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Gbandi Again!!!Re: Redeployment of Senator Victor Umeh, a necessary change for diaspora

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Gbandi Again!!!
Re: Redeployment of Senator Victor Umeh, a necessary change for diaspora


By: Emmy Ekong, Warri.

Barely 24 hours after the redeployment of Sen. Victor Umeh from the Senate Committee Chairman on Diaspora and Non-Govermental Organizations (NGOs), Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, a man renowned for not seeing anything good in Nigeria and Nigerians, has taken to town again in his usual stock in trade of running down achievers and compatriots as if he has no other job, which, in fairness, he does not. So, may be he has created an oversight function for himself to keep him busy, albeit a very mischievous one.

This time around, he took on Sen. Umeh, who has achieved greatness during his short tenure on
his last committee assignment as well as a Senator representing his people well.

It is obvious from his write up that he did not get the attention of Senator Umeh who refused to be dragged into petty, tribal politics.

It is worthy of note that most of the allegations labelled against him on the issue of diaspora voting is not correct. His view is that a lot needs to be put in place before subjecting the Diaspora to vote to avoid breach in any form whatsoever. To me, this is not a bad opinion, an opinion echoed by many.

As a Senator, he has his fundamental human rights to air his own opinion on any matter.

Similarly, regarding the condusive Investment Climate Policies, it is not the responsibility of the Senator to create that for the Diasporas beyond his legislative duties which he has performed creditable well. It is the duty of the Executive arm through its Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Such responsibilities are being handled by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, as well as Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). The Commission every November holds the annual Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit, (NDIS), a platform where business owners and prospective investors meet and interacts for possible investment opportunities.

Sen. Umeh attended the past two events since inauguration of his Committee and had the opportunity to interact with the Diasporas in attendance. The Diaspora in the last five years have been investing massively in healthcare, good business, education, ICT, agriculture. And a lot more is on the way, with the Minister of Trade promising soon to be rolled out targeted incentives.

Am equally aware that , NiDCOM in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has the Diaspora Mortgage Housing Scheme Project, a project designed for the Diaspora to own their own properties in any part of the country without loosing funds
Senator Umeh’s legislative backing has been crucial
In a nutshell, it will be unfair for Gbandi and his cohorts to rubbish the achievements of the Distinguished Senator on the alter of opposition.

Umeh has in many occasions identified with the Dispora Communities and has been so acknowledged.

Encomiums still continue to pour in on his most recent robust engagements in Canada and South Africa, and his demand for intervention in cases of Nigerians in foreign Prisons.

On the issue of board for the Diaspora Commission, this is at the behest of Mr President and has nothing to do with the Senator, even though, the whole world knows that Gbandi is desperately lobbying for it since the establishment of NIDCOM, so as to turn it to be another sit-tight NIDO Europe where Gbandi refused to vacate the seat even after the expiration of his tenure. Thanks to Gbandhi and his handful of cohorts, NIDOe is now torn apart . And with the Oronsaye report which recommends NiDCOM to be an agency rather than a Commission ,the status of the board is unclear.

Let me use this opportunity to advise the newly appointed Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Natasha Akpoti to be wary of slippery critics like Kenneth Gbandi and concentrate on her legislative duties geared towards achieving excellence for her Kogi constituencies as well as Nigerians in the Diaspora. Gbandi ’s criticism, in less than 24 hours of Senator Natasha’s appointment is just an attempt to lick her boots. She should consult widely and intelligently so that she will not fall prey to the likes of Gbandhi.

We wish Senator Umeh well in his new Chairmanship position but one thing is certain. The Diaspora community would miss his wealth of knowledge, words of encouragement and wisdom.

Gbandi Again!!!
Re: Redeployment of Senator Victor Umeh, a necessary change for diaspora

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Concrete casters say Yahaya’s support boosting youths employment in Gombe

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Concrete casters say Yahaya’s support boosting youths employment in Gombe

Concrete casters on Gombe State under the auspices of Gombe Concrete Casting Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Ltd has commended Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for providing an environment conducive for their businesses to thrive.

Malam Dahiru Abdullahi, chairman of the association in the state gave the commendation in Gombe on Saturday while inaugurating the distribution of food items and clothing materials to over 3, 250 members of the association for this year’s Ramadan.
Abdullahi said that his members were now able to provide employment for youths because of the good business policies initiated by Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.

He said that Yahaya had supported its members through project awards which he said had created jobs for countless youths in the state while reducing crime rate too.
“Some of our members have been awarded contracts which have made them busy while employing more youths; this has helped in gainfully engaging the youths while distracting them from crime and drug abuse.
“This is why we are commending our Governor for the supports and we are assuring him that we will keep supporting the government to empower more youths with jobs,” he said.
He urged the governor to continue to support his association with more contracts so that more youths could be gainfully engaged.
Abdullahi while speaking on the food items distributed said the gesture was to support its members during this year’s Ramadan and Salah celebration.
Abdullahi who is marking his one year in office as chairman, said the items were to help beneficiaries observe the fasting seamlessly.

Abdullahi said that the beneficiaries who are the vulnerable members of his association needed to be supported following the economic hardship impacting on some of his members.

He said that over 500 small bags of rice, millet would be distributed while some fabrics would be given to members for Sallah celebrations.

He said two concrete mixers and two motorcycles would also be given to assist its members.

He said that the items being distributed were worth N7.1 million.

According to him, he has also within his one year in office supported orphans, housewives, youths and other residents with different items worth N9.65 million.

On his part, Mr Adamu Inuwa Pantami, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Gombe State
who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Malam Mohammed Baba-Adamu, commended Abdullahi for empowering his members while urging other associations to take their cue from what the association is doing.

Pantami said he was happy with the association for its efforts at empowering members which he said was in line with the agenda of Gov Yahaya.

He said that the chairman had been engaging in consultation with critical stakeholders before taking decisions and “that’s why he is getting things right.”

Concrete casters say Yahaya’s support boosting youths employment in Gombe

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Guterres To VP Shettima: Nigeria Must Lead Africa’s Charge For New Global Order

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Guterres To VP Shettima: Nigeria Must Lead Africa’s Charge For New Global Order

By: Our Reporter

Backs nation’s UNSC bid, applauds President Tinubu’s reforms, regional security role

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has asked Nigeria to spearhead Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.

Guterres praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions despite facing its own security challenges.

The UN Chief made the remarks on Friday during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Speaking during the talks, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism place it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.

“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” Guterres said.

The UN Secretary-General and the Vice President discussed key developments in Nigeria, as well as the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.

Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.

The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration in advancing global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.

In his remarks, Vice President Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in promoting global peace, saying Africa has benefitted immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.

“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” VP Shettima said.

The Vice President also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.

He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across the African continent.

Guterres To VP Shettima: Nigeria Must Lead Africa’s Charge For New Global Order

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CAIDOV Urges DSS to Arrest El-Rufai Over Alleged Admission of Tapping NSA’s Calls

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CAIDOV Urges DSS to Arrest El-Rufai Over Alleged Admission of Tapping NSA’s Calls

By: Michael Mike

The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently investigate and arrest former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over what it described as a confession to tapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Executive Director, Gbenga Soloki, the group said the alleged action by El-Rufai raises serious national security concerns and must not be treated lightly by security agencies.

CAIDOV insisted that security operatives should “move swiftly to trap him even if Nigeria will divide,” stressing that no individual is above the law regardless of political status or influence.

According to the group, El-Rufai has “succeeded in putting himself into trouble” and should be made to face the consequences of his alleged actions. It accused the former governor of displaying what it called an “alarming level of arrogance,” warning that personal disagreements with top security officials should not lead to actions that could undermine national security.

The group further claimed that the alleged development has “exposed whatever may have been planned underneath,” urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the matter.

As of the time of filing this report, El-Rufai had not publicly responded to the allegations, while the DSS has yet to issue an official statement on CAIDOV’s demand.

The call adds to growing political tensions surrounding recent exchanges involving key political actors and security institutions.

CAIDOV Urges DSS to Arrest El-Rufai Over Alleged Admission of Tapping NSA’s Calls

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