*Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori Leads Southern Senatorial Zone Committee on Courtesy Visit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives*

 

Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori, the distinguished representative for the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, today spearheaded a significant courtesy visit by the Contact Committee from the Southern Senatorial Zone of Adamawa State to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas (GCON).

The delegation, comprising influential stakeholders from the Southern Senatorial Zone, aimed to express their appreciation and seek further support from the Speaker, as articulated by the Committee's spokesman, His Excellency Hon. Martin Babale, former Deputy Governor of Adamawa State.

During the visit, the Committee praised Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas for his exemplary leadership since taking office as Speaker of the 10th Assembly, highlighting his proactive governance which has significantly advanced legislative priorities.

Hon. Babale further conveyed gratitude for the Speaker's steadfast commitment to the people of Southern Adamawa, specifically recognizing his role in the swift passage of the Bill for the establishment of a Federal University of Education in Numan.

The meeting also addressed the current status of this important Bill, noting that its assent by the President and Commander-in-Chief had been withheld due to minor observations needing correction. 

Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori, who introduced the delegation, seized the opportunity to remind the Speaker of his previous correspondence requesting the Bill's reconsideration by the Committee of the Whole. He affirmed that all necessary corrections had been made and were now pending the Speaker's approval for formal presentation.

In his response, Speaker Dr. Abbas expressed appreciation for the Committee's visit and assured them that he would give the Bill due consideration in order to facilitate the establishment of the university. He pledged to collaborate closely with both Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori and Distinguished Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe to realize this vital project.

The meeting fostered an atmosphere of camaraderie and reflection, with the Speaker sharing fond memories of his past experiences in Adamawa State, further strengthening the bonds between the legislative leadership and the Southern Senatorial Zone.

Notable members of the Committee in attendance included His Excellency Martin Babale, Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe, General Lawrence Ngubane (Rtd), Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila, Professor Istifanus S. Zabadi, Dr. Mrs. Bridget Zidon, Dr. Mrs. Christy Zwingina, Barrister Chief Charles L. Bala, Chief Mrs. Olvadi Bema Madayi, Mr. Esthon Gapsiso, and Chief Pwadeh R. Teneke.

This visit highlights the collective commitment of the Southern Senatorial Zone to ensure the establishment of the proposed Federal Institution, ultimately benefiting the educational landscape and the constituents of the region.

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*Rt.Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori (MHR)Condemns the Kidnapping of Two Catholic Reverend Fathers in Numan Local Government Area, Adamawa State Calls on Security Agencies to intensify efforts*

 I am deeply distressed with the report of the kidnapping of two Catholic reverend fathers, Rev. Father Mathew David Dusami from the Yola Catholic Diocese and Rev. Father Abraham Samman from the Jalingo Diocese, who were abducted by armed assailants from their residence in Wayam, Numan Local Government Area, Adamawa State, in the early hours of today, February 22, 2025

This appalling act of violence targeted at individuals, especially Priests undermines the sanctity of our community and safety of all citizens.

We condemn this heinous crime in the strongest terms. Such acts of kidnapping are not just an assault on the victims but also on the values of peace and respect that our society holds dear. 

The safety and security of our religious leaders are paramount, and it is unacceptable that they should live in fear of such brutal attacks.

We commend the swift response of the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and CP. Dankombo Morris, the State Commissioner of Police for initiating an investigation into this alarming incident. 

We urge all security agencies to intensify their efforts to locate and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this cowardly act and to ensure the safe return of the reverend fathers.

We call upon community leaders, local governments, and citizens to unite in standing against violence and to support initiatives aimed at enhancing security in our region and the nation at large. 

Together, we must foster an environment in which all individuals, regardless of their faith or occupation, can live free from fear and intimidation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Rev. Father Mathew David Dusami and Rev. Father Abraham Samman, as well as their families and congregations during this troubling time. We hope for their swift and safe return.

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NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF LEATHER AND SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY, NUMAN EXTENSION CENTRE: Graduation of Trainees on Footwear Design and Manufacturing

 

The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Numan Extension Centre, has graduated trainees on Footwear Design and Manufacturing with a call on the participants to make good use of the skills acquired so as to be self-reliant and employers of labour.

This is the second phase of such a training powered by the Member representing Numan, Lamurde and Demsa Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, and Chairman House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, Barrister Kwamoti Bitrus Laori.

Barrister Laori explained that Government alone cannot employ everybody because every year hundreds of thousands of students graduate from all parts of the country in different areas, saying that is why it is imperative on him to also and always do his part which calls for the training to ensure that all youths within his constituency get a skill to sustain themselves with. 

‘’We are now in a new era where entrepreneurship is the way out, not Government work. With what has happened now and the training they have undergone, and if they can be true to themselves, if they can work hard with these skills they have gotten, they don’t need anybody’s job, rather, they are the people that will employ people; they will be employers of labour, and there they expand, before you know it, some of them will be House-Hold names just like we are hearing some other names outside the country.’’

Council Chairman, Numan Local Government Area, Innocent Koto who commended Barrister Kwamoti Laori for the foresight of empowering his constituents on self-reliance, described him as a federal lawmaker who prefer to open doors for his subjects instead of giving out stipends which will not last.

‘’Now that you have acquired the skills in this institution, it will be surprise to us if one of you is seen in any compound of our politicians doing all sort of things because of unemployment. But if that could happen, let it be you are there to offer your contributions but certainly not to beg. Honourable Member we are really grateful with all that you have been doing to us, your interventions have really cut down unemployment tremendously.’’

Chief trainer and facilitator, Daniel Moses Ishidi also commended Kwamoti Laori for executing numerous developmental projects that will liberate his people from poverty, noting that the trainees now have what it takes to be on their own and even employ people to work and earn a living under them, urging other politicians to copy from the Numan, Lamurde and Demsa representative.

‘’We all know, we are here by the effort of one individual who have taken it upon himself to be a blessing to mankind. What did mean by blessing to mankind, you can only bless a man when you provide a source of living to that man. When you affect the life of an individual, you have succeeded in affecting the lives of not less than five people.’’

A trainee Julius Joses who describe Barrister Kwamoti Laori as a life saver, appreciates him for introducing to them a means of livelihood for them and their families, promising to use the knowledge and skills acquired to make a difference in the society by also assisting others, challenging other wealthy persons to also follow suit so as before it is long, poverty can be eliminated and all have a work to do. 

‘’Actually, whenever you help somebody with skill acquisition of any kind, you are trying to rise him up, and nobody rise you, I mean no body rise up without lifting others. We want to appreciate Honourable Barrister Kwamoti Bitrus Laori for rising us so as to live. Now in Numan LGA, or in Numan/Demsa/Lamurde, we can proudly say we have some independent that can boast of something of their own, that can produce to sell out nationwide or even at international markets.’’

The trainees were not left without start-up cash as the Federal Lawmaker initiates a process with a Bank to deposit certain amount of money for them to serve as a base for their businesses.

Speakers at the event believe that the essence of electing or selecting representatives who have vision is to bring change and progress in the right direction to his subjects

.

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*Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori Advocates for Amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act to Fortify Nigeria's Electoral System*

 

In a significant move aimed at enhancing Nigeria's electoral framework, Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori, the representative for the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, sponsored a proposed amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act during today’s plenary session.

As discussions among stakeholders intensify regarding critical reforms needed to bolster the integrity of Nigeria's electoral system, this proposed amendment seeks to empower institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to function more effectively. The goal is to ensure that future elections are not only fair but also credible, thereby restoring public confidence in the electoral process.

The bill, officially gazetted as HB 2070, successfully passed its first reading today in the House of Representatives. This amendment is deemed essential for fortifying Nigeria’s electoral system, addressing key areas of concern that have emerged in recent electoral cycles. 

By advocating for these changes, Rt. Hon. Laori emphasizes the importance of a robust electoral framework in promoting democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

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MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE ON THE NEED TO REVIEW THE 2025 APPROPRAITION TO NIGERIA’S HEALTH SECTOR

 TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF US FOREIGN POLICY ON GLOBAL HEALTH ON THE NATIONS HEALTH SECTOR. BY RT. HON. KWAMOTI BITRUS LAORI The House: 

Notes that health care service is pivotal to national security and development and a nation’s productivity largely depends on a healthy population. On the 28th of January, 2025. President Donald Trump of the United States of America issued an executive order that affects US Policy on Global Health Security;

Further notes that the Executive Order also halted all forms of funding of existing health programs by United States through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), aimed at addressing maternal and child health, family planning, malaria prevention, and tuberculosis control, including funding for immunization campaigns and health education. Cumulatively, these developments signal a pivotal moment for healthcare in Nigeria and Africa;

Aware that in 2023 alone, the United States invested over $600 million in health assistance in Nigeria. This funding supports various healthcare programs, strengthening health systems and addressing both current and future health security threats in the region;

Concerned that organizations like Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) and programs such as PEPFAR which provides funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and supports antiretroviral therapy for millions of Nigerians; the USAID programs to address maternal and child health, family planning, malaria prevention, tuberculosis control, immunization campaigns and health education; the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) which seeks to bolster Nigeria's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and emergency response planning; The President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) which focuses on reducing malaria-related deaths and illnesses by providing funding for insecticide-treated nets, antimalarial medications, and community awareness programs; Nutrition Programs to combat malnutrition among children and pregnant women, improving dietary practices and accessing nutrient-rich foods and the COVID-19 Response that provides vaccine distribution, public health messaging, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to respond to COVID-19 are all likely to be adversely affected by lack of funding;

Further Concerned that an estimated 1.9Million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS depends on free Antiretroviral therapy provided by the United States and other initiatives targeted at Tuberculosis Control, Malaria treatment, maternal and Child health care, family planning, nutrition aimed at reducing disease burdens, and enhance overall health outcomes in Nigeria are under eminent threat of funding and the implication is that many Nigerians faces death;

Worried that these US funded programs collectively play a vital role in addressing Nigeria’s public health challenges, and the implications of U.S. policies on these initiatives will be crucial for future health outcomes in the coming days and months if nothing is done;

Hence Resolved that:

Mandate the Committee on Health Services and Health Institutions to consider a review of the 2025 Appropriation Bill with the view to provide adequate funding to close the gap created by the new US Global Health Policy in funding of essential programs in the Nigeria’s sector;

Mandate the Committee on Finance and Foreign Affairs to seek alternative source of funds and collaborations through regional and international partnerships such as the World Health Organization, European Union, Private Foundations and donor agencies towards sustaining the funding of life saving initiatives threatened by the new US Policy in the Nigeria’s health sector.

Mandate the Ministry of Health, communication and National Orientation to increase public awareness on the threats faced by the health sector and the need for frugality, prudence and efficient utilization of resources by all ministries, departments and agencies affected.

Mandate Committee on Appropriation to upwardly review the 2025 budget for the health sector.

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*Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori Welcomes Senior Political Officers from the U.S. Embassy**

 

On Tuesday, shortly after the plenary session, Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori, Chairman of the House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and representative for the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, warmly received Senior Political Officers from the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, including Sophia M. Skupien and Cassandra Carraway, who oversees ECOWAS and External Relations.

The visit aimed to foster dialogue surrounding the activities of the Committee and explore potential areas for collaboration and mutual interests between Nigeria and the United States. 

Discussions primarily focused on U.S.-Nigeria relations, particularly in light of Nigeria’s significant role as a leading member of ECOWAS and the African Union, which falls within the Committee's purview. Key topics included security cooperation, economic growth, humanitarian responses, and the promotion of democracy and human rights—areas pivotal to shaping both nations' foreign policies.

Rep. Kwamoti took the opportunity to outline the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, led by Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas (GCON). He emphasized his Committee's Strategic Plan, focusing on collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ECOWAS Commission, and the African Union.

The U.S. officials commended Rep. Kwamoti for his deep understanding of political dynamics in the United States and his effective representation of Nigeria’s national interests as a senior parliamentary member.

Additionally, Rep. Kwamoti praised His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu (GCFR), President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Governments, for his exemplary leadership and guidance in navigating the nation’s foreign policy, especially concerning the recent exits of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS.

The occasion concluded with the presentation of gifts to the visiting U.S. envoys, symbolizing the strengthening ties between the two nations.

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