NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Anniversary: Niger Govt. unveils achievements in 2 years
General News

Anniversary: Niger Govt. unveils achievements in 2 years

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By Rita Iliya
Government of Niger has unveiled its administration achievements with the various commissioners highlighting key achievements in their respective ministries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioners took turns, at a news conference on Thursday in Minna, to unveil their achievements in the last two years.

Dr Bello Tukur, Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, said that when the Bago-led administration came on board, the state was facing lack of medical doctors and healthcare workers and the governor immediately approved recruitment of 1,000 healthcare workers.

Tukur said the administration had employed 36 doctors, bringing the total number of doctors to 219.

He said the state government had commenced the remodeling and equipping of the IBB Specialist Hospital, with plan to installed an MRI machine, the first in a government hospital in Northern Nigeria.

He said the governor approved a 100 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical staff and aligned the entry point for doctors with the Federal Government practice, at CONMESS 3.

The commissioner added that the state government was working to address infrastructure challenges, including the fencing of General Hospital in Kuta and commencement of general renovation.

Also speaking, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, said that before the coming of Bago children in 12 local governments had not been immunised.

Dangana said that as of now children in 11 out of the 12 local government areas had been immunized except those in Mashegu Local Government, which would be accomplished soon.

“We have built an emergency operations center with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,” he said.

He added that the ministry had rehabilitated 20 primary healthcare centres, with plans to revitalise 40 more with the support from development partners.

Dangana said the governor recently inaugurated 20 level two primary healthcare centres, with a plan to build 100 primary healthcare centres across the state.

Also, Mr Elizabeth Shaba, Commissioner, Ministry for Small Medium Enterprise in Niger, said the ministry through the Micro Medium and Small Enterprise Agency had disbursed over N8 million so far under NG-CARES.

She added that the ministry also trained youths and women in entrepreneurship skills and empowered 200 youths with N100,000 each and provided loans to women under cooperative societies.

Similarly, Mr Musa Bawa, Commissioner for Agriculture, said the ministry provided extension services and mechanisation to Nigerlites and procured over 3,000 machines and equipment for agriculture.

Musa, who was represented by Malam Ali Maikasuwa, the Director of Agricultural Services, said the ministry also distributed fertilizers at 50 per cent subsidy, harvested over five million metric tonnes of grains, and trained farmers on carbon credits.

Also, Commissioner for Homeland Security, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Bello, said the administration of Bago had prioritised security because security was the primary responsibility of the government.

He said part of the achievements was the provision of operational vehicles for security agencies and shifted focus from kinetic to non-kinetic approaches.

Similarly, Dr Murtala Bagana, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Special Duties, said the Bago-led administration had attracted foreign investment through his foreign trips with countries like Russia.

He said the state government had embraced agriculture and livestock for sustainable development and embarked on urban renewal projects through overhaul of road infrastructure amongst others.(NAN)
Edited by Joe Idika

How NBC is addressing needs of communities affected by boundary alignment
General News

How NBC is addressing needs of communities affected by boundary alignment

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By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it is addressing concerns of communities affected by boundary alignment and resolutions through its Resettlement Project.

The NBC Director-General, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this on Friday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

Adaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) a number of communities were adversely affected during the definition and demarcation of disputed boundaries, especially international boundaries.

He explained that the resettlement project was designed to relocate people who live in areas that were being redefined or ceded as part of a boundary dispute resolution.

He added that the process sometimes involves relocating individuals and communities, providing compensation for lost property and livelihoods, and ensuring their socio-economic recovery.

According to him, this became necessary because sometimes the boundary line pushed them to the side of the neighbouring country.

“Most times we try to relocate the affected people back to the indigenous side, resettle them and provide them with basic amenities.

“Though the Border Community Development Agency also intervenes but before they step in, we have to properly get the affected people resettled as Nigerians that have been affected by the boundary alignment.

“We resettle them, providing the basic needs of perhaps boreholes, solar lights, and perhaps basic amenities of market stores and other basic amenities.

“When they are settled, the other agency will now continue to assess their needs and provide what is required.”

He said that the goal was to make the affected people and communities to have a sense of belonging and feeling that yes, they were Nigerians, and their country is making them feel comfortable.

He explained for the Nigeria-Benin border, the 1960 boundary description places some Nigerian communities in the Benin side and some few Benin communities on the Nigerian side.

Adaji said that for the ones that the commission had to bring back to Nigeria, like in the axis of Ogun State, the commission had provided some basic amenities to make them comfortable.

“The Gamuye community for example, some of them have been relocated back to Nigeria in the Kwara State sector, and we have provided them with facilities like market stalls, schools, and boreholes.

“In many cases where you find foreigners that fall on the Nigerian side, they are happy to say they want to remain on the Nigerian side, but our Nigerians would be glad to want to come back to settle within the Nigerian side,” he said.

He also said most of the communities that were affected by the judgement of the International Court of Justice over the Nigeria Cameroon boundary dispute in the Bakassi area have been resettled.

He said that the people who chose to come back to Nigeria have been significantly relocated and settled.

“For those who decided to stay in the Cameron territory because of their economic activities, the commission had given them necessary support and made sure that their rights and privileges are secured,” Adaji said.

Noting that the challenge of getting the affected people to fully cooperate with NBC, the D-G said that continuous sensitisation of affected communities was helping to get the people to work with the government to address their concerns. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Group commends Tinubu’s pension transformation efforts
General News

Group commends Tinubu’s pension transformation efforts

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By Nana Musa

The Contributory Pension and Happy Retirement Advocacy (COPEHRA) has commended President Bola Tinubu’s transformational leadership in the pension industry over the past two years.

The COPEHRA Senior Technical Advisor, Alhaji Sani Mustapha, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

Mustapha said that the pension industry, under the watch of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), has increased transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the pension system.

He said that the country’s pension fund assets soared to an all-time high of N19.53 trillion in first quarter.

According to him, the growth was driven by strong performance in equities, mutual funds and federal government securities.

He said that the Tinubu-led government approved the issuance of a N758 billion bond to fully settle outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

“The bond will also clear pension increases since 2007, amounting to N388 billion that had remained unpaid for nearly two decades.

“This long-overdue entitlement, benefiting over 250,000 retirees, reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that pensions remain fair and responsive to economic realities,” he said.

Mustapha said that it was the first time the Federal Government would be contributing N107 billion to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).

He said that this was to ensure that pensioners, particularly low-income earners, receive a living wage in retirement.

Mustapha said that the sum of N11 billion was allocated to university professors’ pension shortfall, fully implementing the provision allowing eligible university professors to retire on their full salary.

He said that this major step was to strengthen the financial security for all retirees under the CPS.

He also commended the plans to amend the Pension Reform Act (PRA), which was last reviewed in 2014.

“The game changer was the March PenCom directive that effective June 1st, pension fund administrators (PFAs) will now process and approve benefits directly.

“By this directive, benefits approvals have received a boost in terms of timeliness and transparency.

“Pencom is always coming up with new policies that will benefit the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders and the pensioners,” he said.

He, however, said that making sure that states that are yet to join CPS do so, and employers remit employees’ pension contributions to their RSA had been a huge concern.

“Pensioners no longer protest on the streets. They are given their rights, and I believe more good things are on the way,” he said.

Mustapha said that Tinubu had achieved a lot, and urged the citizens to continue to support the government.

He also commended the Director-General and management of PenCom for pushing the Renewed Hope Agenda in the pension industry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

NIWA moves to curb recurring boat mishaps in Nigeria
General News

NIWA moves to curb recurring boat mishaps in Nigeria

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By Reporters

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) says it is doing a lot to ensure that incessant loss of lives to boat mishaps is minimised, if not completely stopped in Niger, Kogi and other parts of the country.

The NIWA Managing Director, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the authority was taking some drastic and pragmatic measures to curb the incessant mishaps in the country to save innocent Nigerians from untimely deaths.

The managing director disclosed that most of the deaths recorded on the waterways in Nigeria were due to the non use of life jackets by travellers on the waterways.

He said that was what necessitated the massive distribution of the jackets as part of measures to curb the menace and ensure safety on the waterways.

Oyebamiji said, “We began with distribution of thousands of life jackets in the Gbajibo Community in Niger after a boat mishap last year.

“This year, we continued in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Transport, Marine and Blue Economy, launched the distribution of 42,000 jackets in Niger.”

He said that out of this figure, Bayelsa got 3,500 and unspecified numbers to Anambra, Akwa Ibom and Ogun of recent.

Oyebamiji said, “Aside life jackets, NIWA had organised a retreat in Abuja, inviting all the 36 Commissioners of Transport to find solutions to how to curb incessant boat mishaps in the country.

“NIWA had also donated water ambulances and patrol boats to Niger and Kwara and four fibre sail boats to Kogi.

“We are trying to partner with fibre boat manufacturers in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, to stop the use of wooden boats in the country by local passenger boat operators to curb the incessant boat mishaps.”

He said NIWA was laying water bouys across the country as a guide for boat operators.

According to him, already, more than 1,500 bouys of different colours had been laid in parts of River Niger.

The managing director also said the authority had launched its transport code, under which offenders plying the waterways could be penalised.

Oyebamiji added that the authority had introduced and increased the number of water marshals across the country to enforce the transportation code.

He said that water hyacinths, which were also barriers to water transportation, were being cleared in Omu Creeks, Lekki and Ikorodo in Lagos State.

According to him, NIWA recently organised a retreat for management staff on zero-tolerance of boat mishap, all in the effort to ensure safety on the waterways.

“In demonstration of the war against boat mishaps and destruction of lives and property, NIWA has decided to prosecute any boat operator that causes the death of innocent passengers on board.

“Just recently, we sued two boat operators before a Lokoja Chief Magistrates’ Court over the killing of 19 passengers in Kogi State on Nov. 29, 2024.

“The Kogi Police Command, through its NIWA wing, charged Musa Dangana and Yakubu Dangana, both residents of Lokoja, with conspiracy and negligence that led to a boat mishap that led to the death of 19 out of 60 passengers.

“Their trial was sequel to their failure to exercise due vigilance, in spite of several warnings against night journeys and traveling without life jackets, which we believe might have led to the lives lost,” he said.

In Niger, the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) also said it was collaborating with the Ministry of Transport and NIWA to enhance water users’ safety.

According to Dr Ibrahim Hussaini, Overseeing Director General of NSEMA, the initiative followed a series of boat mishaps that had resulted in the loss of lives, particularly among traders, farmers, and fishermen.

Hussaini disclosed that the state government had mandated NSEMA, Ministry of Transport, and the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) to provide life jackets to boat operators and passengers.

He stated that the move was aimed at reducing the risk of fatalities in the event of boat accidents.

According to Hussaini, the newly established marshals will ensure that boat operators and passengers comply with safety regulations, including the use of life jackets and prevent overloading of boats.

He added that the state government was also working to regulate the activities of boat operators, including the hours of operation and the lifespan of boats.

Hussaini said those measures aimed to prevent boat accidents caused by negligence or poor maintenance.

He said the state government was exploring ways to provide small loans to boat operators through the Ministry for Micro and Small Medium Agency, to enable them to purchase new boats and improve their safety standards.

Also, Mr Akapo Adeboye, Area Manager in Charge of Niger and Kwara Office of NIWA, said it had intensified efforts to enhance water safety in Niger and Kwara.

He said the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyeba Oyetola, alongside the Managing Director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, in collaboration with Niger Government, inaugurated the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to 12 states across the country.

Adeboye said NIWA had begun the distribution of the facilities to boat operators and passengers in the state as part of its safety sensitisation programme.

He said NIWA river marshals had been instrumental in the enforcement of the use of life jackets and ensuring safety protocols as well as laying of buoys to guide water users and indicate safe navigation channels.

Adeboye added that NIWA had gazetted penalty codes for boat operators and passengers who failed to comply with safety regulations, including the use of life jackets for adults and children, who mostly lost their lives during mishaps.

He said NIWA had been sensitising boat operators and passengers to the importance of safety measures, including registration of names of passengers on the cargo manifest.

Adeboye added that NIWA had also provided training on boat repair and maintenance to reduce the risk of accidents.

According to him, NIWA is also planning to form a joint venture with security agencies, including the Marine Police, to enforce safety regulations on the waterways.

Adeboye said, “It aims to achieve zero-tolerance for safety breaches on the water channels.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mohammed Baba Busu/Bashir Rabe Mani

Kwara group lauds Gov. Abdulrazaq for progressive governance 
General News

Kwara group lauds Gov. Abdulrazaq for progressive governance 

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By Ikenna Osuoha

An interest group, Kwara South Development Initiative (KSDI), has commended Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for putting the state on the path of progress.

 

Convener of the group, Dr Johnson Adewumi, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, commended the governor’s remarkable achievements in the areas of education, health and infrastructure.

 

Adewumi scored the governor high in the revitalisation of education and heath sectors which, he said, had increased the literacy rate in the state.

 

“Significant investments in educational infrastructure, teacher training and curriculum reforms have led to improved literacy rates and increased access to quality education for our youths.

 

‘’The expansion of healthcare facilities, provision of essential medical equipment and enhanced health services have contributed to better health outcomes for residents,’’ he said.

 

The convener, who expressed satisfaction with the governor’s economic empowerment initiatives, said he had promoted small and medium enterprises in the state.

 

He saluted the governor’s agricultural transformation and vocational training, both of which, he said, had further stimulated economic activities and job creation in the state.

 

Adewumi lauded the governor for his administration’s giant strides in infrastructure, as evident in major road projects, urban renewal programmes and improved transportation networks, thus enhancing connectivity and facilitating economic integration.

 

According to him, the AbdulRazaq-led administration’s transparency and accountability are unequalled, having demonstrated prudent management of resources and anti-corruption measures.

 

‘’Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s visionary leadership continues to inspire hope and confidence among the people of Kwara.

 

‘’His unwavering dedication to building a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Kwara State has set a strong foundation for future generations,” he stated.

 

The convener urged the people of Kwara to continue to celebrate the outstanding leadership and transformative achievements of the governor in driving sustainable development, economic growth and social progress across the state.

 

He said that since assuming office, the governor had demonstrated his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the citizens of the state through strategic initiatives and impactful policies.

 

Adewumi, therefore, called on all residents and stakeholders to continue to support the ongoing efforts of the governor and collaborate with him in his efforts at realising the full potential of the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Minister advocates stronger female voices in governance
General News

Minister advocates stronger female voices in governance

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By Daniel Obaje

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for increased commitment and action from Nigerian women towards inclusive governance, economic participation, and national development.

 

She made the call at a One-Day Women’s Town Hall Meeting and Citizens Engagement on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

Speaking under the theme “Accelerating Women’s Voices in National Development”, Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged women to take ownership of their roles in society and work collectively to achieve meaningful change.

 


“The reason why we are here is because we want what is best for ourselves, for the Nigerian women, for our community, for our families.”

 

The Minister underscored the importance of the proposed special reserve seats bill at the National Assembly, which aims to ensure fair representation of women in governance.

 

She highlighted how women must be strategic, united and forward-thinking in their pursuit of political and economic empowerment.

 

“We are the voting strength of this country; we and our children.

 

“That gives us the permission to negotiate for anything because we will stick to our words, we have to be masters in negotiating.

 

“We have to strengthen our mechanisms. We have to mentor ourselves. Days are gone when five women come out for one seat and split the votes.”

 


Mrs Hauwa Ibrahim, wife of the Ona of Abaji and President of the FCT Traditional Rulers Wives Association, praised the collaborative and inclusive tone of the engagement, emphasising the importance of women working together to create sustainable change.

 

“She does not just talk about policies, she invites others to be part of the solution. When you collaborate, it doesn’t go to waste.

 

“She encourages women to come into policy-making spaces, not just for show but to really impact government decisions and activities.”

 

She noted that the Minister’s efforts resonate with traditional institutions and women leaders across the country, stating that collaboration and shared responsibility are key to progress.

 


Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, expressed optimism about the progress made under the current administration and the opportunities ahead for women in the Federal Capital Territory.

 

“Standing here today as the pioneer Mandate Secretary for FCT, I want to begin by echoing the Minister’s call to action. Every woman has an important role to play, and it is clear that we all have work to do.

“For some time we operated quietly behind the scenes, but now is the time to take bold actions and show results.”

 

Benjamins-Laniyi commended the minister’s leadership and inspiring vision that encourages all women to unite and work toward shared goals.

 

Mrs Ruth Agbo, President of the Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture (AWITA), commended the resilience and determination of Nigerian women, stating that they are poised to drive agricultural productivity and trade growth.

She, however, emphasised the need for equipment and support to enable women to fully realise this potential.

 

“In the coming years, Nigeria will have surplus because the women are ready to go to the farm and the traders are ready to trade. The women are ready to farm and make good input to the country.

“We are only pleading that we need equipment that will make us work.

“We are calling on stakeholders to provide the necessary tools and resources to enable women to fully contribute to national development.”

 

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr Maryam Keshinro, said the engagement has shown a firm resolve and dedication by women in the country to take their destinies in their hands.

Keshinro said that the ideas and commitments discussed would translate into concrete actions, propelling Nigerian women to new heights of influence and impact.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FCC Commissioner honoured with outstanding personality of year award
General News

FCC Commissioner honoured with outstanding personality of year award

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By Patricia Amogu

Mrs Ginika-Tor Williams, the Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), has been honoured with the “Most Outstanding Personality of the Year 2025” at the African Iconic Women Recognition Awards (AIWRA) 2025 in Abuja.

Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, won the AIWRA 2024 award after she secured a comfortable lead over four other first ladies in the voting exercise that ensued.

Organised by Face of Democracy Nigeria (FDN), the award recognises outstanding women for their contributions to peace-building and national development.

As women in Nigeria continue to break the glass ceiling in all careers and notable professions, they have also been identified by the celebrity recognition firm for honours.

The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mrs. Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi alongside her Ghanaian counterpart Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo and that of Benin Republic, Madam Claudine Talon are some of the women that received various awards in 2024.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, and Boma Goodhead, the lawmaker representing Akuku/Asari Toru constituency in Rivers, were shortlisted for the 2024 AIWRA awards.

In her reaction to the award, Ginika-Tor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the event that she remains an advocate for justice and human rights and will continue to be resilient in her advocacy for the full representation of the common man in all strata of the nation.

“Being the iconic personality of the year reminds me that there is more work to be done.

“You do things, and you never know that people would be watching. It goes a long way to tell me that I have to continue to be the best in everything I do, to try to project the system in a positive light, and to try to remain steadfast in what I believe in.

“Just like our national anthem seeks to achieve, may the God of creation help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed, so that with peace and plenty, Nigeria might be blessed.

“It is a thing of joy for me to have been on the path of positivity for the advancement of Africa and Nigeria and today I am being honoured as the iconic personality of the year.

“It goes a long way to say that it is time for me to begin to do more because it is not enough.

“It is often said that to whom much is given, much is expected,” she said.

She urged women to unite and work closely not as competitors but as supporters.

“It doesn’t really matter what you are going through because everyone is striving, but you’ve got to show society the real you.

“You’ve got to give to society what you’ve got,” she added.

Another of the awardees, Mrs Rabia Usoro, the Chief Executive Officer, Hareem Istanbul (Hareem Group, Co-founder/Principal Partner of We Make Magic Studios, said women had the capacity to make significant impact in the society when empowered.

“I have dedicated my life to empowering women. So, I try to be a role model for them.

Among the women honoured is Huriyya Dauda Lawal, who was recognised for her exceptional leadership and advocacy abilities within the span of two years as the wife of the Zamfara State Governor among others. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

25 years of democracy: Nigerians celebrate with solidarity walk
General News

25 years of democracy: Nigerians celebrate with solidarity walk

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By Kingsley Okoye

Hundreds of Nigerians from all walks of life on Thursday participated in the 6th National Democracy Solidarity Walk 2025 in Abuja and across the 36 states.

In Abuja, the walk commenced at the Eagle Square and terminated at Unity Fountain.

According to the organisers, it is a display of unity and solidarity as Nigeria celebrates 25 years of unbroken democracy.

Dr Kletsaint Akor, Chairman of the National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), described the walk as a civic audit, a non-partisan civil reflection on the promises, progress, and policy performance of the current administration.

“The people are the true scorecard of governance, and today we are in unity, in clarity, and in purpose.’’

The walk featured a kaleidoscope of participants, including civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, youth, and student groups.

According to Akor, the broad-based participation underscores the walk’s message of unity and solidarity.

“The walk also marked the official unveiling of Nigeria Democracy Week 2025, scheduled for June 23 to June-27.

“This week-long celebration will feature a range of activities aimed at promoting civic engagement, dialogue, and democratic ideals.”

Akor said the National Democracy Solidarity Walk had become an enduring tradition in Nigeria’s civic engagement landscape, offering a peaceful participatory space for democratic introspection.

He said since its inception in 2009, the walk had provided a platform for citizens to reflect on the country’s democratic journey and demand accountability from their leaders.

“The walk served as a call to action, reminding the government of its responsibility to the people and the need for continued progress and improvement.

“As Nigeria celebrates its 25 years of unbroken democracy, the walk demonstrates the country’s unwavering commitment to democratic values and principles,’’ Akor said.(NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Tinubu has stabilized Nigeria’s economy for growth – Onuigbo
General News

Tinubu has stabilized Nigeria’s economy for growth – Onuigbo

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By Ikenna Osuoha

Chief Sam Onuigbo, former lawmaker for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency, Abia, has commended President Tinubu for stabilising Nigeria’s economy for growth.

Onuigbo said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the occasion of the President’s commemoration of two years in office on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that President Tinubu’s payoff of IMF loan was a testament to his achievement in stabilising Nigeria’s economy.

“This is a man who accumulated over 23 trillion naira ways and means from the previous administration.

“He started on a stormy ground, and today we are talking about increase in salaries and state allocations,” he said.

Onuigbo, who called on Nigerians to re-elect President Tinubu come 2027, said it was imperative for progress consolidation.

According to him, the money saved from fuel subsidy removal is injected into the economy to benefit of all Nigerians.

The APC chieftain saluted Tinubu’s giant strides in infrastructure which includes the 700 km Lagos/Calabar Road and Sokoto/Badagry super-highway.

He advised Nigerians to continue to support the President in order to sustain the achievements so far made.

Onuigbo, who acknowledged economic challenges, blamed the seeming hardship on profiteering and self-denial.

He expressed hope that a more prosperous Nigeria is possible with Tinubu’s re-election. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Flood: NEMA preaches preparedness, mitigation strategies in Niger
General News

Flood: NEMA preaches preparedness, mitigation strategies in Niger

239 total views today

By Rita Iliya

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger, had engaged stakeholders on preparedness and mitigation strategies towards alleviating the impact of anticipated floods in the state.

 

Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, said this at a stakeholders’ engagement on National disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) 2025 in Minna on Thursday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the engagement is: “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Preparedness and Response”.

 

Umar, represented by Dr Ishaya Chonoko, Zonal Director in Charge of North West Zone of NEMA, said that the engagement was to strengthen resilience, enhance preparedness, and response to flood disasters across the country.

 

She said NEMA had received insights into rainfall patterns and flood scenarios for 2025 from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

 

“NEMA will deploy teams to all states to engage with flood-prone communities, taking early warning messages to the grassroots.

 

“This will be done with the support of state Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and community volunteers,” she said.

 

The director-general called on partners such as the traditional institutions, religious organisations, women and youth groups and the media, to support the initiative, saying disaster management was everyone’s business.

 

According to her, all hands must be on deck to take the right early warning to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in various communities.

 

“There is a need to step up our games on what we can do differently from the past and come up with solutions and prepare for quick response.” she added.

 

Also speaking, Dr Hussaini Ibrahim, Overseeing Director-General, Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said the meeting would proffer solutions to flooding, preparedness, and response from expected flooding to save lives and property and minimise flooding.

 

Similarly, Alhaji Ahmed Yumu, Commissioner, Ministry for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, said the campaign would help reduce impacts of annually recurring floods in the state.

 

NAN reports that in attendance were Mr Hussaini Isah, Head, NEMA, Minna Operations Office, Area Manager of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Akapo Adeboye, traditional leaders and stakeholders from the police, army amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

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