Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission Focuses on Enhancing Legislative Services.

Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission Focuses on Enhancing Legislative Services.

By: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi J. 

The Chairman and Commissioners of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission, led by Hon. Fasakin Kayode Ajayi, held a significant meeting with the Clerk of the Ekiti State House of Assembly yesterday morning. During this meeting, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing legislative services within the state, aiming to set a benchmark for others to follow.

The current members of the Commission understand the importance of the bureaucracy in the legislature and are dedicated to ensuring that the Ekiti State House of Assembly's services reach a standard that can serve as a model for other sister commissions.

However, the Commission acknowledges that there are challenges it must address to fulfill its duties effectively. These issues have been identified, and the Commission is working towards immediate resolutions to overcome them.

Stay tuned for further developments as the Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission endeavors to provide top-tier legislative services in Ekiti State.

At Third Belt and Road Initiative Forum: China Commits To Refinancing, Completing Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railways.

At Third Belt and Road Initiative Forum: China Commits To Refinancing, Completing Abuja-Kano, Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri Railways.

•••As President Jinping pledges more investments in Nigeria’s power generation.

In what could best be described as a major milestone for Nigeria at the ongoing Belt and Road Initiative Forum (BRI) in Beijing, China has committed to refinancing and completing the Abuja-Kano and Port- Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects. 

President of Peoples Republic of China, Xi Jinping, made the pledge today while responding to requests made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who, was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at a bilateral meeting with the Chinese leader in Beijing. 

It would be recalled that since the launch of the projects, China is yet to release funds for the two major railway projects in Nigeria largely due to cutbacks and commitments. 

China had agreed to provide 85 per cent financing for the construction of the Abuja-Kano and Port-Harcourt-Maiduguri railway projects, while Nigeria which had the duty of paying the balance 15% paid its part of the funding from inception of the project through appropriations. 

The crucial infrastructure also termed a legacy project has the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation as the contractors named to execute the project. 

The Chinese President who was visibly elated to receive the Nigerian delegation led by Vice President Shettima at the Peoples Building in China, pledged increased investment in Nigeria’s power generation and digital economy called for the protection of Chinese nationals working in Nigeria, saying he would, in turn, ensure that the Nigeria-China bilateral relation is stronger than before. 

President Jinping promised that China will enhance political support and build cooperations in all fields, just as he appreciated Nigeria’s support of one China Policy. 

Pledging to further deepen practical cooperations, the Chinese leader threw his weight of support behind the Renewed Hope Manifesto of President Bola Tinubu and his 8-point economic agenda adding that China will support Nigeria’s exports, especially as it relates to peanuts and others, even as the China – Africa talent initiative remains key in its cooperation with Nigeria. 

In the area of security, President Jinping promised continued crackdown on terrorists, assuring categorically that China is committed to peace in the Sahel region, more so that its long-standing military trainings and MoUs on joint exercises remain sacrosanct. 

Noting that China is committed to peace, President Jinping said, “Like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated recently at the last United Nations General Assembly,  Africa does not need to run away. Africa holds the key to the World. We support Nigeria to play key roles in international relations and upholding allies’ commitments. 

“Mr Vice President, you spoke about upscaling and further upgrading of our strategic relationship, and I totally agree with you. Nigeria is developing with big potentials. I totally agree with you. Our foreign Ambassadors can stay and work out this upgrading”. 

Speaking earlier, Vice President Shettima who delivered the well-wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the rail projects as very vital to the President and people of Nigeria, saying it remained a legacy project that would further open up the nation’s economy, create jobs and boost trade and investments across the country. 

The vice President said President Tinubu remains committed to a stronger Nigeria – China tie, addng that it was laddened with respect, non-political interference and mutual international cooperations. 

“Our relationship commenced about 50 years ago, precisely in 1971 and it has been upgraded to a comprehensive partnership but we crave your indulgence, Your Excellency, to further upgrade this relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership because of the importance we attach to our relationship with China.  

“When we met in South Africa at the China Plus 1 summit I was very honest and upright with you. Beyond the infrastructural support we are getting; why we love, cherish and respect China is that you treat us with respect and dignity. You don’t dictate to us who our friends are. We don’t forget our friends. China stood by us through thick and thin from the post-colonial struggles for independence in Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique, the struggle for the emancipation of our people in Southern Africa; China stood shoulder to shoulder with the African continent, we thus appreciate your friendship,” VP Kashim submitted. 

President Jinping had before his audience with Vice President Kashim Shettima formally declared the Forum which had numerous heads of states and top government officials open. 

Nigeria Will Leverage On Ties With China To Improve Digital Space, Says VP Shettima 

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima today said Nigeria will leverage its relationship with China to adopt programmes that will improve the country’s digital space, among other benefits. 

Sen. Shettima also assured member countries of the Belt and Road Initiative of Nigeria’s readiness to “collaborate with the group and other emerging markets to bring about a positive shift in the growth and development of global economies.” 

The Vice President stated these in his keynote address themed, “Digital Economy As A New Source Of Growth”, delivered during the High-Level Forum at the onging 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China. 

The Vice President who spoke on Nigeria’s efforts at leveraging collaborations with partners to deploy technology in addressing some of its challenges, noted: “We are keen on using the instrumentality of the existing robust Nigeria-China bilateral relations to maximally key into projects under the platform of the Digital Silk Road for the improvement of our digital space.” 

Speaking about Nigeria’s efforts in leveraging the digital space to create jobs and diversify the economy, Sen. Shettima said, “Nigeria has recorded a number of achievements including a digitalized public service, developed banking and e-payment systems, electoral reforms through the introduction of the electronic registration of voters and e-transmission of votes, thus creating ripple effects of job creation and human capacity building opportunities for our teeming youth population.” 

Continuing, the VP said, “We have recently unveiled the new strategic blueprint, accelerating our collective prosperity through technical, as part of the Federal Government’s initiative to accelerate the diversification of the Nigerian economy  by enhancing productivity in critical sectors through technological innovation.” 

He added: “Through this strategic blue print, the Federal Government aims to achieve three key objectives namely: Accelerate the growth of Nigeria as a global technical talent hub and net exporter of talent. One of the goals of this talent hub is to train three million early to mid-career technical talents throughout the next four years (2022-2027); Deepen and accelerate’its position in global research in key technology areas; and Raise the complexity and dynamics of Nigeria’s economy by significantly increasing the level of digital literacy across the country.” 

The Vice President also spoke about Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate from 50 to 70 per cent by the end of 2025 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s domestic card scheme code named “Afri Go” to rival foreign cards like Master and Visa cards, and stregthen the national payment system. 

The Vice President was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Transportation, Mr Saidu Alkali; Ambassador of Nigeria to China, Baba Ahmad Jidda and others.

Benue government laments as suspected herders kill nine.

Benue government laments as suspected herders kill nine.

The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday, “lamented cases of alleged herdsmen attacks on Benue communities leading to loss of lives and property, saying he will not rest until such barbaric acts are curtailed.”

A statement by the governor’s media aide, Kula Tersoo, was in reaction to the killing of nine people on Tuesday night by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen in three communities in the Logo and Gwer West local government areas.

The governor, in the statement, “frowned upon the nefarious activities of the herders who maimed and killed innocent  Benue citizens in cold blood for reasons which are difficult to grasp and pin down.”

Five persons were reportedly killed at Mahanga and Ayilamo in the Logo LGA while four others were killed at Nagi camp, Mbachohon council ward of Gwer West LGA in separate attacks.

A native of Ayilamo, who simply identified himself as Torkuma, told our correspondent on Wednesday that the herdsmen first attacked Mahanga and killed two people, and later proceeded to Ayilamo where they killed three people.

Suspected armed herders had on Saturday invaded Imatom village in the same Logo LGA and killed three people.

Torkuma said, “The herdsmen came at about 10 pm on Tuesday. They attacked and killed two persons at the Mobile barracks, situated at Mahanga, near Ayilamo.

“From there, they headed to Ayilamo town and on entering the town, the herdsmen shot and killed three more persons on the spot.

“Many others sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment.”

The native identified the victims of Tuesday’s attack to include Ayev Jôgunô, Faiga Apefan,  Msendoo Vaachima, James Iorliam and Orgbee Mnguerorga.

Those injured, according to Torkuma, were Mrs Mngohol Utile, Mr Vershima Meeme and Mrs Terpase Nyerga.

Also, in Gwer West LGA, suspected herders were reported to have invaded Nagi camp, Mbachohon council ward and killed four people.

A local, who did not want to be named, told our correspondent on Wednesday in a telephone conversation that the armed herders invaded Mbachohon and killed four people.

“The armed herders invaded Mbachohon village without any provocation and they shot sporadically. By the time they left, four dead bodies were found,” the local said.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Catherine Anene, said, “I can confirm that five people were killed in Logo yesterday but I’m yet to receive information about Gwer West.”

The state governor, while sympathising with the families of the deceased,  called on security agencies in the state to “quickly delve into the depths of the unfortunate situation and apprehend those suspected to be behind such attacks and bring them before the law.”

Credit: Punch Newspaper

Ogun raises concerns over rising blindness among factory workers.

Ogun raises concerns over rising blindness among factory workers.

The Ogun State government has called on factories operating in the state to ensure that their workers are provided with proper kits, including protective goggles, in order to safeguard their eyesight.

The state said its finding had shown that blindness was more predominant among factory workers in the state.

The Commissioner of Health, Dr Tomi Coker, said  during a press conference in commemoration of World Sight Day 2023 with the theme, ‘Love your eyes at work,’ “We are speaking to factories and employers as well, they must make sure that they provide protective goggles for their employees as well as make sure that there’s safety around the workplace.

 

“We have realised in Ogun State, in particular, that the number of blind people that we see within the factory workers is far higher, the proportion is far higher among the people working in factories than in the general population,” the commissioner said.

The commissioner disclosed that the government had distributed 250 free eyeglasses, otherwise known as ‘Jigi Dapo’ to the artisans at the Mechanic Village, Abeokuta..

Credit: The Punch Newspaper

Anti-graft war should start from N’Assembly – EFCC chair.

Anti-graft war should start from N’Assembly – EFCC chair.

EFCC chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

The Senate, on Wednesday, screened and confirmed the nomination of Ola Olukoyede as the substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

While fielding questions from the senators during his screening, Olukoyode told the lawmakers to ensure that the fight against corruption begins in the National Assembly.

He declared that he was ready to work no matter whose ox was gored.

 “Let the fight against corruption begin from this hallowed chamber.

“If you are fighting corruption, you become the enemy of everybody,” he said.

Olukoyede said the time had come for all anti-corruption agencies to focus more on prevention rather than enforcement.

He said,” Enforcement is a very strong tool in our hands and we are going to apply it very seriously.

“Without downplaying the importance of enforcement, there is what we call a transactional credit system. If we continue to allow Nigerians to buy houses, cars and other luxurious properties by cash, because we don’t have an effective credit system, one thousand anti-corruption agencies will not do us any good and that is the reality.

“We must create an atmosphere to make sure that people have choices. If I don’t steal money, can I afford to train my children in school with good standards? If I don’t steal money, can I buy a car after I have worked for five years? If I don’t steal money, can I put a three-room bungalow in place after I have worked for 20 years?

“An average Nigerian does not own a home, when he has the opportunity, he would steal. Even if he does not have the opportunity he would create one.”

The new EFCC chairman also called on the judiciary to place substantive justice above technicalities when dealing with corruption cases.

“We must encourage our criminal justice system to adjudicate in such a way that it will not drag for a very long time.

“Prosecution should not be allowed to last for a maximum of five years from the court of first instance to the Supreme Court. The Senate can work on that very seriously. If we make the administration of the criminal justice system really work, you will see the great work the anti-corruption agencies are doing,” Olukoyede added.

He said there was a connection between the low standard of living in the country and the rise of corruption.

“The savings of an average civil servant in Nigeria all through his service years cannot build the type of houses they are building and cars they are riding.

“The problem we have is just like the proverbial monkey that was locked up in a cage with a bunch of ripe bananas. The owner stood outside with a cane. The monkey would either eat the bananas, get beaten and be alive, or allow the bananas to get rotten and die of hunger,” he stated.

He added, “I will do more in the areas of blocking the leakages. We spend more money fighting corruption when we could have spent less to prevent it.”

The EFCC chairman noted that Nigeria lost a total of N2.9tn to procurement fraud in three years.

According to him, he did a survey between 2018 and 2020 on 50 entities in Nigeria; both human and corporate entities.

Olukoyede narrated, “I picked just one scheme, one species of fraud, which is called contract and procurement fraud. I discovered that within the three years, Nigeria lost N2.9tn.

“When I put my figures together, I discovered that if the country had prevented the money from being stolen, it would have given us 1,000 kilometres of road, it would have built close to 200 standard tertiary institutions; it would have also educated about 6,000 children from primary to tertiary levels at N16m per child.

 “It would have also delivered more than 20,000 units of three-bedroom houses across the country. It would have given us a world-class teaching hospital in each of the 36 states of the country and the federal capital territory.”

Meanwhile, the Senate erupted in laughter when the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, told Olukoyede not to use him as an example in the anti-corruption fight.

Olukoyede had while speaking said, “If we are investigating the Senate President for example…”

But Akpabio said, “I’m very glad that the nominee wants to use the Senate President as an example. But Mr nominee, leave the Senate President for now, look at this direction (pointing at the seats of opposition lawmakers).”

Apart from Olukoyede, the Senate also confirmed Muhammad Hammajoda as the Secretary of the EFCC.

Similarly, the Senate also confirmed Halima Shehu as the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme.

Credit: The Punch Newspaper

By: Tope Omogbolagun

President Tinubu Approves Staggered Commencement of Six New Universities to Address Skill Needs.

President Tinubu Approves Staggered Commencement of Six New Universities to Address Skill Needs. 

By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J. 

President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the phased commencement of six out of 14 public universities established during the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. This decision was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tahir Mamman, following discussions with the president.

The universities include two colleges each for agriculture, education, and medicine, strategically aligned with the skill acquisition needs of the Tinubu-led administration. The Buhari administration had previously approved the establishment of numerous universities, both federal, state, and private, over seven years.

However, the Federal Government faces financial constraints in launching all these institutions simultaneously due to their capital-intensive nature. Hence, President Tinubu's administration is adopting a conservative approach in approving new universities.

The Minister of Education expressed that starting 14 institutions simultaneously would place a significant financial burden on the government. Therefore, the President has directed a staggered implementation to ensure adequate government support.

Dr. Mamman did not specify which universities were approved but mentioned that colleges of agriculture, education, and medicine would be prioritized to meet the nation's educational needs.

Furthermore, the Minister discussed the government's plans to complete the National Library in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura urged Nigerians to exercise patience as the administration endeavors to improve the education sector and the economy. He expressed confidence in the "renewed hope agenda" and emphasized the positive impact it would have on education, security, and economic development in the country.

The phased establishment of these new universities aligns with the administration's commitment to revamp the education sector while maintaining fiscal responsibility in managing public resources.

Senate appoints Ashiru to replace Umahi as Deputy Leader, Onyeka Deputy Chief Whip.

Senate appoints Ashiru to replace Umahi as Deputy Leader, Onyeka Deputy Chief Whip.

By: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi J.

The Senate has undergone significant leadership changes with the appointment of Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (APC – Kwara South) as the new Deputy Leader and Senator Nwebonyi Peter Onyeka (APC – Ebonyi North) as the new Deputy Chief Whip. These appointments were announced during a plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The recent changes came as Senator Ashiru, previously holding the position of Deputy Chief Whip, was elevated to the role of Deputy Senate Leader. This promotion was necessitated by the appointment of Senator Dave Umahi as the Minister of Works by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leaving the Deputy Senate Leader position vacant.

With these appointments, the Senate's leadership structure has evolved to accommodate the changes, ensuring the effective and seamless operation of the legislative body. Senator Ashiru's new role as Deputy Senate Leader reflects his experience and capabilities, while Senator Onyeka's appointment as Deputy Chief Whip underscores the need for a well-rounded leadership team.

These changes aim to enhance the Senate's ability to fulfill its legislative responsibilities and serve the interests of the Nigerian people. The newly appointed leaders will play essential roles in guiding the Senate's proceedings and deliberations, working towards the betterment of the nation.