News
Abia Pushes For United Nigeria, Urges North To Reciprocate
Abia State Government wants a stronger, united Nigeria and has requested its counterparts in the North to reciprocate the love shown to Muslims in the South East, particularly Abia State , by doing same to Christians and non-indigenes living with them.
Governor Theodore Orji who made the call while hosting the Muslim Community in Abia which paid him Sallah homage last Tuesday, said the state government has been showing love and accommodating the Muslim faithful residing in Abia because of its belief that Nigeria was one and its people should always work together.
Addressing the capacity crowd of the Muslims who thronged the Okpara Auditorium for the annual Sallah homage to the governor, Orji said: “at this point it is imperative to request our brother governors and governments of the Northern states to show as much love as we show to you to our people living in the North by giving land to them for their programmes and projects and share homage as we have always done here, Respect, they say, is reciprocal. We are one and must continue to work together as one, united people.”
The governor used the occasion to reassure the Muslims that government would not reverse its policy of non-discrimination towards non-indigenes residing in the state, especially the Muslims.
Orji, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Chris Akomas, also recalled that Abia government has never allowed Muslims to suffer reprisal attacks when crises erupted in the North.
“You will recall that during the crises that erupted in the North in times past, Government always took steps to ensure that Muslims were shielded from reprisal attacks. That is a mark of our love for you.”
The governor also told his guests that government has acceded to most of their requests, including the donation of a bus, land for cemetery; intervened in the issue of lock-up shops in Aba and appointed their members into the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
He said efforts were on top gear to provide a modern motor park and efficient security at the Lokpanta Cattle Market.
He enjoined the Muslims to continue to live in piety as if they were still observing the Ramadan fasting and to pray for the federal and state governments to overcome the current challenges facing the country, just as they should remember the less privileged as they celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri.
Earlier, chairman of Abia State Muslim Community, Alhaji Uzoma Anyatonwu, had praised the government for ensuring that the cordial relationship existing between the Muslims, government and the people of the state was sustained. Anyatonwu also expressed gratitude to the government for granting the requests made by the Muslim Community.
He, however, requested for a Pilgrims Welfare Board exclusivey for Muslims with its member as Secretary.
The Muslim leader enjoined Nigerians to eschew destructive politics but indulge in things that would unite the country.
The Muslim Sallah homage has become an annual event during which the governor interacts and entertains the Muslim community.
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.
-
Sports5 days ago
Insurance Beat Pillars In A Dramatic Way
-
Ict/Telecom5 days ago
Expert Tasks Nigerians On AI
-
Business5 days agoVDM, Mr Jollof’ll Face The Law – NCAA
-
Rivers4 days ago
Navy Targets Training Reforms To Boost Maritime Operations
-
Politics5 days ago
PDP, ADC Fault FG Over Kebbi School Attack
-
Sports5 days ago
S’Eagles Coach Accuses Congo Of Voodoo After Loss
-
Business5 days ago
2025 LITF: Lagos Promises MSMEs Continued Visibility, Capacity Building
-
Ict/Telecom5 days ago
NCC Assures Safe, Accessible Digital Space