₦airaland Forum

House of Reps Grills New UBEC Boss Aisha Garba Over Alleged Mismanagement, Rule Breaches

The House of Representatives has raised serious concerns about the leadership style of the new Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, accusing her of unilateral decision-making and breaching key provisions of the UBEC Act.

Speaking at a joint legislative retreat on the UBE Act Amendment Bill 2025 in Lagos on Thursday, Hon. Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House and representative of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadigbo federal constituency in Benue State, said Garba’s actions since assuming office have triggered multiple red flags. He alleged that major structural changes have been made within UBEC without consulting the Governing Board or securing the necessary statutory approvals.

“One of the most disturbing developments is the introduction of a new organogram without board approval, in violation of Section 6(h) of the UBE Act,” Agbese stated. “This restructuring, done without proper consultation, is irregular and legally questionable. Leadership in a statutory agency must be guided by due process—not personal discretion.”

He further criticised the redeployment of personnel from other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) into senior UBEC positions, bypassing qualified internal staff and eroding institutional memory. “This contradicts Sections 10(1) and (3) of the Act and sends a demoralising message to existing staff,” he said.

Agbese also decried what he described as the marginalisation of the two Deputy Executive Secretaries (DES), whose statutory roles he claims have been systematically reduced. “Decisions are now being made unilaterally by the Executive Secretary. The DESs are no longer involved, and their roles have become largely ceremonial. This centralisation is creating operational delays and affecting service delivery.”

According to him, project delays and withheld contractor payments, some dating back to February, are already damaging the reputation of lawmakers who facilitated the projects.

The lawmaker urged the federal government to take swift action to restore accountability and governance at UBEC, including conducting a performance audit, halting external staff deployments, and directing the Governing Board to review all changes made since December.

He concluded by revealing that the House Committee on Basic Education may summon Garba for a closed-door session to explain the situation. “We welcome reforms,” Agbese said, “but they must be rooted in transparency and legality—not technocratic authoritarianism.”

Don't be Shocked that he was briefed before the demolition and just trying to paint himself good in the eyes of the people.

ogugwa1992:
... Appeals to Tinubu, Wike, Humanitarian ministry for intervention

...To sue developer over damages

...Laments demolition of chief palace, church, buildings

... We're displaced, developer didn't give warning- Youth Secretary



https://leaders.ng/2025/07/19/maikalangu-fumes-over-demolition-of-karsana-community-by-developer/

EFCC Chairman Accused of Stalling Prosecution of IGP Egbetokun’s Associate, Bilikisu Aliyu, in Abuja Land Fraud Case



The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has come under fire from a civil society group and human rights lawyers for allegedly frustrating the prosecution of Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac, also known as Becky or Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu—an alleged land fraudster with links to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

According to the Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture (INAHURAT Nigeria), Rebecca is accused of defrauding multiple land buyers in Abuja, forging property documents—including those of a 79-year-old widow, Hajia Colleen Mero Yesufu—and using police intimidation to silence her victims. The group criticized the EFCC for refusing to enforce multiple court-ordered interim forfeitures of properties suspected to be proceeds of fraud, calling the commission’s inaction suspicious and harmful to the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.

INAHURAT pointed to the EFCC’s failure to implement forfeiture orders on properties located at Plot 4022, Guzape District, and Plots 1861–1863 in Katampe District, issued by Justice Obiora Egwatu in March 2025, as evidence of deliberate obstruction. The group also questioned why Rebecca—despite her arraignment alongside her husband at the Federal High Court on June 18—has not been brought before the FCT High Court on related charges (Suit No. CR/100/2025), months after those charges were filed.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, INAHURAT’s Lead Coordinator, Barrister Maxwell Chibuike Opara, accused the EFCC Chairman of attempting to shield the suspect. He recounted how in September 2024, the EFCC invited only Rebecca for questioning and pressured Hajia Yesufu into an informal settlement meeting—without ever hearing her side. Opara condemned this move as a betrayal of due process, emboldening criminal behavior while retraumatizing the victim.

Rebecca allegedly used forged documents—including a cloned AGIS title, a falsified Corporate Affairs Commission record, and a forged police report dated August 22, 2014—to fraudulently obtain a court injunction. Opara highlighted the suspicious nature of the police report, which was purportedly issued from Gwarinpa Zone 7, where the current IGP once served as Assistant Inspector-General.

The group further accused the IGP of abuse of office for deploying six armed policemen to protect the suspect on land she allegedly acquired through fraud. INAHURAT called for the immediate withdrawal of all police protection for the suspect and urged the Police Service Commission, Ministry of Police Affairs, and the National Security Adviser to initiate an independent investigation into the matter.

Opara warned that if no action is taken, INAHURAT, alongside Hajia Yesufu and over 60 other alleged victims of Rebecca’s real estate scams, will stage a peaceful protest to the Presidential Villa. “We will no longer be silent. If justice fails, we will take our cries directly to Mr. President,” he declared.

When contacted by SaharaReporters, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale requested a copy of the court forfeiture order. Although a certified true copy was sent, he has since failed to respond, with his phone remaining switched off.

…as Grace Ike Seeks More Cultural Exchange for Journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, has announced the 7th edition of the Nigeria–China Friendship Table Tennis Tournament, scheduled to hold on November 15, 2025.

The announcement followed a courtesy visit by the NUJ FCT Council delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, to the China Cultural Centre in Abuja. The team was warmly received by Mr. Yang Jianxing, Director of the Centre and Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, alongside other senior officials.

During the visit, Comrade Ike expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between the NUJ FCT and the China Cultural Centre. She emphasized the need for expanded cultural exchange programmes that would benefit Nigerian journalists and foster deeper bilateral relations between both countries.

“We are grateful for your continued support and collaboration. Beyond this tournament, we’ve benefited from training opportunities and cultural exchanges that have enriched our union,” Ike said.

She also acknowledged the Centre’s participation in previous NUJ FCT events, including football competitions, and expressed optimism that the fruitful relationship would continue. Ike used the occasion to formally invite the Centre to the NUJ FCT Press Week, scheduled for July 22, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

In response, Mr. Yang Jianxing welcomed the NUJ team and gave an overview of the Centre’s cultural outreach since its establishment in 2013, noting its facilities such as a library, multipurpose hall, and Mandarin classes. He highlighted the Centre’s annual events including the Spring Festival, China Tea Day, and the upcoming China–Nigeria Cultural Festival being organized in partnership with Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

Yang confirmed that the 7th Table Tennis Tournament will proceed as planned in November and expressed hope for another strong showing by NUJ FCT members. He also responded positively to Ike’s appeal for more training opportunities in China, pledging to advocate for the inclusion of Nigerian journalists.

Describing Nigeria and China as “brothers and family,” Yang commended the media’s vital role in bridging cultures. “Through your reporting, our people get to understand and appreciate one another more deeply,” he said.

NUJ FCT, China Cultural Centre to Host 7th Table Tennis Tourney Nov 15
https://kakaakireporters.com/nuj-fct-china-cultural-centre-to-host-7th-table-tennis-tourney-nov-15/

Atiku has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party PDP for Wile and his goons as 2027 election draws closer. Is this strategic?

As EduPACT 2025 Concludes, Stakeholders Unveil N440bn TVET Plan, Push for Almajiri Integration

The Kaduna International Education Summit, EduPACT 2025, has concluded with a bold proposal for a N440 billion investment to overhaul Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kaduna State. Stakeholders also called for the integration of the Almajiri education system into the formal education framework.

The three-day summit, held in Kaduna and supported by the UK’s FCDO PLANE programme, produced a communique outlining sweeping education reforms. These include aligning school curricula with industry demands, establishing vocational hubs, and transforming traditional learning centres into engines of economic empowerment.

Presenting the communique, Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo, said participants recommended dedicating at least 15% of the state’s education budget to TVET. He described the proposal as a strategic step to tackle youth unemployment and stimulate inclusive economic growth.

The proposed N440 billion TVET roadmap hinges on public-private partnerships, development of centres of excellence in key trades, and apprenticeship programmes designed to provide thousands of youths with job-ready skills.

The summit also backed a major reform of the Almajiri education system, advocating the inclusion of Almajiri children in vocational programmes. Recommendations included scrapping barriers like compulsory uniforms and PTA levies, and engaging religious leaders to champion the reform effort.

“Almajiri children must no longer be left behind. This summit resolved to modernize the system by combining Qur’anic education with literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and vocational training,” the communique stated.

Attendees included representatives from government agencies, development partners, academia, civil society, traditional leaders, and student unions. They emphasized a “whole-of-society” approach to revamp Kaduna’s education sector.

The summit endorsed the creation of a Kaduna State Education Reform Council to harmonize roles of institutions like SUBEB, the Teachers’ Service Board, and the Ministry of Education, while recommending a review of outdated policies.

To address overcrowded classrooms, especially in rural areas, stakeholders called for accelerated teacher recruitment and regular skills gap assessments. Digital learning was also a focal point, with plans to expand smart classrooms, integrate AI into teaching, and use renewable energy sources to power rural schools.

A proposed “Kaduna Research Cloud” aims to support tertiary institutions and enhance global competitiveness.

The communique further highlighted the need to strengthen School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), PTAs, and Mothers’ Associations to promote community involvement and accountability. There were also calls for youth inclusion in school governance, equitable tuition structures, and disability-friendly learning environments.

Special attention was given to the needs of persons with disabilities and out-of-school children, with proposals to expand early childhood education and adopt a unified, statewide approach to interventions.

EduPACT 2025, the communique concluded, was more than a policy dialogue -it marked the beginning of a movement to transform education in Kaduna. “We reaffirm our commitment to treat education not as a political agenda, but as a sacred promise to every child in Kaduna State.”

https://kakaakireporters.com/as-edupact-2025-concludes-stakeholders-unveil-n440bn-tvet-plan-push-for-almajiri-integration/

The Global Vice Chairman (Africa) of the International Commission for Peace and Good Governance and Head of Mission–Nigeria for the International Peace Commission, Ambassador Hussaini Coomassie, has expressed profound grief over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a true patriot and a devout leader.

In a heartfelt tribute, Ambassador Coomassie remarked: "He came, he saw, and he conquered. President Buhari’s passing is not only a monumental loss to Nigeria but to the global community. This news is deeply saddening and shocking. Yet, I find comfort in the knowledge that he lived a purposeful and impactful life, departing at the age of 82, what I call the injury time of life. Life remains a journey full of uncertainties.”

On behalf of the International Peace Commission, Ambassador Coomassie extended his sincere condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and the entire Buhari family in this time of mourning.

"May Allah grant him eternal rest. Aameen," he concluded.

Ambassador Coomassie Mourns Former President Muhammadu Buhari
https://kakaakireporters.com/ambassador-coomassie-mourns-former-president-muhammadu-buhari/

11th July 2025


PRESS RELEASE


NUJ FCT Hails Yomi Odunuga’s Appointment As Special Adviser on Media To SGF

The Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council wishes to extend heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Yomi Odunuga on his appointment as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to journalistic integrity have always been exemplary, and this new role is a well-deserved recognition of your outstanding contributions to the field.

Your wealth of experience and insightful communication skills will undoubtedly serve the government and the public well in this capacity.

NUJ FCT Council is confident that you will deliver on your new role considering your professional prowess and that you will continue to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability in your new position

Mr. Odunuga, a seasoned journalist, poet, columnist began his journalism career with the PUNCH newspaper over 27 years ago as the State House Correspondent. He was promoted to the position of Abuja Bureau Chief of the newspaper. He became the Group Political Editor
In 2006.

He later joined THE NATION newspaper as an Assistant Editor and Bureau Chief in Abuja before he was appointed as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege in 2019.


Signed

Jide Oyekunle
Secretary NUJ FCT Council

Governor Uba Sani Unveils Bold Education Blueprint at KADA EduPACT Summit


Kaduna Hosts KADA EduPACT 2025 Summit, Reaffirms Bold Education Reforms

Kaduna State has once again placed education at the heart of its development agenda as it hosted the KADA EduPACT International Summit 2025 at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Centre, Murtala Square. Governor Uba Sani used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s unwavering commitment to leveraging education as a strategic weapon against poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.

Addressing stakeholders and global partners at the summit, Governor Sani declared that education is not just a sector to be administered but the state’s most potent tool for social transformation and economic revitalisation. He unveiled a comprehensive, data-driven blueprint focused on infrastructure renewal, teacher quality enhancement, digital learning, and inclusive policies aimed at reaching vulnerable groups such as girls, nomadic children, those living with disabilities, and children affected by conflict.

Despite prevailing global fiscal constraints, Kaduna has maintained a strong education budget, expanding digital and radio learning platforms and prioritising foundational literacy. The administration’s investment in technical education is also gaining traction with the completion of three NBTE-certified Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf, and Soba facilities now considered among Nigeria’s most advanced, even rivaling established polytechnics and universities.

The governor further revealed that the iconic Panteka Market Africa’s largest informal skills hub with over 38,000 apprentices—is undergoing a major transformation under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework, including modern facilities and updated training equipment.

In higher education, the state has injected ₦500 million into Kaduna State University (KASU), leading to accreditation for 40 new academic programmes. The introduction of a 40% tuition cut across all state-owned tertiary institutions has already sparked a surge in enrolment.

Tackling the issue of out-of-school children, Governor Sani highlighted the ongoing Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Project. The initiative has seen the construction or rehabilitation of over 1,000 classrooms, the establishment of 62 new secondary schools, distribution of nearly 1.5 million instructional materials, and provision of 31,000 two-seater desks. These interventions are monitored through digital dashboards to track impact and progress.

The summit also spotlighted the KADA EduPACT framework, which is built on six pillars: equitable access, quality teaching and learning, sustainable financing, digital innovation, gender inclusion, and a resilient, well-monitored education system.

Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, praised Kaduna’s proactive policies, calling the summit a model for national and sub-national education reform. British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever OBE, reaffirmed the UK’s continued partnership with Kaduna through the PLANE programme. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed lauded the state’s efforts to localise global education goals amidst worldwide disruptions caused by inequality and climate-related challenges.

Kaduna’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Abubakar Sambo, described the summit as a defining moment for the state’s education transformation. He applauded the government’s record 26% allocation of the 2025 budget to education, which he said is already driving measurable improvements in learning outcomes.

Jointly organised by the Kaduna State Government and international partners—including FCDO, UNICEF, the World Bank’s AGILE initiative, the Islamic Development Bank, Save the Children, the Malala Fund, and Miva University the summit aims to forge a sustainable educational compact between the government and the people, grounded in shared accountability, measurable targets, and long-term impact.

Kaduna State has once again placed education at the heart of its development agenda as it hosted the KADA EduPACT International Summit 2025 at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Centre, Murtala Square. Governor Uba Sani used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s unwavering commitment to leveraging education as a strategic weapon against poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.

Addressing stakeholders and global partners at the summit, Governor Sani declared that education is not just a sector to be administered but the state’s most potent tool for social transformation and economic revitalisation. He unveiled a comprehensive, data-driven blueprint focused on infrastructure renewal, teacher quality enhancement, digital learning, and inclusive policies aimed at reaching vulnerable groups such as girls, nomadic children, those living with disabilities, and children affected by conflict.

Despite prevailing global fiscal constraints, Kaduna has maintained a strong education budget, expanding digital and radio learning platforms and prioritising foundational literacy. The administration’s investment in technical education is also gaining traction with the completion of three NBTE-certified Institutes of Vocational Training and Skills Development in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf, and Soba facilities now considered among Nigeria’s most advanced, even rivaling established polytechnics and universities.

The governor further revealed that the iconic Panteka Market Africa’s largest informal skills hub with over 38,000 apprentices is undergoing a major transformation under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework, including modern facilities and updated training equipment.

In higher education, the state has injected ₦500 million into Kaduna State University (KASU), leading to accreditation for 40 new academic programmes. The introduction of a 40% tuition cut across all state-owned tertiary institutions has already sparked a surge in enrolment.

Tackling the issue of out-of-school children, Governor Sani highlighted the ongoing Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Project. The initiative has seen the construction or rehabilitation of over 1,000 classrooms, the establishment of 62 new secondary schools, distribution of nearly 1.5 million instructional materials, and provision of 31,000 two-seater desks. These interventions are monitored through digital dashboards to track impact and progress.

The summit also spotlighted the KADA EduPACT framework, which is built on six pillars: equitable access, quality teaching and learning, sustainable financing, digital innovation, gender inclusion, and a resilient, well-monitored education system.

Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, praised Kaduna’s proactive policies, calling the summit a model for national and sub-national education reform. British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever OBE, reaffirmed the UK’s continued partnership with Kaduna through the PLANE programme. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed lauded the state’s efforts to localise global education goals amidst worldwide disruptions caused by inequality and climate-related challenges.

Kaduna’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Abubakar Sambo, described the summit as a defining moment for the state’s education transformation. He applauded the government’s record 26% allocation of the 2025 budget to education, which he said is already driving measurable improvements in learning outcomes.

Jointly organised by the Kaduna State Government and international partners including FCDO, UNICEF, the World Bank’s AGILE initiative, the Islamic Development Bank, Save the Children, the Malala Fund, and Miva University the summit aims to forge a sustainable educational compact between the government and the people, grounded in shared accountability, measurable targets, and long-term impact.

Kaduna Hosts KADA EduPACT 2025 Summit, Reaffirms Bold Education Reforms
https://kakaakireporters.com/kaduna-hosts-kada-edupact-2025-summit-reaffirms-bold-education-reforms/

The Dangote oil refinery has reduced the price of petrol from N840 to N820 per litre.

ABUJA, FCT

JULY 8, 2025

PRESS STATEMENT

*ADC IS SCARED OF ITS BOGEYMEN SHADOW*

Days after its dreary unveiling, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is, unsurprisingly, already trudging the beaten path of lies and deception like its opposition counterparts, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).

In its statement of Monday, July 7, 2025, the ADC wildly alleged an imaginary plot by President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine and destabilise the party. Citing “credible intelligence”, the party claimed that state chairmen in the North East and North West zones of the country were summoned to a “secret meeting with officials of the federal government”, in a plot to intimidate and coerce the opposition coalition.

Beyond the rash of poorly imagined accusations, the statement did not offer substantiation of any kind. It’s vague reference to "officials of federal government" only belies the mischievous intent of its makers to whip up sentiments, manipulate public opinion, and distract Nigerians from the patent hopelessness of their political phishing expedition.

Otherwise, why is it so impossible for ADC to provide Nigerians the details of the alleged “secret meeting” at which its senior party officers were “coerced and intimidated”. Rather, the party cites nonsensical “credible intelligence” as basis for its devious allegations.

Clearly, there was no such meeting, and certainly, no one could have been coerced or intimidated at a meeting that never was. This could have happened only in the warped imagination of masters of deception and marauding invaders of the ADC.

There is no reason for Mr. President or APC to expend valuable time and energy trying to sow confusion within ADC that is already mortally wounded by confusion delivered by its invaders. The ADC needs no help from our great Party to unravel as it must from its own internal dissonance, contradictions and discord of self-serving and vainglorious personalities that executed a gestapo-like takeover of the party to the chagrin of bonafide leaders and members of the party.

The ADC’s statement is just a calculated preemptive excuse for its evident ill-fated future of disintegration, like Humpty Dumpty whose great fall could not be put back together again. It has placed on public display the incompetence and inability of its leadership to manage its impending internal crisis, in the same way they proved incapable of managing the internal affairs of opposition parties they have plundered serially before the ADC.

And what good can possibly come out of a coalition of our country’s most inept politicians and architects of misrule, corruption, poverty and underdevelopment who are now congregated in ADC? What else can be expected from a coalition of failed and restless presidential contenders determined to bring down the roof on the altar of their inordinate ambitions?

As an agglomeration of politicians desperate for presidential power, the ADC has nothing to offer Nigerians and has failed to articulate any alternative vision of governance and development for Nigeria beyond the sound and fury of grudge, vendetta, inordinate presidential ambitions of its leaders. Their strategy appears to begin and end with vilifying our great party and attacking President Tinubu’s incomparable and unassailable record of economic reconstruction and wholesome transformation of our country.

The ADC and its leaders may be convinced of their ability to lie their way to presidential victory but they have a highly intelligent and discerning Nigerian electorate to contend with.

They say one thing, mean another and do yet another. From Mr. Peter Obi’s desperate vow to serve a single term of four years if elected as president, and his pledge to fly only commercial airlines as president, even though he campaigned with steeze and opulence in private jets throughout the 2023 election season; to Mallam El-Rufai who failed spectacularly in comparison to mind-blowing transformation of Abuja by the award-wining incumbent Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike; to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola whose lack-luster performance as Minister of Interior is now so glaring in the face of the innovation and super efficiency introduced by the current Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; to Hadi Sirika whose tenure as Aviation Minister was characterised by invidious scandals, aside floating a phantom Nigerian Air, now even more disgraceful in comparison with the drastic improvements in our airports and the aviation sector, in general, under the watch of Olorogun Festus Keyamo (SAN), Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, none of the proponents of the coalition has the vision, the courage, competence, credibility, track record, zeal and patriotism to serve Nigeria better than President Bola Tinubu is already doing.

While the opposition wallows in self-inflicted confusion, the Tinubu-administration and our great Party remain undistracted and will continue to build a virile and vibrant country for this and future generations of Nigerians.

Signed:
*Felix Morka, CON*
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Niger-Delta Economic and Investment Summit, organisers have announced a strategic partnership with the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

Ambassador Kenule Nwiya Jnr, Founder of the Regional Economic and Investment Summit and Festivals, confirmed the collaboration, describing it as a major boost to the summit’s mission of driving sustainable economic growth and attracting meaningful investments to the Niger-Delta region.

According to him, the involvement of the Presidential Council underscores the federal government’s commitment to fostering regional development through investment. He also praised the leadership of the Council under Prince Adeyemi, noting his passion and dedication to promoting investment opportunities across Nigeria.

“This year’s summit will take place in Edo State this September and serves as a lead-up to the World Investment Summit, which will also be hosted by the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council,” Amb. Nwiya revealed.

He further emphasized the organisers’ willingness to expand partnerships that support Nigeria’s investment climate, stating that the collaboration with the presidency will help strengthen the country’s investment development goals and promote long-term economic sustainability.