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Protest: Northern Youth Urge States, LGAs, to Review Economic Policies, Palliatives Distribution Structures

Protest: Northern Youth Urge States, LGAs, to Review Economic Policies, Palliatives Distribution Structures
By: Michael Mike
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals have commended President Tinubu’s administration for the substantial revenue savings achieved since the removal of the fuel subsidy, advising the states, local government areas to review economic policies and palliatives distribution structures.
In a statement signed by the association Chairman, Isaac Abrak said: “The redirection of these funds towards enhancing the living conditions of Nigerians, particularly the less privileged, is a testament to the President’s genuine intention to end the misappropriation of trillions of naira by a select few oil cabals under the guise of paying oil subsidies.”
Abrak said: “However, the recent national protest tagged #EndBadGovernance has highlighted that despite these efforts, state and local governments have not yet efficiently utilized these funds to improve the lives of Nigerians, especially the very poor. This reality calls for state governors and local government chairmen to urgently review the mechanisms they use to administer these funds and distribute palliatives.
“Interestingly, this protest has revealed youth and community leaders who can be integrated into these structures to ensure that the impact of these funds and other forms of palliatives, such as food commodities, reaches those who need it the most.”
He added that: “Last month- July, while protesters were organizing, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursed N1.354 trillion, with states receiving N461.979 billion and local governments receiving N337.019 billion. Between January and May this year, a total of N10.13 trillion was shared among federal, state, and local governments, marking a 179% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The breakdown of these disbursements includes N1.88 trillion for the Federal Government, N2.05 trillion for State Governments, and N1.41 trillion for Local Governments.
“To ensure food reaches the tables of ordinary Nigerians, President Tinubu dispatched 20 trucks of rice to each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with each truck containing approximately 1,200 bags of 25kg of rice. Additionally, the administration released 102,000 metric tons of grains, including maize, millet, and garri, from the National Food Reserve. This distribution aims to alleviate the food crisis and high commodity prices. Despite these efforts, the desired results continue to elude us, heightening frustrations nationwide.
“It is imperative that state governors urgently review their economic policies and distribution structures to ensure that palliatives effectively reach those in need. While it is easy to blame the state governors, the responsibility also lies with the leadership of distribution networks, including religious bodies such as the Christian Association of Nigeria, Jama’a tu Nasril Islam, traditional rulers, civil society groups, professional organizations, and youth and student unions. These bodies must critically examine and improve their internal distribution mechanisms.
“Government at the sub-national level must avoid politicizing the distribution of palliatives and governance in general, as evidenced by the recent protests that affect us all. Individuals driven by selfishness, greed, and poor integrity must be consciously weeded out from administering government intervention programs, especially at the grassroots level.”
Abrak advised that “President Tinubu should continue to embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity to do more, while we all must also self-examine and strive to improve our characters and roles as followers and citizens in moving our country forward. Members of the National and State Assemblies should reconsider their wages and allowances, which have long been criticized as excessively generous.”
He said: “We, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals, urge the #ENDBADGOVERNANCE Protesters to end the protest and join other stakeholders to work together to ensure that the benefits of the subsidy removal reach every Nigerian, particularly the most vulnerable among us.”
Protest: Northern Youth Urge States, LGAs, to Review Economic Policies, Palliatives Distribution Structures
News
Zulum pours encomium on his Mentor at 59

Zulum pours encomium on his Mentor at 59
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has congratulated the Vice President Kashim Shettima on his attainment of 59.
In a nicely worded eulogy written by himself, the Governor described Shettima as his mentor who has given him the guidance as he continues to make life comfortable for his people in Borno state.
He commended him for his rare gift of mentorship which he maintains is the hallmark of a forthright leader who means well not only for his people in the north east but the entire Nigeria.
The Governor went on: “On behalf of myself, the Government, and the people of Borno State, I extend heartfelt birthday felicitations to His Excellency Vice President Kashim Shettima as he celebrates his 59th birthday.
“Mr Vice President, sir, your mentorship has shaped countless leaders across Borno, the Northeast, and beyond. Your leadership traits, vision, integrity, and commitment to service have guided us through challenges and inspired our generation to strive for excellence.
“Your humility remains a hallmark of truly great stewardship, reminding us that true leadership serves the people with grace and patience. Your intellectual prowess has consistently informed sound policy, strategic decisions, and thoughtful dialogue that elevates our national discourse.
“Your Excellency, I, the people of Borno, and indeed Nigeria, are immensely proud of the trajectory of your public service. From your formative years in public life as a Commissioner, to your tenure as Governor and later doubling as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, to your time as a Senator, and now in your capacity as Vice President, you have demonstrated a steadfast dedication to the advancement and unity of our country.
“May this birthday be a reflection of the lives you have touched and the enduring impact you continue to have. Wishing you sound health, continued wisdom, and many more years of service and national progress. Once again, Happy Birthday! Your Excellency!”
Zulum pours encomium on his Mentor at 59
News
Air power delivers decisive blow against terrorists in Sambisa, nutrialised 15

Air power delivers decisive blow against terrorists in Sambisa, nutrialised 15
By: Zagazola Makama
The air component of Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised more than 15 terrorists and destroyed their structures in a precision air interdiction mission at Zuwa, a new hideout in the Sambisa general area of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, carried out on Sept. 3 at about 11:50 a.m., followed credible intelligence which tracked terrorists fleeing after sustained ground operations in the Bitta axis in July.
According to competent sources, ISR missions conducted by Grey Raptor platforms established the withdrawal route of the terrorists along a river line extending from Bitta towards Zuwa.
The sources said “Overhead the West of Zuwa, our crew observed active terrorist structures with several fighters wearing ISWAP uniforms. It was evident the location had become a major concentration point.
“Consequently, the air component executed multiple attack passes with precision-guided stores against the identified structures, which were occupied by a large concentration of terrorists,” the sources said.
The sources explained that the strikes achieved their desired effect, as over 15 terrorists were neutralised and the structures destroyed completely.
The sources added that the operation was a direct follow-on to the July 28 encounter with ground troops in Bitta, where several terrorists were dislodged.
The sources reiterated the commitment of the troops of Operation HADIN KAI and its Air Component to sustain close air support, reconnaissance, and precision strike operations in synergy with surface forces until terrorism is completely defeated in the North East.
Recalled that Nigerian military, through Operation Hadin Kai, has intensified its coordinated operations across the North East, targeting remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents still hiding in the Sambisa and Mandara mountains.
Air power delivers decisive blow against terrorists in Sambisa, nutrialised 15
News
Zulum leads N/East govs to Tinubu, requests completion of 17 roads, oil exploration

Zulum leads N/East govs to Tinubu, requests completion of 17 roads, oil exploration
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, led a delegation of North East governors to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, focused on critical issues affecting the North East, including urgent completion of 17 vital road projects and the resumption of oil exploration in the frontier wells, particularly the Kolmani and Lake Chad wells.
Other governors in attendance included Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Bala Muhammad of Bauchi, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa and Agbu Keffas of Taraba.

Delivering his address during the meeting, Zulum, who is also the chairman of the North East Governors Forum, urged the president to complete the ongoing road projects and build critical roads connecting the six states of the zone.
The roads are Kano-Maiduguri Road, Port Harcourt-Jos-Bauchi-Maiduguri Railway line, Bama-Mubi-Yola Road, Wukari-Jalingo-Yola Road, Duguri-Mansur Road (NNPC Project Ongoing), Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Damaturu Road, Damaturu-Geidam Road, Bauchi-Ningi-Nasaru-Babaldo Road and Gombe-Potiskum, Damaturu-Biu Roads.
Others include Alkaleri-Futuk Road, Maiduguri-Damboa-Yola Road, Gombe-Dukku-Darazo Road, Biu-Gombe Road, Ibi-Shamdam Road, Maiduguri-Monguno-Baga Road and Maiduguri-Ngala-Bama-Banki Roads
Governor Zulum commended the president for the commitment to restoring peace within the northeast, stating, “We thank you for fostering peace and stability within the sub-region and continuing with the initiative of your predecessor in sustaining the fight against insurgency.
He assured the president of their commitment to his administration’s initiative on training of manpower and providing technology with a view to reversing the insecurity facing the North East.
“We are fully aligning with Mr. President’s good initiative of training of manpower and providing technology with a view to reversing the ugly trend in the forest, thereby reducing the insurgency and promoting agricultural development in alignment with the renewed hope agenda on food security,” Zulum said.
He added, “Mr President, the North East governors hold you in high esteem and all of us have resolved to partner with you in your determination to provide good governance for Nigeria with a view to leaving behind lasting legacies and landmarks for the country.”
Responding, President Tinubu acknowledged the governors’ concerns and assured them of his administration’s commitment to addressing the developmental needs of the northeast.
Zulum leads N/East govs to Tinubu, requests completion of 17 roads, oil exploration
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