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Eminent Nigerians Extol DAILY ASSET Award/Lecture

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.Sen Gyang, Marwa, Ibn Moh’d Speak

By Orkula Shaagee, Ubong Ukpong & Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The cream of the society, drawn by the 5th Annual Award/Lecture of Asset Newspapers Limited, publishers of DAILY ASSET were unsparing with encomiums for the newspaper on the recognition and honour done to them.

While some of the awardees saw the honour bestowed on them as a clarion call to do more, others stated that it felt good to be recognized and honoured as a champion.

New Nigeria Will Emerge in 2023- Senator Gyang

In his acceptance speech, Senator Istifanus Gyang of Plateau State, who bagged Legislator of the Year Award, expressed hope in the emergence of a new Nigeria by 2023 and admonished Nigerians to keep faith, and not resign to the current hardship and insecurity bedeviling the country.

According to him, “In spite of the corruption index of the country, insecurity, there is still hope for our nation. That people are identified for honours, there is hope for our nation. We as Nigerians must not lose hope in this nation.”

He prayed that the forces that want to destroy the nation through terrorism be conquered by the nation’s military.

Expressing his hope in a new Nigeria by 2023, he said, “God will bring those who will bring peace to our nation. Nigeria will survive the current insecurity, current hardship, because by 2023, a new Nigeria will emerge.”

Gyang was appreciative of the honour, and stated that it spoke to the fact that there were still good people in the country.

The legislator commended DAILY ASSET Newspapers Editorial Board and management for identifying him for the well-deserved honour.

He said it was a call to duty and would spur him to work harder and better in his endeavours.

The lawmaker was accompanied to the event by eminent Plateau sons and daughters, including Hon Dachung Musa Baggos of the Representatives; Hon Timothy Golu, of the 8th House of Representatives, Minority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly among others.

On his part, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig General Buba Marwa, said that the award of “Public Servant of the Year” bestowed on him will encourage the management and staff of the anti-narcotic agency to do more work in the fight against illicit drugs in Nigeria.

He expressed happiness that the hard work the agency is doing in the fight against illicit drugs is recognized by Nigerians and a credible media house.

The NDLEA boss who was represented at the occasion by Chidi Ndukwu, Assistant Commandant, NDLEA, revealed that the agency would intensify its campaign against illicit drugs in Nigeria.

On receiving the award, Ndukwu said “I am very excited about this award. It is good to reward good work. His excellency, Buba Marwa, would have been here if not for  his duties.

“For some of us in NDLEA we are so happy that our work is being recognized. And it is a push to do more. And we are hoping in the coming year we will record more success. It will encourage us to do more work. We were not part of the selection for his Excellency to have gotten this award”.

He used the occasion to advise Nigerians against the use of illicit drugs and substances, “I want to encourage Nigerians to stay off drugs. Drugs are enablers of all forms of crimes like insurgency, kidnapping, robbery, radicalism, extremism, they are all products of drug abuse.

“We are doing a lot of enlightenment and by the end of the year many more people will be aware of the dangers of illicit drugs”.

Publisher DAILY ASSET, Dr Cletus Akwaya, while introducing the NDLEA boss, observed that Marwa has been called to duty at several times: as a former Military Governor of Lagos and Borno states; a former High Commissioner to South Africa and as Chairman NDLEA by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Akwaya further noted that “In less than one year of his appointment, 1,639 drug traffickers and barons have been convicted while the agency seized over N100 billion worth of drugs.

The moment of learning and enlightenment came from Mallam Ibn Mohammed, Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority, (NTA), and Guest Speaker at the occasion.

He cautioned media owners in the country, particularly television stations to ensure proper management of their media outlets to make sure that only fact-based information is passed on to the public.

Speaking on the topic: “The 2023 Elections, National Peace and Security: The Role of Television Stations”, the foremost journalist said that the professional ideals of democratic reportage are best served when television gives the viewer, all the sides of a story for him/her to make an informed decision.

Describing television as the most critical ingredient of democratic governance, Mohammed said there was need for the media to be factual in their reportage, as the public always depends on them, especially in times of conflict of interest.

He also stated that lack of information can also at any stage of a conflict, make people desperate, restless and easy to manipulate.

“Suffice it to say that the menace of fake news has made and it is still making Nigeria particularly the vulnerable to identity-based hate speech which has brought about suspicion and hatred amongst the various groups.

In many instances, this has led to intolerance and violent clashes in communities at the slightest provocation.

“These developments cannot be under estimated, because the public now has greater sources of information more than ever before, and the media/Television need to be properly managed to ensure that only fact based information is passed on to the public.

“The professional ideals of democratic reportage are best served when television gives the viewer, all the sides of a story for him/her to make an informed decision.

This is why Television as a Broadcast aspect of Media in the society must regularly perform the wholesome tenets of the profession. Television is unquestionable in its singular sight and sound ability to reach the two most critical senses of communication.

This attribute then impose the responsibility on Television to diligently and professionally disseminate information for societal well-being.

It might therefore be safe to say that Television is the most critical ingredient of democratic governance.

Whenever the people desire information, especially where there is conflict of interests, they depend on the Television or the media generally.

In any culture, effective and democratic media are essential part and indispensable for societies trying to make a transition towards peace and democracy.

Harry S. Truman once said “you can never get all the facts from just one medium, and unless you have all the facts, you cannot make proper judgments about what is going on’’

This statement reflects the need for free access to unbiased information.

When people are denied political participation and free expression, societal conflict is imminent. Lack of information can also at any stage of a conflict, make people desperate, restless and easy to manipulate.

Television can be misused for propaganda purposes, to incite hatred and spread rumours and therefore artificially creating tension and causing disharmony amongst people.

 However, if democracy is to work properly, the society needs access to news and information; analysis of the status quo, debate, practical information and exchange as well as entertainment, all of which can be provided through television.

“Television can not only help to dispense information but also counter hate-speech and create an environment of balanced opinions, and information equilibrium.

For the media/television it can be problematic to find a balance between preventing harm caused by speech and protecting individual expression; however being able to find this balance is important especially for peace and security.

 “The media no doubt play an indispensable role in the proper functioning of a democracy, apart from the traditional roles of educating voters on how to exercise their democratic rights; reporting election campaigns; providing a platform for the political parties and candidates to communicate their message to the electorate; reporting results and monitoring vote counting and several other responsibilities expected of a news medium.

The media helps in strengthening democracy by effectively exercising its “watchdog” role in enabling full public participation in elections and stir discussions on the successes and failures of candidates, governments, and electoral management bodies,” Mohammed said.

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Tinubu Makes Numerous Promises at Slain Soldiers Burial

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President Bola Tinubu has directed the military to within the next 90 days ensure that all the benefits of the 17 officers and men of the army killed in Okuama on March 14 be paid to their families.

Tinubu said that government would provide a house in any part of the country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.

He said that all the children of the deceased would enjoy a Federal Government scholarship up to University level.

He described the officers and soldiers as patriotic, brave and gallant Nigerians.

The president said that the deceased gave their lives to defend and protect the Nation against internal and external threats.

At the burial ceremony of the officers and soldiers on Wednesday in Abuja, Tinubu said that their death serves as a rallying point for Nigerians to condemn crime and criminality.

“They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers, seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.“They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.“The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats,” he said.The 17 military personnel killed included Lt.-Col. Ali, Maj. D.E Obi, Maj. S.D. Ashafa, Capt. U. Zakari, Staff Sgt. Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi, and Lance Corporal Bello Anas.The rest were Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim, Private Hamman Peter, and Private Ibrahim Adamu.Tinubu said that the deceased have all been awarded posthumous national honours.“The four gallant Officers have been awarded Member of the Order of Niger (MON). And the 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded Officer of the Federal Republic Medals.“As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery.

“I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.”The President urged the officers and men of the military not to be deterred by these setbacks and be prepared to continue to work for peace and harmony.Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to rebuilding communities and making them places where love, tolerance and harmony reigns.“Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting.“I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.“The elders and chiefs of Okuoma also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.”The president commended the Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities.“We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.”

On his part, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army who were gruesomely murdered in Okuama Community in Delta on March 14, left behind 10 widows three of whom are pregnant and 21 orphans.Lagbaja made this known at the burial of the 17 personnel comprising one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers, on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.According to him, the Okuama killing has added to the care of the Nigerian army and, by extension, the Nigeria state, 10 widows, three of whom are four, five, and eight months pregnant, 21 orphans, and many other dependents, including parents.“While commiserating with the families of these gallant soldiers, I assure them that the Nigerian army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold.“We shall do all within our power to provide succour to them and preserve the memories of their departed loved ones,” he said.Lagbaja said he considered his toughest job to be putting fine men and women in harm’s way, sometimes knowing that they might not return to their families and loved ones.He added that his men, correspondingly and intriguingly, know that in spite of the equipment, training, and other forms of preparations, sometimes some may not make it back alive, while some may return handicapped.According to him, “when soldiers die in the hands of the enemies of the State, we take it as dying for what the nation has considered a just cause; we celebrate them as gallant heroes.“But when they are gruesomely murdered by the very people they are trained, equipped, and took an oath to protect, it is highly demoralizing.“It is no longer news that 17 of the Nigerian Army’s finest men, whom we have come to bury, were murdered in a reprehensible manner on March 14 in the Okuama community of Delta State while they went on a legitimate peace-making mission.

“It grieves my heart that it took our search and recovery effort over 72 hours to recover some vital organs of the decapitated and disembowell bodies of my men that were scattered all over the Okuama community by the community youths and their friends.“I consider it the most barbaric act any citizen or community can commit against the authority of the state, and I must place on record that a lot of restraints have been exercised so far in our search and recovery efforts for missing arms, ammunition, other equipment, and body parts.“I assure the President and all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will not be deterred by setbacks such as witnessed in the Okuama community.“As tasked by the President and Commander-In-Chief of our Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army, with the assistance of its sister services and other security agencies, is committed to bringing the perpetrators of the Okuama murder to book and recover all service and personal belongings taken from the murdered troops.“The Nigerian Army will continue to seek the cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly in the affected area, towards swift and successful conduct of our search and recovery operations,” he said.The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said the fallen heroes exemplified the very best of service to nation and love for country.Musa said they were the vanguards of peace, the guardians of freedom, and the sentinels of security, adding that their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty would forever be etched in their hearts and memories.He assured the families of the deceased officers of the support of the nation and the armed forces in every way possible, urging them to find solace in the knowledge that their loved ones made an indelible mark on the nation’s history.The defence chief said the military would honour their memory by continuing the fight against those who sought to undermine the peace and security of the nation.

“We will remain steadfast in our resolve to build a nation worthy of your sacrifice.“The loss we feel today is immeasurable, but we must not allow it to dim the light of hope within us.“Instead, let us use this moment as a rallying cry to come together as a nation, to support our armed forces, and to work tirelessly towards a Nigeria free from the grip of violence and insecurity.“We owe it to these fallen heroes to honour their memory by redoubling our efforts to create a safer and more prosperous nation for all.“Let us build a nation where every citizen can live without fear, where communities can thrive, and where our children can grow up knowing the true meaning of security and stability.“To the men and women who continue to serve in the armed forces, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication to duty.“Your commitment to defending our nation, even in the face of great peril, is truly commendable,” he said.Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and governors of Delta, Bayelsa, Kano, Kogi and Imo states amongst others attended the burial ceremony.

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Dangote, Elumelu Make Economic Planning System List

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By Lubem Myaornyi, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has in a strategic move to bolster the nation’s economic governance frameworks and ensure robust and coordinated economic planning and implementation, approved the establishment of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC) and the creation of the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET).

PECC comprises leaders and key government officials like: President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – Chairman of the PECC; Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – Vice-Chairman of the PECC / NEC Chairman; President of the Nigerian Senate; Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.
Others are: Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Minister of Labour and Employment; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Minister of Power; Minister of State, Petroleum Resources; Minister of State, Gas; Minister of Transportation; and Minister of Works.Tinubu also included 13 members of the organized private sector to drive the nation’s economy.The PECC will also comprise key members of the organized private sector, with the following members joining for a period not exceeding one year, subject to the President’s directive: Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Mr. Tony Elumelu; Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu; Ms. Amina Maina; Mr. Begun Ajayi-Kadir; Mrs. Funke Okpeke; and Dr. Doyin Salami.The rest members are: Mr. Patrick Okigbo; Mr. Kola Adesina; Mr. Segun Agbaje; Mr. Chidi Ajaere; Mr. Abdulkadir Aliu; and Mr. Rasheed Sarumi.

In the president’s determination to address immediate economic challenges and ensure the streamlined execution of economic strategies, President Bola Tinubu has established the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce (EET) with a mandate to formulate and implement a consolidated emergency economic plan. The taskforce comprises key government officials and industry leaders in furtherance of the President’s collaborative approach toward achieving economic resilience and growth. The EET is now mandated to submit a comprehensive plan of economic interventions for 2024 to the PECC, covering the next six months, for immediate implementation within two weeks of its inauguration.The EET will meet twice weekly and is composed of the following members: Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance (Chairman of the EET); Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of Power; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.Others include: Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; National Security Adviser; Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum; Governor of Anambra State; Governor of Ogun State; Governor of Niger State; Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service; Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation; GCEO, NNPC Limited; Director-General, Nigeria Economic Summit Group; Special Adviser to the President on Energy; Dr. Bismarck Rewane, Economist; and Dr. Suleyman Ndanusa, Economist.The Economic Management Team, established in October 2023, and chaired by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, serves as the working group under the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), playing a crucial role in the economic governance structure established by the President. The EMT traditionally meets monthly or as required, but will now suspend its meetings for the duration of the EET’s mandate (six months).The EMT is composed of the following officials: Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance (EMT Chairman); Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Minister of Works; Minister of Labour and Employment; and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.Other officials include: Minister of State, Petroleum Resources; Minister of State, Gas; Minister of Power; Minister of Transportation; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.The Chairman of the EMT may, as needed, call on any Federal Minister or Head of Agency to brief the EMT on key programmes and developments affecting the economy.The President’s formation of the PECC, under his Chairmanship, alongside the creation of the EET, led by the Chairman of the EMT, and the EMT itself, is the manifestation of a unified strategy aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s economic management architecture for verifiably improved performance. The formation of these teams will complement existing economic governance structures, including the National Economic Council (NEC), which is chaired by the Vice-President.Over the next six months EET will focus on the rapid implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of critical initiatives, strengthening the Tinubu-led administration’s collective approach to advancing Nigeria’s economic objectives.

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North-East Region Loses  $6.7bn to Insurgency — Zulum

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By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum has revealed that the North Eastern states lost $6.7billion to insurgency.

He stated this during a visit to the Director-General, Nigeria Country Department of African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Lamin Barrow in Abuja.

Zulum made the assertion while commending AfDB on the implementation of its $65.

75million Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Programme (IBSDLEIP) to ameliorate insurgency.

Currently, IBSDLEIP is implemented in the North East states of Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba.

Zulum said the root driver of insurgency in the state was hunger and the initiative focuses on providing basic amenities that would reintegrate the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) into the society.

He said, “First and foremost, I want to commend the bank on the successes so far recorded in the implementation of the Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Programme in Borno State.

“The insurgency in Borno has triggered acute humanitarian and livelihood crises, devastating the economic activities of our populace, with the root cause to be poverty and lack of basic infrastructure.

“An outcome of the recovery and peacebuilding assessment of the impact of insurgency revealed that over 6.7 billion dollars were lost to insurgency, out of which Borno state accounted for two-thirds of the amount.

“The implementation of the Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Programme has helped us in addressing some of the humanitarian, livelihood and infrastructural problems arising from Boko Haram Insurgency in the State.”

Zulum expressed the state’s readiness to abide by the set rules and regulations of the bank, adding that, “We are ready to abide by the project procurement processes and implementation guidelines of the bank and we are also committed to working with the bank’s team and other stakeholders to ensure the completion of the project.”

Responding, AfDB’s Director-General expressed the continued commitment of the bank to support the reintegration of the displaced population in the state and improve the livelihoods of the people.

Barrow said, “We want to commend the Governor for his visionary and hands-on leadership style. We reassure him and the state of the commitment and continued support of the bank in improving the livelihoods and quality of life of the people of Borno State.”

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