Northern Forum to Minister: Why Dr Musa deserves National Honours

By Editor

A pressure group, Concerned Northern Forum, has urged the national honours committee to consider Dr. Emmanuel Musa, Founder and President of Emnanu Foundation, for national honours in recognition of his exceptional humanitarian services to vulnerable and less privileged people in his home state of Adamawa, the northern region and Nigeria at large.

The forum in a letter of recommendation jointly signed by its chairman, Aliu Sani Mohammed and it's spokesman, comrade Abdulsalam Moh'd Kazeem, addressed to the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs and copied the President and Secretary to the Federation, explained that the nominee has over time exhibited uncommon commitment to human and material development of the region and the country in general.

A copy of the acknowledged letter dated 6th June, 2024 reads in part this; "We write as a Caolition of over 73 civil society organisations with over 4 million members to recommend Dr. Emmanuel Musa, Founder and President of Emnanu Foundation, for national honours in recognition of his exceptional humanitarian services to vulnerable and less privileged people in his home state of Adamawa, the northern region and Nigeria at large and aside that we sighted another document of endorsement by the leadership over 45 various credible and reputable organisations from the region who are in support of the said national honour to Dr Emmanuel .

"Through his charity project, Emnanu Foundation, Dr. Musa has touched the lives of millions of Nigerians from the North East geopolitical zone who have been affected by Boko Haram insurgency by providing them with shelters, food and financial aid to enable them pick up their livelihoods and thrive. He has also been active in supporting camps for internally displaced persons all over the region and elsewhere.

"His swift response to the victims of a devastating windstorm in Pella, Hong Local Government Area where building materials, beddings, clothing and food supplies where made available to more than 500 victims were affected deserves special recognition and honour.

"As a man who is highly educated, Dr. Emmanuel Musa has shown great commitment to the education of indigent students all over the country. He had recently donated over ₦200 million to 200,000 Pupils under the Adamawa Pupils Welfare Scheme. This is an unprecedented gesture and the hallmark of generosity and philanthropy worthy of national honours and recognition.

"By using his personal resources to better the lives of people around him, it is our firm conviction that you'll find this young man, who at the tender age of 34 years has already impacted his community positively and is till touching more lives in several other ways.

"We therefore, present Dr. Emmanuel Musa as the recipient of this year's "Most Outstanding and Distinguished Humanitarian of the Year" award".

Count us out of anti-INEC protest - Ohanaeze youths

 

By Editor 

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has distanced itself from a planned protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and its chairman, Prof Yakubu Mahmood. 

This is also as the Igbo group urged the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate during the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi to accept the outcome of the polls and move on. 

A group, South Unity Youth Coalition, had announced a mass protest on June 12, Democracy Day, to demand the removal of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The coalition believes that Professor Yakubu’s leadership has severely compromised the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

On his part, Obi had on Saturday while reacting to South-Africa's presidential election, said the last general election was plagued with fraud and widespread irregularities.

However, in a statement by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, he said it was regrettable that over one year after the 2023 general elections, many politicians in the country had refused to move on. 

Okwu said one would have expected politicians to at this point join hands with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to move the country forward. 

He expressed concern that, “instead, what we have continued to see is that politicians and some of their paid agents have continued to fan embers of discord in the country owing to the outcome of the elections. 

“We have said for the umpteenth time that there is no perfect election anywhere in the world. 

“Our appeal to our brother, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi is to accept not just the outcome of the election, but the verdict of the apex court in the land, the Supreme Court. 

“In the case of the 2023 election, without sounding biased, it is a wrong conclusion for anyone to say that the INEC performed woefully. This cannot be so, when the court upheld the majority of the election and in some of the cases where elections were annulled, it had to do with candidates’ qualifications and some other issues that could not be blamed on the INEC.”

Okwu called on those planning any kind of protest to drop the idea, stressing that “Igbo youths are not going to be lured into such a selfish agenda aimed at heating up the polity. 

“Rather, we remain firmly behind President Bola Tinubu’s government and INEC. We welcome further reforms to the electoral process through the National Assembly. 

“However, any form of protest, we are not going to be a party to it and those behind the plot should jettison it.”

AYCF Urges Peaceful June 12 Celebrations, Condemns Plans Of Violent Protests

By Editor

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) is gravely concerned about recent reports of plans by certain groups to disrupt the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations by instigating chaos and violence.

AYCF in a statement by its President General Yerima Shettima,  strongly condemned any form of protest or demonstration intended to disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria, particularly on the June 12 Democracy Day when  the nation commemorates its hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy.

"The AYCF believes that any disturbance could undermine the significance of this symbolic day and strongly condemns any form of protest or demonstration that seeks to disrupt the peace and stability of our country, especially on a day as significant as Democracy Day. As a youth organization committed to the advancement and unity of our nation, we believe that peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement are the most effective tools for driving positive change and progress," said Shettima.

While acknowledging the legitimacy of peaceful protests as a form of expression, Shettima warned that when such activities escalate into violence, it undermines the very principles of democracy that is being celebrated.

 "Though protest and demonstration are legitimate, when these activities escalate into violence, destruction of property, and endangering of lives, they no longer serve their intended purpose and instead it undermines the very democracy we seek to uphold," Shettima noted.

Addressing the importance of Democracy Day, Shettima emphasized, "On a day like Democracy Day, when we commemorate the hard-fought struggle for freedom and democracy in our country, it is particularly important to uphold the values of peace, unity, and progress. Disrupting the peace and stability of our nation on such a significant day only detracts from the achievements and sacrifices of those who fought for our democracy."

Shettima called on all Nigerians to use this day for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity. "Celebrating our Democracy Day should be a time for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity as we honor the sacrifices made by our forefathers to secure our freedom. It is a day when we should come together as one nation, setting aside our differences and focusing on the progress and development of our country," he said.

To ensure that the day's celebrations proceed without incident, Shettima urged the government to take decisive action. "Maintaining law and order is crucial not only for the safety and security of the citizens but also for upholding the principles of democracy. The government has a responsibility to protect its people and ensure that they can exercise their rights and freedoms without fear of intimidation or violence."

He further stated, "Any attempts to disrupt the peace and stability of the Democracy Day celebrations must be met with swift and severe consequences.Those who seek to sow chaos and disorder should be held accountable for their actions and face the full force of the law."

In addition to punitive measures for potential troublemakers, Shettima advocated for increased security. "Increased security measures, including the deployment of law enforcement personnel and the implementation of crowd control measures, should be put in place to deter any potential threats to public safety."

Shettima concluded with a call to action for the youth and all citizens: "We urge all citizens, especially the youth, to engage in peaceful and constructive means of advocacy and dialogue to address their grievances and push for the change they desire. Let us work together to build a better and more inclusive society, where the rights and aspirations of all citizens are respected and protected."

Gov. Idris settles $4,000 medical bills of Kebbi student in India

 

By Editor

The Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has paid the sum of 4,000 US dollars for the treatment of Yusuf Sani Zauro, a Kebbi State student, who is currently suffering from kidney complication in India.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Issa Abubakar-Tunga, stated this in a statement he issued to Journalists on Friday.

Abubakar -Tunga said: "The student is said to be having kidney problem. We pray to Almighty Allah for a quick recovery."

Governor Idris commission road projects in sokoto

By Eidtor

Kebbi State Governor Comrade Dr.Nasir Idris has commission Magaji Gari Alu and Bondiga road projects in sokoto state.

While Commissioning the road projects on Sunday ,2nd June 2024 in sokoto, Governor Idris commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his foresight in providing the people with projects that have direct bearing in their lives.

Dr. Idris also expressed happiness with the gigantic efforts of the sokoto Governor, saying "we, the two state governors are united and ready to provide dividends of democracy to the people of our dear states.

"I want to thank the former sokoto state governor, Senator Aliyu Wamaku for being there always to offer good advice and contribution to our administration", he said.

Governor Idris was invited by the sokoto State Governor to commission the road projects. He said the project would give people of the state sense of belonging and boost the economic drive of the state.

The Governor, while distributing 3,000 granding machines to women in the state urge them to use it judiciously and should not sell them.

Responding, the Sokoto State Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu thanked Governor Idris for honouring his invitation to commissioning the road projects adding that the two roads projects gulped N800m.

Ministerial Scorecard: Coalition Scores Minister of Steel Development, FCT Others High

By Abdul Alabi

As part of efforts to appraise the current administration as it marks one year in office, Concerned Northern Forum (CNF), has scored the Minister of Steel Development as well as his counterparts in the ministries of Federal Capital Territory, Works and Interior high for their commitment and dedication towards the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

 The coalition, comprising of more than 73 CSOs with millions of members is a prominent civil society organisation with a focus on the development of Northern Nigeria.

Addressing a press conference at Arewa House in Kaduna on Sunday,  the coalition's national vice chairman, Concerned Northern Forum Comrade Muhammad Aminu Abbas,  congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his impactful one year in office and hailed his indefatigable Ministers whose performance thrilled and gave Nigerians hope for a better Nigeria.

Excerpts, "today, we are gathered to celebrate and congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on his impactful one year in office and also to run a scorecard on some performing Ministers towards decorating the most outstanding stewards in the current cabinet who have flown high the banner of Mr. President's Renewed Hope Agenda. This is our modest way of encouraging Nigerians to imbibe the virtue of hard work and excellence.

"Having done our due diligence and evaluated all the Ministers under the administration in the period under review, we have identified true patriots who have served President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and indeed Nigerians as excellent Ministers and worthy ambassadors of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Based on our scorecard, the following Ministers have made it on our elite list of top performers. They are;  H.E. Nyesom Wike, who as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has revolutionized the provision of infrastructure and land administration in the FCT within a short period of time in office. 

"Equally deserving of accolades is H.E. Engr. Dave Umahi, Minister of Works whose giant strides in road construction including the legacy Lagos to Calabar coastal highway and Badagry to Sokoto highway as well as the ingenious use of cement for construction has drastically cut down the cost of road construction and reduced pressure on our foreign exchange. Another top performer deserving of mention is Hon. Bunmi T. Ojo, whose Interior Ministry employed innovative technology and cost saving means to clear the backlog of passport application, ushering in an era of instant passport application and collection. 

The Coalition's spotlight was however, on the Minister of Steel Development, Hon. Prince Shuaibu Audu whom they described as "a youth like us, a rare breed who has demonstrated enormous capacity in the Ministry of Steel Development and has more than all the other Ministers pioneered policies and projects which have the potential for the industrialization and rapid economic development of the nation".

While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deploying technical parameters to measure the performance of all ministries using key indicators, an initiative championed by the office of Hadiza Bala Usman, the Coalition maintained that even though Government has done well, the people who are  direct beneficiaries of these policies are equally in a position to give their perspective on the performance of Ministers and their ministries and hence their spotlight of the Honourable Minister of Steel Development.

"It is on this note that we  have decided pick Hon. Prince Shuaibu Audu as our star performer amongst all the Ministers and to make our position known on the historic developments in the steel sector within the last one year and also bear witness to the fact that the Minister has performed excellently well and even beyond the expectations of Nigerians as he strives to revive the  hitherto moribund steel sector including the comatose Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

"In line with the vision and blueprint of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR who is determined to stir Nigeria on the path of economic recovery and growth, the Minister has already taken steps to explore the possibility of securing up to $5 million funding from the World Bank to finance the 10-year roadmap for the steel and metals sector. This creative solutions gives hope to a sector that was unproductive due to negligence and lack of credible administrators and technocrats.

"Already, talks have been completed with Russia's TyazhPromExport (TPE) Consortium, the original equipment manufacturers and developers of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) with a view to exploring options available for reviving the company. This collaboration and partnership equally is also likely to attract an additional $2 billion for the revamping of Ajaokuta Steel Company. The Honorable Minister is also at the concluding stages of raising ₦35 billion (over $25 million) from local financiers for the revival of the Light Steel Mill (LSM) at Ajaokuta".

The Coalition also mentioned "plans towards the establishment of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) park at the Ajaokuta Steel Complex in order to tap into the ₦100 billion fund set-up by the federal government, as a major step to bringing back to life, the economically viable industry as well as the reviving of steel facilities and research centres in Jos, Plateau State and the National Steel Raw Materials Agency, Kaduna". 

The Coalition finally thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a promising young man who has not just performed credibly but has become a reference point to what youths can do if given the opportunity and assured Mr. President of their continued loyalty since his administration has proven to be progressive and youth centred, especially in the areas of industrialization and job creation.

"As critical stakeholders and youths who are actively involved in the political and social development of our communities, we have great confidence in this administration's capacity to create jobs and end youth unemployment and are assuring Mr. President of our continued loyalty provided Prince Shuaibu Audu remains in his cabinet. His sterling performance holds promise for other youths in successive administrations", the statement concluded.

Appoint new humanitarian minister to ease our suffering, PWDs, CSOs beg Tinubu

 

by Abdul Alabi 

Persons living  With Disabilities,(PWDs) have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint a new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation  to ease their suffering and improve their living conditions. 

They argued that since the Ministry has been without a Minister, Government is failing in providing basic succour to the less privileged.

They urged the president to appoint a dedicated person that can better understand and advocate for their needs.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Civil Society Organizations in  collaboration with the PWDs at Arewa House in kaduna, Chairman Northern Youth Disability Forum, Muhammad Musa Zaria, said the person of choice to replace the former  Minister of Humanitarian Affairs must be someone who recognizes the ongoing struggles of PWDs and the need for focused governmental support to enhance their quality of life.

They urged president Tinubu to  consider filling the vacuum created with the suspension of former minister Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, by appointing Halimat Adenike Tejuosho as the new Minister of the ministry. They believe Tejuosho’s appointment will enable Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda especially in the area of poverty alleviation.

 According to Zaria, "It goes without saying that since the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has been without a Minister, Government is failing in providing basic succour to the less privileged. From her antecedents and if given the opportunity, Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, will continue to extend her generosity and passion to bring a turn around in the fortunes of the less privileged and downtrodden in Nigeria", the text noted. 

“This is our collective resolve born out of the conviction that with the support she has been giving people in the community for over 10 years, she's the right person for the job. Politics, region and other considerations should be put aside to allow competence and merit to prevail", he concluded. 

Picture: PWD in collaboration with CSOs addressing press at a conference in kaduna