Appointing Halimat Tejuosho as humanitarian minister will reduce agitations - CSOs tell Tinubu

By Editor

Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria (CCSON) has said that appointing Halimat Tejuosho Adenike as Humanitarian Affairs Minister will reduce agitations from different groups cut across the country.

The group in a press statement jointly signed by the Deputy National Chairman and Spokesperson of the coalition Comrade Auwal Mohammed and Joy Elizabeth was reacting to the seven appointments made by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the federal ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, on Tuesday night.

Applauding president Tinubu for the appointments, the group stated that the move is a clear reflection of what Tejuosho has been telling them that the president is committed to take Nigeria to the promise land.

The group however, urged Tinubu to consider Adenike for the position of Humanitarian Affairs Minister because her track record of intervention in the ongoing nationwide protests is outstanding and therefore should be given the full opportunity in the president Tinubu's led administration to enable her contribute her quota to national development.

CCSON, a Coalition of over 200 Civil Society Groups, that constitutes over 50 million members across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) avered that Tejuosho risked her life from Abuja to Jos in the view to speak with protesters in other for them to end the protest which they obliged, stressing that her intervention in Kogi foiled the protest with no single interest. 

Auwal further reiterated that the people living with disabilities, whom Adenike serve as their national patron also shunned the protest because of her interest, adding that there is nowhere in Nigeria that a single PLWDs was seen to have joined the Nationwide protest, courtesy of Adenike's role.

The national chairman while making reference to Kogi State, also added that Adenike had several town hall meetings with Kogi youths both in Lokoja and Abuja sensitizing them on the need not to be part of the protest due to the complexity nature of the state and they obliged.

They also worried that they have unravelled plans by some prominent personalities in the North, lobbying to hijack the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry, urging the president not to succumb to the pressure on the ground that the position belong to a southerner and not for the North.

He said, "Our major surprise is on the ground that some of those political appointees under president Bola Ahmed Tinubu could not even come out to defend the him because of fear of attack but Adenike used her personal resources meeting with different groups to foil the protest.

"The people of plateau state had to stop the protest because of her intervention on Sunday. Also, Kogi State and people living with disability refused to even participate at all because of her intervention. So we are calling on the president for her immediate nomination as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, following her outstanding track record and mediation skills, even if not for anything else for that singular act during this crisis where those that were leaders did not show face.

"Humanitarian Affairs is a very sensitive ministry which a vacuum that the suspended Minister created is part of what led to the protest. So there is nothing wrong if the president should consider the recommendation of more than 70 CSOs that has written and calling on Mr president to consider her appointment.

"Appointing her will make Nigerians believe that Mr. President is interested in the welfare of young Nigerians. This CSOs constitutes over 50 million people cuts across the country. This means that if Adenike is appointed those that are agitating have been tactically settled because the agitations will reduce drastically." Part of the statement reads.

Nationwide Protestin Nigeria Spark Mixed Reactions

 

The ongoing nationwide protests in various parts of Nigeria have elicited a range of reactions both domestically and internationally. 

Bishop John O. Dickson, President of Friendship Church International Worldwide, has voiced his concerns about the situation. He described the protests, branded as "EndBadGovernance," as a significant embarrassment and a blemish on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The American-Nigerian Christian cleric lamented the negative impact these protests have had on Nigeria's image and reputation. 

Bishop Dickson stressed the importance of the government heeding the complaints of its citizens and working deliberately to address their grievances. While he acknowledged that dialogue alone is insufficient, he emphasized the need for justice, fairness, and equitable treatment among Nigeria's diverse population. He also urged Nigerians to pray and seek divine intervention to prevent the situation from escalating further. 

Commenting on the current economic challenges, Bishop Dickson highlighted Nigeria's wealth in human and natural resources. However, he pointed out that corruption and lack of productivity have hindered the effective utilization of these resources. He called for deliberate efforts to change this narrative and predicted a promising future for Nigeria if the government adopts and effectively implements sound policies. 

In her statement, Pastor Mrs. Esther Dickson is against shooting and looting of protesters.  She called for a thorough investigation and respect for human lives and rights as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. She urged aggrieved Nigerians to engage in peaceful and lawful demonstrations, cautioning against looting and the destruction of private and public property.

Violent protest: Arewa group urges Tinubu to relocate Kano's Digital Innovation Park to Kebbi

 

Group, Concerned Northern Forum, (CNF) has called on president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to relocate the Digital Innovation Park in Kano to Kebbi state.

The group made the call through it's Spokesperson, Comrade Abdulsalam Mohammed Kazeem in a press conference held on Monday, while reacting to the violent protests in Kano state state that led to the destruction of lives and properties, including the looting of the innovation park by miscreants.

According to Abdulsalam, government innovations should be domicile in a state with relative peace like Kebbi and not a violent prone environment.

CNF while applauding the Kebbi state Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris added that the the Governor chose to prioritize peace and welfare of his citizens against personal gain, stressing that the ongoing nationwide protests should have been averted if other Governors across the country toe the path of peace.

"Contrary to what is happening in other states across the federation, Kebbi State remains a model, thanks to the dedication and commitment of the Executive Governor, Comrade Dr. Idris Nasir. For him to have prevailed on the youths and people of his state not to be involved in the senseless nationwide hunger means he has channeled the revenue, palliatives and other incentives meant for his people towards alleviating the hardship occasioned by the necessary difficulties occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy and other timely economic reforms of the current administration. 

"Dr. Nasir Idris therefore deserves commendations for upholding the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda and aligning his state to take advantage of all the interventions of this current administration.

It should be noted that, what the Executive Governor of Kebbi and a few other governors have done could have been replicated in other states as the allocation available to state governments all over the federation has doubled following the courageous removal of fuel subsidy regime by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

"We therefore call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to go after governors that have decided to feed fat on the huge allocations coming from the federal government rather than using them judiciously to provide succour and comfort for their citizens. Similarly, the federal government should consider punitive measures on states where sensitive government property and infrastructure where destroyed by relocating the affected facilities to neighbouring states with functional governors to serve as incentives for hard work and dedicated stewardship.

"For instance, the Digital Innovation Park in Kano, built to support Mr. President's 3 Million Technical Talent accelerator (3MTT) which was set ablaze in Kano and looted in Kano should be relocated to Kebbi State. It will be a grave injustice for the federal government to consider rebuilding such a strategic facility in a state where the governor is working at cross purposes with the federal government and does not have the grip on his citizens. 

"Kebbi State is also part of the North West and it won't be fair if this great Comrade Governor is not rewarded for his sterling leadership and support for the policies and projects of the government at the center. With the youthful population, economic viability and eagerness for job creation by the governor, relocating this project in Kebbi will boost the economy of the state and increase its internally generated revenue by over ₦300 billion. Indeed, Kebbi State needs interventions like this more than Kano State regardless of the governor's high impact governance.

"As one who has prioritized his people above his personal gains, Dr. Nasir Idris' one year in office has been characterized with a transformation in the infrastructural landscape of the state. He has also revolutionized Education, Health Care, Agriculture, Security and other key sectors of the economy. No wonder, with his kind intervention, the people of Kebbi State felt an obligatory need to obey him and refrain from unleashing mayhem on their states as it is happening else where. 

"If all state governors and other elected representatives decided to act responsibly and avoid the temptation for primitive accumulation, Nigerians would have chosen to side with the truth as against the faceless, deceptive protest organisers.

"As we pass a vote of confidence on Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to always consider patriots and progressives in the sharing and handling of sensitive national assignments. He is a true leader and should be rewarded for his loyalty. Kebbi State should be remembered and included in more intervention projects as the governor is sincerely working to lift his people out of poverty and suffering.” Abdulsalam said.

Concerned Northern Forum Commends Kebbi Governor, Calls for Presidential Reward

By Editor

The Concerned Northern Forum has praised the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, for his efforts in preventing the spread of nationwide protests within his state. During a press conference held at Sharon Ultimate Hotel, Area 3, Garki, Abuja, on August 5, 2024, the forum passed a vote of confidence in the governor and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognize and reward his effective governance.

In his address, the forum's spokesman, Abdulsalam Moh'd Kazeem, described the ongoing nationwide protests as mindless and purposeless, attributing them to a few criminal elements with failed political ambitions. These individuals, he said, have incited Nigerians, particularly the youth, against President Tinubu’s administration. Kazeem lamented that what began as a peaceful protest has escalated into a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions.

Kazeem noted that the protests, aimed at ending hunger and bad governance, could have been avoided. He highlighted President Tinubu’s efforts to address the wrongs of previous administrations and criticized some state governors and stakeholders for failing to properly distribute funds and materials meant for the masses. This negligence, he argued, has fueled legitimate hunger and anger among Nigerians.

Contrasting the unrest in other states, Kebbi State has remained a model of stability due to the dedication of Governor Nasir Idris. The governor’s efforts to channel revenue, palliatives, and other incentives towards alleviating the hardships caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy and other economic reforms were commended. The forum noted that Idris' leadership aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

The forum called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate governors who have mismanaged the increased allocations resulting from the fuel subsidy removal. They suggested that the federal government relocate strategic facilities from states that have experienced significant protest-related destruction to neighboring states with effective governance. Specifically, they recommended relocating the Digital Innovation Park from Kano to Kebbi State, citing the latter’s youthful population and economic viability.

The Concerned Northern Forum highlighted several achievements of Governor Idris within his first year in office, including the transformation of the state’s infrastructural landscape, improvements in education, healthcare, agriculture, and security, and gaining the trust and support of the people of Kebbi State, who have refrained from participating in the nationwide protests.

The forum concluded by passing a vote of confidence in Governor Nasir Idris and urging President Tinubu to consider patriots and progressives in the distribution of sensitive national assignments. They emphasized that Kebbi State should be included in more intervention projects as Governor Idris continues to work toward lifting his people out of poverty and suffering.

Why We Honored Core Northerner with Mayegun Oodua title - Group

By Editor

The Oodua Youth Parliament has honored business mogul Chief Adi Pajo, a core Northerner from Taraba state with the title of Mayegun of Oodua Youth Parliament. 

The ceremony, held in Abuja, celebrated Dr. Pajo's exceptional contributions to humanity and his remarkable philanthropic efforts. 

The group said Pago has empowered thousands of people accross the country and created jobs for the teaming youth. 

The Oodua Youth Parliament, representing Yoruba-speaking ethnic minorities across 17 countries, including Brazil as an ancestral home, said it was deeply impressed and inspired by Dr. Pajo's achievements. 

The group said as the founder and CEO of Jukun TV and Frontline TV, Chief Pajo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to uplifting humanity and empowering others through his various initiatives.

 Aare Abdulmajeed Oladimeji Oyeniyi, the Speaker of the Oodua Youth Parliament, presented the chieftaincy title to Dr. Pajo. In his speech, AARE Oyeniyi commended Dr. Pajo for his extraordinary service, vision for a just and egalitarian society, and relentless campaign for peace and harmonious co-existence.

"We are appreciating him for his service, upliftment of humanity, and life-saving activities that make him extraordinary in all ramifications. His sagacity to show and lead by example, his vision for a just and egalitarian society, his unending, vigorous campaign for peace and harmonious co-existence, and his exemplary dedication to one united Nigeria are outstanding, remarkable, and worthy of emulation," said AARE Oyeniyi.

Dr. Pajo has empowered thousands of youths across the country and created numerous job opportunities, further solidifying his reputation as a leader dedicated to the betterment of society. His philanthropic endeavors, including various empowerment programs, have made a significant impact on communities.

Members of the Oodua Youth Parliament across Nigeria have followed Dr. Pajo's antecedents and provided glowing attestations to his attributes, confirming that he embodies the qualities needed for the Nigeria Project.

In his remarks, High Chief Dr. Adi Pajo expressed his gratitude for the honor. He thanked God Almighty and acknowledged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, for his support.

"I am deeply humbled and grateful to be named High Chief Mayegun of Oodua Youth Parliament, i.e., Leader of Peace. This title is a profound honor and a responsibility which I accept with great pride. As Chief Mayegun, I pledge to promote peace, justice, equity, and fairness. This title is a great motivation for me," said Dr. Pajo.

The Oodua Youth Parliament looks forward to Dr. Pajo's continued contributions to peace and development across the Southern Region and Nigeria at large, confident that his leadership and philanthropic efforts will inspire many.

How Halima Adenike’s intervention foiled nationwide protest in Kogi

 

By editor 

 The Coalition of Concerned Kogi Indigenes (CCKI) has announced their decision to refrain from participating in the Nationwide protest scheduled from August 1st to August 10th, 2024, citing the influential intervention of philanthropist Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuosho as a pivotal factor.

In a press statement issued today, CCKI, representing over one million members, disclosed that discussions with Hajiya Halimat Adenike played a crucial role in shaping their stance against the protest. The philanthropist, renowned for her humanitarian efforts through the QAT Foundation, expressed deep concerns over the potential for unrest and exploitation of state divisions during the protest period.

"Hajiya Halimat Adenike's impassioned plea resonated deeply with our concerns for peace and stability in Kogi State," stated Comrade Philip Adamu Isah, Chairman of CCKI. "Her foresight into the risks posed by the protest convinced us to prioritize dialogue and unity over participating in nationwide demonstrations."

The coalition emphasized their commitment to fostering a peaceful environment within Kogi State amidst ongoing political tensions and social complexities. They also voiced support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, urging patience in addressing national challenges inherited from previous administrations.

"We believe in constructive engagement and unity," added HON. Oheiza Anda Recheal, Secretary of CCKI. "Our decision reflects our dedication to safeguarding our community's interests and maintaining the harmony we cherish."

In response to their decision, CCKI called upon President Tinubu to consider merit and competence in future ministerial appointments, highlighting individuals like Hajiya Halimat Adenike as exemplary candidates for critical roles, particularly within the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry.

The coalition concluded by reaffirming their stance against participating in the nationwide protest and encouraged youths across Nigeria to prioritize dialogue and constructive engagement for the collective progress of the nation.

For further information or inquiries, the Coalition of Concerned Kogi Indigenes can be contacted through their official channels.

Protest: Halima Tejuoso calls for calm, says Tinubu will fix Nigeria

From Editor

 Founder QAT Foundation, Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuoso has called on Nigerians to maintain every sense of decorum regarding the ongoing nationwide protests.

Hajiya Halimat made the call in Abuja earlier this week during youths' solidarity protest with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said that the protest is uncalled for, noting that the current administration is still trying to sort out inherited liabilities from the previous administration.

Suing for peace, patience and dialogue against violent protests capable of turning the country into chaos, Adenike noted that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu's led administration has used available means to plead with Youths on the need to shelve their sword as the government is doing everything possible to address current challenges.

Speaking further at the protest tagged, ”protect, not protest, an initiative powered by QAT Foundation, she avered that the plan to end the present administration is out of order, warned against plunging the country into Kenya and Libya experiences.

She said, “What bad governance are we ending when the government of the day is yet to stabilize from some challenges it inherited from the former government.

“The minister of information and national orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris has been addressing various youth groups and meetings. Nigeria is not Kenya and we will not allow any protest that will affect market women or one that would be hijacked by looters and hoodlums lurking around. Let’s cherish our peace and grow this democracy via dialogue.

“To this end, I urge all Nigerian youth and civil society organizations to dissipate their energies in protecting this government, this country and shun all planned protests.” she stressed.

Hajiya Adenike before now has used different avenue to urge Nigerian youths on the need to give president Tinubu more. She noted that the policies and reforms by the APC government under Tinubu will materialize in a no distant time as such Nigerians should envisage the future advantages imbedded in those reforms both for individual and national growth