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Tag: Minister

  • *52 Kids detained on alleged charges of treason, minister assures of fair judicial process*

    *52 Kids detained on alleged charges of treason, minister assures of fair judicial process*

    The Ministry of Women Affairs expresses deep concern over the recent detention of 52 children who were reportedly arrested on August 3, 2024, during the End Bad Governance protest in Kano and Kaduna states. Public concern about the treatment, safety, and rights of these detained children is duly acknowledged, and the Ministry is taking active steps to address these issues.

    Ensuring the rights of every child is paramount, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Child Rights Act, and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory. Every child, regardless of circumstance, is entitled to protection, dignity, and a fair judicial process under the law.

    Demonstrating her commitment to the welfare of these children, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs made a personal visit to the detention facility late at night, where she engaged directly with the children. In this interaction, she offered comfort, listened to their concerns, and assured them of her commitment to their well-being. The Minister has also held discussions with authorities to ensure the children are receiving appropriate care and that their rights are being safeguarded.

    Communications are underway with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, and correctional institutions, to ensure that these children’s cases are expedited and heard in juvenile courts as mandated by law. Active monitoring of their welfare is ongoing, and the Ministry is collaborating with child rights advocates to ensure no child suffers undue harm, discrimination, or maltreatment.

    Plans are in place to work closely with child protection services to provide post-release psychological counseling, social support, and rehabilitation to facilitate these children’s reintegration into their communities. In partnership with stakeholders, the Ministry is also exploring educational opportunities for the children to support their growth and well-being beyond this challenging experience.

    To further address the public’s concerns, the President has directed the Attorney General of the Federation to review the cases of these minors swiftly. The Ministry is confident that justice will prevail, in alignment with Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and the principles of child protection.

    In addition, the Ministry is adopting a Whole-of-Society Approach (WoSA) to address juvenile delinquency. Through collaborative efforts with all relevant stakeholders, the goal is to strengthen existing systems and structures, with a focus on reforming the juvenile justice system. Key initiatives will include revising laws to address juvenile delinquency and fostering multi-sectoral engagement to empower communities and authorities to prevent juvenile delinquency across Nigeria.

    The Ministry of Women Affairs assures all concerned citizens that it will continue to advocate for the rights of these children and work tirelessly to secure a just outcome. Protecting the rights of all children remains a priority, and every effort will be made to guarantee their safety, welfare, and justice.

  • After cabinet reshuffle: Fired Tinubu’s minister Betta Edu opens up, says allegations against me were unfounded

    After cabinet reshuffle: Fired Tinubu’s minister Betta Edu opens up, says allegations against me were unfounded

    After cabinet reshuffe ex-Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu has opened up regarding her dismissal from office, a move that has drawn significant public attention and sparked discussions across various platforms.

    In her first public statement since being removed by President Bola Tinubu, Edu made strong claims of her innocence and stated that “lies were told” against her, insinuating that the allegations of fraudulent activities within her ministry were unfounded.

    Her remarks came during a particularly personal occasion, as she celebrated her 38th birthday on Sunday, October 27. On this day, she took to her official X account (formerly known as Twitter) to share her feelings about her recent experiences and to convey a message of resilience in the face of adversity. In her post, she referred to herself as a “daughter of Zion,” a phrase often used in religious contexts to signify strength and divine favor.

    This characterization reflects her belief that the attempts to tarnish her reputation would not be successful. Instead, she asserted that these efforts would ultimately lead to her elevation and recognition.

    In her celebratory post, she expressed a sense of hope and faith, writing, “Happy birthday to the woman Jesus loves! Soon the world will see the glory of a great God! The lies told to destroy a daughter of Zion will lead to her elevation! Ask Joseph!” This reference to Joseph, a figure in the Bible known for his rise to power after facing false accusations and significant challenges, underscores her belief in eventual vindication and triumph over adversity.

    Edu’s dismissal is part of a broader reshuffling within President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which also saw the removal of several other ministers on the same day. Among those dismissed were Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John from the Ministry of Tourism; Prof. Tahir Mamman of the Ministry of Education; Abdullahi Mohammed Gwarzo from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, who was in charge of Youth Development. This wave of dismissals raises questions about the direction of Tinubu’s administration and the factors that led to such significant changes in the cabinet.

    Edu had previously been in the spotlight due to her role in overseeing humanitarian efforts and poverty alleviation initiatives in Nigeria.

    During her tenure, she focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in a country where poverty remains a critical issue affecting millions. However, her time in office was marred by controversy, leading to her suspension prior to her dismissal. Edu’s exclusion from recent cabinet activities had already raised eyebrows, hinting that her position was precarious even before the official announcement of her removal.

    The implications of her dismissal extend beyond Edu herself, affecting the perception of the administration’s commitment to addressing issues of humanitarian concern.

    Many observers are concerned about the potential fallout from her departure and the broader implications for Nigeria’s social welfare programs. Critics argue that such dismissals can disrupt continuity in crucial projects aimed at alleviating poverty and providing support to those in need.

    Edu’s claims of being a victim of misinformation resonate with many individuals who have faced similar challenges in public life. In an era where social media can amplify voices and spread narratives rapidly, public figures often find themselves subjected to scrutiny and judgment based on incomplete or distorted information. Edu’s response highlights the difficulties politicians face in managing their public image, especially when accusations can lead to swift repercussions.

    The narrative surrounding her dismissal raises questions about accountability and transparency within government operations. If Edu is indeed innocent of the charges against her, this situation underscores the need for a fair and thorough investigation into allegations of corruption or misconduct.

    The public deserves clarity regarding the actions taken by their leaders, especially in matters concerning public funds and welfare programs.

    Furthermore, Edu’s references to her faith and resilience reflect a broader cultural narrative in Nigeria, where spirituality often intersects with daily life and politics. Many Nigerians look to their faith as a source of strength during challenging times, and Edu’s statements may resonate with those who share similar beliefs.

    By framing her experience through a spiritual lens, she not only seeks to reassure her supporters but also aims to invoke a sense of collective hope for positive change and divine intervention.

    In conclusion, Betta Edu’s recent public statements regarding her dismissal encapsulate a complex interplay of personal conviction, political turbulence, and societal expectations.

    As she navigates this challenging chapter in her life, her assertion of innocence and commitment to her values may serve as a rallying point for her supporters.

    The broader implications of her removal, combined with the dismissal of other ministers, signal a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political landscape, one that warrants close attention as it unfolds. Moving forward, the focus will likely remain on how this reshuffling impacts not only the individuals involved but also the critical issues of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation in Nigeria, as the government seeks to balance internal dynamics with the pressing needs of its citizens.

  • CARTOON OF THE DAY: The aggressive minister

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: The aggressive minister

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: The aggressive minister
    TNG: CARTOON OF THE DAY
  • FG approves N350bn to support dams, irrigation facilities – Minister

    FG approves N350bn to support dams, irrigation facilities – Minister

    The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, says the Federal Government under Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund has approved over N350 billion to support dams and expansion of facilities across Nigeria.

    Bagudu, made this known while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after he condoled with former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abul-Rashid Bawa, on the passing away of his mother in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

    ”The flooding is a dramatical change, it is a global challenge, and we saw what happened in Borno, among other states.

    ”If you watch footages coming from around the world, particularly in Europe, you will see a lot of flooding incidences.

    ”Climate change is real, lucky enough, President Ahmed Bola-Tinubu, recognised it, and took proactive steps where money was given to states.

    ”A number of interventions have been approved by the president, in addition to numerous timely release of Federal Allocation Account money.

    ”The federal government allocated N3 billion to each state of the federation to mitigate the effects of flooding.

    ”Gov. Nasiri Idris of Kebbi has intimated me that the state has taken possession of its share of the fund.

    ”The federal government, had in the Federal Executive Council last week, approved over N350 billion under the President’s renewed hope infrastructure fund to support dams and expansion of irrigation facilities,” he said.

    Bagudu also revealed that the council had approved N900 billion on the Kebbi component of the Sokoto- Badagry High Way, saying, “It is the single biggest contract awarded under the current administration.”

    According to him, there is another approval for construction of Zaria Kala-Kala road in Koko/Besse Local Government of the state.

    The road, he said, joined other roads, particularly the awarded Melando – Warra in Birnin Yauri, Ngaski local government area of the state.

    ”Kebbi is blessed, we are lucky that infrastructural projects, among other numerous interventions in agriculture, animal husbandry, hospitals, schools, will compliment the ongoing developmental projects taking place in the state,” Bagudu observed.

    He commended Gov. Idris, for his positive impact on uplifting the living standard of the people while steering the affairs of the state.

    “I am also praising the governor for taking necessary action to bring relief to all communities affected by flooding and encouraging unrelenting cultivation of crops among farmers for self sufficiency in food production”, the minister said.

  • Edo in panic mode over alleged attack on Oshiomhole, Minister

    Edo in panic mode over alleged attack on Oshiomhole, Minister

    The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo is expressing concern over an alleged plot to intimidate voters in the state in the guise of staged attacks on All Progressives Congress, APC chieftains including Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

    The plot according to PDP sources, follows feelers of a plot by the APC to engineer a police state ahead of the governorship election the PDP officials claim, will allow the APC to manipulate the election.

    Credible sources in the PDP allude to what they say as feelers of reports that Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the minster of Niger Delta, Hon Abubakar Momoh were recently attacked in Edo State.

    A PDP source while denying the claim said that Oshiomhole was neither attacked nor harassed as being claimed.

    “We are hearing that Oshiomhole and the minister of Niger Delta were attacked in Edo North. We are shocked to hear such a fabrication as we know that nothing like that happened, so the rumour or whatever it is, is a complete fabrication.

    “At best we know that it is all part of the plot by the APC to instigate a police state that will allow them to manipulate the election.

    “You remember that a former APC vice-chairman, Chief Francis Inegbeniki who recently dumped the APC because of their candidate has also reealed that while he was in the APC that the party had been plotting to rig the election. We believe that this is part of the plot.

    “We can assure Oshiomhole and the few people following him that Edo is safe and we challenge his candidate to go anywhere to speak on what he wants to do for Edo.”

    Speaking on Arise News television on Thursday evening, Mr Ighodalo had expressed concern over what he alleged as the bias by the police against his supporters.

    He alleged that several of his supporters had been arrested some for weeks without being charged to court.

    “In the last couple of weeks, the police have been arresting our supporters without basis. The principle of the law is that if you arrest somebody you should charge them to court within 24 hours and if you don’t find anything to charge them, you release them.”*Apprehension in Edo over alleged attack on Oshiomhole, Minister*

     

    The camp of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo is expressing concern over an alleged plot to intimidate voters in the state in the guise of staged attacks on All Progressives Congress, APC chieftains including Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

    The plot according to PDP sources, follows feelers of a plot by the APC to engineer a police state ahead of the governorship election the PDP officials claim, will allow the APC to manipulate the election.

    Credible sources in the PDP allude to what they say as feelers of reports that Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the minster of Niger Delta, Hon Abubakar Momoh were recently attacked in Edo State.

    A PDP source while denying the claim said that Oshiomhole was neither attacked nor harassed as being claimed.

    “We are hearing that Oshiomhole and the minister of Niger Delta were attacked in Edo North. We are shocked to hear such a fabrication as we know that nothing like that happened, so the rumour or whatever it is, is a complete fabrication.

    “At best we know that it is all part of the plot by the APC to instigate a police state that will allow them to manipulate the election.

    “You remember that a former APC vice-chairman, Chief Francis Inegbeniki who recently dumped the APC because of their candidate has also reealed that while he was in the APC that the party had been plotting to rig the election. We believe that this is part of the plot.

    “We can assure Oshiomhole and the few people following him that Edo is safe and we challenge his candidate to go anywhere to speak on what he wants to do for Edo.”

    Speaking on Arise News television on Thursday evening, Mr Ighodalo had expressed concern over what he alleged as the bias by the police against his supporters.

    He alleged that several of his supporters had been arrested some for weeks without being charged to court.

    “In the last couple of weeks, the police have been arresting our supporters without basis. The principle of the law is that if you arrest somebody you should charge them to court within 24 hours and if you don’t find anything to charge them, you release them.”

  • Protest: Ongoing reforms will create over 500,000 direct, indirect jobs – Minister

    Protest: Ongoing reforms will create over 500,000 direct, indirect jobs – Minister

    The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, has appealed to Nigerians to suspend the nationwide protest tagged ’Endbadgovernace’, says the current government reforms will create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    Shuaibu made the call in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Lizzy Okoji, on Saturday in Abuja.

    The protest, which commenced on Aug. 1, and is expected to end by  Aug.10, was organised in response to the challenges being faced in the country.

    The minister urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue in addressing  all their concerns regarding the difficulties being faced in the country.

    “In the steel sector, the ongoing reforms to revive our steel plants will create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs

    He also urged them to trust President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is working assiduously to address the challenges in the country.

    According to the minister, the policies and strategic plans of the current administration  were aimed at driving Nigeria to economic prosperity, improved welfare, quality education and strengthen health systems.

    He added that other policies were  focused  on improved social amenities, food security, and infrastructural development, among others.

    He assured Nigerians that their desire for good governance would be achieved before the end of the current administration’s first tenure.

    “Mr President has shown countless times, his concern for the plight of Nigerians, with the recent implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers.

    “Driving the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative with CNG vehicles to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy, which will reduce the cost of transportation by at least 70 per cent.

    “In response  to the challenges of the masses in the face of the ongoing reforms, President Tinubu directed the disbursement of N50,000 uplift grants each to over 100,000 families per state for three months.

    “This will  impact close to 5,000,000 families nationwide. My colleague, the  Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, with the directive  of Mr President, has assured Nigerians that food prices will crash in 180 days.

    “These are  strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting the nation  being implemented,” he said .

    Audu said that 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize were being imported, which would be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

    He further explained that, in strengthening the health sector, the president had directed the redesign of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, aimed at facilitating access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

    “In the steel sector, the ongoing reforms to revive our steel plants will create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, while we attract Foreign Direct Investments as a means of growing and diversifying the economy,” he said.

    The minister appealed to Nigerians to end  the protest, citing its hijack by miscreants, who were  already  causing mayhem and a breakdown of law and order across the country.

    He commended the people of Kogi  for not participating in the protest, saying they instead, resorted to dialogue and collaborative efforts with the All Progressive Congress (APC)-led government of the state.

  • Protests: Minister denies directing Telecoms to disrupt networks amid protests

    Protests: Minister denies directing Telecoms to disrupt networks amid protests

    The Minister of Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has refuted claims that he directed telecom companies in the country to tamper with networks amid the nationwide protests that began on Thursday.

    Nigerians using MTN, Airtel, and other networks have voiced concerns on social media about unusually slow browsing speeds.

    These complaints have led to suspicions that someone within President Bola Tinubu’s administration might have ordered the telecom companies to disrupt the protests.

    However, Tijani, during an appearance on Channels TV  stated, “There’s no instruction to tamper with (phone) networks.”

    Tijani also expressed his disapproval of the looting of the National Communication Commission (NCC) building in Kano State,thus  condemning the act.

    He remarked that such actions would hinder the federal government’s efforts to promote youth employment through technology.

  • N6.2trn supplementary budget for minimum wage, infrastructure – Minister

    N6.2trn supplementary budget for minimum wage, infrastructure – Minister

    The Federal Government says the proposed N6.2 trillion supplementary budgetary will be used to pay the minimum wage.

    Mr Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, gave the assurance while addressing the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriation in Abuja.

    He said that the funds would be spent on stimulating the economy through the implementation of various infrastructural projects.

    These projects include road, rail, water, irrigation, and dam projects in the 2024 fiscal year with prudent utilisation of the funds.

    He said that the N3 trillion would cater for the newly proposed national minimum wage, for which President Bola Tinubu said the bill would soon be sent to the National Assembly.

    He said that the proposed budget was also aimed at providing counterpart funding for rail projects that had literally stopped for a while, including the longest among them.

    These, according to him, are the Port Harcourt Main Bridge, which would traverse the rivers Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and other parts of the country.

    The minister said the second project is Badagry-Tin Can Port, Lekki Port, while the third one is Lagos-IIbadan Standard Gauge, adding that the fourth one is Kano-Marada Standard Gauge.

    He said that there would be funding for rolling stock that is required, adding that this would gulp the sum of N530 billion as requested for the five rail projects.

    Bagudu said that the sum of N522 billion was also provided for water, irrigation, and dam projects, adding that the proposed N3.2 trillion renewed hope infrastructural fund was “intended to provide equity contributions.

    Bagudu assured that the projects encapsulated in the amendment to the 2024 Appropriation Bill would not limit the revenue available for the implementation of the 2024 Appropriation Act.

    Rep. Abubakar Bichi, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, had earlier urged the Minister to give details on the Appropriation Bill, including the N3.2 trillion capital expenditure increase.

    This also includes the N3 trillion recurrent expenditure for the newly proposed national minimum wage transmitted by Mr. President for accelerated consideration.

    Bichi observed that there was a need for Nigerians to be adequately informed of the details of the proposed N6.2 trillion budget.

    This, he says, was in addition to the N28.7 trillion appropriation Act approved for the 2024 fiscal year.

    The Committee urged the Federal Government to address the infrastructural deficit and also address issues of security.

    Responding, Bagudu said that various efforts were being made to address issues concerning the security of lives across the country.

    NAN reports that some of the projects proposed in the supplementary budget include: Lagos-Calabar, a 1,000-kilometer road project for which a sum of N150 billion is required

    Sokoto-Badagry road projects, as well as the rail project, for which the Chinese government has provided 85 percent funding while the Federal Government is yet to provide the 15 percent counterpart finance.

    According to Bagudu, the Lagos-Calabar, which is expected to start in three different sections, has commenced in Lagos, the Calabar end, and one additional section, Sokoto-Calabar.

    He added that the Lagos-Calabar also covered the five Southeast States as well as Port Harcourt and Maiduguri rail lines.

  • US, Nigeria tightens trade, economic relations

    US, Nigeria tightens trade, economic relations

    Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite, has affirmed the commitment of Nigeria and the United States to enhancing their trade and economic collaboration. The discussions focused on several key areas, including the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Bi-National Commission (BNC), and the Commercial Investment Dialogue (CID).

    During a meeting with a United States delegation led by Arun Venkataraman, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, in Abuja, both parties emphasized the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s exports, promoting innovation, and creating a business-friendly environment.

    Dr. Uzoka Anite highlighted the robust relationship between the two nations, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to open trade and economic collaboration. She noted Nigeria’s vast economic potential, which includes a large market and abundant natural resources. She also mentioned initiatives like the National Talent Export Program, which aims to position Nigeria as a hub for talent outsourcing.

    “We are committed to deepening our partnership in trade and investment,” the minister stated. “This includes promoting non-oil exports to the USA under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and fostering an environment where businesses can flourish.”

    Mr. Venkataraman expressed the U.S. government’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s economic reforms and addressing challenges faced by American companies operating in Nigeria. He emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to deepening business ties and building a strategic commercial partnership, which underscores a mutual interest in enhancing economic growth and creating opportunities for people in both countries.

    He stated, “We know that the United States and Nigeria recognize the immense potential of our economic cooperation, but now it is time to take that potential and make it a reality. We are not here to talk; we are here to take action.”

    The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing on the importance of regular dialogue and collaboration to address trade disparities, foster investment, and promote innovation, thereby renewing their commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations between Nigeria and the United States.

  • My mandate from Tinubu – Minister

    My mandate from Tinubu – Minister

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said that President Bola Tinubu’ mandated him to bring back trust and honesty to public communication.

    Idris stated this in Abuja at the 60th Anniversary celebration of the National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), with theme “Public Relations; Value Re-Orientation and Economic Transformation”.

    I have the blessing and approval of my principal, President Bola Tinubu, who appointed me, to say it as it is, but in a palatable manner.

    “He directed that trust must be returned to public communication.

    “That is the only way people or citizens will respect and always want to listen to the government.

    “We will keep doing that till the end of my job here,” Idris said.

    According to the Minister, it is better to always tell the people the truth and for them to also recognise that you are telling them the truth.

    “Trust and honesty must be restored in public communication.

    “That is why, if I don’t have information about something, I will rather keep my mouth shut, than to reproduce ignorance,” he stressed.

    The immediate past Vice President of Republic of Liberia, Dr Jewel Taylor in her Keynote address narrated her journey through stigma, criticism and ability to change the narrative and people’s negative perception of her.

    Taylor commended NIPR, adding that the life of politicians revolve around crisis management, and therefore public relations remains an effective tool to address the challenges.

    She added that public relations has been an activity in the Africa society, even before the coming of the colonial masters where drums of different categories were used to communicate to the people.

    Welcoming guests at the event, Dr Ike Neliaku, the President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, said, to mark the anniversary celebration, the institute planted 60 trees in each of the 36 states of the federation to address climate change.

    According to Neliaku, public relations is very important for value re-orientation and economic transformation.

    He emphasised the Institute’s commitment to creating a positive narrative for Nigeria.

    Also speaking, the pioneer chairman of NIPR, Mazi Okereke said the cause of some crises in the country was breakdown of communication between the government and the governed.

    “Nigerian Government needs to put public relations on the driving seat. We are delighted that one of us is now Minister of Information and National Orientation”.

    In his goodwill message, the Chief Executive Officer of Ben TV from the UK, Mr Alistair Soyode called on NIPR to set up its branches in other countries to take care of Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the event attracted stakeholders from home and abroad while a panel of notable figures discussed the topic, “leveraging public relations for economic growth”.

    NAN also reports the the students of African International School, Asokoro performed a unity song by Temi Dakolo at the event