Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, has reiterated that the creation of Anioma State is critical for ensuring the Igbo people’s political, economic, and social progress.

Speaking at the 2024 OTU Oka-Iwu Week, Senator Nwoko emphasized that the push for Anioma State is not just a political move, but a quest for justice and fairness in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Mike Ogah Gabriel, Nwoko highlighted that establishing Anioma State would give the Igbo people a more balanced representation at the federal level.

He stressed the need for Igbo unity in order to tackle the community’s challenges effectively.

Nwoko declared, “The Igbo must unite to pursue their collective goals. Unity is crucial; it is not an option. The creation of Anioma State is not just about politics—it’s about securing justice, fairness, and equal representation for Anioma and the larger Igbo people.”

The senator also extended his congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Visit Rwanda campaign, which was hosted at his residence in Abuja.

The campaign, which aims to promote Africa’s tourism potential, positions Nigeria as a key player in global travel and cultural exchange.

Nwoko, who is also the Chairman of Project Tourism Africa, lauded the winners for their achievements and reiterated his commitment to advancing tourism as a catalyst for Africa’s economic growth.

“Tourism goes beyond economic development; it connects people, promotes cultural understanding, and fosters regional unity. With initiatives like Project Tourism, we aim to reposition Africa as a leading global destination,” he said.

During the event, Senator Nwoko engaged in discussions on global warming, climate change, and the preservation of Africa’s cultural identities.

He underscored the importance of safeguarding Africa’s heritage in a post-colonial context, noting the growing resistance from African nations against external pressures and impositions.

“This is a new era of pride and self-determination for Africa, where we reclaim our traditions and culture,” Nwoko affirmed.

The senator was accompanied by Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, his Director of Communications, who congratulated the winners and encouraged them to embrace their role as tourism ambassadors for Nigeria.

She urged them to fully experience the journey and bring back valuable insights to aid in the country’s future tourism development.

Chukwuebuka Anyaduba, Director of the Tour Africa Project, commended the success of the Visit Rwanda campaign, stating that it has strengthened cultural ties within Africa and inspired exploration of the continent’s diverse landscapes.

He added, “This campaign highlights the transformative impact of tourism, connecting people and fostering unity across borders. It marks the beginning of a larger vision to elevate Africa on the global tourism map.”

The winners of the Visit Rwanda campaign, who will travel to Rwanda from December 15–20, 2024, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity.

They praised the Tour Africa Lottery for encouraging pan-African travel and fostering cultural appreciation.

The trip will be organized by Project Tourism’s East Africa Regional Representative, Ms. Anita Soina, and will showcase Rwanda’s scenic beauty, rich heritage, and renowned hospitality.

The inaugural winners of the Visit Rwanda campaign include: Ezirim Linda Chioma, Christiana Sanni, Juliet Ezeugbo, Hope Omale, and Ifeoma Okparajiego.

The Tour Africa Lottery, supported by Linas International and the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), aims to enhance regional integration and promote tourism across Africa.

Alhaji Dalhatu Attahiru Bafarawa, former Governor of Sokoto State, has announced the launch of a new movement dedicated to saving northern Nigeria and empowering its youth to take on leadership roles.

The initiative, named the Northern Star Empowerment Initiative, was recently introduced with Bafarawa at the helm.

Its main goal is to unite the region and provide young people with the necessary tools and opportunities to assume leadership positions.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Bafarawa explained that the organization was formed in response to the ongoing issues facing the North, including insecurity, widespread unemployment, poverty, food scarcity, and the growing number of out-of-school children.

He emphasized that the initiative is not a political movement. “It is an independent organization focused solely on advocating for the rights of the North. We are not involved in politics or affiliated with any political party,” Bafarawa clarified.

The former governor also made it clear that he has no intention of seeking any political office or government position.

“I have no desire to be elected to any office or hold any government role for the rest of my life. My goal is to ensure the rights of the youth are upheld, which will lead to peace and progress,” he said.

Bafarawa expressed deep concern over the marginalization of young people in northern Nigeria, despite the fact that they make up a large portion of the region’s population.

“This organization is dedicated to empowering the youth and guiding them into leadership roles, as it is their rights we are advocating for,” he added.

He also stressed that ensuring the youth are given the opportunity to lead is essential for achieving peace in the region.

He assured that the initiative would support anyone seeking to take on a leadership role, regardless of their background.

The movement has already gained support from both Muslim and Christian leaders within the region.

Bafarawa also addressed the divisions within the North, often caused by ethnic and religious differences.

He argued that if religion were not a factor, the region would remain united.

“If we remove religion from the equation, the North will never be divided,” he asserted, urging the region to find new ways to overcome its challenges and work together for progress.

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch an investigation into the frequent collapses of Nigeria’s national power grid.

In a statement issued to the press in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye, who is also a former lawmaker in Osun, expressed concern over the repeated grid failures, labeling them as an embarrassment.

He emphasized that consistent electricity supply is crucial for the smooth operation of businesses and the overall economic development of the country, pointing out that these power disruptions are negatively affecting industries across Nigeria.

Oyintiloye suggested that a presidential investigation could uncover the root causes behind the recurring grid collapses and lead to lasting solutions.

“Nigeria has abundant resources that should ensure a stable power grid. It’s concerning that these collapses continue despite our potential,” he stated.

He called for urgent action to end the ongoing power crises, urging that reforms be implemented in the power sector to restore stability for the benefit of the national economy.

He further stated that if sabotage is contributing to the grid failures, a thorough investigation would reveal it.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has highlighted the importance of creating a supportive and stress-free work environment for his cabinet members to enhance their efficiency and overall health.

He attributed the improved performance of his administration to fostering an atmosphere where officials can thrive without the added pressures that often lead to health problems such as high blood pressure.

Governor Fubara made this statement during a special thanksgiving service held in honor of Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), at St. Paul’s Nyemoni Lutheran Cathedral in Abonnema Town, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, on Sunday.

The service celebrated Danagogo’s reappointment as SSG and his installation as the head of the Da Tubofia Group of Houses, Tubofiya III.

In his remarks, Fubara explained that as a good administrator, he prioritizes creating a work environment based on mutual respect and shared goals, rather than imposing pressure on his team.

He emphasized that this approach has led to greater productivity and development in the state.

He said, “I don’t intend to give anyone stress. There is no Commissioner here with high blood pressure. We’ve removed the pressure and created an environment where people can perform without anxiety.”

He continued, “Even when I have to correct someone, I do so with understanding and love. When there’s no pressure, you see efficiency, and that’s why our government is progressing.”

Fubara also praised Danagogo’s integrity and reliability, which he credited as the qualities that earned him his reappointment.

He expressed confidence in his administration’s ability to stand by officials, ensuring they are supported to perform at their best.

Additionally, Governor Fubara announced a ₦50 million donation to St. Paul’s Nyemoni Lutheran Cathedral to support its evangelism efforts and urged local government chairmen and traditional rulers to collaborate with the government in advancing state initiatives.

Danagogo, in his speech, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work under Fubara’s leadership, which he described as a life-changing experience in a relaxed and health-conscious environment.

He thanked the governor and his community for their ongoing support.

The thanksgiving service was attended by key dignitaries, including Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, and former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a suit against President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of neglecting to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to investigate allegations of over N57 billion in missing, diverted, or stolen public funds from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021.

The lawsuit follows the release of a 2021 audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which uncovered the serious financial discrepancies.

The report, issued last month, detailed the unaccounted-for funds, raising concerns over widespread corruption within the ministry.

Joined in the suit is Mr. Fagbemi, who SERAP claims should work with anti-corruption agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the alleged misappropriation of funds.

Filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos under suit number FHC/L/MISC/876/2024, SERAP seeks to compel President Tinubu to instruct Mr. Fagbemi to collaborate with appropriate agencies to investigate the missing N57 billion, and to ensure that any responsible individuals are prosecuted and any stolen funds are recovered.

In the court filing, SERAP argues that investigating and prosecuting those involved would help curb impunity and restore justice, especially given the impact of such corruption on Nigeria’s poorest citizens.

The organization emphasizes that these funds should have been used to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable groups, but instead, they were allegedly diverted.

SERAP also argues that the situation reflects a broader issue of corruption within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as other ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), which have reportedly been involved in similar financial mismanagement.

According to SERAP, the long-term effects of this corruption are borne by citizens, who face higher costs for essential services like health, education, and public administration due to the misallocation of public funds.

The group also pointed to several other troubling allegations from the 2021 audit, including:

Over N54 billion meant for the N-Power programme (for volunteers and trainees) was not paid to beneficiaries as intended.

N2.6 billion allocated for the ‘home-grown school feeding programme during Covid-19’ was reportedly diverted, as the program was never executed.

N78 million was spent on a survey of the Ministry’s Covid-19 response, but without proper approval or documentation.

N39.5 million in personal donations was reportedly paid to the minister without accountability.

N400 million meant for stipends to independent monitors was unaccounted for.

N287 million was paid to contractors without documentation or justification.

The allegations highlight the ministry’s failure to properly account for and use allocated funds, prompting the Auditor-General’s office to call for the recovery of these missing amounts and the sanctioning of those involved.

SERAP also draws attention to the constitutional and international obligations that the Nigerian government has to combat corruption, noting that Article 26 of the UN Convention against Corruption requires effective sanctions against grand corruption.

By seeking judicial intervention, SERAP hopes to hold the government accountable and ensure that the alleged stolen funds are returned to the public treasury, to address the systemic corruption plaguing Nigeria’s MDAs.

The court has yet to set a date for the hearing of the suit.