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$22bn Needed To Turn Around Free Zones In Delta, Other States

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To fully realise the gains of economic zones, an investment of about $22 billion is required in Delta and other states of the federation to revamp the sector, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority, Prof Adesoji Adesugba, has said.

The NEPZA boss stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the official licence presentation ceremony of the Delta State Special Economic Zone to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. The event attracted eminent personalities particularly officials of the Delta State government.

In his remarks, Prof Adesugba called for massive investment in the sector, noting that some countries are already addressing their developmental challenges by harnessing the huge advantages in their economic zones.

READ ALSO: Delta: Tricycle Driver Crushed To Death On ‘One-Way’

He said, “Everybody is talking about Lagos. In Lagos, there is $22 billion investment in free zones and we believe that we can replicate what is happening in Lagos in Delta and other states. Delta State stands to gain and is well-positioned. All it needs is that leadership; the vision which Governor Okowa has shown, and we are praying that whoever is taking over from him will key into this and make sure that we actualize this. NEPZA is willing and capable of giving you all the necessary support.”

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Lead consultant of the Delta Special Economic Zone and former Minister of Justice, Adetokunbo Kayode, in his brief address, commended Governor Okowa for the initiative, noting that Delta State would reap bountifully from the scheme in years to come.

“The essence of having a special economic zone goes beyond the free zones that we have in Lagos and Ogun states. The special economic zone gives a dynamic platform for Delta State to harness its huge opportunities, especially in petrochemicals and agriculture. It can become a hub for manufacturing across the board and I think the state is well placed for this,” he said.

READ ALSO: Man Commits Suicide In Delta Community Over Wife’s Separation

Speaking shortly after receiving the licence on behalf of the state, Governor Okowa spoke of the economic advantages that await the people of the state saying, “We are in a hurry to get the Special Economic Zone work for Delta State and for Nigeria, and we also realise that it will create advantages in our state because we produce a lot of gas. We also produce a lot of oil. We are very much involved in agriculture, and putting up these things together, I believe that we are set for this nation and for the world.”

He expressed readiness on the part of the state government to partner with NEPZA to fully develop her economic zones even as he pledged that the incoming administration will continue with the scheme even after the end of his tenure on May 29.

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Easter: FG Declares Friday, Monday Public Holidays

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The Federal Government has declared Friday, 29th March and Monday, 1st April 2024 as public holidays to mark the 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government urged Christians and all Nigerians in general to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako said the Minister noted that Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness and compassion which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.

READ ALSO: NAF Destroys Several Illegal Refining Sites, Berges In Rivers

“He calls on Christians to imbibe these virtues as they are capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development in Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.

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“He further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them.

“This, he said, is in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”

While wishing Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, the Minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Tinubu led Administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity to all”, the statement added.

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PHOTOS: Tinubu, Governors Pay Last Respects At burial Of 17 Slain Soldiers

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The remains of 17 military personnel, comprising four officers, 13 soldiers, slain by some irate youths in Okuama community in Delta State during a peace mission on March 14, have arrived at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, for burial.

The bodies, which arrived at about 2:30 p.m., were conveyed by the FCT Ambulance Emergency Services and other vehicles.

In attendance are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, are also present.

READ ALSO: Labour Party Reserves 2027 Presidential Ticket For Peter Obi

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Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Abba Yusuf (Kano) also attended the ceremony.

President Bola Tinubu joined the solemn assembly at exactly 04:10p.m.

Family members and relatives of the deceased personnel, as well as those of other military officers, are also on ground to honour the fallen heroes.

Meanwhile, at the time of this report, the burial ceremony for the 17 military personnel was already underway.

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Abure Re-elected Labour Party National Chairman; NLC Kicks

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The embattled national chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Julius Abure has been re-elected for a second term by a unanimous affirmation of delegates despite the protests by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The Chairman of the National Convention and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu declared him the winner during the party’s national convention that held in Nnewi, Anambra State.

Other serving officers of the party were also returned.

READ ALSO: Why Bobrisky Was Awarded Best Dressed Female – Nigerian Actress

Recall that the NLC had called for Abure’s resignation as party chairman and the immediate constitution of a caretaker transition committee to organize a legitimate and all-inclusive national convention for the party.

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Meanwhile, a factional chairman of the Labour Party in Anambra State, Mr Peter Okoye has boasted that the Nnewi national convention will not stand.

Describing the convention as a sham, Okoye said: “This is not a convention. We are on top of the matter. It’s purely illegal.

“There was no ward congress, no local government congress, no state congress, and now who and who are the elected the delegates that are electing the National Working Committee, NWC, members?

“The NLC was not there, TUC was not there, the owners of the party and members of the NEC and BOT members were not there too. So, who is holding the convention?”

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