Tag: Tajudeen Abbas

Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas said yesterday that the 50 per cent salary cut decided by members of the House to help indigent Nigerians amid the economic challenges can be renewed after six months.

Members of the House recently offered to forfeit 50 per cent of their monthly salaries, for the next six months, to buy food items for distribution to Nigerians.

The speaker, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, made the appeal in his remarks at the inauguration of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security, organised by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security. 

Abbas was decorated Patron of the network.

He pleaded with the people, especially the youths, for patience, saying that efforts are ongoing to end hunger in the land.

The speaker also appealed to Nigerians to shun the planned protest, emphasizing that it is detrimental to the country’s development.

He said: “The growing concern over food security, resulting from prevailing hike in prices and the economic challenges, reinforce the urgent need for this gathering.

“Today’s event gives our country renewed optimism and reassures Nigerians that as representatives of the people, we identify with them at this critical time, just as we take concrete steps to support the Federal Government’s efforts to address the food and nutritional issues in our country.

“We have therefore began a crucial journey today that will restore hope to our suffering masses and guarantee the enhancement of their well-being.

“We must admit that this is not the best of times but, as we have demonstrated in our last plenary, we have shown concern with the contribution of 50 per cent of our salaries to support food supplies to the people.

“This 50 per cent is renewable after six months, and if the problem is not solved, then we do it for another six months or one year. But that is not enough, we have to work closely with the executive to find sustainable solutions to the food challenges.

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“It is important to use this opportunity to reassure Nigerians again that we share their pains, discomforts, sufferings and depressions following the worrisome costs of food items and decline in nutritional standards.

“As today’s event has demonstrated, we are committed to working with President Bola Tinubu towards finding lasting solutions to the current situation.

“I urge Nigerians to give the executive the support needed to make these dreams and visions become a mission that all of us will be proud of. We cannot afford to fight those who are fighting for the youths and the women.

…seeks, deliberate, policies to end homelessness

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said that Northern Nigeria contributes the highest percentage of the 17 million housing units deficit in the country.

He, therefore, called for deliberate policies by governments at all levels to promote affordable housing initiatives, combat homelessness through social welfare programs, protect vulnerable populations from forced evictions, and ensure equal access to housing opportunities for all citizens.

The House of Representatives Speaker stated this at the closing of the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition, adding that, the provision of housing for the citizens is a fundamental right.

Represented by the chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitant, Hon. Abdulmumini Jibril, the speaker said: “Available data shows that Nigeria has a housing deficit of 17 million housing units in urban centres and Northern Nigeria has the largest share of this deficit.

“This makes it imperative for us to find innovative and sustainable means of closing this huge gap in the provision of shelter to our people. The theme of this exhibition, “Kaduna Sustainable Housing Development: A Model for Northern Housing” resonates deeply with the challenges we face today, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

“The provision of adequate housing is not just a basic human need but a fundamental right that underpins sustainable development and social cohesion. Sustainable housing development is not just about constructing buildings; it encompasses creating communities that are environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and economically viable.

“Housing exhibitions of this nature have a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Initially, these exhibitions were primarily organized by governments or real estate developers to showcase new housing projects, urban planning initiatives, and architectural innovations. They served as platforms to demonstrate progress in housing development and to inspire future advancements in the field.

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“Governments at all levels must formulate policies to promote affordable housing initiatives, improve urban planning strategies, enhance infrastructure development, combat homelessness through social welfare programs, protect vulnerable populations from forced evictions, and ensure equal access to housing opportunities for all citizens.

“Furthermore, collaboration with stakeholders including private sector entities, civil society organizations, academia, and international partners is essential in fostering innovative solutions to address housing needs effectively.

“It is imperative, therefore, that we work together to ensure that every individual has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing. This requires a multi-faceted approach that includes not only increasing the supply of affordable housing but also addressing issues such as property rights, building standards, infrastructure development, and urban planning. These are issues we hope this maiden Kaduna Housing exhibition will address.

In his address the chairman of the board of Kaduna International Housing Exhibition Limited, Bldr. Shamsudeen Yusuf said the exhibition is a testament to collective efforts and commitment towards addressing the prevalent issue of Housing deficit and challenges in Kaduna state and beyond.

“It also provides us with a unique opportunity to explore innovative solutions and foster collaboration among stakeholders within the Housing sector and built environment.

“As we forge ahead, it is imperative that we embrace innovation, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, and the critical role of the private sector by allowing it to take the lead in driving growth in the Housing and Real Estate sector.

“Government and public institutions can provide support through sustainable policy frameworks and regulations, enabling environment for ease of doing business and boosting investor confidence. As we walk through the exhibition and engage with various local and international industry experts, policymakers, and innovators, we must see this exhibition as a platform and opportunity to share ideas and best practices that will ultimately drive growth and development,” he said.

He however called for a close collaboration of all stakeholders to build a bridge of opportunity that empowers the communities and improves future generations.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has stressed that measures must urgently be adopted to ensure the protection of children on the internet.

The speaker called on parents to do everything possible to ensure that their children are protected.

Abbas said this while making his address at the opening of a public hearing on the Bill for an Act to Provide for Enactment of Child Online Access Protection Bill 2023 and other Issues of Online Violence against Nigerian Children and other Related Matters at the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday.

Represented by the Chief Whip, Hon Usman Bello Kumo, the speaker said the Bill was straightforward and seeks legislation to ensure all hands are on deck in protecting the child from being harmed.

He said: “The protection of children on the internet cannot be overemphasized because we are in a digital world. We must key into global best practices and our children must not be exposed to an extent where some people take advantage of them in abuse them.”

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The chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Justice, Olumide Osoba, also said it was expedient that the safety and wellbeing of children on the internet are protected as a matter of urgency.

He said: “The safety and well-being of our children in this digital age should be our utmost priority, and I commend your efforts to address the issue of online violence and protect our young ones from its harmful effects.

“The internet has undoubtedly revolutionized our society, connecting people from all works of life and providing countless opportunities for learning, growth and entertainment.

“However, it also brings with it risk, particularly for the vulnerable minds of the online world have unfortunately given rise to various forms of violence, including cyberbullying, harassment, and even exploitation.

“As responsible members of this society, it is our duty to ensure that our children are shielded from such harm.”

He said the proposed Bill not only acknowledges the potential danger online violence poses to the youth but also aims to put effective measures in place to prevent and address such incidents.

“By setting up regulations to restrict access to harmful content, imposing stricter penalties for perpetrators, and promoting digital literacy programs, we can create a safer online environment for our children to explore and thrive in,” he said.

The lawmaker said it was worth noting that the Bill not only focuses on protection but also embraces the importance of fostering responsible digital citizenship.

“By empowering our children with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the online world safely we can actively engage them in their own protection.

“This Bill’s foresight in including educational initiatives demonstrates an understanding that prevention and awareness are equally essential components in countering online violence.

“Moreover, this Bill recognizes the need for a collaborative effort between parents, educators, internet service providers and the government.

“By ensuring a holistic approach to the issue, we can collectively work towards an internet culture that promotes empathy, respect, and understanding, rather than one that fosters violence and harm,” he said.

He said by adopting the Bill, “We will not only safeguard our children’s wellbeing but also create a safer and more inclusive online space for all.”