News
2019: Buhari, Atiku, Others For Debate, Jan 19
The Nigerian Election Debate Group, yesterday fixed January 19 for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congrsss, APC, President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar and Presidential candidates of other political parties to engage in a debate.
Also to be part of the presidential debate are Gbenga Olawepo- Hashim of the Peoples Trust, PT; Engr. Yabagi Sani of the Action Democratic Party, ADP; Donald Duke of the Social Democratic Party, SDP; Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress, AAC; Oby Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN; Obadiah Mailafia of African Democratic Congress, ADC; Kingsley Moghalu of Young Progressive Party, YPP; Chris Okotie – Fresh Democratic Party, FDP; Hamza Al-Mustapha – Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN; Habib Mohammed Gajo – Young Democratic Party, YDP; Olusegun Mimiko – Zenith Labour Party, ZLP; Ade Fagbenro Bryon – Kowa Party, John Gbor – All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, among others.
Addressing Journalists yesterday in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer of Channels and chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, John Momoh said that Vice Presidential candidates of the APC, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, that of the PDP, Peter Obi, Junaid Mohammed of the SDP and other running mates are billed to have their debate on December 14, 2018.
According to him, the debates would focus on issues that matter most to working families, that would help restore the economy, provide electricity, create jobs, secure health care for every Nigerian, make and achieve excellence in every Nigerian school as well as ensure safety and security for Nigerians.
Momoh who noted that the debates will hold at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and will be broadcast live by all BON members, said that plans were on to forward to the 9th National Assembly, a fresh bill for the establishment of a National Commission for Presidential Debate that would make it mandatory for presidential candidates to engage in debates ahead of presidential elections.
Speaking further, John Momoh said, “just a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to address a group of people who were on a courtesy visit to our global headquarters in Lagos. I reiterated the well-known fact that our country, in spite of its numerous potentials, is faced with a social crisis that began way back to the military era; but which has transcended democratic rule since the army returned to the barracks.
Today, we are experiencing a health care crisis that threatens our women and children, an education crisis that threatens our children’s future, a power crisis that is crippling every aspect of our economic lives, and a more fundamental crisis – a crisis of corruption, accountability and security.
“One other major challenge facing us as a nation is the threat to national unity, as centrifugal tension, resource control and self determination , ethnicity-based identity politics and religious cleavages have enveloped national consciousness.
“Many of these problems stem from decisions made by our leaders behind closed doors, other times openly, from regulations removed when no one was looking, or from the reckless actions taken while authorities turned a blind eye. “
Our nation is strongest when our elected leaders are transparent, accessible and accountable to its citizens, explaining their decisions and answering tough questions. That standard of openness must start long before election day. “
It is for this reason that the Nigerian election debate group and the broadcasting organisations of Nigeria are organising a vice presidential debate on December the 14th, 2018 and a presidential debate on January the 19th, 2019.
“ The debates would hold at the Transcorp Hilton hotel Abuja, and will be broadcast live on all bon member radio and television stations across the country. the debates will also be streamed live on all mobile and social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, twitter and instagram, to give it a global coverage.
Among others, the debates will focus on the issues that matter most to working families; restoring our economy, providing electricity, creating jobs, securing health care for every Nigerian, making and achieving excellence in every Nigerian school and ensuring safety and security for Nigerians.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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