Ekiti State Tops National Accountability and Transparency Index - Applause from Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence Sunday.

Ekiti State Tops National Accountability and Transparency Index - Applause from Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence Sunday.

In an exceptional achievement, Ekiti State has been recognized as the foremost state in the nation concerning accountability and transparency in the management of public funds and the execution of public policies among all 36 states in the federation.

This recognition has earned Ekiti high praise from Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence Sunday, the All Progressives Congress party's flag bearer for the upcoming Chairmanship election in Ifedara Local Council Development Area. Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence was keen to commend the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, attributing this top-ranking to the Governor's unwavering commitment to good governance throughout his tenure.

This information was made public during a media session with Sky Media Consult this morning. It underscores an administration dedicated to granting unrestricted access to essential information related to governance, public finances, budgets, and government audited accounts, as well as the Governor's resolute pursuit of good governance.

Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence was effusive in his praise of the Governor for making Ekiti State stand out on the national stage by acing the governance integrity test. This acclaim followed the release of the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch Index's annual assessment for 2023, which encompassed all 36 states and six crucial categories, including open budget, accessibility, public procurement, human resources, anti-corruption, and citizen engagement.

This report highlighted Ekiti, Kaduna, and Ondo as the top three most compliant states, with Ekiti securing the highest score at 61.32% to attain the top spot. In contrast, Ogun, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom lagged behind in compliance.

Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence suggested that it came as no surprise that Ekiti topped the list considering the extensive parameters evaluated by the Transparency and Integrity Index. He emphasized that residents, particularly those who keenly observe the state's development and progress, can affirm that Governor Biodun Abayomi has diligently adhered to his campaign promise of leading an open, transparent, and inclusive government.

The Ifedara Local Council Development Area Chairman candidate concluded by celebrating the Governor for this remarkable achievement. He believed that this recognition was a testament to the Governor's unwavering commitment to safeguarding local government funds and directing them towards critical development projects throughout Ekiti. He also called on the people of the state to continue supporting the Governor as he strives to project the state's positive image through the implementation of people-oriented programs and policies.

Ekiti State's top position in the Transparency and Integrity Index serves as a testament to Governor Biodun Abayomi's dedication to good governance and transparent leadership.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim to Host International Day for Disabled in Ondo South.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim to Host International Day for Disabled in Ondo South.                      By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J.

The Araba of Ikaletand, Dr. Bar. Jimoh Ibrahim CFR, CON, is set to host all persons living with disabilities in Ondo South in celebration of this year's International Day for Disabled Persons in November.

Representing all persons living with disabilities in Ondo South Senatorial District, we use this platform to express our heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished Senator, Dr. Bar. Jimoh Ibrahim CFR, for his decision to celebrate the International Day of Disabled Persons with the disabled community in Ondo South.

This act of generosity is unprecedented, as it marks the first time that a senator has taken it upon himself to empower hundreds of disabled individuals across Ondo South Senatorial District.

We pray that God elevates our capable Senator to even higher positions within Ondo State so that he can continue to implement more human-oriented programs for the betterment of our society.

It's a well-known fact that when a righteous individual holds a position of authority, the people rejoice. Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, we extend our deepest gratitude to you, and we firmly believe that Ondo South Persons with Disabilities (PWD) will forever remain grateful for your benevolence.

Thanks.

Hon. Princess Koledoye Omomo

Food Security: Shettima arrives US to participate in AfDB event.

Food Security: Shettima arrives US to participate in AfDB event.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived the United States of America (USA) to participate in the AfDB World Food Prize-facilitated Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue slated for Iowa.

This was revealed in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, on Sunday.

As the special guest, the Vice President is due to deliver the keynote address at the event which commences on October 24th, 2023. In the itinerary of the Vice President while in the US are high stake meetings across some states of the US with manufacturers, investors and top government officials.

On the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, VP Shettima as stated earlier, will be joining the late former United Nations Secretary-General and AGRA founder, Kofi Annan; World Food Prize Laureates; Ghana President, John Kufuor and AfDB President, Akinwunmi Adesina; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Presidents Felix Tshishiked and Joaquim Chissano; Joyce Banda; Ameenah Gurib – Fakim and IFAD President, Kanayo Nwanze, as distinguished African leaders who in the past have used the event to canvas support for agricultural development and food sufficiency in Africa.

The Vice President will use the platform to speak to the potentialities and endowments of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, woo investors and push for commitments in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandates and programmes for Nigeria’s agro-food sector.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

EU unveils Global Gateway Initiative, targets €150bn infrastructural investment for Nigeria, others.

EU unveils Global Gateway Initiative, targets €150bn infrastructural investment for Nigeria, others.

The European Union (EU) has unveiled the Global Gateway Initiative, which plans to disburse €150 billion in four years by 2027 to Nigeria and other African countries to enhance infrastructural development.

According to Urpilainen, the Global Gateway Initiative is crafted to enhance connectivity, promote sustainable development, and strengthen economic ties between the EU and its partner countries, including Nigeria.

The EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen said this during the unveiling of the Global Gateway initiative in Abuja yesterday.

She said the EU launched a digital economic package for Nigeria worth €820m with support of the European Investment Banks.

She said the EU was also supporting the roll out of digital IDs nationwide, mobile network expansion with MTN in Lagos and other states.

Urpilainen said: “Last year, we launched a digital economic package for Nigeria. With EU and European Investment Banks, investments worth 820 million Euros, it is a lot of money. We are already supporting the roll out of digital IDs nationwide, mobile network expansion with MTN in Lagos and other states.

“We are also about to launch the construction of a line between Katsina and Daura twin lines, and we are proposing to reinforce the Nigeria-Benin interconnection of the framework of the West African power pole.”

According to her, Nigeria, alongside other countries in Africa, would receive €150 billion in 2027 through the European Union’s (EU) Global Gateway initiative.

She said Nigeria will feature prominently in the initiative’s investment package.

The Global Gateway initiative is crafted to enhance connectivity, promote sustainable development, and strengthen economic ties between the EU and its partner countries, including Nigeria.

Through the initiative, the EU will support Nigeria to achieve enhanced infrastructure connectivity, including transport, energy, and digital networks; support agriculture, economic growth, health and education; promote sustainable development and environmental protection; and foster cooperation and partnerships with Nigeria and other partner countries.

She said: “We are living in an increasingly fragmented world. The war that Russia started against Ukraine last year, the military takeover in Niger in July, and the escalation in Israel-Palestine conflict, are just stark reminders of that.

“In such a world, the Global Gateway strategy is our positive offer to build resilient connections in the world through strategic partnerships to jointly address the challenges of our times from fighting climate change to improving health systems.

“Together, we intend to mobilize 300 billion Euros in investments by the year 2027, and half of them for Africa. For Africa, it is 150 billion Euros by the year 2027. When it comes to Nigeria, Nigeria features prominently in the Global Gateway investment package.”

While stating that the EU will support the 5G rollout in Nigeria, she stated that as part of efforts to support the digital economy, the EU was working on a potential loan to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the digital and print sectors.

She also stated that the EU has committed financial resources to support the energy sector, including the setting up of mini grids and small hydropower plants for productive and public purposes.

“Education is the most transformative investment one can make, and I am very glad to launch the empowerment in North Western Nigeria Project. I think this project is a tangible sign of our cooperation with the Government to promote quality basic education in the northern regions.

“Nigeria is also a major beneficiary of the student mobility and higher education cooperation project under Erasmus+. I was looking at the figures, last year, over 2,020 students from Nigeria were granted scholarships for studying in the EU.

“Global Gateway reinforces the EU-Nigeria partnership. It really brings opportunities to all. We want to continue working together with you to take our partnership to a higher level of shared prosperity. We will do that together with the Government, Member States, Civil Society Organizations, as well as with the business community,” she said.

Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani stressed that initiatives like the Global Gateway, aimed at achieving collective regional and global prosperity, are in full alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

He emphasised that the core of this administration’s agenda was a developed Nigeria that was not only for a few, but for all, providing the government the opportunity to actualise its plans in sectors that it wants to focus on.

He said: “Africa’s relationship with Europe has deep historical roots, and has been built on years of shared values, collaboration and mutual respect. While we enjoy geographical proximity, we also have increasingly intertwined culture, and more importantly, a shared future. As we seek a better future together, we can only fully actualize and realize this dream by leveraging the ties that we have always had.

“We can build a more resilient world. If we empower and enable Africa to leverage its resources to contribute to the world, while strengthening its local economies. On the other hand, working together with the EU gives us the opportunity to leverage its structure and historical resources to do more for the world, specifically also for Africa.

“For us in the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, our role takes on further significance as we have a portfolio that will be central to all we want to achieve under the Global Gateway program.

“Nigeria is a country that is extremely blessed; not only are we blessed with natural resources that can provide opportunities for us to help meet global challenges, food security, we are also blessed with a very young, agile population.

“As a continent, Africa is blessed with a population of about 40 per cent young people under the age of 25, which is extremely exciting. Nigeria in particular is blessed with about 60 per cent of our population being under the age of 25. This population of young people are digital natives. The investment of our Government is providing opportunities for these young people to participate in the global economy. While doing that, we are conscious of the fact that these resources are not only for the development of Nigeria, but the development for the world as a whole.”

The EU is committed to a long-term partnership with Nigeria under the Global Gateway to achieve shared goals and objectives.

The EU’s long-term commitment will see investments into the following sectors of the country: Agriculture (€42,000,000), Energy (€37,000,000), Health (€45,000,000), Digital (€55,000,000), Education (€45,000,000), and Social Protection (€46,000,000).

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

I won’t fail to meet people’s expectations, says NDDC boss.

I won’t fail to meet people’s expectations, says NDDC boss.

The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has vowed to meet the expectations of the people of the region

Ogbuku spoke at the weekend when the Ezue Obhan Anyama, in conjunction with the Council of Traditional Rulers in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, bestowed a chieftaincy title on him describing him as a light shining on all Niger Delta communities.

He said that the honour given to him was a call to higher service to the people.

He said: “I am confident that I will not fail to meet the expectations of the people. I know that you will support me to succeed and build more pillars for the development of our communities.”

The MD in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, restated the commitment of the NDDC to make a difference in the region.

He promised to work hard to build pillars that would reinforce the structures set up to drive the sustainable development of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

He said: “We must unite and work in one accord to surmount the development challenges that confront our people. We are determined to succeed and there should be no excuse for failure.”

Speaking on behalf of Ezue Obhan Anyama during a grand reception in honour Ogbuku at Onuebum Ultra-Modern Playground in Onuebum Town, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief Olali Marline Ebe, said they had “implicit confidence in the ability of Ogbuku to perform his duties efficiently, effectively and creditably.”

He said: “The light on the mountain will illuminate everybody. Chief Samuel Ogbuku is that light and everybody will benefit from his policies and actions.

“Ogbuku has shown courage, astuteness and firmness, becoming even more determined and committed in providing purposeful, focused and visionary leadership. This is targeted at ensuring peace to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.”

While conferring the traditional title of Edi I of Obhan Anyama Kingdom, meaning the Pilar of the Kingdom on Ogbuku, the traditional ruler of Obhan Anyama, King Omie Theophilus, said that it was in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region.

King Theophilus said: “What you are doing at NDDC to serve the people of the Niger Delta region is pleasing to us. We recognise and commend you. The people of the Niger Delta need a leader like you who cares about their affairs, who cares about their development and I want to assure you that we shall support you.”

In his remarks, a former Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, said he was delighted that the NDDC under the leadership of Ogbuku was making efforts to ensure that all communities in the Niger Delta region were electrified through solar power.

He said: “Dr Samuel Ogbuku is imbued with enormous capacity. For him, this is just a stepping stone for higher responsibilities. We must learn to mentor and support our young people. You should, therefore, continue to support him. The office he is occupying is not an easy position, the nine states in NDDC are struggling for his attention.”

Others, who attended the ceremony were the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration designate, Chief Boma Iyaye; the NDDC Representative for Bayelsa State, Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa; the Representative for Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha and the Representative for Abia State, Chief Dimgba Eruba.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Senate plans bill on emergency intervention to stimulate economy.

Senate plans bill on emergency intervention to stimulate economy.

The Senate has expressed its commitment to adopting measures aimed at alleviating the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

It hinted that it was planning a bill on emergency economic intervention which included addressing exchange rate management issues, reviewing tax waiver policy, overcoming the challenges of inflation, poverty, and creating jobs.

The Senate gave the hint at the weekend in a communique issued at the end of the 3-day Retreat for Senators of the 10th National Assembly on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state.

It said there was a need to consider and approve the Emergency Economic Intervention Bill from the Executive as a proposed legislation from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.

It noted: “To address exchange rate management issues, challenges of inflation, address poverty, and create jobs, there is a need to consider and approve the Emergency Economic Intervention Bill from the Executive as a proposed legislation from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.

“Enactment of an Emergency Economic Intervention Bill. This will address critical socio-economic issues concerning foreign exchange management, tackling inflation, stimulating economic growth, and creating more jobs.”

Again, the Senate said that there was a need to enhance public spending efficiency by “tackling corruption in government spending in order to provide commensurate fiscal exchange to citizens and boost tax morale.”

It also disclosed its plan to legislate on the consolidation of revenue collection legislation into a single agency, saying the initiative is to curb duplication, tackle corruption and ensure seamless transactions by taxpayers.

It also noted that “it would simplify the tax system, reduce duplication of efforts, and make it easier for taxpayers to comply with the law.”

According to the communique, lots of tax policies, for instance, the Stamp Duty Act of 1939 shall be reviewed to conform to the present realities of doing business in the country.

It said that there is a “need to enhance public spending efficiency, by tackling corruption in Government spending in order to provide commensurate fiscal exchange to citizens and boost tax morale.”

The Communique reads: “The situation where many agencies of government are involved in collecting taxes and new laws continue to make it the responsibility of these agencies to collect taxes should be halted, through a legislative resolution.

“Bills on taxes should be presented as Executive Bills and not as private member Bills. There is a need to review the tax waiver policy to ensure it is aligned with the revenue mobilization drive of the government by making the waiver process more transparent and accountable.

“Review the Stamp Duty Act of 1939 and other obsolete and anachronistic laws in conformity with present realities.

“Establish clear and transparent guidelines for revenue retention. The government should establish clear and transparent guidelines for the amount of revenue that revenue-generating institutions are allowed to retain.

“These guidelines should be based on objective criteria, such as the institution’s verified operating costs and investment needs by the relevant authorities and committees of the National Assembly.

“Need for effective management of resources by adopting technology in expenditure management, driving adherence to fiscal rules and benchmarks, establishing a national fiscal risk framework for revenue, debt, and expenditure.

“Nigerian Government should consolidate revenue collection into a single agency like the FIRS. This would simplify the tax system, reduce duplication of efforts, and make it easier for taxpayers to comply with the law.

“Work with the Executive to review the National Development Plan to integrate the 8-point Agenda of the President and consider legislating aspects of the Agenda for holistic implementation.

“There is a need to consider relevant constitutional amendments to pave the way for a 5-year development plan to cater for projects and ensure continuity while limiting abandoned projects.

“Enforce consequences for violations of any provisions of the law regarding monetary and fiscal matters. This will require amendments to the relevant laws to ensure effective oversight and enforcement of the consequences, as the case may be.

“Need for legislation that clearly defines the taxing rights of the three levels of government. There is a need for legislative intervention to promote the optimization of revenue from non-oil sources, especially in the solid mineral sector.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Lagos stops illegal land reclamation in Ikoyi-Lekki.

Lagos stops illegal land reclamation in Ikoyi-Lekki.

The Lagos State government has issued a stop work order on illegal land reclamation and dredging on Lagos Island by developers.

Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, who led a familiarisation and inspection tour of project sites, lamented the illegal land reclamation happening on some government-approved Islands, especially the Gracefield and Pocket Islands in Chevron, Lekki.

Alebiosu also decried the illegal reclamation of parts of waterways along the Ikoyi-Lekki shoreline, specifically on Osborne Foreshore I and II, Park View, Banana Island, Kings Smart City, Lekki Foreshore, and Lekki Phase I. He vowed that the government would stop all developments that breach the government’s setback policy.

He said: “We are on Gracefield Island, managed by Gravitas. And we have also been to Pocket Island nearby, and now this bridge point, and there is a lot of illegal land reclamation happening here.

“These are separate Islands, they are not extensions, but there has to be a setback of a minimum of 200m that will serve as drainage to take water from the Island to the Lagoon, but they have disregarded the setback plan and that is unacceptable.

“We also realised that the drainage which should drain water into the lagoon has been completely blocked, they are reclaiming next to it, there is no setback, no drainage, and even the bridge has been completely blocked. I have directed that they be served a ‘stop work order’, otherwise we’ll have serious issues here.

“We reiterate our stand on zero tolerance for illegal land reclamation and dredging. We will also continue to ensure defaulters are sanctioned until we make our waterfront free from all illegalities.”