News
FG Taking Steps To Tackle Insecurity – Mark
President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator David Mark, has assured that Nigeria is taking appropriate security measures to end the security challenges that would guarantee safety of lives and property in the country.
Senator Mark said this when he addressed a United Nations and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) delegation led by the UN Programme Administrator, Ms Helen Clark that the nation is taking proactive steps to tackle the threat.
The President of the Senate recalled with regret the bomb blast at the UN building in Abuja and stated, “with the steps we have taken, I am sure it will not happen again. Nigerians are now more security conscious and would rise to the occasion.”
He however solicited the support of the international community to tackle the security challenges just as he requested them to help strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions.
“ Nigeria is a vibrant nation that has accepted democracy as the best form of government. As a nation, we are conscious of the fact that whatever we do reverberates across Africa ,” he stressed.
Senator Mark commended the UN and the UNDP for assisting to improve the capacity of the Nigerian legislature.
He further thanked other donor agencies for their support through her Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and helping to improve the lots of Nigerians especially in the rural areas.
Earlier,in her speech, the UN Programme Administrator, Helen Clark said she was in Nigeria to assess the damage done to the UN house and condole the staff for the loss.
She said the UN would not deviate from its commitment to improve the lots of the world’s citizens because of the security challenges but would rather strengthen its resolve to do more and ensure a better society.
Urging Nigeria to continue to play her leading role in Africa, Ms Clark particularly assured that the UN would continue to give technical and logistic support to Nigeria especially in the propagation and sustenance of democratic ideals.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi (Abuja)
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
Winners emerge at TotalEnergies charity golf tourney
-
Business4 days ago‘Entrepreneurs, Not Foreign Aid Drive Nigeria’s Growth’
-
News4 days ago
FG Scraps Mother Tongue As Teaching Language In Primary Schools
-
Health4 days ago
Nch Technical Session Reviews 35 Memos …Sets Stage For Council Deliberations
-
Politics4 days agoOsun 2026: INEC Challenges Political Parties On Lawful Primaries
-
News4 days ago
Eastern Port Police Boss Promises On Crime-Free Operations
-
Sports5 days ago
Bank, Lagos affirm support for sports development
-
Business4 days ago
FG Set To Launch Free National Financial Literacy Training For 100,000 Youths,