FG will reconstruct collapsed Enugu Bridge, says Umahi.

FG will reconstruct collapsed Enugu Bridge, says Umahi.

Dave Umahi, the minister of works, has said that the federal government is committed to reconstructing the recently collapsed overhead bridge in Gariki along the Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway, Enugu state. 

The collapse occurred on Thursday, September 28.

Umahi stated this when he inspected the bridge with Enugu state governor, Peter Mbah.

A segment of the bridge collapsed just a few days ago, resulting in a road blockage.

Umahi, who received the information on the bridge, visited the scene on 48hrs after it collapsed.

He was accompanied by Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi of Ebonyi Central Zone, Directors of the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors, and other officials of the ministry.

The minister said an integrity test would be conducted on the axis of the bridge that didn’t collapse to know if it can serve as an alternative route on the expressway following the collapse of the bridge.

He assured that President Bola Tinubu would intervene on the bridge as soon as possible.

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Mbah while speaking with journalists after inspection of the bridge said: “I want to thank the minister of Works for his prompt response. This for me underscores the president’s commitment.

“When he took an oath of office, he committed to lead with compassion, he also committed to run an all-inclusive government and this is what we are seeing today.

“We have reached out to the federal government immediately after this happened. This is a major gateway road. So, I cried to the federal government and said look, we need to do something expeditiously.

“And here we are today. Within 48 hours, the Minister of Works is right here with us to carry out an inspection and we are here proffering solutions as to how we can at least get one section of the bridge to continue to accommodate our people.

“So, there is going to be an integrity test as the Minister has said on the section of the bridge that has not broken and once that the integrity test shows that we should be using that section of the bridge, we will be using that section.

“But they will spare no time in starting work on the aspect that collapsed. The Minister is here, he has contractors with him. They want to swing into action immediately. So, we are truly pleased with the action taken so far by the Minister and indeed the President.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

EKSG Restoring Light to Communities to Activate SMSEs — Oyebanji.

EKSG Restoring  Light to Communities to Activate SMSEs — Oyebanji.

.....Advocates genuine, functional LG system.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has restated that  the reconnection of some communities back to national grid being aggressively pursued by his administration , was intended to improve power supply for geometric growth of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSEs).

The governor also advocated for a genuine and functional local government system in the country, as a panacea to alarming poverty and crime rates.

Oyebanji spoke in Omuo Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti East Local Government Area, on Friday, while commissioning projects built by the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Samuel Ojo. 

Some of the projects include: renovation of  Comprehensive Health Centres at  Iworo and Ilisa quarters , a Customary Court at Ilisa quarters, Health centre at Iludofin,  and renovation of the town's Modern Market.

Others include a solar-powered borehole for the  staff of Ekiti East Local Government, construction of Omi Aweda bridge, and distribution of palliatives like rice, cooking gas cylinder, cooking  stoves, knapsack spraying machine, cash gifts to the elderly, among others.  

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described a fecund and efficient council administration, as a weapon to create wealth, ensure equitable distribution of public utilities and veritable platform to activate economic activities for better income earnings. 

Addressing the residents, who experienced power outage for 15 unbroken years and now on the verge of being reconnected  through the state government, Oyebanji said the power restoration will lift many out of poverty.

"We are happy that Mr Governor has fulfilled this promise because it will help to propel the growth of Small businesses , boost their incomes, increase their productivity and lift them out of poverty when it takes off soon. That is the vision behind the rural power policy of this government .

"I am quite convinced that the restoration of power will help in activating business activities in Ekiti East Local government. Those small businesses that have become moribund  or comatose will be energised back to life to liberate the people from wanton poverty and joblessness.

Commenting on the rural projects executed by the Chairman, Oyebanji averred that they were well thought-out and  people-centric, saying they will make  tremendous positive impacts in the lives of the citizens.

"I am elated for the landmark achievements and contributions being made by our Local Governments  and  Local Council Development Areas under the leadership of Governor Oyebanji.The development of local economy is a good ingredient to combat poverty and reduce the incidences of criminalities as well as rural-urban drift in our society".

"The ultra modern Community Health Centre  will contribute to the fight against maternal mortality, child mortality and help in increasing the life expectancy of our people. It is a fact that nearness to a functional health centre, is a potent weapon  to improve the welfare of the masses and help in prevention of untimely death.

"The Ultra Modern Market and other projects initiated by the management of this council will help in boosting local economy, brings increased contributions to the Growth Domestic Product(GDP) and create a platform for  the marketing of all our agricultural products".

The council boss, Hon. Ojo, applauded Governor Oyebanji for taking step to restore electricity to the community after over a decade of darkness, assuring that with that lofty action, economic activities will begin to boom and soar in the area.

Ojo stated that the encouragement he has been getting from the state was the driving force for him, particularly the provision of adequate funds for all the councils to execute projects in line with the six-point policy thrust of Oyebanji's government.  

The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr. Folorunso Olabode, said the development of the third tier of government is dear to the current administration and that nothing will be spared to bring democracy dividends to the people's doorsteps.

CMD Breaks Silence Over Misunderstanding With Wife.

CMD Breaks Silence Over Misunderstanding With Wife.

The suspended Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Ekiti State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti, Dr Olaolu Olubiyi has finally opened up on the misunderstanding between him and his wife, Dr Mrs Adenike Olubiyi. 

The CMD who spoke through his Counsel, Opeyemi Ogunremi, said he decided not to respond to the allegations at first because it’s a family affair and both of them are public servants.

The statement by the counsel said: ”In the first instance, we want to categorically state that the issue between Dr Olaoluwa Olubiyi and his wife, Dr (Mrs) Adenike Olubiyi is not a fresh issue but has been lingering for over two years.

“Moreover, it’s a family affair which has nothing to do with their respective official responsibilities and it is already being looked into by the family to avoid degerating into irreconcilable situation.

“We therefore want to plead with members of the public, particularly members of the press to please treat this issue with caution so as not to disorganise the family and throw the children to everlasting sorrow.

Economic Stability is Our Priority in 2024 – VP Shettima.

Economic Stability is Our Priority in 2024 – VP Shettima.

....As NEC appeals to organized labour to shelve planned strike.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has identified stability as one of the primes in the economic agenda of the Tinubu administration for the year 2024.

This is just as the National Economic Council (NEC) has appealed to the Organised Labour to shelve its planned strike, saying President Bola Tinubu remains committed to the welfare of Nigerian workers. 

The Vice President stated that government at the federal, state and local government levels must remain committed to reevaluating their priorities, streamlining processes, and making bold decisions that would reflect key social issues, including social protection, social investment and nutrition.

Senator Shettima stated this on Thursday at the 136th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

NEC, a statutory body that has the mandate to advise the President on the nation’s economic affairs, is chaired by the Vice President, with the Governors of the 36 states of the federation, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Minister of Finance and other stakeholders as members.

In his opening address at the NEC meeting titled, ‘Planning for Stability: Our Agenda for Economic Growth in 2024’, Vice President Shetimma reminded the governors and other members of NEC that the weight of the tough decisions to rescue Nigeria’s economy depends on their cooperation and goodwill.

He noted that what has set President Bola Ahmed Tinubu apart as a Nigerian leader is the courage to embark on fixing the country’s economy through bold reforms.

Identifying stability as a major priority in next year’s economic agenda, the VP said, “It took courage to embark on fixing an economy hindered by decades of political lip service. But that’s what has set President Bola Ahmed Tinubu apart: his bold reforms to reposition the economy and save it from further erosion. 

Other highlights of the meeting are as follows; 

 ACCOUNTS BALANCES:

Excess Crude Account: – $473,754.57

Stabilization Account – N34,936,868,803.58

Development of Natural Resources – N128,330,636,441.14

The Governor of Kogi State and chairman of the Committee on impact of Flood and Disaster Across the States in Nigeria, Yahaya Bello, categorized states based on degrees of damage. 

He classified the states as:

Group A

States with over 15 points (most affected)

Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Rivers, Enugu, Kano, Oyo, Yobe, Zamfara

Group B

States with 10-15 points

Cross River, Delta, Jigawa, Kwara, Ondo

Group C

States with less than 10 points

Katsina, Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, FCT.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

NEC resolved to develop a roadmap for intervention and directed NEMA to provide immediate intervention on relief to affected states. Roadmap to be developed and articulated by NEC with the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum.

Presentation on the Joint Planning Board (JPB) And National Council on Development Planning (NCDP)

The presentation on the National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) and the Joint Planning Board (JPB) meetings serve as a platform for bringing together Senior Officials from Federal and State ministries, as well as other related Agencies responsible for Budget and Economic Planning, Representatives of the Organized Private Sector, the Academia, Development Partners and Civil Society Organizations to engage in in-depth discussions on economic policy issues, with a view to propose an optimal approach for enhancing economic management processes at both National and Sub-national levels. 

B. Status Report on the Implementation of Key Resolutions of the 21st Edition of the JPB/NCDP Meetings

i. The FMBEP should collaborate with the States in the process of designing a template for harvesting the status of implementation of the JPB/NCDP resolutions, factoring the peculiarities of each State. i. The FMBEP should collaborate with the States in the process of designing a template for harvesting the status of implementation of the JPB/NCDP resolutions, factoring the peculiarities of each State.

C. Energy Sufficiency for Sustainable Economic Development: Options for Nigeria 

i. Government at all levels should promote the migration of Heavy-Duty Industries/Transport systems from fossil fuel to Gas Infrastructure;

ii. Given the new Electricity Act that empowers States and individuals to participate in all components of the energy sector, State Governments should carry out energy audit to determine Energy needs and explore areas for collaboration with the private sector based on their comparative advantage; iii. States should develop small hydropower plants, on or off-grid, and solar, for communities and MSMEs; iv. The three tiers of Government should institute initiatives for the promotion of attitudinal change regarding energy use, wastage, and theft; and v. The government should promote Research and development, Local Content, New Energy (Hydrogen, Biofuels) Prototype Investments for energy sufficiency.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION:

Council noted that the meeting was successful and approved regular interaction and synergy among commissioners of Economic Planning across the federation.

PRESENTATION ON THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON FISCAL POLICY AND TAX REFORMS:

The chairman of the Committee Mr. Taiwo Oyedele made presentation to the NEC on the fiscal policy and Tax Reforms, disclosing that the Committee was set up by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to review and redesign Nigeria fiscal system with respect to:

(1) Revenue mobilisation, both tax and non-tax

(2) Quality of government spending and

(3) Sustainable debt management in addition, the committee will identify relevant measures to make Nigeria an attractive destination for investment and facilitate inclusive Economic growth.

Deliverables and outcomes:

The expected outcomes from the work of the committee will include, but not limited to the following:

1. Repeal of existing taxes and levies especially those that are suboptimal, obsolete or unduly burdensome and enactment of new harmonised tax laws;

2. Preparation of a harmonised list of taxes and levies, not exceeding a single digit in number and covering all levels of government;

3. Review of the 2017 National Tax Policy to produce a new National Policy on Tax and Fiscal Policy for ratification by the federal and state governments;

4. A national fiscal risk framework for efficient fiscal governance, fiscal consolidation and stability;

5. Draft bills for constitutional amendments on fiscal matters to promote fiscal federalism;

6. Enhancements to the revenue administration system to improve revenue mobilization and a robust framework for tax revenue accounting and reporting to improve taxpayer trust;

7. Establishment of National Office of Tax Ombudsman, Fiscal Policy and Tax Simplification.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION

Council noted the presentation

UPDATES ON PALLIATIVE DISTRIBUTION ACROSS THE STATES

The Governor of Kwara State, Abdulraman Abdulrazaq gave an update on the distribution of palliatives across the States. He told Council that members are making progress and urged them to re-double efforts as states looked forward for more interventions.

Released by:

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Office of the Vice President)

28th September 2023

Your sacrifices under Tinubu won’t be wasted, Shettima assures Nigerians.

Your sacrifices under Tinubu won’t be wasted, Shettima assures Nigerians.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the Nigeria of everyone’s dream is realisable through active collaboration with the Bola Tinubu administration as it works to fulfill its campaign promises.

Shettima spoke at the 63rd Independence Day anniversary public lecture, with the theme: Actualising the Vision of Renewed Hope for Socioeconomic Development through Effective Leadership, yesterday in Abuja.

Top government officials at the event included the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila and Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Dr. Folashade Esan.

The ministers were: Mohammed Idris (Information), Prof. Joseph Utsev (Water Resources and Sanitation), Nyesom Wike (Federal capital Territory), Alhaji Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning), Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Mr. Dele Alake (Solid Minerals Development), Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam (Police Affairs), Mr. Shuaibu Audu (Steel Development), and Sa’idu Alkali (Transportation).

The Vice President, who noted that in the last 63 years of the nation’s existence, the driving force of the people had been the realisation that achieving the collective dream and surmounting challenges required sacrifices from all citizens, especially the leadership.

“The future of a great nation is not determined by the occurrence of their socioeconomic challenge. The future of every nation rests on the intention, sincerity and innovative ideas of its leaders and their commitment to implementing them.

“This is why President Bola Tinubu’s Eight-Point Agenda remains an oasis in a scorching sun. We cannot renew the hope of the nation unless we deliver on our promise to drive food security and eradicate poverty.

“We cannot foster economic growth and nurture job creation unless we facilitate access to capital, enhance national security and optimise the business environment for our enterprises.

“We are going to uphold the rule of law and fight corruption to design the Nigeria of our dream. We can’t achieve any of these unless each citizen remains a strategic partner in pursuit of our ultimate national interests.

“At 63, we recognise that what has sustained us and propelled us forward is our collective belief that overcoming the challenges we have inherited necessitates sacrifices, especially from us, the leaders,” Shettima said.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Ajume, explained that the theme of the anniversary lecture was intended to shed more light on critical areas of Nigeria’s socioeconomic potentials that could be explored and developed through policies and programmes enunciated by the Tinubu-led administration.

Also, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said Nigeria’s fight against corruption will continue to be a mirage until government gives the workers a living wage.

Abbas said this at the 63rd Independence Day anniversary public lecture in Abuja.

The Speaker, who represented the Legislative arm of government at the occasion, noted that with piling bills to settle and the earning being inadequate to meet the needs, Nigerian workers might find it difficult to resist corrupt practices.

“One thing I must also have to emphasise concerning all their contributions is an area that previous administrations have not taken serious and that is the issue of living wage and the fight on corruption.”

“The discussants have spoken, may be slightly on one issue. That issue is the issue of coming up with a living wage. It’s the foundation of a corruption-free society.

“If a worker is paid well; if he is paid enough to afford his basic needs; it will help to eliminate corruption in a significant way. This is because he doesn’t need to steal to be able to feed his family. He doesn’t need to steal to be able to pay his rent. He doesn’t have to steal to take his children to school.

“Today, in the Nigerian project, this is what is completely absent, particularly when we look at the socioeconomic realities of today. With the hyper-inflation, the level of our wage, I don’t see how any Nigerian can work in a transparent and an effective manner,” he said.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Fed Govt’s donation of 14,633 coconut seedlings excites association.

Fed Govt’s donation of 14,633 coconut seedlings excites association.

National Coconut Producers, Processors & Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN) has hailed Federal Government’s donation of 14,633 coconut seedlings to farmers in five states.

National President, Dr. Nma Okoroji, said the seedlings would mitigate effect of flooding on members’ farms in coconut communities.

Okoroji, represented by Mesi Doheto, National Vice-President, Southwest, said: “This contribution will make impact  in coconut producing communities in Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Kogi and Akwa Ibom states.

 “Coconut farming plays a crucial role in our economy, providing livelihoods for families and contributing to well-being of our region.

 “This donation will help in sustaining and expanding our plantations, and contribute to NACOPPMAN project towards ensuring coconut sufficiency in Nigeria with cultivation of 10,000 hectares.”

 The association congratulated Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on his appointment, noting it recognised importance of collaboration between government and organisations, and commitment of the ministry to growth of the coconut industry.

Don't Oppress, Alienate Vulnerable Citizens, Ekiti Deputy Gov Warns Nigerians.

Don't Oppress, Alienate  Vulnerable Citizens, Ekiti Deputy Gov Warns Nigerians.

.....Donates to special schools, orphanage to mark 65th birthday.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, on Thursday, donated to state owned special schools and orphanage to mark her 65th birthday, urging Nigerian leaders and wealthy individuals to  make positive impacts in the lives of the vulnerable groups to build a society that is stable and egalitarian.

Rather than oppressing and alienating  the vulnerables , Mrs Afuye, warned Nigerians to deploy their resources to palliate the sufferings of the poor masses, describing this as the remedial step against inequality and way to bridge the gap between the rich and poor.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, said this in Ikere ,Ikoro and Ido Ekiti, while making donations to the less privileged to mark her  birthday.

 

Places visited include: Government Special School for the Blind, Ikere Ekiti, Erelu Angela Adebayo Children's Home, Iyin Ekiti, Government Special School for the Dumb, Ikoro Ekiti and the Government Special School, Ido Ekiti.

Materials donated are: Bags of rice, bags of beans, confectionaries, children's  wears, bedspread, cash gifts, other food items, among others.

Addressing her hosts in all the places visited, the Deputy Governor, stressed that adding value to the lives of the underprivileged should be the priority of those in strategic and influential positions, either in the public or private sectors .

Mrs Afuye said her principal, Governor Biodun Oyebanji demonstrated such gesture when he instructed all his admirers to always donate to the less privileged to mark his birthdays as a governor, instead of presenting multimillion naira gifts or expending huge sums on adverts in the media.

She stated that Governor Oyebanji's humility and passion for the less privileged spurred her  to make the donations to give the children a strong sense of belonging and to demonstrate that they are not second class citizens .

The Deputy Governor assured the children that the governor will continue to accord them respect and place high premium on their welfare.

 "The fact that you are physically challenged doesn't mean you can't be governors or deputy governors in future. You could see that Governor Oyebanji has been prioritising your welfare and this will continue because we don't consider you as second class citizens.

"As part of the policy of this government, certain percentage has been allotted to those living with disabilities in appointment and employment opportunities. The governor has been implementing this stringently without bias or laxity.

"There is also equal opportunities law and the Gender Based Violence Law to protect you against any form of discrimination and oppression. My principal will never joke or lenient with the application of these laws designed to protect you against discriminations. 

"Let me say this clear and loud, as long as Governor Oyebanji remains the governor, nobody will be allowed to abridge your rights or treat you shabbily".

Speaking further, Mrs Afuye posited that giving to the less privileged like poor widows, physically challenged and orphans always give her joy, instead of throwing big party that would only be attended by high and mighty in the society. 

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education, Mrs Adetoun Agboola, who accompanied Mrs Afuye to the  venues, saluted the generosity of the Deputy Governor, saying it will a long way in motivating the students to dream big ahead of the future.

Mrs Agboola appealed to the children to dream big and be rest assured that their lives can still blossom in spite of their challenges, saying things are fast looking up for those in this category on account of the love and passion Governor Oyebanji has to better their lives. 

"If you look around the world, several physically challenged people are now holding strong positions in government and private organisations. Things are fast changing, so I want you to dream big and have that assurance that your future will be rewarding and bright".

The Principal of the special schools, Ikere Ekiti , Mrs Kikelomo Okeya and her counterpart in Ikoro Ekiti Special School for the Dumb, Mrs Olayide Adu, appreciated the Deputy Governor for her humility and for fraternising with the students despite their challenges. 

They said such humble disposition would propel the students to aim higher and bury the impression that they are neither recognised not relevant in the society.