By Sumaila Ogbaje

An Abuja-based telecommunications firm, Lets Talk I.T and Telecommunications Company, says it is working on launching Nigerias first instant messaging application, Lets Talk before the end of the third quarter of 2022.

The Chief Operating Officer of the company, Ms Folashade Ayeni made this known while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

Ayeni said the application was designed by a team of Nigerian software engineers in line with the vision of the National Information Technology Development Agency ( NITDA) for indigenous companies to come into the social media space.

She said: Lets Talk was created out of a need that Nigerians and Africans have.

If you look at it, sometime last year in October, October 4 To be precise, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram crashed. No one was able to use those applications because of one thing or the other.

Many people lost money, several people were not able to reach families, friends, relatives and do business normally, because a whole lot of people have taken business and relationship to the social media.

It crashed for about six hours or so and the reality dawned on us that really, whether it was intentional or not on purpose that we could lose everything.

So, we thought about owning our social media platform; where Nigerians can have guaranteed communications, with outmost security, which is Nigerian owned and indigenous to us and for us in Africa, she said.

Ayeni said the company was aiming to collaborate with NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other relevant agencies to ensure the success of the application and acceptability by Nigerians.

On the unique features of the app, she said it is end-to-encrypted, allows users to listen and share music, video and audio call, 5,000 member group chat, seven person conference calls and file exchange up to 2GB.

According to her, it also allows for device and cloud caching as well as sharing moments and trends which will give users very pleasant experiences.

She said the application could be downloaded on Google Play and App Store for both android and Apple phones.

Ayeni also explained that the application would be in two parts, Lets Talk Basic which would be a free social media platform while there would be a secondary phase that would be on subscription basis.

Now, there will be Lets Talk social which is the basic one that everybody knows.
You chat, you speak to people, you do video calls do video conference for free, but theres a secondary part of it.

And the secondary part of it is to provide enterprise resource management. So there are people who want to subscribe to that package.

We are talking about ministries, parastatal agencies, businesses, banks and other sectors that can utilise the platform to improve their businesses and services and that is where value comes in, she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Alex Enebeli

Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) has lauded Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his administrations prudent management of public resources.

NG-CARES is the Federal Government body, saddled with the responsibility of expanding access to livelihood support and food security services and grants for poor and vulnerable households and firms.

The body applauded Gov. Ugwuanyis administration for observing due process in the management of resources and other administrative engagements.

They also lauded Ugwuanyi for enthroning prudence, probity and accountability in the state.

The group gave the commendation when the Management Team of NG-CARES paid an advocacy visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu.

Addressing newsmen, the National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, disclosed that they were impressed with what they observed in Enugu State in terms of due process and prudent management of public resources by the government.

He said the group was impressed by the governments commitment to the success of its programme in the state.

Obaje explained that the NG-CARES programme is a 750 million dollars credit facility from the World Bank to cushion the negative impact of COVID-19 on the poor and the vulnerable in Nigeria.

He added that all the 36 states of the federation were participating in the programme, disclosing that each state is entitled to N20 million dollars at the end of the programme in June 2023.

On the outcome of their meeting with the State EXCO, NG-CARES National Coordinator disclosed that the EXCO had given approval for the budget implementation and had also empowered the Chairman of the State-Cares Steering Committee.

Others are the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mrs Adaonah Kene-Uyanwune, to continue to paddle the boat of NG-CARES in the state without necessarily resorting to the EXCO.

Describing the EXCOs approval as spectacular, Obaje pointed out that it would fast track the activities of the body.

We want to commend His Excellency (Ugwuanyi) and of course the State Executive Council (EXCO) for the quality of prudence in management of public resources which we witnessed during this visit.

We are very impressed to note that funds are released only after State EXCO has deliberated on it, and there is due process.

The World Bank is an institution that respects due diligence in management of resources and we saw that exemplified in Enugu State.

This is going into our records as one of the best practices in management of resources. The process put in place here in Enugu is commendable and we must put that in our records.

We are also impressed with the quality of understanding of the processes involved in NG-CARES implementation in Enugu State.

This emboldens the Chairman of the State-Cares Steering Committee, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyanwune.

She is here and we are really impressed with the knowledge she has exhibited and her leadership style.

Obaje expressed confidence that Enugu would be one of the states in Nigeria that would have the highest amount of resources from the World Bank through the Federal Government.

As far as World Bank portfolios under Enugu State is concerned, the finances of Enugu State is in safe hands and we are very comfortable with the process that has been put in place.

Earlier, NG-CARES Team Leader, Dr Martina Nwordu, explained that the delegation was in Enugu on advocacy visit to evaluate what the state government had done so far on the programme.

He said the visit would encourage it to do more towards the full actualisation of the set objectives of the programme.

She stated that the programme was aimed at impacting the lives of the poor and the vulnerable, positively.

On the outcome of their deliberations with Gov. Ugwuanyi and members of the State EXCO, Dr Nwordu said: We are absolutely impressed because this is the first time it is happening.

EXCO gave approvals to the Chairman of the State-CARES Steering Committee on delivery platforms, and this is a very big achievement for Enugu State as regards this programme. (NAN)
(wwwnannews.ng)
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Mohammed Bello, has presented 12,000 hectares with the Certificate of Occupancy to his aviation counterpart, Sen. Hadi Sirika, to execute the aviation road map.

Bello made the presentation on Friday in Abuja when he led a team from his ministry to pay a courtesy visit on Sirika in his office.

According to him, the vast land will make all aviation facilities to be provided in one location.

We have marked all the land you requested to cater for the second run way, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, free trade zone, retraining facilities and aviation museum.

By law, any government building has to be done with the approval of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

I want to employ you to direct all your relevant agencies that will be involvedin these mega project to ensure that the relevant body of FCT Administrationis part and parcel of , he said.

According to him, every building in Abuja has to go through a certification process through what is called development control.

FCT minister affirmed that the projects would benefit many people as many jobs would be created.

Responding, Sirika thanked the FCT minister and his entire team.

He gave assurance that the land would be used carefully according to the design in the documents presented to the aviation ministry.

According to him, the main aim of the roadmap is to have aviation city with the structures of aviation activities.

Sirika thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment and support toward achieving the objectives of the aviation roadmap.

We thank Mr President who has made such huge land available as a free zone. Lots of development are coming up in that location.

Frankly speaking, the move will improve employment status. Job will be massively created in the city. It will improve tourism and commerce, as well as trade.

I have discussed with the FCT minister that all structures that have no value or hinder general planning of the airport should go, he said.

According to him, the land will be used to construct a second runway, MRO facility, Aviation Leasing Company, a training centre, building of cargo terminal, among others. (NAN) ()

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Kingsley Kubeyinje

Source: NAN News

By Desmond Ejibas

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Iraboh, on Saturday assured of the Federal Governments commitment to rearm the Nigeria Navy with modern warships and weaponry.

Iraboh gave the assurance on the sideline of a Ceremonial Sunset organised by the Nigeria Navy to mark its 66th anniversary held at Nigeria Naval College in Onne, Rivers.

He said the navy had done a lot in safeguarding Nigerias critical oil and gas resources through its dominance at the nations waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

The Nigeria Navy is indisputably a critical contributor to the mainstay of the nations economy hence efforts must be redoubled to build a navy that we all will be proud of.

We need to encourage the navy to guarantee the nations economic prosperity within the context of the prevailing Federal Governments effort to revamp and reposition our economy.

The Federal Government is working assiduously to ensure the navys past operational handicap regarding insufficient equipment becomes a thing of the past, he said.

Iraboh attributed the current peace being experienced at coastal communities across the country to the doggedness of officers and ratings of the navy in synergy with other security services.

I commend the untiring efforts of the navy and the entire Armed Forces for reducing crude oil theft, violent crimes and other illegalities in the nations maritime domain.

The realities of our current security situation have further affirmed the multivalent utility of the Nigeria Navy.

We are indeed proud to acknowledge navy personnels gallantry and service in safeguarding our waters; the Gulf of Guinea as well as their new and expanded continental role, he said.

The defence chief urged the navy to put to good use the new warships and other platforms acquired by the Federal Government in its rearmament programme.

Speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, said the event was an age-long naval tradition used to recognise its achievements and honour fallen colleagues.

He assured of navys commitment to meet its mandate of protecting the nations maritime environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.

According to him, the acquisition of new warships and other equipment has necessitated the need to train and retrain troops to effectively use the different arms.

Concerted efforts are also being made to upgrade the naval fleets to enable us to defend the territorial integrity of our great nation from the sea.

Due to the availability of the newly acquired platforms, on-the-job training will also be accorded a well-deserved status in our career planning.

To this end, increased attention is given to training to keep officers and ratings abreast with modern warfare.

Training curriculums are being reviewed while several training aids and simulators have been continuously procured to join the inventory of the service, he said.

The officer thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for repositioning the navy to be relevant in nation building. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Source: NAN News

By Oluwafemi Ojo

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has assured that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will have a hitch-free presidential primary election on Monday.

Akeredolu said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde on Saturday in Akure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeredolu is the Chairman, sub-committee on Security and Compliance for the APC Special Convention and Presidential Primary Election.

He said that the party was ready for the election, adding that work had already commenced at the venue, with security and other necessary activities as priority.

The governor said the APC, being a disciplined political party with disciplined members, would surely have a hitch-free primary.

This is not our first time using this Eagle Square, we have knowledge of the venue already.

We have already started work on the venue, on security and everything. So, We are ready. I think we are good to go.

We are going to have a hitch-free primary. We are a disciplined party and our members will show discipline here on the D-day. he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Joy Mbachi

Mr Felix Odimegwu, Anambra Commissioner for Environment, has reiterated that activities like deforestation, felling of trees without replanting, bush burning and other environmental attack were now a serious offence in the state.

Odimegwu called on the residents to brace up to key behind the ministry, to tackle challenges of working hard by the people to maintain a safe, healthy and clean environment for all.

The commissioner made the call in Awka at a news conference to enumerate the ministry of environment Programme to handle environmental challenges in the state .

He disclosed that the ministry had a well thought out Programme in partnership with other government agencies related to environment on way forward to achieve a safe environment.

Odimegwu said the government had mapped out activities for 2022 World Environmental Day, on June 5, as priority on manifesto of Anambra Governor, Prof Charles Soludo.

The commissioner said that the governor tagged his ideal environment success as a fight to gain clean, greener, planned and sustainable cities, communities and markets that would transform Anambra to a smart state.

He said that some of the activities mapped out by the government included Tree planting which would be inaugurated by Soludo, public awareness symposium, radio commentaries.

I call on people of Anambra to leverage on the opportunity offered by this year world environment day with a theme to raise a consciousness towards adopting safe environmental management practices and good sanitation and hygiene culture that would promote the general well being of all of us as we do not have any other earth but only One Earth, he said.

Mr Michael Ivenso, Chairman, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) said the agency was aware of the environmental challenges being faced by Anambra people and disclosed that efforts were intensified daily to surmount them.

The project Coordinator said there were over 960 erosion sites in the state and much had been done to control the escalation and advised that people should take ownership of the environment timely.

He said that NEWMAP, with Anambra state erosion watershed and climate change agency, had developed an erosion control and environmental sustainability manual as a simple guide to community based erosion control and climate change.

He said with the urban renewal, grassroots empowerment, community leaders, President-Generals, traditional rulers, faith based organisations and civil societies had a better hope of safer environment.

The sustainability manual would be broken down to the level for all to understand its applicability and adaptation would be easily achieved as the manual would be provided for the locals for acceptability of the Programme.

The environment does not need us , it is us that need the environment, therefore, we need to respect the manual and follow its details to the latter for the common good of us all, he said.

Mr Chido Obidiegwu, Anambra Managing Director, Drainage and Forest Preservation, said government had made more efforts to sustain the programme on ground to ensure a safer environment for all.

Obidiegwu said that the government beggi for collective actions of the people towards sustenance of a safe environment, actions that would only protect and restore earth planet should be engaged always.

Mrs Ify Atorgu, Managing Director Leisure Parks and Beautification, urged the people to develop the habit of planting flowers and trees in the homes, to beautify the state and promote healthy environments.

Mr Peniel Jack, Anambra Coordinator of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said it was very important that the message of sensitisation of healthy environment be preached to locals, to give value to maintenance of the environment.

People need to be thought the importance of not deforestation, bush burning, soil excavation , building on water ways and refuse dumps in water ways or on roads amongst other wrong sites, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many other bodies related to environment and its promotions like environmental health officers were part of the conference.(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Lawal

The Kebbi State Government has constructed three new nomadic schools in Dandi, Suru and Argungu Local Government Areas of the state to enhance teaching and learning of nomads, an official disclosed.

Alhaji Abubakar Muazu-Dakingari, Chief Press Secretary, Government House, Birnin Kebbi, made this known in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He reported Prof. Suleiman Khalid-Jega, Executive Chairman, Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), as saying this in Birnin Kebbi.

According to the chairman, the schools are located in Gungun-Kuka, Dandi Local Government, Nelpa in Suru Local Government and Tsola-Shago in Argungu Local Government.

Khalid-Jega, who supervised the establishment of the schools, also said that necessary instructional facilities had been provided, including teachers to fast track take-off of academic activities.

The chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of enrolment of nomadic children into the schools.

He said learning had begun in the new schools on the directive of Gov. Atiku Bagudu.

Khalid-Jega said in the course of his statewide community interaction, Gov. Bagudu visited the three Fulani settlements, during which the inhabitants presented requests for establishment of nomadic schools for their children.

Sen. Atiku Bagudu instantly gave approval for the construction of the schools by SUBEB which now culminated to commencement of teaching and learning, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Former Governor of Kogi Idris Wada and Sheik Tajudeen Bello, Imam, Fouad Lababidi Mosque have called on Nigerians to vote responsible leaders in the 2023 general elections.

Wada made the call on Friday at the commissioning of the EFAB Global Estate Mosque, Mbora, Abuja.

He urged Nigerians to immediately collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and ensure they vote credible leaders in the 2023 general elections.

Nigerians should make sure they register and collect their PVCs, so that they can exercise their civic responsibility.

They should make sure they vote for the right leaders so that things can improve in our country, elections is serious business, we should not joke with it, he said.

The former governor commended the Muslim association at Efab Global Estate for the Mosque project.

Earlier, Imam Bello who led the first Jumat prayer at the Mosque said the new Mosque will further help in the propagation of Islam and its tenets.

He urged Muslims to be upright and vote credible leaders with the fear of Allah that can transform the country for good.

Tajudeen who is also the Chairman, FCT League of Imams admonished politicians to play by the rules and ensure peaceful elections across the country.

Alhaji Abubakar Momoh, Chairman, EFAB Global Estate Mosque said the self sponsored project by the Muslim community in the estate began in 2018.

He called on well meaning Muslims to continue to contribute to the development of the Mosque and the less privileged in the society.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Friday in Abuja disclosed that it had concluded arrangements to commence the transportation of 2022 intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on June 9.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, made the disclosure at the signing of an agreement between the commission and three airlines approved to transport Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Hassan announced that the three air carriers that were approved by the Federal Government through the commission were the Azman Air, Max Air and Flynas (Saudi Arabia designated air line).

He urged the airlines to give quality service in line with the standard known in the aviation industry and treat all pilgrims as very important personalities.

Hassan also revealed that by Monday, June 6, the advance team of the commission would be proceeding to the city of Madina and Makkah.

According to him, by the projection of the commission on June 9, the 2022 Hajj inaugural flight of Nigeria will head to Madina.

For us today is indeed historic because is the beginning of the hajj operation of 2022. It is clear to all of us that without flight there can be no Hajj for people living outside the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Intending pilgrims must get to Saudi Arabia before they can perform hajj. For that reason flight is key and very important.

Permit me to use this opportunity to congratulate the successful air carriers all of whom have been with the commission struggle since 2022.

We also hope that those air carriers who didnt succeed this year will have a better time some other time, he said.

Earlier, the NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, described the event as epoch after almost three years without Hajj.

He congratulated the successful carriers while urging them to see their selection as a challenge to do their best.

The commission disclosed that the commission had created an aviation monitoring committee saddled with the responsibility of monitoring their performances.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that seven airlines; Max Air, FlyNas, Azman Air, Med-View Airline, Skypower Express, Westlink Airlines and Arik Air, applied for screening.

After rigorous exercise, those selected ranked the best three whose names were forwarded to the presidency for approval before sealing the contract agreement.

States allocated to specific airlines are as follows: Max Air is to airlift pilgrims from 13 states namely-Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and Taraba.

While Azman Air is entrusted with the transportation of pilgrims from 16 states and the Armed Forces.

The states are Kano, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, and Yobe.

Meanwhile, FlyNas would airlift pilgrims from Edo, FCT- Abuja, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara- making eight states. (NAN)

Editted by AbdulFatai Beki/Ismail AbdulAziz

Source: NAN News

By Olukayode Babalola

Hajiya Hajara Danyaro-Ibrahim won all the 35 votes at the rescheduled primary election of the All Progressive Congress (APC) into Nasarawa Central constituency in the states House of Assembly.

She defeated the only opponent, the incumbent member of the House, Hon. Ismail Danbaba, who got no vote at the election, held on Friday.

Neither Danbaba, nor his electoral agent showed up at the election.

Announcing the result, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Dr Bala Salisu, said total number of delegates was 35 and all 35 voted.

After she was declared as winner, Danyaro-Ibrahim thanked God for the successful conduct of the election which she said was peaceful, fair, free and devoid of rancour.

This is my fourth time of contesting for the seat in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.

Delegates decided this time around that it must be Hajara Danyaro-Ibrahim to contest for the seat and represent them.

I thank the people of Nasarawa Central constituency. I hope and pray to win at the general election because that is the wish of the people of Nasarawa Central constituency, she told newsmen. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has confirmed that there was a fire incident triggered by a suspected associated gas reservoir within the vicinity of Caritas University in Enugu.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, the Commissions Chief Executive Officer, in a statement on Friday said the incident occurred on May 22 but was reported to NUPRC on May 26.

Komolafe said it was confirmed that there was no pipeline right of way in the area but that the incident was caused by the activities of some contractors who were drilling a water borehole on the university premises.

He said on receipt of the incident report, NUPRC and related agencies immediately carried out an investigation and discovered that the incident happened in the process of drilling a water well with a target drill depth of 400 meters for the university.

He said it was learnt that the university engaged the services of HydroGeo Engineering Services for the drilling of water borehole but the job was later sub-contracted to Orange Water Wells Drilling Company.

He said in the course of the drilling, pressurised seepage was encountered after about 200 meter and fumes were gushing out of the drilled hole.

One of the workers who suspected the fumes to be gas seepage reportedly wanted to confirm his suspicion, and in process introduced a source of ignition which led to the fire outbreak.

It was the unfortunate action that provided a stronger basis for the qualification of the fumes as associated gas.

Following the fire outbreak, the drilling contractor swiftly removed the drill pipes, demobilised the rig and immediately notified the Enugu state government of the incident.

The state and federal fire services which were mobilised to the site, battled the fire for more than two days.

The university authority cordoned off the site and restricted access to the area; and directed for the immediate discontinued usage of all facilities within the affected area, including a nearby hall used for examinations, he said.

He further said that the NUPRC representatives, in collaboration with officials of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NNPC, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other related enforcement agencies visited the site on May 27 and May 31.

He said the visit was for preliminary investigation to ascertain the status and gain insight on the cause.

He said it would determine immediate safety and geotechnical measures required to put off the fire and prevent loss of lives, property and damage to the environment.

He said the officials confirmed that no fatality was recorded as a result of the incident, although a staff of the drilling company had sustained first-degree burns.

According to him, the staff was treated and discharged from the hospital.

The preliminary investigation revealed that there is no pipeline right of way in the area.

There is a continuous supply of gas from the underground source evidenced by the continuous fire which is suggestive of the presence of shallow gas which may be associated with coal bed methane gas or gas seepage.

In both cases, it may not necessarily be a reservoir accumulation but associated gas which the drilling process provided a flow line; a development similar to incidents associated with coal mines.

Plans are being finalised by Caritas University to carry out Geophysical Resistivity Survey of the area from June 3 to June 4, to acquire data that will give better insight on the near surface gas concentration in the area and its potential spread.

Also, an all-inclusive stakeholder engagement took place in Enugu on the June 1, for alignment deliberations and mutual commitment to achieve the immediate killing of the fire and stoppage of the gas leakage, he said.

According to him, NUPRC is proactively collaborating with all relevant stakeholders and is determined to deploy appropriate technology to ensure that the fire is put off and the source of gas leakage is sealed.

This, he said would ensure environmental sustainability and safety of lives and property.

He added that the Commission had already identified an indigenous company with verified competence and proven track record in managing related fire incidents.

He said intervention options were being considered which would be finalised after another visit scheduled for June 6. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Source: NAN News

By Glory Abuh-Adejoh

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, has fixed June 6 to mention an election dispute between registered trustees of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Donald Ugwu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The suit has as a second defendant, Emmanuel Ogbeche, Chairman of the NUJ in the FCT.

The court fixed the date following an originating summons that was accompanied by a 29-paragraph affidavit and four exhibits in support of the originating summons filed by Ugwus counsel, Okorie Michael Okorie.

The suit NICN/ABJ/145/2022, to be mentioned before Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, alleges that the cause of action emanated from the purported election of Ogbeche as the Chairman of the NUJ in the FCT was a violation of the constitution of the NUJ.

The claimant, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief of NAN, is therefore, praying the court to set aside the purported inauguration of Ogbeche as chairman by NUJ on Dec. 4, 2021.

He is also praying the court to declare that the second defendant was neither qualified to contest the said election, nor to become an officer of the union, which was a violation of the extant laws of the Union.

The claimant posited that he was the only duly qualified candidate for the office of chairman in the said poll, and urged the court to invoke the constitution and declare him duly elected.

The claimant, in addition, is urging the court to determine if, by Article 4(1)(a) and (b) of the NUJ constitution, the check-off dues of the second defendant were being deducted at source, paid, or remitted monthly by his employer, the Abuja Enquirer.

Ugwu is equally asking the court to also determine if by Articles 4(1)(a) and (b), 2 (a) and 6(7) (a), (b) and (c) the second defendant, not being in good financial standing, was legally qualified as a candidate for chairman or any other elective position of the Union.

The claimant is also praying the court to determine whether the screening and clearance of the second defendant by the credentials committee inaugurated by the first defendant contrary to the provisions of the constitution was not unlawful, unconstitutional, and void.

Ugwu is further asking the court to determine whether the constitution of the union in any of its provisions contemplated any form, way, and manner of payment of check-off dues by financial members other than the way and manner it prescribed.

He is asking the court to declare that the union violated its constitution in the Dec. 4, 2021, FCT Council election.

In addition to the declarative prayers Ugwu is seeking, he is also praying the court to grant an order to nullify the purported screening and clearance of Ogbeche.

The claimant is seeking another order disqualifying Ogbeche, an order nullifying the purported election, and an order setting aside his purported inauguration as chairman of the FCT NUJ council.

He is also seeking an order of the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Ogbeche from parading himself as the chairman of the FCT Council of the NUJ.

Ugwu, in his final prayer, is urging the court to declare him as the sole candidate qualified to contest the office of chairman, the winner, and an order directing the first defendant to immediately swear him into office as Chairman, FCT Council of NUJ. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

============
Edited by Abiodun Esan/Maureen Atuonwu

Source: NAN News

By Raji Rasak/ Chiazo Ogbolu

Mr Wamkele Mene, the Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, said the secretariat had received a grant commitment of 36 million from the United Kingdom Government for Abidjan-Lagos corridor.

Mene said this during a visit to the Seme-Karke joint border post on Friday.

He said that the grant would be used to address infrastructural challenges on the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.

Mene said that the African Development Bank (AfDB) was also involved in raising funds for infrastructure to make it easier for movement of goods from one country to the other.

He, however, noted that they would focus on equipment that would ensure productivity and efficiency of transit goods .

When I went to a port in Mombasa, they showed me a control room that is digitised for the entire East Africa community, they have equipment that help them to access what is in the truck that is moving from Kampala to port in Mombasa.

So the officer in the control room with a click of a button will see what is in the truck.They did not pay for this with their own money, they mobilised resources, Mene said.

He said that the secretariat would continue mobilise resources to solve the infrastructural challenges within the corridor.

The intervention will include interconnectivity. It may appear as if it is an insurmountable barrier but let us look at what others did and improve on the system they introduced and address these challenges, he said.

Mene said that with the resources being mobilised, the secretariat, would deploy similar system within the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.

That is why we said to the British Government that the grant they made available will be used to address infrastructural needs along the corridor.

We are also working with the Afreximbank to see what intervention and trade facilitation facility they can make available so that we dont rely on the British alone.

We want to take an integrated approach by mobilising those we can influence to bring their resources so that what happened in East Africa can happen here, he said.

Mene said that they were also in discussion with the commissioner for trade in ECOWAS.

He noted that they want to compliment the work they had done to achieve the desired result.

On transit, Mene said that the agreement establishing the AfCFTA had rules on transit, customs procedures, harmonisation as well as trade facilitation.

He said that the rules were very clear.

It is not in anybodys interest to impose additional charges on goods that are on transit because it will not make trade competitive and it will make people think twice about transiting their goods through the corridor.

I am very happy to hear that the illegal checkpoints are being addressed, all officers along the corridor should be grilled to ensure that such does not exist again, Mene said.

He said that they would work with the Customs to address the challenges, noting that it would not happen overnight.

It took the East Africa community about 10 years to reach this level of competitiveness where goods can leave the containership and arrive in Kampala in less then there days.

And in 10 years time, the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, will be the best performing corridor in the African continent, he said.

Also speaking, Comptroller Mohammed Jibo of Seme Command, said that interconnectivty gap was the major issue limiting trade facilitation.

Jibo said that some of the equipment that would enhance connectivity were lying fallow in the command.

Goods on transit into Nigeria are mandated to pay heavy duty and this does not encourage trade on the corridor, multiplicity of checkpoint and dwell time given to Nigerian containers is not fair, he said.

Earlier, Mr Frank Matsaert, the Chief Executive Officer, Trade Mark Africa, contractor in charge of assessing the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, listed key findings that should be followed up as infrastructure, interconnectivity gaps and limited connectivity.

Matsaert said that others were high trade cost, logistics-capacity and professionalism; informal trade highly complex, lack of cross border traders awareness, security concerns and limited corridor approach.

He said that implementing the road map for the corridor would take three phases; phase one would take one to two years; phase two; three to five years and phase three, four to seven years. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==============
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

Zubairu Idris

The Police Command in Kano has restated that the ban on carrying passengers on motorcycles within Kano metropolitan area is still in force.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commands Commands Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna-Kiyawa, on Friday in Kano.

The command wishes to remind the law abiding and good people of the state that the ban on carrying passengers on motorcycles (Achaba/Okada), is still in place.

The command has directed all Divisional Police Officers within Kano metropolitan area to continue to enforce the ban.

Any individual or group that violated this ban will be arrested and prosecuted, Haruna-Kiyawa said.

He also advised motorists to continue to adhere to traffic rules and regulations for their safety and that of other road users.

Teams of Police Surveillance Patrols are mounted at strategic locations along Kano boarders to monitor activities of road users, he added.

The command spokesman urged residents to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station for prompt response and not take laws into their hands.

He assured that rigorous patrols, raids of criminal hideouts and black spots would continue throughout the state.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

ZI/MZA/JTJ

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has charged the newly decorated Deputy Corps Marshals (DCMs) on dedication to service.

Oyeyemi gave the charge during the decoration ceremony of the senior officers on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two Assistant Corps Marshals (ACMs) Mr Efosa Osawe and Mrs Susan Ajenge, were promoted to the rank of DCMs respectively.

NAN also reports that they were decorated as a reward for resilience and commitment to duty.

Oyeyemi said elevation comes with higher responsibilities, adding that the newly appointed DCMs needed to be more delight, committed and accountable in the discharged of their duties.

According to Oyeyemi, the road to success is quite tough.

He added that the capacity of the human assets of any organisation, particularly at strategic management level was fundamental to the attainment of the goals and mandate of such institution.

This is why no organisation can advance beyond the competence and dedication of its strategic leaders.

Let me charge you to rededicate yourselves to the service of Nigeria as you prepare for higher responsibilities.

In the race to add value to the society and secure our roads, there should be no finishing line.

You must, therefore, redouble your efforts to justify serving the nation in a greater dimension, he said.

Oyeyemi reiterated that promotion of senior officers was premised on their excellent performance and the resolve of the Corps to constantly reward excellence.

He said, as part of the front-line officers, you are also admonished not to forget one of the Corps unfinished projects, which is mentorship.

With your new status, more responsibility for mentorship awaits you as individuals.

The FRSC board Chairman, Mallam Bukhari Bello, assured that the process of promotion was transparent.

Bello said the exercise was conducted under the highest standard of integrity and strict adherence to regimental ethics in line with global best practices in the selection process.

He charged them to be prepared for higher responsibilities and more challenging tasks in the Corps.

You must also try as much as possible to mentor other subordinates for continuity in the offices, he said.

Bello commended the Corps for their commitment to efficient traffic management as demonstrated during the last Easter Special Patrols and the recent Eid-El-Fitri Sallah special operations.

He enjoined all to sustain total enforcement to whatever assignments they were given saying that individual commitment to organisational vision was paramount.

I once again urge all the newly decorated senior officers to rededicate themselves to the challenges of their new ranks.

And they all should fully support the Federal Government to accomplish its change agenda which involves character reorientation and personal sacrifice, he said.

One of the newly appointed DCMs, Osawe, on behalf of the decorated officers, expressed appreciation to the Corps Marshal and the board chairman for the privilege and honour to be decorated to the new rank.

Osawe assured the Corps of total submission to duty, hard work and commitment to service for efficient and effective performance in carrying out the mandates of the agency. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mmaduakolam Gregg/Salif Atojoko

Source: NAN News

By Bosede Olufunmi

Tragedy struck on Thursday at the Gandun Albasa-Bala Burodo line community, a Kano municipality when a 35-year-old mother, Maryam Nura and her three-year-old son, died from fire that razed a building they were dwelling in.

The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incident in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, on Friday in Kano.

Abdullahi explainedthat the incident happened on Thursday night.

We received a distress call at about 2:07 a.m. from one Ibrahim Ashiru and immediately sent our rescue team to the scene at about 2:11 a.m, he said.

He said the building, a five-room bungalow of about 75ft by 75ft in dimension, was completely razed down by the inferno.

Abdullahi said though the victims were rescued unconscious and handed over to Insp Shehu Lawan of Kwali Police Station, who rushed them to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, where the doctors on duty confirmed them dead. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Vincent Obi

Source: NAN News

By Funmilayo Adeyemi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Dausiyya Yushau, an 18-year-old student of Government Girls Junior Arabic Secondary School, Tarda, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, said she returned to school due to the intervention of mothers association.

Yushau told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the awareness creation of house-to-house campaign by mothers association on the benefit of sending the girl-child to school was yielding the desired results.

I am a product of the campaign by mothers association that came to meet my parent on the need for me to be in school and also complete my education.

After the awareness campaign, my parent pleaded with me to return to school and that education is the only key to my success in life.

I obeyed and told myself that I must finish schooling before getting married.

I am 18 years and will sit for my junior WAEC in less than two months, and afterward pursue my senior secondary school certificate.

I would love to be a doctor and to achieve this means I must pursue my education to the tertiary level. I give this credit to the intervention of mothers association, she said.

There is no doubt that the over eight years Girls Education Project (GEP 3) initiative introduced by the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) with support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has changed the educational landscape of girls education in Northern Nigeria.

The programme has brought 1.4 million girls back to school, improved teaching and learning environment as well as training and retraining of teachers among other achievements.

UNICEF initiated the GEP 3 in six northern states of Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Bauchi, Zamfara and Niger states in 2012. It was meant to get one million girls into school as well as ensure their enrolment, retention and learning in order to improve their social and economic opportunities.

As part of the incentive, mothers in Ungogo Local Government Area, received an unconditional cash transfer of N45,000, paid twice directly into their bank accounts.

They channeled this money paid by UNICEF and FCDO into their businesses thereby helping to improve the wellbeing of their household.

Hajia Asmau Mustapha, a member of the mothers association in Ungogo, highlighted the role played by the association in the drastic reduction of out-of-school girls in the locality.

Mustapha said that the fund given to parents had solved the problems of parents not sending their children, especially the girl-child to school.

According to her, we want the sustainability of the programme because we learnt the initiative will come to an end in September, but we want the government to take it up.

Before this programme, only two towns around here sent there children to school located here, but surprisingly, other towns around now send their children to school.

This is a milestone achievement as it has improved enrolment in the school and so we want it sustained beyond September.

The School Based Management Committee (SBMC) constituted female committees that move from house-to-house to enlighten parent on the need to send their children to school.

This committee has done a lot in positively influencing parents and the result is the increase in enrolment of the girl-child we see in many of our schools in Kano State, she said.

At the Bachirawa Special Primary School, the head teacher, Mr Uba Gambari, said that the school which used to record low school enrolment was now in dire need of more teachers and classrooms to cope with the upsurge.

Gambari said that through the programme, the school was able to receive the Early Child Centre Development Education Grant of N305,000 as well as a primary grant of N315,000.

He said that the grants had helped to put in place facilities in the school that would make learning conducive for the pupils.

Before now, enrolment was low, but as a result of UNICEFs intervention, enrolment had been boosted more especially the girl-child.

Initially, before the introduction of this programme, children particularly girls,were not allowed to participate in regular school activities especially in this part of the country.

We normally engage in Quranic studies, but with the introduction of the programme, a lot of enlightenment has come in as we have been trained on how to mobilise in order to see that every child benefit from education programmes.

Now, we have the girls associations and mothers associations that serve as influencers to bringing other girls to school, he said.

Gambari added that the Girls Access Fund of N45,000 paid directly to parents account had also helped to support the girls education.

On the issue of child marriage, he said the school usually consulted with district heads, to advice parents on the disadvantages of child-marriage, adding that violator were usually reported to relevant authorities for action.

Gambari, however, called for the sustenance of the programme as well as its extension to other states so that the benefit of education would cascade to every part of the country.

Also, a 62-year-old Chief Imam of Bachirawa community, Alhaji Tukur Mohammed, said that the programmed was face with the challenge of refusal of many parents to send their children to school.

Mohammed, however, said the traditional and religious organisations had supported the programme by ensuring that students who left schools were brought back as a result of their mentorship programmes.

Meanwhile, stakeholders at a Media Dialogue on Girls Education, held recently in Kano State expressed worry over the common gender norms, which had continued to put girls at a disadvantage, resulting to high rate of girl-child drop out from school.

The stakeholders argued that poverty in any society cannot be eradicated without paying serious attention to child education, particularly girls.

Mr Rahama Farah, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Field Office Kano, who spoke, said that girls in Nigeria bear a sizeable burden of the challenges that confront the countrys education sector.

According to Farah, currently in Nigeria, there are 18.5 million out-of-school children, 60 per cent of which are girls, meaning that over 10 million girls are out-of-school.

Most importantly, you will need to know that the majority of these out-of-school children are actually from Northern Nigeria, he said.

Farah explained that the situation heightened the gender inequity, where only one out of four girls from poor, rural families, complete Junior Secondary School education.

He further explained that while education crisis in Nigeria affect children across the country, some children were more likely to be affected than others, especially girls.

The situation with girls education in Nigeria, he stressed, had been further affected by attacks on schools.

These attacks have created an insecure learning environment, discouraged parents and caregivers from sending their children to schools.

At the same time, the students themselves become fearful of going to school. These attacks have particularly and specifically targeted girls, he said.

The field head, however, highlighted the importance of collective support from every ally and stakeholder, especially the media in ensuring that every child was enrolled, retained and complete his/her education.

In the same vein, Mr Michael Banda, an Education Manager, Kano State UNICEF Field Office, said the Girls Child Enrolment Project had exceeded its initial target of one million across the targeted states of Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states.

Banda said that the impact of the GEP3 was meant to improve social and economic opportunity for girls in target states, complete basic education and acquire skills for life and livelihoods.

The key Interventions include among others community enrolment drives by the School Based Management Committee (SBMCS) and Mothers Association with support from state and Local Government Education Authorities (LGEA).

Action to build girl-friendly learning environments, creating better retention and demand for new access of SBMCS, Mothers Associations (MAs) and Girls for Girls (G4G) groups, using gender-sensitive whole school development plans.

Action to improve attitudes towards girls enrolment and completion, through community campaigns, peer support to girls and family negotiation by SBMCS, MAs and G4G groups.

Cash transfer schemes to support families with the direct and opportunity costs of girls basic education, he said.

On the learning outcomes of the girls, Banda said that end line percentage of pupils achieving basic literacy had increased from about 10 per cent at baseline to about 32 and 40 per cents at midline and end line respectively in the GEP3 intervention schools.

He said that over 10,000 teachers and facilitators had been trained through GEP3, with teachers effectiveness.

Banda also revealed that UNICEF had also supported the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in developing and in the dissemination of Safe Schools Guidelines.

He said that the GEP3 project had also led to the enrolment of about 1.3 million girls in primary and Integrated Quranic Schools (IQS) in the targeted six northern states. (NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)

** If used, please credit the writer as well as the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Franca Ofili

Dr Adedotun Ajiboye, Clinical Psychologist, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, has advised Nigerians to pay attention to the language or behavior of someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Ajiboye said this during an online programme on Thursday on the topic overcoming depression.

He said that a person contemplating suicide usually exhibited symptoms like isolation, distracted thoughts, hopelessness, indifferent or strange behaviors.

If you suspect someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, discussing topics like suicide of self-harm with an open mind can encourage others to share the concerns that made them contemplate suicide.

Maintaining patience is important when dealing with a person having suicidal thoughts because your agitation or restlessness can add to the persons woes.

Motivating the person to adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy, sleeping on time, exercising regularly, can help in reducing suicidal tendencies, he said.

According to him, the family members or common friend can be of great help to handle any risky unpredictable behaviours.

Ajiboye advised that the people should always be on their toes and ready with a safety plan in case of somebody contemplating suicide.

He urged people to remove things like knives, pills and razors that can potentially provoke suicidal tendencies.

Seek professional help or medical intervention from National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to help the person experiencing suicidal thoughts, Ajiboye said.

According to him, the three core symptoms of depression are depressed mood, low energy and loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities which are core features of a major depressive episode.

He said other symptoms are fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and neurocognitive and sexual dysfunction, low self-esteem.

Ajiboye said that the biopsychosocial approach included three components which are psychological factors, biological factors, and social factors.

For biological, it involves inherited personality traits and genetic conditions.

The generic means if a family member has depression, there would be a possibility to have depression but not a must. It includes inherited personality traits and genetic conditions.

Psychological fact are these groups of people who worry a lot about everything which involves lifestyle, personality characteristics, and stress levels.

Social facts are to do with family issues and environment of the person like child abuse, sexual abuse, toxic environment, social support systems, family relationships, and cultural beliefs, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), has reiterated the need for viable and bankable projects that will be delivered through PPP, especially in the critical sectors.

The Acting Director-General, ICRC, Mr MichaelOhiani, said this at the Public Private Partnership Units Consultative Forum (3PCUF) for Quarter 2, 2022, held in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the meeting was sponsored by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Ohiani said the government had given the ICRC and Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) the task to deliver more than 80 per cent of all infrastructure projects through the Public Private Partnership (PPP).

He said the task was in line with the 2021-2025 Mid Term Expenditure Framework of the National Development Plan (NDP).

Although, we all have committed to this, it is now more pertinent to identify and push forward the projects which will offer better value for money to the economy and the citizens through PPP.

Ohiani said the ICRC had continued to record successes in the issuance of Outline Business Case (OBC) and Full Business Case (FBC) Compliance Certificates on some important projects.

The acting director-general said that the commission had issued a total number of 127 OBC and 50 FBC Compliance Certificates for some projects.

He said some of these projects include the issuance of FBC compliance certificate to the Federal Ministry of Transportation through the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

This according to him, is to Secure Ticketing Solution for the Lagos -Ibadan Standard Train service and the Warri-Itakpe Standard Train service.

The NNPC through the NNPC Medical Services Limited (NMSL) has commenced PPP projects to develop five multi-specialist hospitals in five locations which include, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Kaduna and Abuja.

It also proposes to establish an Intravenous Fluid Plant in Kano through PPP methodology.

The Federal Ministry of Health through the Port Health Department has received an OBC compliance certificate for the decontamination and fumigation project for vessels arriving at all seaports in Nigeria.

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) is going digital with an OBC compliance certificate for the Digital Industry Trade and Investment Platform.

Ohiani said that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had received an OBC compliance certificate for a project to maximise revenue from water bills in the Territory through the introduction of state-of-the-art water meters.

He said the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had received OBC compliance certificates to redevelop dilapidated property and barracks across the country.

This Ohiani said includes properties in Ikeja, Falomo and Ijeh in Lagos, as well as Guzape in Abuja.

The acting director-general said that an OBC compliance certificate was issued to the NPF to revive its almost comatose airwing facilities to deliver better services through PPP.

Ohiani said the Federal Ministry of Health/UCH Ibadan had received an OBC compliance certificate to renovate and upgrade the School of Nursing students hostel in the hospital.

There are currently 77 PPP projects at implementation (post-contract) stage and 194 projects at development and procurement (pre-contract) stages.

He said the commission was also in the process of publishing the 2022 Pipeline of Eligible PPP Projects in line with the ICRC Act.

The Managing Director, NPA, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko in his remarks, said the 3PUCF encouraged the showcasing of Nigerias PPPs.

Bello-Koko, represented by the NPA General Manager on PPP, Mrs Ugo Madubike, said the forum was an avenue for MDAs to share experiences, rub minds on their achievements, and challenges relating to PPP procurements in Nigeria.

He said the global infrastructure gap had caused the government to turn to alternative infrastructure investment strategies, including PPPs, as a way to boost productivity.

Bello-Koko said in doing so, the government could leverage risk transfer to the private sector to address infrastructure deficits caused by expanding economies and population growth.

He said the NPA had recorded improvements in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction with no fewer than 26 PPP concessions and other joint venture arrangements.

The impact of PPP can be seen in the following areas, more efficient port services, upsurge in cargo throughput, reduction in cargo dwell time in the ports, and improved vessel turn-around time.

Other impacts are improved infrastructure through rehabilitation, updating and brownfield development; response time to dredging and hydrographic survey, as well as correct defects to navigational aids, has reduced.

The NPA boss called on the government to make clear demarcations on the roles and functions of MDAs to ensure ease of doing business.

He said there was the need to heighten the advocacy level in the areas of capacity building, discourage political interference, and clarify ambiguities in PPP.

Above all, there is the need to encourage synergy between the public and private sectors, he said.

Dr Folashade Yemi- Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, commended the ICRC for the work they were doing in the area of PPP.

Yemi-Esan, represented by Mrs Agalasi Ehigie, Director, Infrastructure Management, OHCSF, expressed the hope that Nigeria moved forward in getting the infrastructure the country required.

We pray that the projects get actualised, so the purpose for which these projects are undertaken will be fulfilled, so the government will be able to serve the citizens in the way it is supposed to, she said

NAN reports that the World Banks PPP Knowledge Lab defines a PPP as a long-term contract between a private party and a government entity.

It is aimed at providing a public asset or service, in which the private party bears significant risk and management responsibility, and remuneration is linked to performance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

========
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Bashir Rabe Mani

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Bodinga/ Dange-Shuni/Tureta Federal Constituency in Sokoto State, Alhaji Nasiru Shehu, has unveiled a five-point agenda for the development of his constituency.

Shehu said this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja,

Im really disturbed about the under-development in my constituency.

This was actually caused by lack of quality representation by the current lawmaker at the House of Representatives who has been there since 2019.

So, if elected, I intend to implement a five-point agenda to reverse the ugly trend, he said.

Shehu named the agenda to include; enhancing trade and commerce, boosting security, education, women and youths empowerment and agriculture.

On trade and commerce, the candidate, who is also the Chairman of Sokoto State traders association, promised to assist small and medium scale businessmen with grants and capitals.

Many of our people want to venture into various businesses, but for lack of adequate capital.

If elected, I will broaden the scope of my assistance to traders to capture as many as possible.

With this plan many people will be employed, this will reduce poverty and unemployment, as well as prevent the attendant consequences, Shehu said.

Similarly, Shehu said that, if elected, he will accord top priority to women and youths empowerment to curb youths restiveness.

An idle mind is really the devils workshop and the menace of unemployment, especially among the youths can exacerbate the prevailing security challenges, he said.

Shehu, who is also the state chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), decried the recurrence of kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling and other sundry crimes in the area.

The security challenges have been worrying me and I will partner with the various security agencies to address the situation, he said.

On agriculture, Shehu said that he plans to assist farmers with assorted fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, implements and improved seed varieties for enhanced yield.

A lot of people want to venture into farming, but they lack the capital to do so, hence I will be assisting such people to become successful farmers.

This gesture will boost food production, ensure food security, and bolster the socioeconomic development of the state, the candidate said.

On education, Shehu promised to establish an educational foundation to assist indigent students with bursaries to enable them to acquire education at all levels. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Source: NAN News