Connect with us

Developmental

Reps solicits funding for multi-billion naira library from the Public, Private Sector

Published

on

The House of Representatives has called for public and private support for the proposed multi-billion naira National Assembly Library project, which will be likened to the Library of Congress in the United States.

The National Assembly had proposed N2bn in the 2020 budget for construction of the National Assembly Library to be domiciled with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies.

Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the project’s primary aim was to deepen the legislative competence of lawmakers and strengthen research on policy formulation for the whole country, by extension.

Advertisement

The Speaker made this known in Abuja on Wednesday while declaring open, a public hearing on ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Assembly Library Trust Fund,’ which was organised by the House Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation.

He said, “We have set out to build a legislative library, archive and research centre comparable to any that exists anywhere else in the world. It is our vision that when this library is complete, it will dramatically improve the legislative capacity of the National Assembly by providing legislators and their aides with the resources they need to conduct thorough research and advance policies that serve to make our world better.

“The National Assembly Library will host professional development programmes that attract some of the best thinkers and experts from across the world. Public dialogues and other civic engagement programmes organised through the National Assembly Library will help improve the public’s understanding of the legislature’s role in our democracy.

Advertisement

“In addition, the National Assembly library will house the National Assembly Museum and a digital archive of our nation’s democratic journey thus far.”

The Speaker described the ambitions as “enormous,” which require the sacrifice of time, resources, collaboration amongst stakeholders and partnerships with those “who share the vision of what we hope to achieve.”

He added, “This bill seeks to define the funding sources, administrative operations and management of the National Assembly Library, and to ensure that the library, from inception and through the years, will remain a centre of excellence according to the vision we have for it.”

Advertisement

Earlier in his opening address, the committee’s Chairman, Jonathan Gbefwi, recalled that after the inauguration of the committee two years ago, the members decided to take “a more methodical approach by embarking on extensive research and wide consultations on how not to just provide a library structure but put in place measures and policies that will sustain and maintain it even when we are long gone; a legacy for the future generations to come.”

He said, “As you are aware, the Nigerian legislature is responsible for creating laws that will foster better livelihoods and living conditions for Nigerians.

“It is, therefore, essential that the National Assembly is guided by the highest levels of intellectual input to ensure that legislators are operating with the most complete, up-to-date and relevant information for the honourable members and distinguished senators that make Nigerian laws.

Advertisement

“This has birthed the idea of providing a well-equipped befitting Library as well as strengthening the research engine of the National Assembly.”

The lawmaker explained that the board would function as a federal governing board existing for the sole purpose of “acquiring funds/grants generously donated to the National Assembly Legislative Library, research and resource centre by the National Assembly and interested parties/supporters such as well-meaning individuals, the public and private sector, as well as international donor organizations and countries.”

 

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Developmental

Tinubu to visit Kaduna Thursday to inaugurate key projects

Published

on

Tinubu commiserates with Akwa Ibom governor over wife’s death

President Bola Tinubu is expected in Kaduna State Today Thursday for the inauguration of several key developmental projects executed by the administration of Gov. Uba Sani.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit forms part of activities marking Sani’s two years in office.

The projects lined up for inauguration include the 300-bed Specialist Hospital in Millennium City, Kaduna, built by the state government to bolster the provision of healthcare services.

Advertisement

Tinubu will also inaugurate the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, road projects in Soba, and Samaru Kataf LGA’S as well as the 24-kilometre Kafanchan Township Road.

Others are the Tudun Biri Road, the 22km road linking Kauru and Kubau LGAs as well as the Vocational and Skills Training Centre in Tudun Biri.

Tinubu is also expected to unveil 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, as part of efforts to modernise the state’s public transportation system.

Advertisement

The projects are part of the administration’s focus on infrastructurde evelopment, healthcare delivery, youths empowerment, and economic growth.

The state government described the visit as a significant moment for the people of Kaduna and an opportunity to showcase ongoing efforts to transform the state through impactful governance.

Sani, who marked his second year in office this month, has prioritised human capital development, rural infrastructure, and jobs creation since taking office in 2023.

Advertisement

Tinubu’s visit to Kaduna State was rescheduled from Wednesday to Thursday.

He was initially supposed to visit Kaduna on Wednesday, but due to the recent attacks in Benue, he shifted his trip.

The president visited Benue on Wednesday to commiserate with the victims of the recent attacks and assess the humanitarian crisis.

Advertisement

During his visit to Benue, Tinubu met with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political and community leaders, and youth groups, to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.

He also condemned the ongoing violence and called on the residents to embrace peace and mutual understanding.

NAN recalls that the Benue Government had declared a work-free day for Tinubu’s visit, urging the residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome him.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Developmental

Livelihood: Sokoto Govt. expands youths, women empowerment schemes

Published

on

LivelihoodsThe Sokoto State Government, says it will expand the youths and women empowerment as well as its poverty reduction programmes in the state to sustain achievements already recorded.

Alhaji Ibrahim Dadi-Adare, the state Commissioner for Local Governments and Community Development, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Sokoto.

Dadi-Adare explained that the measure was aimed at capturing more population especially in the rural areas.

Advertisement

He disclosed that the ministry had facilitated skills acquisition trainings and distributed working tools to about 2,000 persons last year, adding that in view of the successes recorded the ministry planned to expand the schemes.

He also said that beneficiaries had engaged in small scale businesses which impacted positivity on their lives and that of their families.

”We are upscaling the initiative in partnership with the 23 local government councils, ministries of sports and youths development, Women and Children Affairs and Sokoto State Small Scale and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SOSMEDA) along with others,” he said.

Advertisement

The commissioner lauded the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu, for providing the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

According to him, about roads spanning 30 kilo metres have been rehabilitated within the metropolis, while some in rural areas have also been done and work ongoing in others, by this administration.

”We have also renovated about 42 boreholes to restore adequate water supply to the state and its environs.

Advertisement

”Schools were also renovated and furnished by this administration to enhance teaching and learning in the state,” he said.

Dade-Adare further disclosed that the present administration was also able to procure fertiliser, food items including millet, rice and other grains and distribute freely to residents across the state to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal.

He also disclosed that the state government procured 18-seater buses, cars, tricycles and motorcycles to ease transportation in and outside the state.

Advertisement

He further disclosed that the government renovated health facilities and provided medications as well as procured Toyota Hilux vans for security operatives to enhance their operations in the state.

Dadi-Adare called on residents of the state to support the present administration and prayed for its increased success.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Developmental

Zulum seeks enhanced trade relations between Nigeria, Cameroon

Published

on

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has called for enhanced trade relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon, to foster unity and economic growth.

Zulum made the call on Tuesday at a bilateral meeting between officials of the two countries in the border town of Banki.

The meeting was attended by members of the State and National Assembly from Borno State, and officials of the Cameroonian Far North region, led by Gov. Midjiyawa Bakari.

Advertisement

This followed the inauguration of the Banki International Cattle Market, a Memorial Secondary School, and a government lodge in the area.

Zulum highlighted the importance of facilitating trade between citizens of both nations, especially in livestock and agricultural commodities.

He assured his Cameroonian counterpart of his commitment to provide the political will needed to strengthen the economic ties.

Advertisement

“I want to assure you, Your Excellency, that under my leadership, I will provide the political will and commitment to drive the process,” he said.

Zulum lauded President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to promote trans-border trade, noting that steps would be taken to reduce bureaucratic barriers and ensure smooth trade flow.

According to him, Banki is set to become one of Nigeria’s free trade zones, with plans in advanced stage, adding that the Borno government would fulfill its obligations to support the initiative.

Advertisement

He also commended President Paul Biya for his country’s role in managing Nigerian refugees, and called for the establishment of a civil authority to facilitate the safe return of over 20,000 displaced persons to their communities.

Responding, Bakari commended the improved security situation in the area.

He underscored the importance of peace building and sustainable development, adding that Banki International Cattle Market could also boost Cameroonian economy.

Advertisement

“We will ensure that similar projects are replicated in our region,” Bakari said.

He proposed holding another bilateral meeting in Maiduguri or Marwa in Cameroon, to discuss strategies for strengthening regional cooperation to rebuild the economy disrupted by the Boko Haram insurgency.

The President of Borno State Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Ahmed Ashemi, and the Senior Vice President of the Regional Council of the Far North, Prof. Jalou, emphasised the need for collaboration between the two nations.

Advertisement

They said that such relationships would maximise the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to enhance cross-border trade and promote regional development.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

You May Like

Copyright © 2025 Acces News Magazine - All Right Reserved.

Verified by MonsterInsights