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Nigerians Hail Jonathan On National Confab
Some Nigerians yesterday commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his endorsement of a National Conference.
Our correspondent reports that President Goodluck Jonathan announced the approval of a National Conference yesterday while addressing the nation on the country’s 53rd independence anniversary.
The President said that a committee on the National Conference was being set up.
Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Muda Yussuf, said it was a good development.
“It will give Nigerians the opportunity to talk and this is another expression of the fact that our democracy is getting stronger.
“Freedom to discuss on how we live together is a good development, but what is more important for our country at this time is good leadership,” Yusuf said.
A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, commended the President for the initiative, adding that it must be geared towards meeting genuine aspirations of the people.
“What Nigerians are yearning for is a conference that will see to the resolution of the fundamental problems of our nation.
“The Federal Government must confer with civil society organisations and various other entities and get their various representatives to form consultative committee to pilot the birth of this National Conference.
“Nigerians should be involved. We have gone through this road before and we didn’t get anywhere.
“I believe we should be saved from that scenario, it should be a fruitful conference,” Olu-Adegboruwa said.
The National Coordinator, Publish What You Pay, Mrs Faith Nwadishi, said that it was a welcome idea, but advised that decisions taken at the conference should be implemented.
”It is now time for people to elect those that will represent them at the conference, we shouldn’t just sit back if we want our objectives to be met,” she said.
In Enugu, the Executive Director of the African Heritage Institution (AHI), Dr Ifediora Amobi, also commended the President for hearkening to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
According to him, this is the first time a President will appreciate Nigerians from all walks of life for their support in spite of the numerous challenges facing the country.
“It was a reassuring and promising speech. It shows that he is really concerned about the plight and needs of the people.
“The setting up of the committee is quite a surprisingly welcome development. This is something we do not hear often, rather we hear of all the things government has done,’’ he said.
Amobi, who is also marking his 53rd birthday with the country, however, advised the President to ensure that the committee comprised credible people from the public and private sectors.
The Director-General of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr Emeka Okereke, expressed optimism that the effort would provide the needed space to reshape the country.
“It is a welcome development as long as it will provide the needed tools to retool and rework Nigeria,’’ he said.
The National President of Nigeria Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Princess Ada Ozongwu, also commended the president for setting up the committee, and called for inclusion of women in the committee.
“I have always felt there is a need for us to sit and talk about issues that affect us. The President is putting a right foot forward by setting up a committee.
“He should go the extra mile to ensure that the women take their pride of place in terms of numerical strength in that committee.
“They should be women who will make solid contributions that will benefit us,’’ she said.
A lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr Ukoha Ukiwo , said that the Federal Government’s decision was a victory for Nigerians.
He said government’s decision was an indication that it was listening to yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
‘’ In retrospect, government has admitted that the existing institutions for representation that we have seem not to be truly representing the interest of Nigerians and that Nigerians need another vehicle.
‘’ Also, the existing mechanisms that we have, the national, state and local assemblies, seem unable to address some fundamental issues that need to be tabled within the platform of the National Conference,’’ he said.
Ukiwo, however, said it might be too early to jump into conclusion on what the committee’s recommendations on the proposed conference would look like.
He said the political reform conference convened by the Federal Government in 2005 ended without achieving any tangle objective.
‘’ I think that, in as much as we acknowledged that government has shifted ground, we want to hope that unlike in previous dispensation, Nigerians will be allowed to go through the logical conclusions
”Kudos to government for acknowledging that need and shifting ground and beginning to think of a possibility of convening such a conference,’’ Ukiwo said
A woman leader in Akwa Ibom, Obonganwan Edith Etete, said that President Jonathan’s decision to hold a national conference was a welcome development.
Etete, who leads the yearly anniversary of the 1929 Women Riot in Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom, said that the dialogue would be an opportunity for Nigerians to discuss their problems.
‘’It is a worthwhile exercise to listen to ourselves, our challenges and the way out,’’ she said.
The 2011 gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Akwa Ibom, Mr David Ekanem, said that such conference was necessary in a democracy.
Ekanem said that the problem confronting the nation had always been the lack of political will to do what is right.
‘’It is not that we don’t know what our problem is; we have had several conferences in the past, what has become of them?’’
Ekanem said that the proposed national conference would afford the different ethnic and religious groups the opportunity to come out and state their grievances.
Dr Aniekan Brown, a don, advised that the proposed national dialogue should not be ‘’another time-buying device’’.
Brown, who teaches Sociology at the University of Uyo, urged the Federal Government to show commitment towards implementing the recommendations of the conference.
He prayed that God should guide Nigerians on to the right path, while wishing the country a bright future.
The Akwa Ibom State Chairman of All Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Mr Linus Udofia, expressed regret that Nigeria was still grappling with teething problems of nationhood at 53.
He called on the Federal Government to create an environment for all ethnic groups to state their problems at the envisaged national conference.
Udofia advised that the proposed national conference should be a sovereign one.
The National Coordinator of Embedded Ai -EU Erasmus Project in Nigeria, Prof. Bourdillon Omijeh, has commended the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Rivers State Government for their strategic partnership in organizing the Job Fair 2026.
The Job Fair with theme: “Addressing Youth Employability for Prosperity,” took place at Obi International Conference Center, Port Harcourt, last week.
Speaking as Special Guest, Professor Omijeh stated that result-oriented human capital development and trainings focused on relevant skills is the most effective solution to reducing the high rate of graduate unemployment in Rivers State.
He noted that Nigeria is firmly in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), driven by technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, Internet of Things, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and 5G.
According to him, these emerging technologies offer enormous employment and entrepreneurial opportunities across critical sectors, including agriculture, power, Telecommunication, oil and gas, healthcare, and security.
He emphasized the growing shift from job seeking to job creation, explaining that youths equipped with 4IR skills can become innovators, solution providers, and founders of startups and new industries.
Professor Omijeh further stated that Nigeria is richly endowed with talented youths capable of competing globally when properly empowered with the right skills, support, and enabling environment.
He called for sustained collaboration between government, the private sector, and educational institutions to build a future-ready workforce and drive inclusive economic growth in Rivers State.
To the over 4000 teeming youths present, Professor Omijeh said, according to Bill Gate, that “Being born poor is not a fault, but remaining poor in a world of opportunity and skills is a responsibility that must be consciously addressed.
“Don’t allow your current circumstances define your destiny. There’s a seed of greatness in you. Sieze any and every opportunity to develop yourself and acquire the requisite skills.
He passionately urged the Rivers State Government to intentionally invest and fund result-oriented training programmes through the strategic Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment and Ministry of Youth Development to increase employability and reduce the rate of graduate unemployment in Rivers State.
He thanked the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Honorable Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr. Chisom K. Gbali, for this laudable initiative with NECA.
Professor Bourdillon Omijeh is the National Coordinator of the Embedded Artificial Intelligence (EAI) -EU Erasmus Project in Nigeria; Immediate Past Director of Centre for Information and Telecommunication Engineering Uniport, NCC-Chair Occupant on ICT Uniport; TensorFlow four (4) times award winner on Capacity building on Ai & ML -(2021-2024), CEO-Bourdillon Omijeh Foundation.
As a Professional Mentor, he has facilitated the training of thousands of youths on 4IR- Skills with relevant certifications and evidential engagements.
Follow Prof Bourdillon Omijeh on LinkedIn.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged youths in the state to take advantage of the vast opportunities available to become employers of labour and contribute meaningfully to growth and development.
Fubara said global trends increasingly favour entrepreneurship and innovation, stressing that youths in Rivers State must not be left behind in harnessing such opportunities.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, the governor stated this while declaring open the 2026 Job Fair organised by the Rivers State Government in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Speaking on the theme, “Addressing Youth Employability for Prosperity,” the governor acknowledged the responsibility of government to create jobs for its teeming youth population but noted that it was unrealistic to absorb all job seekers into the civil service.
“As a government, we recognise our duty to provide employment opportunities for our teeming youths. However, we also understand that not all youths can be accommodated within the civil service.
“This underscores the need to encourage entrepreneurship across diverse sectors and to partner with other stakeholders, including the youths themselves, so they can transition from being job seekers to employers of labour,” he said.
Fubara further urged participants to continually sharpen their skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment and the global space through digital platforms.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining peace and providing an enabling environment for youths to develop their potential and thrive.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr Chisom Gbali, said the job fair was designed to equip youths with contemporary skills, innovation and mentorship needed to transform them from unemployable to resourceful individuals.
Gbali disclosed that the ministry had rolled out various training and capacity-building programmes in areas such as ICT and artificial intelligence, oil and gas, maritime, and the blue economy.
Delivering the keynote address, the Head of the Department of Human Resources Management, Rivers State University, Dr Chris Biriowu, advised participants to remain informed about evolving sources of employability.
He said the labour market was dynamic and shaped by industry-specific demands, technological advancement, management practices and other emerging factors.
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, has poured accolades on late Amayanabo of Opobo, HRM Dandeson Douglas Jaja V, saying his footprints went beyond the State.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the wife of the late king, Prof. Odu said the late monarch contributed meaningfully beyond the shores of Rivers State.
“He contributed not only to Opobo, not only to Rivers State, but to Nigeria as a nation. We all know the various positions he held until his passing. For us as a Commission, we are really going to miss him greatly, especially at this time when his guidance was most needed,” she stressed.
She described the late king as a distinguished traditional ruler whose life and service contributed immensely to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
The deputy governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, noted that until his demise, King Jaja was an Ex-Officio member of the Commission, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District.
According to her, the late monarch actively participated in several meetings of the Commission and played an important advisory role.
“He actually participated with us in a couple of meetings. It was with great shock that we received the news of his passing. We saw daddy as someone who was very strong, healthy and athletic,” Prof. Odu said.
Prof. Odu explained that the Commission relied heavily on the wisdom of traditional rulers like the late monarch to ensure that its responsibilities were carried out properly and conscientiously.
She assured the family of the Commission’s continued support, saying they will remain close to the family throughout the burial arrangements and beyond.
Addressing the widow, Queen Prudence Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Prof. Odu said the visit was to commiserate with her and encourage her during the period of mourning.
“Please accept our condolences. Please be strong and put your hope in God. The God who watches over widows will never abandon you,” the deputy governor prayed.
“We cannot question God. What has happened has happened. All we can do is to pull ourselves together. That is why we are here to pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen you, that God will turn your sadness into joy and clothe you with a garment of beauty,” she added.
Responding, Queen Jaja described her late husband as a gentle, humble man who was deeply committed to the progress of Rivers State, and Nigeria at large.
She expressed gratitude to the deputy governor and other members of the Boundary Commission for identifying with the family in their moment of grief.
“We are praying that his soul will rest in perfect peace. I thank you very much for coming to console me at this trying moment. Seeing you here has given me comfort. God bless each and every one of you,” she said.
She also offered prayers for the delegation, wishing them a long life and good health.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation Letter of Condolence from the Rivers State Boundary Commission to Queen Jaja.
Kevin Nengia
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