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EFCC arrests 13 suspected illegal miners in Abuja

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No fewer than 13 suspected illegal miners have been arrested in the Asokoro area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested the suspected illegal miners during a raid following intelligence on their activities.

A statement on Thursday night by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the suspects were linked with the transportation of tonnes of coal and kaolin in five trucks from Nassarawa State to a site in Kaduna State.

He said, “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 13 suspected illegal miners in the Asokoro area of Abuja in an operation on Wednesday, 24 July 2024.

“The suspects were intercepted and arrested following credible intelligence linking them with the transportation of tonnes of coal and kaolin in five trucks from Nassarawa State to a site in Kaduna State.

“The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.”

The According reports that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Monday, arrested 10 suspected illegal miners in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The suspects are Yunusa Adisa, Ganiyu Kazeem, Muideen Babayemi, Sulaiman Usman, Adeleke Waliu, Tiamiyu Rokeeb, Olusola Sunday, Oyedokun Oluwagbemiga, Sulaimon Ishiaq, and Olufimihan Eniola.

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Sponsors of planned #EndBadGovernance protest don’t love Nigeria, hold alternative passports – Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday that sponsors of the planned nationwide protest against bad governance do not love the country.
The president, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, stated this when a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau visited him at the State House, Abuja.
A group of Nigerians had planned a nationwide protest tagged: “EndBadGovernance” from August 1 to drive home their grievances over alleged corruption, insecurity, and other problems in the country.
Tinubu told his guests that the people behind the protests have alternative passports and hold meetings virtually across the world.
He also dismissed claims of manipulation by any interest group in the ongoing economic reforms initiated by his administration.
President Tinubu said: “The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports.
“They are in different parts of the world holding meetings virtually. We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan. We are talking about hunger, not burials. We have to be careful. We should be careful with premature politics; politics of hate, and anger.
“The internet has made it possible to hold meetings in artificial settings. They hold meetings and sponsor anger.
“I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune. At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked. But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the President. Mine is to now follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God.
“One of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence against corruption.”
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Sponsors of protests don’t love Nigeria, says Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu has said sponsors of the planned nationwide protests are placing their selfish ambitions above the national interest.

He warned against politics of hate, which he said could send Nigeria into a political abyss like Sudan.

Tinubu made these remarks when he received a delegation of Islamic leaders, led by Sheikh Bala Lau, at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement he signed Thursday night, titled, ‘President Tinubu: I have no cabals or sponsors to compensate.’

Tinubu said, “The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports. They are in different parts of the world, holding meetings virtually. We do not want to turn Nigeria into Sudan. We are talking about hunger, not burials. We have to be careful. We should be careful with premature politics, politics of hate, and anger. The internet has made it possible to hold meetings in artificial settings. They hold meetings and sponsor anger.”

The President’s remarks came amid growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship, scheduled for 1 – 15 August 2024.

Thursday’s meeting was part of last-ditch efforts by the Federal Government to engage critical stakeholders to avert what it described as a brewing crisis.

Tinubu also affirmed that his administration is not dancing to the tune of any interest group in his ongoing economic reforms. He said his electoral campaigns were self-sponsored, without strings, or indebtedness to any individual or institution.

“I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune,” Tinubu stated, adding that his victory at the polls was purely by divine intervention, careful planning, and diligence in winning support from Nigerians.

“At some point, the odds were against me; banks were locked. But Allah, the Almighty God, said I will be the

President. Mine is now to follow the leading and teaching of the Almighty God. One of the most potent elements of defence is a good conscience. It is also a defence against corruption. What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of our children. We have a lot to teach them on what it takes to be a good citizen and what it takes to be a responsible citizen,’’ the President stated.

Tinubu warned that protests fuelled by anger and hate could degenerate into violence and set the country back.

“We are reworking the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, which is the closest to our people. We are going to ensure that we re-establish connection with the wards again so that we can give allowances to the poor and the vulnerable. The student loans will pay for school fees. There will be monetary support for the education of our children.

The consumer credit will support citizens to buy cars and houses, and they can repay gradually. We have increased the minimum wage by more than 100 per cent,’’ the President said.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Sheikh Bala Lau, assured the President of support with prayers and more sensitisation.

“Peace is paramount for us in the country. The first thing Abraham asked God for was peace and guidance,’’ Lau noted.

Iwuanyanwu an iroko that has fallen in Igbo land, Kalu, Orji, others mourn

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Abians, including Senators, and House of Representatives members, have lamented the death of the President General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

The Abians include Senators Orji Kalu, Enyi Abaribe, Theodore Ahamefule Orji and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ben Kalu.

The Senator representing Abia North at the National Assembly, Kalu expressed sadness over Iwuanyanwu’s demise.

Extolling the virtues of the late elder statesman, Kalu, in a statement, acknowledged the remarkable contributions of the late prominent businessman and politician known for his significant contributions to various sectors, particularly in the social, economic, and political development of Nigeria, stressing that the late philanthropist “lived a purposeful life dedicated to the service of humanity”.

”I mourn the demise of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. The late eminent businessman and politician was a patriotic elder statesman and selfless leader, who was passionate about the growth and progress of Nigeria and will be remembered for his good deeds and worthy legacies. He was indeed a man of honour. His demise is a big loss to Nigeria and Ohanaeze in particular.”

Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe in a terse statement through his Media Adviser Uchenna Awom in Abuja on Thursday described Iwuanyanwu as the best among equals,  stating, “The death of Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as a huge loss of a consummate Nigerian patriot who was also the best among equals in Igbo land.”

He added that he was saddened by the death of Iwuanyanwu, particularly at this time when he, alongside other patriots, had kick-started a crucial process that would enthrone a lasting peace and harmonious relationship in Nigeria, especially in Igbo land.

“He was a patriot, a consummate lover of our people and a focused progressive who was at the forefront of infrastructural revolution in the Old Imo State and the overall development of our dear country Nigeria. Chief Iwuanyanwu was an all-rounder, who never glossed over responsibilities that would be beneficial to all irrespective of tribe or religion. Thank you for all you did for our people. We will miss your wise counselling and your focused leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo”, Abaribe said.

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Abuja, Kalu described the late Ohanaeze chieftain as an iroko that has fallen in Igbo land. He expressed shock and sadness over the death of Iwuanyanwu.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu noted that Chief Iwuanyanwu contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

While recalling that Iwuanyanwu, through his many business establishments provided employment for many Nigerians, Kalu also recognised the patriotic and philanthropic gestures of Chief Iwuanyanwu which he exemplified through the Iwuanyanwu National Ambulance that catered for accident victims all over Nigeria amongst others.

The deputy speaker also recalled Chief Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to the successful unveiling of the Peace In South East Project in Bende Local Government of Abia State in December 2023, saying that his commitment to the peace and unity of Nigeria was unparalleled.

He said, “It’s sad news for the people of the southeastern region because Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu remained one of the brightest stars from the region, who actually proved himself in business, political leadership and community leadership. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a great champion, who also designed a platform for the voice of Nigerians, especially the Igbos, to be heard using this champion newspaper.

“He was a man of many parts. A man with so many responsibilities which he discharged very well, and I was close to him in the later part of his life. He paid me a visit just a couple of months ago to congratulate me as the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

“One of his requests was for me to work hard alongside the members of the parliament to ensure that their age-old dream of having a development agency known as Southeast Development Commission be a thing that will materialize in his lifetime.

“You’ll be shocked to hear that once the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria assented to that bill, he was the first that I called to share the news with. But he was in a coma. It was his wife that answered and told me that the chief was in a coma. And a day after the assent to his long desire, he passed on. That is to show that he truly, truly loved the Igbo race. We will celebrate him.”

He added that Iwuanyanwu would be greatly missed for his entrepreneurial investments among other things.

“Nigeria is going to miss an entrepreneur who was not afraid to invest in Nigeria while people are carrying their funds and depositing them in foreign accounts, Chief Iwuanyanwu was busy investing in Nigeria and creating jobs to reduce the unemployment queue. That is what we are going to miss. We are going to miss an institution of our history, a man who will tell you the history of Nigeria, especially our southeastern experience from beginning to end.

“We have lost that value that he used to bring when we gather to teach the younger ones where we are coming from and where we need to get. So, those are many more, his philanthropic gestures to Nigerians are going to be missed because he was a selfless man who shared all that he had. So that is what Nigeria is going to miss with his person”, he added.

The immediate past senator representing Abia Central and former governor of the state, Chief Theodore Orji also expressed sadness.

In a statement he signed on Thursday and which was released by his Liaison Officer, Ifeanyi Umere, Orji recognised the contributions made by Chief Iwuanyanwu both in politics, business and humanitarian efforts, and prayed God to give his soul a repose.

Acknowledging the remarkable contributions of the late prominent businessman and politician known for his significant contributions to various sectors, particularly in the social, economic, and political development of Nigeria, Orji said he is heartbroken, saying, “I feel for the family, the state, Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.”

Chief Iwuanyanwu’s demise was announced by his family early Thursday morning. He died at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

Eight children escape death as container falls on 2 cars in Kogi

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At least eight school children escaped death after a 40-feet container fell on two vehicles in Kogi State on Thursday.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, Mr. Samuel Oyedeji, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday in Lokoja.
Oyedeji said that the incident happened at Lokongoma market in the Lokoja metropolis at about 6.00 p.m.
The two smashed vehicles were a Toyota Corolla car with registration number Kogi LMA 190 AA with no occupant, and a Nissan car with registration number Abuja RSH – 241FH with eight school children.
He said that the accident occurred when the fully loaded container which was not properly latched on the trailer fell off and landed on the two parked cars along the road.
Oyedeji said: “The truck lost brake when it couldn’t climb the Lokongoma small hill and began to roll backward.
“As it rolled back, it hit one of the parked cars which made the container which wasn’t properly latched fall on the two vehicles and trapped the eight children inside one of the vehicles.
“Thank God we were able to mobilise the rescue team with the help of the people who rescued the eight children – four males and four females.
“We have rushed the eight children to Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja for proper medical check-up.
He said the children’s parents had gone to buy something for them in a shop when the incident happened.
“We have been campaigning that a container must be properly latched on your trailer at any point in time yet the truck drivers don’t comply.
“We are going to prosecute the driver of this trailer to serve as a deterrent to other drivers.
“Though the driver of this trailer ran away, we go after him and get him arrested and prosecuted,” the FRSC commander added.
The post Eight children escape death as container falls on 2 cars in Kogi appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Gombe gov donates N3.6m to windstorm victims

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Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has donated the sum of N3.6 million to no fewer than 36 victims of windstorm devastation in Garin Abdullahi of Yalmatu-Deba Local Government Area of the state.

Our correspondent reports that the State Emergency Management Agency made the presentation of cash donations to the victims of the windstorm at its state headquarters in the Gombe metropolis on Thursday.

The Executive Secretary of the Agency, Abdullahi Haruna, said the agency upon receiving the report of the windstorm, intimated the governor, who wasted no time in approving the donation.

He said, “When the sad incident occurred, we visited the Garin Abdullahi Community, empathised with them over the unfortunate incident, made our assessment of houses affected by the storm and reported back to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.

“He passionately, out of his show of love and concern for the plight of the people, approved the sum of N3.6 million to the victims; hence, presentation today.”

The SEMA Boss said the administration of Yahaya may not be able to pay for all the losses, explaining that the gesture is to bring succour to the affected families and pray to God to prevent the occurrence of such a disaster.

Responding, a member representing Yamaltu-East in the state House of Assembly, Adamu Saleh, commended the governor for his style of leadership, which seldom revolves around the welfare and well-being of the people.

One of the beneficiaries, Adamu Saleh, expressed gratitude to the governor for his unrelenting efforts towards putting smiles on the faces of the people, describing him as a true reflection of a compassionate leader.

He explained that the fund would accelerate their rebuilding process after the windstorm battered their community.

Ways and means era ends, immediate relief for 600,000 households

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The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, says the Federal Government has exited from the Ways and Means borrowing mechanism.

The minister made this known on Thursday in Abuja during the half-year review Ministerial Press Briefing with the theme: Economic Recovery and Growth: Progress and Prospects 2024.

Edun also said the government is on its way to achieving a step-change in its revenues and has made significant strides in its economic reforms closely in line with the 2024 budget.

In a statement on Thursday signed by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, Edun cited a projected budget deficit of 4% in the 2024 Fiscal Year.

He also acknowledged the temporary hardships caused by the reforms but assured that Nigerians would soon benefit from the expected outcomes as the well-coordinated economic policies of the government are beginning to yield results.

Edun claimed that there is a decline in the rate of growth of inflation, increasing foreign investments relative to the same period in the previous year, amongst other positive fiscal yardsticks that are being noted.

The statement read, “The minister informed that one of the major priorities of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration in the immediate term is to reduce food prices and focus on providing all the necessary support to increase local food production, given the impact of high food prices on inflation. He noted that efforts are underway to achieve this goal.

“Edun emphasised the President’s commitment to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians and the Government’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in its social protection initiatives, including but not limited to the acceleration of the direct benefit transfer programme that has now been restarted following an initial pause of the programme to improve transparency in its delivery.

“The minister mentioned that, following the resumption of payments, over 600,000 households have already received this direct transfer this week.

“As part of efforts to further improve foreign exchange liquidity and to showcase the resilience of the Nigerian financial system as economic stability takes root, the Minister also announced plans for the Federal Government to issue domestic USD-denominated securities of up to US$500 million, in the first instance to attract investment from Diaspora Nigerians and Nigerians with savings held abroad.”

Edun also acknowledged the Supreme Court’s judgment on direct payment of federation allocations to Local Government Councils and reiterated the Government’s commitment to implementing the judgement.

The minister affirmed that with the outcome of the first half of 2024 and macroeconomic stability, the Nigerian economy is well positioned for sustained and inclusive growth that creates jobs, lifts millions out of poverty, and drives domestic and foreign investments that would improve the general well-being of the average Nigerian.

Nigeria’s economy’ll be revived soon, Tinubu assures citizens 

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President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s economy is on a gradual but steady path of recovery despite the heavy headwinds.

He also assured citizens that his administration will do more in the coming days to meet their needs.

Tinubu gave these assurances when he met with traditional rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement he signed Thursday night titled, ‘President Tinubu: Nigeria’s economy on the path of recovery – We will do more to meet the needs of citizens.’

His remarks follow growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship, scheduled for August 1 – 15, 2024.

Thursday’s meeting was part of last-ditch efforts by the Federal Government to engage critical stakeholders to avert what it describes as a brewing crisis.

Tinubu said he will continue to explain the economic reforms and projected benefits to the nation, adding that he remains open to dialogue for the development of the country.

Therefore, he urged the royal fathers to reach out to citizens on the genuine intentions of the government to deliver on its promises of Renewed Hope.

“Now, we are sending money to the local governments. I addressed the governors today on that issue.

“I have been distributing fertilizer, rice, and other items to support the recovery of citizens. I assure you, Nigerians, we are looking at the light at the end of the tunnel.

“I can assure you, this economy will be revived, will survive, and prosper,’’ the President emphasised.

Tinubu explained that he is deeply concerned about the plight of citizens, and their needs will receive more attention.

“Yes, it is true that I asked for this job, and I approached some of you to support me. So, I have no excuse not to do the job with sincerity of purpose and honesty. I have committed myself to it diligently, and I will never look back.

“I have accepted the assets and the liabilities of my predecessor. How I will take Nigeria forward should be my concern, and that is my concern. I have been extremely busy. The only exercise I have had here is the walk from the residence to this place and then continue with the work.

“Nigeria is hilly, and it is the largest democracy in Africa. No other democracy comes close to us in terms of population on the continent. We cannot blame God for giving us these children, and we have to seek peace and better livelihoods,’’ Tinubu said.

Tinubu stated that the interventions to bring the government nearer to the people are already yielding results, with the activation of the student loan programme, the consumer credit scheme, and the affirmation of fiscal autonomy for local government councils.

He said the Ministry of Finance will continue to ensure that funds go to the grassroots for human and infrastructural development.

Tinubu explained, “Today, the Bank of Agriculture is empty. We have to reactivate it. If they are not talking about flooding, they are talking about banditry. We have to start all over again. Yes, infrastructural decay is there.

“The Lagos-Calabar coastal road is not being done without studies. It is an economic energiser. From it, we can create infrastructure along the route to develop wind energy and generate power, and we can expand our irrigation network.

“The economic viability of infrastructure has to be studied before we embark on projects.  How many dams are there on the corridors of Sokoto- Badagry? From there, we can energise electricity. We can do irrigation and additional farms.”

According to him, the government can create opportunities for farmers on a small scale even with two million hectares of arable land.

He added, “Then you have to find capital for them.”

Tinubu cited an earlier briefing by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, saying, “Nigeria is on the path of recovery. You have heard it from the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun. We are not afraid of protests. Our concern is the ordinary people and the damages that will be done.

“Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation.

“That is the problem. That is why I must say thank you for talking to the citizens,” the President told the traditional rulers.

The President also said security was getting more attention and would be enhanced.

“Security is getting better, but we cannot take our eyes off the camera because it takes one accident for things to flare up. We are managing it.

“We have created instruments to support the students so that they get education, and consumer credit to expand the economy, to improve the purchasing power of the people in order to rejuvenate the economy within a short period.

“We are still recalibrating our oil usage,” the President stated.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto said: “I believe that this brief meeting will clear some issues that many people have in their minds.

“At our meeting on Monday, we had a very open discussion on all issues affecting the nation.

“We are the ones who will tell you the truth about what is happening in our various communities.”

The royal father said an executive council meeting was held on Monday, and the Council, composed of all State Chairmen of the 36 States and the FCT, met to deliberate on the economy.

The Ooni of Ife thanked the President for inviting the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating of Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the GCEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, to brief the traditional rulers on the state of the economy.

“We heard from the GCEO of NNPCL. They are the ones that propel our economy. We have heard from the Minister of Finance.

“We also heard from the Minister of Budget and the NSA. We want to encourage you, Mr. President, we will all get back to our various communities and let our people know because none of us locks our palaces,’’ the monarch added.

Buhari reacts to death of Ohanaeze’s President General Iwuanyanwu

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The immediate past president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed sadness over the death of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
TVN earlier reported that the elder statesman died on Thursday in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, after a brief illness.
Reacting, Buhari, in a statement on Thursday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, extended his condolences to the family, friends and associates of the deceased.
The former president described Iwuanyanwu’s death as a sad event for the nation, highlighting his contributions to journalism, sports, politics and nation-building.
The statement added: “He was a visionary who revolutionised the nation’s media and sports. He made notable strides in the media industry, construction, sports, business, and politics.
“I had several opportunities to interact with him to learn about his passionate commitment to the unity, peaceful coexistence, and development of Nigeria.
“His rich contributions have left indelible memories in the media, sports, politics, and business, where he made extraordinary achievements.”
Buhari reacts to death of Ohanaeze’s President General Iwuanyanwu

NWDC establishment: N’West govs applaud Tinubu

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The North West Governors Forum has applauded President Bola Tinubu for signing the North West Development Commission Bill into law.

The Chairman of the Forum and Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, on behalf of the group, said the historic decision represents a significant step toward addressing the developmental challenges faced by the North West region.

He expressed confidence that the development will also address infrastructural decay, security issues, and socio-economic instability that have long plagued the North West.

This is contained in a press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed and issued to newsmen on Thursday evening in Katsina,

The statement highlighted the Commission’s mandate to include the reconstruction of roads, houses, and business premises, promoting industrialization, and tackling ecological and environmental challenges.

It read, “Governor Radda assured that the North West Governors Forum is fully committed to collaborating with the NWDC to achieve sustainable development in the region.

“Governor Radda revealed that various developmental initiatives have already been launched, gaining substantial traction in areas such as security, agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The institutional framework provided by the NWDC will enhance these efforts, ensuring coordinated and sustainable progress.

“The Governors of the North West region are united in their resolve to support the NWDC’s mission. We are prepared to mobilise all necessary resources and collaborative efforts to implement strategic projects that will transform the region into a hub of economic prosperity and social stability.

“Our Key focus areas include promoting peace and security, ensuring food security, restoring infrastructure, fostering youth employment, and improving access to quality education and healthcare.”

The statement added that the North West Governors expressed their commitment to working closely with the NWDC management.

“Governor Radda reiterated the North West Governors’ commitment to working closely with the NWDC, leveraging its resources and expertise to improve the living standards of residents in the region. He called on all stakeholders, development partners, and citizens to join hands with the Commission in this transformative journey.

“In conclusion, the Chairman, North West Governors Forum extended heartfelt thanks to President Tinubu for his decisive action and urged continued support and collaboration from all Nigerians to ensure the successful implementation of the NWDC’s mandate. The establishment of the NWDC is a promising development for the North West, heralding a brighter future marked by stability and prosperity,” it added.