FG To Launch $617M Investment In Digital, Creative Enterprises Programme.

FG To Launch $617M Investment In Digital, Creative Enterprises Programme.

....VP Shettima directs technical committee to ensure inclusivity.

Determined to deliver on the promise to create millions of jobs in the technology space, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has proposed November 2023 to launch the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) programme.

To ensure this unfolds into a reality, Vice President Kashim Shettima has given marching orders to members of the i-DICE Steering Committee, tasking them to make sure the programme starts before the end of November this year.

The VP gave the directive on Friday when the i-DICE team gave him an update on the progress made so far during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

At the meeting, Sen. Shettima emphasised the importance of the initiative to Federal Government’s digital jobs drive, saying the administration is keen on delivering on its promises to Nigerians.

Accordingly, he urged all partners in the i-DICE programme to ensure judicious utilisation of the funds, noting that the $617.7 million scheme could be a game changer.

The Vice President stated: “The peculiarity of the challenges we face in the country demands that we have to create jobs for our teeming youths to address the crises associated with youth unemployment. I want to appeal to all of us here to unite and see that this programme takes off latest by the end of November this year.

“I am interested in getting a weekly update on what is being done to kick-start this programme. We also need to spread out to cover the whole country so that there is inclusivity. If we judiciously utilise these funds, the target impact and anticipated benefits will be immense.

"I want to assure the technical committee, all those working on this programme and our international partners, that you will get all the support that you will need. We mean business. My boss, President Bola Tinubu, is passionate about the transformation of this country. So, you have nothing to worry about the government’s support".

Speaking with State House correspondents shortly after the meeting, Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun described the project as “very key to the promise of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly to the youth, for the creation of 1.2 million digital jobs. 

"This $617 million project will go a long way to achieving the President's priorities on job creation and economic growth, particularly inclusivity. One of the major elements is going to have 50% participation by women,” he added.

On his part, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani, said the scheme is a unique opportunity.

He noted: “The Nigerian technology and creative ecosystem has been doing well and is the best on the continent. We actually want to be a leader globally. And there's no other way to do that than investing in the technology startups that are building these solutions. 

"So, the government is putting its skin in the game to say 'we want to support; we want to see more local confidence building'. And there's no other way to show that than by putting money in some of the startups.”

For his part, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Mr Kayode Pitan, hinted that the Vice President gave them marching orders to start by next month.

He said, "The Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) Programme programme is actually a $617 million programme. The funding has been concluded with African Development Bank (AfDB), the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

“BOI (Bank Of Industry) also will put in some part of that funding. It will cover the digital area, the creative area and entertainment area, especially the areas that the youth are interested in. So, this is actually for the youths - people below 35. We have some grants, we have some loans. There's some equity, and for the startups, government is hoping that some new unicorns are going to emerge from this particular programme”.

Also present at the meeting were the Ministers of Science and Technology Innovation, Mr Uche Nnaji; Industry Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, among others.

Stanley Nkwocha

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications

(Office of the Vice President) 

6th October, 2023

Afe Babalola Accuses Governors Of Stealing Council Funds.

Afe Babalola Accuses Governors Of Stealing Council Funds.

Founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) has revealed that state governors in Nigeria are misappropriating funds allocated to them.

He accused the governors of misapplying financial allocations to local governments in their domains.

Babalola made this known yesterday in the state’s capital, while declaring open the eighth edition of the Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo.

He lamented that the ‘inactions’ of the governors were limiting the development at the grassroots as well as depriving the people of the benefits that they should access without stress.

The legal icon expressed displeasure with the way governors run the third tier of government.

He said the governors have made the local governments the appendages of the state government, thereby rendering them ineffective.

He subsequently called on President Bola Tinubu to send the local government their allocations directly from the Federation Account.

Ooni Partners Government Owned Chinese Firm To Generate 50,000 Employments.

Ooni Partners Government Owned Chinese Firm To Generate 50,000 Employments.

The Ooni Of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has unveiled a Private Public Partnership Community Development plan to create 50,000 jobs for Nigerian youths, saying governments all over the the world can transform economy successfully without a productive public private partnership..

Ooni Ogunwusi who in company of the executive governor of Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with a government owned chinese company officially signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a government owned Chinese company at his Ile Oodua palace in Ile-Ife yesterday said the company will invest in Agriculture, Green Energy and explore the gold, lithium and other minerals resources in Ile-Ife and Osun at large.

The great Pan-African king said the

Chinese Company; China Overseas Energy Development Technology Limited will focus on the development of agriculture, mechanised farming, cocoa processing in large quantity, stating that solar energy, exploration of lithium, gold, liquidified natural gas and other major mineral resources would be part of their goals.

He added that the company is the biggest in Dubai, China, Asia and in the whole world, with branches in more than 50 countries and 200 cities all over the world, promising that signing of the MoU will help Ile-Ife, Osun and Nigeria's citizenry unprecedented investment flow, expressing his confidence in Chinese Company that they would not disappoint with the funding coming from them with their several billions of dollars.

"The partnership we are signing today with China Overseas Technology Development Company Limited is going to give over 50,000 employment opportunities to Osun indigenes.

"These people would first invest in agriculture whereby they would set up a cocoa proceeding plant in Ife where they are going to have their agricultural hub.

"They will farm on over 20,000 hectares of land, generate green energy using solar which is starting from this palace, this palace will be powered by solar 100% within the next 30 to 60 days when it's already completed". Ooni stated.

According to the monarch, the future of Nigeria oil and gas lies in lithium, adding that soonest, oil and gas would go down and lithium would be the only assistance to power battery, electric cars and ceiling among others.

He added that partnership with the Chinese Company will be both Community and Public Private Partnership driven which in long run would help the economy at the community levels to be emancipated with an emphasis that the investment would be on a large scale both for Osun and the Federal Government level, adding that Chinese company is the best producer of Liquidified Natural Gas, (LNG) in the whole of China, called for the support of all and sundry.

"In Dubai alone, the Chinese Company have investment more than 10 billion dollars. In South Sudan right now, they are investing over 4 billion dollars. They are now ready to invest the double in Nigeria". He ascertained.

In the same vein, Gov Ademola Adeleke, welcomed the foreign investors, lauded Ooni for his initiative to concede the idea and bring it to reality.

Adeleke commended the Management of the Chinese company for yielding and agreeing to invest heavily in Ile-Ife and Osun at large.

He, however, restated his commitment to continuity to promote culture, tourism and entertainment in Osun to improve on the wellbeing of the indigenes.

In his remark, after signing the MoU, the representative, Mr Zhang Xiaolin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer,China Oversea Energy Development Ltd, congratulated Ooni on the celebration of Olojo 2023.

Xiaolin also applauded Ooni for partnering with their biggest company that set to invest in agriculture, green energy, mining among other mineral resources.

Currently investing 11 billion dollars in South Sudan, Chinese Company; China Overseas Energy Development Technology Limited are the owners of the recently constructed DRAGON MART; the largest Chinese market in Dubai and the world which is a Mega Mall City to be replicated here in Nigeria.

Signed:

Otunba Moses Olafare,

Director, Media & Public Affairs,

Ooni's Palace.

My administration ‘ll prioritize elders’ welfare, wellness, says Oyebanji.

My administration ‘ll prioritize elders’ welfare, wellness, says Oyebanji.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has assured Ekiti elders that his administration would ensure that their welfare remains uppermost as plans are underway to hand over the Elderly People’s Resort Centre to them.

Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance on Wednesday when he hosted  members of the Council led by its President, Professor Joseph Oluwasanmi and Vice, Chief Deji Fasuan. He commended the elders for the remarkable and impressive roles they played during the struggle for the creation of Ekiti state, adding that  the only payback for them is to ensure their welfare. 

The Governor promised to sustain the good relationship he had with Ekiti elders by performing above board, prioritizing their welfare and making sure they see Ekiti of their dreams in terms of development and growth.

“At this stage of your life, my concern is your welfare and your wellness and if you have any programme, we can come there and meet you there. We will put a lot of things there to make you comfortable because you have worked relentlessly and this is the time for you to relax. You don’t have to lobby me for that, it is a responsibility of a son to his parents.

 “We campaigned on a mantra of shared prosperity, continuity of programme, continuity of projects, continuity of policies and the facility  is something Governor Kayode Fayemi is so interested in. I have discussed this facility with you in the past, so everything you’ve written here, I am aware of it.

“My first plan is to establish the status of the facility. The Federal Government built it for you, but they need to transfer it to us officially. But all the same, we wait for that before we start equipping the place.

 “But, one thing we need to really agree on is the management of the facility for sustainability and maintenance. We will put a structure in place that will give you independence while government takes charge of its management.” The Governor said. 

Governor Oyebanji also reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power supply in the state as he disclosed plans to commission the state Independent Power Project (IPP) in few weeks’ time, which he also said would provide uninterrupted power supply to the elderly people’s resort.

Earlier, the President of Ekiti Council of Elders, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi noted that the body parades best brains and assets on all fields of endeavours who are interested and willing to give their experiences and substances to their communities.

The elder statesman stated the cardinal objectives of the council to include inculcating a sense of identity with Ekiti people by promoting its values, language, culture and philosophy as well as maintain a non-sectarian body to which all Ekitis may belong, irrespective of personal preferences, religious differences or local prejudices for the sole purpose of promoting unity and healthy social order.

He used the opportunity to commend Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his developmental strides in the state within his first year in office and promised to continue to drum support for him in all spheres of endeavours.

Also at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro and other top government officials.

Disregard request for my impeachment, Aiyedatiwa writes CJ.

Disregard request for my impeachment, Aiyedatiwa writes CJ. 

 The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has written to the Chief Judge of the state, Ayedun Odusola, to stop the state House of Assembly from going ahead with the proceedings seeking to remove him from office. 

 He reminded the CJ of a subsisting court order that restrained the House from embarking on such an exercise. Ayetidawa urged the CJ to disregard any process of law, letter, or application to set up a panel for the purpose of his removal from office. 

 The embattled deputy governor stated this through his lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), in a letter dated October 5, 2023, addressed to the Ondo State CJ. 

“In line with the valid and subsisting order of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and in the best traditions of due regard for due process of law and respect for the authority of the court, we humbly urge My Lord to disregard any motion, letter, application, or request from the Ondo State House of Assembly for the constitution of any panel of investigation in respect of the deputy governor until the two pending cases are fully decided by the various courts with jurisdiction over them,” it read partly. 

 He reminded the CJ that the House of Assembly had succumbed to the jurisdiction of the court with some of its actions.

 Aiyedatiwa said, “The House of Assembly, having submitted to the jurisdiction of the court by filing processes in Suit No. AK/348/2023 pending before the High Court in Akure and also purporting to file a complaint before the National Judicial Council in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1249/2023 before the Federal High Court Abuja, is fully aware of and cognizant of the authority of the court over the subject matter of the removal proceedings against our client.” 

Governor Obaseki to Reward Edo Teachers with December Bonus.

Governor Obaseki to Reward Edo Teachers with December Bonus.

In a heartwarming gesture, the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has made a pledge that brings smiles to the faces of teachers across the state. As part of the commemoration of this year's World Teachers' Day, Governor Obaseki has promised to grant Edo State teachers an extra half-month bonus in December, in addition to the 13th-month salary that will be distributed to all state workers.

Governor Obaseki expressed his commitment to honoring the invaluable contributions of teachers and announced, "What I will add as a gift to celebrate the teachers because of the World Teachers’ Day celebration is that all the teachers will get an additional half-month bonus."

This pledge serves as a token of appreciation for the tireless efforts of educators who have been pivotal in advancing the educational reforms in the state. Governor Obaseki acknowledged the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State, recognizing that "Our teachers are building the future of Edo State, which is human resources."

Bernard Gbenga, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Edo State, expressed gratitude to the governor for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of teachers and his deliberate actions to revamp and strengthen the education sector.

This announcement is not only a fitting tribute to teachers but also a testament to the government's recognition of their essential role in nurturing the minds that will shape the future of the state. Edo State's teachers can look forward to a brighter December with this generous bonus.

Katsina gov orders LG payroll audit.

Katsina gov orders LG payroll audit.

Governor Dikko Radda, Katsina State Governor.

The Katsina State Government is set to organise a ‘manpower audit’  across the state’s  34 local government areas.

Governor Dikko Radda disclosed this on Thursday during a special meeting with the chairmen, heads of personnel and treasurers of the 34 councils.

The governor said the screening would be carried out “via a face-to-face interview” with the workers.

According to him, the exercise “is aimed at identifying genuine staff members across the LGs.”

The governor said, “We have received several complaints on the payrolls of our local governments, which are very disturbing. Hence, we want to sanitise the local government system in our dear state. A situation where some fraudulent persons collect more than a salary is worrisome. But we are determined to stop such evil practices.”

Meanwhile, Radda also announced that the newly recruited cadets of the Katsina Security Watch would soon complete their training and be deployed to assist security agencies in the state.

He spoke during a ‘Maulud gathering’ at Unguwar Liman in the Katsina metropolis, organised by Madarasatu Darul Imam.

The governor said the recruitment of the Security Watch Corp members was in fulfilment of his campaign promise to tackle insecurity in the state.