By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Arewa House Centre for Research and Historical Documentation, says the planned nationwide protest will have potential negative impacts on the nation’s security, stability and development.

This is contained in a Communiqué issued at the end of a One-Day Stakeholders’ Roundtable on the State of the Nation, themed, “Alternative Paths to Peaceful Co-existence and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

The communiqué made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, said the roundtable was held recently in Kaduna, in light of the prevailing social circumstances in the country.

It said that challenges like hyperinflation, unemployment, and resource scarcity, have heightened tensions within communities, adding that significant segments of the nation were preparing for the anticipated nationwide protests scheduled for August.

This, according to the centre, has raised considerable concern among many regarding the potential for unrest to exacerbate those existing challenges, leading to unintended consequences for the society.

“In response to these concerns, the Arewa House convened a one-day roundtable with representatives from various sectors, including religious leaders, youth groups, students’ unions, trade unions, traditional leaders and state government representatives.

“Also included are the security agencies, academicians, opinion influencers, and media organisations.

“The discussion aimed to explore alternative paths to peaceful co-existence and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“After extensive deliberations, we hereby present the following communiqué, which seeks to address the potential negative impacts of civil unrest while affirming the fundamental rights of individuals to express their grievances peacefully.

“While we recognise the fundamental right to peaceful protest, we express deep concerns regarding the potential negative impacts this protest may have on our nation’s security, stability, and development,’’ it said.

The Arewa centre said the stakeholders carefully considered the experiences and lessons learned from similar protests around the world, including the crises in Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Venezuela, Hong Kong, and Myanmar.

It said that they acknowledge the devastating consequences that prolonged conflicts and humanitarian crises could have on the lives and well-being of the citizens.

“We are equally aware of the societal disruptions that can arise from protests that escalate into violence and unrest.

“The experiences of these nations illustrate how civil strife can lead to loss of life, widespread displacement, economic decline, and the erosion of social cohesion,’’ it added.

The communiqué recommended that the Federal and State Governments should urgently implement programmes aimed at addressing the root causes of public discontent, such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of social services.

It also urged the government to, as a matter of urgency, release all those arrested in connection with the proposed protests to earn the government respect and helped to diminish protesters’ momentum.

The centre called on the government and relevant stakeholders to explore alternative avenues, such as town hall meetings, public consultations, and policy reforms, to address the grievances and demands of the citizens.

It also urged all concerned parties, including government representatives, civil society organisations, and citizens, to engage in open and inclusive dialogue to address the underlying issues and concerns that may drive protests.

The centre equally proposed the implementation of youth empowerment programmes that provided gainful employment, skills training, and opportunities for youth to actively participate in the development of the society.

“We emphasise the need to strengthen our institutions, including the judiciary, security agencies, and governance structures, to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice for all citizens.

“We appeal to both religious and community leaders to guide their congregations in prayers for peace and prosperity, and to counsel their followers on the importance of peaceful coexistence.

“We also encourage affluent members of society to provide assistance in alleviating the suffering of the less privileged through the provision of food, medicines, and other necessities,’’ it added.

The communiqué also called on the media to uphold their ethical responsibility in reporting events on unrest, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism that contributed to promoting peace, understanding, and national unity.

It urged political actors to consider the dangers of unorganised and unpredictable protests, urging political parties to prioritise local government elections as a legitimate channel for expressing grievances and effecting change.

“A delegation from this gathering should be formed to interface with the relevant authorities.

“A similar gathering should be organised with a specific focus on the youth, moderated by selected elders under the umbrella of Arewa House, to discuss issues affecting young people and explore effective solutions.

“The gathering also included a briefing from a Sudanese representative, who explained how desperate individuals hijacked the protests in Sudan and the irreparable consequences that the country is still grappling with.

“We, the participants of this roundtable discussion, commit to promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“We stand united in our efforts to address the challenges facing our nation while upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and social justice,’’ it said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Salif Atojoko

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, said the committee held a strategic meeting with the management of CATL, EV Battery Manufacturer, on Wednesday in Ningde, China.

He said the meeting was part of a working visit by the team overseeing the execution of Nigeria’s renewable energy technology manufacturing zone, Evergreen City, to the company.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, Ngelale said that the team included Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Dr Lazarus Angbazo, Managing Director/CEO of the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp).

“We began with a tour of their facilities, which provided a window into the company’s history, present, and future development plans.

“We were given a no-photographs-allowed tour of the automated production lines, which were an inspiring marvel to behold.

“After the tour, our team interfaced with CATL’s Executive Management and apprised them of our zone’s progress with a detailed view into what our collaboration would entail,” he said.

Ngelale said the management of CATL made a presentation of how their technologies and associated financing platforms could be tailored to the unique requirements of Evergreen City.

He said that Sule detailed local policy and how the partnership would be supported at the sub-national level, “While I communicated the vision of the zone in the context of the specific technologies being produced by CATL.

“InfraCorp MD, Dr Lazarus Angbazo asked pertinent questions about their proposed concepts of collaboration. We all agreed on finite next steps.

“We are thrilled about the opportunity to site the EV Battery Manufacturer supplying Tesla, BMW, and others within our Lithium-rich zone. But we have a lot of work to do before any of us will be celebrating,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Salif Atojoko
Mr Daniel Bwala, former spokesman for the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, paid a solidarity visit to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

Speaking to State House correspondents, Bwala said he visited the President to show solidarity for what he was doing to address some of the concerns of Nigerians.

“If you see some of the issues the people planning to protest are raising, they talk about hunger in the land, lack of transportation; minimum wage for the workers, and Mr President has taken good steps.

“He has agreed to a new minimum wage, which is now a law. We have seen the release of the truckloads of food to the Nigerian people, and in the coming days, more are going to be done in that regard,” he said.

He said the planned protest, to a large extent, had the element of politics.

“Everybody in Nigeria acknowledges that there is suffering and the suffering did not start last year.

“There is no reform that is easy. Go to Brazil, any part of the world, if you’re going to do reform, it is not going to be easy.

“It means that all of us will have to readjust, but the role of the government when initiating a reform is to bring about interventions, which is what the President is doing,” said Bwala.

He said the Local Government Autonomy recently granted by the Supreme Court was the masterstroke because it had taken governance to the grassroots.

“So, I came to celebrate, encourage and show our solidarity and encourage the Nigerian people to rally round the President.

“We have only one President, and to me patriotism is defending the leader, patriotism is showing support and ensuring that we push the development of this country.

“What is exciting for me in all of this situation is that the President has a firm grasp of what is going on in the country, the sufferings of the Nigerian people, and he has shown that concern,” he said.

He said he had officially left the Peoples Democratic Party and was making plans to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“So, yes, I’m on my way to APC and that is where I have always belonged.

“Remember, I had been in APC for eight years, from the days of President Buhari.

“I left because of differences but I’m back, and this time it is not about party, is about us coming together as a country to make sure that the country not only survives, that it is on a good trajectory.

“When that time for politics comes, those who are there will do. But I’m fully committed to President Bola Tinubu and in the coming days I will do my official re-entry to APC,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Salif Atojoko

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, says Nigeria is taking steps to decarbonise mining practices.

In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, Ngelale said that to actualise this, he held substantive discussions with the Executive Management of Sinoma International Engineering Company at their Beijing Headquarters.

“Mr Yin Zhisong, the Board Chairman of the company and Mr Zhu Bing, the Company’s President, were in attendance at the meeting which, covered areas of mutual interest,” he said.

Ngelale said Nigeria was moving swiftly to localise the expertise Sinoma had developed in the decarbonisation of mining practices with full ecological support and restoration.

He added that the endeavour included cross-cutting automation of several manufacturing processes for Carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS), wind blades, and other very important technologies.

He described his engagement with the management of the Chinese company as very productive.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Ahmed Ubandoma

Mr Abel Enitan, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has urged ministry staff to enhance their efforts by bringing new ideas and innovation into their service.

Enitan made this call while inaugurating a 15-member Reform and Innovation Committee on Tuesday in Abuja.

This committee is tasked with coordinating reforms and innovation within the ministry.

During the event, Enitan honoured some staff members for their outstanding performance.

He said the event aligned with the Federal Civil Service Reform Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025.

Enitan expressed optimism that the committee would foster a conducive environment for creativity and innovation in the ministry’s daily operations.

He urged the committee to work diligently and adhere to their terms of reference, which focus on efficient and effective service delivery.

“Innovation in the public sector refers to significant improvements in public administration, implementing new and improved processes and methods.

“It involves bringing new ideas and building on existing ones.”

He also stressed the importance of punctuality and professionalism among staff, noting that these qualities enhance the ministry’s image and effectiveness.

Mr Barry Odii, Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, emphasised that the committee was established to enhance service delivery and promote innovation.

Members were selected from officers on Grade Levels 13 to 15, chosen for their expertise in public service.

Mrs Gloria Azoro, Deputy Director of the Transformation Department in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, praised the ministry for engaging capable hands to lead the innovation agenda.

She expressed confidence that the public service would benefit from the ministry’s reform efforts.

The committee members were drawn from various departments, including Legal, Human Resource, Social Development, Planning/Research and Statistics.

Others are Humanitarian Affairs, Procurement, General Services and Nutrition, Special Needs, Audit, and Special Duties. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Victor Okoye

Sgt. Cynthia Maurice of the Nigerian Airforce has made history by becoming the country’s first Professional female golfer in the military.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long Professional Examinations which held from July 14 to July 20 took place at HSD Golf Club Bayelsa.

The examinations sanctioned by the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (PGAN) consisted of playing ability tests, written and oral.

Pro Emmanuel Odoh, the Assistant Resident Head Professional, TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, told NAN that Maurice’s journey was a testament to her resilience, perseverance, and determination.

Odoh said that her achievement had indeed paved the way for other female golfers in the military and inspired young girls to pursue careers in sports.

He noted that it also highlights the progress made in promoting gender equality and diversity in the Nigerian military.

“Just four years ago, Cynthia took up golf, inspired by the professionals she saw on the course. She set her sights on becoming a pro herself, refusing to settle for amateur status.

“With unwavering dedication, she channeled her mind and body towards her goal, sacrificing tirelessly to hone her skills.

“From a 36-handicap beginner to a professional golfer, Cynthia’s transformation is a remarkable achievement. Her hard work, discipline, and courage have earned her the crown of bravery, resilience, and honour.

“Today, we celebrate Cynthia’s remarkable journey, her perseverance, and her refusal to accept anything less than excellence. Congratulations, Pro Cynthia Maurice,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza