Salisu Sani Idris - News Agency Of Nigeria

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Fri, 2023

CSO tasks stakeholders on deepening Nigeria’s democracy

By Naomi Sharang

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), a Non-Profit, Non-Governmental, has tasked stakeholders to remain steadfast in preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

The Executive Director of the Civil Society Organisation, Ms Faith Nwadishi, made the call at a one-day stakeholders roundtable on the 2023 General elections.

While emphasising the importance of putting the challenges encountered during the last election into context, Nwadishi urged urged stakeholders to remain committed to the sustenance of democracy.

She also said that even though there were hurdles faced during the electoral process, Nigerians should focus on the positives that emerged from the elections and ensure they were sustained.

“United by a shared commitment to a common cause, we must tirelessly pursue a free, fair, and credible electoral process.”

She, however, said that innovative reforms such as the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) had helped to a large extent to strengthen the credibility and transparency of elections in spite of the myriads of challenges faced.

Nwadishi also called for free, fair and transparent election during the off-season election in three states: Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa.

“As we push closer to the off-season election in three states, we must ensure that the gains we have had in the electoral process were not swept under the carpet.

“We should call out other stakeholders in the process, the security agents on the need to have security so that citizens who come out to vote are protected. “

Also speaking, Executive Director, Partners for Electoral Reform Mr
Ezenwa Nwagwu said that the 2023 election had the greatest logistics challenge because of the cashless policy during that period.

He, however, said that the BVAS worked 98 per cent adding that voting went on smoothly.

“2023 General Election was a watershed in the sense that the BVAS was for us a game changer. It took away voter identification theft.

“That is why my organisation is working with National Orientation Agency (NOA). We have already kick started a regional review of the 2023 election. We have done one in Kano and Enugu,” Nwagwu said.

Nwagwu said that rather than condemning the managers of that election, they should be praised for ensuring that the election held unlike in 2011 where election was postponed midstream. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

CSO commends President Tinubu for returning NAHCON to VP’s office

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Fri, 2023

Metro

CSO commends President Tinubu for returning NAHCON to VP’s office

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation (CSO), has commended President Bola Tinubu for returning the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to the office of the Vice President.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu gave the approval on Tuesday shortly before traveling to Paris, France, to attend a global financial pact summit.

The National Coordinator of the CSO, Malam Ibrahim Mohammed, made the commendation in a statement on Friday.

He said the decision of President Tinubu was a welcome development, “because it will free the commission from unnecessary bureaucracies and provide efficient time management in the implementation of hajj policies.

“It is our belief that returning NAHCON to the office of the Vice President, which is in line with its establishment act, will afford the commission the opportunity to fast track their operations with little or no delay.”

The coordinator also said it was particularly delightful that the commission was returning under the supervision of the current Vice President, Kashim Shettima, “a man that has a track record of doing well for hajj pilgrims from Borno state where he governed the state for eight years.

“The Vice President had always taken special interest in the Hajj affairs of Borno state and was always personally involved in ensuring that pilgrims from the state performed Hajj in a state of tranquillity.

“He always ensured that everything needed by the pilgrims are provided and on time. It is our belief that the VP will replicate this and do more at the National level, which will in turn see Nigerian pilgrims enjoy the best of services they pay for.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

FCTA alerts residents, public on activities of fraudsters

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Fri, 2023

Metro

FCTA alerts residents, public on activities of fraudsters

By Ruth Oketunde

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has alerted FCT residents and the public on the activities of scammers who created fake social media accounts in the name of senior staffers of the administration.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Jumai Ahmadu, Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, on Thursday in Abuja.

She said that the unscrupulous persons had created fake social media accounts with the intent to lure unsuspecting members of the public into phantom contract deals or fake employment offers.

Ahmadu said that in the last 24 hours, two LinkedIn accounts were opened using the names of staffers of the FCTA, all with the aim of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

“One of such accounts was created in the name of the Permanent Secretary, Mr Adesola Olusade.

“Another bore the name of the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Shehu Ahmed,” she said.

Ahmadu said that neither the permanent secretary nor the executive secretary had a LinkedIn account.

She urged the public to desist from responding to calls for tenders or employment openings in FCTA through the social media accounts.

The director added that the government had well established procurement and employment processes which were not publicised through social media.

She said that security agencies were in the process of unveiling the perpetrators of the felonious act.

Ahmadu however urged the public to take caution and not to fall prey to the scammers.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Bashir Rabe Mani

Stakeholders call for comprehensive approach to nutrition outcome in Nigeria

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Thu, 2023

Health

Stakeholders call for comprehensive approach to nutrition outcome in Nigeria

By Abujah Racheal

Stakeholders in the health sector have called for a comprehensive approach to strengthen nutrition outcomes in the face of climate change in the country.

They made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at the 2023 Nutrition Policy Dialogue, with the theme: “Strengthening Nutrition Outcomes in the Face of Climate Change”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue was organised by Nigeria Health Watch, in collaboration with Global Alliance For Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Action Against Hunger Nigeria (ACF), Save the Children International and Helen Killer International (HKI).

Mr Uruakpa John, Director, Head, Prevention & Control of Micronutrient Deficiency, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), said that climate change has significant impacts on food systems, which can in turn affect nutrition outcomes.

John said that climate-smart agriculture involves practices that increase agricultural productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“This can help to ensure that food systems remain productive and can provide nutritious foods even in the face of climate change,” he said.

He said that the 2023 dialogue was critical to raising awareness about climate change because the continent already has high levels of drought and malnutrition, noting that it would worsen if climate actions were not taken immediately.

He said that there is a need to promote national commitments that encourage healthy nutrition by developing national adaptation plans that include nutrition goals that target women and children; as well as raising awareness of climate change among policymakers and critical stakeholders in the country is imperative.

“Nigeria needs to build the capacity of health personnel and support a more robust institutional framework to enhance nutrition in the country,” he said.

He said that climate-smart agriculture, sustainable and resilient food systems, information, adequate funding and education were needed to ensure sustainable diets that were adequately diverse, nutritious and better aligned with contextual ecosystem functions and environmental conservation.

During a panel session, Dr Michael Ojo, Country Director, GAIN, said that the link between nutrition and climate change cannot be overemphasised.

“You don’t have to be an expert to see the link between nutrition and climate change; as connecting existing nutrition structure to climate change is critical to addressing the issue. For example, how do we use public procurement to drive nutrition issues,” he questioned.

Ojo said diversifying food systems can help to ensure that Nigerians get access to a variety of nutritious foods.

He said this should include promoting the production and consumption of indigenous crops and traditional foods, which could be more resilient to climate change.

Dr Jane Bevan, Chief, WASH Section, UNICEF, said climate change can affect water availability and quality, which can, in turn, affect nutrition outcomes.

Bevan said that improving water and sanitation infrastructure can help to ensure that Nigerians have access to clean water, which is essential for good nutrition.

She said that nutrition education can also help to ensure that Nigerians have the knowledge and skills to make healthy food choices, even in the face of climate change.

She said that wherever there was a high level of stunting in the country, there was a WASH issue.

“About 99 per cent of Nigerians know about handwashing but need to practice it regularly; promoting sanitation will improve lives,” she said.

According to her, Nigeria is one of the highest-risk countries in the world for children’s growth due to Malnutrition and other factors.

She said that there was a need to develop a landscape indicator to aid the implementation of initiatives to curb these issues.

Mr Chukwuma Anene, Senior Programme Officer, USAID Advancing Nutrition, said that USAID prioritised approaches to addressing climate change while implementing Nutrition Programmes.

Anene said that climate change affects the production of food, so USAID aims at building resilience for climate change.

He said that there was a need for a multi-sectoral approach towards enhancing food security and production in the face of climate change in the country.

Earlier, the Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, said that the 2023 dialogue presented issues affecting Nigerians’ public health.

Ihekweazu said that is a critical issue that affects the health and well-being of the country.

She said that hunger and poor nutrition continue to raise global challenges, claiming countless lives and hindering progress towards Sustainable Development Goals.

“In Nigeria alone, undernourishment claims the lives of one out of 10 children before the age of five.

“In light of these realities, the Nutrition Policy Dialogue serves as a platform to facilitate constructive discussions and develop actionable recommendations.

“We aim to explore the impact of climate change on food security, nutrition and overall health,” she said.

She said the aim is for the country to forge a path toward more resilient and sustainable solutions by fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

“We must work together to shape the trajectory of our nation’s nutrition landscape through actionable recommendations,” she urged.

The Managing Director said that by taking a comprehensive approach to strengthening nutrition outcomes in the face of climate change, the government could help to ensure that Nigerians remain healthy and resilient, even in the face of a changing climate.

NAN reports that discussions on malnutrition started in 2017 when it began a campaign #FeedNaijaPikin, to draw attention to the issue of malnutrition among children under 5 in Nigeria.

During the campaign, the team visited many locations to understand the issues, including Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) sites in Zamfara and Kaduna states.

“Its findings motivated us further to continue this important conversation, even after the initial project came to an end,” the team added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

KOICA, partners laud Nigeria for embracing e-govt Master Plan

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Thu, 2023

General News

KOICA, partners laud Nigeria for embracing e-govt Master Plan

By Sarafina Christopher

Implementation of the e-government 2.0 Master Plan by Nigeria will place her at the forefront of digital innovation in Africa, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and partners have said.

Mr Sungil Son, Country Director, KOICA represented by his Deputy, Minjae Kang made this known in Abuja during a three-day Action Plan Workshop and Forum for the e-Government Master Plan 2.0 with theme:” Building Foundations Towards Digital Governance in Nigeria (2020~2026/13million doallrs”.

”The Nigeria government has shown unwavering focus on digital governance which is a good sign that the country is making technological advancements.

“We believe that this project is poised to bring about substantial positive changes, placing Nigeria at the forefront of digital innovation in Africa.

“As Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, the e-Government Master Plan 2.0 will set the stage for a future where technology plays a central role in shaping a more efficient, inclusive, and responsive government.

“We also commend the action plan team members for working diligently to develop action plans for the implementation of e-Government Master Plan version 2.0.

“We also encourage participants to make good use of the workshops to shape the future of e-Government in Nigeria and ensure its benefits reach every citizen,”Kang said.

Also speaking, Dr Hungkook Park, Project Manager and Professor at Sangmyung University, Seoul, South Korea while giving an overview on the progress of the project expressed his confidence in the initiative.

“During the workshop, participants collaborated intensively to develop action plans for nineteen key initiatives identified under the e-Government Master Plan 2.0.

“These initiatives encompassed a broad range of areas, such as digital infrastructure development, citizen-centric services, data management, cybersecurity, capacity building, and innovation.

“We believe that the successful establishment and execution of the e-Government Master Plan 2.0 would have a profound impact on Nigeria’s digital economic development.

“By harnessing the potential of advanced digital technologies and embracing the principles of e-Government,

“We sincerely anticipate the successful implementation of the e-Government Master Plan 2.0 which will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s digital economic growth,”Park said.

Constributing, Mr Aremu Ade A., the Director of the e-Government Department at the Federal Ministry of Communications & Digital Economy (FMCDE), highlighted the significance of the e-government project to Nigeria and Africa at large.

He stated that it is necessary to provide an opportunity to establish the action plan, which provides a detailed roadmap for the smooth implementation of the e-Government Master Plan version 2.0.

“The importance of effective and efficient implementation of the initiatives, which would result in a more modern, efficient, and user-friendly government that meets the needs of citizens and stakeholders.

“We aim to ensure that the initiatives are resulting in a more modern, efficient, and user-friendly government that meets the needs of citizens and stakeholders,”Ade said.

Mr Owoicho Igoji, Executive Director, Galaxy Backbone expressed gratitude towards KOICA for their support in the First and Second phases of the Nigerian E-Government Masterplan while noting the importance of continuous efforts by all government agencies to turn the vision into reality.

“We urge all government agencies not to relent in their efforts to make this vision a reality.

“Since the e-Government Project commenced, the government has devoted its best efforts to establish the appropriate legal and regulatory framework for its implementation, thereby building a solid foundation for the digital transformation of the Nigerian government,”Igoji said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

NSCC D-G seeks collective efforts to strengthen justice for older persons

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Wed, 2023

Metro

NSCC D-G seeks collective efforts to strengthen justice for older persons

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Dr Emem Omokaro, has urged stakeholders to strengthen mechanisms and structures to ensure justice for older persons in the country.

Omokaro, who made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a stakeholders engagement, called for collective action towards ensuring justice for elderly persons.

The stakeholders engagement tagged `Elder Justice’, was organised by the centre in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission and the Legal Aid Council.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, event was organised as part of activities to mark the World Elders Abuse Awareness Day(WEAAD).

The WEAAD is in support of the UN International Plan of Action that acknowledges
the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue, and serves as a call-to-action
for individuals, organisations and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

According to her, ”Our response here is how do we bring justice to the elderly people, and my keynote address is going to be on partnerships on elder justice, as well as promoting those enabling structures that guarantee justice to the elderly through collective action.

” It also means putting all structures available, the enabling environment that ensures elder justice in terms of their healthcare and other basic needs.

”We are now building a support network that guarantees elder justice, where we can have a national network support for elder justice,” Omokaro said.

The D-G who inaugurated the Elder Justice Club of Al-Amin International School, Abuja, said that the essence was to initiate students to champion the advocacy against elders’ abuse, promote elder justice and prepare them on ageing-related issues.

In his address, the Executive Secretary, NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu, represented by Mrs Fidelia Oroh, expressed the need for collective efforts to stem violence against older persons in Nigeria.

”There is no better time to stop this ugly trend than now, it has therefore become pertinent that we address this issue in order to save the elderlies, especially elderly women,” Ojukwu said.

Others who spoke took turns to express their determination to ensure justice for the elderly in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a student of Al-Amin International School, Abuja, Rahma Waziri, emerged winner of the 2023 Elders Abuse Challenge debate held during the occasion. (NAN) (www.nannew.ng).

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Church donates medical equipment, projects worth m to Nigeria

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Wed, 2023

Health

Church donates medical equipment, projects worth $27m to Nigeria

By Ruth Oketunde/ Folashade Akpan

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has donated 27 million dollars’ worth of medical equipment and funded key projects since it began its humanitarian works in Nigeria.

Mr Gifford Nielson, President, Africa West Area of the church, said this while donating medical equipment to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the equipment include: three modern hemodialysis machines, three electric dialysis chairs, two patients monitor and two infusion pumps.

Others are, three syringe pumps, two infant incubators, water treatment plants, renovation of the paediatrics ward, among other supplies and equipment.

He said that the church in its quest to contribute to the social, economic, health and spiritual health of Nigerians, had consistently partnered with the Ministry of Health to fund key projects.

According to him, the donation to the hospital is one of its gestures aimed at relieving some of the burdens on medical personnel, ease suffering of Nigerians and to save lives.

The president said that the donated equipment also aims to improve neonatal experience, decrease infant mortality and ease the suffering of those with kidney diseases.

“Over the last few years, the Church has developed a special relationship with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health as part of our humanitarian efforts.

“During this time, we donated 27 million dollars’ worth of various projects throughout Nigeria.

“These projects include collaboration with the Nigerian Eye Foundation, the Pediatric Association of Nigeria and with the World Health Organisation, we are expecting to donate an additional 3.5 million dollars in 2023,” he said.

Nielson however urged management of the hospital and the entire Abuja community to protect and maintain the equipment for present and future generations.

“It is our wish that this donation, given in love, will stand the test of time and help increase positive health outcomes at FMC for many years to come,” he added.

Also speaking, Dr Salma Anas, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Health Matters, appreciated the church for the donation, adding that it would help in reversing medical tourism in the country.

“This donation could not have been more timely especially with the increasing cases of Kidney problems in Nigeria and we are still trying to investigate the causes behind the high cases of kidney problems in Nigeria.

“And the cost of management of kidney problems is beyond what the poor can purchase, so this is very dear to us and highly appreciated.

“This institution has only two dialysis machines and it cannot meet the very high demands.

“We are very happy to associate and work with you, this will increase access and affordability to the patients and serve as means of training our teeming health workers,” she said.

On his part, Mr Olufunso Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, added that the donations would go a long way in preserving and elongating the life of patients suffering from kidney and infant-related conditions.

He also thanked the donors for their humanitarian gesture, while calling on the hospital management to ensure adequate maintenance of the lifesaving machines.

Prof. Saad Ahmed, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital assured that the center would be committed to maintenance of the equipment, adding that it would continue to meet the health needs of Nigerians.

“Our average monthly attendance of patients assessing services has increased three folds since the last three years, from 5,000 to more than 15,000 per month.

“This has given rise to more need for space expansion and some medical equipment like the magnetic resonance imaging, complex surgery equipment and oncology equipment.

“We are looking forward to starting kidney transplant soon and having a renal complex with many dialysis machines in the near future,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sadiya Hamza

Dissolution of boards: Don hails Tinubu, seeks sack of federal varsities’ councils

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Tue, 2023

Education

Dissolution of boards: Don hails Tinubu, seeks sack of federal varsities’ councils

By Ruth Oketunde

Dr Abednego Silverstone, an Education Researcher, on Tuesday lauded President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the immediate dissolution of boards and Councils of all Federal Government’s paratastals and corporations.

Silverstone told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, that the action was timely and a positive decision.

He also urged that all governing councils of Federal Universities across the country should be dissolved.

Silverstone argued that a relevant provision in the Act establishing the Councils, also supports the idea of sacking them, in an event they are ” found to be incompetent and corrupt “.

According to him, the universities’ councils should not be considered in the exception clause, derived from the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 153 (i) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended.)

Silverstone said that a relevant provision in the Act establishing the councils also supports the idea of sacking them, in an event they are “found to be incompetent and corrupt”.

He called on the president to remain resolute and intentional in addressing the challenges affecting the university system and standard of education in Nigeria.

The education expert alleged: ”Due to political patronage, many unqualified persons were appointed into the governing councils of most of the federal universities.

”Some of the councils’ members were going outside their mandates and were interfering with the daily running of universities.”

Silverstone, however, called on the president to sanitiae the education sector and appoint only technocrats with high pedigree and those with cognate experience to bolster the sector’s growth.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Bashir Rabe Mani

Hajj: Medical mission mulls sanctions on states with advanced pregnant women

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Tue, 2023

Foreign

Hajj: Medical mission mulls sanctions on states with advanced pregnant women

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Nigerian Medical Mission to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 hajj has recommended sanctions on states with high number of advanced pregnant women pilgrims.

Dr Usman Galadima, Chief of Operations and Head of the mission, made the recommendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Makkah on Tuesday.

NAN reports that the mission was constituted by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) with a view to providing quality healthcare services to Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia throughout the Hajj period.

Galadima said that the mission had recorded cases of pregnant women coming for pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in spite of sustained efforts and awareness to prevent them from coming for hajj.

He confirmed that a Nigerian pilgrim had delivered a seven month old baby through cesarean section in Madina.

The head of the medical mission added that it had recorded cases of miscarriages which could have been prevented if the affected women registered for ante natal at the mission’s clinic.

Galadima called for a strong commitment from all hajj stakeholders to curtail the rate of pregnant women coming for pilgrimage.

According to him, any woman that wants to come on pilgrimage should plan well including avoidance of getting pregnant.

Galadima said: “What I will advise is that probably if some punitive measures can be established or be carried out against erring states or states with certain number of advanced pregnancies that is obviously to everybody.

“Probably that will curtail the surge that we are seeing now. So I think it requires commitment on the side of all the stakeholders.”

He said that during its pre-hajj programmes organised by the medical team, screening for prospective pilgrims in all the 36 states and the FCT were done.

According to him, the medical screening which included pregnancy tests were conducted by state nominees or members of the medical team that are from the states.

He added: “Even among the staffers of NAHCON, pregnancy tests were done on each and everyone of them and members of the medical team.

“So, NAHCON has zero tolerance for this. However, we still find them here now some are not aware or do not know that they are pregnant but some obviously concealed these pregnancies.

”It is curious to note that someone with advanced pregnancy missed all the screening.”

Galadima said that combining pregnancy and rigours of hajj was very difficult, adding that the woman runs a risk of loosing the pregnancy and putting her life at risk.

He added: “However, what we want to appeal now is that those that are pregnant, if actually they are aware, they should come to the hospital and register.

“We will carry out ante-natal services for them and this is because we have specialists such as Gynecologists and Obstetricians among us.

”So, we can look after them, look after their pregnancy and tell them the life style to adopt and how to prevent lost of pregnancy.”

Galadima stated that so far, the medical team had attended to over 11,000 pilgrims with different kinds of illnesses.

He added: “We have sufficient drugs and we are not getting so much complains. However, we have registered two mortalities.

“We had two deaths, one male and one female. That of the female occurred on Monday evening and that of the male, a few days ago.

“We have a total of 534 members of the Nigerian medical team out of which 222 are doctors and almost about 200 nurses as well.

”We have 93 pharmacists and about 27 community health officers.

“This is the highest number of medical professionals that we had to bring to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and this is because of the large contingent of Nigerian pilgrims which is about 95,000.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abubakar Ahmed/Bashir Rabe Mani

Insecurity: Rep seeks overhaul of security architecture

Salisu Sani Idris
Jun, Tue, 2023

Politics

Insecurity: Rep seeks overhaul of security architecture

By Naomi Sharang

Rep. Jeremiah Umaru (APC-Nasarawa) has called on President Bola Tinubu to do a complete overhaul of the security architecture of the nation.

Umaru, representing Nasarawa Eggon/Akwanga/Wamba Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, made the call while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

The lawmaker, who described the spate of insecurity in the country as ”worrisome”, urged the Federal Government to put in place a robust security structure that would guarantee the safety of lives and property.

” I expect a total overhaul of the security architecture of Nigeria because the security situation in the country has become a cankerworm.

”We call on President Bola Tinubu to bring on board professionals and persons with proven character that will key into his vision of a safe and peaceful Nigeria

“As lawmakers, we have seen how our constituents are being kidnapped for ransom or gruesomely murder by gunmen

“So, we will initiate bills and motions to ensure military formations are formed and established in our various constituencies for the protection of our people.”he said.

Umaru also commended the president for the total removal of fuel subsidy and signing into law the bill on students loan.

“The president is well prepared to provide good governance to Nigerians and this is why I commmend him for the removal of fuel subsidy and signing into law the students loan bill

”In the long run, Nigerians will see the benefit of the total removal of subsidy,” he said.

Umaru assured his constituents of quality representation, adding that he would initiate bills and motions that would better their lots

“My desire is to bring programmes that will have direct impact on my constituents.

”However, I want to call on the youth in my constituency to participate actively in the nation’s political process; gone are the days politics is left in hands of the older generation.

“For instance, in the House of Representatives, there are 43 members who are below 40 years old.

”And because we have a president that is interested in youths, young people will have the opportunity to contribute their quater to nation building,”he said.

Umaru promised to push for the reconsideration of the bill on National Youth Development Commission, earlier rejected by the 9th Assembly.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Polycarp Auta