Nigeria sets to unveil book of "World Record" standard.

‘‘DISCOVER NIGERIA’’: PRESIDENT BUHARI TO UNVEIL ICONIC 60 sqm BOOK, HIGHLIGHTING BEAUTY, UNIQUENESS OF COUNTRY'S TOURISM POTENTIALS

 

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday, September 30, 2021, unveil ‘‘Discover Nigeria’’, a pictorial book on Nigeria’s history, covering the period from Independence in 1960 to the present.

 

In a statement signed by Femi Adeshina, Special Adviser media and publicity to the president described the 392-page book, authored by Bayo Omoboriowo, the President’s official photographer, as showcasing the country’s rich traditional institutions, ingenuity of its people, the beauty of its landscape, the richness of its farmlands, stunning waterfalls and seas, among others.

 

On the eve of the presentation, which coincides with Nigeria’s 61st Independence anniversary celebration, "Omoboriowo hinted that the book has been enlisted as a contender for the Guinness World Records largest photobook."

 

‘‘The previous record for the largest photobook is 45sqm. The ‘‘Discover Nigeria’’ book has been printed and mounted as a 60sqm giant frame book-60 images, 60 pages, 60 square meters, celebrating Nigeria at 60 (60:60:60:60),’’ he said.

 

Omoboriowo explained that the book presentation was conceived as part of Nigeria’s diamond celebration.

 

The statement added that "Over 60 young Nigerians took part in the construction of the giant frame book mounted at the State House Conference Centre (formerly Banquet Hall), venue of the event, which will be attended by governors, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic corps, the business community and stakeholders in the creative industry".

 

It was also gathered that "the event will also feature an exhibition of Nigeria’s Art, craft and cultures, across the six geo-political zones - curated by the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC)".

 

The exhibition entails a detailed display of various artworks, artefacts and cultural symbols from various states and ethnic groups in the country.

 

Nigeria's cuisine & delicacies will also be on display.

 

‘‘The overall goal of this event is to remind all and sundry, the beauty that our diversity brings, and the strength that our unity affords us as a country.

 

‘‘We believe that an after-effect from the event will be the changing narratives about the important role everyone plays in the Nigeria project,’’ Omoboriowo said.

 

The foreword of the book is reported to have been written by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and an introduction by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who acknowledged the contribution of the Special Assistant to the President, Tunde Sabi’u Yusuf, to the publication.

 

"There are also reviews from General Ibrahim Babangida, a former Head of State, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu".

 

In his foreword, General Abubakar is reported to have said ‘‘… This book, ‘Discover Nigeria’ brings a smile to my face. Chronicling our people, places, progress and more, it is an invitation to all to discover- and rediscover-Nigeria. This book is more than beautiful images. It reflects the heart and soul of Nigeria through images that tell stories and texts that share insights in Nigeria’s history, the present day and the future.’’ 

 

"In his review, General Babangida lauds the youthful dominance in Nigeria’s creative industry and their penchant to demand a better Nigeria from the government". 

 

‘‘I draw a lot of inspiration from the works of the younger generation in the creative industry, from their pursuit of knowledge and most importantly, their desire to hold the Government accountable in helping to achieve a better and more prosperous Nigeria,’’ Babangida said.

Excerpts from the resolutions reached from the Northern Governors Forum as was read by the Chairman of the Forum.

Northern Governors met and discussed national issues bothering on Insecurity, power rotation, VAT among others yesterday in Kaduna. 

Below are Excerpts from the resolutions reached as was read by the Chairman of the Forum. 

RESOLUTIONS OF THE NORTHERN STATES GOVERNORS’ FORUM MEETING WITH NORTHERN STATES EMIRS AND

CHIEFS HELD ON MONDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER, 2021

The Northern States Governors’ Forum, in its continuous efforts to address the challenges bedeviling the Northern States convened an Emergency Meeting today Monday 27th September, 2021 at the Council Chamber Sir, Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.

The meeting was also attended by Chairmen of Northern States Traditional Council led by His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto.

The Forum discussed issues of Peace, Progress, Development and well-being of the Northern States. The Forum took stock of progress made in handling challenges of Banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and insurgency.

After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were arrived at:-

1. The Forum reviewed security updates from the Region and observed the need for a sustained synergy and coordinated efforts between the Federal and Northern States Governments while noting success of recent measures. The meeting also noted with concern the constraint of the security services and urged the Armed Forces to embark on simultaneous operations and resolved to share the plans of the Frontline States come up with common with other Region; and assured of its readiness to work in synergy with the Federal Government of Nigeria in finding lasting solution to the current security challenges.

2. The Forum appreciated the ongoing onslaught against banditry, kidnapping and Boko Haram especially in the North East and parts of North West and North Central States and encouraged the Armed forces and other security agencies to sustain the tempo to enable the security challenges be permanently addressed in the shortest time.

3. The Forum received updates on the Renewable / Solar Energy Project and NOTED that request for land for the project had been submitted and are being processed by the Northern States. The Committee had commenced negotiations in a public private arrangement and sovereign guarantees to ensure bankability of the project by multilateral financial organizations. The Forum called on States yet to process the request for allocation of land for the project to expedite action.

4. The meeting received updates on activities of some Committees constituted by the Northern States Governors’ Forum and NOTED that recommendations contained therein are being considered with a view to coming up with implementation strategies.

5. The Forum observed that some Northern States Governors had earlier expressed views for a power-shift to three Geo-Political Zone in the South with a view to promoting unity and peace in the Nation. Notwithstanding their comments, the Forum unanimously condemn the statement by the Southern Governors Forum that the Presidency must go to the South. The statement is quite contradictory with the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended that the elected President shall:-

score the majority votes;

score at least 25% of the votes cast in 2/3 States of the Federation.

In the case of run-up simple majority win the election.

6. The Northern State Governors Forum considered the on-going National debate on the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT). As responsible leaders while we are constraint by the fact that the matter is sub judice we however for the purposes of educating the public make the following observations:

(a) the judgement of the Federal high Court calls to question the constitutionality of VAT, withholding tax, education tax, Niger Delta Development Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency, 13% derivation, National Economic Development Council and many other currently levied and collected by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Federal Inlands Revenue Service.

(b) Rivers and Lagos State Government had enacted their own VAT laws and the Southern Governors Forum have expressed support for this course of action;

(c) VAT is being confused by these State Government as a sales tax. If every State enacted its own VAT Law, multiple taxation will result in increases of prices of goods and services and collapsed in interstate trade. VAT is not a production tax like excise, but terminal tax which is paid by the ultimate consumer;

(d) Another confusion is ignoring observation above and its “overall effect”. The reason Lagos account for our 50% Vat collection is because most of the telecommunication companies, Banks, manufacturing and other trading activities have their headquarters in Lagos with the resultant and wrongful attribution of VAT

7. The Traditional Rulers Councils appreciated the efforts made so far by the NSGF in addressing the key areas of challenges facing the Northern States, they expressed their willingness, solidarity and collaboration with the Governors’ in addressing these challenges particularly the issue of security. It was equally resolved that perpetrators of crimes should be dealt with irrespective of their status in the society.

8. The Forum decried the high level of conspiracies being perpetrated by some Judicial Officers in releasing / granting bail to arrested criminals. This attitude sabotages the fight against criminality, therefore, there the need to develop good and robust intelligence mechanism amongst States was identified as a panacea.

9. The Forum calls on Agencies to leave up to their responsibility, Traditional rulers are to equally mobilize their various communities in checkmating the ugly trend of criminality in their domains.

10. The Forum NOTED the ugly trend in the spread of drugs and consumption amongst the teeming youth and therefore, calls on all levels of Governments and communities to raise to the occasion by stemming the tide.

11. The Forum also call the Federal Government to expedite action on the well establish National Livestock Transformation Programme as a spring board in transiting from the open grazing system as widely practice in the North

His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong.

Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum

SIGH OF RELIEF AS GOVERNMENT APPROVES REDUCTION OF FEES IN IBBU LAPAI

 

FURTHER REDUCTION OF FEES IN IBBU LAPAI

The Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has graciously approved further reduction in the tuition fees for Students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.

A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane disclosed that the review downward of the tuition fees only affects returning Students (indigene) from N50,000 to N46,000 and new Students (indigene) from N95,000 to N86,000.

The SSG explained that Governor Sani Bello who after listening to representations from members of the State House of Assembly, different stakeholders, including the Students’ union, intervened by reducing the tuition fees of indigene Students downward.

Ahmed Matane revealed that the tuition fees for the non-indigene Students (returning), new Students (non-indigene), new foreign Students and returning foreign Students remain unchanged.

NIGER STATE GOVT. FROWNS AT THE BLOCKADE OF BIDA-LAMBATA, LAMBATA-IZOM EXPRESSWAYS...

NIGER STATE GOVT. CONDEMNS BLOCKADE OF THE BIDA-LAMBATA, LAMBATA-IZOM EXPRESSWAYS...

The Niger State Government has condemned and frowned at in strong terms the attitude of Tanker Drivers, trucks and other articulated vehicles for blocking Bida-Lambata and Lambata-Izom expressways causing heavy gridlock and risks to innocent commuters and the people of the communities. 

In a statement issued by the  Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane called on the Drivers of these articulated vehicles to hasten the opening of the roads as the blockade would not compell the State Government into allowing them to use the Minna-Bida road which is a State-owned road and under reconstruction.

Ahmed Matane further appealed to owners of the vehicles to talk to their Drivers to remove their trucks and tankers from the roads as the State Government can no longer guarantee their safety, because communities affected as a result of the blockade are overstretched and agitated.

The SSG warned that the State Government would not take liability for damages caused to the vehicles or goods as a result of any form of reaction from the agitated communities.

The statement added that in the event of any tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) exploding and spilling the products within the communities, the tanker owners would be held responsible and affected communities will claim damages. 

It would be recalled that the State Government had for more than three days engaged and dialogued with the articulated vehicle drivers and leadership of their unions to clear the roads and allow motorists to carry out their legitimate activities but such efforts has not yielded any positive results.  

Meanwhile, the State Government regrets any inconveniences and untold hardship the blockade of the roads might have caused innocent citizens and called for understanding and support of the general public in these trying moments.

"Niger youth groups give trailer, tanker drivers 24 hours to vacate roads"By Priscilla Dennis

"Niger youth groups give trailer, tanker drivers 24 hours to vacate roads"

By Priscilla Dennis

National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Niger State chapter has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Associations of Tanker Drivers asking heavy-duty vehicles drivers to vacate the roads.

The state Chairman of the council, Comrade Bello Barau Shariff (BB sheriff) in conjunction with other Civil Society Organizations in the State, issued this warning at a press conference in Minna.

Other youth groups include Niger State Chapter of Youth Lead Nigeria, Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG)

Northern Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Niger State Students in Diaspora, Concerned Shiroro Youths, North Central Youth Parliament (NCYP), National Associations of Nigerian Students, Niger East Youth Frontiers (NEYFRO) as well as Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN).

He stated that should the protesting drivers fail to move from the roads, the youth groups in the state would explore many options which may include “Massive Civil Action”.

According to him, “the implications of this heinous act by these drivers who have constituted themselves not only as nuisance, but as a government within government, blocking and stampeding major highways at the slightest provocation, is that they are causing untold hardship and holding travelers to ransom, hence crippling and halting the day to day activities of other road users. This needs to be checked by authorities concerned or we would be forced to take laws into our own hands”.

Shariff also called on NARTO and Associations of Tanker Drivers to apologize to Nigerlites and other road users with immediate effect

“We implore them to be civil in addressing grievances rather than infringing on other citizens’ rights.

“We implore Government at all levels to work assiduously towards meeting our demands within the stipulated timeframe or Youths would explore many options which may include Massive Civil Action should we notice

lackadaisical disposition towards our demands,” he insisted.

The youth groups strongly disagreed with any decision that has to do with re-opening of the ongoing reconstruction of Minna-Bida road by Niger State Government for heavy-duty vehicles.

“We also call on President of Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. and the National Assembly Members from Niger State to ensure that part of the loan sought by the Presidency be used for LambattaLapai-Bida and Jebba-Tegina-Birnin Gwari Federal roads,” they maintained.

Who Holds Niger to Ransom?, By Gimba Kakanda

Who Holds Niger to Ransom?, By Gimba Kakanda 

This weekend, some Abuja-based friends on the road to Minna to attend a summit had to make a u-turn halfway through the trip. A few other friends rushing to honour a wedding Fatiha there did the same. These cancellations symbolized the serial economic and social opportunities the state capital has lost, especially from the big-spending visitors from Abuja, over the years. 

Either on tourism, the hospitality industry or the larger informal economy, the realities and politics of the roads in what’s, unfortunately, Nigeria’s largest state by landmass have left the place on a dangerous slope. Perhaps our national policymakers are yet to understand the danger of letting a place this size be entirely abandoned or held to ransom by armed and unarmed non-state actors.  

My friends and thousands of others are victims of this low-priority treatment of the state, having suffered from a road closure that shouldn’t have lasted this long if Niger state were of interest to the federal government. The state has been held to ransom, and this time it isn’t the RPG-wielding cowards preying on vulnerable schoolchildren to shatter what’s left of the humanity there. On the surface, the story is that the state has been shut down by heavy-duty truck and tanker drivers who are rebelling against the state government’s restrictions on their movements across roads under construction or rehabilitation. But it’s much worse than that. 

The anger from both sides is predictable. Only that the economic implication for a state with limited economic life is telling. For the past six years, the outrage over the state of the roads in Niger state has not only sustained bitter laments by residents and motorists in the media but inspired delegations of some of the state’s most powerful political leaders and traditional rulers to visit Abuja and plead with the federal government to intervene. These delegations were led by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello himself and joined by former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu and the state’s federal lawmakers. Alarming. This had to be done because even the road that connected Abuja to Minna through Suleja, a federal government responsibility, had been a car-wrecking deathtrap. 

The pace at which Suleja - Minna road was window-dressed after about five years of massive lobbying suggested that Abuja isn’t fluent in the language of such diplomacy spoken from Minna. In 2018, about a few months to the general elections, Buhari appeared in Niger state and promised the people a functional Baro Baro in about three months, and praised their support for his electoral journeys even when he was a political underdog. This failed promise hasn’t only scandalized the president’s apologists in the state, it’s further emphasized the second-class status of Niger state in Buhari’s book. 

The earlier signs of this seeming negligence were the cold response to Niger’s political elite who lobbied to have the operations of the Abuja airport relocated to Minna when the Nnamdi Azikwe airport was temporarily shut down for repairs and, more tellingly, the junior ministerial slots always allotted to representatives of the state. The reward for the state’s block-voting of, and uncritical support for, President Buhari has been persistent disdain for the people and disinterest in their sufferings. 

But Buhari can’t afford to look away from this manifesting anarchy in the state, especially because it was triggered by his refusal to fulfil a promise. Last year, when the state government doubled up on fixing Bida - Minna road, a Trunk “B” road, its decision to prevent heavy-duty vehicles from plying the road led to the closure of the road in protest. Abuja intervened then and promised to fix the Lambata-Lapai-Bida road, which was similarly a layer of craters. 

Since the state’s reason for barring heavy-duty vehicles from Bida - Minna road amidst rehabilitation is to prevent consequent engineering havocs, the most logical explanation has to be why the alternative Lambata - Lapai - Bida road has not been window-dressed for use. The elephant in this room, again, is the curious silence from Abuja. 

The protesting truck and tanker drivers—through the spokesman of Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association, Alhassan Salihu—have spelt out their only condition for ending the roadblocks: reopening of Bida - Minna road. The problem is, the state doesn’t seem to be bluffing about its restrictions. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Sani Idris, the state government bellowed out that reopening the road was “not an option for now” and heaved the blame on the federal government.

“As it stands today,” the commissioner said, “….the entire roads in Niger State are suffering because of these heavy-duty vehicles. Only a few months ago these same vehicles completely destroyed the Minna-Zungeru Road, they’ve also destroyed the Bida-Zungeru Road and are now looking to destroy the work ongoing on Minna-Bida Road (sic.) The state government will not allow that.” 

As much as I sympathize with the protesting drivers, the state government has a valid reason for restricting heavy-duty vehicles. Even in the recent memory of the state, and under this government, trucks and tankers frustrated rehabilitations of Suleja — Minna road and with the state government shouldering the responsibilities. The heavy traffic of trucks and tankers across the rehabilitated roads have led to the waste of hundreds of millions, and so the resort to rerouting the traffic is an economic decision. 

But this is one deadlock Abuja can’t afford to ignore. It owes the people of Niger state an explanation and an apology for being held to ransom this long. A state hosting the residences of two former Presidents and several powerful military and political overlords has enough influence to draw Abuja’s attention to being taken for granted and subjected to a series of false promises. But that response isn’t forthcoming is scary. 

Whatever one thinks of Governor Sani Bello, his position on the roadblock is a practical response to the treatment of the state. Whether Baro Port or Lambata - Bida road, these reads are the economic arteries of the state and exactly what have kept prized assets like Gurara Fall under-explored. But this is also a lesson for the state’s political elite and the block-voting masses to lean away from conservative attachment to Abuja and embark on bargaining the development they deserve. 

         *******************************

Link: https://dailytrust.com/who-holds-niger-to-ransom

Full address of President BUHARI at the UN.

NigerInfoBulletin- ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 76TH SESSION OF UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK, USA FRIDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER, 2021

Protocols:

Mr. President,

Let me, on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. I would like to assure you of the full support and cooperation of the Nigerian delegation throughout your tenure.

2. I would like to commend your predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Volkan Boskir, for the many remarkable achievements recorded during his tenure, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Permit me to congratulate the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on his re-election and commend his strong commitment to making the UN more alive to its responsibilities.

4. I also want to express my gratitude to him for re-appointing Ms. Amina Mohammed, as the Deputy Secretary General to assist him in discharging his heavy responsibilities.

Mr President,

5. The theme of this year’s General Assembly – “Building resilience through hope – to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of the people, and revitalise the United Nations, sums up our common desire to rescue our planet, recover our economies, and restore hope to all the peoples of the world.

6. In this regard, my delegation will continue to support the United Nations, as the indispensable forum for international cooperation and the cornerstone of the multilateral system, rooted in respect for international law, including international human rights law and predicated on a rules-based order.

Mr President,

7. I want to thank the international community for the concerted response to COVID-19. The solidarity and drive to contain the first truly global health emergency of our time is a pointer to the many things we can achieve if we work together.

8. On our part, Nigeria has made strenuous efforts to contain the virus and halt its deadly onslaught on our people. Our efforts have been rewarded with moderate success.

9. At the outset, we recognised detection and contact tracing to be important tools in combating the virus. In this connection, from a mere four laboratories with testing and detection capacities, we ramped up the facilities to over 140 centres today.

10. Similarly, we built isolation centres and emergency hospitals wards in record time all over the country. We carry out genomic sequencing in designated laboratories across the country with a view to detecting variants in circulation.

11. In addition, over 40,000 health care workers have recently been trained on Infection, Prevention and Control measures with the support of various partners. Through the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, we have established 16 infectious disease treatment centres located within our teaching hospitals and Federal Medical Centres.

12. Nigeria remains grateful for the assistance received from our partners and friends all over the world. Vaccination is the key to our safe emergence from the pandemic. We fully support the COVAX initiative from which we have benefitted. We also thank the United States of America, Turkey, India,China, European Union, and others for the vaccines provided.

13. Despite the acknowledgement however, I would like to reiterate my call for a fairer and more equitable distribution of vaccines to all countries so that, together, we can fight and contain the pandemic. The rising wave of newer and more contagious strains, makes this even more urgent. No country can afford the socio-economic implications of prolonged shutdown. It is imperative to underscore that no one is safe until everyone is safe.

Mr President,

14. Nigeria remains deeply concerned over the illicit trade, transfer, and circulation of small arms and light weapons. Their excessive accumulation and uncontrolled spread in many regions of the world are having devastating humanitarian and socio-economic consequences, especially on  the continent of Africa.

15. It is on this note that my delegation calls for the world wide application of the Arms Trade Treaty to codify accountability in conventional arms trade, which is critical to the security of nations. This is in recognition of the need for a broad-based global partnership in the on-going battle against trans-border crimes, including terrorism and piracy.

Mr. President,

16. We must deal not only with the symptoms of conflict but also the immediate causes that fuel conflicts in the first place. These include poor and undemocratic governance, human rights abuses, poverty, ignorance, injustice and inequalities.

17. There are no easy solutions to these conditions. They require long term investments and more effective international cooperation. In this connection, my delegation underscores the importance of promoting peaceful, unfettered, and inclusive participation of states in global actions towards conflict prevention. This will facilitate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063.

18 In West Africa especially, our democratic gains of the past decades are now being eroded. The recent trend of unconstitutional takeover of power, sometimes in reaction to unilateral changes of constitutions by some leaders, must not be tolerated by the international community. Nigeria fully supports the efforts by ECOWAS to address this growing challenge and appreciates the support of both the African Union and the United Nations. In this regard, I would like to reiterate that as leaders of our individual Member-States need to adhere to the constitutional provisions of our countries, particularly on term limits. This is one area that generates crisis and political tension in our sub-region.

Mr President,

19. Nigeria is fully committed to nuclear non-proliferation and has always supported the view that it should involve all States.

20. Disarmament Conventions deserve the support of all states, small, large, nuclear or non-nuclear. Nuclear weapons remain the ultimate agents of mass destruction, and their total elimination should be the final objective of all disarmament processes within the broad spectrum of goals being pursued by the United Nations.

21. In this regard, Nigeria would participate actively in the forthcoming Review Conference of the Nuclear Prohibition Treaty and also the First Meeting of states Parties to the landmark Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, scheduled to take place within the first quarter of 2022.

22. Nigeria regards these upcoming events as important steps towards the realisation of a world free of nuclear weapons. We are, therefore, supportive of any diplomatic efforts in this direction. We hope that the upcoming NPT review conference would lead to a successful outcome that would facilitate the denuclearisation of the world. We would do our part to ensure such an outcome.

Mr. President,

23. Terrorism continues to dominate security discourse worldwide. In Nigeria, Boko Haram terrorist group, though fragmented by internal strife and weakened by our defence forces, is still active and preying on soft targets. Nigeria will continue to work closely with UN Counter-Terrorism bodies and entities with a view to bringing this scourge to an end.

24. Nigeria has spared no effort in addressing the challenges of terrorism posed by the activities of Boko Haram in north-East Nigeria and the Lake Chad region, as well as banditry in the north-West and North-Central Nigeria. The Nigerian Security Forces have recorded considerable success in the fight against terrorism. As a result of the renewed vigour of our military, many terrorist fighters are voluntarily surrendering to our security forces.

25. I and three other Nigerian Heads of State served actively as peacekeepers and Nigeria continues to support peacekeeping efforts. We know the sacrifice involved, we also know how important peacekeeping is for those in vulnerable situations. Nigeria will continue to play its part fully in supporting United Nations peacekeeping operations within Africa and beyond.

Mr. President,

26. The impact of climate change is already with us in Nigeria, manifesting in various ways: conflicts trigger; food insecurity, drying up of lakes; loss of livelihood, and youth migration, among others. The trend is the same in many other countries that are threatened by forest fires, rising sea levels, drought and desertification.

27. In the circumstances, we intend to build a climate-resilient economy that effectively aligns with the SDGs and that has great potentials to unlocking the full opportunities in different sectors of the economy, while protecting the resources for present and future generations. I know, in several ways, this is also a familiar story in many countries.

28. As leaders, we must create inclusive and gender-sensitive policies that address all issues connected to climate action, from mitigation to resilience.

29. Nigeria believes that protecting our planet and its biodiversity and climate are important to our collective survival. That is why, we are working on a transition to low carbon economy, consistent with achieving the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. President,

30. Combating illicit financial flows and ensuring the recovery and return of illicitly acquired assets have the potential to provide resources in the immediate term for financing development in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

31. Similarly, corruption across national borders has huge negative impact on the stability, peace, and economic prospects of millions, particularly in developing countries.

32. It deprives national governments of resources needed to provide adequate and meaningful sources of livelihood for their citizens. The latter gives rise to more irregular migration patterns, with unwholesome consequences for inter-state and human relations.

33. I, therefore, call on all leaders to demonstrate the much-needed political will by supporting their commendations for systemic reforms made by the FACTI Panel.

34. We support establishing modalities for a global coordination mechanism at the UnitedNations Economic and Social Council to systematically monitor illicit financial flows and strengthen financial integrity for sustainable development, with the participation of all relevant stakeholders.

Mr. President,

35. On the issue of debt, we have seen that developing countries have been faced with unsustainable debt burdens even before the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of new wave of deepening debt, where vital public financial resources are allocated to external debt servicing and repayments at the expense of domestic health and financing for critical developmental needs.

36. I must commend the current initiatives by the international financial institutions and the G20 aimed at significantly mitigating the economic situation of the indebted countries and urge for more efforts in this regard.

37. Therefore, there is an urgent need to consider expansion and extension of the Debt Service SuspensionInitiative to include all Developing, Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States facing fiscal and liquidity challenges. In addition, a review of the eligibility criteria for debt suspension, including outright cancellation, is needed for countries facing the most severe challenges.

Mr. President,

38. Nigeriareaffirms that international trade is an engine for development and sustained economic growth, as well as the global eradication of poverty.

39. My delegation would like to reaffirm the critical role that a universal,rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading systemcan play in stimulating economic growth and development.

40. Fair and equitable trade would eventually eliminate the need for aid. My country and indeed all African countries do not intend to stay indefinitely looking for aid. All we need is a fair and equitable system of international trade.

41. We, therefore, call for a reform agenda that will engender better recovery from this crisis, build resilience to future shocks and pursue transformative development strategies that can deliver the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. President,

42. The global food system has, in recent times, been impacted by several factors such as population growth, availability and accessibility of arable land and water resources, climate change, and loss of biodiversity.

43. Increased competition for resources such as land, water, and energy, has affected food access and supply, particularly in developing countries. Climate change and unpredictable shocks, such as the current global pandemic, further exacerbate vulnerabilities in the global food system, requiring the UN’s urgent attention.

44. The Government of Nigeria remains determined to improve the productivity and incomes of small-scale farmers by promoting equal access to land, technology and markets, sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices.

45. At the heart of Nigeria’s post-COVID-19 response is the Economic Sustainability Plan, which hasa major component, called the Agriculture for Food and Jobs Programme where we seek to leverage suitable technologies to build a resilient food system for the country.

46. An integral part of our food systems’ transformation strategy is to create an enabling and supportive environment to implement these policies in a participatory manner.

47. Global efforts to mitigate and sustain food systems must involve key stakeholders, including governments, farmers, investors, multilateral organizations, regional bodies, international financial institutions, private partners and civil society organizations.

Mr. President,

48. Nigeria has been steadfast in safeguarding human rights, including the advancement of women, the protection of children, the protection of the rights of people living with disabilities, the treatment of migrants, refugees, returnees and displaced persons as well as, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through all legitimate means. In this regard, my delegation commends the positive example of leaders like Prime Minister Jacinda Arden of New Zealand.

49. In this context Nigeria calls for collective global action through a Treaty to end all forms of violence against women and girls of all ages.

50. Nigeria remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the advancement of human rights within its shores and beyond. This is so even in the context of a vicious decade-long onslaught by terrorists against Nigerians, quite contrary to unwholesome reports by some who hardly verify what they state against us.

51. The recent rise in hate related crimes globally underscores theurgent need to continue our engagement about racism, racial discrimination,xenophobia and other related intolerance. It is sad to note that the issue of racism remains alive globally.

52. We are beginning to forget our affirmation of the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of every individual as enshrined in the UN Charter. No society can claim to be free or just if it deprive anyone of these rights.

53. Nigeria has long been a principled fighter against racism and all forms of discrimination inspired by its African experience. In the past, racism oiled the machine of slavery and colonialism. Today, racism drives hate crimes and institutional discrimination. In all this, Africans and people of African descent are among the major victims.

54. Cognizant of these, I commend Member States for adopting by consensus the resolution on the Establishment of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent on 2nd August 2021. I am confident that this forum will make significant impact in the quest to end race-related vices and injustices.

Mr. President,

55. No reform of the United Nations system is more urgent than that of the Security Council. Stakeholders around the world are asking how such power could be concentrated, with scant representation. The intergovernmental negotiations have taken too long, some 15 years. We must avoid going in cycles. Consensus has been achieved in some of the elements of this reform, especially that of the representation of Africa on the basis of the Elzuwini consensus and the Sirte Declaration. It is unreasonable to expect unanimity in this matter. The issue, indeed, is about justice, not unanimity. Without justice, the legitimacy (even efficacy) of our Organization is called to question. We can and must make substantial, irreversible progress on Security Council reform in the current session.

Mr. President,

56. Connected to this, is the question of justice, fairness, and equity in respect of the Palestinian people. The situation in the Middle East is long-standing and gives cause for concern. Nigeria encourages Israel and Palestine to re-engage in dialogue based on relevant UNresolutions and Initiatives. The two-state solution has the support of the international community and is widely acknowledged as the path to lasting peace.

Mr President,

57. Our organization is at the peak of the multilateral system. It is also the pre-eminent body for solving our current and emerging challenges, and developing norms that are protective of us all. We need to re-commit to it, rejuvenate it to better serve us. Nigeria re-affirms its faith in the UnitedNations and is further resolved to continue to work with all Member-States for peace and security, development and the protection of human rights. In the current moment, hope for these, is dependent on how we assist each other to get COVID-19 out of all countries, regardless of their classification. We can and must do so.

58. In this regard, let me close my statement by paying special tribute to a great and humane internationalist, and an exemplary practitioner of multilateral cooperation. I am speaking of Chancellor Angela Merkel of theFederal Republic of Germany. As she exits the stage, we wish her well.

I thank you.

Opening of Minna-Bida road for heavy duty vehicle not an option

OPENING MINNA-BIDA ROAD FOR HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES NOT AN OPTION. 

The Niger State Government has reiterated its stand on ensuring the completion of the Minna Bida road and that it will not succum to pressure to open up the road for heavy duty vehicle. 

In a statement by the Hon Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Muhammad Sani Idris, "the state has so far committed huge sums of money on the reconstruction of the Minna-Bida road, and the project is being handled by one of the best indigenous construction company" and that "the government is determined to ensure the highest possible standard is gotten from the project when completed".

The statement added that "as the reconstruction progresses, ... heavy duty-vehicles will not be allowed to reverse the progress already recorded. 

The statement by the commissioner therefore confirms the stands of the Niger State Government to keep the road closed to heavy-duty vehicles.

 "The tanker drivers who have taken the laws into their hands and blocking Minna-Bida road entirely and Lambata-Lapai-Bida Road making it completely impossible for smaller vehicles to move is an unfortunate situation". 

The statement then explained that "Governor Abu Sani Bello administration is determined to ensure work must continue on the road and as such, opening the Minna-Bida road to heavy-duty vehicles is not an option for now for that would destroy everything the government has done and tax payers money would be wasted redoing what was already done".

The statement further called on "the Federal Government to help not only Nigerlites but the entire country by fixing the trunk A Lambata-Lapai-Bida road and Jenna-Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Road to resolve this issue of heavy duty vehicles regularly damaging the Minna-Bida road".

"As it stands today, the entire stretch of major roads in Niger state are suffering because of these heavy-duty vehicles. Only a few months ago these same vehicles completely destroyed the Minna-Zungeru road, they’ve also destroyed the Bida-Zungeru road and are now looking to hinder the  ongoing work on Minna-Bida road. THE STATE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT ALLOW THAT" the statement added.

"So, at this point, we have to be honest to ourselves. We have to appeal to the federal government to intervene and complement the state government in building road infrastructure across the state. Instead of the government to earmark more money to the rehabilitation of Trunk “A” roads, with a backlog of other responsibilities of the state waiting for intervention, all stakeholders must join hands to appeal to the federal government to understand the conditions of the roads" the statement concluded. 

We have no hand in the purported sack of 726 civil servants: Niger State Civil Service Commission (CSC) cries out… NigerInfoBulletin

 

We have no hand in the purported sack of 726 civil servants: Niger State Civil Service Commission (CSC) cries out… NigerInfoBulletin.

The permanent commissioner, Niger State Civil Service Commission Com. Adams Erena, has cleared the air on purported mass sack circulating on the social media for some time now in the state.

Com. Erena stated this while speaking before the Ad-hoc Committee on salary irregularities in the State House of Assembly, said “the list circulating on social media purported to have originated from the commission was doubtful, and wondered who approved the dismissal list”.

He added that as a permanent commissioner in the Commission, they also saw the list of dismissed staff on the social media, just like any other person declaring that, up till the last minute they were in the office, no issue of staff dismissal was brought to their table.

 

 

 

He explained further that “matters of such magnitude were not handled by individuals, but the commission, which comprises all the five members including the chairman”. He disclosed that “the commission has never sat on the dismissal of any civil servant”, adding that the only case known to him and others at the Commission were “seven out of the 83 recommended by Panti Salary Management Committee, whose case was treated within the purview of due process”.

 

The permanent commissioner was reported to have said it was "an aberration of the civil service rules and privileges for anyone to sit somewhere and dish out list of civil servants, and said they were dismissed without going through the civil service commission".

 

He was reported to have added that “Till the time we left office, to the last minute that our tenure expired, we have not sat as a commission to treat any matter such as the mass dismissal of civil servants, and we have not directed the permanent secretary to do anything resembling that.

 

“The civil service commission by law is empowered to employ, promote, discipline including dismissing civil servants. And no authority has the power to do that except the commission and we didn’t do that to the best of my knowledge “he explained further.

 

He told the House Committee that their tenure as commission members had expired on July 27, and the purported list of those dismissed was issued on 30th July, wondering how this could happen.

 

He said the civil service was an organized institution with laid down rules and regulations, pointing out that he will be right to say due process was not followed in the case of the affected officers.

Niger State Judiciary Set to Fill Vacancies for High Court Judges and Khadis’ As 85 Applicants Jostles…. NigerInfoBulletin

 

Niger State Judiciary Set to Fill Vacancies for High Court Judges and Khadis’ As 85 Applicants Jostles…. NigerInfoBulletin

Up to 85 persons have indicated interests in the vacancies at the state judiciary. NigerInfoBulletin learnt that while 32 applicants are jostling for three seats at the state High Court, 24 Sharia Court judges have already applied for the vacant Khadi seats at the Niger state Sharia Court of Appeal.

 It was also learnt that the Chief Registrar of the High Court, the Secretary of the state Judicial Service Commission and all the Directors in the state Judiciary except one have shown interest in the high court seats.

These is in addition to over a dozen private legal practitioners that have also applied for the available seats while interview of applicants is expected to commence soon. 

  NigerInfoBulletin gathered that “the submission of applications has closed while the NSJC Secretary is ready to transmit the list to the Chief Judge of Niger state, Justice Aisha Bawa Bwari who will in turn transmit same to the National Judicial Service Commission (NJC).”

It was also learnt that officials of the NJC will soon visit Niger state to inspect High court facilities including court rooms, accommodation and other facilities in preparation for the appointment of the new judges. 

The Secretary of the Niger state Judicial Service Commission, Abdulrahamam Garafini confirmed this to NigerInfoBulletin in Minna, the state capital that the process of appointing the appropriate persons to fill the vacancies has already begun.

 He explained that thorough screening of the applicants will ensue to enable the Commission to come out with only those who met the stringent criteria stipulated by the NJC for the appointments.

He further explained that, “there are three vacancies for high court judges and two for Sharia Court of Appeal Niger state. We have 32 applicants for high court and 24 for Sharia Court of Appeal.  Screening will soon commence in accordance with criteria set by NJC for such appointment and only those who scale through that would be shortlisted for interview”.

 

 

Staff of Niger State Ministry of Justice Tasked on Effective Professional Discharge Of Duties By Joyce Williams Alisan.

Joyce Williams Alisan

BREAKING: APC STATE CONGRESSES RESCHEDULED TO OCT 16. BY YUNUSA ABUGI

 

POLITICS

BREAKING: APC State Congresses RESCHEDULED To Oct 16.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rescheduled its state congresses nationwide to October 16th.

The exercise was initially scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 2, 2021.  Sources close to the acting national chairman and Governor of Yobe State, Mala Buni, noted that the development followed consultation with President Muhammadu Buhari.

It would be recalled that the party had successfully conducted its ward and local government congresses between July 31 and September 4.

Despite claims of irregularities, Gov Mala Buni said the congresses were “very successful” but in the same vein threatened to sanction deviant members in some concerned states.

The state congresses will prepare the ground for the party’s zonal congresses and then it’s much anticipated national convention where a new crop of national leaders will be elected.

The original plan was for the interim leaders to steer the affairs of the party for six months to set pace for a national convention.

 

 

Disquiet as succession into Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora’s stool takes new turn.

 

Disquiet as succession into Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora’s stool takes new turn.

By Yunusa Abugi

It would be recalled that with the demise of the sixth Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, late Saidu Namaska on Thursday, 9th September, 2021, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello had directed the Ministry for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct transparent and accountable election of the new Sarkin Sudan.

The five-man electoral college organized an election for the successor to the throne which took place on Sunday, 19th September, 2021. However, the aftermath of the election was followed by petition and misgivings.

Following the turn of events, the Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has ordered the review of the process of selection of new Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora.

The petitioners claimed that the exercise handled by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftain Affairs, Bar. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, lacks merit and called for a review.

There are reports of incompetency on the Commissioner, describing the exercise as “incomprehensive and the commissioner lacking capacity to handle the task and suspected acts of compromise and vested interest”.

In a press release signed by the Secretary to the Niger State Government, SSG, Alh Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, made available to our reporter in the state capital, the SSG stated that “In this regard, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji has been temporarily moved to Ministry of Youth Development.

“Similarly, Mr. Emmanuel Umar, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth Development has been temporarily redeployed to Ministry for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs.”

As the situations unfold, it is likely that the whole process would have to be reviewed and a new procedure for the emergence of the new Sarkin Sudan will ensue.

 

Unplanned Pregnancy: Family Planning to The Rescue. By Yunusa Abugi.

 

Unplanned Pregnancy: Family Planning to The Rescue.

By Yunusa Abugi.

A normal day at the Primary Healthcare Center at Beji, a semi – urban community, about 25 kilometres away from Minna, the Niger state capital, runs between 8am and 12 noon. But on this day, it was a bee hive of activities even as at 2pm at the family planning otherwise called child spacing clinic.

Nurse Halima Musa, Officer Incharge at the clinic said situations like that occur on market days. According to her, on days like that she and her colleagues at the clinic plan to work longer hours to ensure that all the women who come for child spacing services are attended to.

One of the women visiting the clinic for child spacing services is Zainab Tijjani, a mother of three. She said she was at the clinic to ensure that her recent experience did not repeat itself.

"Yes! I had an unexpected pregnancy when I was breastfeeding my second child and got pregnant less than one year, we had a difficult time… because the pregnancy was not planned for…”

She said she became pregnant for her third child while still breastfeeding her nine months old child. According to her she would have had a better control on when to become pregnant if she had the right information on child spacing before.

“…although we were told about Family Planning, but we didn't take it serious then thinking that it will prevent me from getting pregnant when I wanted to get another child”.

Child spacing experts say what Mrs Tijani was talking about is part of the myths and misconceptions that surround child spacing in urban, rural and semi - rural communities in the state.

“…truly with the last experience after I gave birth to the third child without enough spacing, my husband quickly brought me here that is how I started and actually I come here because of family planning. I started six years ago and nothing has happened to me health-wise you can see me and I have no fear anymore about Family Planning I tell my people about it.”

Aisha Nasir, a 30years old house wife was also at the clinic. She told a team of journalists on a field reporting trip to the Beji clinic that she is lucky to have learnt about child spacing immediately after she got married.

With smiles all over her face, she said “at the time I got married if not because I am on Family Planning I would have given birth to 4 children now but I have 2 that I can cater for”.

She credits family planning for what she described as a healthy family. “My children are 10 years and 5 years respectively, I have been using this method for 7 years and have never had problems because I come for check-up often”.

On how she heard about Family Planning, she said “…I got the information from a neighbour about the services at this centre in Beji PHC, …I came with my husband for the service” adding she may have two children today but over - all “we intend to have four children.” 

Nurse Musa says women like Zainab are able to talk confidently about child spacing because when they visit the clinic they are adequately counseled on the various methods available at the clinic for child spacing.

“even though we counsel the clients on the various methods, most of them come with a mindset for pills. However, after counselling we give them the option to pick the one they seem to like most”.

Mother of three Zainab Tijani agrees that the choice of method to be enrolled upon was ultimately hers. “I started with pills but have changed to injection now not that I have problems with pills but willingly and the two worked perfectly for my system/body” adding "I chose the method of FP on my own after I was screened but I came back to change to injection as my preferable method now although I was further counselled before I also started it".

John Shekwoduza Chawa is the North Central Region Coordinator for the Plan Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, PPFN. He said it is important that women are counselled but allowed to make the choice they prefer themselves. He said it is part of their professional ethics to allow clients to freely make their choice, this he confirms is part of the things that is encouraging more women in the state to willingly step forward to access child spacing services

According to him, between 500 to 700 clients visit PPFN centre in Minna to access services on monthly basis.  “…we receive no fewer than 20 to 30 service seekers daily and we don't keep them waiting, “

He said fewer clients visit the centre during the raining season, … due to majority from rural areas were on their farms”.

He said the PPFN centre witness other forms of challenges in providing services to families who need them.

“… we offer all methods of Family Planning here at the centre but we are often challenged by out of stock for some commodities, while some are always in excess some are often in short supply, because of client’s choice of services”.

Nurse Sani admits the Beji PHC also experience similar challenges. “We record over 100 clients per month and average of 20 per day, yesterday alone I provided services to fifty clients. I use to go to other service providers to get commodities when I am out of stock and our clients are satisfied with our services here”.

She also said they also experience some cultural difficulties which do not allow women proceed to enrol for the services when their husbands refuse them from doing so. In situations like that she said they fall back on community leaders to help out.

“We use to have monthly meetings with WDC, the community heads, religious leaders in the area to sensitize them on the use and advantages of Family Planning, both major tribes of Fulani's and Gbagyi’s come for the services here at the centre”.

Research confirms that the idea of unplanned pregnancies has been prevalent in our communities. Natural Family Planning (NFP) had been in use even in the olden days. Families rely on the ability to track ovulation in order to prevent pregnancy, but that doesn’t seem to suffice anymore.

However, with high rate of maternal mortality and hardships encountered by families who have unplanned pregnancies, international organizations like Pathfinder International and other stakeholders have taken the lead on sensitizing families on the need to embrace the modern ways of child spacing.

With a staggering statistics from WHO, 1.9 billion Women of Reproductive Age group (15-49 years) worldwide in 2019 are seeking one form of contraceptive or the other.  270 million of these number have an unmet need for contraception globally. Yet less than half of the need for family planning was met in Middle and Western Africa. These and many more reasons among others is why it is necessary to embrace family planning as a way of avoiding unplanned pregnancies.