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Wike Out To End Fubara, The Battle Has Just Begun!

All the war arsenals are steaming as Wike And his political son, SIM Fubara would lock horns in the grand arena of Rivers State.

You’d recall that 27 PDP House of Assembly Members Defected to APC in Rivers.

So funny how all these are happening not for the interest of the masses but for their own personal gain and sharing formula of the resources of the good people of Rivers state.

Meanwhile, SIM Fubara seems to look like a stubborn bone stuck in the throat of Wike and ready to pull an “Ngige vs Eselu Ubah” in Anambra stunt against Wike

Sim seems to be moving with his people… Alas, they would weep sentiments and start seeing it as Obiakpor vs Ijaws….

“Naso war they take start”…

Some wrote :

I understand that alot of people are bothered because the 27 House of Assembly Members that have decamped to APC might want to instigate a process of impeachment against Governor Sim Fubara, but why are we forgetting that these same guys were never doing the bidding of PDP in the first place?

They were just answering PDP by name. Their, hearts, minds and souls were never in PDP.

First, the State Party Chairman of PDP resigned & accepted an appointment with the APC, then we saw alot of other things following suit.

I understand that yes, Sim, as a first-time Governor, it is going to be very difficult for him, but there are a lot of instruments available to a Governor but it is not a banana republic either, as much as they will try to impeach him, I am aware and I am sure that Sim will not just fold his hands and allow them impeach him

So, the only regret here is that these guys are not ready for governance because all they want to do is to just instigate crisis in the State.

I am very certain that it is not easy to impeach a Governor.

A Governor has so much enormous powers . He can frustrate those House of Assembly Members. Taking Sim down as Governor will not be easy for the House of Assembly Members.

Democracy in Nigeria should be abolished as a matter of serious urgency….. These guys have successfully removed the citizens from the equation…… This can’t be a country or Democracy na…

NIGERIAN POLITICIANS ARE DESTROYING OUR YOUNG GIRLS – Dr Sam Amadi

 

Terrible things happen in Nigeria. We have lost the present and we want to lose the future.

I just left Transcorp Hotel Abuja after my news analysis at Arise News TV. As I stepped to the lobby of the hotel, I saw a bevy of pretty young girls in their early 20s crowded in a corner. There were all skimpily dressed as if there were commercial sex workers. The time was 10.30pm.

One of them rushed to greet me. “Good evening sir”. She was one of my students. I recognized her clearly because she had a slight disability and I paid attention to make sure she followed the coursework. I was shocked. I recognized three of those hotly dressed pretty young girls as fresh graduates of my department.

What are they all coming to do at this kind of Hotel at this hour and dressed in this manner? Of course, I think I know what it is. A Nigerian politician or man of means have arranged them for his pleasure and those of his friends and acquaintances. Everyday, our girls are disoriented by these politicians who have neither shame nor conscience because they have access to power and money.

We pride ourselves that we have a large youth population and that is a huge asset. But the truth is that we have a large hardware. The software is highly corrupted. Why do we intend to organize these adolescents into the life of immorality?

This reminds me of the experience I had as a special adviser to senate president. Once we went to open a new government house built by a Governor in one of the southeast states. The Governor arranged a special reception for us. When we got to the venue of the so-called reception, I was shocked. Tens of very young girls sourced from the nearby university – between 17-22 years- were already dancing with top government officials.

I screamed and accosted the majority leader of the State House of Assembly. He boldly answered “Man Sammy, these adolescents are our counterparts”. Wow. What? I requested to be taken back to the hotel. That was the end of the reception for me. I couldn’t believe that someone will arrange first year students for an entourage that has the Senate President and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education. We are finished.

These politicians have done more harms than you can imagine. They have destroyed the economy. They have destroyed infrastructure. They have also destroyed the morality and the viability of our human capital. How can such young girls who are debased that early rise up to be moral champions of tomorrow? How? Pretty difficult.’

By SAM AMADI, Ph.D

Photo credit: Africa policy journal

BEWARE OF FAKE MONEY, CBN WARNS NIGERIANS .

The Central Bank of Nigeria has warned Nigerians to be wary of counterfeit naira notes in circulation amid reports of currency shortage in the country.

In a statement released on Friday titled ‘Beware of Counterfeit Naira Banknotes in Circulation,’ the apex bank advised Deposit Money Banks, Financial Houses, Bureau de Change, and the public to be vigilant and implement necessary precautions.

The Central Bank assures the public that it is working with law enforcement operatives to apprehend those responsible for circulating counterfeit currency.

The statement, in part, said, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to the circulation of counterfeit banknotes, significantly higher denominations, by some individuals for transactions in food markets and other commercial centers across major cities in the country.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 20(4) of the CBN Act (2007) as amended, states that: “It shall be an offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years for any person to falsify, make or counterfeit any bank note or coin issued by the Bank which is legal tender in Nigeria.”

“The CBN is constantly collaborating with relevant security and financial agencies to confiscate fake Naira banknotes and arrest and prosecute counterfeiters. Members of the public are also encouraged to report anyone suspected of having counterfeit naira notes to the nearest police station or branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Meanwhile, all Deposit Money Banks, Financial Houses and Bureau de Change and the general public are enjoined to be more vigilant and take all necessary precautionary measures to curtail the acceptance and distribution of counterfeit notes,” the statement reads.

Source : Punch Newspaper

Canada increases proof of funds for international students by 100%

The country’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller made this known in a statement on Thursday, December 7, 2023.

In the statement, Miller said from 2024, every applicant will need to show they have $20,635, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs.

The statement reads in part, “This change will apply to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024.”

“Starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be raised so that international students are financially prepared for life in Canada.

“For close to two decades, study permit applicants for international students have remained at $10,000. This review, which takes effect from January 1, ‘will help prevent student vulnerability and exploitation.”

This is coming days after the government of the United Kingdom introduced tougher rules aimed at curbing regular migration.

The new rule is designed to make visa application more difficult for Nigerians and other applicants.

Source : Pulse News

Kaduna Bombing: DHQ’s Claim Terrorists Embedded With Civilians Very ‘Careless’ — Gov Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has faulted the claims of the Defense Headquarters (DHQ), attributing the reason for the air strike in the Tudun Birni community to terrorists embedding themselves with civilians.

The incident, which happened on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of over 120 people and injuries to several others in the Igabi Local Government Area.

But the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, stated on Tuesday that the reason for the air raid was terrorists embedding themselves with the locals in the area.

However, Governor Sani, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, described the statement as “careless,” insisting that such claims need to be verified before taking such decisions.

“What happened in Tundi Buri is something that is unfortunate. But the fact that the chief of staff took responsibility is the reason why the community is calm.

“But to say that the terrorists are in the community is something that needs verification. I think that is a very careless statement when I heard it yesterday.

“If you visit the hospital and see what is happening, you would condemn statements like this.”

Governor Sani’s comments follow a condolence visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday to the affected community, where he stated that a probe would be initiated to forestall any future repetition .

“It is already directed by Mr. President; an investigation is being conducted to prevent a re-occurrence of the incident and we expect a report to be submitted in the shortest possible time,” Shettima said.

He also pledged that the victims of the incident would be supported by the federal government.

Source :  Channels TV

Success Stories Recounted As Good Governance Multipurpose Cooperative Society Holds End-of-the-year Meeting

… we are focused on building group wealth – GGMCS President, Anaenugwu

It was a moment of tale of success stories as members of Good Governance Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, GGMCS, held 2023 end-of-the-year meeting in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during which they were given account of transactions for the year ending, and paid dividends from investments.

GGMCS is a group of like minds committed to reducing poverty through cooperative production.

Sharing testimonies of how GGMCS has positively affected their lives as members, Mr. Anthony Uchedike; a ‘wood worker’ from Imo State, and Mr. Chris Okonkwo; from Nenwe in Enugu State but resident in Awka, and who is into printing, said with 3% interest rate loans for members, GGMCS is worthy of emulation; as it has affected their lives positively.

They called on people who need to change their financial conditions to join the group in order to achieve their dreams.

Contributing, a staff of Federal College of Education, Technical, Umunze, Barrister Dr Augusta Asimonye; from Enugwu-Ukwu in Anambra State, called on more people to join GGMCS because it has a leadership that makes people think investment, and is prudent in management of resources, as well as timely in paying members dividends accruing from investments.

On his part his part, Engr Jude Ezechukwu; from Awgu in Enugu State, said he has enjoyed so much benefits from his investments in the group, urging others to join in order to better their financial conditions.

Earlier in her remark, a resource person and Divisional Cooperative Officer, DCO, in charge of Dunukofia Local Government, Mrs Pauline Uzoigwe, said much still needs to be done by the government to make cooperative societies more attractive and responsive to people’s needs in the state.

While observing that members of GGMCS are doing well as a group in terms of building wealth, and have great ideas for the future, Mrs Uzoigwe noted that character matters in accepting new members, adding that defaulting on loans remains a major challenge cooperative societies usually have, even as she encouraged people to join such groups to get financial assistance.

A founding member of GGMCS, Comrade Obi Emekekwue; from Oba in Anambra State, who recalled that the need for practical self-help motivated few members to come together for economic prosperity of more people, urged government to invest in the group in order to encourage industrialization; thereby affecting more lives positively

Addressing the gathering, the President of Good Governance Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Mr. Ndubuisi Anaenugwu, said GGMCS remains the last bus stop when one thinks or talks about cooperative society, adding that the vision of the group is to be the biggest and most efficiently managed  cooperative society in Anambra State.

He described GGMCS as one focused on assisting members in building group wealth by bringing people together and giving them sense of direction in terms of financial training, and encouraged members to remain on the vision of GGMCS, assuring that their expectations will continue to be met; in line with government mandate.

Speaking further on success stories, Mr. Anaenugwu said many members have benefited from financial assistance, are doing well in their businesses, and have not defaulted in loan payment, thereby living up to the name – Good Governance Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

He noted that governments all over the world support cooperative societies, saying that Anambra State Government can help by giving GGMCS grant or loan at single digit interest to enable the group get land for agriculture and other industrial purposes.

Contributing, the Vice President of GGMCS, and Leader of Good Governance Ministry(GGM) Comrade Chinedu Asuzu, said the group is transforming good governance advocacy into action by helping to empower people through soft loans at 3% interest rate, thereby nurturing businesses and helping people realize economic ideas.

He assured that as they have met established target for the ending year 2023, they will do more in 2024, calling for the support of government, well-meaning groups and individuals in order to sustain investments in agriculture, housing estate and medical outreach programmes.

Free medical services, as well as sale of food and other items at cheaper rates featured at the event to showcase the products of Good Governance Cooperative.

GGM Cooperative Closes Book, Promises To Build A Credible Economic Institution

All is set for the end of the year meeting for GGM Cooperative Society.In a statement signed by the Cooperative President – Ndubuisi Anaenugwu,the statement reads ”Ours is cooperative with a difference ,an ideologically driven cooperative.

GGM Cooperative is set to do the right thing,to set an ethical standard, a model worthy of emulation by all the progressive minded individuals.

GGM Cooperative has started building a viable economic institution that will stand the test of time . Kindly note this lines : Behind any successful institution,there are visionary and revolutionary individuals who are protesting against the status quo and are determined to make a great difference for posterity .

Therefore, GGM Cooperative is in threshold of history and history is in the making !

This is economic institution for the masses and I will encourage all to spread the message. Thank you as we get ready to close the year today ” the statement ended

Breaking : Wheelbarrow Pusher Kills Government Official, Commits Suicide

Picture of a numb hand of a woman showing death or unconsciousness

It was double tragedy in Benin City yesterday as a wheelbarrow pusher killed a revenue collector with Oredo Local Government Council and immediately committed suicide.

The incident occurred on Mission Road in the Edo State capital

It was learnt that the revenue collector kicked the wheelbarrow pusher over his inability to pay the N50 daily levy while the angry wheelbarrow pusher suddenly drew a knife that was strapped to his waist and stabbed the revenue collector in the stomach.

While the victim bled to death from the incident, the wheelbarrow pusher also stabbed him

Policemen from Oba Market Division in Benin were informed, and they later evacuated the bodies to an undisclosed morgue.

My Administration Working With Critical Stakeholders To Address Challenges Facing Abia – Gov. Otti

… says no part of the state shall be ceded to any group threaten the peace in Abia

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has said that beyond ensuring security of lives and property, his administration is working with multiple stakeholders, including multilateral and donor agencies, global IT companies and local financial institutions, to develop a robust framework for addressing the critical challenges facing Abia people.

The challenges, according to the Governor, include endemic poverty, restricted access to basic amenities, limited skills for enhanced earning and unequal access to the boundless opportunities of the 21st century global economy.

Speaking at the swearing in of new Transition Council Chairmen/Mayors in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, Governor Otti, who admitted that the road ahead is still far, however expressed satisfaction that his administration is progressively setting a new template for governance in the state; as people now know how and where their resources are being channelled to, and Abians can look to the future with great optimism.

He noted that the overarching objective of his administration is to improve the economy of the state by working on the fundamental enablers for economic prosperity, especially in the towns with the most potential for accelerated growth and development.

Stating that his administration cannot wait to accommodate the local government areas in the state as new strategic partners in the development projects, Governor Otti charged the new council chairmen to design their programmes in ways that align with the general development philosophy of the Labour Party Administration in the State.

He noted that security and welfare of the people are priorities of his administration at all times, which is why it is currently working with an amalgamation of critical stakeholders to guarantee the safety of life and property in all parts of the state.

He tasked leaders of the various LGAs to ensure that security architecture is strengthened in the towns and villages within their domains, especially as the yuletide approaches, insisting that no part of Abia shall be ceded to any group whose actions threaten the peace in Abia communities.

The Governor’s statement reads in full:

Expanding the Frontiers of Development

Being A Speech Delivered By the Governor of Abia State on the Occasion of the Swearing in of New Transition Council Chairmen/Mayors in Umuahia on Thursday, November 30, 2023.

Protocols,

1. It is with a great sense of fulfilment that I welcome everyone to this very important event which marks yet another strategic step in our steady push to meet the developmental needs of our homeland; harnessing the extensive opportunities that abound in every part of the state for the material wellbeing and prosperity of the people.

2. I want to begin by congratulating the newly appointed Transition Council (TC) Chairmen also called Mayors and their deputies for being found worthy by a cross section of stakeholders to serve as the vanguards of the New Abia in the 17 LGAs. Very importantly, I am very glad that you have accepted to bring your extensive wealth of experience in various fields of human endeavours to bear in the service of your communities.

3. Commendations are also due to the leadership and members of the State House of Assembly for fast-tracking the screening process and doing so much to ensure that the exercise proceeded without hitches. Thank you for being partners in progress as we work collectively to build a better society where the riches of the land are deployed in honest service to the present and future generations.

4. It is also appropriate that we say a word of appreciation to the Labour Party leaders and stakeholders across the 17 LGAs and the 184 wards in the state for actively participating in the process that led to the selection of these accomplished individuals who would take over the mantle of leadership in our various local governments for the next six months in the first instance as the Constitution stipulates.

5. The diligence, efforts at consultations and negotiations that attended the selection process for the mayors and their deputies are pointers to what is possible when we appreciate the true responsibility of leadership in our dealings, serving our communities with fairness, sincerity and an abiding sense of inclusion.

6. We may not have made the most perfect of choices but if the feedback we have gotten since the names of the would-be mayors were announced are anything to go by, there is no doubt that we have made very quality judgement in the choices of the individuals selected. It is my hope that the optimism that attended the announcements would be matched by the quality of your performance and dedication.

7. We are also not oblivious of the fact that there are a few leaders who may have some misgivings about the people that have been selected. Your concerns, expressed and unstated, have been duly noted but we must re-emphasise that there are no perfect arrangements. The beauty of democracy is that in the long run, opportunities and platforms for service present themselves to everyone in diverse capacities.

8. To the new mayors and deputies, may I remind you that this is a call to serve and not to be served. We do not expect you to get everything right on the first day but you must be willing to learn, keeping your mind open to new ideas and possibilities.

9. While the State would give each of you the freehand to manage the affairs of the council responsibly, it is very important to design your programmes in ways that align with the general development philosophy of the present Labour Party Administration in the State. Our priority at all times must be the security and welfare of the people.

10. We are currently working with an amalgamation of critical stakeholders to guarantee the safety of life and property in all parts of the state. So far, the efforts have been very fruitful because as many observers have noted, Abia has become one of the safest places to reside in, travel to or set up a thriving business enterprise.

11. Your first task as leaders of the various LGAs shall include strengthening the security architecture in the towns and villages within your domain, especially as the yuletide approaches. As we have said on many occasions, no part of Abia, not an inch, shall be ceded to any group of criminals, whether they are armed robbers, kidnappers or any individual or group, whose actions threaten the peace in our communities.

12. Beyond the security of life and property, our administration is working with multiple stakeholders, including multilateral and donor agencies, global IT companies and local financial institutions, to develop a robust framework for addressing the critical challenges facing our people including endemic poverty, restricted access to basic amenities including potable water, access roads to the farms and markets; limited skills for enhanced earning and unequal access to the boundless opportunities of the 21st century global economy. The State Government cannot wait to accommodate the LGAs as new strategic partners in the development Projects.

13. The tasks before us are daunting but we must remain resolute. Abia electorates chose us above all other political groups in the State because the people believe that we have the most credible, competent and development-oriented men and women in our ranks. We have now been given the opportunity to prove the electorates right and further consolidate the appeal of our great party amongst all demographic groups.

14. I have heard people ask why we chose certain class of people for the mayoral positions and my response is simple: we need the best hands and heads to drive the development of the state. We are in a hurry to elevate the standards of leadership to accommodate strictly those who have something to offer.

15. While I would be the first to admit that the road ahead is still far, I am, however, satisfied that we are progressively setting a new template for governance in the state; the people now know how and where their resources are being channelled to and Abians can look to the future with great optimism.

16. We are not just reconstructing and rehabilitating roads to score cheap political points, our overarching objective is to improve the economy of the state by working on the fundamental enablers for economic prosperity, especially in the towns with the most potential for accelerated growth and development. Quality road networks for us are not just end in themselves, but a pathway to something more profound.

17. The philosophy is the same for education and health where we are working very hard to improve access and quality of output. Our goal is to have the healthiest and most educated population and ultimately, create a mass of healthy and wealthy citizens.

18. Your primary task as mayors and deputies shall be to make the local communities and towns conducive for active production and rapid growth. We expect you to quickly develop holistic frameworks for improving agriculture and light scale production in ways that enhance outputs and attract domestic and foreign investors. As you may be aware, Abia has become the most beautiful bride amongst investors and you would do well to position your LGAs as a top destination within the state.

19. You must realise that while the task ahead is enormous, you do not have unlimited resources in money or time. You must therefore get your priorities right, build networks that can help you drive the development agenda of our Party in your LGAs and discern where more would be achieved through partnership with relevant agencies of the state.

20. One thing you are encouraged to guard against is the distractions that are bound to come from internal wrangling and needless power tussles. You have been called to serve the people and that must be your most important priority. While we expect the party leaders, traditional and community leaders to give you all the necessary support you need to succeed, you must also recognise that they are critical stakeholders whose input should be sought when it comes to taking far-reaching decisions.

21. As I conclude, may I assure you that my doors will constantly be open to welcome and offer you all the support you need to succeed as mayors and deputies. Do not hesitate to call when you need clarity or guidance on knotty matters. With your pedigree and accomplishments, I have no doubt that the promise of the New Abia shall now become a reality, even in the remotest parts of our communities.

22. I wish you God’s guidance and wisdom as you begin. Thank you for accepting to serve.

Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR

TACKLING ECONOMIC AND SECURITY CHALLENGES OF SOUTHEAST THROUGH PEACE IN SOUTH EAST PROJECT (PISE-P) – Law Mefor

For a while now, the South East has been in terrible shape. The area that was the safest and most tranquil in the nation around two years ago is now plagued with insecurity. A large portion of the blame can be attributed to the void left by the almost total absence of patriotic and selfless political leadership.

Their political leaders haven’t done enough to stand up for the people of the Southeast; instead, they have taken advantage of them to establish themselves. That’s how the zone descended into anarchic and violent youth unrest that eventually took the form of what is now known as Yahoo ritual killings, ESN, Biafra agitation, Unknown Gunmen (UGM), and so on.

In light of this, it is appropriate to applaud the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a comprehensive five-year project introduced by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives RT Hon. Benjamin Kalu aimed at promoting peace and development in the zone. The Peace and Security Initiative aims to tackle the intricate socio-economic problems and security concerns that the South East zone of Nigeria faces.

With a multi-stakeholder approach, the PISE-P programme aims to restore peace and spur development in response to the growing impact of agitations, economic downturn, and security risks.

A prosperous and opportunity-filled South East where each resident is empowered to contribute to a united and prosperous zone and Nigeria is the vision of PISE-P. Development in South East Nigeria is contingent upon the restoration of enduring peace, stability, and sustainable development. Over the past two years, the region has been undergoing significant economic and social decline. Companies in the area are moving to Asaba, Lagos, and Ogun. Prominent businesspeople, politicians, and celebrities are now avoiding returning home to avoid becoming victims like Dora Akunyili’s husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili, or billionaire businessman Chief Offorma of Nnewi, who were among innumerable others killed by the so-called Unknown gunmen (UGM).

The economic situation in the Southeast region has been challenging. A study conducted by SBM Intelligence on behalf of DevEast Foundation Ltd./Gte has revealed that between October 2020 and April 2022, an average of five days were lost each month. Over the 24-month study period, this adds up to a total of approximately 120 days lost. This translates to a whopping loss of about N655,382,338,560 and N3766,308,111,480 respectively, due to sit-at-home days alone.

Based on SBM Intelligence, the Southeast region experiences a loss of about N10 to N13 billion in the transport industry alone for each day of demonstration or stay-at-home. Unless some drastic measures are implemented, these losses are expected to continue. Therefore, there is a need for interventions such as the Southeast Peace Initiative to address this issue.

In the words of political philosopher Victor Hugo, the PISE-P proposition is thus a concept whose time has come. The initiative hopes that creative and inclusive non-kinetic approaches in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the zone’s local and state governments, will enable the region’s dynamic youths to return to the fields of education, agriculture, commerce, and industry.

They will also be able to engage in infrastructure development within the zone, support the revival of cultural tourism, and earn a living and a reputation through sports and entertainment. The goal is also to bring back the “Igba Boi,” or Igbo apprenticeship system, which Ndigbo used to address issues of generational poverty transfers, crippling poverty, and empowerment after the Biafra war.

Therefore, PISE-P’s goal is to restore an atmosphere in which people’s potential is realised, businesses thrive once more, and the South East once more emerges as a hub of prosperity, inspiring positive change throughout Nigeria and beyond.

Hitherto, the zone was recognised as a centre for entrepreneurial activity before the disturbances brought about by Biafra agitations, UGM, and other sources of instability in the region, as the majority of the population was involved in small, medium, and large-scale enterprises of various sizes. The radical economic strategies implemented in the energy sector, such as the removal of subsidies and the unification of the FX regime, have left the country in a challenging economic situation and have made life quite difficult.

As a result, businesses in the southeast states are closing their doors or moving elsewhere, making the situation even direr. Ndigbo cannot afford to keep losing trillions of naira to protests or for their businesses to continue to suffer massive attrition through relocation, with its attendant consequences.

Unemployment, inflation, and security challenges are now rife, and economic downturns brought on by separatist agitations have limited the zone’s capacity for development. PISE-P, a panacea, intends to work with all levels of government and important stakeholders to swiftly address these issues, bring about peace, and unleash the zone’s unrealized potential once more.

PISE-P acknowledges the need for shared prosperity and long-term stability and intends to take a non-kinetic approach to peacebuilding and development. The project’s main goal is to involve the community in several theme areas, such as sports and entertainment, infrastructure development, education, agriculture, business and industry, sports and entertainment, and culture and tourism. PISE-P plans to work with regional, national, and worldwide partners to establish a comprehensive synergy for long-lasting transformation.

Young people indeed need to be given respectable ways to pass the time and have fun besides crime and drugs, and the best way to do this worldwide has been through sports and entertainment. One surefire way to lure back the Igbo youngsters is to promote the entertainment sector for its social and economic benefits, as well as to develop grassroots sports activities.

To revive youth involvement in community project development and service delivery on a direct labour and pro gratis basis, as was the case in the good old days, the programme should also attempt to embrace the reintroduction of “Olu Obodo”(community service) as contrasted with “Olu Oyibo” (white collar jobs).

It is also encouraging that the initiative aims to work in tandem with federal and state agencies to uphold peace, protect the lives and livelihoods of those residing in the area, and extend cooperation to social groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo, different market associations, and cultural women’s groups known locally as Umu Ada, Umu Okpu, and Ndi Inyom to garner support and awareness.

It’s also an excellent idea that PISE-P would look to collaborate with foreign organisations like the UN, UNDP, and USAID, with a particular emphasis on obtaining funding and technical assistance to ensure that her goals are realised on time.

PISE-P is comprehensive. It includes projects and programmes on entrepreneurship training, skill development, and start-up capital access to lower youth unemployment. It boosts economic activity, as well as other security-related fields like intelligence gathering, counterterrorism, crisis management, and community policing.

The primary objectives of PISE-P are to considerably decrease insecurity, enhance social unity and foster development. This way, the population residing in the area will be empowered to eradicate the malevolent forces that have damaged their economy and subjugated them. The project incorporates safety measures to prevent relapses and recurrence in the future.

Thus, PISE-P stands for a calculated intervention aimed at resolving the urgent issues facing the Southeast region. There has never been a finer moment to launch PISE-P, than now.

· Dr. Law Mefor, an Abuja-based forensic and social psychologist, is a fellow of The Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts; drlawmefor@gmail.com; Twitter: @Drlawsonmefor.