News
Gov. Alia warns ex-govs to stop criticizing his govt, threatens to demolish hotels in Benue
From Attah Ede Makurdi
The Governor of Benue State Hyacinth Alia has warned former governors in the state to stop criticizing his administration without fact.
He threatened to order for immediate demolition of hotels and other residential buildings being used as hideouts for kidnappers and yahoo boys in the State.
He issued the threat while addressing his teeming supporters who came to welcome him at Government House Makurdi, upon his return from United States of America (USA).
The stated that security reports at his disposal, indicated that both kidnappers and yahoo boys have invaded the state and are being harboured by some hotels owners and lords, maintaining that he had already directed security agencies to summon hotels owners for a meeting to warn them.
“Am going to personally meet with hotels owners to tell them to desist from accommodating yahoo boys and kidnappers. The security reports available to me indicated that these things are happening. If we find any kidnappers in any building or hotel, we will destroy such building.
“Some hotels hide or shield some persons who come into the state without clear cut roles. If you know anyone involved in kidnapping, let me know. We are going to establish a phone center to enable you call for prompt action.
“If we discover any kidnapper or armed robber in any hotel or house, we are going to pull it down. We want to do good business in Benue and for people to come, we would not accommodate criminals”, Alia stated.
Speaking about attack on his government by past governors, Rev. Fr Alia told his predecessors to desist from criticising his administration without constructive evidences or fact, saying that they have had their own terms.
He stated that he would not allow anyone to destabilize his administration, stressing that, “I can’t allow anyone whether a former governor or Civil Servant . If you are a former governor and you have nothing to contribute to Benue, shut up. You had your term you went through it, allow the administration to work.
“You did your part and if you are in the state know exactly what you are saying. Criticisms are welcomed but verify your facts and must be constructive because you must know that whatever you say has consequence. If you have served your tenure you cannot stay by the side and destabilize this government’, he said
Governor Alia explained that he along 9 other Governors of the North were invited by USA Peace Institute to chat a way forward on insecurity confronting them.
“Ten Governors were there and a number of things were considered for implementation. Amongst them is how to get back out displaced persons home which is paramount to me.
“I have been away in the last eight days to sell the image of the state and clear it’s battered image. In the past, Benue wasn’t even at the national radar. It’s going to be a place where other states will come to learn, emulate and take back to their states.
“Farmers are getting back to farm in Gwer West, Gwer East, Guma and Makurdi among others are enjoying relative peace. Those;of us at the home front, must do our best. Each person is a security personnel and it must go beyond seeing something and saying something
“Don’t let anybody buy you off to sell your people don’t let anyone cow you to sell off your land. Cooperate with security apparatus to give us their best.The uniform people are here with us and for us. If someone wants to use you to steal cows or to cause mischief, tell them to bring back their children o take part or to be at the from.
“If we get to know of such in any community the person will face the music. Our people cannot settle for less.I’m a man of peace and I’m am poised to bringing peace into the State.
“I don’t want to stop at paying salaries or paying arrears, we have gone ahead to start employment. Whoever has called the Benue youth thugs should withdraw that statement. The youths of the state have suffered in the past and we won’t want anyone to picket them.
“The youths here are concerned about what happens in the state and I want everyone to respect them .They are the backbone of our APC in the state and the party has come to stay in the state.
“There are a lot of things we need to put in place to make our place liveable.
I don’t want to hear anything cultism in Benue. If cultism is your religion practice it silently, don’t disturb anyone with it. But I want to make it clear that cultism has no place in this state. 419, Yahoo Yahoo has no room here. “We want to do good business in Benue and for people to come, we would not accommodate criminals”, Alia maintained.
He urged Benue youths form farm cooperatives, stating that government is making arrangements to get seeds and inputs for the farmers.
The governor explained that his administration is also looking at the processing industry to stop post-harvest wastages incurred by the farmers in the state.
“Our pitches in the United States of America were primarily, on the productivity of our state including agriculture and the modernization of it. We as a government are strictly looking at the expansion of Agric and Agro-business in the state. Our next phase of this shift will probably be the processing industry. We usually incur post-harvest wastages. So we will make a shift where the farmers also gain, and we also are able to gain as a state.”he stated.
By Maxwell Nwafor,
The Kogi State House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources, has passed a vote of confidence on the activities of the Ministry of Water Resources for it overall commitment to meeting with the provision of portable water to the people of the State.
This is as the Commissioner, Engr. Yahaya MD Farouk assures that water would in the next few days begin to flow across taps in the State Capital and in other parts of the State.
The Assembly House Committee Members gave the verdict after it visit on an oversight function to the Ministry as well as after inspection of the turnaround work carried out on the old Lokoja Water works.
In his summation of the Members views after the visit, the Chairman House Committee of Water Resources led by Hon Tijani Ebaya, expressed satisfaction with the activities of the Ministry.
He assured of the support of the Committee in synergizing with the Ministry in meeting with the budgetary provision and other support for the Ministry.
The Committee Chairman described the Ministry of Water Resources as one of the performing Ministries working to meet with the vision of the present administration, said it underscores the importance the administration of Gov Usman Ahmed Ododo places in the provision of portable water to the people.
He described Gov. Ododo as one that is resolved and committed to ensuring that the water sector is functional, appreciated the patience and understanding of the citizens of the State while efforts is ongoing to fix the water challenges faced by the State.
He described the Assembly as a worthy partner in progress, called for Executive and Legislature relationship, through working synergy that will meet with the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
The Chairman urged for the input of the Assembly Members in the forthcoming 2025 budget of the Ministry, described the Commissioner as a round peg in a round hole, pointing out that he has justified the confidence reposed on him by the Governor in his appointment.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner said the devastating effect of the 2022 flood that ravaged the State damaged the Greater Lokoja water Works.
While the State he noted would require a sum of about N40b to rebuild another facility as an option from it current location, he added that another option of relocating the sensitive electromagnetic equipments above Water level also requires huge outlay, reasons the State Government south to fix the old Lokoja Water Works.
The Old Lokoja Water Works, Engr. Farouk explained had been abandoned since the advent of Greater Lokoja Water Works that began operations in 2009, however expressed optimism that with the works at over 90% completion, water would soon begin to flow in the State capital.
The Commissioner assured the committee soon as the disinfection, fumigation and washing of the water tanks are completed, water supply will begin within the next few days.
The Commissioner added that the Ministry has evaluated 23 Water facilities across the State, including 18 Bye Water schemes in the West and Central Senatorial Districts built during the Second Republic and under Military era in the State, with the view to putting them into use for the benefit of the people.
Engr. Farouk explained that the State Government has also keyed into the SPIN Project for support by the World Bank, said the initiative aimed at developing existing Federal Dams for Agriculture purposes and in line with Gov. Ododo’s Commitment to increased food production and security.
The Commissioner listed the major challenges of the Ministry to include shortage of manpower as well as lack of protection of water facilities by the Communities in the State, solicited the support of the House Committee for increased budgetary provision.
While he called for the cooperation from all stakeholders in the State to the protection of water facilities in their communities, Engr. Farouk solicited the support of the Committee on the passage of the draft irrigation water bill that would soon be presented for the Assembly’s approval.
The Commissioner also spoke on the ambitious plan of the State Government to provide rural water to rural areas through the Sustainable Water, Supply and hygiene Project, thanked the Committee for all the support enjoyed by the Ministry thus far.
Highlights of the oversight function was the visit to the Old Lokoja Water Works that has undergone a turnaround.
By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki
The senior special assistant to the President on community engagement (South East) Mrs. Chioma Nweze has said that the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is tackling the economic challenges facing the country through the provision of students loan and other incentives aimed at alleviating economic hardships in the country.
Nweze made this known while addressing a mammoth crowd of students during the maiden south east citizens engagement that took place at Ebonyi State University and University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State.
The Nations News Nigeria reports that, Nweze visited the Ebonyi State University, EBSU, UNN and University of Nigeria Enugu campus, UNEC to enlighten lectures/ students of the south east region on the need to participate/ apply for the federal government’s education fund/ loans and other opportunities available to the academic community.
The senior special assistant to the President, Nweze called on the students in the south east region to cue into the federal government programs and should apply for the loan to enable them cushion the effects of economic hardships in the country.
According to her: “The purpose of this south east engagement is to educate Nigerian universities and students on the importance of NELFUND and why the students need the loan, What they should do to access the loan and why they should tell other Nigerian students to do what they are doing. South East have taken the forefront in a lot of things and we want to tell us that there is nothing wrong in taking the loan.
“Anything that federal government brings, let’s be part of it, if it is grants, lets take it, and if it is loan let’s take it and if it is money for research, let’s take it. Let our universities be at the forefront and we shouldn’t be last.
Nweze, emphasized that: “Today’s engagement is crucial as we delve into the Nigeria Education Loan Fund(NELFUND), its objectives, eligibility criteria, and application process. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to address Nigeria’s economic challenges through various poverty alleviation programmes. It’s essential to note that these policies are still unfolding, and their effectiveness will manifest in fullness of time” she said.
Responding, the managing director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sanyerr said: “every student get opportunity to access this loan. I will fail in my job, if it only goes to one set of people and not to everybody. I am here in the South East region to plead with the students, that they must apply for this loan to enable them overcome their challenges.
“The main purpose that I’m here in the south east is to let the people of the area know that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fulfilled an election promise, to affect many areas of the lives of Nigerian citizens, and education is one of them. And one of the program within the education, is this students loan fund. Which seeks to provide loans to students who are Nigerian, who has the capacity and ability to engage and take their education further” he stated.
In a sperate reactions, the vice chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, however applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the students loan, which according to him, will help to tackle the rate of students dropout and reduce social vices in the country.
Also, the vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Polycarp Chigbu said: “This visit will motivate our students to participate in this program. You know that universities in Nigeria will always have their list of problems because of the economy. And this loan will help our students to solve their financial problems.
The vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria Enugu campus, UNEC, Prof. Aloysius Okolie said: “the loan will help us to reduce the burden we are facing in this university, this is because, everyday I go out searching for my friends who will come to pay school fees of the students. With this loan, I will now channel my energy in other things” he stated.
By Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Kashim Shettima has commissioned the Enugu State Fashion and garment hub at Anamco Emene Enugu. The VP also gave a personal support of 10 million naira to MSME participants.
The VP on Thursday commissioned the project during his visit in Enugu and also during the supervision of exhibition of the 5th Expanded National MSME Clinic, Enugu 2024 with theme “Bridging the gap between government and SMEs” at old government house Lodge GRA Enugu.
The VP in his speech commended the participants for their talents, commitment and passion in SME’s. He noted that he was moved to give some of the participants his personal support because of his satisfaction on their products and also their passion and commitment towards their SME.
He noted that the federal government will continue to partner with the government of Enugu State in terms of MSME’s. He furthermore stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mandated him to award a total of 150,000 naira to each outstanding MSME participants in Enugu
He commended the governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah for his good governance to the people of Enugu State,nhis humility and dedication in driving Enugu forward, especially in security, water supply and education.
The Governor of Enugu State Dr Peter Mbah in his speech noted that the Enugu State Fashion and garment hub is a facility developed by the office of the Vice President of Nigeria in partnership with the Enugu State government through the Enugu MSME centre.
He commended the Vice president for always being a champion for MSME’s growth to Nigeria economy. He said that what MSME’S is to Nigeria’s economy cannot be overemphasized stressing that 90 percent of business in the country are small-scale and the backbone of the economy.
He further noted that SME thrives only through careful policies that enhance the ease of doing business, sustaining of infrastructure, security among others. He further thanked him for the continuous support he has given to Enugu State.
The minister of science and technology Uche Nnaji commended the VP for touching the life of the poor through SME.
Member representing Enugu West and also the minority whip at the national Assembly Senator Osita Ngwu in his speech lauded the VP for commissioning several promising and changing projects and also projects that are people oriented. He also commended Governor Peter Mbah for establishing one of the biggest security projects in the country.
The Deputy Speaker house of representatives, Benjamin kalu applauded the VP saying that the key to resolve our youth unemployment is by giving them support through SME training.
The SSA to the Vice President on job creation and MSME, Mr Temitola Adekunle Johnson earlier in his speech said that Enugu State has benefited a lot from the federal government and advice the residents to cue in to federal government sme program.
From, Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The Governor of cross river state, Prince Bassey Otu has said that cross river is celebrating Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary with justification and optimism, urging Nigerians to shift their focus towards the long term National objectives rather than being pre – occupied with temporary challenges
Otu made this known in a statement to mark the Country’s 64th Independence Anniversary in Calabar the State Capital
Acknowledging the substantial economic challenges facing the nation, the Governor emphasized that the anticipated economic benefits of the ongoing reforms far surpass the current difficulties
” The eyes of Nigerians should be on the goals and not the momentary pains that afflict the body and the stress that assail the mental capacity, maintaining that the inconveniences are enormous but the expected gains of the reforms far outweigh the pains” he said.
Otu maintained that his administration is tackling hunger in the State through the home grown initiative which he said, “prices of food stuff in the state are beginning to come down,he stated.
“I’am prepared and willing to implement any measures aimed at ameliorating the suffering of cross riverians”
“My administration has lifted the 25 year embargo on employment by approving the employment of 2500 qualified indigenes into civil service, and has also approved the payment of N10 billion outstanding gratuities to retired Civil/ public servants in the state” he stated.
He stressed that the expectations of the governed are numerous and sincere, underscoring the importance of collective efforts to meet with the expectations
News
Nigeria @ 64: Ebonyi commissioner, Nwaobasi applauds Tinubu, Nwifuru for combating poverty, hardship
Ebonyi state commissioner for Land and Survey, Matthew Nwaobasi has applauded president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governor of the state, Francis Nwifuru for combating insecurity, poverty and hardship among citizens in the state.
Nwaobasi spoke with newsmen in Abakaliki, shortly after the anniversary celebration of Nigeria at 64 and Ebonyi state at 28, which took place at the governor” office centenary city, Ebonyi state capital.
He noted that there is massive infrastructural development and empowerment of citizens in the state, courtesy of their excellencies as a way to reduce economic hardship and suffering that is affecting people.
The commissioner, however urged the stakeholders in the state and south east at large to support the administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governor Francis Nwifuru to ensure better governance.
Nwaobasi, however commended the rate of growth and development in the state since its creation in 1996, adding that “the growth and development in Ebonyi is progressive, and there will always be a need to celebrate this great achievement by their excellencies”.
“There’s great need to celebrate Nigeria at 64, and Ebonyi at 28. From the day Ebonyi state was created, there is great need to celebrate the two events which are very symbolic in our life.
“As you have seen the level of development, If you measure comparatively the place we were in 1st October 1996 and today you will see that we have gone a long way in terms of development” he stated.
