Student Loan Scheme Takes Off In January 2024 — President Tinubu.

Student Loan Scheme Takes Off In January 2024 — President Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu has assured that the era of industrial actions in the nation’s academic environment has come to an end as the administration’s Students Loans Scheme commences January next year.

President Tinubu gave the assurance on Monday while speaking at the 29th edition of the annual Nigerian Economic Summit, anchored by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Tinubu, who spoke extensively on his administration’s plans to stabilise the economy, with the collaboration of all stakeholders, especially the private sector, also noted the need to immediately initiate a sustainable credit scheme, which he said will aid an effective anti-corruption campaign.

He said: “By January 2024, the new Students Loan Programme must commence. To the future of our children and students we’re saying no more strikes.

“There must be consumer credit, scheme will have to come to effect as soon as possible. I thank my team and my colleagues to build this programme, develop it now. We cannot talk about anti-corruption when you have to look for cash to buy a car, when there’s no mortgage for homeownership”, he said.

First Year Anniversary: Oyebanji Thanks President, Ex-Governors, Ekiti People, Others.

First Year Anniversary: Oyebanji Thanks President, Ex-Governors, Ekiti People, Others. 

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji wishes to thank all Ekiti citizens at home and in the Diaspora as well as friends of the state for their support and participation in the activities marking the first anniversary of the administration which was rounded off with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, October 22nd, 2023. 

Specifically,  the Governor appreciates  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, for their support and goodwill messages. He also thanks the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially, the National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulahi Ganduje and the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru. 

The Governor also appreciates his predecessors in office, former Governors Kayode Fayemi; Ayodele Fayose and Niyi Adebayo for being part of the celebration, and for their sundry contributions to the growth and development of the state. 

Similarly, the Governor  appreciates his colleague- Governors, the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, members of the state Assembly, the state judiciary, state executive council and members of Ekiti caucus of the National Assembly. 

The Governor also thanks the state civil servants, iyalojas, market leaders, religious leaders, transporters and youths for the success of the anniversary celebration and for their sundry support for the administration right from inception. 

Also on the Governor’s appreciation list are the heads of institutions, Labour Leaders, the media, heads of security agencies, private sector players in the state, development partners and the general public. 

Governor Oyebanji says the massive support received by the administration remains a source of encouragement and motivation to do more for the people of the state. 

While noting that the best is yet to come, the Governor says Ekiti people should expect more in the coming years, especially in the areas of service delivery, project execution, building a more stable economy, support for the less privileged, and shared prosperity for all Ekitikete.

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.