Tinubu appoints new heads for CAC, SMEDAN, others.

Tinubu appoints new heads for CAC, SMEDAN, others.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday approved the appointment of new  Chief Executive Officers of some agencies and parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

In a statement released on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser (Media & Publicity), Ajuri Ngelale, the appointment is in line with Tinubu’s resolve to base Nigeria’s economic revival on the foundation of trade expansion through small, medium, and large-scale industry facilitation in the country

The appointments take immediate effect.

Those appointed are, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN -Corporate Affairs Commission;  Afiz Ogun Oluwatoyin -Industrial Training Fund; Kamar Bakrin- National Sugar Development Council; Olufemi Ogunyemi- Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority; and Nonye Ayeni -Nigeria Export Promotion Council.

Others are,  Aisha Rimi-Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission; Bamanga Usman Jada- Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority; Charles Odii- Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria; Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke- Standards Organisation of Nigeria; Rabiu Olowo-Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria; Anthony Atuche, CFA – Nigeria Commodities Exchange; Veronica Safiya Ndanusa- Lagos International Trade Fair Complex; Lucia Shittu-Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board; and Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin- National Automotive Design and Development Council

The statement added that “President Bola Tinubu expects all new appointees in this critical sector to optimally deliver in accordance with new key performance indicating benchmarks as established by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment”.

Oyebanji presents N159.5bn 2024 Budget to Ekiti Assembly.

Oyebanji presents N159.5bn 2024 Budget to Ekiti Assembly.

…..As Assembly passes vote of confidence on Governor.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Friday presented a budget estimate of N159,572,482,915.61 Billion Naira, christened “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development” to the State House of Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year.

The 2024 budget is a Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) is made up of N71,994,898,233.20 capital expenditure and N87,577,583,682.41 recurrent expenditure, representing ratio of 55:45 of recurrent to capital expenditure. The budget, according to the Governor, is a product of wider consultation with Ekiti people.

Governor Oyebanji explained that the overall focus of the budget is  to sustain his administration’s quest for shared prosperity through the six pillar agenda of the government.

He highlighted the objectives of the 2024 budget to include creating enabling environment for micro, small and medium enterprises to thrive through friendly policies and provision of infrastructure; achieving shared prosperity through collaboration, compassion, fiscal prudence and quality service delivery; expand the revenue base in the area of internally generated revenue, and to also ensure timely completion of on-going developmental projects through equitable and effective distribution and allocation of available resources.

He also said the budget would provide a veritable platform for youths and women empowerment, skill acquisition and entrepreneur development; strengthen the security architecture of the state; cushion the effect of petrol subsidy removal; guarantee food security and support agro allied industry as well as further promote good governance through budget discipline, probity and accountability in the allocation and utilization of government fund, among others.

On capital projects, Oyebanji, who explained that his government is not unmindful of the importance of capital project on the socio economic development of the state said his administration would embark on numbers of projects without compromising the well-being of the people of the state.

He outlined the critical projects in the 2024 budget which is the outcome of citizens engagement and the work plans developed by MDAs to include, capital project and empowerment of artisans, youths and women, urban renewal/ development projects, agriculture and related value-chain development, construction of Ikere-Igbara Odo road, Ajebandele - Deeper life – Alasia - Omisanjana road, Ikole – Ara - Isinbode road and Igbara Odo – Ikogosi road rehabilitation, among others.

Governor Oyebanji said a top priority is being accorded the health sector to provide quality and affordable healthcare services as well as urgent renovation of health facilities equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

While on Agriculture and food security, he said his government would improve agricultural productivity through provision of improved seed and seedlings, and enhance extension services, expand rural and feeder roads to boost the distribution of agricultural produce to both existing and new markets and also deepen the value-chain.

“In contrast to the conventional incremental budgeting system, Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) approach was adopted in the preparation of 2024 Budget. 

“The Government continues to comply with the Open Government Policy and adopted the bottom-up approach to develop the draft fiscal document. To ensure inclusivity, I held citizen engagement/Town Hall meeting in the three Senatorial Districts. This was done to take inputs from the populace towards the proposed 2024 Budget and receive feedbacks on the programmes and activities of Government, and ensure sustainability of the projects/programme implemented in the communities. The overall focus of the Budget is to sustain our quest for Shared Prosperity through the Six-Pillar Agenda of Government.

“Mr Speaker, the Government is mindful of the catalytic impact of capital projects on the socio-economic development of the State. This administration is therefore undeterred in its commitment to ensure speedy infrastructural development in the State. The Government, in 2024, will embark on a good number of capital projects without compromising the immediate well-being of the people. To this end, the sum of N71,994,898,233.20 has been proposed for capital expenditure in the 2024 fiscal year. 

“This represents 45% of the total Budget size. The amount has also been allocated among the six pillars of the administration and on the other hand, our administration also takes cognizance of the importance of good governance. This must pervade all Government programmes and activities. This informed our decision to make Governance a key Pillar of the development Agenda of administration. It is important to oil the wheels of Governance for quality service delivery. Therefore, the sum of N87,577,583,682.41 has been proposed as Recurrent Expenditure in 2024. The amount earmarked for Recurrent Expenditure is to cater for the day-to-day running of Government. The allocation to Recurrent Expenditure represents 55% of the total expenditure. In effect, the Recurrent Capital ratio stands at 55:45 which meets the requirement and recommendation of the Fiscal Sustainability Plan” said the Governor. 

While expressing his profound gratitude to the Speaker and members of Ekiti State House of Assembly for their cooperation and support to the Executive Arm of Government without any fear of contradiction, the Governor called on investors, Development Partners and Ekiti citizens, home and in the diaspora to make Ekiti their destination of choice for business and pleasure. 

He added that Ekiti is very open to business, and has an enabling policy and institutional framework that would ensure prudency, transparency and accountability in all its obligations.

 Earlier in his welcome speech, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye commended Governor Oyebanji for his notable giant strides at developing the state, through focus on the mantra of keeping Ekiti working towards shared prosperity aimed to achieve an inclusive society where every citizen is presented with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye further commended Governor Oyebanji for his efforts at prioritizing investment in education to ensure that every child in the state has access to quality education and opportunity to demonstrate their potentials to the fullest.

He noted that government has provided platforms for an egalitarian society that encourages entrepreneurships, attracts investments and creates sustainable jobs by investing in critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and digital innovation to drive economic growth and development.

The Legislator however reiterated the commitment of the 7th assembly to fulfil its responsibilities to the people by ensuring diligent scrutiny of the budget proposal and align it with the vision of shared prosperity, social justice and sustainable development.

The leadership of the Assembly, took a review of the administration’s development strides in the last one year and passed  a vote of confidence on Governor Oyebanji for his impressive and outstanding performance and demonstrated commitment to growth and development, especially in the areas of good governance, reliable youth development and job creation, dependable human capital development and sustainable agricultural development, among others.

Also at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, current and former members of the state House of Assembly, members of the state Executive Council, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe and traditional rulers led by its Chairman, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ilori Faboro.

Tinubu Pulls FCTA Out Of TSA, Allows Wike Generate IGR.

Tinubu Pulls FCTA Out Of TSA, Allows Wike Generate IGR.

President Bola Tinubu has pulled the Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA) out of the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

This, he said, would allow Nyesom Wike-led FCTA to use the territory’s Internally Generated Revenue IGR for the development of the nation’s capital.

Wike, who disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday, also said the President has approved the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

This he said would allow the progression of staff of the FCT Administration.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration had introduced the TSA to address irregularities, ensure accountability, curb the incessant number of accounts and enable the tracking of all government revenues.

“When we came into government, we found out that some institutions had hundreds of accounts. How can the Accountant General trace them?

“So, we introduced the Treasury Single Account so that all revenues will be followed and directed to it. This is a very positive way of making sure that revenues can be traced to Treasury Single Account and therefore be accounted for,” Buhari had said while commenting on the motive behind the policy.

Tinubu approves over 260 emergency road repairs nationwide — Umahi.

Tinubu approves over 260 emergency road repairs nationwide — Umahi.

President Bola Tinubu has approved more than 260 road repairs interventions across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while speaking with journalists after an audience with President Tinubu in his office.

The Minister, who further disclosed that the emergency repairs on the 260 roads nationwide will gulp about N217 billion, added that President Tinubu had approved more road construction works, including project upgrades.

According to the Minister, the President has also approved the resurfacing of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, construction of Lekki deep seaport road, re-construction of two collapsed bridges in Enugu and reconstruction of two locations on the Onitsha-Owerri Road.

Other roads approved for construction include the upgrading of the ongoing Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia road, dualization of the Lafia by-pass.

“I’ve always commended Mr President for his deep interest in reinstating most of our roads in the country. Everyday we get a lot of concerns from the public on the very deplorable situation of our roads, but there is no paper I brought in respect of that that Mr President has not approved.

“Just yesterday he approved over 260 road interventions across the 36 states and the FCT. You’ll recall that last week he approved a lot of emergency roads and bridges repairs; we have three bridges that collapsed on the Southwest roads, he approved for reconstruction immediately. We have the Shendam- Lafia that collapsed, we also have the approval for its repairs.

“We have about 17 points along the East-West Road that have been destroyed by flood, Mr President has approved and released money for the immediate repairs. Of course the Third Mainland Bridge’s resurfacing and repairs of some noticeable deflections, which have to be done under the deck on top of the water with equipments, he has also approved that.

“Two bridges that collapsed in Enugu, approved by Mr President; the two locations on the Onitsha-Owerri Road, Mr President approved the reconstruction; Lokoja-Abuja Road, Mr President approved the reconstruction.

“I can name them, apart from the 260 emergency repairs all over the country that worth about N217 billion, so I’m quite glad.

“This afternoon again, Mr President approved upgrading of the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia Road, of course it’s ongoing, but it’s a PPP the Chinese and we’re paying 15%. Also the construction of the Lafia Bypass Dualisation from Makurdi, through Oturkpo, through Oboloafor, down to 9th Mile, it’s a major one, but Mr President has approved it. This is also being financed by the China EXIMBank, Lafia-Keffi Road is also financed by Chinese EXIMBank.

“Then the of 7th AXA Road, Lekki Deep Seaport (access), in Lagos. You know the Lagos State government is building the deep seaport, meaning that all the cargoes that cannot berth at the existing ports in Lagos can now come to that location and that’s where the Dangote Refinery is located.

“I saw thousands and thousands of well-established companies that are already installing their equipments there. It’s to be a huge free trade zone. So Mr President has approved that I should go ahead and sign MoU and that it should be programmed for priority in our business with the Chinese”, he said.

President Tinubu also approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), with the aim of speeding up the road maintenance nationwide.

“Let me also announced that Mr President approved the reconstitution of FERMA Board and this is very good for us, this is so that work can now get a bit more serious with FERMA in terms of very prompt maintenance of the roads” Uhahi disclosed.

When asked how soon Nigerians should expect to see mobilisation to site, Umahi said “said there’s a process; we’re doing the designs and procurement and selecting contractors to this. We’re calling some contractors that have existing projects within these locations.

“We’re getting selective renderings from the approval of BPP and these are the procedures. I’m sure with the onset of dry season from November, these works will get started and we’re going to put a lot of pressure on them for them to complete the works,” he said.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper

PSC promotes 5,718 top police officers.

PSC promotes 5,718 top police officers.

.....12 CPs elevated to AIGs, 19 DCPs to CPs, 21 ACPs to DCPs.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 5,718 senior police officers comprising general duty and specialists cadres of the force.

The commission okayed the promotion of 12 commissioners of police (CPs) to Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs); 19 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to Commissioners of Police (CPs) and 21 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) to Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs).

Thirty-three Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) were also elevated to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).

The PSC also approved the promotion of 265 Superintendents of Police (SPs) to Chief Superintendents (CSP); 59 Deputy Superintendents (DSPs) to Superintendents (SPs) and 4,750 Assistant Superintendents (ASPs) and another 146 ASPs omitted during the May 2022 promotion to Deputy Superintendents (DSPs).

A statement yesterday in Abuja by PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, reads: “For the specialists cadre, the commission approved the promotion of two ACPs: one from Air Wing and the other Forensic to the next rank of DCPs; 47 CSPs comprising 23 medical doctors and 24 veterinary doctors were promoted to the rank of ACPs.

“A total of 190 SPs from the Computer Info-Tech Unit; another eight from Works; one from Workshop; 12 from Transport; two from Forensic; two from Handwriting; one from Ballistics; one from Religion and one from Veterinary Doctor were also promoted.

“Forty-seven Specialists of Assistant Superintendents of Police rank and of different units were promoted to Deputy Superintendents.

PSC Chairman Solomon Arase urged the newly promoted officers to embrace a new policing culture that is hinged on people-friendly approach that respects the fundamental rights of the citizens.

He advised them to desist from involvement in civil matters or making false allegations against the public.

“Such conducts will not make them win the hearts and minds of the people, which will deprive them of credible information from public-spirited individuals when dealing with internal security issues,” Arase said.

The PSC chairman hailed the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for collaborating with the commission to ensure that, for the first time in a very long while, the promotions permeated all the departments of the force.

He said: “This singular act, I hope, will motivate the workforce to give back their best in ensuring that issues of crimes and criminality are properly dealt with.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper

EKSG Settles Ayedun Community's Chieftaincy Row, Begs monarch, chiefs to respect tradition.

EKSG Settles Ayedun Community's Chieftaincy Row, Begs monarch, chiefs to respect tradition.

The Ekiti State Government, has settled the chieftaincy crisis brewing between the Owa of Odo- Ayedun, Oba Solomon Ilesanmi Ajibade and some chiefs over modalities being adopted for  the installation of traditional Chiefs in the community.

 While mediating in the crisis on Thursday, the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, pleaded with the parties to handle the matter with caution and think more of how to maintain peace in the town.

The monarch and the chiefs  were embroiled in tussle over the mode of installation of Chiefs in the two quarters of Odo and Emila, with the aggrieved chiefs accusing the monarch of hijacking their powers and trying to make himself the sole authority that can perform such duty in the town. 

The Chiefs contended that each of the quarter heads are traditionally empowered to install their chiefs, saying they only need to issue notice of installation to the monarch as a mark of respect to his palace.

Resolving the matter,  Mrs Afuye, after listening to all parties, directed the monarch to convene an enlarged  peace meeting of the town over the matter, so that the issue of factional crisis can be tackled for the community to chart a new way for its development. 

Mrs Afuye told the monarch to stop installing chiefs where he has no power to do so in line with culture and tradition, adding that those already installed by the monarch must return to their quarters to perform all the necessary traditions. 

She  also warned the quarter heads against issuing emergency notice to the monarch, while planning to install a new Chief as a mark of respect for royalty. 

The Deputy Governor also ordered the monarch to immediately  release the withheld monthly stipends due to the Chiefs, who had abstained from attending palace meetings, adding that whoever refuses to attend the statutory palace meeting shouldn't be paid. 

Mrs Afuye said the the crisis should be settled among the chiefs and elites to prevent unnecessary divisions, bad blood and bloodshed that would heat up the polity and contravenes the gospel of peace being preached by  Governor Oyebanji across the state. 

In his submission, Oba Ajibade appreciated the government for intervening the matter, urging all the parties to adhere strictly to the verdict passed by the Deputy Governor for the town to be in peace.

The monarch assured the government that he would champion a peace meeting that would unite the community and bring radical development to the town. 

Oba Ajibade appealed to the aggrieved chiefs to forget the past and think more about the future of the community and propagate those things that can promote unity in the town.

EKSG To Partner UN-HABITAT On Ado Ekiti Smart City Project.

EKSG To Partner UN-HABITAT On Ado Ekiti Smart City Project.

In a bid to transform the urban landscape of Ado Ekiti, the Government of Ekiti State has disclosed plans to strategically partner with the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT) for a comprehensive urbanization and development of the state capital.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday during a press briefing on UN-HABITAT Scooping Mission in Ekiti, the Special Adviser, Bureau of Housing and Mortgage Development, Mr. Gboyega Oloniyo said the partnership would focus on sustainable urban development and improvement in the quality of life in Ekiti.

Present at the press briefing were, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Oladapo Karounwi; Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Mobolaji Aluko; and Special Adviser, State Capital Development Authority, Hon Tade Aluko, among others.

Oloniyo explained that the scoping mission would also provide a unique platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, collaborations among expert, policymakers and stakeholders, adding that the UN expertise and experience, over the years , will undoubtedly enrich the understanding and contribute to the formulation of comprehensive strategies for sustainable development in the state.

Reiterating the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration to sustainable urbanization, access to basic service and creating resilient cities for the citizens, the Oloniyo assured that the collaboration would address the problem of urbanization in the state capital such as housing, infrastructure, environment, sustainability and social inclusion.

He said the collaboration would also consider local communities by listening to their voices and learn from experience, which by so doing would ensure that actions are truly people-centered and that the strategies developed are tailored towards the unique needs and aspirations of the people.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser, State Capital Development Authority, Hon Trade Aluko said the Chairmen of Ado local government and local council areas would be adequately carried along in order to make the project a seamless exercise.