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Gov. Ugwuanyi calls for commencement of mining operations in Enugu
…Laments “Ghost investors”
BY: Ikenna Oluka
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has appealed to the federal government to take effective measures to ensure the commencement of mining operations at the authorized locations in the state for proper harnessing of the inherent benefits of the mineral resources.
Gov. Ugwuanyi who made the appeal when he hosted the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari, at the Government House, Enugu, on courtesy call, stated that “the existing coal mines in Enugu State have long been abandoned”.
He lamented those he described as “Ghost investors”, whose companies, mining leases/ licenses were awarded to by the federal government for years for the exploitation of the minerals in the state but have shown little or no interest.
“We are compelled to describe them as Ghost investors because they have hardly been seen anywhere near the supposed mining areas”, the governor said.
He pointed out that “as a consequence of the inactivity of these companies, all tiers of government in the state have been losing excessive amount of revenue through the non payment of royalties, VAT, tenement rates, land use charges, PAYEE etc”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed optimism that “the Honorable Minister of State is in a position to appreciate our concerns and expectations regarding these issues” and “will use your good office to address the said issues promptly and satisfactorily for the benefit of the nation”.
Earlier in his speech, Hon. Bwari congratulated Gov. Ugwuanyi on his reelection and eulogized his leadership qualities as “a gentleman par excellence whom we worked together very well and closely in the National Assembly”, saying that he was not surprised by the overwhelming love and support the people of Enugu State have extended to him.
The Minister, who informed the governor that he was in Enugu for 53rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), reminded him that “Enugu story cannot be completed without mentioning of mining”, stressing: “Mining is Enugu and Enugu is mining”.
While expressing delight with collaborations between states and federal government in the industry, the Minister disclosed that “we are encouraging states to set up special purpose vehicles”, where “they can form their own company, acquire licenses, go into mining, either on their own or partnership with other agencies”.
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FG Pledges Enhanced Security for Southeast Region
… Adequate security is vital for business prosperity – Badaru
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has assured the people of the South-East of enhanced security measures, emphasizing that a secure environment is crucial for business growth and prosperity.
During his operational visit to Enugu in the South-East, the Minister addressed officers and personnel of the 82 Division/Joint task force south East Operation Udo ka under the General officer commanding, Major-General H.T Dada .He appreciated their performance while urging them to intensify their efforts in combating insecurity in the region. He also engaged with key stakeholders, including heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, students, and other community leaders, to discuss collaborative strategies for addressing the current security challenges. Other military platforms visited by the Minister included the Nigerian Airforce base Emene, Enugu.
“President Tinubu has directed me to engage with you all to find sustainable solutions to insecurity. Without security, there can be no peace or development,” Badaru stated. He acknowledged the entrepreneurial spirit of the South-East populace, asserting that security and peace are essential for businesses to thrive. “We seek your candid suggestions and information on how we can practically enhance security and foster lasting peace in this region,” he added.
The Minister reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating all forms of insecurity in the South-East . He elucidated on the progress made by the Tinubu administration over the past year in combating insecurity across the nation, particularly in these region.
“There is a renewed determination to intensify our efforts against all forms of insecurity under President Tinubu’s leadership,” he declared.
In his remarks, Major General Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division/ JointTask south East Operation Udo ka, announced that the Army is implementing robust strategies to ensure a safe and secure environment for the upcoming festive season. “Through the Joint Security Task Force in the South-East, code-named ‘Operation UDO KA’, we aim to create a secure atmosphere that facilitates the usual mass return for Christmas,” he stated.
Additionally, retired Major General John Nwoga emphasized the role of social media in exacerbating insecurity, noting that the circulation of old videos depicting criminal activities contributes to fear and panic within communities. “It is imperative for our people to collectively address the negative impact of misleading information and fake news proliferated through social media,” Nwoga urged.
Furthermore, the Minister visited Imo State in continuation of his operational tour of southEast on Friday 22nd November 2024. He addressed the troops at the FOB okigwe, 211 Quick Response Group, Nigerian Airforce owerri and Naval Base Oguta in Imo State. He expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR message to them and that they should improve on their successes.
The Honourable Minister also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Hope Uzodimma of imo state to extend his gratitude to the Governor for all his support to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army/ Joint Task force south East, Operation udo ka. “All the officers and men appreciates you.”
The Ministry of Defence remains committed to fostering a secure and peaceful environment conducive to business and community development in the South-East. We are determined to end insecurity in Nigeria.
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Rented Crowed, APC AKIDA Leader with Zamfara State Govt. Buses Embark on Campaign of Calumny at DSS Office
Godiya Hamza, a Media Analyst, writes from Abuja
The orchestrated campaign of calumny against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle MON by a group of street orchins recruited by the leader of APC AKIDA Tijjani Ramallan is very preposterous and indecent.
This is politics too far, Ramadan has been attacking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR right from campaign days. He never supported or participated in APC activities, he has been jealous of Matawalle loyalty to our President.
Tijjani Ramallan has been sponsoring Banditry and romancing with criminals.
The leader of the APC AKIDA Tijjani Ramallan is being sponsored by the state government to attack the person of Dr Matawalle. It is expected that by now the DSS should have arrested him . He has found himself as a willing tool to be manipulated by Governor Dauda Lawal in attacking Dr Matawalle.
The earlier smear campaign embarked by zamfara state government which was stopped by a court order has forced them to shift to the use of APC AKIDA to carry out their mischief.
What zamfara people need is good governance and not wasting the state resources in trying to pull Matawalle down.
Pull him down syndrome pays no body.
Spotlight
World’s First Surviving Nonuplets Visits Italy To Appear On A TV Show
In December 2022, aged one and a half years old, the world’s first surviving nonuplets went on their first plane flight.
They travelled from Morocco, where they were born and lived for 19 months, to their parents’ home country of Mali.
And now, two months shy of their third birthday, the nonuplets have made their first trip to Europe, visiting Italy to appear on our televised talent show Lo Show dei Record!
We bet it feels so beautiful to see them all grow and wish them the very best 🥳
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