NEWS
Mbah Appoints Miss Universe Nigeria as Enugu Brand Ambassador
From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu
It was a homecoming for the reigning Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Onwe Adetsina on Thursday as the Enugu state Governor Peter Mbah, received and appointed her a brand ambassador of the state, noting that her doggedness represents the innate attribute of the people of the State.
Receiving the indigene of Amurri, Nkanu West LGA of the state and her father, Okechukwu Onwe at the Government House, Enugu, Mbah said she had demonstrated that with determination, the young could achieve their goals.
“I am very delighted to congratulate and welcome you to your homeland. Enugu State has played a consequential role in the history of this nation.
So, you should really be proud of your heritage and we are equally proud to have you as a daughter of Enugu State.“Your story is inspiring. You could see that despite all attempts to malign and discourage you, you demonstrated that you are a true daughter of Enugu State. You overcome those challenges with the grit and resilience the people of Enugu State are known for.
“With the height and the feat you have attained today, you are able to act as a major influence to our young people, girls in particular. We are going to look at how you could engage some of our young people, share your experience, what you have been through, and how you got to where you are today. Sharing that will be quite inspiring and encouraging,” Mbah stated.
He said his administration’s investment in education was driven by the need to equip the youths to actualise their full potential, ensuring Miss Chidimma of the support and goodwill of the people of the state as she competes for the international Miss Universe in Mexico.
“We are obsessed with the investment we make in our youths, which is why it is a state where 33 percent of our budget goes to education. That is because we believe that the true wealth of any nation or indeed any state lies in the quality and standard of their human resources.
“As you go into the next stage of the competition and career, you are going to carry our flag. And as you do that, you can count on our support and commitment to your success,” he concluded.
Speaking, Miss Chidimma, while appreciating the Government and people of Enugu State and Nigeria for the warm welcome and love accorded her, commended Governor Mbah for prioritising education, pledging to work with the state to mentor and encourage the youths as a brand ambassador
“It has been a lovely experience coming to Nigeria. I feel accepted and loved. I also want to use the opportunity to commend you on your great works.
“As a woman, who is really passionate about education, it is really an honour to have someone contribute to the education system for the betterment of the people and also for a better tomorrow,” she stated.
Chidimma noted that although she had been living in South Africa, she had to withdraw from Miss South Africa competition for lack of acceptance and the storm generated by her participation, only for Nigeria to pick her up. She expressed the readiness to serve as a beacon of hope to youths, especially young women.
“They said I am not South African enough because my name is Chidimma; and in the final week of the competition, I had to withdraw for my safety and my family because the backlash was too much for me.
“After my withdrawal, I received an invitation from Silverbird, and I accepted that invitation to come and compete for Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 and I was crowned.
“I am really grateful because it was the opportunity for me to come back home to reclaim my heritage. I felt the love and I felt accepted. Nigeria picked me up when I was on my knees and I am really grateful.
“I really do feel that my story is a very powerful one, not only in Nigeria, but all over the world. A lot of youths can resonate with my story and they can learn from my journey,” she said.
Speaking with Government House correspondents, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, expressed the confidence that Miss Chidimma would triumph in Mexico to emerge Miss Universe.
NEWS
NYSC Members Lack Nothing in Daura – Emir
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar- Faruk, says National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members do not suffer anything in his domain, as they lack nothing.
The emir made the statement when he received the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’idu, on a courtesy visit on Thursday in Daura.
According to the emir, NYSC is the only programme left for all Nigerians that ensure unity, from government to communities and individuals.
Umar-Faruk called on all Nigerians to see the NYSC members as, ”Children of necessity, orphans who has no family, Children that also need assistance, protection, guidance and comfort.
“NYSC members should not be seen as vulnerable for exploitation and molestation, they should be provided with shelter, food and everything that will make them comfortable in any place they found themselves
“Corps members don’t suffer anything in my domain, they lack nothing, because I always do my best to ensure they are well accommodated.
”He advised other communities in the country to do the same for the development and sustenance of the scheme, stressing that NYSC has done so much for the unity and integration of Nigeria after the civil war.
Earlier, Sa’idu told the emir that he was in his palace being one of the critical stakeholders to report that he has resumed office as the new NYSC coordinator in the state, and also to request for his blessings.
The coordinator assured the emir that the scheme would continue to collaborate with the Emirate Council towards the development of the country and the nation’s unity.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the NYSC Katsina State End of Service Year Publication to the Emir. (NAN)
NEWS
Host Communities, Litigations Delay Trust Fund Implementation – HOSTCOM
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) says some delays in Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund creation and implementation are caused by community members and litigations.
The HOSTCOM said pending issues by host communities in choosing members and chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) delayed the implementation of the HCDT funds.
Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja while making clarifications on recent claims on the Host Community Project Funding in Akwa Ibom.
Report says that HCDTs are responsible for managing and distributing oil company funds to the host communities, ensuring that resources are used effectively for community development projects.
Host communities in Akwa Ibom had expressed frustration over the delayed release of funds by oil companies to HCDT which it said hindered the implementation of projects outlined in their respective development plans.
Community representatives from HCDTs in Ibeno, Eket, Mbo, Esit Eket, Uruan and Ikot Abasi LGAs claimed that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) failed to enforce statutory sanctions on oil companies that delay funds.
Tamaranebi, who condemned the recent publication regarding alleged delays in funding development projects in host communities in the state, urged the public to disregard it as it was unfounded.
“We must state clearly that some of the delays of HCDTs creation are caused by community members and litigations over who wants to be a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees which has nothing to do with NUPRC.
“So, we advise communities to conduct themselves properly for the benefit of the HCDT funds,” he said.
He recalled that the NUPRC initiated the HCDTs Forum to meet with community representatives through its HCDT trustees to address broader issues and grievances ensuring continuous dialogue between host communities and the operators.
The national president said the forum had promoted transparency and accountability ensuring that community voices were heard at a higher level.
Tamaranebi said there was registration of reputable 34 asset/fund manager to invest 20 per cent of the three per cent Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) on behalf of the trusts.
“Some of the trusts are already benefiting from the dividend of this investments.
“These achievements underscore the commitment of the NUPRC and Settlors to the sustainable development of host communities.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including community members and operators, to maintain open lines of communication with the HOSTCOM or NUPRC,” he said.
On concerns regarding funding or implementation of projects, he urged parties to engage with HOSTCOM directly for resolution rather than resorting to public statements that may misinform or escalate tensions.
He added that HOSTCOM was actively monitoring the situation in Akwa Ibom and other states to continue to advocate for the rights and developmental needs of local communities.(NAN)
NEWS
Nigerian Army Emphasises Responsible Social Media use for National Security
The Nigerian Army has stressed the importance of responsible social media usage in contributing to national security and development.
Maj. Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, made this remark at the 37th Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar in Calabar on Thursday.
Dahiru, who was the Special Guest of Honour said the seminar, noted that social media could shape the security environment but could also be misused to spread harmful content.
He encouraged Nigerians to support the army and promote community engagement.
On his part, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil Military Affairs, emphasised responsible online behaviour to enhance national security.
He warned against spreading unverified information and urged Nigerians to be mindful of those sowing discord.
Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, acknowledged social media’s impact on society but also highlighted its negative tendencies, such as cyberbullying and depression.
He advocated for the military’s involvement in social media to address security challenges.
(NAN)