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Regional Development Requires Innovative Solutions, Not Just Interventions – Momoh
Regional Development Requires Innovative Solutions, Not Just Interventions – Momoh....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Hon. Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has emphasized that sustainable regional development demands innovative, long-term solutions rather than just reactive interventions. He stated that while government agencies continue to play a vital role in addressing regional challenges, stakeholders must think beyond emergency measures and short-term fixes to develop economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions.
The Minister made this assertion in Abuja while engaging with a delegation from Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPW) and other key stakeholders, who presented a policy brief on the impact of climate change in West Africa and Nigeria.
Engr. Momoh noted that climate change is no longer just an environmental issue—it is an economic and security crisis affecting livelihoods, stability, and regional development. He highlighted the fact that the Niger Delta and other vulnerable regions continue to face recurring flooding, land degradation, and disruptions to local economies, all of which contribute to youth restiveness, communal conflicts, and loss of economic opportunities**.
“We must rethink our approach to regional development. The solution is not just about responding to crises, but about anticipating them, creating economic buffers, and making climate adaptation a core part of our development agenda,”_ the Minister stated.
He stressed that while traditional interventions like embankments and flood control measures remain necessary, they must be complemented with forward-thinking strategies. The Minister challenged stakeholders to explore:
✅ Climate-smart economic models – Leveraging opportunities in the carbon market, climate finance, and the green economy to provide alternative livelihoods.
✅ Sustainable enterprise development – Encouraging industries like shrimp farming, renewable energy, and eco-friendly agriculture that can create jobs while preserving the environment.
✅ Community-driven resilience projects – Investing in grassroots-led initiatives that make communities less dependent on government interventions and more capable of adapting to climate challenges.
Earlier in the meeting, the team leader, Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi (Rtd.), presented findings from a three-year EU-sponsored study on how climate change exacerbates conflicts in coastal regions of West Africa. He explained that climate-related disasters, such as desertification in the North and flooding in the South-South, have intensified competition for scarce resources, leading to conflicts and social unrest.
Abdullahi underscored the urgent need for a coordinated intervention that integrates environmental protection with economic empowerment, calling for sustainable funding, improved climate monitoring, and conflict-sensitive adaptation strategies.
The AAPW delegation, which includes experts from the Italian Shipping Academy Foundation (FAIMM), Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), and West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), emphasized the importance of proactive measures in reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring climate resilience in affected communities.
Engr. Momoh commended the team’s work and assured them that his ministry will continue to foster partnerships that prioritize sustainability, economic stability, and peacebuilding.
While commending the efforts of AAPW and its partners for their in-depth research and commitment to climate resilience, the Minister urged them to move beyond policy recommendations and actively drive implementation-focused partnerships with development commissions and economic stakeholders.
The Federal Ministry of Regional Development remains committed to creating a framework where regional challenges are met with sustainable, wealth-generating solutions that uplift communities and foster peace.
Signed:
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah Media Aide to the Hon. Minister of Regional Development.
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Kogi Police Probe Horrific Incident As Officer Allegedly K!lls Girlfriend Before Taking Own Life.
The Kogi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the deaths of two individuals in Ajaokuta amid reports of a suspected murder-suicide involving two police officers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Afusat Saliu, confirmed the development during an interview with Sunday Punch on Saturday.
According to an earlier report by SaharaReporters, a corporal attached to the Ajaokuta Division, identified as Amos, allegedly shot his girlfriend, Grace, who was also a corporal, before shooting himself with his AK-47 rifle.
A source disclosed that Amos reported for night duty as a station guard at about 6 p.m. on Friday but allegedly left his duty post a few hours later.
He was said to have gone to Grace’s quarters at around 9 p.m., where he allegedly fired three shots at her, striking her shoulder, lower abdomen and leg, before turning the weapon on himself.
The source attributed the incident to an ongoing crisis in the couple’s relationship.
Reports indicated that the two officers had been dating for several years, but their relationship reportedly became strained in recent months following allegations of infidelity and a breakdown of trust.
Their disagreements allegedly escalated into physical altercations and threats, leading the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) to detain them at one point and advise them to end the relationship.
“The two junior police officers had been dating for some years now, but a few months ago, they started having trust issues and cheating allegations. There had been physical fights and threats to the extent that they were detained at some point by the DCO, who later advised them to end the love relationship for the sake of peace,” the source said.
The source added that the couple’s disagreements continued despite the DCO’s intervention.
Speaking to Punch, Saliu confirmed that the command was aware of the incident and said the findings would be made public after the investigation had been completed.
“We are aware of the incident, and the case is currently under investigation; we will update members of the public after the investigation is concluded,” she said.
However, the police spokesperson declined to immediately confirm whether the deceased were members of the command.
“I cannot confirm that to you right now, but we are investigating the circumstances that led to their death,” she stated.
Saliu also refused to confirm whether the incident was a case of suicide, stressing that the police were yet to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“I cannot also tell you if the couple committed suicide or not until the investigation is concluded. We will release an official statement once I get a conclusive report on the matter,” she added.
Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho is set to make a surprise return to the pitch at 46, more than a decade after stepping away from professional football.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The former Barcelona and AC Milan star is expected to feature for Italian third-division club Ravenna in their derby encounter against Forli on Sunday, November 15.
Ravenna announced the date on Saturday, several months after revealing in June that the 2002 FIFA World Cup winner would be joining the club.
In a statement, the Italian side said, “The wait now has a date: Sunday, November 15.
“The Brazilian legend will wear the Ravenna FC shirt in the derby against Forli.
“An event that will turn the eyes of the world toward the Bruno Benelli Stadium.”
Ronaldinho, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2005, officially retired from professional football in 2015 following an illustrious career with several top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan.
Beyond his planned appearance, the Brazilian legend is also a shareholder in Ravenna. His return to action could provide another opportunity to pursue his ambition of reaching 300 career goals.
Ravenna currently occupy second place in Group B of Italy’s third division, six points behind league leaders Spezia.
The club are targeting promotion to Serie B for the first time since 2008, and Ronaldinho’s anticipated appearance is expected to generate further excitement around their campaign, Naija News reports.
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‘Don’t Rush Into Marriage!’ – Ruth Kadiri Warns Young Couples Against Societal Pressure
Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has advised young couples to avoid spending excessively on wedding ceremonies, warning that elaborate celebrations can place unnecessary pressure on marriages.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the mother of two shared her advice in a video posted on her Instagram page, where she discussed the mental and emotional challenges couples may face when preparing for marriage.
Kadiri explained that while some people enjoy dating and spending time with their partners, they begin to develop fears about marriage when confronted with the responsibilities, expectations and pressures associated with it.
According to the actress, expensive wedding ceremonies can add to these anxieties and make the transition into married life more difficult for couples.
She said, “I do think that big weddings put pressure on couples; it puts pressure on the marriage itself. Big weddings, it puts pressure on people, and they don’t seem to have realised that. They don’t seem to have realised that because I’m not just talking about spiritually or what; I’m talking about mentally.
“Do you know that people have a phobia, a fear? People naturally have a fear of what marriage is. But they could date, they will date this girl, love her, be with her every day, every day, every day and then after this whole damn ceremony, have you asked yourself what changed? Married, that wedding is part of what changed.”
The actress encouraged young couples to embrace simpler wedding arrangements, suggesting that they could fulfil traditional marriage requirements, pay the bride price, conduct a court wedding and hold a modest celebration with close family and friends.
She argued that couples should prioritise their relationship and future together rather than feel compelled to organise expensive ceremonies to satisfy societal expectations.
Kadiri also observed that some couples only begin to fully appreciate the reality of marriage months after their wedding celebrations have ended.
Reflecting on her own experience, she said she believed avoiding excessive wedding pressure had contributed to her successful marriage, which she said had lasted about seven years.
She added that she had seen couples separate only two months after getting married, warning young people against allowing societal expectations to dictate their decisions.
The actress further criticised the pressure Nigerian society places on couples to organise engagement ceremonies, traditional weddings, white weddings and court weddings, noting that some people wrongly believe their marriages will fail if they do not complete every stage.
Kadiri also raised concerns about the potential risks of inviting people into private family affairs, cautioning couples against exposing themselves to unnecessary scrutiny.
Beyond marriage, she urged the younger generation to challenge other societal expectations, particularly the pressure parents place on their children to succeed financially and bring money home.
She maintained that young Nigerians need to rethink these expectations and make choices that prioritise their emotional well-being and long-term happiness.
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