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NUJ urges FG to assist terrorism, banditry-afflicted states
NUJ urges FG to assist terrorism, banditry-afflicted states
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently assist the most affected states by banditry and terrorism in the North West and North East regions with remedial intervention.
This is to ameliorate the effects of the hunger that will be experienced this year, because of the limited access to farmlands by the farmers.
”Food security is of vital importance to the nation,” the union said in a communique issued on Wednesday in Abuja at the end of its Inaugural National Executives Council meeting held between March 13 and March 14, in Birnin Kebbi.
The communique was signed by the National Secretary of the union, Mr Shuaibu Leman, Walin Shadalafiya.
It added: ”NEC applauds the military operations against the murderous activities of Non-State Actors.
”The meeting however regrets that in recent times we have witnessed more vicious attacks on villages and rural communities and the consequent imminent humanitarian crisis in the region.
”While NEC urges the Military to sustain their operations, especially as the rainy season is approaching so as to enable farmers to have access to their farmlands without any fear.
”It calls on the Federal Government to provide all the requirements for the Armed Forces to enable them to achieve the desired results”.
On the government’s efforts at rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant Boko Haram terrorists into the society, the union appealed for circumspection to avoid recycling insurgents and creating a pseudo feeling of rewarding criminality.
”NEC observes that the farmers/herders relations over the years in the country continues to cause huge losses, because of the ravaging consequences of the activities of various violent groups,” it added.
This, the union stated, is especially in the seven states of North West; Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto and Jigawa, and the North Central State of Niger.
According to the communique, NEC charges the federal government to take urgent steps to avert a complete breakdown of law and order.
”These attacks have doubled the numbers of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) all over the said areas.
”This explains the increase in Women and Children Sexual Abuse, as some families are forced to surrender their female children in exchange for protection and security.
”NEC cautions against allowing the situation to fester beyond what is obtainable currently.
”NEC suggests that as a step towards curtailing the age-long development issues in the North West and North East Regions and indeed all over the country.
”There should be observance and implementation of good governance which will promote development that is essentially free of abuse and corruption, and with due regards to the rule of law,” the communiqué read in part.
The NUJ said in view of the perilous nature of security in the country, NEC tasked journalists to be mindful of the pernicious effects of fake news and avoid being part of its propagation.
In the same vein, the union asserted that while leaders should be held accountable to the people by the media, criticisms should be done in an objective manner devoid of any sentiments and bias.
”This is one of the ways journalists can help sustain democracy.
”NEC expresses concern that education in the states of the North West and North East regions has been severely affected.
”Many children are now unable to attend schools because of fear, while others are dropping out of elementary schools and only a few others are able to transit to secondary schools.
”NEC expresses alarm that violence has not only negatively affected the educational development of children all over these regions, but it has also affected the availability of educational materials and infrastructure.
”NEC believes there is need to declare State of Emergency in education in the affected areas to avert a catastrophe.”
The communique added that the union has called for meaningful dialogue and consideration by both the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve the seemingly intractable problems of Nigerian universities.
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According to the NUJ, the perennial strikes are placing the country as a nation without value for education.
”NEC appeals to the Federal Government to rise up to the challenges of increasing cases of internet fraud, also known as ‘yahoo yahoo’, ritual killings and kidnappings that have taken dangerous dimensions in the country.
”Meeting laments the hardships Nigerians are going through as a result of the hike in prices of petroleum products which are in high demand.
”It urges the government to take urgent steps to revert the trend. In particular, NEC cautions against allowing the Aviation Sector to collapse as a result of the ugly situation where Airlines are being grounded because of lack of aviation fuel.
”NEC views with alarm the attempt by media regulatory bodies in the country to gag the press under the guise of ‘National Security.
”The rampant issuance of unnecessary fines and sanctions are repulsive and against a free press and democratic governance,” it continued.
In the communique, the union expressed profound appreciation to Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebni State for graciously approving and providing the needed resources for the hosting of the NEC meeting in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the communique also quoted the union as lauding the government and people of Kebbi state for the hospitality accorded NEC members.
”Council appeals to His Excellency, the Governor to continue the good works he is executing for the people of the state and for his continued support to members of the state council of the NUJ to discharge their duties creditably,” it concluded.
NAN
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Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
By: Balami Lazarus
The Southern Borno Concerned Citizens has made her position clearl on the tax reform bills.
In a press release issued recently to newsmen in Maiduguri signed by her National Chairman/ Spokenman Comrade Bulama Ali Haruna Sawa said that the organization is standing firm with Senator Ali Ndume on tax reform bills.
“In reality Senator Ndume stands has only bolstered our support for his commitment to our welfare.” It further said that government should consider tax relief for the suffering masses “this is a time when our government should be considering tax relief , as seen in neighbouring countries.”
The organization disputed the fallacies of one Adamu Bashir of the so called “Northern Redemptions Colliations” regarding the position of Senator Ali Ndume, on the tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly.
“We feel compelled to counter the fallacies in Bashir’s recent response to Senator Ndume interview on channels TV. “
Finally, the statement said that they strongly affirm that the people of Southern Borno are satisfied with Senator Ndume’s representation and stand with him.
Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
News
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
*** Commissions Mosque in Ogbomoso, warns against selfishness
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians, especially leaders, to exemplify true leadership by prioritizing community service and legacy-building over personal gain.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise spiritual obligations and community service over personal interests in an era where people are becoming more individualistic and giving less premium to God.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the Ibapon Central Mosque in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, the Vice President expressed worry about the shifting societal values in contemporary Nigeria.
“Today, the world is unfortunately marked by a mindset that values self-interest over selflessness, and many see giving back or even engaging in spiritual obligations as burdens or distractions,” VP Shettima said.
According to him, the Mosque, a multi-million naira project built by Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari representing Oyo North Senatorial District, is a “gift for generations” that stands in stark contrast to prevailing materialistic trends.
“Every second of our lives is a reminder of our impermanence, and the brevity of life underscores the urgency of filling our days with deeds that matter in the hereafter,” the VP added.
VP Shettima lauded the project, describing it as an example of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), noting that such initiatives represent the kind of legacy-building that society desperately needs.
“This is a legacy, a bridge between this world and the next, grounded in kindness and devotion,” he stated.
In a pointed message to political leaders and wealthy Nigerians, Shettima questioned the lasting impact of material accumulation: “We must ask ourselves—what remains when this race ends? In the end, all that endures are the records of our selfless deeds, our adherence to our faith, and our acts of charity.”
The new religious edifice is expected to serve as a major spiritual centre for Muslims in Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with the Vice President expressing hope that it will “be a source of spiritual strength and inspiration for this community and beyond.”
Earlier, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, also eulogised Senator Buhari, saying the Mosque project was not just a service to the Muslim Ummah but to humanity at large.
“My prayer is that God reward you with Al-Jannatul Firdaus. You are an epitome of good character and someone who is always at the forefront of service to this country and humanity at large,” he said.
On his part, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, said the immediate family of Senator Buhari would be proud to have someone who makes them very proud all the time.
“On behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, we appreciate the Vice President for coming to our state,” he said.
He said the Mosque project is not just a physical building but a spiritual exercise in which the reward extends beyond one’s earthly life.
“It is also a means of spiritual purification and unity, fostering the unity of Nigeria because whenever we worship, we call for the unity and peace of Nigeria,” he added.
Responding, Senator Buhari said it was indeed an honour and a dream come true for him to have completed the Mosque project.
He specifically thanked the Vice President, the governors of Oyo and Kwara States, members of the National Assembly, and community members who contributed to the success of the worship centre.
There was also a welcome address by the Aare Musulumi of Ogbomosoland and the turbaning of two Imams for the newly commissioned Mosque.
Other officials at the event included the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; the Soun of Ogbomoso Land, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, state government officials and traditional rulers.
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
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NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
By: Our Reporter
The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) concluded the fifth and final session of its Executive Leadership and Strategic Management Course. This intensive program, spanning from 23 September to 8 November, trained senior and mid-level officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian military, and other security agencies. The course, organised by NARC in collaboration with the EFCC, aligns with NARC’s vision to be a leading think tank focused on research, knowledge advancement, and sustainable development solutions.
The graduation ceremony was graced by Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab (Rtd), Director General of NARC, and the EFCC Secretary, Mr. Mohammad Hassan Hamman-Joda, representing the EFCC Chairman, Executive Director Consult, Major General AS Ndalolo, management staff of NARC, and consultants. Highlights included the presentation of certificates to the course participants, souvenir presentations to dignitaries and resource persons, and the decoration of key NARC figures with the EFCC Crest as Ambassadors for Anti-Corruption. The event took place at Hall F, ML Agwai Block, NARC.
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
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