Today's Headlines: I Will Demolish Any Illegal Building In FCT; Wike Declares,Oyetola resumes duty, vows to reposition Marine sector

I will demolish any illegal building in FCT, Wike declares

Photo Credit: The Nation Nigeria

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has vowed to restore the city’s master plan.

Wike who was in high spirits on Monday, August 21, said President Bola Tinubu expects positive changes in FCT.

He expressed displeasure over what he described as a high level of insecurity in the nation’s capital.

Photo Credit: Google

The minister who spoke during a press conference at the FCTA after the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Villa, said land allottees who have been given Certificates of Occupancy but failed to develop would also lose their lands to give way to those ready to build.

He said: “If you know you have built where you are not supposed to build, it will go down. It will never be business as usual.”

Oyetola resumes duty, vows to reposition Marine sector

Photo Credit: The Nation Nigeria

The minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on Monday resumed duty at the ministry in Abuja after he was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu.

Oyetola arrived at the ministry’s conference room around 2:15 pm in the company of his wife, Kafayat Oyetola, his son; Femi Oyetola, and some of his aides.

He was received by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the managing director of NIWA, George Moghalu, the executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Emmanuel Jime, and some directors of the ministry.

Oyetola urged the ministry staff to work with him to find innovative solutions to the challenges in the sector and ensure that the oceans and marine are safe, reliable, and sustainable.

He also revealed that the blue economy is estimated globally to be worth more than $1.5 trillion annually.

He said considering the size of the country’s blue economy, Nigeria should be a significant player in the sector to contribute to the country’s revenue and also provide jobs for the unemployed.

He promised to come up with practicable ways of ensuring that the inland rivers, lakes, and waterways are utilised for cargo shipment and passenger transportation.

He said: “Our oceans cover more than two-thirds of our planet’s surface, holding the key to sustainable economic growth, environmental preservation, and technological innovation. As we look ahead, my vision is rooted in the responsible management and utilisation of our marine resources to benefit not only our economy but also the health of our planet.

“Experts say the Blue Economy is estimated to be worth more than $1.5 trillion per year globally. Therefore, given our size as a country and considering the size of our blue economy, we should be a significant player in this sector, to contribute immensely to the revenue generation of our country and also provide jobs for the unemployed.

Kano Protesters Dare Police, Take To The Streets

Photo Credit: Dailytrust

Some protesters are currently on the streets in defiance to the ban on demonstrations by the police.

The state commissioner of police, Mohammed Usain Gumel, had banned protests after members of the ruling New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) asked their members to pour on the streets over alleged bribery of the judiciary.

The commissioner said any attempt to disrespect the ban would be treated as an offence against National Security.

He said, “Members of the public should therefore note that it has come to our knowledge that both the APC and the NNPP members are currently mobilizing rented crowd in the guise of Civil Society Coalition and without clearance from the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and without prior approval from the security agencies in the state.

“Both organizers as well as the umbrella body should note that any attempt to disrespect NLC and the Security Agencies in the state, by playing around the fragile security situation, which the combined security agencies have been managing, is not only uncivil, criminal but also an offense against National Security.”

Kaura Commends Tinubu For Appointing Mattawalle As State Minister Of Defence

Photo Credit: Independent Nigeria

ABUJA – The Spokesperson for the State Minister of Defense, Bello Matawalle, Comrade Anas Abdullahi Kaura, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s wisdom in appointing former Zamfara State governor as the State Mnister of Defense.

In a statement released in Abuja over the weekend, Kaura highlighted that this appointment signifies responsiveness and commitment to their cause.

He emphasized that the appointment not only showcases Mattawalle’s exceptional leadership qualities but also reflects Tinubu’s discernment in selecting individuals capable of positively impacting the country.

According to him, “With the aim of settling the nomadic Fulanis to reduce conflicts resulting in loss of lives and property involving them and other communities, Matawalle’s appointment as Defence Minister is an apt choice, and it bodes ill for criminals and crime.”

He assured that Mattawalle would vigorously uphold the nation’s values and principles. “He will work towards strengthening our defense forces, fostering international cooperation, and securing our borders. His visionary leadership will undoubtedly elevate our defense sector.”

Economic Cost Of Restoring Democracy In Niger

Photo Credit: Independent Nigeria

Considering the current lean public revenue of the country, financial analysts have counsel the Federal Government to consider the cost of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) at the peak of the Liberian war, which Nigeria reportedly lost $8 billion to the crisis and lost hundreds of soldiers before venturing into the decision of ECOWAS to pressure the military junta in Niger to restore constitutional democracy in that country.

Dr Muda Yusuf, Director/CEO, Centre for the Promotion Of Private Enterprise, (CPPE), in a statement made available to Sunday Independent, stated that the decision of ECOWAS to pressure the military junta in Niger to restore constitutional democracy in that country is a welcome development.

He noted that: “Our President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, being the current chairman of ECOWAS is saddled with enormous leadership responsibility at this crucial time in the region’s history.

“However, any contemplation of military intervention should take into account the wider social, economic, welfare and security implications for the countries of the sub region and their citizens”.

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