The Nigerian government has been commended for its efforts in attracting diaspora funds for investment and economic advancement, contributing to the overall development of the nation. This commendation was made by Mr. Byron Isi, a frontline community service volunteer and technical adviser to the Senior Special Assistant on Industrial Training and Development, during a sensitization and advocacy program held in Kano.

Speaking at the event, which focused on promoting diaspora investment potentials in Northwestern Nigeria, Isi emphasized the importance of leveraging the technical expertise of diaspora Nigerians. “Technical expertise of diaspora Nigerians should be the target of in-country programs towards attracting world-class technical experts in the migrants’ international labor force to support the nation’s industrial training and development landscape required to drive the industrialization and advancement of the nation,” Isi stated.

Isi expressed satisfaction with the significant strides made by the commission under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa. He praised the commission’s efforts in garnering support from relevant stakeholders to achieve its objectives, aligning with the renewed hopes of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s administration. The summit, which brought together public and private sectors from the six states of the Northwest geopolitical zone, was part of the commission’s sensitization and advocacy policy initiative.

The event featured an interactive session and panel discussions, making the sensitization program highly productive. Participants engaged in meaningful dialogue about the potential for diaspora investment and its impact on Nigeria’s economic growth.

In a statement signed by Uba Abdullahi said the successful summit highlighted the government’s commitment to attracting diaspora funds and expertise to foster national development. The collaborative efforts between various stakeholders are expected to pave the way for future initiatives and partnerships that will further enhance Nigeria’s economic landscape.

The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution announced on Thursday that it has received 31 proposals for the creation of new states across the six geopolitical zones.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read a letter from the committee during plenary, outlining the conditions that must be met before any state creation requests can be approved.

According to the letter, the proposals include five from the North Central, four from the North East, five from the North West, five from the South East, four from the South South, and seven from the South West.

Among the states being considered are Okun, Okura, and Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala and Apa (Benue); FCT State; Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); and Muri (Taraba).

The states also include New Kaduna state and Gujarat states from Kaduna state; Tiga and Ari from Kano, and Kainji from Kebbi state; Etiti and Orashi as the 6th state in the South East, Adada from Enugu, Orlu abd Aba from. The South East.

They also include Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers; Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, and Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun, Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun states

According to the letters, section 8 of the 1999 Constitution as amended outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation.

The letter said “a request to the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if a request supported by at least the third majority of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the Local Government Council in respect of the area, is received by the National Assembly.

Local Government Advocates for the creation of additional local government areas are only reminded that Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, applies to this process.

“Specifically, in accordance with Section 8.3 of the Constitution, the outcome of the votes of the State Houses of Assembly in the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for fulfillment of state demands.

“Proposals shall be resubmitted in strict adherence to the stipulations. Submit three hard copies of the full proposal of the memoranda to the Secretariat of the Committee at Room H331, House of Representatives, White House, National Assembly Complex, and Abuja.

Sub-copies must also be sent electronically to the Committee’s email address at info.hccr.gov.nj.

“The Committee remains committed to supporting the implementing efforts that align with the Constitutional provisions and would only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines.”

The nation

Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Zakari Sarina, has been appointed commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), representing Kano State.

Sarina replaces Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development.

Ata was the commissioner of the PCC representing Kano State from July to October 2024 before he was appointed as minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, announced the appointment of Sarina during today’s plenary session.

Sarina, a grassroots politician, joins the PCC with his wealth of experience and political network that cuts across Kano State and beyond.