馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Anioma State creation committee asserts readiness for statehood, citing infrastructure and economic capacity
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Tonnie Oganah, Media and Publicity Director of the Anioma State Creation Technical Committee, stated that Anioma possesses sufficient infrastructure and economic capacity to function effectively as a state. He cited Asaba鈥檚 airport, courts, schools, administrative institutions, and its contribution to national revenue. The campaign for Anioma State continues in the National Assembly, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio reaffirming legislative backing for the proposal, which designates Asaba as the proposed capital. Akpabio described the push for Anioma State as a long-standing and justified demand rooted in fairness and the need for inclusive development. Senator Ned Nwoko had previously indicated that the Anioma State campaign had gained significant traction, with constitutional amendment processes underway and presidential backing secured, noting that 97 senators had endorsed the proposal. The Ned Nwoko committee argues that state creation would expand opportunities for jobs, contracts, infrastructure development, and political inclusion. Oganah urged political stakeholders to prioritize long-term interests, noting that while over 70 traditional rulers support the initiative, some remain opposed. He added that if approved, a transitional administration would oversee the new state before democratic structures are established. Oganah believes the proposal, championed by Senator Ned Nwoko, is closer to fruition than ever before, despite increasing political complexities due
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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stated that he relies on his wife's prayers for continued support from President Bola Tinubu, highlighting its importance for ministers to fulfill their mandates. Speaking at the inauguration of the Water Supply Network to Bwari Satellite Town, Wike mentioned that his administration has officially commissioned 50 projects and plans to commission 10 more before January. He stressed that presidential backing is crucial for performance, drawing from his experience as a former governor and minister. Wike revealed he asks his wife to pray for the President's continued support for the FCT Administration, acknowledging the support received has enabled positive changes. He added that governance aims to improve citizens' lives, a goal he believes the Tinubu administration is working towards.
Must ReadThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA of Nigeria and its Egyptian counterpart are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding MoU to enhance cooperation in fighting substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This agreement aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training between the two nations. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa retd., announced this during a visit from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja. Marwa emphasized the global nature of the drug problem and the need for international collaboration, citing existing partnerships with various international law enforcement agencies. He noted that drug cartels are seeking alternative routes in Africa due to pressure elsewhere and highlighted NDLEA's success in dismantling drug manufacturing operations, including methamphetamine labs run by Mexican cartels in Nigeria. Ambassador Fouad underscored the importance of stronger bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria, as prominent African countries, to address narcotics trafficking from a continental perspective. The proposed MoU is expected to bolster intelligence gathering, capacity building, and coordinated enforcement actions to curb the illicit drug trade across Africa.
A coroner's court in the United Kingdom has ruled that Beatrice Solomon, a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, died by suicide. Ms. Solomon, who moved to the UK in November 2023 on a skilled worker visa, was found unresponsive in her Stanfield home. Her husband, Damian Butler, discovered her upon returning home from work. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Police investigators ruled out any third-party involvement. During the inquest, Mr. Butler stated that his wife had struggled with her mental health for the past year, attributing it to issues with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He also revealed that Ms. Solomon had made two previous attempts to take her own life. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as oxygen deprivation. Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor concluded that Ms. Solomon died by suicide, noting that she had researched and planned the act. Ms. Solomon, a caregiver, is survived by her husband, a son, and her siblings.