News
Shun Politics, NDDC Tells Public Officers
The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Nsima Ekere, has called on public officers to shun politics and focus on development initiatives that will improve the lives of citizens.
Ekere said this in a statement issued by the Director Corporate Affairs of the commission Mr Ibitoye Abosede.
Abosede said Ekere made the call when the executive and members of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) paid him a courtesy visit at NDDC Headquarters in Port Harcourt.
He appealed to traditional rulers to intervene by advising their subjects who are public office holders to shun politics and concentrate on governance, “so we can bring true development to the people.”
“Let us focus more on governance to make it flourish.”
He acknowledged the role being played by TROMPCON in ensuring peace and security in the various communities in the Niger Delta, adding “as the hen that lays the golden egg, the region cannot be ignored”.
“The royal fathers have played very key roles in ensuring peace in the region. We cannot afford to joke with the traditional rulers. I recognise your role in fostering peace in the region.”
The NDDC boss pledged that the Commission would continue with the robust relationship it had shared with TROMPCON over the years.
“We will continue to support TROMPCOM. We are already supporting the association in the upcoming conference of the traditional rulers in the Niger Delta,” he said.
The Chairman of TROMPCON, Eze Akuwueze Ikegwuruka, noted that the royal fathers recognised the importance of curbing illegal bunkering and other socio-economic vices in the region.
Ikegwuruka stated that this prompted the move to organise a conference to address the menace.
He restated the position of TROMPCON on the statutory obligations of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to the NDDC.
According to him, TROMPCON has urged the NLNG as a gas processing company to comply with Section 14(1) of the NDDC Act.
Our correspondent reports that the Act stipulates that “three per cent of the total annual budget of any oil producing company operating on-shore and off-shore in Niger Delta, including gas processing companies under which the NLNG falls, is expected and requested to discharge its responsibilities as constitutionally required without further delay.”
On the NDDC budget, Ikegwuruka observed that the actions or inactions of the National Assembly was impacting on activities of the NDDC.
He regretted that the national budget was often delayed, adding “we, therefore, appeal to the National Assembly to henceforth expedite action on early passage of the NDDC budget to encourage effective administration of her services to the people of the region.”
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.
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