Author Archives: News All Around

Akatu Odeh James

Says Igbos in danger in N’West

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The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, foremost socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people, rises with urgent concern to address the alarming rise of a new terrorist group operating under the banner of “LAKURAWA” in the Northwest region of Nigeria—particularly in Kebbi and Sokoto States.

The Ohaneaze in a statement issued by the Secretary General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro averred that the emergence of this group has rapidly escalated into a direct threat against the safety, dignity, and livelihood of our people, and it is imperative that we speak out unequivocally against this peril.

Isiguzoro said, recent reports detailing the activities of the LAKURAWA terrorist group are disheartening stressing that group has reportedly usurped the function of traditional rulers in Kebbi State, displacing them and assuming their roles as judges and arbiters of local disputes.

“This brazen act not only undermines the cultural and traditional frameworks of the communities but lays bare the harsh reality that many are now governed by fear rather than law. Traditional leaders, who have historically served as essential pillars of justice and community cohesion, now find themselves rendered powerless, operating under the thumb of an unrecognized and dangerous entity.

“The plight of Igbo communities in these regions is nothing short of grave. Reports indicate that the lives and properties of our people are under staunch threat; economic activities have waned significantly due to the constant harassment inflicted by LAKURAWA.

“Peaceful Igbo traders face robberies and violent assaults, resulting in the tragic loss of life—many among the 15 casualties reported in recent attacks. It is unconscionable that in a country where we cherish democratic values, our people are subjected to such brutal treatment.

“Moreover, the Governor of Kebbi State appears overwhelmed; his inability to assert control and safeguard the rights and security of his constituents can lead to a complete breakdown of law and order. In light of this untenable situation, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recognize the urgent need for comprehensive action.

“The President has endowed Ministers of State with imperative responsibilities, and we implore Dr. Bello Matawelle, the current Minister of State for Defence, to rise to the occasion and implement decisive measures to quell this rebellion against Nigerian residents, particularly against the Igbo in the Northwest.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed implicit confidence in Dr. Matawelle’s capacity to address and neutralize this threat. His retention in the Cabinet is not merely a matter of political convenience but a demonstration of presidential trust in his abilities to manage national security challenges.

“We believe he possesses the acumen necessary to mobilize resources and execute strategies that will eradicate the Lakurawa menace before it solidifies into another multi-national terrorist group akin to Boko Haram.

“While it is accurate to note that Lakurawa currently lacks the level of sophistication and reach of Boko Haram, we cannot afford to underestimate the potential for escalation. The history of terrorism in Nigeria demonstrates that even nascent groups can grow rapidly into formidable foes if their activities are not curtailed immediately. This is not merely a call for action; it is a clarion call for the survival of our people and the preservation of peace in the affected regions.

“Additionally, we call upon President Tinubu to facilitate the immediate deployment of all necessary resources to aid Dr. Matawelle and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, urging them to physically relocate to the Northwest to orchestrate a robust military response against the Lakurawa terrorist group. This decisive intervention is paramount in ensuring the safety of every Nigerian citizen as well as the integrity of our national security”.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo says they stand resolute in their commitment to advocate for the safety and well-being of the Igbo people, adding that, ” It is our hope that the Federal Government acknowledges the gravity of this situation and acts with the urgency it demands. We will not sit idly by as terror groups attempt to disrupt the fragile peace that we have worked diligently to uphold. The time for action is now—let us unite in purpose against the scourge of terrorism” the statement reads.

Moses Luka

Abuja, Nigeria – In a bold move set to disrupt the status quo, High Chief Moses Ayom, a trailblazing entrepreneur, is spearheading a furniture revolution in Africa with his pioneering brand, CHERRYWOOD FURNITURE. From modest beginnings to international acclaim, CHERRYWOOD’s remarkable journey is redefining the continent’s furniture industry.

UNVEILING WEST AFRICA’S LARGEST STATE-OF-THE-ART FACTORY

CHERRYWOOD ATV, nestled in Abuja’s Technology Village, is poised to launch its cutting-edge furniture factory and showroom, cementing its position as West Africa’s largest and most advanced furniture manufacturing hub. Boasting top-tier production hardware and specialized software from China, this facility is the epitome of innovation.

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISANS

Chief Ayom’s commitment to nurturing young African talent is unwavering. Through comprehensive training programs, CHERRYWOOD ATV is equipping artisans with advanced furniture making and finishing techniques, fostering economic independence and elevating industry standards.

AFFORDABLE LUXURY: THE CHERRYWOOD ATV ADVANTAGE

As a Free Trade Zone beneficiary, CHERRYWOOD ATV optimizes affordability without compromising quality. Tax exemptions enable the company to produce exceptional furniture at competitive prices, bolstering both business growth and Nigeria’s local manufacturing sector.

GIVING BACK: CHERRYWOOD ATV’S COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

CHERRYWOOD ATV’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative focuses on crafting durable school furniture for children. Chief Ayom’s thoughtful design ensures affordable, high-quality chairs and writing desks, made possible through Free Trade Zone tax exemptions.

A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

Chief Ayom’s visionary leadership is driving economic growth, enhancing local manufacturing quality, and investing in education. CHERRYWOOD ATV’s innovative approach is redefining African manufacturing, harmoniously blending business success with community upliftment.

JOIN THE REVOLUTION

As CHERRYWOOD ATV embarks on this extraordinary journey, Africa’s furniture landscape is poised for a transformative shift. Witness the dawn of a new era, where quality, innovation, and social responsibility converge.

Amalgamation of Islamic groups under umbrella of Islamic Forum for Unity of the Ummah have concluded arrangements to meet on Wednesday to discuss the controversial Tax Reform Bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

According to the Islamic Forum, sensitive government policy, such as the proposed tax reforms needs wider consultations with stakeholders, groups and the citizens before been passed into law.

The President had, on September 3, transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration.

But in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Mallam Adam Awwal Muhammad and Secretary Sheikh Akanbi Rashidi Bolaji, Islamic Forum for Unity of the Ummah expressed concerns over the rejection of the bills by northern governors and National Economic Council recommendation for withdrawal.

The statement further said ,”At the Meeting convened by Sheikh Mustapha Al-Arabi convener, members of Islamic groups are expected to discuss the content of bills with regards to interest and economic implications as well as benefits to Muslim communities across the country and take a stand.

It also hinted that the decision to meet over the controversial tax reform bills stemmed from the concerns raised in some quarters over the new derivation-based model for VAT distribution and the contents of the bills, which the northern governors claimed did not align with the interests of the North and other subnational entities.

While noting that the bills have not been presented for a second reading where the principles of the bills will be debated, it stated, “We don’t want to be Hoodwinked into accepting a tax reform the will affect our people and their economic wellbeing,thus our decision to meet and get informed knowledge about the reforms before taking a stand.

The Forum further said:”We have read the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele, for the review of existing tax laws.

“From the document read ,we observed that the bills are the Nigeria Tax Bills are expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.

” We noticed it proposes several key changes, that include a gradual increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 15% by 2030 and an adjustment in Company Income Tax, which would set a rate of 27.5% for large companies, reducing to 25% by 2026.Additionally, the bill proposes a 4% development levy on companies to fund the Student Education Loan Fund, along with a 5% excise duty on sectors such as lottery, gaming, and telecommunications.
” We hope that the issues of transparency, particularly through provisions requiring price transparency and monitoring of publication costs are upheld” .

by Grace Ojeh

Renowned Islamic scholar Professor Mansur Sokoto has joined forces with other Islamic clerics to condemn Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal’s handling of the state’s security crisis. In a scathing video statement, Professor Sokoto criticized Governor Lawal’s lack of commitment to tackling the issue, accusing him of shirking responsibility and indulging in blame-shifting tactics.

The security situation in Zamfara has been dire, with attacks from Islamist militants, particularly the Fulani group, leaving many dead and displaced. Between January and October 2022, at least 4,020 Christians were killed in Nigeria by Islamic extremists.

Professor Sokoto emphasized that Governor Lawal must take decisive action to protect the lives and property of his constituents, as the buck stops with him. He pointed out that the governor has failed to demonstrate necessary leadership and commitment to addressing the crisis, despite being aware of the state’s security challenges before assuming office.

Interestingly, Governor Lawal has taken some steps to address the security concerns, including inaugurating a 21-member Board of Trustees of the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund and attending a roundtable discussion on insecurity in the North.

However, Professor Sokoto’s statement underscores the urgency of the situation and the moral imperative to address the security crisis head-on. The people of Zamfara are desperate for concrete action, not empty promises or finger-pointing.

Key Concerns:

• Lack of Commitment: Governor Lawal’s lack of commitment to tackling the security crisis.
• Blame-Shifting: Governor Lawal’s persistent efforts to shift responsibility onto others.
• Disregard for Religious Leaders: Governor Lawal’s apparent disregard for the pleas and advice of religious leaders.

Calls to Action:

• Decisive Leadership: Governor Lawal must take decisive action to protect the lives and property of his constituents.
• Comprehensive Strategy: The need for a comprehensive strategy to address the multifaceted challenges facing the state.
• Prioritize Welfare: Governor Lawal must prioritize the well-being of the people he has been elected to serve.

Usman Audu

In a scathing indictment, the National President of Nigeria’s Unemployed Youths Association (UYAN) has called for the swift and unceremonious removal of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Managing Director, Sam Ogbuku.

After  a tense town hall meeting with South-South representatives in Sabon Tasha Kaduna, the National President of UYAN, Ebi Clifford Zuofa lambasted the NDDC boss for gross incompetence, negligence, and blatant disregard for the region’s welfare.

“Ogbuku must go, Zuofa said, condemning the NDDC’s catastrophic failure to address Niger Delta’s crippling poverty, rampant corruption, and staggering underdevelopment.

Mr. Zuofa, said that UYAN is concerned that since Ogbuku the NNDC boss, Niger Delta have not experienced any form of development nor has the commission reduced the high rate of joblessness in the region

UYAN also made a shocking statistical revealing on Niger Deltans desperate plight in that directions.

The UYAN President who said his group was in Kaduna to gauge the pulse of Nigerians from the North noted that the North and South- South share certain peculiarities.

He noted that just like in the North, 87 percent of Nigeria’s poor people are in the Niger Delta

Comrade Zuofa also noted that the South-South region has the second-highest out-of-school children in the country after the North

“Up on that, there is endemic corruption devouring resources the Niger Delta region as can be seen in the NDDC.

“We are in the North today to meet unemployed youths from the region and to see what we can do to help further the cause of unemployed Nigerians .

“The youths in the South South of Nigeria which is also referred to as the Niger Delta region is suffering similar economic deprivation like what is being witnessed in the North, Zuofa”, he said.

Fielding questions from journalists, Secretary General of the group,  Dr. Aliu Femi stated that: “We are warning of massive protest in Abuja, Port Harcourt and other parts of the country if the Federal Government does not remove Sam Ogbuku as the head of the NDDC

“Even by the NDDC Act,the tenure of Ogbuku who is a Bayelsan has expired, Delta State is supposed to produce the next NDDC boss.

He also warned that the group will soon link up with other groups in the North in order to ensure that the Federal Government does the right thing by providing conducive environment which would ensure employment opportunities for Nigerians

The National President, Ebi Zuofa, was accompanied by Comrade Gbenga Fajoye for Delta State Coordinator, Amadoma God-help for Bayelsa State Coordinator, Osaruchi Rosamund Idumesaro for Rivers state Coordinator, Honesty Asemota for Edo state Coordinator,
Akpakip Okon for Akwa Ibom state Coordinator, and Blessing Okosun for Cross Rivers state Coordinator respectively, in Kaduna.

By Luke Chen

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria has written to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging him to address the recent calls for the resignation of Alhaji Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. The coalition considers these calls unjustified and potentially harmful to Nigeria’s economy and democracy.

Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPC has achieved remarkable milestones, including facilitating independent power projects, road maintenance, and significant blockage of revenue leakages, resulting in increased revenue for Nigeria. These accomplishments demonstrate his exceptional leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

Ambassador Abdul DanBature, Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership, signed the letter on behalf of the coalition, stressing that the APC Solidarity Forum’s actions appear driven by political motivations rather than genuine concerns for the nation’s well-being.

The coalition demanded that Akpabio condemn the unwarranted attacks on Alhaji Mele Kyari and the NNPC, investigate the motivations behind these calls for resignation, and prevent interference in NNPC’s operations. They also requested Akpabio ensure the APC Solidarity Forum is held accountable for their actions and that the nation’s interests are protected.

Senator Shehu Sani has strongly condemned the involvement of minors in protests, describing it as “most unfortunate and shameful” for Nigeria’s democracy. The former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial zone in the 8th Senate, urged the federal government to withdraw charges against the minors and return them to their states.

Sani, also a human rights activist, expressed his concerns via his social media handle, stating: “The arrangement of those minors for their participation in protest is most unfortunate and shameful for our country’s democracy. The FG should withdraw the charges against them and return them back to their states.”

This isn’t the first time Sani has advocated for the release of detained protesters. Earlier, he called on President Bola Tinubu to pardon those incarcerated over the #EndSARS protest in 2020 ¹ ². Sani emphasized the plight of Nigerian youths who protested against the abuses of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Read Her Full Valedictory Speech

Dear Fellow Hamites

It is with a heart full of gratitude that I address you today, perhaps for the last time, as the Administrator of our dear LGA, Jaba. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve my people in the capacity of Council Administrator for the past three years and I return the honour and glory to God Almighty for life, health, love, and salvation.

My profound gratitude remains with my dear Boss, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani, his amiable Deputy Governor, and my mentor, Her Excellency, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe and all other top government functionaries in Kaduna State for the trust and confidence reposed on me by giving me the opportunity, not only to serve my community but to equally make the record of being the longest serving female LG Administrator in Nigeria.

The experience working with Your Excellencies has been remarkable, and I am deeply indebted to you for this rare privilege of your mentorship.

From the inception of my administration, when we visited our communities and districts, seeking the opinions of our people that would shape and guide the policies of my administration, I felt the power of your support, your collective energy, and the endless goodwill that unequivocally propelled us to achieve many things.

This explains why our policies, programmes and projects were aimed at lifting more of our people out of poverty and equally making every part of the LGA safer, more accessible and economically viable. Reawaking our consciousness of our huge economic potential and working towards harnessing it to be emancipated economically remained our top priority and a driving force behind all our decisions and policy implementations.

Amidst our very popular programs and projects such as the ” Sha’ruwa Lafia Project,” which ensured the drilling of over Forty (40) solar-powered Boreholes across the Ten (10) Wards of Jaba LG, supported by the SDGs intervention.

The “Taimakon Jarin Mata Project” empowered about 400 women with small business startup capital, and the “Taimakon Manoma Project” empowered young farmers with irrigation water pumping machines for dry season farming, fertilizer, and other farming support. The latest “Farmers and Herders Peace Engagement”, across the three Districts of the LG, initiating the “All Ham Games Festival 2022”, marking the 85th Birthday of HRH KpopHam Dr. Danladi Gyet Maude OON, and Jaba@32, hosting and supporting the biggest and auspicious “TukHam 2024”, Health, Education and other Infrastructural projects as capture on our Scorecard, which were hallmarks of our administration, there could be a few of our policies which might have been unpopular but these were decisions taken with the best interest of our LGA at heart.

Even in those challenging times, your love and support, patience and understanding, hate speeches and constructive criticisms, helped us surmount the challenges and made us grow stronger each day.

As an indigen of Jaba LGA, all I wanted was to be a part of the development of my community, and glory to God Almighty, His Excellency and the good people of Jaba LGA gave me that opportunity and even more.

Our LGA, therefore, remains a land of opportunities, a home for everyone, and a place where dreams come true. My administration ensured that this idea was amplified and instilled in the consciousness of every indigen and resident of Jaba. It is, therefore, our duty and responsibility to ensure that we remain a centre of opportunities and growth for everyone;

Fellow Hamites, it has been a remarkable journey; one in which we have pushed boundaries and moved our dear LGA to another level. A journey in which we have transformed many aspects of our LGA and set the ball rolling for rapid economic growth in different areas of human endeavour. However, there is still a lot more to be done and it will not only be the job of the government but a collective responsibility for all of us. In Jaba LGA, everyone counts, and we all have a part to play.

Today, there will be a change of guard in our LGC. I will be stepping down and a new LGC Chairman will be sworn in. We will have a new Chairperson and a new administration but with the same objective: the task of achieving a better Jaba. Andrge that the same courtesy and cooperation you gave me to succeed be extended to the incoming administration to ensure our collective success.

While I heartily congratulate Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku on her swearing-in as the Executive Chairperson of Jaba LGC, I wish to call on the attention of other women/gender advocates as myself, States and Federal Governments and the international community to the history that is recorded today in Kaduna State in our journey towards the attainment of SDG Goal 5, Gender Equality.

For the first time, a female LGC Chairperson hands over the leadership baton to another female Chairperson. This is a huge achievement for the journey that began decades before the Beijing Conference and must be given its deserved attention.

I am immensely grateful to the Traditional Council under the able guidance of HRH, Dr. Danladi Gyet Maude, OON, the Kpop Ham, the Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) Jaba Chapter, Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI), Jaba LG chapter, the Jaba LG Joint Staff Union, all standing committees of the LG, the Ham Community Development Association (HAMCDA) and it’s affiliates, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and it’s affiliates, all our security Agencies, Civil Society groups such as the Community Development Chartered(CDC), etc, our community stakeholders and opinion leaders, for their immense support and solidarity throughout our three years tenure.

I equally reserve special thanks to my team members, inclusive of all my Councillors who started well and ended well inspite of all our challenges. The lies and betrayals broke us, but our determination and focus built us stronger together. Though we lost some of us to the cold hands of death, I am most proud of the assets I discovered in the few of you and look forward to another opportunity to work with you as I wish you very well in Your life endeavour.

To the leadership, elders, stakeholders, and members of my great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Jaba, Kaduna State, and Nigeria, I say a big thank you for being the platform upon which I stand. Thank you for standing with me and defending me against all the lies, backstabbing, gangs, and connivance of my enemies.

To my dear brother and friend, Hon. Mara Henry, Member Representing Jaba at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and Hon. Amos M. Gwamna, I say thank you for the opportunity to experience a healthy work relations with you. Your support indeed strengthened me and made my job easier.

To the Kaduna State Government led by Gov. Uba Sani, and to the Ministry for Local Government Affairs led by Hon. Maman Lagos, to the Management and Staff of Jaba LGA, to my dear supporters and women of Ward 11, to my cheerleaders, critics, and well-wishers, to my extended family and all members of the Har Thouno, I owe you all a debt of gratitude for your immense support in the last three years.

To my lovely family, my dear husband, Mr. George Iruobe, and our three lovely children, Jazmin, Jason, and Janaya who have had to endure many days and nights without me; To my dear father, Mr. Shehu Byack, and my only sibling alive, Mr. Emmanuel Shehu, and to the loving memories of my Mother Late Mrs.Rose Shehu Byack (Uwani Damago), and elder sister Late Ms. Fatima Shehu, I thank you for your love and steadfastness. You will continue to be my greatest motivator, pillar of strength and support.

To all Hamites of Jaba LG and those in the diaspora, let us hold hands and walk our community into the luminous. Let’s love truly, let’s speak wisely, let’s fight for each other, but not against one another, for at the end of it all, we have no one else but each other.
My love and respect, always.

Long live Jaba LGA!
Long live Kaduna State!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Signed
Hon. Mrs. Nita Byack George.
The Administrator, Jaba LGC
31st October, 2024.

By Mike Odeh James

Since 2020, the Feed the Future Nigeria Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Activity has transformed Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Jointly funded by USAID and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), this five-year programme aims to revolutionise agricultural extension, specifically by empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to deliver critical support to smallholder farmers.

Through innovative partnerships and hands-on training, the programme has reached over two million smallholder farmers in Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Niger states, driving agricultural productivity, job creation, and climate-smart farming.

As this impactful programme nears its conclusion, it is essential for policymakers, NGOs, agricultural firms, and financial institutions to build on the insights it has provided. With a National Impact Workshop upcoming, it is an ideal time to reflect on how these advances can be scaled nationally and ensure that the agriculture sector remains a central engine for Nigeria’s sustainable growth.

At the heart of this initiative lies a simple but powerful approach: empower MSMEs. The Feed the Future Extension Activity has strengthened 311 MSMEs, equipping them with the training and resources to bring to market 39 “Most Impactful Practices” (MIPs), optimised to maximise farming efficiency and profitability.

By supporting these enterprises to provide vital inputs and knowledge, smallholder farmers—who make up the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural economy—have seen over a 100% increase in productivity and income. The transformative potential of MSMEs in rural agriculture cannot be overstated.

As agents who understand local dynamics and cultural nuances, MSMEs play a crucial role in reaching farmers with the specific resources and insights they need. Through programmes like Feed the Future, these enterprises can continue to help unlock the productivity of Nigeria’s rural communities.

One of the programme’s greatest achievements has been creating 1,088 jobs, primarily for young people, to meet the growing demand for agricultural inputs and services. With the right support, youth are proving to be powerful catalysts for change, eager to apply modern farming techniques and entrepreneurial skills that revitalise rural economies.

This momentum is vital for reducing youth unemployment, which remains one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges. Take Sarah, a young entrepreneur in Cross River, who transformed her small business through training from the Extension Activity. Today, she employs five people, bringing fresh, organic produce to local markets.

Stories like Sarah’s highlight how investing in youth can pave the way for vibrant agricultural communities, resilient against economic uncertainty.

Digital integration has also been a game-changer in Nigeria’s extension services, thanks to collaborations between universities and Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs). By incorporating digital tools into agricultural curricula, extension officers and farmers alike are now better equipped to access information and resources remotely.

For Dr. Amadi, an agricultural extension officer, this shift has revolutionised outreach, “we can now reach more farmers more effectively and efficiently, ensuring they have the knowledge they need to succeed”.

With digital tools, extension services become agile, data-driven, and capable of responding to farmers’ needs in real time. The inclusion of these tools in formal education signals a long-term commitment to a digitally savvy agricultural workforce.

However, as digital services expand, we must ensure that these tools are accessible to farmers across diverse communities.

More than 70 percent of the extension activity’s practices are climate-smart, helping farmers adapt to climate change while protecting local ecosystems. This focus on climate resilience is both timely and urgent, given Nigeria’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.

By promoting sustainable practices, the programme is helping farmers improve productivity without depleting resources – a critical consideration for long-term food security.

As we approach the National Impact Workshop, there is an opportunity for policymakers, NGOs, private sector actors, and financial institutions to join forces in scaling this programme’s successes.

The workshop will showcase evidence-based results, including video documentaries that bring the programme’s impact to life, and offer a roadmap for stakeholders to extend these benefits across Nigeria.

Incorporating the innovative approaches championed by the extension activity into other areas of Nigerian agriculture can solidify the progress achieved, transforming agriculture into a sector that truly supports livelihoods, fosters environmental stewardship, and sustains economic growth.

Feed the Future has demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration in agriculture. To build on this success, we must take action to ensure these gains continue.

By investing in MSMEs, creating opportunities for youth, leveraging digital tools, and prioritising climate resilience, we can cultivate an agricultural future for Nigeria that is prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday condemned in strong terms the purported scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and called for reversal to status quo.

President Tinubu had on Wednesday, among other far-reaching decisions and policy statements, announced the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

He equally created the Ministry of Regional Development to superintend over all zonal interventionist bodies in the countries like the Niger Delta Development Commission, North East Development Commission etc.

However, Frank in a statement in Abuja described the President’s action concerning the abolition of the Niger Delta Ministry as “hasty and biased” without due consideration to the history, purpose, symbolism and significance of the ministry.

He recalled that the ministry was created by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of blessed memory as a child of necessity to help rev up economic development of the Niger Delta Region by carrying out focused critical interventions to revitalise the degraded eco-system occasioned by long years of oil exploration and production.

He recalled that since its creation, incidences of youth restiveness and damage to oil installations which germane to the economic survival of the country have been reduced to the barest minimum.

He wondered why the President would choose to increase the economic and social burdens of Niger Deltans instead of lighten them.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said: “The President took this overly biased and hasty decision to scrap a Ministry which hitherto symbolised integration, hope, economic and environmental wellbeing of the people of Niger Deltans whose resources are being continuously exploited to service other regions, the devastating environmental impact on the people notwithstanding.

“It is obvious that this biased highly discriminatory, oppressive decision was taken without any iota dialogue with or regard for the leaders and people of the Niger Delta Region and we call on the President to urgently reverse this knee-jerk decision and restore the ministry in the interest of peace, economic wellbeing of the federation and survival and sustainability of the people of the region.

“We dare say that the development of Niger Delta as the goose that lays the golden egg and too critical to be subsumed under the Ministry of Regional Development where it would obvious be starved of attention due to political exigencies in favour of other regions.

“Is it not suspicious that President Tinubu created a Ministry of Livestock Development to appease and curtail the incidences of farmers/Herders crisis in the North, but chose abolish a ministry created to solve youth restiveness and and incessant crises and agitations for resource control in the Niger Delta?”

“Is it unfortunate that the President has chosen to disdain and disrespect and victimise the Niger Delta people by treating them like an outcast not minding that it is the Region that creates the greater percentage of the nation’s common wealth.

“How have the people of Niger Delta region and their illustrious leaders offended the President to warrant this fiat reversal of their fortunes and symbol of belongingness?

“We believe it is not too late for the President to press the undo button capable of saving the region from impending cataclysmic upheavals that may result from this obnoxious action.

“It is important to note that the ministry was born out of negotiation and any subsequent actions concerning ministry must be through negotiations and dialogue.

“We hereby call on the president to heed to the call of Chief E.K Clark as the leader and pride of the Niger Delta Region and also the call by Alhaji Asari Dokubo who is one of his major supporters in the region, to reverse the vindictive decision immediately and call a stakeholders’ meeting for dialogue.

“Above all, the President must be prepared to take full responsibility of the actions of the Niger Delta people if and when they decide to react to this monumental injustice and victimization.”