POLITICS
Kalu tasks NDDC to extend developmental projects to Abia community
Kalu tasks NDDC to extend developmental projects to Abia community
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has tasked the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure even spread of developmental projects to Ukwa community in Abia State.
He further said that the nine states making up the NDDC should not be neglected
Kalu said this during an interactive session with the delegation from Ukwa People’s Consultative Council led by its President General Don Ubani in Abuja
The states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.
Kalu expressed worry over the concerns raised by the delegation on the “undue marginalisation of Ukwa as an oil producing Community”.
He said there was need to ensure equal spread of intervention projects of the NDDC across the nine states.
According to him, the area is known for oil production and the status of Abia State as a member of NDDC came as a result of its ability to produce oil and gas from Ukwa.
“Interestingly, some of the things you mentioned have been my concerns in the 9th Assembly, in regards to the spread of intervention programmes of the NDDC across the nine states.
He said this led to the first visit of the acting MD that toured Abia, Imo and other states.
Kalu said he insisted that the tour was necessary, to have a proper update of their presence in various parts of the states.
This, according to him, is to be able to establish whether or not, the report they see on papers is the same thing on ground.
“I totally agree with you that, what we have in Abia, as an oil producing state and as a member of NDDC, comparatively speaking, is below average, in terms of developmental interventions.
“A call from the stakeholders that an improvement should take place, is definitely not a wrong call.
The deputy Speaker commended the leadership of Ukwa community for holding their youths and in spite the fact that the development interventions were below average.
He said they kept their heads peacefully and allowed all the IOCs handle their operations peacefully in those communities.
Earlier, Ubani who led the delegation, solicited the support of the House leadership towards ensuring equity and fair distribution of developmental projects to Ukwa community.
He said a time had existed in this system where the entire South East was shut-out, but under the present administration, at least the people have been given a sense of belonging
He said farmers in Ukwa federal constituency could not farm effectively because the fertility of the soil had been diminished due to oil exploration and exploitation.
“Let there be manifestation of concern on the part of NDDC. Nothing so far has given us course to be happy as oil producing area.
“We need to avoid situation that will create youth restiveness and the best way to do it is to make sure that there’s development, ” he said.(NAN)
By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria spent a whopping N1.16trillion on fuel subsidy, losing N16.20billion to crude and product issues while deducting a total of N1.20trillion from the federation account as sales and proceeds in 2021.
Disclosing this in Abuja yesterday during his presentation to the Senate Public Account Committee (SPAC) probing the 2021- 2023 Audit Report on the Oil and Gas Industry conducted by Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Chairman of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu added that pipeline repairs gulped N22.
05billion and strategic stock holding N6.75billion in that fiscal year.Speaking further, the RMFAC boss revealed to the Committee that during the period, the intention of the derivation objective was undermined by the way it was computed.
“The practice of computing 13% derivation on the balance of revenue after deductions from the total collections is contrary to the intention of the derivation objective “, he said.
However the Senate Committee Chairman on Public Account who was a former Accountant General of the Federation, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo stood down the reports of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) ‘s submission saying the measure was to offer members enough time to study the report while ordering the Agency to reappear midweek.
Senator Dankwambo who was visibly upset following the non – appearance of the Auditor – General of the Federation for the investigative session without any valid or representative however threatened that the Auditor General must unfailingly appear before the Committee on Tuesday next week or risk a forced appearance through the invocation of the powers of the National Assembly.
” The Auditor – General must unfailingly appear before this committee on Tuesday next week or risk invocation of powers of the National Assembly against him , which will lead to forced appearance”, he said.
The Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Akinola Idowu, has flagged off the disbursement of N100,000 monthly business support grants to selected residents.
The programme was held on Thursday at the council secretariat with 50 beneficiaries in attendance.
In his address, Idowu said that the initiative fulfilled his administration’s promise to improve welfare and promote grassroots economic development in Orile-Agege.
He reaffirmed commitment to people-oriented governance aimed at improving livelihoods, encouraging entrepreneurship and reducing poverty in the council area.
The chairman urged beneficiaries to invest the funds in productive ventures that would grow businesses and create employment opportunities.
He assured that the monthly empowerment would be sustained, with more deserving residents from every ward benefiting in subsequent editions.
“Governance is meaningful only when it directly impacts the lives of the people,” Idowu said.
He reiterated resolve to implement programmes that promote inclusive development, economic prosperity and shared progress across Orile-Agege LCDA.
Peju Owolabi, one of the beneficiaries, commended the chairman for the timely intervention to strengthen small businesses and support household incomes in the LCDA.
Another beneficiary, Miss Basanya Taofikat, thanked the leadership of the council for the support and prayed for a successful tenure for the chairman’s administration.
Adeshina Ademola, a shoemaker and a beneficiary lauded Idowu for contributions to grassroots development.
Ademola said that the grant would help expand his business.
Other beneficiaries described the initiative as a testament to the administration’s dedication to empowering residents and fostering self-reliance.
The City Boy Movement (CBM) has replaced its Oyo State Coordinator, Ahmed Ajibola, following allegations of gross misconduct, insubordination, and conduct prejudicial to the interests of the organisation.
This is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday by the Director-General of the Movement, Mr Francis Shoga.
Shoga said that Ajibola’s replacement followed allegations of making offensive comments about the Movement’s patron, Seyi Tinubu and derogatory remarks directed at President Bola Tinubu.
The movement’s D-G also accused Ajibola of engaging in conduct capable of bringing the image and reputation of the City Boy Movement into disrepute.
The CBM consequently announced the appointment of Adewale Oladiti as the new Coordinator for Oyo State.
Oladiti’s appointment, Shoga said, was due to his commitment, grassroots engagement, and willingness to contribute to the growth and advancement of the organisation in the state.
The City Boy Movement is a support group associated with the political interests of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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