The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the temporary suspension of communication licenses in 3 categories
The Commission notified that the categories included Interconnect Exchange Licence,Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence and Value Added Service Aggregator Licence
NCC, in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka said the temporary suspension was necessary to enable the Commission conduct a thorough review of several key areas within these categories, including the current level of competition, market saturation and current market dynamics.
“The public is invited to note that during the suspension period commencing on 17 May, new application for the aforementioned licences will not be accepted.”
“This is without prejudice to pending applications before the commission will be considered on their merits.” The Commission said
“Any enquiry or clarification in respect of this suspension notice should be forwarded to: licensing@ncc.gov.ng.”
Nigeria’s Omoniyi Ibietan, Elected Secretary-General of APRA
Maryam Aminu
The Head of Media Relations Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Omoniyi Ibietan, has been elected as the secretary-general of the African Public Relations Association (APRA)
Ibietan was elected at the ongoing 35th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday.
Ibietan was elected into a three-man Executive Council. The other two members are Arik Karani (Kenya), President, and Dr. Michele Mekeme (Cameroon), Vice President.
Reiterating dedication, Ibietan, a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and APRA, promised to work with other members of the Executive Council to continue the trajectory of reforms in APRA, expand the democratic space by encouraging greater participation of national public relations institutions on the continent.
He reiterated his readiness and commitment to work more closely with the African Union Commission and Council of Ministers to put public relations at the heart of policy, programmes, and project implementation.
Ibietan, a journalist, writer, and author works with the NCC where he oversees aspects of the public communication strategy of the national regulatory authority for telecommunication in Nigeria.
Earlier in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, he was Special Media Advisor to the Federal Minister of Information and Communication and has over 20 years of experience in media and communication scholarship and practice, spanning journalism, academia, policy discourse, communication strategy, regulation, and stakeholder relations.
Ibietan earned BA and MA in Communication Arts and Communication & Language Arts from the Universities of Uyo and Ibadan in Nigeria, respectively, graduating atop his classes.
He had earlier obtained a diploma in journalism with distinction from the Moscow-Based International Institute of Journalism and also holds a Ph.D. in Communication from the North-West University in South Africa, with specialisation in political communication.
Ibietan, who is a IP3 certified regulation specialist and holds a mini MBA in telecommunications from NEOTELIS in Paris, is also a member of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), an Associate Registered Practitioner of Advertising (arpa) and member of the International Institute of Communications (IIC), the world’s only policy debating platform for the converged communications industry.
As a scholar, Ibietan focuses on patterns of political communication through new media; media and culture studies; and theoretical & normative foundations of communication in relation to democracy and freedom.
He is on the faculty of the Nigerian campus of Italy-based Rome Business School (RBS), where he teaches doctoral students PR & Advertising and Media Management & Communication Strategy as well as facilitates learning to students in the Master of Corporate Communication programme at RBS.
APRA, the successor to the Federation of African Public Relations Association (FAPRA), instituted in Nairobi in 1975, exists to foster unity of Africans and their global allies through interactions and exchange of meaning. This year’s theme is ‘One Africa, One Voice: Bridging Africa’s Communication Divide’.
APRA Côte d’Ivoire 2024 is endorsed by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, the Holding Opinion & Public (THOP), and major global PR associations, namely the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA), the African Union Commission (AUC), and PR national associations across the continent.
Additionally, the conference featured the eight edition of the Innovation Summit (IN2SUMMIT) and included the seventh edition of the SABRE Awards Africa, holding tonight. The APRA secretariat is in Nigeria, and the body maintains an observer status with the African Union.
Maryam Aminu
The Head of Media Relations Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Omoniyi Ibietan, has been elected as the secretary-general of the African Public Relations Association (APRA)
Ibietan was elected at the ongoing 35th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday.
Ibietan was elected into a three-man Executive Council. The other two members are Arik Karani (Kenya), President, and Dr. Michele Mekeme (Cameroon), Vice President.
Reiterating dedication, Ibietan, a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and APRA, promised to work with other members of the Executive Council to continue the trajectory of reforms in APRA, expand the democratic space by encouraging greater participation of national public relations institutions on the continent.
He reiterated his readiness and commitment to work more closely with the African Union Commission and Council of Ministers to put public relations at the heart of policy, programmes, and project implementation.
Ibietan, a journalist, writer, and author works with the NCC where he oversees aspects of the public communication strategy of the national regulatory authority for telecommunication in Nigeria.
Earlier in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, he was Special Media Advisor to the Federal Minister of Information and Communication and has over 20 years of experience in media and communication scholarship and practice, spanning journalism, academia, policy discourse, communication strategy, regulation, and stakeholder relations.
Ibietan earned BA and MA in Communication Arts and Communication & Language Arts from the Universities of Uyo and Ibadan in Nigeria, respectively, graduating atop his classes.
He had earlier obtained a diploma in journalism with distinction from the Moscow-Based International Institute of Journalism and also holds a Ph.D. in Communication from the North-West University in South Africa, with specialisation in political communication.
Ibietan, who is a IP3 certified regulation specialist and holds a mini MBA in telecommunications from NEOTELIS in Paris, is also a member of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), an Associate Registered Practitioner of Advertising (arpa) and member of the International Institute of Communications (IIC), the world’s only policy debating platform for the converged communications industry.
As a scholar, Ibietan focuses on patterns of political communication through new media; media and culture studies; and theoretical & normative foundations of communication in relation to democracy and freedom.
He is on the faculty of the Nigerian campus of Italy-based Rome Business School (RBS), where he teaches doctoral students PR & Advertising and Media Management & Communication Strategy as well as facilitates learning to students in the Master of Corporate Communication programme at RBS.
APRA, the successor to the Federation of African Public Relations Association (FAPRA), instituted in Nairobi in 1975, exists to foster unity of Africans and their global allies through interactions and exchange of meaning. This year’s theme is ‘One Africa, One Voice: Bridging Africa’s Communication Divide’.
APRA Côte d’Ivoire 2024 is endorsed by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, the Holding Opinion & Public (THOP), and major global PR associations, namely the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA), the African Union Commission (AUC), and PR national associations across the continent.
Additionally, the conference featured the eight edition of the Innovation Summit (IN2SUMMIT) and included the seventh edition of the SABRE Awards Africa, holding tonight. The APRA secretariat is in Nigeria, and the body maintains an observer status with the African Union.
In a significant development, the Birnin Magaji/Kaura Namoda Federal Constituency has commenced the recall process for suspended Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji. This move follows his indefinite suspension by the All Progressive Congress (APC) Zamfara State Chapter due to anti-party activities aimed at weakening the party’s strength and popularity in the state.
Jaji’s recall process was as a result of his suspension because of his anti-party activities, which included refusing to respect invitations to APC activities at the ward and local government levels, creating factions in the party, and undermining key party members, including Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence. His actions were aimed at weakening President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political grip on the North West region, and his suspension is a testament to the party’s commitment to discipline and unity.
The processes of the recall of Jaji is democratic as the he has been suspended indefinitely.
Prior to his recall process, the law maker has been having issues with the party. According to the Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, he was suspended following a discovery by the party of his political misconduct which included anti-party activities that led to the failure of the party in the last general elections in the state.
Accordingly, the State Executive Committee of the APC, Zamfara State Chapter held an emergency meeting at the State Party Secretariat, Gusau on the 17th May 2024, where Hon. Jaji’s suspension matter was tabled to the members during which a report of an already constituted state fact- finding committee on Anti-Party activities established in the aftermath of the 2023 Zamfara State Governorship election was presented to the state’s committee for deliberations by members.
The findings of that committee as contained in its report dated 15th July 2023 equally fingered Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji in direct involvement in anti-party activities and recommended for his immediate suspension from the party pending the review and deliberations by the State Disciplinary Committee and subsequent ratification by the State Executive Committee. The 7-Man State Disciplinary Committee also recommended his suspension from the party having failed to appear before the committee despite several invitations. The State Executive Committee thereafter reviewed the earlier findings made by the State Disciplinary Committee and agreed with its recommendations and resolved to suspend him based on the findings.
In view of the foregoing, the Zamfara State APC Executive Committee resolved and approved the suspension of Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji from the party based on the recommendations of the State Disciplinary Committee which was earlier made, coupled with his recent suspension by APC Birnin Magaji Ward Executive Committee and affirmed by APC Birnin magaji Local Government Executive Committee.
Jaji’s sins are many. Aside his anti- party activities, he has another serious allegation leveled against him by the Nigerian Patriotic Youth Against Corruption. In a petition written to the anti graft agency; Economic and Financial Crime Commission ( EFCC), the body is calling on EFCC to look into allegation of terrorism financing and banditry levelled against the House of Representatives member, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji. The Human Rights Writers Association ( HURIWA) are also making similar demand of the EFCC on Jaji.
A visit to the State as at the time of filing in this report showd thousands of APC Supporters in Zamfara State celebrating the suspension of Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji over his multiple anti party involvement during and after the 2023 elections.
Consequent to these unacceptable behaviors of Hon. Jaji the people of his Constituency have initiated a recall process that will remove him from the National Assembly. They have started gathering signatures and the response is very high. Most people interviewed were of the opinion that the irresponsible attitude of Hon. Jaji and disrespecting of notable illustrious leaders like Dr Matawalle is the reason why they are supporting his recall. It is reprehensible to lose focus at the National Assembly and condescend so low by sponsoring attacks on Matawalle because of his support and solidarity with President Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
However, our concern and agitation now is why should Jaji go on suspension and eventual recall without his Master, the first Civilian Governor of the State, Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura who has been working hand in hand with Jaji in sabotaging the party in the State, who as well recently declared his ambition to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the upcoming 2027 general election.
As the saying goes, “a stitch in time saves nine.” Jaji’s recall process is a timely move, and it is advisable that the process of the recall should be completed without further delay. If the recall process succeeds, it will go a long way in determining the success of the 2027 general election in the State. APC members will know that it is not business as usual and that the supremacy of the party is sancrosant.
Defence Headquarters has debunked the rumours roaming the social media space of about 500 people kidnapped in Zamfara State says, it is all false.
According to the press release signed by Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations on 17th May, 2024, The Defence Headquarters has dismissed the false information circulating on social media platforms, claiming that 500 individuals have been abducted in Zamfara State. “This information is baseless and lacks any factual evidence”.
The military urged the general public to disregard such fabricated news, as no such incident has occurred. They emphasized the importance of verifying information from credible sources before disseminating it further.
The military further reiterated its commitment to maintaining security and protecting the lives and property of citizens. They urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and accurate information to apprehend criminal elements in their respective communities.
It is essential to rely on authorized information sources like the military or relevant government agencies to avoid spreading false information that may cause panic and fear among the populace.
“Troops of Op Hadarin Daji which covers the NW of the country are actively fighting and conducting ongoing operations in and around Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State. It must be noted that troops are fighting a vicious enemy in a complex combat environment in which several factors are at interplay both on and off the battlefield.
The virtual reality as well as the reality on the ground. The virtual reality which is mostly on social media is more of fictitious figures and extreme exaggeration of the situation on the ground.
“For instance, it is fictitious and over exaggerated to state that over 500 people were abducted by terrorist,while in reality troops can confirm that 4 persons were abducted. It must be recalled that same was experienced during the Kuriga abduction during which the figures brandished were much higher than those truly abducted.
On the issue of rotation or overstayed troops in operational area. It is no news that, the current military leadership upon assumption of office addressed several of these issues. In fact, both issues were prioritised in line with enhancing troops welfare and administration. Accordingly, on the ground,troops continue to demonstrate stamina, resolve and strong desire to remain focused and stay the course until the enduring defeat of the terrorist and their cohorts.
The military admits that there is still a lot of work ahead to better secure citizens and protect them from acts of terror. Efforts are ongoing to better the cooperation with the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard. Efforts are ongoing to better secure the citizens in their farmlands with the set in of the rainy season. There is also a lot more ongoing, which is better left unsaid due to ongoing operations in the area.
Overall, we are in a good and strong position in this war against the terrorist with many terrorist leaders killed. We are making them pay a much heavier price than we have been forced to pay.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola has described the multiplicity and duplication of same roles at the nation’s seaports by government agencies as hindrance to the Federal Government’s national policy on the ease of doing business.
According to the press release signed Muhammad Tahir Zakari AD, Press & PR For: Director, Press & PR, reported by Gift Osima CIO (Press & PR) and Desmond Adyo SI & PRO, Press & PR on 15th May, 2024, the Minister expressed his dismay over this challenges earlier today, 15 May, 2024, in Lagos, at the Day 2 session of the Ministry’s “Stakeholders Engagement on Enhanced Activities in the Blue Economy sector”.
According to Oyetola, government exists for the very purpose of serving, helping and assisting the people through enacting welfarist policies.
He identified the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration’s policy on the ease of doing business as a focal example drawing out that the policy was introduced to ensure that impediments to conducive business operations in Nigeria alongside tax reveiws are assessed, pruned and simplified.
The Minister made the call following complaints by the Indigenous Fish Importers and Exporters Association that laboratory and sampling is embarked upon by both the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He noted that the time and number of samples taken alongside levies and taxes paid poses a serious challenge to the sub-sector and its members.
Stakeholders therefore, appealed to the Minister to engage some of these agencies and have their activities streamlined under one bod.
Responding, Oyetola assured that the Federal Government will find a solution to the said challenge, adding that fish exportation is another source of foreign exchange for the country and allowing it linger on will penultimately affect government’s revenue outlook.
He further assured stakeholders in the importation and exportation of fish that other challenges such as accelerated laboratory sampling, delay in the issuance of licence certificates amongst others will be taken upon by the Director of fishery and aquaculture in the Ministry.
Amidst several representatives of the Indigenous Fish Importers and Exporters Association and the Nigeria Fish Dealers Association, Producers and Processors,.notable amongst these contributions was that of the Acting National Secretary, National Fish Association of Nigeria, Chidike Ukoh who assured the Honourable Minister of the sub-sector’s capacity to meet local demands.
Chidike however urged the Minister on the need for the establishment of a security outfit with the mandate of securing the lives and properties of fishermen, this is even as he cited instances from establishment of agro rangers for the agric sector and Mining marshals, husbanding and protecting miners.
Also, worthy of notice was the contribution by the National Vice President, Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association of Nigeria (TADAN), Nurudeen Tiamiyu, diverting from request and support from the government, highlighted that so much perspective is been focused on cat and Tilapia fish farming whence other derivatives from the Blue Economy such as finfish, seaweed, urchins, session cucumbers and crustaceans farming are being shelved either consciously or unconsciously.
The Federal Government has expressed its willingness to reposition the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector for the realization of a prosperous and sustainable blue economy sector.
Giving the assurance in Lagos on Wednesday, 15th May, 2024 at the 2024 Ministerial Stakeholders Engagement with Indigenous Fish Importers and Exporters Association and members of the Nigerian Fish Dealers Association, Producers and Processors, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E, Adegboyega Oyetola identified Fisheries and Aquaculture as a key component of the blue economy, hence, a major focus of the Federal Ministry of the Marine and Blue Economy action plan.
According to the press release signed by Muhammad Tahir Zakari MFR AD( Press & PR) and Report by Gift Osima CIO (Press & Public Relations) and Desmond Adyo SIO (Press & Public Relations) on 15th May, 2024, the Hon. Minister explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for the sector is lofty and, with the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is demonstrative of this administration commitment to the sector.
This resolve, according to the Minister, “has further been reinforced by the movement of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy earlier this year”.
“This is instructive as all issues pertaining to the administration of Fisheries and its related activities now fall under the purview of the Ministry” Oyetola said.
On the importance of the key stakeholders interactive session, the Minister said: ” We recognize the notable contributions of Fish Importers in bridging the local demand gaps and the valuable boost exporters deliver through the export of our unique species to international markets”.
“The welfare of Nigerian citizens is closely tied to the availability of quality seafood products. It is for this reason that the Ministry considers your group a major partner in its pursuit to enhance our country’s sufficiency within a sustainable framework” Oyetola added.
He assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to create an enabling and conducive business environment that will promote the growth of the sub-sector.
In his opening remarks, the Parmanet Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi Michael told stakeholders that the engagement was specifically organized to rob minds with them and seek their feedback and contributions towards fast tracking the attainment of desired ideals in the country’s maritime sector.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the depth of understanding demonstrated by the present administration regarding the relevance of Marine and Blue Economy to the nation’s development is not in doubt, with the creation of the Ministry
Outlining some of the challenges affecting the industry, stakeholders on behalf of Indigenous Fish Importers and Exporters Association lamented on the issue of high cost of feed production due to high cost of diesel and petrol as well as the exchange rate, which according to them, is affecting their business. They, therefore, called on the Federal Government to intervene by providing duty waiver on import.
Furthermore, they spoke on difficulties in the areas of smuggling and unregulated fishing activities at the nation’s border, thus flooding the market with smuggled catfishes. They hence urged the government to help bring an end to the illegal cat fish trade in the country.
Nigerian is facing huge challenges to it’s security policy and it’s efforts to fight crime.
For Nigeria to attain the desired heights in security, it takes determination, the will to do it, and well-motivated people who have the ingredients of patriotism, ethics, professionalism, gainful employment, and social justice at play.
The Former Governor of Bauchi State, Mal. Isa Yuguda, stated this at the National Stakeholders Summit On State Police Saga, Organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security And Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force held on Thursday at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja,
Mal. Yagudu inaugurated as Chief Patron of CONYSSA
Speaking on the Theme: State Police saga: Efficiency over expansion: Solutions for police optimisation, Mal. Yuguda called for efforts to be directed to fixing the situation, by giving the central police adequate training, increased renumeration and well equipped equipment to do their job effectively
“The question you will first ask yourself is, what is wrong with our police today that we need a state police? Have they failed? Is it because they failed that we need the state police? So do we concede what Chinua Achebe said in his book, things fall apart, that when the centre cannot hold things fall apart. Have our police faile?. If they are failing, or we have come to the bitter conclusion that they have failed. So, are we creating that another setup? And what guarantee do we have that, since our police at the national level have failed, the police at the state level will survive? Because I thought maybe if you have robust police force that that is something that we should be proud of as a nation, and you will not want it to disintegrate and to be taken over by parts rather than they as a whole. So, I would imagine that let’s get first, our national police, right. For that when you have the state police, they have somewhere to refer to in the various challenges, or they even go for more capacity building because there’s a security institution that predates their own,” he said.
He added that to ensure the safety of its citizens, the State Governors must take decisive action to address insecurity
He further stressed that addressing the challenge of insecurity in Nigeria requires effective governance. If State Governors sees security as a prime objective, they will solve insecurity within the shortest possible time
The former governor queried the rationale for the call for state police saying there is potential for abuse of power: state governments could misuse police forces for political or personal gain, undermining human right and security.
He expressed the need to address the unrelenting welfare challenges of the central police before adopting state police
Earlier speaking, the Director General Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs CONYSSA Amb Ade Mario Emmanuel, notified that the idea behind the summit was to deliberate on the merits and demerits of State police being agitated.
He expressed displeasure about security outfits set up by the state governments
He said, “The question is are we ready for state police, why do we need state police? And who are those clamouring for state police? You got to understand that most of the security outfit that have been created by governors in some states have been headed by retired personnels so it means those that have worked and failed while they were in service are looking for a means to continue to sustain and milk the country’s treasury either directly or indirectly. We are saying that the young people have what it takes to fight insecurity. If this young people are properly mainstreamed, holistically in the fight against crime and other social vices in local community and state and the country at large.”
Director General Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs Amb Ade Mario Emmanuel giving his remarks at CONYSSA stakeholders summit
Speaking further, the Royal Father of the day Prince Ayeni Ajayi Clement expressed support for the establishment of state policing in the country. Adding that the ubiquitous manner in which crimes occur in every nook and cranny of contemporary Nigeria is a clear pointer to the fact that the current federal policing structure cannot provide optimal security provisions for Nigeria and Nigerians.
He highlighted the merits of implementing state police to enhance local responsiveness, improve crime prevention, and strengthen security at the grassroots level.
He added that state police if employed from the local would work better for the country and reduce the crime rate. According to him, the local knows every nook and cranny of the forest which is the hiding place of terrorists so if they are empowered and employed they will go into the forest and fetch out the criminals
Prince added that both federal and state police units will complement each other for optimal security provision
Prince Ajayi Clement taking notes at CONYSSA national stakeholders summit
In a bid to ensuring that Nigerian Youths feel safe and secured, the federal government has introduced Nigerian “Youth Helpdesk”, a platform that serves as a centralized hub to efficiently manage and resolve complaints from youths regarding the conduct of Police officers and other law enforcement agents in the country.
At the launch of the initiative labelled “Young and Secure” Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande explained that the move will create a database for strategic decision making and policy direction to foster an enabling environment for youths to feel safe and secured.
Hon. Minister of State for Youth Development Mr Ayodele Olawande (middle) with other dignitaries at the launch of ‘Young and secure’ at State House Abuja
The initiative which is a joint effort between the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Ministry of Youth Development, the Minister noted is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Young Nigerians.
According to Olawande “The initiative comprises three key components: enhancing civic commitment through a pact that addresses the security needs of young people, fostering youth-focused engagement to promote dialogue and cooperation with law enforcement agencies, and implementing a technology-powered platform for transparency, accountability, and swift resolution of security-related issues.”
He said the ministry is committed to ensuring the accessibility of the help desk nationwide, collaborating with stakeholders in all 36 states and the FCT to ensure smooth escalation and resolution of police-related concerns from Nigerian Youths
Encouraging the public to utilize the resource responsibly, the Minister implored Nigerian Youths to support the Ministries, disclosing that plans are in motion to bolster trust and collaboration between the police and Nigerian Youths which undoubtedly, would help to build a safer and more secure future for all.
Also speaking, Minister of States, Ministry of Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of every Nigerian, expressed optimism that the initiative will enhance the collaboration between the youth and the police towards strengthening National Security.
According to Sulaiman-Ibrahim, It will also elevates the role of the Nigerian youth in the security architecture of the nation, noting that the platform empowers the very vibrant segment of the society to be watchguards, and active participants in ensuring the safety and security of their communities.
She added that the essence of the initiative is rooted in the belief that we are all police, each with a responsibility to contribute to the protection and well-being of our nation.
Imaan noted that Nigerian youth embody an indomitable spirit despite the myriad challenges they face, their spirit remains unbroken, and their determination unwavering.
Earlier, the representative of the Inspector General of Police, DIG Dasuki Galadachi stated that reforms in the police are ongoing and the youth help desk is an addition to what the present leadership of police under the Inspector General of Police reactivated to enable citizens to report any challenges with the police.
“We have a Post Provost Marshall, Escort, IGP Monitoring Unit, Human Rights Desk, Police Complaint Response Unit, and with the advent of police community policing and social media such as X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and youth desk, Nigerians can interface through the social media to seek for redress of their genuine complaints”, he stated
The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim has said that the Federal Government will empower the Nigerian youth with appropriate skills and education to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development that will promote socio-economic progress.
She made this statement yesterday in Abuja at the Opening Ceremony of the Ministry’s Management Retreat on Presidential Priorities and Deliverables with the theme: ‘Achieving the Eight Presidential Priorities and Deliverables’ ,
She reiterated the need to provide Nigerian Youth with quality education, skills training and employment opportunities to make them self reliant.
The Minister explained that the youth population in Nigeria holds immense potential and opportunities for the nation. However, they face daunting challenges such as high unemployment rates, skill gaps, and limited participation in socio-economic and political spheres.
“These issues demand immediate and sustainable attention to unlock the full potential of this demographic and drive inclusive growth and development”. She added.
Ibrahim who stressed the importance of unity and collaboration said that each department, stakeholder, and partner plays pivotal roles in the success of the mission, explaining that by working together, they can harness collective expertise, resources, and passion to create a comprehensive and impactful youth development strategy.
According to the Minister, “the Ministry is at the forefront of a pivotal mission at this Retreat to formulate, implement, monitor, and evaluate youth development policies and programmes that will deliver our desired outcomes and fulfill our mission. Our work aligns with the national objectives and is crucial in ensuring that our youth are not only prepared to face the future, but are also equipped to thrive in the socio-political and economic development of our nation.”
Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim Bio
While admonishing the paticipants at the retreat, Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande stated that the only way the government can improve the lives of the youth in the nation is by being committed to empowering them , “This is crucial because, in the near future, people will inquire about the efforts made by the government to uplift the youth in the country”.
He stated that the Retreat is an opportunity for the Ministry to establish a strong foundation in order to make progress.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, expressed his commitment to assisting the Ministers in ensuring that policies and programmes not only aligned with national priorities, but also fast-tracked to deliver on the Ministerial Performance Bond within the specified time frame.
He emphasized that with the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the youth sector; they can deliver on the mandate and contribute to the development of the nation.
Prominent Civil Rights Advocacy group: HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has taken her agitation for all anti-corruption bodies in Nigeria to subscribe and comply fully with the constitutional principles of RULE OF LAW and push back any external pressure to resort to media orchestrated persecution of any alleged offender but to follow due process.
HURIWA also threw her unalloyed and total solidarity and support with the anti-corruption crusade of the EFCC which it maintained should be law-based and tailored towards strict compliance to the principle of rule of law and provisions safeguarding human rights of citizens encompassed in the GRUND NORM of the Nigerian state.
HURIWA’s peaceful assembly backed up by the constitutional provisions on freedoms of peaceful assembly and information enshrined in the binding chapter 4 of the constitution, was necessitated by the deluge of politically procured and motivated protests by politicians against the serving cabinet member of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu un the person of the minister of state for Defence. HURIWA is thereby advocating the observance of the tenets of the law thar recognises even suspects as being totally innocent in the eyes of the law until a contrary determination is reached by a competent court of law and not court of seekers of ‘lynch mob injustice’.
At the event attended by several affiliates and supporters of civil Rights and democracy, HURIWA’S national coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko read out a letter the Rights group also presented to the executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Mr. Olanipekun Olukayode even as the letter goes as follows:
Titled: SPONSORED PROTEST AGAINST MATAWALLE: POLITICS CARRIED TOO FAR AND A DISTRACTION: the body of the letter stated as follows:
“We are compelled to address the recent developments regarding the protests against the Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON. The protests, which appear to be sponsored, have reached a disturbing level and are now a cause for serious concern. While the right to peaceful assembly and free speech is fundamental, and these rights should not be exercised in a manner that disturbs public peace and security.
The latest group of protesters identified itself as Tinubu youths and Women Network. Besides, the APC Akida Forum recently submitted a petition alleging Dr. Matawalle’s involvement in arms deals and financial improprieties which happened about fifteen years back. However, it is imperative to state that if the allegation against him was true, he couldn’t have emerged as a member of federal House of Representatives, Governor of his state or a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It is crucial to emphasize that allegations alone do not constitute guilt. These claims lack substantial evidence and seem politically motivated. We urge that such matters be handled through the proper legal channels, with written petitions submitted to the EFCC as required by law, rather than through public protests that aim to intimidate and exert undue pressure on the Commission.
Dr. Matawalle has consistently operated within the bounds of the law and has expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the EFCC to ensure a transparent and fair inquiry. His track record of service to the nation speaks for itself. volumes about his integrity and dedication to public office. As such, the EFCC must conduct its investigations without external pressures or distractions.
The context of these allegations cannot be ignored. Nigeria’s political landscape is often marred by smear campaigns and character assassination attempts, particularly against those in positions of authority. The ongoing protests are likely aimed at diverting political office holders from their duties and responsibilities.
We, at HURIWA, respectfully request the Executive Chairman of the EFCC to discourage these politically motivated protests against government functionaries. We advise those with grievances to follow due process by submitting written petitions or seeking redress through competent courts of law. Furthermore, we propose that the protesters or their sponsors sign a bond agreeing that, should the investigation exonerate Dr. Matawalle, they will face arrest and be made to pay the same amount they are alleging as damages to Dr. Matawalle.
The EFCC is a respected institution that must uphold its mandate with integrity and independence. We trust that you will consider our concerns and take the necessary steps to ensure that justice is served impartially.”
*Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko: National Coordinator,
HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA).
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