The Nation News

Category: News

  • Gov Mbah tasks New NBA President, Osigwe to address challenges facing legal practice,  justice sector

    Gov Mbah tasks New NBA President, Osigwe to address challenges facing legal practice,  justice sector

    By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu,  Enugu 

    The governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has tasked the new  president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Osigwe to address challenges facing legal practice,  justice sector in general.

    He, however, congratulated Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, on his inauguration as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, describing him as a round peg in a round hole.

    Mbah, who is also a senior lawyer, charged Mazi Osigwe to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on  the task of addressing the challenges facing legal practice and the justice sector in general.

    In a statement released on Friday, Mbah said, “I join the rest of the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians in congratulating Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, on his inauguration as the 32nd President of the NBA.

    “As a member of the inner Bar, a former Secretary-General of the NBA, Chairman of the Unity Bar, and a consummate legal practitioner, who has distinguished himself in his calling, Mazi Osigwe is purpose-built for the office he was overwhelmingly elected to occupy.

    “Also, as a candidate, he articulated a blueprint for the advancement of the legal profession and the justice sector that enjoyed the buy-in of members. 

    “Therefore, I trust him to lead a proactive Bar that delivers solutions and benefits to legal practitioners and the justice sector in general.

    “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Enugu State, I wish him the best as he undertakes this onerous task.”

    Governor Mbah urged members of the Bar and Nigerians to accord the new NBA total support and cooperation to succeed.

  • VON DG, Ndace decries spread of fake news via social media in Nigeria

    VON DG, Ndace decries spread of fake news via social media in Nigeria

    By Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

    The Director General of Voice of Nigeria, (VoN) Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace has decried the spread of fake news in the country, especially through the social media which according to him has affected information sharing and management. 

    He, however, said that without traditional institutions some of Nigeria’s companies would have been worse.

    Ndace made the assertion recently during his courtesy visit to the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V. In Calabar.

    The VON boss who noted that it was imperative for the younger generation to know the roles the traditional institutions played in peace building offered his organisation’s platform for effective publicity of all the Obong’s programmes.

    He said Nigerians needed to be consistent and unapologetic in telling their stories because no one would blow Nigeria’s trumpet, other than Nigerians.

    “We are in a very difficult era as a country in terms of information sharing and management largely because of the social media through which missing for mission disinformation spreads.

    “There are enough positive stories to tell about Calabar, Nigeria and Africa, ranging from our diversity, dynamism, the beauty of our dressing and the way we respect our traditional institutions”.

    “Based on the renewed hope agenda of Mr President and the five point agenda of the minister of information and orientation we are determined and unapologetic about building a positive narrative about Nigeria and Africa,” he explained.

    In his remarks, the Obong of Calabar commended the VON DG for his determination to portray Nigeria in good light adding that his appointment was well deserved.

    The obong of Calabar stated that it was important for the Nations culture to be projected noting that history of the nation needed to be returned fully in the nation’s educational curriculum.

    He also used the opportunity to call on the Federal Government to support and empower traditional institutions more to enable them function effectively the way they should.

    “The traditional institutions should be recognized and given authority to do things and not just remembered only during the elections on when there are problems”.

    “We can’t continue to go cap in hand, begging politicians for resources to be able to carry out our functions in the society, we ask for financial backing from the government” he stressed.

  • CNPP boss, Abdullahi  decries water scarcity, urges Gov. Ododo to sustain good governance in Kogi

    By Mark Akudu, Kogi

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP has admonished Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo to sustain his good work in Kogi State.

    The Kogi State CNPP Chairman Comrade Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi made the appeal in a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Friday.

    He commended governor Ododo on his achievement in the last eight months in office and for his supreme Court victory, and further charged him not to be distracted in fulfilling his mandate for the people.

    “Governor Ododo in the last eight months has done well for the people of Kogi State. Salaries are paid before the 25th of every month, Local Government workers are now receiving 100 percent wages, the first for over 12 years, pensioners on a monthly basis keep smiling to the bank. 

    “This is a step in the right direction and a welcome development. CNPP is also aware of the massive infrastructural projects going on across the three Senatorial districts of the State. His engagement of political officers and holders have also been balanced. Now that he has started well, he should continue his good work in Kogi State” he stated.

    Comrade Abdullahi, however, reminded  Governor Ododo to as a matter of urgency look into the issue of water scarcity in Lokoja metropolis.

    “CNPP is aware that efforts are being put in place by the present administration to restore water supply to Lokoja and its environs. The Governor should make it fast because people are really suffering as a result of water scarcity. Am optimistic that it will be done within the shortest possible period of time” Abdullahi said.

  • Ebonyi Assembly cautions Royal Salt Company over alleged use of military men to subdue indigenes

    Ebonyi Assembly cautions Royal Salt Company over alleged use of military men to subdue indigenes

    ……Decries huge destruction of farmlands

    By Egede Ike, Abakaliki 

    The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Public Petition, Justice and Judiciary has cautioned First Patriot Company formally known as Royal Salt Company limited over alleged damages and insensibility metered on the people of Enyim Agelegu Ndufu Alike in Ikwo  Local Government Area of the state.

    The committee paid on the spot assessment to Enyim Agelegu Ndufu Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area following a series of petitions of willful damages and breach of contract agreement filed against the First Patriot Company formerly known as Royal Salt Company limited.

    In petitions written to the Committee by the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Mr. Romanus Okemini Nwakpu and Elder Clement Mgbebu Ede, they lamented the high handedness of the management of First Patriot Company as its  blasting activities always left them in agony of material and human loss.

    They equally expressed dissatisfaction on the way the company has been using military men to subdue their complaints in the face of the destruction of their farmlands, buildings and properties including the poisoning by the exhumed  minerals which has left so  many people dead.

    The people then resolved that in as much as the company is no more beneficial to them as envisaged , they should leave their land.

    The Catholic Priest in-charge of Holy Rosary Catholic Church Rev. Fr. Augustine Ovia said the damages done to the church building has rendered it unsafe for worshipers again as all the walls and roofings have been either cracked or carved in. 

    The House Committee on Public Petition, Justice and Judiciary therefore went to the village to ascertain the level of damages and to validate the claims of the petitioners. 

    The chairman of the committee, Innocent  Chikaodili Nomeh representing Ezza North West lamented the extent of the damages done to the farmlands  and buildings most especially the church which is just a stone throw from the blasting site. 

    Hon. Nomeh said that from the scenes on ground, the First Patriot Company has failed in providing the safety measures as contained in the  Mining Act and has not fulfilled its obligations to the host community but rather decided to turn a deaf ear to their plights.

    The House Committee Chairman maintained that he met a suffocating situation on the ground, where the mining activists by the company had rendered the majority of the villagers homeless and subjected them into perpetual fear.

    Hon  Nomeh urged the villagers to maintain peace and remain calm that the Government of Ebonyi State under the able leadership of our God given Governor, Rt. Hon Bldr. Ogbonna Nwifuru shall find a lasting solution to their problem. 

    Equally, Ifeanyi Nwakpa representing Ikwo North Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and from the area said that efforts have been taken on personal grounds for the company to ameliorate the sufferings of the people but the plea was  turned down and he assured affected people that the committee on public petition, Justice and judiciary will do justice to them 

    Other victims involved including Mr. Romanus Okemini Nwakpu and Clement Mgbebu Ede said their buildings have been shattered to the foundation and all efforts to make the company obligated to the repairs have failed. They appealed to the committee to help them out by making the company do the needful. 

    Ebonyi

    When the Liaison officer to the Company, Mr. Marcilenus Chukwu Joshua was contacted, he said that the company Is good at dribbling them as both farmlands and buildings have been destroyed while the Town Union President of Enyim Agalegu, Mr. Oboke Chukwu said that the company is not straight forward in its dealings with the host community and requested that the company should quit the village 

    The House Committee on Public petition, Justice and Judiciary then made an appeal to the community to remain calm and be law abiding as efforts will be geared towards making the company heed to their complaints, while the committee issued an instant warrant of arrest for the Director of the company Mr. Obia Alio as he has refused to appear before the committee on several invitations. 

    The Committee also visited Obegu Omege and Amaenyim villages where the duo  is having a land dispute and assured that having identified the areas in dispute, the committee will proffer solution to the problem.

  • Gov Mbah appoints NLC, TUC chairmen, others as New Minimum Wage Implementation Committee

    Gov Mbah appoints NLC, TUC chairmen, others as New Minimum Wage Implementation Committee

    By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

    Governor Peter Mbah has inaugurated the Committee for the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage for Civil and Public Servants in Enugu State, giving the Committee a maximum of one month to submit its report.

    The Committee which was inaugurated  on Thursday at the Government House, Enugu, had the Head of Service, Kenneth Ugwu, as Chairman; representative of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Sandra George as Secretary and the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Nathaniel Uramah.

    Others are the Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Chika Ugwuoke; and Accountant-General of the state, Anthony Okenwa as members.

    On the Labour side, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),  Enugu State chapter, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo and  Chairman of the state chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Benedict Asogwa.

    Others are the Chairman, Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Ezekiel Omeh and Chairman of the state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees, Comrade Udaya Ani are members.

    Inaugurating the Committee, Governor Mbah reiterated his commitment to workers’ welfare and urged the Committee to consult widely with relevant stakeholders, especially the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, to ensure that the workers take ownership of the eventual report.

    “We have set very ambitious targets for ourselves, and we know that the only thing between us and achieving these targets will be the human resources because as great as our visions and dreams might be, it would be impossible to achieve anything if we do not have a motivated workforce.

    “We recognised it from the very onset, which is why before the discussions on the new minimum wage came up, we introduced the wage awards, and made a commitment that we would not cease until we migrate to the new minimum wage.

    “That is why the constitution of this Committee for the implementation of the new national minimum wage is a very important exercise, and we have carefully selected members of this committee. We believe that you will be able to discharge yourself creditably,” he said.

    The governor added that, “We expect, as terms of reference, you should be able to come up with a comprehensive review of the salary chart of all categories and cadres of workers of both the state and the local government levels, the unified local government system, using the existing state salary chat as a guide. 

    “Finally, we will expect to have a detailed report submitted within a month. We want to get on with the implementation of the new national minimum wage as quickly as possible.”

    Speaking, the Committee Chairman and Head of Service, Kenneth Ugwu, assured the governor that the committee would surpass his expectation both in terms of time frame and quality of work.

    “We are aware of your commitment to the welfare and motivation of the great workers of Enugu State. All our recommendations are going to be aligned with your vision for a highly motivated  and productive public service.

    “We are not only going to meet your expectations, but we are also going to surpass them. One-month period is given to us, but I assure you that we are going to submit our recommendations in record time,” he stated.

    Speaking to Government House correspondent, Chairman of TUC, Comrade Asogwa, said Governor Mbah’s prompt action did not come to Enugu workers as a surprise, as he had been paying wage awards to workers since 2023.

    “The governor also made a promise to the health professionals to pay the 100 per cent Consolidated Health Workers Salary Structure (CONHESS) starting from this month of August. 

    “If you go to the health industry within the state today, all the health professionals are happy because they have started receiving the new salary alerts as promised.

    “So, setting up this Committee did not come to us as a surprise because we know the kind of person we have as a Governor. He is not playing.  The governor understands what it means to enter into a social contract with his people.

    “We have confidence in him. We feel happy that in no distant time, our financial situation as Enugu workers will be improved in Enugu State,” he said.

  • Road collapse: Gov Mbah Commissions State-Owned Mega Asphalt Plant in Enugu

    By, Chinelo Ude, Enugu 

    The governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has commissioned a mega asphalt production plant built by his administration.

    Inaugurating the plant in Enugu, Mbah also explained that the state would in addition produce the inputs for asphalt production, noting these moves would drastically reduce the cost of road construction for the state.

    “This is an event that brings us closer to our dream of bidding our collapsed, unpaved roads goodbye. This special and state-of-the-art asphalt production plant is designed to produce 160 tons of asphalt per hour. For context, it will produce 2.5 tons every minute and 160 tons per hour. What it effectively means is that if we decide to work 20 hours in a day, we can produce 3,200 tons every day. This is not seen anywhere in the South East.

    “The interesting thing is that we are also committed to making sure that we produce the inputs. In a few days from now, we are going to inaugurate a plant where we will be mining and crushing the stones that we need to feed this plant.

    “It is our hope that we are going to start the exploration of bitumen in the state because we are also blessed with bitumen. So, in a few years time, we are going to be able to produce the bitumen that will feed this plant. It means that we will get the bitumen here, the stones, and sand so that everything is made in Enugu,” the governor said.

    Mbah added that the inauguration of the asphalt plant had brought his administration closer to achieving its target of over 1,000km of roads per annum.

    “This brings us closer to the dream of paving a minimum of a thousand kilometers every year in Enugu State. This is not heard of anywhere. We are talking about a length of road that you know is even a challenge to have in eight years.  But we commit to doing that every year.

    “So, for context, what it means is that all our urban roads will be paved, we are not going to discriminate. Just a few weeks ago, we announced the approval of N183 billion for the construction of 141 urban roads and 20 rural roads.

    “Remember that we have also just completed the pavement or construction of 71 urban roads and work is ongoing on the 10 rural roads we awarded earlier.

    “For our rural roads, we understand the importance because one of the challenges we have in scaling up our agriculture production is access to farmlands. So, with the commissioning of a plant like this, we are now able to access our farmlands because we are now going to have the roads to our farmlands paved, and also going to pave the roads in our rural communities.

    “Therefore, our projection on roads is not a dream, but something we are already beginning to implement,” he said.

    Earlier in their addresses, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Gerald Otiji; Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, Uchenna Nwatu; and the Technical Manager of the plant, Mitesh Prajapati, explained that the plant was of high standard and fit for bringing the governor’s dream of infrastructural transformation in Enugu to fruition.

    “This Fabhind product is eco-friendly, and undoubtedly, will help the citizenry to benefit from smoother, safer, and more durable road networks.

    “Second to none in the South East, this asphalt batch mix plant boasts of several special features that set it apart from others. With a capacity of 160 tons per hour, the plant can produce 1,500 tons of best quality asphalt a day,” Nwatu stated.

  • Ebonyi IGR boss, Omo-Isu vows to arrest fake taskforce agents, boost govt. Revenue generation

    By, Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    The chairman of Ebonyi State board of internal Revenue services, IGR, Christopher Omo-Isu has vowed to boost the revenue generation of the state by greater percentage to enable the governor, Francis Nwifuru to execute projects in the state.

    Omo-Isu who decried the activities of fake taskforce agents who go about extorting petty traders in the various markets in the state, however charged security operatives to clampdown on them to avert further extortion.

    He made this known while speaking with newsmen in Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State.

    According to him: “When we were inaugurated, governor Francis Nwifuru, made it clear that there are categories of people that we should not tax in Ebonyi state, you can’t go to market and tax people who are selling vegetables. We even had writeups that we circulated, telling our agents not to tax people who are doing business that are not up fifty or hundred thousand.

    “We made it a point of duty, if you are working for this service, don’t go to such people to tax them. We don’t go to markets to ask somebody who is selling tomatoes, vegetables to pay tax. If any person is doing it, such person or people are not from this service, and they are not doing it on behalf of the board.

    “We did not engage such people and they are not from us, this is because we know our targets. In the issue of tax, you don’t force people to pay, rather you convince people to know that it is their social responsibility to pay tax, and definitely they will come to pay.

    “So, all these people collecting taxes from the tomatoes, vegetable sellers and other petty traders are not from us and we can’t encourage them to do such.

    “We have set up our taskforce to go to the markets and we are working with the police to get those collecting taxes from peasant farmers and petty traders arrested.

    The chairman, Omo-Isu noted further that the board equally launched tax digital automation with the aim to block all revenue generation leakages in the state.

    “We are doing everything possible to make sure that our revenue generation is boosted. And what we are trying to do, is to make sure that all leakages are stopped. For instance some people will come here, in my office, I will be here, if you come to pay tax somebody may stop you there, and collect higher money from you and will come here to remit small money to us here.

    “That’s the leakage, but if you are paying directly through the tax digital automation to the government account, that won’t happen. So we are doing all things possible to stop the leakages, so that, if you pay any tax, it will get to the state government directly” he stated.

  • Adamawa Govt tasks citizens to vacate flood prone areas, approves N19.7bn for Jimeta Project

    Adamawa Govt tasks citizens to vacate flood prone areas, approves N19.7bn for Jimeta Project

    By, Yagana Ali, Yola

    The Adamawa State Executive Council on Wednesday approved the construction of Jimeta Modern Shopping Complex in Yola North Local Government Area at the cost of N19.7bn.

    The market built in 1996 was demolished by the state government recently to pave the way for construction of a new modern structure to boost the state’s economy. 

    The Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Iliya James disclosed the resolution of the government to newsmen after the council meeting presided over by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

    Mr James said the contract for the project was awarded to three contractors and will be completed within the contractual agreement of twenty months. 

    The Commissioner of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Ishaya Dabari said the new market will comprise shops, fire service, police station and administrative buildings among others. 

    On the current flood ravaging communities in the state, the Commissioner of Environment, Sadiq Mohammed called on people along flood prone areas to move to safer areas. 

    The Commissioner of Health, Felix Tangwami assured the readiness of the ministry to contain any outbreak of diseases that may come from the current flooding, urging people to be vigilant.

  • PIBCID boss, Akande tasks Kogi govt. to tackle insecurity, enhance budget transparency, accountability

    By, Mark Akudu, Kogi

    The Executive director of the Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID), Rachael Akande on Tuesday, urged the Kogi state government led by governor Usman Ododo to tackle insecurity, enhance budget transparency and accountability.

    Akande who made this known during the 33rd anniversary of Kogi State that took place in the state, extended her congratulation to the state government under the leadership of Governor Usman Ododo, while also highlighting key areas that require urgent attention to ensure sustainable development for all citizens.

    She recognized the governor’s commitment to the prompt payment of workers’ salaries, which has contributed to improved morale among public servants.

    However, she called for the government to continue enhancing budget transparency and accountability, ensuring that all citizens are involved in the budgetary process. “While strides have been made, it is vital that this transparency is deepened, allowing every Kogi citizen to understand and trust the management of public funds.”

    Addressing security concerns, Akande urged the government to maintain and intensify its efforts to tackle insecurity, as the safety of the state’s residents is paramount for development. Additionally, she highlighted the need for greater support for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), which play a critical role in community development and advocacy. “A supportive environment for CSOs is essential for Kogi to reach its full potential.

    On education, Healthcare, and Vulnerable Groups Akande called on the state government to place higher priority on education and healthcare, which are fundamental to the prosperity of the state. “Investment in these sectors is non-negotiable if we are to build a vibrant and strong society,” she emphasized.

     She also urged increased support for widows, orphans, and other vulnerable groups, to ensure that no one is left behind in the state’s development journey.

    Recognizing the critical role of agriculture, Akande advocated for more substantial support for farmers through the provision of inputs and herbicides to combat food insecurity. 

    She also pushed for expanded empowerment programs targeting women and youth, which are crucial for reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth. “Empowering these groups is key to driving entrepreneurship and economic development in our state.”

    Critical Areas for Immediate Government Attention

    In addition to these calls, Akande urged the state government to prioritize the following pressing issues:

    – Water Supply: The supply of clean water remains essential to human existence, and the current administration should prioritize this to improve public health and quality of life.

    – Housing: The alarming cost of renting accommodation in the state needs urgent attention. Developing a comprehensive housing policy that provides affordable housing options could ease the financial burden on residents.

    – Urban Cleanliness: Lokoja, the state capital, is increasingly appearing neglected. Immediate action is required to improve the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the city, potentially transforming it into a more vibrant and attractive environment.

    – Transportation: In light of the recent subsidy removal, enhancing the state’s transportation system could provide relief to residents who are struggling with the high costs of commercial transport. This would make movement within the state more comfortable and affordable.

    – Tourism Development: Kogi should be considered a potential tourist center, capable of attracting visitors from other states and boosting the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

    Rachael Akande concluded by reaffirming PIBCID’s readiness to collaborate with the state government to address these issues and ensure a prosperous future for all Kogites. “We remain committed to working alongside the government to drive initiatives that will uplift the lives of every residents of kogi state.

  • Kogi: University don tasks govts to invest in iron, steel, petrochemicals to boost nation’s economy

    Kogi: University don tasks govts to invest in iron, steel, petrochemicals to boost nation’s economy

    By, Mark Akudu, Kogi

    The Vice Chancellor, Prince Abubakar Audu University, (PAAU) Anyigba, Marietu Ohunene Tenuche has called on governments at all levels to invest in critical sectors, such as iron and steel and petrochemicals to boost the nation’s economy.

    He further called on the government to ensure the structuring of the educational system to promote values of unity in diversity, oneness, and togetherness in Kogi State.

    Tenuche made the call on Monday in Lokoja at the Nigeria Post Kogi at 33 lecture and awards 2024 with the topic, “unity in diversity, a requisite for peace, progress and prosperity in Kogi State”.

     She admitted that Kogi State is one of the most culturally, ethnically and religious diverse States in the Country, adding that, diversity among the people can advance peace, progress and prosperity in the State.

    On the challenges of unity in  diversity in Kogi State, Prof. Tenuche, noted that “the diversity in Kogi State should ordinarily be a blessing and a source of pride, given the inherent immense opportunities, potentialities and benefits.

    However, the diversity in Kogi State, as stated earlier, has often been exploited to create division and mutual mistrust among the people. This makes unity a necessity in the State. 

    “The challenges to unity among the diverse people of Kogi State cannot be divorced: from the history and realities of the Nigerian State. First, the nature of politics is characterised by the winner-takes-all-all syndrome. This development often leads to mobilising identity and 

    “Primordial cleavages during political and electoral competitions and exploiting ethnic and religious divisions to access state power and further group dominance, not minding  the backlash effects on unity among the people. 

    “The zero-sum nature of politics encourages political corruption and misuse of state power to promote individual, community, ethnic and religious interests. So. politicians in power wrongly perceive access to power and government resources as an opportunity to steal for 

    themselves and ethnic groups. 

    “The privatisation and ethnicisation of politics and governance portends danger to unity among the people. This trend encourages unhealthy political rivalry that degenerates into mutual distrust, suspicion, and hate among the people. 

    “The nature of politics encourages denying and marginalising people equal access to socio-economic and political values and decision-making positions. This trend undermines and threatens the foundation of unity. The unequal distribution of public resources and infrastructures among the people breeds resentment, hate and anger from the perceived victims and underlines a decline in social trust. 

    “The nature of politics entrenches and elevates the culture and cycle of excluding people from access to socio-economic goods and political power. This dimension of politics has dire implications for the security of the Kogi State. In the words of former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello:  Marginalisation and discrimination place victims at a fundamental disadvantage because they breed hopelessness.

    ” People who discover that there is a glass ceiling over their head due to the circumstances Of their birth, like place of origin, language and religion, tend not to put in their best effort. It is a sledgehammer which smashes their ability to aspire without limits. Such people also become angry with society, making them easy recruits for violent or even extremist ideologies, as we See in sections of our country today.

    “Kogi State is an integral part of Nigeria and is affected by the political and economic policies of the national government. 

    “The appointment of Prince Shaibu Audu Abubakar as Honourable Minister of Steel Development is a welcome development. Kogi State will be counting on him to work assiduously to turn around the fortunes of the Ajaokuta Steel Company. 

    “It is on record that as Minister of Steel Development, Kogi State-born, Ali Mammans Makele worked hard, with the immense support of former President Shehu Aliyu Shagari, to develop the Ajaokuta Steel Company. 

    “There is a need for concerted efforts and investment to revive the steel sector in Nigeria. The presence of a vibrant steel and petrochemical sector in Nigeria will stimulate innovation and the integration of science and technology into the entire development process.

    ” This development is crucial to enhancing skill acquisition and providing employment opportunities in several sectors of the economy for the teeming youth population” she added.