Over 3M MSMEs to Benefit as Nigeria Launches FG/ALAT Skillnovation.

Over 3M MSMEs to Benefit as Nigeria Launches FG/ALAT Skillnovation.

•••No going back on creating inclusive economy, VP Shettima declares.

In a bid to support information technology revolution that would, in turn, extend the reach of economic and social interactions as well as enhance productivity growth in Nigeria, the Federal Government and ALAT have launched Skillnovation Programme.

The initiative will provide over three million Nigerians with essential digital skills required to succeed in the global economy. 

Speaking during the launch of the programme at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, September 29, 2023, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, described the Skillnovation as a “transformative initiative” that “ushers in a new era of digital empowerment for” Nigerians.

He said, “We are compelled to tread this path by the direction in which the world has headed, a world of disruptive technologies redefined by the fourth Industrial Revolution. 

“This initiative is a response to the evolution of the modern business environment, an acknowledgment that digital skills have become the cornerstone of economic ease and expansion.” 

The Vice President hinted that the gathering is one of the many to come and an occasion to reassure the nation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to supporting small businesses across Nigeria. 

The Skillnovation Programme will establish 15 state-of-the-art ICT centres, strategically placed across Nigeria, to provide individuals and businesses alike with access to cutting-edge digital training, resources, and support. 

The first phase of the programme will focus on the states of Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano, while the second phase will include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and Ekiti States. 

Giving an insight into how the country would benefit from the programme, Vice President said, “Nigeria, with its expanding MSME sector of close to 40 million, has the potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa. The Skillnovation Programme, therefore, aims to unlock this immense potential. The initiative is designed to provide the necessary tools and skills for our MSMEs to thrive and compete on the global stage.

“As you have witnessed, ladies and gentlemen, the Skillnovation Programme is not a mere promise; it is a resounding commitment to the Nigerian people,” the Vice President added. “It’s in pursuit of this administration’s resolve to empower our youth and MSMEs and to create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. Today, we are translating that commitment into action, and we intend to be your allies in your race to take over the world through your enhanced skills.” 

VP Shetimma also assured that nobody will be left out of the Skillnovation Programme, regardless of age, gender, or disability. 

“There will be no disadvantaged demographic in accessing this opportunity. Our youth, women, and persons with disabilities have found friends and allies and will be favored in our proposed single-digit loan schemes for our valued MSMEs, for which talks are already ongoing with the Bank of Industry and other critical stakeholders and partners,” he stated.

The Skillnovation Programme is a significant step towards achieving the Federal Government’s vision of a digitally empowered and economically prosperous Nigeria. By providing MSMEs with the essential digital skills and support they need to succeed, the programme will help to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians. 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, emphasised the significance of partnership, noting that government alone cannot address the challenges confronting Nigerians. 

On his part, Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr Moruf Oseni, commended the passion of the President and Vice President for empowering young Nigerians, even as he announced the establishment of skills training centres across 17 states, beginning with Lagos and Borno. 

He said the programme will directly impact 2 million youths and 1 million small businesses across the benefitting States. 

The MD expressed optimism that the scheme will be impactful, particularly empowering young Nigerians and preparing them for the challenges of the future. 

In his goodwill message, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani, said President Tinubu administration’s will leverage the enthusiasm of youths in the technology space to launch Nigeria as a global power in sector. 

He called on other private sectors to collaborate more with government to actualize the objectives of job creation. 

On his part Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State pledged the state government’s support for the success of the programme. 

Also present at the event were the Ministers of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Labour and Employment, Hon. Simon Lalong; Deputy Governors of Borno, Umar Kadafur; Kaduna, Hadiza Balarabe; Anambra, Onyeka Ibezim; Jigawa, Aminu Usman, and Heads of government agencies.

Behold Old Things Have Passed Away, With BAO All Things Have Become New.

Behold Old Things Have Passed Away.

...With BAO All Things Have Become New.

.....All Eyes On Team Ekiti Ahead of Youth Games Grand Finale.

At the commencement of the 2023 National Youth Games staged in Asaba , Delta State, Ekiti State became a national discuss.

Though not for the best reason anyone would be proud of but the spirit of Ekitism would refused to be dampened.

The incident of Saturday September 23 did not only get at the citizens , friends and loved ones at home and abroad but it got to the Number 1 citizen , Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO)

Swiftly enough, the governor swung into action and within hours, the kits adorned by Team Ekiti became the cynosure of all eyes on the internet, though many of the online critics, bloggers and pressmen did not herald the new look Team Ekiti as they did when the kits were horrible.

Some of us will not forget in a hurry what happened at Edo 2021 National Sports Festival when a major Sports stakeholder (name kept) was called out by Team Ekiti due to non-payment of allowances and alleged mismanagement of Sports Festival funds, alas nothing happened except the harassment he faced in the media and in the hands of some bold athletes which forced him to travel down to Edo for prompt payment of the allowances to the athletes when their sweat had almost dried up(contrary to what the Bible preaches)

Back to the present moment, as all the States that participated in the 2023 National Youth Games are set for the usual ceremonial match past to draw the curtains on the fiesta, all eyes will be on Team Ekiti and those who shouted to the high heavens will need to hire louder microphones to do same when they catch a glimpse of Ekiti young lads and lasses.

Surprisingly, as the events end today, many of the best dressed teams at the beginning of the week long fiesta are going back home without a single medal and many worked their hearts out to win a couple of medals which fell short of what Ekiti won.

Certainly an average Ekiti sports enthusiast including the sports loving governor would have loved to see Team Ekiti sweep more medals but their performance which placed the State at the middle of the medals table with 2 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals deserved commendation as they outclassed bigger, older and richer States.

This ought to call for celebration among the media practitioners whose write ups and knocks actually went a long way at straightening some rough edges.

When the match past takes place,Team Ekiti would hopefully recieve more accolades and cheers rather then jeers from the crowd and spectators across the world.

Big thanks to the pro-active governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and the lawmakers headed by Mr Adeoye Aribasoye for their swift response at the most crucial time to correct the negative impression about THE LAND OF HONOUR being peddled around by those with little knowledge about us and what we stand for.

As it stands, it is eagerly expected that the governor would surprise the Sports World with the kind of packages that await the resilient Team Ekiti both medal winners and entire participants.

With this, Ekiti would have thought other States some moral lessons that " Getting wealthy ahead of me  does not mean you will be wealthier than I could be" and "the masquerade that dances first will eventually become a spectator in the end"  

Thank you Ekiti Kete for standing by Team Ekiti despite being young with little experience.

Thank you Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for your proven passion for Sports

Abeg am I public servant or a politician 😄

The truth is that am just driven by my passion for Sports and "wetin I love"

Like that popular guy named ASHAKE sings "Wetin you love , no be wetin I love but wetin I love , I go put all my heart oooo" 🎶🎵

Thank you all.

Qozeem Oladapo 

Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Ekiti State

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.

Tinubu supports concrete roads, says Umahi

Tribunal affirms Umahi as Ebonyi South Senator

We inherited over 2,600 road projects worth N14tn, says Umahi

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.