a government to utilize this initiative to stimulate local production of our raw materials and support our ambition for a diversified economy.”

    Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu stated that the ministry is refocusing the nation to embrace science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

    This he said will enable our manufacturers to do more research in order to improve their products to enable them meet local demand as well as have excess for export.

    His words, “Your Excellencies, Most distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, from Owerri to Oshogbo; Birnin Kebbi to Benin; Maiduguri to Makurdi, never before has the future of science and technology as the engine of Nigeria’s rebirth been so bright. Today as I speak, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technoiogy is refocusing the nation to embrace science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. This will enable our manufacturers to do more research in order to improve their products to enable them meet local demand as well as have excess for export.

    “I believe that with our huge population and vast natural resources, if we remain determined and focused, we can utilize the power of science and technology to become the technological leader in Africa and hence play a ieading roie in,the global battle against poverty, disease and illiteracy.

    “It is With this aim of involving all and sundry in addressing this important chaiienge that I am happy to announce that the inauguration of the Boards of Parastatais under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technoiogy will hold on Thursday March 8 2018 by 2pm at the Auditorium of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.”

     

  • Air Force Graduates Pilots for Unmanned Aircrafts

    Air Force Graduates Pilots for Unmanned Aircrafts

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday said it has graduated the first set in-house trained pilots for its Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (RPA).

    According to a statement endorsed by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, the newly trained five pilots were decorated with their wings by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar at the NAF Base Makurdi.

    The statement by AVM Adesanya reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on 2 March 2018 graduated the first set of in-house trained pilots for its Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), as part of the human capacity development initiatives of the current NAF leadership.

    “The 5 newly trained RPA pilots were decorated with their ‘wings’ by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base at Maiduguri. The training of the new Pilots commenced in 2016 at the 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna, following which they later converted on the CH-3A RPA.

    “The CH-3A RPA conversion training, which started in May 2017, covered areas such as Ground Academics, General Airmanship, Instruments, Situational Awareness, Radiotelephony, Boldface exercises as well as handling of simulated and real emergencies.

    “The entire programme lasted about 2 years while the CH-3A RPA specifics phase lasted for 10 months, culminating in check rides for each of the 5 new RPA pilots. At the moment, the new pilots each have nearly a hundred hours each on the CH-3A RPA.

    “The CH-3A RPA, which formed part of the training platforms, is currently deployed in the North East, where the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE is using it against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs).

    “With several hundreds of flight hours on the CH-3A RPA alone since induction three years ago, the NAF has developed commendable experience in its RPA operations. In the process, the CH-3A RPA, in combat role, has successfully delivered its ordnances against BHTs targets with high degrees of precision and accuracy, both day and night.

    ” With the recent feat of being able to train the pilots of the RPA in-house, the NAF is now poised to train additional batches of Student Pilots for its RPAs. This would ensure the availability of the required manpower, at minimal cost, to man the NAF’s RPAs, which are expected to increase in the coming years.

    “It would be recalled that the NAF recently inducted the first indigenous operational Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), named Tsaigumi, in its resolve to enhance its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities.

    “Meanwhile, plans are already underway to mass produce the Tsaigumi UAV as well as develop the nation’s first indigenous Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle, which would be in the league of the CH-3A RPA”.

  • Timber Market fire: Ugwuanyi directs immediate rebuilding of shops

    Timber Market fire: Ugwuanyi directs immediate rebuilding of shops

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has directed the immediate rebuilding of the 72 shops at the Kenyatta Timber Market, Enugu, which were razed down by fire over the weekend as a result of power surge.

    Speaking when he revisited the market in company of his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the commissioner for works and infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mrs. Nkechi Eneh, among others, Gov. Ugwuanyi also promised to assist owners of the shops with the sum of N7.2 million to enable them restart their businesses.

    The governor, who sympathized with traders over the “unfortunate” incident, said that he had to end the meeting of the State Executive Council (EXCO), when he received the news of the fire outbreak to visit the site and ensure that adequate intervention was made to put off the inferno.

    Directing that work should commence “now”, after approving and releasing the N14.68 million budget estimate presented by the Chairman of the Kenyatta Timber Dealers Association, Mr. Levi Obi on behalf of the affected traders for the rebuilding of the 72 shops, Gov. Ugwuanyi declared: “I am here to wipe away your tears”.

    He reassured the affected traders that his administration will do everything possible to ensure that they remain in business, saying: “When I first visited here on the night this unfortunate incident occurred, I was touched when one of the affected traders told me that he was going back to the village. But I told him ‘you will not go back to your village because of this challenge’’’.

    While praying that such incident does not happen again, Gov. Ugwuanyi also wished the traders a bountiful success in their new investment.

    Earlier in his remark, the Timber Dealers Association chairman, Mr. Obi on behalf of the traders thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for his prompt intervention and constant visits to the market since the incident in spite of his tight schedule, especially the night when the fire outbreak occurred.

    Read Also: Ugwuanyi awards N1.04 billion road contracts

    Mr. Obi described Ugwuanyi as “responsive and a governor for the poor and everybody”, adding that the traders were overwhelmed with joy despite the challenges they were confronted with when they saw the governor at the site of the inferno the night it occurred.

    He also commended the governor for development projects his administration has executed within the area, such as the Ndemde Bridge that links the timber market and Achara Layout, Enugu as well as the Lomalinda-Timber Market road, adding that 24 traders in the market have so far benefitted from the state’s Traders Empowerment Scheme.

    Regretting that the incident was caused by the power surge, Mr. Obi called on the Enugu Electrical Distribution Company (EEDC) to provide a dedicated transformer for the market to enable the traders take precautionary measures at the close of work.

    He urged the traders to ensure that they register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards to reciprocate the governor’s kind gesture by returning him to power in 2019.

    Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Hon. Sunday Ugwu, while welcoming the governor to the market commended him for his timely intervention, saying that “the governor has not slept since this fire incident happened”.

     

     

  • Okowa congratulates OBJ on 81st Birthday

    Okowa congratulates OBJ on 81st Birthday

    Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated ex-President of Nigeria, Dr. Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 81st birthday, describing him as a true nationalist.

    Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu, eulogized the octogenarian for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the nation, calling him an “outstanding patriot, a committed leader and a man of courage, whose gargantuan contributions towards the development, stability and growth of the country is legendary.”

    He said: “On the occasion of your 81st birthday anniversary today Monday 5th of March, 2018, I write to heartily rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the Government and people of Delta State.

    “In the past 81 years of a life of outstanding accomplishments and great personal fulfillment, you have not only served our nation at the highest levels with an uncommon sense of patriotism and unwavering dedication, you have also ensured peace and unity of our nation when you fought in the war front to keep Nigeria one.”

    Read Also: Okowa: Yet another feather to his cap

    “Till date you have continued to give yourself in the service of our fatherland through your nationalistic ideals”, the Governor added.

    The Governor noted that the legacies of the former Nigerian leader at various times in key infrastructures, economic reforms, banking consolidation, pension reforms as well as revitalization of the telecoms industry through the introduction of the Global System for Mobile Telecommunications, GSM were the hallmarks of his administration.

    Continuing, he said; “I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life and to pray that He continues to bless you with robust health and imbue you with His continued guidance, protection, and enduring provision.

    He wished Chief Obasanjo a very well deserved 81st birthday.

     

  • Nasarawa Assembly passes Area Court bill into law

    Nasarawa Assembly passes Area Court bill into law

    Nasarawa State House of Assembly on Monday passed the bill for a law to amend the Area Courts law 1968 which provides for the appointment of only graduates of law as Area Court judges in the state.

    Hon Ibrahim Balarabe- Abdullahi, the speaker of the house, while announcing the passage of the bill into law in Lafia said that the new law also abolished the composition of 3 panels of judges in the Area courts.

    Balarabe- Abdullahi, who is the sponsor of the bill, said that the new law would also tackle the bottlenecks in ensuring the administration of justice in the state.

    According to the law: “No legal practitioner shall be barred from appearing to act for or assist any party in any civil proceedings before an Area Court in Nasarawa state”.

    “The importance of lawyer’s appearances in court cannot be over-emphasized to the administration of justice in the country, hence the need for the amendment of the said law to allow lawyers appear in area courts to assist any party in any civil proceedings “the speaker stressed. .

    He explained that: “The age long law banning lawyers from appearing in Area Courts and the composition of 3 panels of judges has now be abolished and the appointment of only graduates of law as Area Court judges is necessary, hence the need for the amendment”.

    Balarabe- Abdullahi, who represents Umaisha/Ugya constituency in the state Assembly, also said that the amendment of the laws was long over considering the achaic laws guiding the operation of the Area Courts in the state.

    The Speaker further restated the assembly’s commitment to continue to enact laws and pass resolutions that have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state.

    The Nation also reports that a bill for a law to amend the State Local Government Election Law 2003 passed first reading.

    The house also screened and confirmed Messers Mohammed Ayitogo and Nuhu Ismaila as Interim Management Committee chairmen of Keana and Keffi local government areas of the state respectively.

     

  • Ajimobi’s son’s wedding: Oyo APC berates critics on Buhari’s attendance 

    Ajimobi’s son’s wedding: Oyo APC berates critics on Buhari’s attendance 

    The All Progressives Congress, APC in Oyo State has taken a swipe on those who have criticized President Muhammadu Buhari for attending the wedding ceremony between Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s son and Governor Abdulahi Ganduje’s daughter in Kano on Saturday.

    Critics had condemned Buhari for attending the wedding in the midst of reports of killings in different states in the north and abduction of 110 school girls in Dapchi, Yobe State.

    But the party in Oyo State said the critics have acted in bad faith, politicizing everything happening in the society.

    President Buhari, 22 State governors as well as other dignitaries had defied political, religious and ethnic sentiments to converge in Kano on Saturday to witness the solemnization of marriage between Idris Ajimobi and Fatimah Ganduje  in what could be described as the wedding ceremony of the year.

    In a statement issued on Monday in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC observed that the event was not held to downplay the mood of the nation as it concerns the security situation in some parts of the country particularly in states where nefarious activities of the Boko Haram insurgents and killer herdsmen have taken a new turn for the worse.

    “Without any fear of contradictions, a new chapter was opened in the history book of the nation on Saturday when another solid foundation was laid for the unity, oneness and togetherness of the Nigerian people. At a time that fear of disintegration heightened as a result of the unpatriotic activities of some disgruntled elements, a marriage of this nature was a necessity to rescue the situation and ensure that Nigeria remain an indivisible entity.

    Read Also: Photo: Buhari attends Ajimobi’s son, Ganduje’s daughter’s wedding

    “Rather than cut the nose to spite the face, critics of President Buhari should appreciate him for being passionate and affectionate to the cause of nationhood. This was a leader who had decimated the ranks of the Boko Haram insurgents as against what was obtained before May, 2015. But for him, terrorists would have overrun Nigeria and most people within and outside the country can attest to this fact.

    “Meanwhile, hope keeps rising for the return of the school girls recently abducted in Dapchi, Yobe State as well as their remaining counterparts from Chibok girls who were kidnapped in 2014 on account of different results-oriented measures already put in place by the federal government. All we need do as a people is to intensify prayers for the safe returns of these innocent girls as well as other captives in the hands of terrorists anywhere in the world.
    “At this juncture, it is imperative to make a passionate appeal to unscrupulous politicians who are found of politicizing every issue to desist from such act. It should be noted that a President of any nation is for all the people of such country regardless of their mood or current situation. While a President shows empathy for the depressed, nothing should stop him from identifying with those with genuine cause of celebration at the same time.
    “By and large, we use this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (The Alaafin of Oyo), Alhaji Sanusi Lamido (The Emir of Kano) and other eminent personalities who graced the occasion. It is our sincere prayer that God will bless the new couple and make their Union a fruitful one.” APC added.

     

  • NEPZA Boss donates relief materials to IDPs

    NEPZA Boss donates relief materials to IDPs

    The Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing  (NEPZA), Mr. Emmanuel Jime has donated relief materials worth millions of naira to internally Displaced Persons in Benue state.

    Donating the items at IDPs camp in Daudu, Guma Local government area, Hon Jime  regretted the situation where crisis have forced people out of their homes to stayed  in camps where life was very difficult to live .

    He advised them to exercise with children who should be undergoing teaching in school to become responsible citizens tomorrow are also hopelessly roaming the camps.
    Following Fulani attacks on communities in Guma and Logo Local Governments of Benue state by suspected Fulani militia, many people have been displaced and are staying in about 8 camps across the state.
    The NEPZA boss who was in IDPs camp to sympathise and console with the people on their plight also donated a truck load of assorted relief materials including toiletries and foodstuffs.

    Hon Jime expressed concerned that the continued stay at the camp by people who are mostly of a farming population portend gross danger especially of hunger in the country.

    “I am deeply saddened by what you are going through. But I assure you that from the state to the federal government, there are concerted efforts I am also involved in to ensure your earlier return to your original abodes”,  he said.

    The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Emmanuel Shior appreciated the gesture and called on other spirited individuals to find ways of supporting the state government to take care of the IDPS.

     

  • Youths want inclusion in 2019 elections

    Youths want inclusion in 2019 elections

    Young leaders from the South have made a strong call for a more sustainable strategy for democratic inclusion of young people in Nigeria’s current political process and structure ahead of 2019 general elections.

    This call was part of the resolution reached at the “Southern young leaders’ conference for economic and political consciousness” held in Enugu over the weekend. 

    The conference which was attended by the over one thousand young leaders from across Southern Nigeria annexed the great economic potentials and political gaps/challenges in Southern Nigeria, with a view of bringing about a more sustainable strategy for democratic inclusion of young people in Southern Nigeria. 

    Convener of the conference, Moses Siasia, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the leaders at the conference agreed that Southern Governors must come together irrespective of their political affiliations to redefine and rejuvenate economic integration in Southern Nigeria.

    In a communique issued at the end of the conference, the young leaders agreed that there is a need for young leaders and all youth organizations within Southern Nigeria to mobilize, synergize and come together in order to achieve a collective future.

    The statement reads: “The Southern Young Leaders have decided to arise and strengthen the relationship with Rex Tillerson, the United States Secretary of State, who served in Southern Nigerian during his days at Exxon Mobile and understands the challenges faced by the region.  

    “All young leaders from southern Nigeria are hereby put on notice that mobilization would cut across higher institutions, religious establishments, women groups, youth advocacy groups for the collection of Permanent Voters Card ( PVCs ) and participation in the 2019 election.”

    Irresponsible attitude of some young people currently occupying political positions of leadership in Southern Nigeria was equally condemned at the conference and further urged the electorates to be more wary of the kind of Young Leaders they vote for in future elections.

    The Southern Young Leaders also collectively agreed to support a mass movement for a new Nigeria, come 2019.

    The conference had several speakers including the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Hon Luke Onofiok; former Bayelsa state governorship candidate and chairman of the Nigerian Young professionals Forum, Moses Siasia; immediate past president of Ijaw youth council, Udengs Eradiri amongst others.

    Attendance at the conference cut across representatives of all ethnic groups, political divides, state representatives, traditional leaders, religious leaders, student union leaders and young political aspirants from across southern Nigeria.