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Defence/Security

Unity, pathway to sustainable development in Africa – Ex-Tanzanian president

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Unity in Africa is a transformative pathway to achieving sustainable development, former President of Tanzania, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, has said.

Kikwete said this while delivering a Graduation Lecture for the Participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 32, in Abuja.

He said that unity creates peace, security and stability, which are necessary conditions for development.

The title of his lecture was, ”Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box: a Pathway to Africa’s Unity and Development”.

He said that some parts of Africa experiencing political instability and conflicts would act as stumbling blocks toward the development of individual states and the continent at large.

According to him, it is also important to note that unity brings together our collective efforts as a continent to withstand the forces of globalisation and international geopolitics.

”If by 2050 Africa embraces unity it will potentially emerge as a powerhouse of the time and of the future in the global economics and politics.

”Africa Union’s Agenda 2063 emphasises the centrality of democracy and peoples’ participation in the development process.

”Moreover, the Agenda also calls for a united Africa in order to realise development. Therefore, while democracy provides an avenue to ensure people-centered development, unity brings collective efforts in achieving development.

“In this regard, democracy and unity should be viewed as critical for development.”

The former president also noted that the act of casting a vote had neither truly embodied the essence of democracy nor dealt a death blow to dictatorship as it is claimed.

According to him, it may not necessarily be the case because there are examples of leaders who came to power through the ballot but afterwards became dictators.

”They institute a reign of terror and use it to be re-elected again and again.

”They disrupt democratic norms; paralyse the system of accountability, rendering people’s participation a matter of no consequence.

”Unfortunately, the African Union has not yet found ways to remove such people from power. Usually, they perpetuate themselves through corruption, treachery and terror.”

The former Tanzanian leader said that literatures on democracy emphasises what democracy should deliver to the people beyond periodic elections.

He added that political parties and individuals often campaign during elections, promising to address developmental issues.

These issues include improving the economy, delivering social services, ensuring security, or advancing international affairs.

According to him, at the core of democracy is the promise of serving the people and addressing the developmental challenges after the ballot.

The former president congratulated all participants of the college for successfully completing the course, which he described as an important milestone in their lives and career.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduation lecture is one of the highpoints of the NDC Course graduation ceremony which started with series of activities and will climax on Friday, which is the graduation day. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza

Metro

Akpabio, Gowon urge Nigerians to emulate Onaiyekan’s inter-religious lifestyle

 

Philomina Attah

Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio and a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, have urged Nigerians to emulate the Christ-like and inter-religious lifestyle exhibited by His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan.

They made the call in Abuja on Thursday, at a book presentation to mark the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Catholic ArchBishop of Abuja, Cardinal Onaiyekan.

They admonished Nigerians to ensure religious tolerance and harmony, especially among religious leaders and followers.

Akpabio, who chaired the book presentation, described Onaiyekan as an indefatigable advocate of justice and a rare creation of God, whose unwavering commitment to justice had touched the lives of many.

He said that Onaiyekan lived his life worthy of emulation, which had brought about peace to the country, adding that he dedicated his life to the service of mankind.

“Onaiyekan’s leadership and ministry have been marked by a resolute pursuit of justice and equality. In the face of injustice, he has been a tireless advocate for the marginalised and the voiceless.

“He has taught us that true leadership lies not in the pursuit of power, but in the relentless pursuit of justice and the untiring commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable among us.

“But it is not just his actions that inspire us; it is his words that resonate in our hearts,” he said.

Akpabio added that beyond his religious leadership, Onaiyekan had also been a champion for interfaith dialogue and understanding.

He explained that in a world often divided by religious differences, Onaiyekan has tirelessly worked to build bridges of understanding and foster a spirit of unity among all faiths.

“As we celebrate His Eminence’s 80th birthday, we are reminded of the profound impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals, both within and beyond the Catholic Church.

“His legacy is one of compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to the ideals of justice and equality.

“He has shown us that one person can make a difference, that a life dedicated to service is a life well-lived,” he added.

Gowon, who in his remarks corroborated Akpabio, urged Nigerians to reflect on the work of a great person as Onaiyekan and to emulate his exemplary work toward building a greater Nation.

The former military head of state said that the Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja lived his life worthy of emulation, which had brought about peace to the country.

He said that Onaiyekan had dedicated his life to serving God and left a landmark in our hearts.

He added that his value has bonded us as humble being, adding that his life was a testimony to the church and world at large.

Gowon said that Onaiyekan unwavering commitment to justice had touched the lives of many, which must be emulated by all, especially the youth.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Doma Lulu-Briggs, the host of the occasion, described Onaiyekan as a true icon worthy of celebration.

Lulu-Briggs said that such a man who had championed religious tolerance and peace should be celebrated and emulated by all, especially younger Nigerians.

He called on Nigerians to emulate the teachings and values of Onaiyekan for greater unity and peace among religions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book titled, “Religion and Peace Post Retirement Reflection of John Cardinal Onaiyekan on Interfaith Dialogue,” edited by Rev Fr. George Ehusani was reviewed by Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim.

Ibrahim described the book as a true reflection of Onaiyekan’s stand on religious issues till date.

According to him, Onaiyekan preaches that the core value of religion is peace and whoever breaches that flawed the essence of religion.

“Cardinal Onaiyekan is the metropolitan catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, the immediate past co-chair of Africa council of religious leaders, and former Christian moderator of the world council of religion for peace,” he said.

A former governor of Anambra, Chris Ngige, while unveiling the book, said it was full of satire and would make a good reading.

Onaiyekan in an interview with newsmen at the sidelines of the event said “true religion must reflect peace and that whatever you hurt your neighbor is not religion.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the celebration was unveiling of the book with the money realised will go to the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP).

COFP is a Non-Governmental Organisation with the mandate to provide a platform for building and strengthening the processes of peace and social change in Nigeria and Africa at large. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Foreign , Politics

ECOWAS urges regional unity for socio-economic development

 

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for unity and enforcement of protocols that promote cohesion in the region.

Dr Omar Touray, ECOWAS Commission President, stated this while reading the communiqué at the end of the 64th Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday in Abuja.

He urged that member states should continue to promote all alliances that would guarantee regional peace and stability in order to enhance socio-economic development.

According to Touray,  the authority rejects all forms of alliances that seek to divide the region and promote foreign interests in the region.

“The authority calls on member states to ensure regional unity of action by strictly adhering to collective decisions taken at the level of the authority.’’

On the political situation in the Republic of Niger, Touray said that the commission commended the efforts of the Chair of authority, President Bola Tinubu, towards a peaceful resolution of the political crisis.

“The authority deeply deplores the continued detention of President Mohammed Bazoum, his family and Associates by the CMSP administration.

“The authority further deplores the lack of commitment on the part of the CMSP to restore constitutional order.

“Consequently, the authority calls on the CMSP to release President Mohammed Bazoum, his family and Associates immediately and without condition.’’

He said that a three-man committee has been approved by the ECOWAS to dialogue further with the Niger military towards finding an acceptable short time transition roadmap.

He said that the outcome of the committee would determine the easing of the various sanctions imposed on the Niger Republic by ECOWAS Heads during their last meeting in Nigeria.

Touray said: “Based on the outcomes of the engagement by the committee of heads of state, the authority will progressively ease the sanctions imposed on it.

“Failure by the CMSP to comply with the outcomes of the engagement with the committee, ECOWAS shall maintain all sanctions, including the use of force.

“And we will request African Union and all other partners to enforce the targeted sanctions on members of the CMSP and their associate.’’

Touray said that the authority took note of the meeting of the presidential Troika to reflect on the political stability and security in the regions including the transition process in Burkina Faso.

He added: “The authority welcomes the successful national referendum in Mali and commended the transition authorities for the efforts they have deployed.

“However, the authority notes with concern the transition authorities’ reluctance to cooperate with ECOWAS, in the implementation of transition programmes, and other activities of interest to the region.

“The authority deplores the unilateral decisions taken on the implementation of the transitional programmes agreed with ECOWAS.

“It requests the Troika under the leadership of His Excellency, President of the Republic of Benin, to urgently undertake visits to Burkina Faso, Republic of Guinea and Mali, with a view to engaging the three countries in inclusive implementation of the transition programme.’’

The ECOWAS Commission President explained that the authority directs the commission to continue to support member states in transition in addressing security challenges and provide them with humanitarian assistance.

He said that the authority directed member states to exempt the transition presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers of the member states in transition from the travel ban and other targeted individual sanctions imposed on the three member states.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

General News , Health

Oramah reminds Africans how food brings health, unity, sense of community

 

By Vivian Ihechu

Prof. Benedict Oramah of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) has reminded Africans on the need to see their foods as source of nourishment and binding force that cultivates a sense of community.

Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the bank, said that over the years, food has influenced cultures of the world just like fashion and music.

He spoke at a “Jollof Rice War’’ competition, a side event by Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) and African Food Changemakers on Tuesday at the hybrid IATF2023 in Cairo, Egypt.

The event had master classes and demonstrations which brought together famous chefs from Africa and the Caribbean, where Oramah also participated in the cooking on site.

Oramah said: “So, food is just another way for us to tell our story.

“We should talk about how African food is influencing all of the cultures .

“Talking about food, cuisine does not only take you to the end of the value chain of agricultural products.

“If it takes you to the end of the agricultural product, it means that we have to find a way to increase the way that our food is eaten and the scope of the spread, to attract the highest value of what we produce at home.

“So, going all the way to the culinary and gastronomy, it is a logical fine step to the journey of what it takes to return to Africa what belongs to Africa, to also preserve our culture.’’

 

Prof. Benedict Oramah of Afreximbank and Renowned actor Boris Kodjoe
Prof. Benedict Oramah of Afreximbank and Renowned actor Boris Kodjoe

 

According to him, food serves as a communal experience that goes beyond geographical boundaries, connecting peoples through shared culinary traditions.

He also said food and religion are intertwined, calling for preservation of food cultures and practices to promote biodiversity.

“Don’t forget, in many of our cultures, food is also part of the of religion, so to say. There are certain kinds of food we eat when we do certain kinds of sacrifices, to the gods.

“I know other religions have come and those things are beginning to change, but because we use the food to celebrate those things, they bring a sense of community.

“Those who talk diversity, should also promote diversity in the food we eat.

“This is because if we preserve and develop our own food, we will now preserve the plants that produce them,’’ he said.

Oramah said in the context of global Africa, Africans should not allow our cuisines to be diluted so much by outside influences.

This, he said, had diverse outcomes, including health implications.

“If our cuisines are diluted by outside influences, our bodies will reject them. We start having more non communicable diseases because our bodies, our genes, are not adapted to those kind of foods.

“Because we are beginning to negate a lot from cultural heritage, many things including the food we eat, that is why today, we are having phenomenal increase in diseases.

“So, as you promote our cuisines, gastronomy, we are promoting good health for ourselves.

“As we promote our cuisines, we are helping ourselves take commanding heights of our economy.

“If we promote our food, we will be preserving the environment. If we promote our food, we will be increasing the sense of community.

“If we promote our food, we will increase the confidence we have in ourselves because nobody can come and tell us our food smells one way or the other.

“So, going forward at Afreximbank, thanks to our wives, who introduced this vertical in our work, we are going to develop it and we must thank all the chefs for helping us to realise that vision of CANEX.

“CANEX, the platform, to crowd source ideas, with one thing as a must in all of that, making Africa great again.

NAN reports that the programme develops a supportive farm-to-table ecosystem and addresses issues such as food sustainability, GMOs, local agriculture, the franchise business and the art of African cuisine.

It’s about celebrating African cuisine, supporting local food chains and empowering entrepreneurs. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Defence/Security

National unity: Don seeks behavioural change, change in narrative

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, a Professor of Participatory and Development Communication, Nasarawa State University has called for attitudinal change and change in narrative  to promote national unity and development.

Dandaura made the call while delivering a paper titled, ‘To Change Narratives, Change Behaviour’ at the 5th Edition of OurNigeria News Award 2023 on Sunday night in Abuja.

The 2023 edition of the award has the theme “Providing a Podium for the Unsong Hero”.

The don recalled one of the conversations between Sir Ahmadu Bello and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe on the issue of Nigeria’s unity where both leaders ended up with two different theses in terms of how to forge the unity in Nigeria.

According to him, while Azikiwe said they needed to forget their differences, whether religious or cultural, the Sardauna disagreed and emphasised the need to recognise and respect their differences so that in negotiating those differences they could build a united Nigeria.

He said that they were both correct, adding that it was important since everybody had different environment, different capabilities and different limitations.

“So what is important is how do we forge this unity and meet all these differences.

“As I prepared this lecture, I decided to take a simple survey randomly of 380 young people in my training database across Nigeria.

“I asked three simple questions which border on knowing the extent to which they are satisfied with the state of unity in Nigeria.

“96 per cent of them were not satisfied with the state of unity and their reasons range from nepotism in the higher places, corruption, insecurity, unemployment and leadership failure, and of course their exclusion in politics as they saw it.

“They were, however, very generous with respect to how we can change the situation but I noticed that out of the total, 98 per cent gave recommendations that were targeted at changes that they wish to see in their political leaders, government officials, religious leaders, and other actors.

“Only two per cent included on their list few things that they thought they should change themselves for us to have a united and progressive Nigeria.

According to Dandaura, when we talk about nation building, most times we expect the next person to take the lead while we forget our role in the process of building unity and forging integration.

Nigeria, he said, is a beautiful country by all standards with abundant human and natural resources that any country could boast of as well as can do spirit.

The don said that needed a reorientation to change the narratives that even some Nigerians do not believe that anything good could happen in their country.

According to him, one of the major problems has been leadership failure and the truth is that majority of Nigerians believe that our leaders are not able to satisfy our aspirations and what we expect of them.

Also speaking, the Publisher of OurNigeria News Magazine, Dr Muhammed Abubakar said that leadership crisis was one of the challenges that had hindered progress and unity in the country.

Abubakar said it was that understanding that informed the decision of the media outfit to use platforms like awards to unveil and showcase men of timber and caliber that could be seen and given more responsibilities in their assignments.

He said that some of the people that were conferred with the awards in previous editions were also conferred with the National Honour by former President Muhammadu Buhari, an indication that the awards were well deserved.

According to him, the whole thing is all about value addition, adding that excellence would not be found on the streets but through diligence and hard work.

“So whenever you see excellence, treasure it, celebrate it and honor it and that is the whole idea behind this very award.

“It is all about identifying excellence, identifying people who are adding value, then you celebrate them, and encourage them so that they will do more,” he said.

The Chairman of Awards Organising Committee, Dr AK Peters, said it was a platform to honor those who had performed at the superlative level, adding that the awards were not for sale nor for the highest bidder.

Peters said the awards were a prestigiously conferred honor on carefully selected and highly inspirational heroes whose uncommon achievements had evoked admiration and emulation.

“Our awards are only for those who scaled through the clear cut parameters, criteria, scrutiny and competency appraisal of our eagle eyed conservative old school crack team of assessors.

This way, our unsong heroes, indeed the real heroes of our Nigerian society can be known, sing song, celebrated and rewarded for raising the bar in leadership and the quest for a better Nigeria.

“It is not worthy to state that majority of those who have received these awards in the past were elevated in their various fields of endeavour,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 25 Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their various field including traditional rulers, religious leaders and politicians, as well as security, business and entertainment were conferred with the awards. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris
General News

Information Minister calls for unity, progressive engagements

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says with the final judgment of the Supreme Court on election petitions, Nigerians from different social, political and ethnic backgrounds should embrace unity for progress.

Idris, in Abuja, urged Nigerians to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, to build the country of our dream.

He explained that the rulings by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Thursday had put to rest the petitions filed regarding the 2023 Presidential Election that brought President Bola Tinubu to office.

“The courts have spoken and the president and the ruling party, APC have welcomed this judicial victory as pronounced.

“We thank the Judiciary for the painstaking work that they have done, and for rising up to the occasion in fulfilment of their constitutional mandate as the final arbiters of electoral proceedings in the country.

“Now that the legal contest regarding the outcome of the presidential election is now behind us, it is time for all of us to come together and build the Nigeria of our dream.

“President Bola Tinubu has made it clear that he will be a President for all Nigerians, regardless of regional, ethnic, partisan, or religious affiliations,” Idris said.

The minister explained that since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, he has been working tirelessly to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda that formed the basis of his coming into office.

He added that the president has implemented unprecedented reforms that, while tough and painful in the short term, wey necessary foundations for the economic growth and prosperity that the people of Nigeria deserved.

He said the removal of petrol subsidies, which was already envisaged by the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, wa freeing up significant resources for Federal and State Governments to invest in infrastructure and welfare programmes for the benefit of citizens.

“Similarly, the ongoing liberalisation of the foreign exchange regime is designed to close loopholes and gaps that have been exploited in very unscrupulous ways over the years.

“These have led to the loss of billions of dollars in our scarce, hard-earned resources.

“The combined impact of these reforms has no doubt produced pain for many of our citizens, which the president and the administration have never shied away from acknowledging.

“No serious government seeks to inflict burdens on its people.

“We are very clear in explaining that these pains being felt are a short-term sacrifice to make for the kind of country that we want and that we deserve,” Idris said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that heads of agencies under the ministry, including the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Alhaji Ali M. Ali, were also in attendance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

General News

FG tasks FCC on mandate to promote national unity

By Okon Okon
The Federal Government on Tuesday, charged the Federal Character Commission (FCC) on its mandates to promote national unity of Nigeria.
Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), gave the charge while declaring open a 3-day Sensitisation Programme in ‘Imperative of accurate data submission for development: A strategic partnership with critical stakeholders and advocacy on balanced development.’
The workshop with the theme, ‘Equity, fairness and justice in the distribution of resources as a tool in realising the renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration’, is organised by the FCC for the stakeholders from the North-East zone of the country.
It is also aimed at highlighting the imperatives of submission of accurate data to support FCC implementation strategies in the overall action plan for achieving the commission’s mandates.
Speaking further, Akume, who was  represented by Dr Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Service in the office of the SGF, said FCC had played vital roles toward national cohesion, nation building and inclusiveness in the governance process of Nigeria.
He urged FCC to further take bold determination to ensure the implementation of its important mandates in tandem with the present administration’s agenda of renewed hope for the country.
“There is no doubt that the role of the Federal Character Commission is a pivotal one driven by our efforts as a nation towards national cohesion, nation building and inclusiveness.
“Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution has captured it aptly as the distinctive desire of the people of Nigeria to promote national unity, foster national loyalty and give every citizen of Nigeria a sense of belonging to the nation.
While appreciating FCC for the workshop, Akume said the decision was in line with the expectation of the adoption of an acceptable formula for the equitable distribution of socio-economic amenities and infrastructural facilities across the federation.
“It is therefore pertinent to note that the national trajectory, must have in mind the tripod of equity, fairness and justice, which the nation stands, is our collective resolve to entrench not only in the distribution of resources but in every facet of our national life and conduct.
“It is on this note that I call on the Management of the Federal Character Commission to work together as a team in realisation of the mandate of the commission.
The SGF, however, used the medium to remind the commission and other organs of government that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is determined to reengineer all organs of government for effective service delivery.
Earlier, Dr Muheeba Dankaka, Executive Chairman of FCC, explained that the policy thrust of the renewed hope agenda of the present administration was all about equity, fairness and justice.
This, Dankaka said was in tandem with the entire principle of Federal Character, adding that the commission’s mandate form the nucleus of government agenda.
“Ladies and gentlemen, over time and since I assumed office over three years ago, one critical factor that has been a recurring decimal is the lack of understanding and perception of the Federal Character principle amongst our people and particularly the implementing stakeholders.
“This deficit of comprehension has in many ways affected the total implementation of the principle of Federal Character of equity, fairness and justice in the distribution.
“And proportional sharing of not only bureaucratic posts but also distribution of infrastructural facilities, economic and social amenities amongst the federating units,” Dankaka explained.
Also, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman Committee on Federal Character, expressed the senates’ commitment to give maximum support to the commission so as to execute its core mandates to ensure the desire of the commission.
Represented by Sen. Diket Plang, Onyesoh said the present senate is the Senate with the complete desire for the stability of Nigeria, adding that Nigeria can achieve such stability if every character in the country is fairly represented.
“All would be well with Nigeria if every citizen is included in the governance, all would be well with us if everybody is part of what is taking place, and that is the primary function of the FCC meaning that all should be involved,” he said.
FCC was established in 1996 to implement and enforce the Federal Character Principle of fairness and equity in the distribution of public posts and socio-economic infrastructures among the various federation units of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ekemini Ladejobi
General News

Again, leading traditional rulers re-echo appeals for Nigerians to close ranks

By Lucy Ogalue

Three leading traditional rulers on Thursday re-echoed their pleas for Nigerians to close ranks and build a formidable nation that would stand the test of time.

The traditional rulers spoke at a ceremony and book launch to mark the 80th birthday of King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII and Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom in Bayelsa.

Setting the tone, Daukoru urged Nigerians to continue to live in peace and unity, despite the glaring diversities among the ethnic nationalities that made up the country.

He said that Nigerians should use their diversities to build a united, indivisible nation, where every citizen should stand in solidarity with each other.

The octogenarian, who was also a former minister of state for petroleum resources, advised Nigerians to always show diligence in their duties to build a successful nation.

Also speaking, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, reiterated the importance of unity for Nigeria to stand as a nation.

Ogunwusi, however, told traditional rulers to preach unity to their people, describing peace and unity as key factors in fostering national growth and prosperity.

“Politicians come and go but we as traditional rulers remain in our kingdoms. It is our duty to encourage and maintain unity among our people.

“Nigeria is our country. We have no other country. So as traditional rulers, we should use events like this to send messages to our people and even to generations unborn.

He lauded Dakoru for his commitment to nation building, saying that the gathering was a way of showing appreciation to what the Bayelsa king had been doing to promote Nigeria’s growth.

“We are very proud of you and we pray God to bless you and the works of your hands,’’ Ogunwusi said.

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar III, commended traditional rulers for the roles they had been playing to foster unity in Nigeria.

Congratulating Daukoru on his birthday, Abubakar described him as a man of many parts, who had made remarkable contributions to the unity and progress of Nigeria.

Speaking on “The Imperative of Energy Security for Accelerated Rural Development’’, a former Economic Adviser to the President, Prof. Magnus Kpakol, called for deliberate effort by government to develop the resource-rich Niger Delta.

Kpakol, who is also the Executive Chairman of the Economic Growth and Development Centre, said that Nigeria would never be successful as a nation without the development of the Niger Delta.

“There must be an intentional approach to developing the Niger Delta for the entire nation to develop,” Kpakol stated, noting that human capital was key to economic development.

He argued that no country would become self-sufficient without human capital development, expressing his regrets that up to 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacked access to electricity.

Kpakol said that to achieve rural electrification in Nigeria, the government should be intentional, purposeful and institutionalize human capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by many traditional rulers, top government functionaries and captains of industry. (NAN)

Edited by Silas Nwoha

 

Defence/Security

Tinubu committed to national unity, cohesion – Defence Minister

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, says that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to promote national unity and cohesion as key element of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Matawalle said this at the inauguration of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 32,  with the inaugural lecture titled, “Strengthening National Unity for Security and Development in Nigeria”, on Friday in Abuja.

He said that threats to national unity, security and development remained a major priority for the administration of President Tinubu,  to drive his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister said that Nigeria was plagued with insecurity attributed to insurgency, sectionalism, banditry, demand for resource control, tribalism, religious intolerance, among others.

He said the President had made concerted effort aimed at addressing some of the key issues, which seemed to threaten Nigeria’s national unity especially in the area of political appointments.

According to him, Mr President has displayed commitment to the inclusivity of all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion or party affiliation.

“Additionally, President Tinubu, while in New York for the UN General Assembly, had a sideline meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora, and asked them to come back home and build our dear nation.

“These are few of the efforts among many aimed at restoring national unity in our dear nation, Nigeria.

“Although pockets of challenges such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping as well as militancy in parts of the country still exists, combined with the impact of oil subsidy removal.

“You will all agree with me that this present government has recorded a lot of achievements in tackling not only the manifestations of the challenges, but more importantly their root causes with the overall goal of strengthening national unity for security and development of+ Nigeria,” he said.

Matawalle solicited for the support of all Nigerians and international community in the government’s quest to promote national unity and security.

He added that the effort of various countries at ensuring security and economic development, which would eventually translate to the development of the African continent could be achieved faster by promoting unity among the various nations.

He commended the NDC for its commitment to the promotion of national unity and national security through its courses and other engagements over the years, and urged participants to strengthen the bond of relationship that would outlive their stay in the college.

While delivering the inaugural lecture, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said the issue of national unity and cohesion had remained in the front burner of the nation’s development.

Kana said the theme of the lecture was about creating a Nexus between social security, political security, food security, national security and military security.

He said that issues facing Nigeria today was not just a situation of insecurity that required military intervention, but a challenge that could be addressed through good governance, political stability and ensuring a sense of belonging for all.

According him, it is about ensuring that nobody is discriminated against and allowing everybody to contribute his quota towards the growth and development of Nigeria.

He recommended that the Federal and state governments, urging them to adopt result-Based Inter-governmental Fiscal Transfers as part of  its budget process to enable funds to reach the poor and needy population.

He also advocated that government should promote media engagement and ensure effective communication with the citizens through the National Orientation Agency and other channels.

Earlier, the College Commandant, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, said that Course 32 had a total of 108 participants, comprising 68 senior officers from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, six participants from Nigeria Police Force and 19 senior officers from other security agencies and strategic ministries, departments and agencies of government.

He added that the course also had 16 international participants from different countries, which include the Republic of Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Cote d’ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Germany, India, Liberia and Mali.

Others are Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

Metro

Nigeria @63: Kano deputy governor sues for unity, peace

 

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 63rd independence anniversary.

 

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Shuaibu, Gwarzo said that the anniversary was a time to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and celebrate its achievements.

 

The Deputy Governor also urged Nigerians to work together to build a better future for the country.

 

“As we celebrate this anniversary, let us remember the sacrifices of our forefathers who fought for our freedom. Let us also remember the challenges that we face as a nation and work together to overcome them.

 

“I believe that Nigeria has a bright future ahead of it. We are a blessed nation with abundant resources and talented people. Let us work together to build a country where everyone can thrive,” he said.

 

Gwarzo also used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to be united and embrace peace.

 

He said that the country can only achieve its full potential if Nigerians are united and work together.

 

“I urge all Nigerians to embrace peace and unity. Let us put aside our differences and work together to build a better future for our country” Gwarzo said.(NAN)

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