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NYCN Faults NDDC Scholars Protest in London
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has faulted the blockage of Nigeria House in London by scholars of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over unpaid fees.
Recall that the protesting scholars, about 30 of them, are part of the 94 students absorbed into the scheme in 2018.
The NYCN in a statement signed by its President, Solomon Adodo explained that the protest was totally uncalled for. The decision of the scholars to go ahead with the protest despite swift actions taken by the Presidency and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs in ensuring that the outstanding fees were cleared is worthy of commendation.
“While it is unfortunate that there was a delay in paying the fees, we undertook an independent scrupulous investigation on the matter from the Commission, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. From our findings, the hitches in making the payment was genuine. Also, those hitches have been overcome, sorted out and the funds dispatched.
“Consequently, we find the insistence on protesting as a unnecessary step and a ploy to dent the good image of our dear nation. While protest is a rightful and democratic means of expressing grievances, care must be taken for it not to be abused.
It should be recalled that the Interim Management of the NDDC, on Friday, assured the beneficiaries of its scholarship programme in the United Kingdom that their outstanding claims will be paid within a week. True to this commitment, the funds have been released this week.
The Commission said, “some unforeseen circumstances, including the upheavals that followed the EndSARS protests by youths, constituted stumbling blocks for the speedy implementation of the payment plan”.
The protest is the second to be staged by the students in a month who are lamenting the hardship brought upon them by the delay in payment of their dues. Now that they have been paid we expect them to refrain from such unpatriotic protests as it might pass an entirely different message to the world.
Comrade Adodo advised the students to focus on their studies and be good Ambassadors of the country. He further assured that the interest of the Nigerian Youth will always be protected anywhere in the world and the President Muhammadu Buhari government has always given attention to the genuine concerns of Nigerian Youth.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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