The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) Bauchi State Chapter has condemned allegations linking Senator Shehu Buba Umar to banditry, an accusation attributed to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. The youth group labeled the claims as part of a politically motivated attempt to tarnish the senator’s image and expressed concern over the governor’s diminishing political relevance.

According to the group’s press statement,signed by Comrade Muhammad Hussain, the group’s chairman in Bauchi said
they believe Governor Mohammed has long waged a “political war” against Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South, in a series of actions aimed at damaging his career. The group cited instances where the governor allegedly sought to undermine the senator’s influence, including during a recent local government election campaign in Bauchi.

The youth assembly also referenced a previous confrontation between the two politicians over palliatives distributed by the state government. In addition, they highlighted the governor’s role in influencing the withdrawal of the senator’s traditional title, Mujaddadin Bauchi, conferred by the Bauchi Emirate Council.

According to comrade Hussain said the group emphasized Senator Buba’s contributions to various sectors, including education and healthcare, and his growing popularity across Bauchi State.

Comrade Muhammad also accused the governor of being threatened by the senator’s increasing political influence and accused the state government of corruption and mismanagement of public resources.

The Northern Youth Assembly also raised concerns about the recent online allegations of Sen. Shehu Buba’s involvement with bandits in Zamfara state. The group urged security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), to handle the allegations with care, dismissing them as baseless. They pointed to Senator Buba’s role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, arguing that his work with security agencies contradicts any involvement with criminal elements.

The youth group further called on anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, to investigate financial irregularities in the Bauchi State government, specifically regarding contract awards and alleged misappropriations in the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

The NNPC Ltd/ Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) partnership has conducted a medical outreach, providing free eye health services to individuals with visual impairments in Ohaji/Egbema community of Imo State.

Through its “Eye Can See” programme, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the JV dispensed more than 10,000 reading glasses and successfully performed 639 eye surgeries, including cataract removals, for host community members who otherwise had limited access to such vital medical services.

The “Eye Can See” programme, which commenced in 2017, has been a beacon of hope in the eastern asset of the NNPC Upstream Investments, positively impacting over 20,000 people to date.

In his remarks during the event, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti, represented by Dr. Obinna Otuu, Manager, JV Asset B emphasized the significance of the initiative to NNPC Ltd’s corporate mission of enriching the lives of Nigerians.

Elaborating further on the broader vision behind the programme, Wunti stated that the NNPC Ltd. takes pride in being more than just an energy provider. “We are a partner in progress, dedicated to making sustainable contributions to the communities that support us,” he added.

According to him, the “Eye Can See” initiative reflects “our belief that corporate structures can and should play a vital role in societal development.”

He noted that the programme goes beyond immediate medical care by educating individuals on lifestyle choices to prevent conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

Expressing his appreciation for the support of the local government, beneficiaries, and NNPC Ltd’s partners, Wunti observed that together with Seplat, the National Oil Company is paving the way for a brighter future where access to essential health services is possible for all.

“This project is not just about restoring vision; it is about giving people hope and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. This year’s outreach in Ohaji/Egbema is a testament to the ongoing commitment of NNPC Ltd. and Seplat to improve the quality of life in their host communities,” he affirmed.

The “Eye Can See” initiative has had a profound impact on the communities it serves. By providing free eye screenings, surgeries, reading glasses, and health education, the programme has transformed lives and restored hope to many who had been suffering from visual impairments.

NNPC/Seplat JV remains dedicated to contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development through initiatives like the “Eye Can See” programme. The partnership is committed to expanding the reach of its CSR programmes, ensuring that even more people across Nigeria can benefit from the life-changing services.

The One Voice Development Initiative, a civil-based organization, has formally called on President Bola Tinubu to extend the tenure of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) management, led by Comptroller General B.A. Adewale, citing continuity and stability in customs operations as vital to Nigeria’s economic growth.

In a press conference held in Kaduna, the group emphasized that its request is non-political, grounded in the NCS’s recent achievements in revenue generation, border security, and food security, which align with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. “Our call for the extension is pure, clear, and away from any political influence,” said Amb. Abbas Yakasai, National President of the One Voice Development Initiative.

Yakasai outlined several key policies under Adewale’s leadership, including improvements in economic growth, effective border control, and the establishment of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline import and export processes. “NCS has achieved significant improvements,” he stated, pointing to initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria into Africa’s most efficient trading nation.

The group further lauded the NCS for addressing food security challenges by mitigating smuggling and ensuring food availability through direct disposal of food items.

Abbas Yakasai said these measures have cushioned the effects of food scarcity on ordinary consumers, in line with Tinubu’s fiscal policy goals.

Revenue collection under Adewale’s leadership has seen a 74% increase, with NCS reporting N4.49 trillion in revenue between June 2023 and May 2024, compared to N2.58 trillion in the previous year. “The Nigeria Customs Service has declared a state of emergency in revenue generation,” Yakasai said, crediting the leadership for the unprecedented growth.

The organization praised NCS for aligning with global best practices as recommended by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), with an advanced stage of implementation in Nigeria.

According to Abbas  Yakasai the importance of continuity in maintaining Nigeria’s economic momentum and urged President Tinubu to consider extending the tenure of the current NCS management.

“Continuity and stability are key,” Yakasai said, adding that the loss of experienced customs officers through the retirement system could hinder the progress achieved under Adewale’s leadership.

The One Voice Development Initiative concluded its appeal by reaffirming its support for Tinubu’s administration and its belief that the NCS leadership should remain in place to complete its initiatives and ensure a seamless transition.