馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Presidency addresses North West development claims, highlights infrastructure investments
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
The Presidency has countered claims that President Bola Tinubu is neglecting the North West, citing significant investments in infrastructure, health, and transportation. This rebuttal was made during a media briefing by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors RHA in Abuja, ahead of a nationwide project showcase tour starting in Kaduna. Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties and RHA鈥檚 Director of Media and Publicity, stated that the tour aims to demonstrate the administration's commitment to the region. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized the need to publicize these achievements to address an information gap. Mr. Finbarr Zirra, Director of Rail Transport Service at the Federal Ministry of Transportation, provided a technical presentation on railway projects, noting the North West's role as a central point in a national rail integration program. He highlighted the 60% completion of the $2 billion standard gauge rail project linking Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic, and the advanced completion of the Kaduna-Kano segment of the Lagos-Kano corridor. Zirra also mentioned a branch line from Kano to Dutse under construction and the strategic importance of Kano as a future multi-modal rail hub. The RHA, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, recently launched a website to serve as a verified information hub for the administration's achievements and reforms.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, stated that Democracy Day marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's democratic evolution, serving as a unifying reference for the country's political development. He noted that June 12 symbolizes electoral freedom and the pursuit of credible democratic governance, reflecting Nigeria's aspiration for fair elections and accountable leadership. Otuaro paid tribute to Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and others involved in the June 12 struggle, acknowledging their role in the return to democratic rule in 1999. He commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and expand civic participation, citing development outcomes in the Niger Delta as evidence of democracy's benefits under the current administration. Otuaro linked improvements in the PAP to increased government backing, which has strengthened scholarships, skills acquisition, and empowerment initiatives, with over 8,235 students currently benefiting from scholarship schemes. He also referenced federal projects and institutions like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the South-South Development Commission, the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, and the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, as indicators of government attention to the region's development needs. Otuaro urged citizens to support security agencies in addressing insecurity and called on youths and former agitators in the Niger Del
Must ReadA US deportation flight carrying nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Georgia was en route to the Central African Republic CAR on Friday, according to lawyers. This practice of "third-country" deportations, including individuals with legal protections, has become a feature of US President Donald Trump's immigration policies. The US State Department advises against travel to the CAR due to violence. Lawyers expressed concern that deportees, including Iranian women with "withholding of removal" status, might ultimately be forced to return to the countries they fled. The flight departed from Alexandria, Louisiana, and made a scheduled stopover in Ghana, a known hub for such deportations. It was unclear if all passengers would continue to the CAR. The Trump administration argues it is only barred from sending individuals with "withholding of removal" to their country of origin, allowing them to be sent elsewhere. Critics state these individuals are abandoned in a country where they lack status, connections, and support. While the CAR's security has improved with UN, Rwandan, and Russian support, anti-government fighters and armed groups remain active. A lawsuit was recently filed with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to halt US deportations to Equatorial Guinea, another African hub, and prevent onward expulsion to home countries.
Must ReadThe Borno State Government has reintegrated 720 repentant insurgents into society after they completed a deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration program. This group, described as low-risk and minor clients, is part of Batch 9 of the state's initiative. The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Babagana Zulum, Brigadier General Ishaq Abdullahi retd., announced this on Friday at an event in Maiduguri. He stated that the exercise is a milestone in the state's non-kinetic approach to counter-insurgency in the North-East, which began on July 5, 2021. The program has seen large-scale participation from former fighters who voluntarily surrendered. With this latest batch, the total number of reintegrated individuals under the program has reached 9,680, including 992 spouses and over 2,000 other individuals. The reintegration process involves initial profiling and disarmament, followed by structured rehabilitation programs such as Islamic teachings, counselling, hygiene education, drug abuse awareness, and vocational training in skills like metalwork, carpentry, tailoring, and solar installation. The state government also provides starter packs to support their transition into civilian life. Community leaders, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and hunters screened the individuals before recommending them for reintegration. The beneficiaries are from various local government areas including Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Damboa, Mart