Salisu Sani Idris - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Salisu Sani Idris
Mar, Sat, 2024

Ramadan: Ansar-ud-deen calls for attitudinal change, moral behaviour

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria (ADS), on Saturday in Abuja, urged Nigerians to exhibit the right attitude and moral behaviour, to project good image for the country.

Sheikh Muhydeen Bello, the Chairman of Ansar-ud-deen Northern States Council of Missioners, gave the advice at the 29th Annual Ramadan lecture and Special prayer for the nation, organised by the society.

The theme of the lecture was, “Ramadan: The inspirational Month to Seek Allah’s Protection over the Security Challenges in Nigeria.”

Bello, who was the guest lecturer, said once Nigerians fear Allah and exhibit the right attitude, most of the challenges bedeviling the country would be a thing of the past.

Sheikh Muhydeen Bello, the Chairman of Ansar-ud-deen Northern States Council of Missioners.

According to him, Nigeria is blessed with abandon human and natural resources but the country has failed to achieve greatness due to corruption and mismanagement.

The cleric enjoined all Muslims to inculcate right values in children, including deep fear of God, respect for constituted authorities and living a purposeful life through continuous education.

Earlier, the former Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, retired Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, said the theme of the lecture was very apt, adding that it reflects the situation of the country.

According to him, there is no better way to tackling insecurity that is beyond prayers.

Dambazau expressed optimism that with prayers, all the challenges confronting the country would be a thing of the past.

Alhaji Mohammed Olayiwola, Abuja Branch Chairman of Ansar-ud-deen, appealed to Nigerians to join President Bola Tinubu in his efforts to take Nigeria to greater heights.

According to him, our prayers, good words and constructive criticism are required to move the country to its desire level.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the end of the lecture, special prayer was offered for the restoration of peace to enhance economic prosperity for the country.

In attendance were, Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Alhaji Isa Niniola, Director of Protocol to President Bola Tinubu, Mrs Bola Shagaya, Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo, National Deputy President of Ansar-ud-deen Society and Alhaji Najimdeen Yasin, Chairman, Northern States Council of Ansar-ud-deen.

Others are Imam Musa Olaofe, Abuja Branch Missioner of Ansar-ud-deen, Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Dr Mohammed Bulama, Mrs Moriam Ejibunu, Chairperson, Women Committee Abuja Branch Ansarudeen among others. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Salisu Sani Idris
Mar, Fri, 2024

Economy/Business

NIMASA seeks private sector collaboration to unlock potential in Blue Economy

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By Edeki Igafe

Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has urged the private sector to partner with it to unlock the immense potential in the Marine and Blue Economy.

Mobereola made the call during the handing over of the Offshore Waste Reception Facility for Central zone, to the concessionaire “African Circle Pollution Management L.td.,” in Warri on Thursday.

Mobereola was represented by Mr Kabiru Diso, the Head, Public Private Partnership (PPP) of NIMASA.

He urged shipping companies, local and international oil companies and other stakeholders operating in the Nigerian waterways to actively cooperate with the concessionaires.

He said that their cooperation was vital not only for regulatory compliance, but for the preservation of aquatic lives and sustainability of the Blue Economy

“Today is a significant and remarkable day, not just because we are handing over the site for the commencement of the implementation phase of the project.

“It represents the success of the commitment of the entities from the public and private sectors coming together to achieve a common goal of proper, effective and efficient collection and disposal of waste on our waters.

“This partnership holds immense benefits to the stakeholders involved. It allows us to develop critical infrastructure assets that meet immediate and long-term needs of the maritime sector and amongst others.

“I invite the private sector to explore the investment opportunities in the maritime environment and partner with NIMASA to establish a robust infrastructure that drives economic growth in the Marine and Blue Economy.”

He urged stakeholders to recognise the significance of the Offshore Waste Reception Facility, and the greater responsibility it brings.

” So let’s work together to ensure its success,” he said.

He explained that the project was Public-Private Partnership-driven, aimed at ensuring a clean and safe marine environment in line with the MARPOL conventions.

Also, Mr Mohammed Bappa, NIMASA Coordinator, Central zone expressed joy that the project was launched in his zone.

He said that with the inauguration of the project, the era of indiscriminate waste disposal was over.

Mabereola said that anyone caught abusing the waters would be severely punished according to the law.

Mr Bernard Alaeto, Head, Public-Private Partnership, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, said that the ministry would give the concessionaire all the necessary support to succeed.

Mr Joe Ohiani, Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), said that the project was basically midwife by the commission from inception till date.

Represented by Mr Ezeja Chidiebere, Assistant Chief Infrastructure Officer, ICRC, Ohiani said the commission would ensure that the contract agreement between the government and the concessionaire was strictly adhered to.

In his remark, Mr Umar Abubakar, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Circle Pollution Management Ltd., said that the project was a dream come true.

“It is one of those things that show that Nigeria is definitely on the part of ensuring that compliance is fully followed,” he said.

The highpoint of the occasion was the inspection of facilities of the African Circle Pollution Management Ltd. by NIMASA officials at the Delta Ports. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Salisu Sani Idris
Mar, Thu, 2024

Metro

RTEAN inaugurates Lagos executives, cautions against violence

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), in Abuja on Thursday, inaugurated its Lagos State Executives to pilot the affairs of the association for the next four years.

Its National President, Alhaji Musa Maitakobi, who inaugurated the executives, cautioned all members of the association against violence in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Maitakobi said, “Lagos state is very important to the association and any member found creating trouble would be dealt with.”

He also expressed the association’s support for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reform the transport sector and tackle all forms of thuggery around motor parks.

Maitakobi said that the constitution of the association frown against thuggery and any forms of violence.

He emphasised the need for unity and mutual respect among the executives and members of the association.

” If you are working in the chapel and they remove you, the association will find another place for you. We want to show that truly we have forgiven ourselves.

” Let us come together and operate together. Thanks and God bless you.”

In his inaugural speech, the Lagos State Chairman of RTEAN, Oba Sulaiman Raji-Adeshina, pledged to run an all-inclusive administration devoid of rancour.

He also promised to sanitise all motor parks against unethical conduct and criminality.

He thanked Maitakobi for ” forgiving all the Lagos executives of the RTEAN.

” He (Maitakobi) is a father to each and everyone of us. I also thank the electoral committee for its transparency and accountability.

” I pledge that I will do my best and carry the association to an enviable position and I plead with all the executives and members that are here and those that are not here that let us work together as one family.

“We are all RTEAN in Lagos and Abuja, the nation’s capital,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new executives were sworn-in by the National Legal Adviser of RTEAN. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Salisu Sani Idris
Mar, Tue, 2024

Culture & Tourism

New CBAAC DG tasks staff on dedication, teamwork

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By Taiye Olayemi

Mrs Aisha Augie, the newly appointed Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), has urged members of staff to be dedicated to duty and embrace teamwork.

Augie made the call on Monday in Lagos at a meeting with her predecessor, Chief Oluwabunmi Amao, and members of staff of the organisation.

She said that being dedicated to one’s duty and teamwork would spur progress and enable the centre actualise its mandate.

Augie, who appreciated Amao for her support and ensuring a smooth transition, promised to build on the achievements she recorded.

“My administration will deploy innovative ways to bolster the programmes of the centre in order to deliver on its mandate, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Augie, an ace photographer and artist was appointed as the Director-General, CBAAC, by President Bola Tinubu on Jan. 12.

She is an indigene of Kebbi and a graduate of Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State.

Her academic pursuits are complemented by certifications in digital filmmaking from the New York Film Academy and curating contemporary art exhibitions from the Chelsea College of Arts, London, UK.

She is an acclaimed multi-award winning Nigerian photographer, filmmaker and artist known for her exceptional contributions to the arts, culture and creative industry.

In 2011, she was named Creative Artist of the Year, at the Future Awards.

She also won the Sisterhood Photographer of the Year Award in 2014.

In the same year, she emerged as winner of the British Council “Through-My-Eyes Competition”.

Before her career in the arts, Augie served as the Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Kebbi, focusing on new media strategies. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidi Opara/ Folasade Adeniran

Salisu Sani Idris
Mar, Sat, 2024

Science & Tech

NASENI moves to enhance female participation in Nigeria’s engineering sector

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By Sylvester Thompson

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has expressed commitment to encourage more female participation in Nigeria’s engineering sector.

Its Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Khalil Halilu, said this on Friday at the launch of Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her), in Abuja.

Halilu described the initiative as an opportunity platform through which girls and young women could pitch and present their exciting and ground breaking ideas for funding.

He disclosed that the agency would fund the project through its Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT).

“ What we seek to do is to close the gender gap in engineering, inspire the next generation, provide financial support for new ideas and projects, as well as strengthen the entire engineering ecosystem.”

He noted that global average for female representation in engineering was 28 per cent, which was very little.

“In Nigeria, it’s only five per cent, only one in 20 Nigerian engineers is a woman.

“ It is this imbalance that DELT-Her seeks to correct, by focusing attention and funding on young women.

” Very importantly, creating and cultivating public awareness around the need to train and mentor more women, ” he said.

Halilu said that through DELT-Her, the agency intended to double the number of female engineers in Nigeria over the next five years.

According to him, NASENI will contribute to the economic growth and development of Nigeria through job creation and technical skills development.

In his remarks, Dr Muhammad Dahiru, Chairman, Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), said the initiative was a call for proposals towards the implementation of DELT-Her initiative.

“It is no coincidence that the launch is scheduled to be held on the anniversary celebration of the International Women’s Day.

“It is to underscore the esteem attributed to the contributions of women as well as their potentials in our society, ” Dahiru said.

He said that the committee threw its weight of support behind women through the DELT-Her project.

He said that the project focused on encouraging more female participation in Nigeria’s engineering sector.

Dahiru noted statistics revealed the dire need for deliberate actions to be targeted at the existing gender imbalance in the engineering sector, to inspire inclusion while contributing to the nation’s GDP..

He maintained that the committee through NASENI’s support, was determined to fund innovative and commercially viable ideas in engineering and technology proposals by women.

He said to actualise the birth of multiple start-up companies from ideas selected under the project, each successful applicant would be matched with female mentors who are industry giants both in engineering and business.

According to him, the submission portal for proposals will go live from March 9 and proposals will be accepted till May 20, when submissions close.

Also, Mrs Margaret Oguntola, President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), said the initiative was a pivotal moment in the collective efforts to foster gender inclusion and empower women in the field of engineering.

She said women remained significantly under-represented in the engineering workforce, facing barriers and challenges that hindered their full participation and advancement in the field.

Similarly, the Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, lauded the project as lofty and germane.

“ We must ensure cultural balance that women take their rightful places in the area of science and technology.

“ The right environment should be created for women to excel, ” Onyewuchi said. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Salisu Sani Idris
Mar, Mon, 2024

Politics

APC youths laud reforms in agricultural quarantine services

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By Diana Omueza

The All Progressives Congress – National Youth Advocacy Front (APC-NYAF) on Monday lauded the result oriented reforms in the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services.

The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Jubril Ekwote, made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Ekwote said that the result oriented policies on-going in the agency was worthy of recognition.

“As one of the frontline youth group and foot soldiers that worked so hard, mobilised, canvassed and convinced Nigerians to vote for APC and in extension, President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election.

“We have the moral responsibility to follow-up, monitor, assess and make remark on the activities and scorecard of all Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“This is to ensure that they all live up to the task in this present APC-led administration and renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu,” he said

Ekwote said that the group had committed to assessing some MDA’s doing well and could confirm that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service was exceptional.

“One of such agencies making serious headway is the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service under the leadership of the Acting Comptroller General Dr. Godwin Audu

“The excellent performance and critical reforms Audu is putting up in the agency has convinced Nigerians that sometimes, when you want to effect positive change in an agency, you just need to appoint an “insider.”

NAN reports that Audu rose through the ranks, ascended to the position of Deputy Comptroller General before recently taking over as the comptroller general in acting capacity when the pioneer Comptroller General, Dr Vincent Isegbe’s tenure elapsed.

Ekwote said that since assumption of duty, Audu vowed to make business easier for agro exporters in line with the presidential business enabling environment council’s effort within the export environment.

He said that he was striving to enhance and fast-track exportation by expediting inspection and certification services, streamlining application processes and automating quarantine procedures.

“The acting CG, in his effort to curb double taxation has put machineries in place to optimise operations at interstate control stations and to eliminate haulage of agro commodities and eliminate illegal operators causing bottleneck on federal highways.

“As part of strategy to motivate and boost staff morale towards maximum output and repositioning of the agency for better service delivery, over 100 officers of the agency whose promotion was long overdue have been confirmed.

“With all these positive reforms and repositioning process for optimal performance and service delivery going on in the agency, we hereby pass a vote of confidence in the leadership capacity of Audu.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Salisu Sani Idris
Feb, Tue, 2024

Economy/Business

Ramadan: Traders pledge to stabilise price of food items

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Arewa Traders Association of Nigeria (ATAN) has pledged to work with all its members in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to stabilize price of food items in the holy month of Ramadan.

The newly appointed FCT Chairman of the association, Alhaji Habib Muhammad-Gajo, made the pledge in his acceptance speech on Tuesday in Abuja.

Gajo, who paid tribute to the founding members of the association, also promised to reinvigorate a new chapter that would be different in outlook and impact.

He expressed readiness of the association to partner with the FCT Administration and the Federal Government to go after those hoarding food items.

“This, according to him, will crash and stabilise the price of food items in the nation’s capital and the country at large.”

Earlier, the National Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Dr Abdulaziz Bature, urged the members to provide the needed leadership in its bid to overcome the critical economic challenges facing the country.

He also emphasised the need for unity of the traders in the nation’s capital.

In his remarks, the National President of the Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, urged the new leaders to run an all-inclusive administration.

“Your hard work, ability to work and loyalty that has given you this appointment that I believe will motivate you to provide effective leadership, which we know you are courageous in seeking the rights of which you are leading.

“We hope this your short appointment for six months will bring good progress to the people of FCT.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other appointed officials of the association includes Dalhatu Usman-Garo, Secretary; Ayuba Maluri, Treasurer; Shuaibu Abdullahi, Financial Secretary and Abdullahi Adamu as the Public Relations Officer of the association.

Also elected were Malam Rabiu Muhammad, Organising Secretary, Musa Dikko, Muhammad Tukura and
Shuaibu Jibrin as members of the exco committee. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Salisu Sani Idris
Feb, Tue, 2024

Defence/Security

Oil theft: We recorded resounding successes in Delta- Navy

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By Edeki Igafe

Commodore Chindo Yahaya , outgoing Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, says the Base recorded resounding successes against crude oil theft and other maritime crimes in its areas of operations.

Yahaya disclosed this during a farewell parade organised in his honour at the Warri Naval Base.

The commander who assumed office on May 2, 2023 as the 13th commander of the NNS Delta, said in spite of the myriad of challenges on ground then, he recorded resounding successes.

According to him, some of the achievements recorded under his watch included the destruction of illegal refining sites and arrest of sea piracy/robbers.

”The NNS Delta also participated in various clearance operations and exercises in line with the base’s mandate of securing the maritime environment to enhance economic activities.

“I am happy to inform you that our collective efforts and commitment brought about commendable reduction in crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.

“The Base anti-crude oil theft operations recorded success in the destruction of illegal refining sites in our areas of operations.

“During the period under review, the base destroyed various illegal refining sites, and storage facilities containing stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automated Gasoline Oil (AGO).

“Between May 2023 to date, the Base patrolled for about 21,630 hours resulting in the deactivation of illegal refining sites and handling of stolen crude oil,”he said.

Yahaya said that the base anti-crude oil theft apprehended several suspects with offences bordering on crude oil theft and improper documentations.

He said that some vessels were also apprehended, and consequently handed over to the anti-graft agency and other relevant authorities for prosecution.

Yahaya said that deployment of swamp buggies had successfully discouraged the operations of illegal bunkering in its areas of operations.

“The last swamp buggy operations we conducted between Aug. 20 and Sept. 23, 2023, recorded a total of about 105,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of illegal refined AGO.

“This is indeed a testament to the laudable performance of this Base in the period under review.

” I am sincerely grateful to the dedication and commitment of all officers and ratings of the Base.

” I urged you to extend the same and even more to the incoming Commander,” he said.

The outgone commander expressed gratitude to the Delta government, the military and para-military agencies within the NNS Delta areas of operations.

He said that the inter-agency cooperation and synergy had sustained peace in the Base’s areas of operations.

Yahaya enjoined the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Base to be loyal, focused and determined in the discharged of their duties in line with the CNS’ strategic directives

He implored their continuous discipline, perseverance and adherence to all extant rules and regulations guiding their conducts as officers and ratings of the navy.

Responding, Commodore Muhsin Abba, the incoming Commander, enjoined the personnel to discharge their duties in accordance with the mandates of the Nigerian Navy.

He also urged them to be disciplined, obedient, and loyal and should not collaborate with anybody that undermines the economic activities of the country.

“As you know, oil is the mainstay of our economy and anything that will impede the production of oil within our areas of operations is going to be stopped.

“We will ensure that the mandate is pursued to the best of our ability,” Abba assured.

The highlight point of the event was the signing of the handover note, lowering/hoisting of the pennant, presentation of the unit flag and inauguration of the car park at the Base.

In attendance were representatives from the various military and para-military agencies, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Joseph Edeh

Salisu Sani Idris
Feb, Fri, 2024

Economy/Business

MSMEs: FG pledges 100,000 jobs by May 29

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government on Thursday revealed plans to create no fewer than 100,000 verifiable jobs by May 29.

Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Job Creation, Office of the Vice-President, announced this in Abuja.

Adekunle-Johnson spoke at the Inaugural Job Creation and MSME Quarterly Communications Forum, organised by the Job Creation & MSME Secretariat, Office of the Vice President.

The presidential aide said that the federal government was focusing on jobs creation in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

“We are saying that by the May 29, we will create at least 100,000 jobs. The target is to create 384,000 jobs in four years,” he said.

Adekunle-Johnson said the initiative would be a partnership between the Federal Government and Access Bank.

” Today’s programme is to announce our partnership with the Access Bank, how the bank is trying to support the government with regards to access to funding for MSMEs.

” Right now the interest rate for loans is between 27 and 29 per cent, but the Access bank is giving us at the rate of 15 per cent.

“The bank is committing N50 billion to support MSMEs.

” They are even now saying that if you are an MSME and you want to collect N1 to N3 million, don’t worry, the collateral that they need is simplified to enable you have access to the money.”

Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government was committed to creating an enabling environment for MSMEs in the country.

Represented by the Director-General, Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace, Idris said that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognised job creation and MSMES development as strong pillars for sustainable economic development.

“MSMEs are the essence of our economy, the main bastion for innovation, creating employment opportunities, and stimulating inclusive growth.

” (We) remain committed to improving the ease of doing business, access to financing, provision of critical infrastructure, capacity building and nurturing entrepreneurial skills, and creating market access, among other initiatives.

“The MSMEs in Nigeria have remained steadfast and resilient, demonstrating the ability to weather the storm in the face of enormous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic ramifications.”

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia and other dignitaries at the event.

Similarly, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, said the importance of MSMEs in an economy could not be overemphasised.

Hadejia said apart from their contribution to the economy, MSMEs also provide resilience and agility to any economy.

“So if you have a robust MSMEs system sector, you will find that your economy is also better adapted to some of the global shocks that we are experiencing at the moment.

“MSMEs are small, they are agile, they are adaptable.

“So I think as a government, we cannot mention enough the focus on MSMEs and this is why we believe this kind of partnership with Access Bank and others is very important,” he said.

Also, Mr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, reiterated that the Federal Government was prioritising job creation and support for small businesses.

For her part, Ms Chioma Ogwo, Head, Non-Financial Services, Emerging Businesses, Access Bank Plc, said the bank would monitor performance of the benefitting MSMEs for a period of one year and review it thereafter. (NAN (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Salisu Sani Idris
Feb, Tue, 2024

Metro

Be patient with Tinubu, Cleric urges Nigerians

60 total views today

By Philomina Attah

The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Ndukuba, who made the call at a news conference in Abuja on hardship and insecurity in the country, said that the problems in Nigeria would take 10 to 20 years to be fixed.

“I want to appeal to Nigerians to exercise patience by giving this government more time to do what they said they will do.

“With the problem that we have, it’s not something that can be solved within a day, one month or one year.

“The magnitude of our problems will take us another 10 to 20 years for us to deal with them,” he said.

On insecurity, the cleric decried the constant attacks in some parts of the country and called on the government for urgent intervention to protect lives of citizens.

“I call on the government and statutory security agencies to rise to their responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of the citizenry, giving heed to the call for effective community policing.”

He equally appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to shun the planned nationwide strike.

“I want to appeal to the leadership of NLC to go into negotiation rather than going on strike. Let them go back to the round-table.

“We are pleading with the government to do the needful by engaging with the leadership of the NLC to resolve the issues amicably.

“People are hungry, and a hungry man is an angry man. We can’t tell them not to express themselves.

“Nigerians are not asking for too much. They are asking for food, security, infrastructure such as roads, and a constant power supply for them to live and do their economic activities.”

Ndukuba emphasised the need for Nigerians to engage in subsistence farming by using the available land within their premises for farming.

This, according to him will reduce hunger and suffering affecting the citizens.

“Nigerians are hardworking and can labour to feed their families if encouraged.

“There is a need for us to encourage Nigerians to go back to farm on any available land around their houses to get basic food.

“The wealth of this country has been captured and hijacked by the few elites. In a situation where few are richer than the whole nation, the wealth is not properly distributed.

“It’s very dangerous. We need to see what can be done to salvage this nation together,” he added

He urged Christians to pray for peace of the country, stressing that religion should be part of the solution to the societal problems and not the cause of its problems.

“We are trusting God that this challenges will be resolved in a no distant time.”(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi