Good Planning Will Aid Infrastructure Development In N’Delta Region – Engr. Adebiyi

By Ere-ebi Agedah

 

The incoming Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA), Engr. Olusesan Adebiyi FNSE has pledged his commitment to ensuring good planning that will lead  to development in the Niger Delta region, especially in the area of Infrastructure, Education and Empowerment.

The Permanent Secretary made this pledge at the reception ceremony held in the Ministry in Abuja to usher him into the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs on Tuesday 14th June, 2022.

According to Adebiyi, “Good planning will also help us to come out with better results, on this note, I want to appeal to us to rise up and work, let’s rise up and build, let’s rise up to get committed and serious.”

“If you are not tired of stories of uncompleted buildings in the terrain, I am tired, I am not satisfied and I believe the Federal Government is not satisfied either” he further stated.

He also pledged his commitment to the actualization of the vision and mandate of the Ministry noting that these areas include but not limited to environmental degradation, poverty alleviation, security and empowerment amongst others.

Engr. Adebiyi stressed that maximum calmness and peace would only be maintained in the region when projects are effectively executed for the alleviation of poverty and transformation of lives in the region.

He acknowledged that the challenges in the region though enormous especially in the area of construction works, would be surmounted with the right mindset and determination.

He therefore appealed for maximum cooperation of the staff of the Ministry in the bid to move the Niger Delta region forward.

Earlier, the overseeing Director in the office of the Permanent Secretary, MNDA, Mr. Alfred Abah, in his welcome address assured the Permanent Secretary of the commitment and readiness of the Management team to work with him in achieving the mandate of the Ministry.

“The Primary aim of the Ministry is to anchor the development initiative of the Niger Delta region and we have departments that have different roles to meet up with the mandate”, he said.

 

Senator Dickson Felicitates With Former Head Of State Abdusalami

 ..Says He is our General of Democracy

The Senator representing Bayelsa West,  Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has eulogised former Nigerian Head of State, His Excellency,  General Abdusalami Abubakar, as a General of Democracy on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

Senator Dickson noted that, after serving Nigeria at the pinnacle of his profession in the military, and his display of unparalleled commitment to democratic governance, General Abubakar has continued to be a beacon of hope and mentor to younger generation of leaders including himself.

Senator Dickson described General Abubakar as one who, over the years has become one of the most visible and enduring pillars of peace in Nigeria.

On behalf of his family, Dickson joined General Abubakar's countless admirers, all lovers of democracy and people of good conscience to celebrate the Democracy General at 80.

General Abdusalami Abubakar executed the transition of Nigeria's Forth Republic in 1999 after several years of military incursion into Nigeria's democratic rule. 

“My family and I felicitate with a dear  father, leader and former Head of State, Gen Abdusalami Abubakar, GCFR , Nigeria’s Democracy General on this special occasion of your 80th birthday.

“It is heartwarming to note that the Almighty God has kept our leader in a super state of health to continue your invaluable contributions to our dear country and humanity.

“After serving our fatherland at the pinnacle of your profession in the military, and your display of unparalleled commitment to democratic governance, you have continued to be a beacon of hope and mentor to younger generation of leaders including me in this country.

“Over the years you have become one of the most visible and enduring pillars of peace in our country.

“My family and I join your countless admirers,  all lovers of democracy and people of good conscience to celebrate you at 80.

“l pray to God to continue to keep you in good perfect health.”

Under Tinubu Presidency, A New Nigeria Will Emerge — AATSG

By Ebi Kesiena

As Nigeria heads to next year's general elections, a pro-Tinubu socio-political organisation, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group, AATSG, has said if elected the country's next president, former governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will ensure the entrenchment of a new Nigeria. 

This is as the group says the template which Tinubu laid in Lagos State which has put the nation's commercial capital on the pedestal of accelerated development will be replicated on a national scale. 

Speaking with journalist, the National Chairman of AATSG, Otunba Yomi Odunomo while congratulating Tinubu for winning the presidential ticket of the governing APC at a special convention in Abuja last week applauded members of the group for tirelessly working to ensure victory for Tinubu at the primaries. 

According to Odunomo, Tinubu if elected president in 2023 will ensure the decentralisation of the nation's policing system to meet up with the growing security challenges in the country. 

He added that a Tinubu presidency will drive Nigeria from a consuming to a producing economy that will boost the nation's GDP, create employment for the teeming youths and guarantee the security of all. 

While urging all citizens to support the victory of Tinubu at the polls next year, Odunomo revealed that the JAGABAN app created in support of Tinubu’s presidential agenda has so far recorded 75,000 downloads, stating that the group is targeting 500,000 before the elections. 

Contributing, the Deputy National Women Leader Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group, AATSG, Zara Bukar while expressing happiness that Tinubu emerged the presidential flagbearer of APC was optimistic to say that Nigeria will be a better country under him. 

"We are so happy that our principal won the primary election, we know that he is God-chosen and this is the will of God , this is the time that we know that Nigeria will have a turnaround. 

"Nigeria will be better for all of us especially the women. When we talk about the women, we women are for Asiwaju, we are for Asiwaju because we know that there will be positions, important key positions for women in his government" she said. 

The National Organising Secretary AATSG, Habu Dauda said Tinubu is ready and prepared to govern the country, saying he will emerge the president in 2023. 

He also expressed hope that youths will have a good deal in inclusion under the leadership of Tinubu as the president.

Humanitarian Affairs Minister Engages 3000 Stream 2 Independent Monitors For NSIP

By Ere-ebi Agedah

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has flagged off the On-Boarding of 3000 Stream 2 Independent Monitors. 

During the flag-off held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja, the Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo mni, MPOM, explained that Monitors were one of the most important components of the National Social Investment Programmes.

She said that the Ministry lays special emphasis on ensuring that its programmes are closely monitored. 

“Today’s programme marks the beginning of the national training and onboarding of additional 3000 men and women who  will serve as Stream 2 monitors. They will be given the prerequisite training and receive engagement letters and tablets as working tools for monitoring the programme.

“The NSIP Independent Monitors are responsible for monitoring the NSIP Programmes in their communities, schools, households and market clusters with  focus of ensuring that the Primary Objectives of the NSIPs are achieved.

“We have monitors in every Local Government where the NSIP is being implemented. Through the Social Investment Management Information System (SIMIS) application, our Stream 1 monitors have uploaded over 220,000 reports to date on the application,  giving us good visibility on  the programmes in the communities. 

“The incoming Stream 2 Independent Monitors are expected to continue using the same platform to report their activities from the field”.

The Minister charged the beneficiaries to work closely with the state NSIP teams and avoid any form intimidation of the beneficiaries.

“Monitoring at the State requires that the Independent Monitors work hand in hand with the state NSIP teams. They are also required to work closely with the beneficiaries. No intimidation of beneficiaries by an Independent Monitor will be accepted by the Ministry. Any Independent Monitor found intimidating or harassing a beneficiary will be taken off the programme”, Umar Farouq warned.

Earlier in a welcome address, Dr Umar Bindir of the Office of the Honorable Minister stated that the Social Investment Programmes  have lifted many people out of poverty while tackling youth challenges through N-Power and its affiliated programs like N-Build and N-Skills.

While explaining the processes and objectives for Social Investment Programmes Monitoring,  the Special Adviser to the President and Team Lead, Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr Fatiya Askederin Musah said that the training will define roles and responsibilities for NSIP Monitors as well as teach the reporting skills and timelines using the monitoring device.

“We monitor to have visibility in all the states, to collect data and determine areas of improvement and also document lessons learnt. Without monitoring and evaluation, we will not be able to measure the benefits or demerits of the NSIPs, hence the need to ensure accurate evaluation of all government’s poverty alleviation programmes”.

There were goodwill messages from  the Chairman, Focal Persons Forum Nasir Abdulkadir and a representative of a Non-governmental Organization, Save the Children.

In attendance were also Directors of  the Ministry including Alhaji Ali Grema who represented the Permanent Secretary, Team Leads, Focal Persons from Katsina, Nasarawa, Osun and Rivers states as well as NGOs and representatives of Civil Society Groups.

Democracy Day: Leaders Must Be Servants - Diri

...Urges Nigerians To Prioritise PVC Collection

As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the essence of democracy would be lost if leaders fail to be servants to the people.

Senator Diri made the remark on Sunday while speaking at a non-denominational Democracy Day service at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.

The governor charged those occupying elective and appointive offices to see themselves as servants while the people that gave them the mandate as their masters to whom they are accountable.

A press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that elected or appointed officials should regard such positions of authority as a privilege and a platform to better the lot of the people.

His words: “Today being Democracy Day, we should all be reminded to continue to give service to our people. If you have been elected or appointed into key government offices and positions, you should note that It is only but a privilege.

"In all our actions, we should know that those who have given us the mandate to serve them are our masters and we are their servants. If you make yourselves a demi-god, you are only deceiving yourselves." 

Commenting on the recent attack on the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, Senator Diri again condoled with the government and people of the state over the incident.

He said Bayelsa in solidarity with the government of Ondo State has declared that there would be no Democracy Day celebration. 

Describing Bayelsa as a relatively peaceful state, Governor Diri said the state’s security architecture is being repositioned with the signing of the Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps Law to complement the efforts of the various security agencies in the state.

According to him, over 5,000 youths will be engaged by the Corps headed by Brig-Gen. Eric Angaye (Retd) and trained in all aspects of security to curb criminal activities.

He explained that the state-owned complementary security outfits - Bayelsa Vigilante and Bayelsa Volunteers - have been incorporated into the Corps and their personnel would also be trained to make them more effective.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the service, Senator Diri called on all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly the youths, to get their permanent voter cards to be able to participate in the process of electing leaders.

“Nigerians should be ready with their PVCs. The current leadership has visited this country with hunger, poverty, dwindling economy and above all the wanton destruction of lives and property.

“The people of this country are the only ones that have the solution to all of these. I call on them to free themselves from the current bondage because the PVC is more powerful than the AK-47. The PVC is everything.”

In his sermon, the guest minister and chairman of the state chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Tam-Seth Eyedoude, said democracy was not in the hands of any single man, court or diviners but rather in the hands of the people.

Rev. Eyedoude noted that peace cannot reign without justice just as democracy could not exist without respect for the people’s culture.

Senator Diri read the first lesson of the service from the book of Psalms 142 vs 1-8.

Intercessory prayers were also offered for the 2023 general election, the Bayelsa state government and the federal government.

Dignitaries at the service include wife of the governor, Justice Patience Diri, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, father of the governor, Pa Michael Diri, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, national and state lawmakers, service commanders, religious and traditional leaders among others.

How the UK Dion Group of Companies began - Micheal

The UK Dion Group of Companies was founded in 2017  by Mr. Micheal Diongoli, an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist who is passionate about Africa’s economic development. 

One of the leading financial experts in Africa, championing entrepreneurship development across the continent.

The group’s long-term investment in empowering African entrepreneurs is characterised by Micheal Diongoli’s philosophy of African entrepreneurship, which brings Africa’s private sector to the fore and projects entrepreneurship as the catalyst for the much needed social and economic development of the continent.

In 2021, the UK Dion Group under the audacious leadership of Micheal Diongoli consolidated its various subsidiaries and initiatives and made investing in Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders a top priority. This is considered by many as a laudable decision and has endeared the UK Dion group to the hearts of most aspiring and emerging business leaders in Africa. 

The group further provides a structured, robust, and multifaceted support to entrepreneurs around Africa through various Entrepreneurship Programmes. 

They continue to nurture the growing numbers of business leaders, whose success stories serve as inspiration and encouragement to other upcoming entrepreneurs. 

Mr. Diongoli demonstrate the effectiveness of his views and strategy in using enterprise development as a tool for sustainable development in Nigeria and across the African continent; as he continues to expand his reach in shaping tomorrow’s business leaders and building an impactful pan-African entrepreneurial ecosystem.

His vision is to be west Africa’s leading most distinctive servicing and solutions hub that adds value to all stakeholders.

To this end, his mission is to build trust and ensure value addition and wealth creation for his clients. 

The admirable GMD Micheal U. Diongoli’ is customer centric and focuses on ensuring the stability and growth of all stake holders.

He is one of the pioneers of creating an integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem that promotes African entrepreneurship. 

The main philosophy behind the UK-Dion Group consolidation is based on the founder Mr. Micheal Ukiye Diongoli’s desire to empower a generation of successful ‘for-profit’ entrepreneurs who would drive the African economic and social transformation. 

His guiding principles are derived from an inclusive economic philosophy of African capitalism, which suggests that long-term, dynamic African-led private sector investments in key sectors of the economy will drive economic and social development. 

He believes that encouraging and building viable businesses from young Africans is the key to economic stability. 

Mr. Diongoli has a large heart and is committed to mentoring a next generation of African bootstrappers.

Young people should detest poverty, pursue success dedicatedly with every opportunity - Micheal

Starting off as a young man I had my fair share of rejections, I was rejected a couple times so many but my fear for poverty or do I say detest for poverty kept me driving. I resolved never to quit but rather push harder until I get results.

This was the tale of Micheal Diongoli in an exclusive interview in Lagos State, the capital for excellence.

Mr Micheal emphasized that while growing up he saw how many homes suffered from hunger due to poverty and how children were forced to hock and sell

so that their parents could make ends meet, this triggered the desire live above poverty line from quite a young age. 

He always wished to be wealthy from that young age. But like he says, if wishes were horses beggars would ride. So wishing was not enough, but was a good standpoint.

He said 'I am what I am today because poverty is stinks and I detest it with a passion; hence my commitment to succeed and help many others out of poverty.

According to him poverty is a choice and success is also choice, of these two choices, the one you embrace determines your motivation, aspiration and commitment.

He advised young people to detest poverty and pursue success dedicatedly with every opportunity they get. 

He also advised that to earn and leave above poverty lines, it is expedient that people learn new 21st century relevant skills as God always rewards hard work.