News
Amaechi Laments Lopsided Allocations Of Resources, Opportunities
The Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has lamented the absence of the Federal Character Principle in the allocation of the nation’s resource and opportunities, 15 years after the establishment of the Commission.
Governor Amaechi said this last Monday during a national Retreat on “Transformation of Nigeria: Role of the Federal Character Commission. The Second Mandate”, at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, the Governor expressed regret that “the pattern of recruitment into most federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) was lopsided “, charging it to use the opportunity of the retreat to examine and assess itself with a view to reposition it to deliver on its Second Mandate.
The State Chief Executive stated that the present administration is working to deliver on its mandate of transforming the lives of its people through pragmatic programmes and projects, pointing out that so far the State Government is “complying steadfastly with the requirements of the Commission’s First Mandate for equitable distribution of employment and appointment opportunities and also actively executing its Second Mandate in the provision and spread of social services, economic amenities and infrastructural facilities”.
Speaking, Chairman of the occasion and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Nimi Briggs, noted that the Federal Character Commission was established to address any imbalance in the distribution of opportunities and resources and also agitations from different sections of the country after the Civil War, calling for firmness and fairness in the implementation of the federal character principle.
Earlier, in her keynote address, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, represented by a Director in her Ministry, Mr. O.E. Etah, reiterated President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda which affords Nigerians equal opportunities for employment and wealth creation, urging the commission to help realise this agenda by ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of the nation’s resources and opportunities, and urged Nigerians to preserve the social and infrastructural facilities in their areas.
In his Welcome Address, Executive Chairman of the Commission, Professor Shuaibu Abdulraheem, acknowledged that the equitable distribution of the nation’s resources and opportunities has continued to be a source of concern, saying, however, that he was hopeful of a smooth implementation of the commission’s Second Mandate.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoIncreased Oil and Gas: Stakeholders Urge Expansion Of PINL Scope
-
News2 days agoFG denies claims of systematic genocide against Christians
-
News2 days agoUN Honours Ogbakor Ikwerre President General
-
Niger Delta2 days agoOtu Reiterates Commitment To Restor State’s Civil Service
-
News2 days agoStakeholders Tasks Fubara on recognition of Nwoga As Nzeobi of Egbema kingdom ….laud Tinubu for lifting Emergency in the state
-
Sports2 days agoPalace End Liverpool’s Invincibility
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoReps C’mitee Moves To Resolve Dangote, NUPENG Dispute
-
News2 days agoChina sentences former Agric minister to death