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Author: Precious Akutamadu

  • NGO urges advanced data tools usage to tackle ecological challenges

    Ecology
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 28, 2024(NAN)The Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI), an NGO, on Friday urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to deploy advanced data tools in the campaign against ecological challenges.
    The Executive Director, Mr Okoro Emmanuel, made the call at a media briefing to mark the 2024 International Day of the Tropics  in Port Harcourt.
    Represented by Mr Ikechukwu  Ahaka, the Project, Policy and Governance Officer, Emmanuel urged the Federal Government to collaborate strongly with relevant stakeholders to tackle environmental challenges in the tropical regions.
    “Nigeria’s Southern Tropics is facing loss of tropical biodiversity and environmental degradation from human-induced activities such as oil spills, artisanal crude oil refining and uncontrolled carbon emissions.
    “There are also other environmental challenges arising from indiscriminate mining and war in the Northern Sahel Tropics.
    “The tropics host nearly 95 per cent of the world’s mangrove forests, covering an area of about 99 per cent of mangrove species.
    “These mangrove species are essential to society’s survival, they serve as both a carbon sink and a habitat for a wide range of animal species,”he said.
    The executive director identified the lack of adequate environmental data and an evidence-based intervention system in Nigeria as one of the challenges in tackling ecological problems.
    He stated that MAJI with support from the U.S. Consular-General’s office, had developed an environmental data analysis Mobile App called DATACAB, as part of its contribution towards data-oriented environmental protection system.
    “This mobile application collects existing environmental data. It refines and analyses these data into free and easy to read formats for stakeholders to use.
    “It is available in downloadable formats for Android and IOS based mobile platforms.
    “We call on stakeholders to use this year’s international day for tropics to ponder on the current challenges facing Nigeria’s rich ecological environment.
    “The government should make specific efforts to document environmental data in a sustainable and effective manner,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • World MSME Day: Experts urge N/Delta govts to embrace infotech

    Panelists at the 4th Niger Delta MSME Summit/Bootcamp in Port Harcourt, Rivers
    Panelists at the 4th Niger Delta MSME Summit/Bootcamp in Port Harcourt, Rivers

    Infotech

    By Precious Akutamadu

    Port Harcourt, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Industry experts have urged state governments in the Niger Delta region to embrace the global growing trend of digital economy, and set aside funding to support the growth and sustainability of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    The call was part of resolutions reached at the end of the 4th Niger Delta MSME Summit/Bootcamp in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

    Dr Martins Fregene, Director of Agriculture, African Development Bank (AfDB), said in a communique of the summit that young MSME owners must pursue skills on financial management.

    Fregene said that many lending banks hesitate in giving loans to MSME owners based on a number of issues, including lack of clear tax record.

    “Some of these banks are willing to lend money to MSMEs but they are afraid that they may not pay back,” he said.

    Amb. Joe Keshi, Director-General of the BRACED Commission, comprising South-South States, decried the lack of government presence and support for platforms such as the Niger Delta MSME Summit, established to build a culture of entrepreneurship among young people.

    Keshi who was at the event as a Special Guest at the 2024 World MSME Day, said sooner or later, people would depend on businesses as the government would not be employing people anymore.

    While reeling out recommendations to grow MSMEs in Nigeria, Otuya Okecha, CEO of Fibresol Nigeria Limited, urged state governments and intervention agencies to create tech hubs to address digital illiteracy among MSME owners.

    “Over 60 per cent of the Niger Delta population are young people; state governments must embrace Digital Stack Models to gather data of citizens.”

    Moses Siasia, Chairman, Heritage Times, regretted that in spite of being the main economic mainstay of Nigeria, a lot was not happening in the Niger Delta region to empower young people.

    “This is a purely private-sector initiative. We have done this for the past four years and have seen the impact; we will continue.

    “Over the years, politicians have nourished young people in the Niger Delta region with failed promises.

    “Leaders must deliberately create an atmosphere to give the young people hope and a voice, but we will no longer wait for the government.

    “This initiative shall be sustained with the few strategic partners that have encouraged us over the years and we must begin to create opportunities for young people,” Siasia said.

    He commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Bank of Industry (BOI) and others partners for their consistent support to the Niger Delta MSME Summit over the years.

    Gerald So-George, Coordinator, Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP), the organisers of the summit, noted that the initiative had empowered over 2,604 individuals with personal grants.

    “People also benefitted from the 2020 COVID-19 Fund, NCDMB loans and CBN Agric Loan Scheme.

    “Approximately 1,820 businesses have benefited, creating a cumulative total of about 8,319 direct and indirect jobs.

    “This underscores the significant impact of our collective efforts and the potential for even greater achievements.”

    Summy Francis, President, Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E.), urged young entrepreneurs at the summit to always strive to grow in business, noting that failure to adapt would amount to failure to grow.

    “We are in times of innovation and technology. While you are busy complaining that Nigeria is hard, do you know how many people are making money?

    “Entrepreneurs are the ones to work hard to increase the value of the naira for the dollar to drop,” he added.

    The 2024 Niger Delta MSME Summit/Bootcamp with the theme: “Building a Culture of Entrepreneurship and Self-reliance Beyond Oil”, had over 1,000 participants across the Niger Delta region.

    The summit also had strategic panel sessions where panelists shared ideas on how to raise funds for their businesses and how partnerships can push the growth of agriculture. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PA/EMAF
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    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Economic challenges: Young professionals urge govt. to prioritise MSME growth

    NYPF President, Mr David Osadolor

     

    Hardship

    By Precious Akutamadu

    Port Harcourt, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to address the critical economic challenges facing the country.

    NYPF President, Mr David Osadolor, gave the advice in a communique outlining the resolutions taken at the end of the 4th MSME Summit in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

    According to Osadolor, there is an urgent need for the government to create tailored and conscious support towards MSME to cushion the high inflation and pervasive poverty.

    “Investing in MSMEs is not merely an economic strategy; it is a pathway to lifting millions out of poverty.’’

    Osadolor emphasised that prioritising the growth of MSMEs was essential for national prosperity, as countries thrived when they invested in their MSMEs.

    He called on government at all levels to take decisive action by reducing the cost of governance and halt plans for frivolous expenditures and channel those resources into supporting MSMEs.

    Osadolor explained that the groundwork for a diversified economy that did not rely solely on oil could be created from MSME and reiterated that the focus must shift towards creating an enabling environment for these enterprises to flourish.

    He added that as the major producers of oil, the Niger-Delta must lead by example in the diversification process, envisioning a future where prosperity was sustained by a vibrant, innovative and resilient MSME sector.

    The NYPF president urged the government to create an enabling environment by implementing policies that would ease the regulatory burden on MSMEs and provide incentives for their growth.

    He also highlighted the need to invest in infrastructure that supported MSME operations, such as improved transportation networks and access to technology.

    On Finance, he urged the government to facilitate easier access to credit and funding for MSMEs through financial institutions and government grants.

    ‘‘The government can equally assist young entrepreneurs by providing education and training programmes to equip them with the skills needed to succeed in their ventures.

    “Government can also support MSMEs to foster innovation by supporting innovation hubs and incubators that nurture new business ideas and technologies.’’

    Osadolor commended Mr Moses Siasia, Chairman, Heritage Times, for his unwavering commitment to empowering young people and fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

    “Siasia’s dedication serves as an inspiration to all and it is vital in shaping a brighter future for young professionals.

    ‘‘His foresight in recognising the transformative power of MSMEs mirrors the successful strategies employed by nations like China and Singapore, which have significantly boosted their per capita income through dedicated investment in their SMEs.

    ‘‘I am inspired by Franklin Roosevelt words who said ‘we cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future,’” he said.

    According to him, the goal is to ensure that the youths and young professionals of today are ready for the future. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    PA/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • NGO urges collaboration towards environmental safety, protection

    Collaboration
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Bori (Rivers) June, 27, 2024(NAN) The Community Environment and Development Network (CEDEN) an NGO, has called for the collaboration of stakeholders towards the safety and conservation of the natural environment.
    The Coordinator, Mr Menidin Egbo, made the call on Thursday at a programme to mark the 2024 World Environment Day in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the event is: “Accelerating Land Restoration, Drought Resilience and Desertification Progress”
    Egbo said that steps should be taken towards strengthening ecological governance through environmental education in rural communities.
    The CEDEN coordinator, said that environment sector stakeholders should play active roles in raising awareness about conservation of nature.
    “Wherever we are as humans, we should endeavour to protect the environment and natural habitats around us.
    “We have to work collectively to tackle environmental degradation through rigorous community-based campaign and sensitisation.
    “We surely need more voices to speak in favour of environment-friendly activities, it is in our own interest,” he said.
    Egbo urged Rivers people, especially those in the Ogoni axis to protect their environment in order to earn the benefits in biodiversity promotion through sound ecological management.
    “Let’s not forget, we have no other place than the planet earth, that is our home, we must protect it,” he said.
    Earlier, Olu Wai-Ogosu, the President, Movement For or Survival of Ogoni People, decried the spate of environmental degradation in the area.
    “The unhealthy environmental practices in the Ogoni land have affected farmlands and other sources of livelihood negatively,” he said.
    Wai-Ogosu urged the people to speak out against any form of threat against their environment, adding, “it is also important to support acts that will promote a healthy environment.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • We’re defending Rivers against predators – Fubara  

    Defense
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 26, 2024(NAN)Rivers governor Siminalayi Fubara has said that he was not fighting anybody.
    “I am, rather, defending the state against predators; I am protecting Rivers against those who feel that they own the life of others,” he said in Port Harcourt on Wednesday when the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, paid him a courtesy visit.
    Fubara stated that the failed attempt to detonate an explosive device at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, was a deliberate ploy to strengthen the call for a state of emergency.
    “It is the handiwork of detractors who want to undermine the state to achieve their evil plans,” he declared.
    The governor alleged that some youths were hired to engage in a protest to demand for extension of tenure for former local government chairmen who had served out their statutory three-year tenure.
    “The protesters and their sponsors were aware that some members of the National Assembly were guests at the Hotel Presidential, that was their reason for the attempt to detonate an explosive device near the facility.
    “In fact, there was a plan to detonate dynamite at the Hotel Presidential because you people were there. But, this God that we serve, it happened that the man, who was trying to do it, detonated it, but just few seconds after, it blew his hands off.
    “The idea was that as you were hearing state of emergency, by the time they finish, when you return to have your sitting tomorrow, the debate will be from somebody from this state who called you people to tell you not to come.”
    Fubara wondered why the law is silent or slow to take its course over offenders because somebody appears to be bigger than the law.
    “Is there nowhere in the country where tenure elongation for former local government chairmen has been an issue?” Fubara asked.
    Fubara opined that there was no Governor in Nigeria who could take 10 percent of the abuse railed at him by former local government councils.
    “Is it that the Constitution that governs Nigeria is different from the one that operates in Rivers? These are the very pertinent questions we should ask.
    “Why should it be that when it comes to the case of Rivers, the law is always silent? Is it that there is somebody bigger than Nigeria? That is the question I want you to go back with,” Fubara said.
    Fubara told members of the committee to factor in the interest of Rivers as they recommend the privatisation and commercialisation of public companies, saying that when the state buys stakes in such companies, they could be protected and supervised to be viable.
    “I will also appeal to you that in this process of privatisation, anything that has to do with our own state here that needs to be privatised, the Rivers Government will be interested.
    “So, as a committee, if there is anywhere you can support us; if there is anyone that is still available, let us know, and let us get the details so that we can own it.
    “It is only when we own it that those assets can be protected. It is only when we own it, that is when those assets become viable to the state, and also become viable to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.
    Committee chairman Orji Uzo Kalu had earlier said that the team was in Rivers to carry out oversight duties on some projects under its purview.
    Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, commended Fubara for his love for peace and his determination to offer quality governance.
    He also commended him for keeping pace with providing the right climate to engender economic growth.
    Kalu urged FCT minister Nyesom Wike to shealth the sword and call his supporters to order to
    foster peace in Rivers.
    “Wike must put the interest of the state above all considerations,” he said.
    Kalu commended Fubara and his team for the good things they were doing in the state, pointing out that it was good to have peace.
    “I want to thank you because you look like a very peaceful man. Your face shows a peaceful man. Your laugh shows a peaceful man. So, I want you to continue in that manner of peace.
    “There is nothing like peace. Let people who are eating from this problem stop eating from it.
    “We want to plead with you; continue to hold your people back because if your people demonstrate like the other people, we will have a state of anarchy, and it is not good to have anarchy.
    “I want to plead with you to abide by the rules of the land. I plead with you to abide by what the Constitution says. I plead with you to also abide by the decisions of the Judiciary.
    “Wait for every judicial interpretation and act on judicial interpretation,” he added.
    Kalu pledged the readiness of the committee to work with the state government to achieve mutually beneficial goals that would advance the interest of all Nigerians.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/ETS
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  • Gov. Fubara says Rivers peaceful, not under siege

    Peaceful
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 20, 2024(NAN) Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has dispelled fears in some quarters that the state was under siege, saying that Rivers is peaceful.
    Fubara made the statement on Thursday during an inspection tour of the 14.6km Omodu-Eberi Road project in Omuma Local Government Area.
    The governor said that Rivers people were enjoying a peaceful atmosphere, and that it was wrong to say that the state was in a crisis situation.
    “Rivers people are living peacefully in their various communities; projects are ongoing without challenges.
    “The negative narrative about the state being in crisis is misguided, unpatriotic and mischievous
    “It is important for people to know that governance is ongoing, movement of people is unhindered, social and economic activities are going on smoothly.
    “If there is any problem anywhere, I know that Nigerians know where the problem is coming from, it’s not from us,” he said.
    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing people-oriented policies, and to enthrone sustainable development in the state.
    “We shall continue to create the enabling environment for investments, we are here to make the state attractive to investors,” he said.
    Fubara said that the Omodu-Eberi Road project was delayed because of the government’s decision increase the length.
    “It was an eight kilometre long road, but we decided to increase it to 14.6km in order to link up with Abia,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Rivers Crisis: Group urges NASS to amend LG laws

    Crisis

    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A Civil Society Organisation, the Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thoughts, has urged the National Assembly to holistically amend the laws governing local government administration in the country.
    The group’s Convener, Chief Sunnie Chukumele, said at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday that the amendment would streamline issues surrounding local government administration.
    “This call is as a result of the ongoing crisis over local government councils tenure elongation in the Rivers.
    “The crisis may throw the state into anarchy if left unchecked. So, something has to be done quickly,” he said.
    Chukumele also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to wade into the situation in the state to avoid a total breakdown of law and order.
    The convener called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure thorough investigation on the crisis with a view to prosecuting the perpetrators.
    He urged the judiciary to be upright in deciding matters concerning the crisis that were currently before the courts.
    “As the last hope of the common man, the uprightness of the judiciary on the matters before the courts will help to enthrone lasting peace,” he said.
    Chukumele said that Gov. Siminalayi Fubara acted rightly by appointing caretaker committees following the expiration of the tenure of the 23 council leaderships.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/FON/AZU
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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Azubuike Okeh

  • RSIEC meets stakeholders ahead of LG election 

    RSIEC meets stakeholders ahead of LG election
    Election
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June 19, 2024(NAN) Justice Adolphus Enebeli, Chairman of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission(RSIEC), has invited stakeholders for a meeting as the body prepares for election into Local Government Councils(LGCs).
    Enebeli, in a statement on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, listed the stakeholders to include leaders of parties leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious groups and the media.
    Others are professional organisations, civil society groups, Non-Governmental Organisations, community-based groups and the electorate.
    “The meeting will hold on Monday, July 1 at the RSIEC headquarters,” Enebeli said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that Gov. Siminalayi Fubara had earlier assured the people of Rivers that the processes to conduct elections into the LGCs had commenced.
    He also promised that the tenure of the Caretaker Committee Chairmen of the 23 LGCs would not be long.
    NAN reports that the commencement of the election processes is expected to douse tension generated by the expiration of the tenures of the former local government leaders.
    They had vowed to remain in office until their successors were elected while the state government insisted they must give way after their tenures ended on June 17. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/ETS
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  • Fubara directs immediate audit of 23 LG accounts

    Audit
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 19, 2024(NAN) Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, has directed an immediate audit of the accounts of the 23 local government councils in the state.
    Fubara gave the directive in Port Harcourt on Wednesday shortly after swearing-in Caretaker Committee Chairmen of local government councils in the state.
    He said that it was important for Rivers people to know how the finances of the 23 local government councils were managed in the past three years.
    The governor who demanded that the auditing process must be thorough, said that the report should be submitted within one month.
    “I officially mandate the Auditor-General to immediately commence the audit of the 23 local government councils in the past three years.
    “This auditing is very important, we need to know how public funds were managed in the third tier system in the past three years.
    “This process will help us to also keep those that are coming in on their feet. It is not business as usual,” he said.
    Fubara urged the new chairmen to ensure prudent management of resources and delivery of democracy dividends to the people.
    He further urged them to compute and pay outstanding financial benefits including salaries meant for the outgoing chairmen, vice-chairmen and councillors.
    “Avoid confrontation, endeavour to be law-abiding all the time as you take full control of the local government system,” he said.
    Fubara stated that the tenure of the caretaker committees would not be long as efforts would be made to quickly conduct elections into the councils.
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Fubara swears in new Caretaker Committee Chairmen for 23  LGAs

    Fubara swears in new Caretaker Committee Chairmen for 23 LGAs
    Swearing
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 19, 2024(NAN)Gov.Siminalayi  Fubara of Rivers, on Wednesday swore in Caretaker Committee Chairmen for the 23 Local Government Councils of the state.
    The swearing-in ceremony was performed at the Executive Council meeting in Government House, Port Harcourt.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new Caretaker Committee Chairmen were earlier invited by the Rivers State House  of Assembly for screening and confirmation before  the swearing in by the Governor.

    The newly sworn-in Caretaker Committee Chairmen includes; Mr Madigai Dickson for Abua-Odual LGA, Mr Happy Benneth – Ahoada East LGA, Mr. Daddy John Green – Ahoada west,;  Otonto Briggs -Akuku Toru LGA , Reginald Ekaa –  Andoni LGA .

    Others are Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree; Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua; Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon; Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa; Emouha LGA – David Omereji; Etche LGA – John Otamiri and Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden.

    The others are; Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji; Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana; Obio/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo; Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe; Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi; Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan; Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald; Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam; Oyigbo LGA – Gogo Philip; Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo and Tai LGA – Hon. Matthew Dike.(NAN)(www,nannews.ng)

    PA/EBI/SH

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    Edited by Benson Iziama/Sadiya Hamza