Rescued From Ghana: Nine Nigerian Girls Return Home, Scholarship Awarded To Victim

 By Our Correspondent

 

Nine teenage Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Ghana have safely arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. This follows a coordinated effort led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and representatives from the Imo State government, including Rt. Hon. Chyna Amara Iwuanyanwu (Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House) and Mrs. Nkechinyere Ugwu, Imo State Commissioner for Women Affairs.

 

The girls, who landed around 9:55 PM, were immediately profiled and handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further care.

 

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that the girls would receive rehabilitation and counseling through NAPTIP and be returned to their respective states. She also noted that the alleged trafficker has been arrested and charged in Ghana.

 

Dabiri-Erewa called for a stronger stance against human trafficking in Nigeria, stating, “We must declare war against human traffickers.” She urged parents to remain vigilant about their children's whereabouts and to question the intentions of relatives or friends who take them away. She emphasized the importance of collective efforts to identify and apprehend traffickers.

 

She expressed gratitude to key figures who facilitated the rescue, including the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Adeoye Ifedayo, Eze Igbo Ghana Chukwudi Ihenetu, Chief Callistus, Chairman BOT, Ghana, and the NIDO Team. She also commended the Imo State Governor for promptly dispatching a high-powered delegation.

 

In a related development, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, President of the Ugwumba Leadership Center for Africa, announced a full scholarship for Miss Divine Asuzu, one of the rescued girls from Amaokpara community in Nkwerre LGA, Imo State. Following discussions with her parents, Asuzu expressed a desire to continue her education.

 

Nwosu praised the swift actions of Governor Sen. Hope Uzodimma and the diaspora community for raising the alarm that led to the girls’ rescue. He reiterated the Ugwumba Leadership Center’s commitment to youth development, stating, “As an organization that promotes youth development in Africa, we hereby award her a full scholarship to study in any of the government universities in Nigeria. Meanwhile, before her admission, we have also approved a monthly upkeep allowance for her.”

 

Heritage Times HT notes that the rescue and subsequent support highlight the collaborative efforts between government officials, international bodies, and non-governmental organizations in combating human trafficking and supporting its victims.

Democracy Day: NYPF Advocates For Transformative Youth Development Policies

 

In commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the Nigerian Young Professional Forum, NYPF has put forth a series of detailed recommendations for the National Youth Policy.

 

The proposed changes, reviewed by NYPF executive members including Chairman Zaliha Lawal, Mayor Ndukaku, Dr. Ekemini Udo, and media consultant Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi, aim to pave the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future for Nigerian youth.

 

In a statement signed by the executive members on Wednesday, NYPF emphasized the crucial role comprehensive policy reforms can play in shaping a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth. They maintained that this is a call to action for lasting positive change. The policy recommendations have been forwarded to the Ministry of Youth.

 

Key recommendations include, Education and Talent Development: Elevate the status of vocational education to eliminate existing stigmas and increase the number of highly skilled workers, transforming Nigeria from a consumer-driven nation to a manufacturing hub and innovation-led economy.

 

Health and Well-being: Emphasize the importance of physical and mental health among young Nigerians, address rising rates of drug and substance abuse, and enhance access to comprehensive healthcare services to ensure a supportive environment for overall well-being.

 

Participation and Inclusiveness: Promote equitable opportunities for all youth, ensuring that participation reflects the diverse capabilities and aspirations of Nigerian youth.

 

Therefore, NYPF noted that by adopting these strategic recommendations, the Nigerian government can significantly improve the lives of young people, steering the nation towards a more inclusive and innovative future. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for policies that empower Nigerian youth, ensuring they have the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive in every aspect of life.

 

Democracy Day: Susan Lokpobiri Urges Women To keep Faith In Renewed Hope Agenda

In commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Susan Lokpobiri, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), has encouraged women to keep hope alive, stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda will positively impact the economy. 

The ministers wife noted this while speaking exclusively to Bedvikonline in Abuja on Wednesday.

“Today marks the 25th anniversary of our democracy and over a year of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. We thank Almighty God for bringing us this far,” she said.

 

According to Lokpobiri, Nigerians have been very resilience as she particularly applauded the people of the Niger Delta region and Bayelsa state for their steadfast support during the countries challenging times. 

“Despite the challenges, Nigerians have believed in the renewed hope agenda of the APC, With God's grace, I am confident that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver on his promises. I urge everyone to remain patient, keep the faith, and continue praying for the success of his administration” she stated. 

 

Mrs Lokpobiri added that this year’s Democracy Day celebrates freedom, resilience, and determination, reflecting the APC-led administration’s commitment to equity, justice, transparency, accountability, and prosperity for all. 

She highlighted the peace in the Niger Delta Region due to social inclusiveness and cooperation among elders and residents adding that the government remains committed to implementing a comprehensive peace, security, and development plan for the region.

 

Therefore, she urged Nigerians to avoid hatred and intolerance, emphasizing that this objectives can only be achieved in harmony and peaceful coexistence. 

Honoring democracy heroes like Moshood Abiola and Major Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro, Lokpobiri reminded Nigerians of the cost of freedom and the importance of cherishing democracy.

 

Mrs Lokpobiri who is also a UN Ambassador for Peace therefore concluded by congratulating Bayelsa women on their perseverance and loyalty, assuring them of a brighter future. 

“Do not give up; surely, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Soon, we will hear the sound of abundant rain and showers of blessing. God bless you all,” she said.

 

Prosperity Cup Season 6 Ekeremor LGA Finals

 

Organisers of Nigeria's largest football tournament, Bayelsa Governor's Football Tournament, the Prosperity Cup, invites the  general public to the inaugural Local Government Finals.

Champions will emerge at the various council areas before the Round of 32 kicks off and will be presented with trophies and cash reward.

Dates For The Local Government Finals Are:

FRIDAY 14TH JUNE -  Ekeremor LGA FINALS

SATURDAY 15TH -       Sagbama LGA 

SUNDAY 16TH -            Brass LGA  

MONDAY 17TH -           Kolokuma/Opokuma 

TUESDAY 18TH -          Ogbia LGA  

THURSDAY 2OTH -       Nembe LGA 

FRIDAY 21ST -               Southern Ijaw LGA , and 

SATURDAY 22ND -        Yenagoa LGA FINALS

Special Guest of Honour - His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.

Guests of Honour - The Rt Honourable Speaker and All Honourable Members, Commissioner for Sports Development and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Chueftaincy Affairs

Special Guests: All Political appointees, Councillors, Traditional Rulers and council chieftains.

Chief Host - All Council Chairmen 

VENUE: ALL COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS 

The Prosperity Cup 2024

...Taking Sports Development to the Grassroots.

Let's Shun Militarized Democracy in Nigeria-IYC Tells FG

 

The day, June 12, 1992, has gone down in history as a day  where Nigerians experienced the freest and fairest elections, which  led to the struggle that  birthed the current  democratic dispensation. 

However, after several years of democratic rule in the county, there seems the traces of military rule in governance are still hidden somewhere. The use of  absolute power in the executive arm of government dominates greatly.

Our democracy has been militarized with no consideration for the people, the power of the people has been undermined, the people are no longer the center of government, manipulations and intimidation of the people has become the order of the day.

There have been constant human rights violations everywhere, particularly in the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta region. At the slightest provocation, communities and people are being brutalized. The recent military escapade at the Igbomotoru community in Bayelsa state tells it all. Communities are constantly ransacked by the military, and harmless people are being  killed  without justice in an acclaimed practising democracy with no form of investigation done to protect the rights of the  people. This is deliberate practice to constantly enslave our people and it can be likened to colonial democracy using poverty like an atomic weapon.

A democracy where the military is constantly deployed in a democratic election as if the nation is at war is unacceptable! Shockingly, the military is allegedly  being used as rigging elements to secure  fraudulent win for the highest bidder.

Also, It is quite appalling that the annual take-home pay of elective political  leaders in the National Assembly is worth the 35-year salary of a civil servant. This is an aberration of our democracy. Politics seems more valuable than men and women who put their lives on the line to protect and project the vibrant Nigerian state.

We have been told of how  justice is being monetized and goes to the highest bidder. We are experiencing a politically selfish era where our politicians only think about themselves, how to enrich their families to the detriment of the people who chose them to serve. This has dampened the petrotic spirit of Nigerians as many no longer believe in the future of the nation, hence the increase in young people leaving the country. 

The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, is calling for strategic policy frameworks  to address the militarization of Nigeria's democracy. There is a need to urgently tackle the issues of injustice meted on the people particularly in the Ijaw nation and the entire Niger Delta, we can no longer continue to play the second fiddle while we are naturally endowed with resources that largely contributes to the growth and continuous development of the country.

We can no longer allow our fate to be decided by the political bigwigs without due consultation and involvement of the people.

While we appreciate the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the federal government for trusting young people with ministerial portfolios and other strategic offices, we demand that democratic petrotism must start from political office holders, it has to be a top to bottom approach.  

The IYC calls for an urgent review of the democracy we practice in the country and says that it is old-fashioned and too autocratic, we  note that the executive amass so many powers that regularly widens the social injustice gap. We demand a referendum that should return Nigeria back to regional government the way we have reverted to the old national anthem.

We shall continue to clamour for resource control and self determination as entrenched in our 1998 Kaiama Declaration. 

Signed

Conrade Bedford Berefa 

National spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide

NDDC 2024 Budget: Need to Fund Legacy Projects

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, appreciates the concerns expressed in some quarters over the plan to obtain credit lines of 1trillion Naira to fund the completion of on-going and new legacy projects of the Commission across the Niger Delta region.

The Senate had in its wisdom approved the NDDC 2024 budget of N1,911,844,833,046, which made provision for securing the sum of N1 trillion to be sourced from the development and commercial banks.

It is important to clarify that this fund will be deployed to complete a total of 1,006 legacy projects spread across the region, which includes roads, bridges, electricity projects, school buildings, hospitals, shore protection and reclamation, among others.

The arrangement is for the budget to be funded through statutory provision and borrowings to curb the inflation rate and ensure that quality projects are delivered to the Region on time.

While emphasizing public-private partnerships, we have strategically made provisions to leverage private capital for big-ticket infrastructure projects in regional roads to enhance transportation and other sectors. This marks a critical step towards diversifying our source of funding.

The main emphasis will be the completion of many ongoing legacy projects that have advanced greatly. It is our expectation that by the end of the 2024 fiscal year we would have completed more than 200 kilometres of roads across the Niger Delta region.

We urge our stakeholders to appreciate the fact that Regional Development needs a robust funding mechanism to effectively address specific and urgent development needs in the Niger Delta region. Obviously, timely and flexible financial decision-making is crucial to respond effectively to dynamic regional challenges.

The funding plan is meant to insulate the NDDC from the inflationary pressure which is impairing the ability of the Commission to complete its development projects on schedule.

There is no doubt that funding is critical to the development of the Niger Delta region and the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

We commend the 10th National Assembly for always supporting us in the urgent task of developing the Niger Delta region. The expeditious passage of our 2024 budget underscores the devotion of the lawmakers to regional development and to the greater welfare of the Niger Delta people.

We appeal to our stakeholders to refrain from making hasty judgments on our initiative to pull resources together for urgent development purposes. They can be rest assured that we are dedicated to the development of the Niger Delta region and the welfare of its people.

NDDC Applauds Senate for Passing N1.911trillion 2024 Budget

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has applauded the Senate for expeditiously passing the Commission’s N1.911trillion 2024 statutory budget.

The budget was approved on Tuesday after the upper chamber considered the report of the Committee on NDDC presented by its chairman, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyoung.

In a statement released shortly after the Senate assented to the budget, Ogbuku said that the speedy passage of the budget would enable the NDDC to continue providing critical infrastructure and services to the people of the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC boss said that the 2024 appropriation, anchored on the theme: “Budget of Renewed Hope” would help the Commission to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We are grateful to the Senate for their support and commitment to developing the Niger Delta region. The passage of this budget will enable us to continue providing critical infrastructure and services to the region’s people,” Ogbuku said.

The Managing Director also pledged to ensure that the funds allocated in the budget were used judiciously, following due process. He said that the NDDC would work tirelessly to ensure that its projects are completed on time and to the highest standards.

Ogbuku also called on all stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to support the NDDC in its efforts to develop the region. He said that the NDDC needed help to do it and needed the support and cooperation of all stakeholders in the region if it was to achieve its goals.

The NDDC boss, who appeared before the Senate Committee on Monday, informed the members that the Commission would invest in critical infrastructure as a key component of its fiscal strategy under the 2024 Budget Proposals.

He explained: “The present Management has noted that the Commission alone would not be able to effectively address the development challenges in the Niger Delta region and are re-navigating its process of intervention by adopting Public-Private-Partnership model as a vehicle to drive a sustainable development in the Niger Delta Region.

“Emphasizing public-private partnerships, we have strategically made provisions to leverage private capital for big-ticket infrastructure projects in regional roads to enhance transportation and other sectors. This marks a critical step towards diversifying our source of funding as we intend to source an aggregate sum of ₦1trillion to fund on-going legacy projects of the Commission in 2024.  The sum is to be out-sourced from the development/commercial banks etc.

“The main emphasis will be the completion of as many ongoing legacy projects that have advanced greatly. It is our expectation that by the end of the 2024 fiscal year we would have completed more than 200km of roads across the Niger Delta region.”

Ogbuku commended the 10th National Assembly’s firm commitment to stop the circle of delayed annual budgets.