Metro
HYPPADEC holds stakeholders forum on strategic medium term plan
By Abubakar Hassan
The Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has held a stakeholders forum on strategic medium term plan of the commission, covering five years period (2022-2027).
Addressing the participants, the Governor of Niger State, Alh. Abubakar Sani Bello expressed happiness that the commission had continue to strategically pursue its mandate since its official take off by impacting positively on communities affected by the activities of the Hydro Electric Dams.
The governor indicated Niger State being the host had unrelentingly enjoyed harmonious relationship with the commission.
He observed that the stakeholders forum will help to link the policy of the commission with its planning and required budgets for ease of implementation.
Bello added that he was convinced that the medium term strategy will help set out specific inputs and activities to deliver specific outputs in the medium term.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Alh. Ahmed Mohammed Ketso at the occasion held at Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, called on the management of the commission to put the beneficiaries of their planned projects and programmes in focus, saying people of the HYPPADEC states need to be taken along in all the planning stages in order for the commission to have smooth implementation.
He further stated that it was heart-warming that the Federal government of Nigeria through HYPPADEC was supporting communities proned to perennial disaster on the corridors of the electricity generating dams.
The governor added that the commitment of the commission to expand its support to cover education, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, water resources, entrepreneur and environment was a welcome development which will support HYPPADEC state governments to effectively provide basic necessities of life for their people
He also stated that the event of the day was very significant to the critical stakeholders inthe sense that the commission is one of the newest in the country and was already making the desired impact in the HYPPADEC states.
He urged the participants to make useful contribution towards pursuing the core mandate of the commission and provide succour to the communities affected by the activities of the hydro electricity generating dams.
While commending the Federal government for demonstrating resilience in tackling the plight of the people living on the banks of River Niger, Kaduna and Benue, the Governor also congratulated HYPPADEC for what they have accomplished within a short period of its establishment.
He promised that Niger state government will continue to support all Federal government agencies and commissions in the state to achieve their mandate.
In his goodwill message at the event, member representing Chanchaga federal constituency at the national assembly and gubernatorial candidate of APC, Rt. Hon Umar Mohammed Bago observed that the commission was doing well stressing the need to appreciate the APC led government for making the commission a reality.
He said the state government will streamline some of its policies toward same direction with the HYPPADEC, adding that the state will collaborate with the commission to maximize its potentials, particularly in the area of agriculture.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of HYPPADEC, Alh. Sadiq Yelwa said the commission had achieved a lot in terms of providing support to the benefiting communities adding that it us committed to do more.
He disclosed that the commission will train 10 people from each local government in Health line and will also donate diagnostic centre and equipment to the HYPPADEC states.
He also disclosed that the commission had approved N200 million for the extension of drainages in Kontagora and its environs, adding that the governing council of the commission had also approved the management request to provide shelter for the people of Ketso community in Mokwa local government, ravaged by flooding.
Yelwa also expressed appreciation for the support the commission received from the host state, particularly the Governor and his Deputy, saying all that the commission had accomplished within the period of its existence would not have been possible without the support of the HYPPADEC state governments.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, HYPPADEC governing council, Hon. Barr. Joseph Terfa Ityav disclosed that the mandate of the commission was to formulate policies and programmes that will improve on the livelihood of the people in various HYPPADEC communities.
He disclosed that the occasion was to work on the medium term plan of the commission, saying they cannot produce a document and make it working document without the inputs of other critical stakeholders, hence the reason for the event of the day.
He added that they were enjoying their stay in Minna due to the warmth reception accorded them by Niger State government and appreciated the government for the gesture.
Metro
ENSG Cracks Down on School Bullying, Orders Arrest of Culprits
The Enugu State Government (ENSG) has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of students involved in the bullying and physical assault of a fellow student at the Federal Government College, Enugu.
This is coming after a disturbing video of the incident surfaced on social media, sparking widespread condemnation.
In a statement, Commissioner for Education Prof. Ndubueze Mbah expressed deep concern, labeling the incident as “emotionally distressing” and underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance policy for bullying and abuse in schools.
He confirmed that the state government is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that all those involved, including any school authorities who failed in their duties, face appropriate consequences.
“The safety and welfare of our students are paramount,” Prof. Mbah stated, pointing to the state’s significant investment in education under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration as evidence of its commitment to providing a safe learning environment.
He warned that acts of harassment, intimidation, and violence will be met with strict repercussions.
Meanwhile, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at FGC Enugu sought to clarify the situation, dispelling rumors of cult involvement.
PTA Chairman Dr. Chinedu Mba explained that the disturbance began when a student was found with Indian hemp.
He emphasized that parents should counsel their children on avoiding harmful behaviors and reassured the public of the PTA’s commitment to student safety.
Metro
Group Calls for Suspension, Investigation, Prosecution of FERMA MD Over Alleged Corruption
A group, Coalition for National Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (CNRR), has issued a formal plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the immediate suspension, investigation, and potential prosecution of the Managing Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Their call is coming amid series of damning allegations surrounding corruption, incompetence, and misuse of office.
The group who converged on Thursday morning at the Headquarters of the FERMA at the Wuse 11 in the Federal Capital Territory carried banners and placards with inscriptions calling for the investigation and possible sack of the Managing Director of the Agency, Engr Emeka Agbasi.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the President and Commader in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Three Arms Zone, and read by the National converner of the coalition Alhaji Ali Abacha, they outlined numerous accusations against the FERMA boss.
They accused him of gross mismanagement and criminal activity, which threaten to undermine the government’s anti-corruption drive. Key allegations include the sale of contracts for financial gain, abuse of Direct Labor Agencies for unauthorized projects, and financial irregularities involving the illegal virement and swapping of payments without due process.
According to the letter, the FERMA MD is also accused of laundering money through fronts operating via Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and Zenith Bank, living lavishly in Abuja hotel suites such as Pinnatech Suites Ltd., and sidelining experienced contractors in favor of cronies.
Furthermore, the MD is being accused of ignoring directives from the Ministry of Works, acting independently and awarding contracts unrelated to federal road maintenance.
Abacha stressed the importance of suspending and investigating the official to maintain public trust and uphold the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to take immediate action.
The statement warned that allowing such actions to continue unaddressed would reflect poorly on President Tinubu’s administration, which has made fighting corruption a key priority. CNRR urged the government to act swiftly to prevent further damage to its image and credibility.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Presidency or FERMA regarding these allegations. The Nigerian public and stakeholders in the construction sector are closely watching for developments in what could become a significant test of the government’s resolve in combating corruption.
Metro
Protests Erupt in Abuja Demanding Investigation into Guaranty Trust Bank
A significant protest was held today at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, organized by the Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance in Nigeria, calling for an urgent investigation into serious allegations against Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTB). The bank, under the leadership of Segun Agbaje, is facing accusations of corruption, money laundering, unsolicited account openings, and more.
The Chief Convener of the coalition, Comrade Tijani Usman addressed the crowd, highlighting the pervasive issue of corruption that has plagued Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape since 1960. He emphasized the critical role of the banking sector in economic development and criticized the lack of action from regulatory and law enforcement agencies regarding GTB’s alleged infractions.
“The allegations against GTB are serious and cannot be ignored,” Usman stated. He urged the Nigeria Police Force to prioritize these claims and conduct a thorough investigation to hold accountable those responsible for any wrongdoing.
Participants in the protest voiced their concerns about recent operational failures at GTB, particularly a prolonged outage of the bank’s payment systems, which resulted in substantial losses for customers. The coalition called for the bank’s management to focus on resolving these critical issues instead of engaging in activities that undermine trust.
The protesters also appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to take a proactive stance in investigating the allegations and ensuring accountability within the banking sector.
As the coalition continues its peaceful demonstrations, they remain steadfast in their commitment to advocating for justice for affected customers and investors. This protest reflects a growing demand for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s banking system, as civil society seeks to foster an environment where corruption is actively challenged and addressed.
The response from authorities to this protest may significantly impact the future governance of financial institutions in Nigeria, highlighting the necessity for reform and vigilance in the fight against corruption.
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