Plateau Middle Belt Journalists Forum (MBJF) Congratulates Hon. Dan Kwada

By: Bodunrin kayode

The Plateau State Chapter of the Middle belt Journalists Forum (MBJF), heartily felicitates with Hon. Dan Kwada on his recent appointment as Senior Special Assistant on Middle Belt Nationalities to the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

A statement signed by the state coordinator Ezekiel Dontinna commended Kwada on the special appointment.

It went further. “Your appointment did not come to us as a surprise in view of your track record in championing the course of the Middle Belt and it’s people. Your appointment is a testament of your hard work and relentlessness in ensuring peaceful coexistence in the Middle Belt zone.

“We view your appointment as a confirmation of your belief in the Middle Belt ideology, hence the need for the MBJF to align with you in working towards uniting the various ethnic nationalities that make up the zone.

“We believe that this appointment would further spur you to do more in advancing the course of the Region, considering your doggedness in advocating and advancing the course of justice, peace and equity in the Region.

“While we assure you of MBJF readiness to collaborate with your office to ensure you succeed in your new assignment , we urge you to do your best and not betray the trust reposed in you by His Excellency, because Plateau State is the glue of the Middle Belt and Nigeria as a whole.

” We also used this medium to thank His Excellency for creating the office of the SSA on Middle Belt Nationalities. This, to MBJF, is an attestation of your policy on inclusiveness.

“To Hon. Dan Kwada, it is our desire and prayers that as you carry on with this huge task, we assure you of our unreserved support through advice and prayers always. As Middle Belt Journalists, we will not rest on our oars to avail you the opportunity to disseminate information on issues affecting the Middle Belt Region.”

Responding to the gesture of the Governor, the. Statement said that “the Plateau State Chapter of Middle Belt Journalists Forum (MBJF), hereby conveys members appreciation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for finding Hon Daniel Kwada worthy to serve in the TIME IS NOW administration.

“We want to assure you that, MBJF will continue to give your administration the needed support in promoting your dreams for Plateau State, Middle Belt and Nigeria at large.” It concluded.

Plateau Middle Belt Journalists Forum (MBJF) Congratulates Hon. Dan Kwada

SDGs 2030: Nigeria Calls for Measures to Address Challenges of Development

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has called for adoption of measures to address challenges impending development of especially global South countries.

Speaking at the Summit of the Future at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar said: “With most of the global South significantly behind in the implementation of the SDGs 2030 Agenda, it is imperative we adopt measures to address challenges impeding development.

“This is especially important in Africa, where economies are most vulnerable due to historical imbalances in the international multilateral system.”

He noted that: “The SDG Index estimates that only about 16 percent of the SDG targets are on track to be achieved. We must, therefore, ensure that today’s adoption of the Pact for the Future is backed by a real willingness to fulfil outstanding commitments. With the remaining 84% of the SDG targets for 2030 yet to be achieved, countries in the global North must do more to support sustainable development in the global South. We are optimistic that these targets can be met, if commitments are backed by action.

“However, in the event we fall short of achieving the SDG targets by 2030, we strongly believe that the deadline should be extended.”

The Minister added that: “The collective resolve and support of the international community could help Africa to address regional challenges, particularly with regard to sustainable financing for the SDG implementation.”

He advised that: “We must, therefore, take action-oriented measures to engender the
following: Reform of the UN Security Council to ensure a permanent seat for Africa; Reform of the international financial architecture to promote an inclusive, non-discriminatory and transparent international trading system, as well as to implement comprehensive debt relief measures;

“Fulfillment of all commitments under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, particularly to facilitate sustainable financing for development; Support for local indigenous production and export from Africa; Strengthening of measures to ensure timely repatriation of illicit financial flows and assets; Adoption of a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation to ensure African economies are no longer shortchanged through tax evasion and exclusion in global tax decision making; Support for the actualisation and implementation of the UN Secretary-General’s SDG stimulus proposal, which includes a provision of US$500 billion per year for the Global South;

“Commitment to fossil fuel energy transition, while giving due consideration to the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), as well as Articles 4 and 9 of the Paris Climate Agreement (2015), which call on the global North to provide the global South with the requisite support to achieve the net-zero ambition; Access to the climate loss and damage funds for the global South; and Bridging the digital divide between the global North and South through technology sharing and capacity building, including in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure no one is left behind.”

Tuggar said: “It is also imperative the international community develops measures
to enhance a common understanding on Cryptocurrency, given its significant impact on the global economy, as well as links to transnational crime and money laundering.”

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, stressing that: “Our collective resolve to accelerate the SDGs through the Pact for the Future should result in concrete measures and solutions to the challenges of the global South, most especially Africa.”

SDGs 2030: Nigeria Calls for Measures to Address Challenges of Development

Zulum constitutes committee on flood disaster relief disbursement

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has constituted a committee on flood disaster relief disbursement that would coordinate government intervention to victims of flooding in Maiduguri metropolis and its environs.

Recall that most parts of Maiduguri were submerged in water due to the overflow of Alau Dam, displacing many communities and causing devastation to both public and private infrastructures.

The secretary to Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, announced in a statement on Sunday that the committee would consist of the following persons and organisations:

1       Engr. Baba Bukar Gujubawu  – Special Adviser Monitoring/ evaluation – Chairman
2       Prof. Ibrahim Umara     University of Maiduguri – Co-Chairman
3       Representative of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) – Member
4       Representative of Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) – Member
5       Representative of Nigeria Police      – Member
6       Representative of the Nigerian Military,   Nigeria Army – Member
7       Representative of Department of State Security (DSS) – Member
8       Representative of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC)     NSCDC        – Member
9       Representative of North-East Development Commission (NEDC) – Member
10     Representative of Ministry of Sport Development, Youth Development and Poverty Alleviation – Member
11     Representative of Ministry of Women Affairs – Member   
12     Representative of Ministry of Finance – Member     
13     Prof. Muhammad Alhaji Abubakar – Member
14     Hon. Nasiru Ali Surundi         – Member
15     Representative of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) – Member
16     Representative of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) – Member
17     Representative of Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) – Member
18     Representative of His Royal Highest, Shehu of Borno – Member
19     Representative of Development partners         UNDP – Member
20     Representative of Humanitarian Partners        UNOCHA, FAO, WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM – Member
21     Representative of Civil Society Organisations   – Member
22     Representative of Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ – Member
23     Representative of Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI)  JNI – Member
24     Representative of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) – Member
25     Sheikh Abubakar Kyari – Member
26     Representative of the Ministry of RRR – Member
27     Hon Ali Umara Bolori – Member
28     Khalifa Umar Sherrif Tijjani – Member
29.    Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council – Member
30.    Chairperson of Jere LGA – Member
31.     Chairman of Mafa LGA – Member
32     Representative of the Secretary to the State Government SSG Office  Member/Secretary

The statement noted that while the governor congratulated them on the opportunity to serve their people, he also urged them to execute the task with commitment and transparency.

Zulum constitutes committee on flood disaster relief disbursement