Minister of Interior, Hon. Oluwabunmi Tunji-Ojo, Joins Forces with Attorney-General to Tackle Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing.

Minister of Interior, Hon. Oluwabunmi Tunji-Ojo, Joins Forces with Attorney-General to Tackle Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing.                                                          By: Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a pivotal development earlier today, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, converged with Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, for an Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting dedicated to addressing anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism. The meeting, held at the esteemed Ministry of Justice, gathered the heads of various key agencies to deliberate on critical issues and strategize for the future.

With an array of prominent figures from government agencies in attendance, the discussion encompassed a wide range of topics and concerns, all aimed at reinforcing the nation's stance against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, known for his commitment to national development, emphasized the paramount importance of collaboration with key stakeholders to realize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's #RenewedHope Agenda. He stated that these collaborative efforts are integral to steering Nigeria towards a brighter and more secure future.

This Inter-Ministerial Committee meeting serves as a testament to the government's unwavering dedication to combating financial crimes and terrorism, reinforcing the commitment to the safety and prosperity of the nation. The discussions held during this meeting are expected to lead to concrete actions that will further strengthen Nigeria's efforts in these critical areas.

Southwest Speakers Convene in Lagos to Foster Regional Progress.

Southwest Speakers Convene in Lagos to Foster Regional Progress.

Speakers of state Legislatures in the Southwestern part of Nigeria on Monday gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly for discussions aimed at the progress of the zone.

The gathering comes few days to the Abuja meeting of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria where a national chairman is billed to emerge.

State Speakers at the meeting hosted by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, include Rt. Hon. Taiwo Oluomo of Ogun, Adebo Ogundoyin of Oyo, Adeoye Aribasoye of Ekiti, Adewale Egbedun of Osun and Olamide Oladiji of Ondo.

The Speakers held a closed-door session after which Dr. Obasa told journalists that different issues relating to the growth and progress of Southwest were discussed.

“We looked at the progress of the legislature in the Southwest. Let me remind you that during the last Assembly, we all adopted a single Business Rules and Standing Order, which we have reviewed at this meeting.

“We also discussed the coming election of the Conference of Speakers. We deliberated on that because we have to be there with one voice. We have two Speakers, Ogun and Oyo, running for the position. So we have to harmonise our position before we go for the election.

“We also discussed the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) as it relates to the economic progress and development of Southwest. I am happy to tell you we made tremendous progress in our discussion and we have concluded that we will meet again to continue our deliberation. But in all, we have discussed in the interest of the Southwest,” Dr. Obasa said.

Confirming discussions at the meeting, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye, said: “We met to discuss the Southwest, the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, the coming election, the security of our zone, and the need for cross-fertilisation of ideas among the legislatures in the Southwest.”

Earlier, while being received at the legislative chamber of the Lagos Assembly, the Speakers told the State lawmakers that their visit had opened their eyes to further directions they needed to take for the progress of their individual states.

They commended the Lagos lawmakers for standing firm in their support for democracy, true governance and the leadership of Speaker Obasa noting that their activities have helped to sustain a virile legislative arm in the State.

“What we have seen at the Lagos State House of Assembly will guide us going foward, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye said while describing Lagos as a true ‘Centre of Excellence’ and thanking Dr. Obasa for being a worthy leader to Southwest Speakers.

Rt. Hon. Oladiji, who said it was his first time visiting the Lagos Assembly, described what he had seen as a true reflection of why the State continues to make legislative progress under Speaker Obasa.

Stressing that the Southwest remains the leading democratic light in Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Egbedun added: “I want to use this opportunity to tell you that Speaker Obasa is our leader.”

On his part, Rt. Hon. Oluomo commended the Lagos lawmakers for standing with Obasa, who he described as making history for being the longest serving Speaker in Nigeria.

Further addressing the Lagos lawmakers, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin thanked Dr. Obasa for always helping the Southwest Speakers with his knowledge and experience.

In his response, Dr. Obasa described his colleagues at the Lagos Assembly as dedicated, loyal to positive causes and passionate for the progress of the legislature and the State.

NANS Ekiti JCC Applauds First Lady for Championing Youth Education.

NANS Ekiti JCC Applauds First Lady for Championing Youth Education.

In a heartwarming show of appreciation, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ekiti Joint Campus Committee (JCC) has showered commendations upon the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Abiodun-Oyebanji, for her outstanding efforts in launching the Educational Empowerment and Back to School program. Under the leadership of Comrade Aderibigbe Sikiru, NANS Ekiti JCC has hailed this initiative as a beacon of hope for the youth of Ekiti.

The program, spearheaded by the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Abiodun-Oyebanji,  aims to provide a brighter future for Ekiti's promising young minds. NANS Ekiti JCC expressed unwavering confidence in the First Lady's ability to continue leading the charge towards unparalleled success in the state's education sector.

While celebrating these significant strides, NANS Ekiti JCC remains vigilant of the ongoing challenges faced by the student community. They have called upon His Excellency, the Governor of Ekiti State, to intensify efforts in pursuit of academic excellence and improved student welfare. The student body firmly believes in the Governor's capacity to overcome these challenges and enhance the quality of education in Ekiti.

In conclusion, the NANS Ekiti JCC reaffirms its dedication to championing the rights and welfare of students. They pledge to collaborate closely with the state government to foster an educational environment that nurtures the leaders of today and tomorrow.

In Pic: Comrade Aderibigbe Sikiru, NANS Ekiti JCC Chairman. 

This remarkable initiative by the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Abiodun-Oyebanji nd the commitment of NANS Ekiti JCC exemplify the power of collaboration and determination in uplifting education for the betterment of Ekiti's youth and the entire state.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SECURES LANDMARK DEAL WITH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ACROSS SECTORS; VISA BAN ON NIGERIAN TRAVELERS IS LIFTED IMMEDIATELY.

PRESIDENT TINUBU SECURES LANDMARK DEAL WITH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ACROSS SECTORS; VISA BAN ON NIGERIAN TRAVELERS IS LIFTED IMMEDIATELY.

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.

Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay. 

As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.

In recognition of President Tinubu's economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.

In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President 

(Media & Publicity)

September 11, 2023

36 States Share N1.51 Trillion in Federal Revenue for First Half of 2023, NEITI Report Reveals.

36 States Share N1.51 Trillion in Federal Revenue for First Half of 2023, NEITI Report Reveals.

36 states in the federation received about N1.51trillion, or 34.5 percent of the total N4.37 trillion shared by the three tiers of the government between January and June, 2023, the second quarter 2023 Federation Account Statutory Revenue Allocations Report has shown.

The report by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) showed the states received about N817.79 billion from the N2.32 trillion total distributable allocation in the first quarter and N688.2billion of the N2.04trillion allocation in the second quarter.

Apart from the share of the statutory allocations, the report said the nine oil-producing states, namely Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers received additional allocations as their share of the 13 percent derivation revenue to bring their total receipts to about N869.09 billion.

On a state-by-state basis, the report showed that Delta State received the largest allocation of N102.79 billion among the 36 states in the second quarter, followed by Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, which received N70.01 billion and N69.73 billion respectively. Ekiti, Ebonyi and Nassarawa States received the lowest allocations of N16.95 billion, N16.84 billion and N16.71 billion respectively.

In terms of debt repayment, the report showed that the deduction from Lagos state topped the 36 states’ allocations to service pending debts as a result of foreign loans and contractual obligations such as irrevocable standing payment orders (ISPO) and other liabilities standing against each state.

The report showed that a total deduction of N9 billion from the Lagos State allocation in the second quarter of 2023 was the highest, followed by Delta (N6.76 billion), Ogun (N6.10billion), Kaduna (N5.63billion) and Osun (N5.6billion).

Enugu, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Anambra and Jigawa states recorded the lowest deductions of N1.88billion, N1.51billion, N1.45 billion, N1.29 billion and N1.16 billion respectively.

TINUBU WOOS VOLKSWAGEN, OTHER MANUFACTURERS BACK TO NIGERIA.

TINUBU WOOS VOLKSWAGEN, OTHER MANUFACTURERS BACK TO NIGERIA.

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the sideline of the G-20 summit in India, met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to boost Nigeria’s car manufacturing sector.

Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. Tinubu noted that expanding Nigeria’s economic partnership is vital to his administration.

He called on the German government to explore new incentives for foreign investments in Nigeria.

“It is not, for us, only a matter of designing the financial architecture for an expanded economic partnership. It is also about the practicality of aligning the perspectives of your large-scale manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and others, with the reality of the new incentives my government is putting in place for them to come and prosper across multiple value chains and sectors inside our country”.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged the mutually beneficial nature of an escalation in the scale of economic ties with Nigeria.

“Thank you for this important discussion, Mr. President. I appreciate this opportunity to advance our economic relations. Your market is unique, and our companies have a history in Nigeria. We acknowledge the business-friendly reforms you have put in place. I am happy to inform you of my desire to visit you in Nigeria in October, which will allow us to carry forward these initiatives,” the German leader stated

EKSG to commence construction works on Igirigiri road soon- Aluko.

EKSG to commence construction works on Igirigiri road soon- Aluko.

......urges residents to be calm.

The Ekiti State Government has said that it would soon begin construction works on Igirigiri road in Ado Ekiti as part of steps aimed at providing motorable road for commuters and residents of the area which is an agricultural corridor.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Chief Mrs Tosin Aluko who was at Igirigiri on an inspection tour of the flooded route.

Aluko who had earlier received a flood alert fromresidents of the community as a result of heavy downpour on Monday and Tuesday pleaded with the residents to be calm as the government is already working to ensure the road is constructed as soon as possible.

Aluko hinted that palliative measures will be considered for the people of the community pending the flag off of the road in September.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, a community leader, Mr. Sola Ogundare stated that the road has become a menace and residents are moving out of the community when it rains.

In company of the Commissioner were the Chairman, Ado Local Government, Chief Bosun Osaloni, the Project Coordinator, Ekiti State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project(EK-RAAMP), Hon. Sunday Adunmo; the Senior Special Assistant on Community Communication, Mrs. Mary Oso-Omotoso, the General Manager, Ekiti State Waste Management Authority, Engr. Ayoola Osalusi and the General Manager, State Environmental Protection Agency(SEPA), Mr. Kayode Adunmo.