News
Enough is enough, says Ohanaeze as kidnappers abduct UNN students, others in Enugu
By Abdulateef Bamgbose
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed outrage over what it called near total breakdown of security along the Enugu-Ugwuogo Nike-Nsukka Road.
The alarm is contained in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday by the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike.
He said it was disheartening that despite the heavy presence of security operatives on the road, including the military and the police, the hoodlums were carrying out their rampaging activities unchallenged.
On Sunday, kidnappers suspected to be Fulani herdsmen had blocked the road abducting many commuters in the process. Some of the victims are said to be returning students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN.
Four days later, the criminals are said to be having a smooth operation. Similar operations have been carried out within the same axis consistently for over a month.
Reacting, Okwu said the development was unacceptable, urging the security agencies to look inwards.
He said, “We are saddened that the all important Enugu-Ugwuogo Nike-Nsukka Road has now become impassable because of the activities of rampaging Fulani herdsmen.
“No day passes by without sad stories from commuters and their loved ones. Just this Sunday, some travellers, including returning students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, were abducted by the gunmen.
“As we speak, not one of them has been released or rescued by security operatives. The kidnappers are demanding millions of naira.
“Today again, Thursday, information reaching us indicates that the armed men are back on the same road, and have succeeded in taking hostage many travellers.
“This calls to question the role of the various security checkpoints mounted on that road, including the Army and the Police. Feelers are alleging that there is internal collaboration between some of them and the hoodlums.
“We are urging the Army and the Police hierarchy to launch a discreet investigation and find out those providing a safe haven for these criminals.
“We have had enough sorrowful incidents on that road; we have had enough assurances from the police but it has not translated into results.”
The Igbo group demanded that “every effort should be made to free all hostages. The perpetrators should also be arrested forthwith and all forms of crimes should be stopped on that road.
“We learnt that they operating from Ekwegbe Agu forest. Security agencies should move in there and smoke them out. This is the only way for the security agencies to redeem their image and earn the trust of the people.”
Business
Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Presents Budget Performance Report to National Assembly
Joel Ajayi
The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has presented its budget performance report to the National Assembly, highlighting the ministry’s achievements, challenges, and future plans.
The report which was presented to the House Committee on Art, Culture and Creative Economy on Wednesday, detailed the ministry’s efforts to promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage, support the growth of the creative industry, and drive economic growth.
The ministry’s initiatives include developing a robust intellectual property policy, investing in infrastructure, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders.
The ministry’s budget performance presentation which highlighted its eight-point plan, initiatives such as Nigeria Destination 2030, skills development, policy frameworks, intellectual property protection, strategic partnerships, growth targets, digital transformation, and cultural heritage preservation was given a thumbs up by the House committee.
During the presentation, the minister, Barr Hannatu Musa Musawa highlighted the challenges faced by the ministry, including limited resources and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, she said that the ministry has made significant progress in promoting Nigerian culture and supporting the creative industry.
Musawa also emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving the growth of the creative industry.
“We cannot do this alone. We need to work together with stakeholders, including industry experts, international partners, and the National Assembly, to drive economic growth and job creation”.
The minister explained that the ministry’s initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on the creative industry, generating revenue, creating jobs, and promoting Nigerian culture globally. She stated that the ministry is also exploring ways to develop infrastructure, including a physical Bollywood-style destination, and creating a streaming platform to showcase Nigerian content.
“The ministry has also secured a grant from the French treasury to support infrastructure development, and is working to leverage international partnerships to drive growth in the creative industry” the minister said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, MFR, mni. highlighted key achievements and budget performance in the sector as well as the ministry’s GDP contribution to the economy, tourism revenue accrued, and project implementation.
The Chairman, House Committee on Art, Culture and Creative Economy Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zok commended the ministry’s initiatives and expressed the Committee’s commitment to support the growth of the creative industry.
“We are here to access your budget performance and ensure effective utilization of funds appropriated. We expect to have a closer working relationship with the ministry”.
The interaction with the House Committee members provided insights into the Ministry’s efforts to drive economic growth and development through strategic initiatives and project implementation.
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