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300 CSOs Pass Vote Of Confidence On N’East Devt Commission MD, Alkali

Published

11 months ago

February 6, 2024

…urge public office holders to emulate his giant strides

Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, numbering 300 under the auspices of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, COCSON, Tuesday, unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Managing Director, North East Development Commission, NEDC, Dr. Mohammad Alkali, over his landmark achievements and transparent leadership.

This is just as the coalition called on public office holders across the various agencies of government to emulate the giant strides of the NEDC managing director.

The Coalition made this stance known during a press conference held in Abuja, where they pointed out that the Alkali-led NEDC has been on track and really addressing the socioeconomic issues affecting the North East States, and are all out to support his efforts to change the narrative in the region.

Spokesperson for the coalition, Mr Obiora Bartholomew said: “We, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (COCSON), have gathered here today to address important developments regarding the North East Development Commission (NEDC), specifically the leadership of its Managing Director appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“COCSON, as a coalition committed to the promotion and protection of the interests of the Nigerian people, recognizes and appreciates the significant achievements made by the Managing Director since his appointment.

“We have extensively analyzed his performance, engaging closely with stakeholders involved in the North East Development, and we are pleased to announce the passing of a vote of confidence on the Managing Director.
“We commend the Managing Dr. Mohammad Alkali Director for his tireless efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the people of the North East region. Under his leadership, the NEDC has successfully implemented various development projects aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the region.

“Notable achievements include; Infrastructure Development: The NEDC, under the guidance of the Managing Director, has constructed and rehabilitated critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and bridges. These projects have enhanced accessibility, connectivity, and essential services for the people of the region.

“Empowerment Programmes: The Managing Director’s leadership has resulted in the successful implementation of numerous empowerment programs, including skills acquisition initiatives, microfinance schemes, and vocational training. These programs have provided opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth in the region.

“Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction: The NEDC, under the guidance of the Managing Director, has effectively coordinated humanitarian aid efforts and reconstruction projects in conflict-affected areas in the North East.

This has facilitated the safe return and resettlement of internally displaced persons, rejuvenating communities and fostering social cohesion.

“Stakeholder Engagement: The Managing Director Mohammad Alkali has actively engaged with various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and civil society organizations, to ensure the sustainable development of the North East region. This inclusive approach has facilitated collaboration, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of development projects.

“Based on these achievements and the significant progress made under his leadership, COCSON confidently passes a vote of confidence on the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission. We believe that his exemplary commitment to service, dedication, and results-oriented leadership will continue to drive the development agenda in the North East region.”

“Additionally, we urge other public office holders to emulate the good work demonstrated by the managing President and also ensure that the renewed hope agenda of President bola Ahmed Tinubu is sustained for the benefit of all Nigerians.
We call on all relevant stakeholders to recognize and appreciate the accomplishments made thus far, demonstrating their commitment to the development, stability, and prosperity of the North East region”, they stated.

It is recalled that some of the CSOs include, Society for Community Development and Empowerment (SCODE), Progressive Initiative for Sustainable Development (PRISD), Justice and Equality Advocacy Network (JEAN), Civic Engagement and Governance Institute (CEGI), Grassroots Empowerment Network (GEN), Advocates of Social Change and Responsibility (ASCR), Transparency and Accountability Initiative (TAI).

Others are, Generation for Human Rights and Development (GHURID), Sustainable Development and Advocacy Movement (SDAM), Health and Education Research Alliance (HERA), Urban Renewal and Livelihood Enhancement Organization (URLEO), Initiative for Democratic Governance and Economic Development (IDGE), Youth Empowerment and Leadership Foundation (YELF), Women’s Empowerment and Rights Organization (WERO), and Civil Society Alliance for Good Governance (CSAGG).

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Featured

Dikko And The New Vision Accountability and Development in Sports

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

The Gleamer

Felly Mammah N.

Since the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhaji Shehu Dikko assumed office on the 30th of October, 2024, he has systematically and deliberately been putting in place structures that would result to proper development of sports in Nigeria. Shortly after he was first appointed by President Bola Tinubu as a leading strength of sports, the Director General (DG), Hon. Bukola Olapade was appointed to compliment his efforts.

Many sports analysts believe that the duo of Dikko and Olapade who have been very visible in sports administration will be one of the best combination to take the sports sector to the next level. The DG no doubt, is the head of administration in the Commission, but it should be noted that the financial enablement to manage the affairs of staff and the political might that shops for the finance needed in the running of the sector rest on the Chairman who has the task of liaising with the President directly.

It is also, worthy to note that there is a huge difference between the administration of in the Civil Service as it is controlled by a Permanent Secretary and Directors while the administration of a Commission involves Board Members and experts whose voices and actions are also, game-changing; more so as Commissioners are likely going to take charge of the different zones to proffer solutions for a way forward. The defunct Ministry of Youths and Sports Development which later in 2023 metamorphosed into the Ministry of Sports Development on the assumption of President Bola Tinubu, produced a minister who was not versed in sports administration and as a result, faced mass criticism especially from men of the media.

These men of the pen profession are the torchlight of global sporting activity; they equally keep the history of both sports participation globally as well as the records of athletes’ performances. Their torchlight on past Minister’s and particularly the recent past, have revealed that most of the people who presided over sports administration do not really have any knowledge of the sector before their appointment.

The exit of the immediate past Minister, Sen. John Owan Enoh, refreshingly paved the way for change and this has brought in sports personnels that are expected to place sporting activities in the digital world. Suffice it to also, say that the new management of Sports Commission in parts of her changes is expected to sanitize athletes’ attitude and character for better reflection of children who have seen and communicated with their peers in the Western world.

However, the clarion call for President Tinubu to remove politics in sports may have changed the leadership of sports going by what many sports fans saw in the last outing of both Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, where a country like Nigeria did not measure up to her potentials.

Despite the poor performance of atheletes during the World Olympics Games, the past immediate past Minister deserves to be commended that during his tenure, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Games was reawakened as the participation of our Super Eagles brought back hope and jubilation to sports fans including the President and higher authorities. Yes whopping sum of N12 Billion was released two weeks to the Olympics Games and at a time the country was not financially stable. Despite the presidential financial support, the medals presented to the country were crisis and ignorant of both the atheletes, Nigeria Olympic Committee and the Atheletic Federaton to do the needful.

Therefore, it is heart-warming that the President harkened to the appeal of his fellow sports lovers to handpick a known figure in the sports arena to share his wealth of experience that gave him both a name in Sports and positions as the former Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Chairman League Management Company (LMC), FIFA match Commissioner of significance, 2nd Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and presently, CAF Committee Member, in addition to his new portfolio as Chairman NSC.

My reference point here is that Alh. Dikko has been given the authority to effect positive change in sports sector, co-ordinate over 40 Sports Federations in the sector, welcome ideas of both sports stakeholders, individuals and veterans of sports that will enable him x-ray the reasons for poor performances in the sector and to chat a way forward for success story. There can never be a new testament without an old testament, thus the reason Alh. Dikko’s doors have remained opened to receive courtesy calls that included the visits by past administrators and foreigners who want to facilitate with whom the cap fits.

Still, in the mood of celebration to formally welcome Alh. Dikko to office was the peculiar power of sports which gathered momentum and the crowd for happy moments as seen in the recent novelty match organized by his friends, associates and sports veterans at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja recently. That gathering clearly announced not just a man who has made a name for himself at a height in global political decision making in sports circle, but a man who has also, given voice to our country’s leagues and international activities.

Sports is a significant sector that comprises emotion, tension, happiness, sadness even death and hope irrespective of the fact that it has the potential to feed many mouths. The sector cannot be compared to other Ministries with delayed bureaucracies and frustration of abilities. While in the civil service the head will rather submerge a growing talent for fear of power thrown, a coach who discovers a talent takes the credit for showcasing a star athelete discovered. Sports has been proven to generate revenue as well as attract public partnership which are all aimed at enhancing podium performance by the athletes.

Shehu Dikko’s business vision and wide participation in football contributed in making him the right candidate to place the sector in its expected level, increase the GDP of the country’s economy and equally be accountable with administrative roadmap for success.

The novelty match organised for him by his sports fans and League managers had the likes of Samson Siasia, Victor Ikpeba, Mutiu Adepoju, Dominic Iorfa, Ahmed Musa in attendance to share their joy with him as they displayed their talent with their foot.
Others that graced the occasion were Super Sports General Manager, Felix Nwogu, former and present Chairmen of House Committee on Sports, NFF President, NOC members and persons from across the globe. That singular act indicated a clear fact that Dikko can actually gather momentum with persons that can support his ideology to deliver as charged by the presidency.

However, the Chairman’s meekness to open his doors to all does not mean weakness neither does it mean that he has not commenced work officially. His work is more of brain tasking because ideas actually rule the world. I will boldly say that he has resumed work with like minds that will not only be on the same page with him but will as well be on success Guinness Book with him.

Felly Mammah N.
Press Officer (NSC).

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