Ondo caretaker chairmen resume duties amid court order.

Ondo caretaker chairmen resume duties amid court order.

The interim management committees appointed for the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu have resumed duties despite a court order barring the governor from swearing them in.

An Akure High Court presided over by Justice Yemi Fasanmi had granted an interim Injunction filed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which sought to restrain the defendants from inaugurating the committee.

Defendants in the suit were Governor Akeredolu, the speaker of the Ondo Assembly, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state.

The PDP had asked the court to restrain the defendants from inaugurating any person or persons not democratically elected as member(s) of caretaker committees to administer the affairs of the local councils and the LCDA pending the determination of the interlocutory Injunction in this suit.

However, before the PDP secured the injunction, the appointed interim management committee for the council and the LCDAs had been cleared by the state Assembly.

It was gathered that the caretaker chairmen were asked to resume duties based on the screening and oath administered during the Assembly screening.

Government sources said the PDP’s injunction has become an academic exercise as it could not stop an action already taken.

Another source said the court injunction was sponsored by some APC chieftains who want to cause a crisis in the state ahead of the party primary for next year’s governorship election.

The source said the plan by the APC chieftains was to stop Governor Akeredolu from installing his preferred successor.

Speaking at a press briefing, the caretaker chairman for Irekari LCDA, Hon. Steve Otaloro, said he was committed to running an open government that encouraged active participation of various communities.

Otaloro said he would resume duties Monday adding that he already took oath of office during the screening by lawmakers.

He stated: “I am going to involve the people. By involving the people, the LCDA can achieve greater progress and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every citizen.”

APC wins Ekiti LG election, sweeps 38 chairmanship seats.

APC wins Ekiti LG election, sweeps 38 chairmanship seats.

 In a resounding triumph, the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious in Saturday's local government election in Ekiti state, securing all 38 chairmanship and 177 councillorship seats.

The election, conducted across all 16 local government areas and 22 Local Council Development Areas, saw the ruling APC dominating in all 177 wards in the state.

Justice Cornelius Akintayo (rtd), the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission representative, announced the landslide victory during the result declaration in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday. He commended the people of Ekiti for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.

Acknowledging the eight political parties that participated, including the All Progressive Congress, Action Alliance, Action Democratic Party, New Nigerian People’s Party, African Democratic Party, Labour Party, People’s Redemption Party, and Zenith Labour Party, Justice Akintayo praised their sportsmanship.

The electoral officials also received commendation from Justice Akintayo for their professionalism in ensuring a smooth and lawful poll.

Notably, the main opposition parties, the People Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party, opted to boycott the local government election.

The APC's clean sweep underscores a decisive mandate from the people of Ekiti, setting the stage for the party to steer the local governments with renewed confidence.

Fayemi Advocates for Subnational Inclusion in Climate Finance Discourse at COP28.

Fayemi Advocates for Subnational Inclusion in Climate Finance Discourse at COP28.

In a remarkable display of leadership, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi (JKF), President of the Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF), illuminated the ongoing COP28 in Dubai by actively participating in a pivotal panel discussion. The session, titled "Raising Adaptation Finance in Africa by More than Double," was co-organized by esteemed entities like the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), Africa Adaptation Initiative (AAI), and Africa Green Climate Fund National Designated Authority Network (AFDAN), under the umbrella of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA).

The discourse focused on the critical need to elevate adaptation finance in Africa, a region acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Dr. Fayemi emphasized the often-overlooked role of subnational governments, which directly experience the ramifications of climate change, including rising sea levels, droughts, floods, and extreme weather events.

Acknowledging the conventional focus on national governments in such fora, Dr. Fayemi praised the strategic initiative of UCLGA Africa, PACJA, AAI, and AFDAN for including diverse subnational stakeholders at #COP28. This inclusive approach ensures that the experiences and perspectives of local entities are integral to any comprehensive plan addressing the challenges posed by climate change in Africa.

Dr. Fayemi, alongside esteemed colleagues, actively contributed to the conversation, shedding light on the current state and trends of adaptation finance in Africa. The discussion delved into identifying gaps and challenges in meeting the continent's adaptation needs, with a particular emphasis on proposing actionable recommendations to enhance the quantity and quality of adaptation finance.

The impactful session concluded with a collective commitment to ensuring that adaptation finance not only increases but also effectively reaches the most vulnerable and marginalized groups and sectors in Africa. Dr. Fayemi's advocacy and collaborative efforts at COP28 underscore the importance of integrating subnational perspectives for a sustainable and resilient future.

Igede-Ekiti Councillor Expresses Gratitude for Overwhelming Support and Victory in Ward B Election.

Igede-Ekiti Councillor Expresses Gratitude for Overwhelming Support and Victory in Ward B Election.

In the aftermath of the recent local government election, Adewumi Sikiru Adekunle, newly elected Councillor of Igede Ward B, extends heartfelt gratitude to the community members for their overwhelming support, marking a victory for democracy and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adekunle begins by thanking God for the successful conduct of the election and the safety of all participants. He acknowledges the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for his commitment to democratic ideals, emphasizing the party's foundation on sacred values.

The Councillor expresses deep appreciation to the wife of the Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her counsel and vital interventions, demonstrating respect and undying loyalty to the institution.

He acknowledges fellow aspirants for their maturity and sportsmanship, setting a historic example in the ward's political history. Adekunle looks forward to working collaboratively to restore hope and faith in the APC, returning the ward to a path of development and growth.

The victory, he notes, is not solely for him but a triumph for democracy, the rule of law, and the APC. Adekunle expresses gratitude to his family, campaign team, support groups, party members, and the entire Igede-Ekiti community.

Reaffirming his commitment, the newly elected Councillor outlines a simple agenda focusing on Security and Social Welfare, Infrastructural Development, Training, Leadership by Example, and Social Empowerment Scheme.

Adekunle concludes by thanking party members for their confidence, assuring them and the community that their trust will not be in vain. He acknowledges the overwhelming votes, describing the community as his "cover cloth" and expresses passionate gratitude.

May God, he prays, help him sustain the trust and confidence bestowed upon him, extending blessings to all.

ASUU denies knowledge of plan to pay members’ withheld salary.

ASUU denies knowledge of plan to pay members’ withheld salary.

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has said it is not aware that President Bola Tinubu had directed that its members be paid four out of eight months of withheld salary arrears.

The National Vice President of ASUU, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, stated this in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the presentation of scholarships to university undergraduate students in Bauchi Zone, which was held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Yelwa Campus, Bauchi, on Saturday.

It was reported on October 20, 2023, that Tinubu had approved the partial waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” order instituted against striking members of the ASUU following their eight-month strike, which began on February 14, 2022, and was terminated on October 17, 2022.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed in a statement that the waiver “will allow for the previously striking members of ASUU to receive four months of salary accruals out of the eight months of salary that were withheld during the eight-month industrial action undertaken by the union.”

The statement was titled ‘President Tinubu approves partial waiver of the no work, no pay order on ASUU members; orders release of four months of withheld salary.’

However, Tinubu directed the grant of the waiver with the mandatory requirement that the  Ministry of Education and the  Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding establishing that the waiver granted by the President will be the last one to be granted to ASUU and all other education sector unions.

Ngelale said the President sought to “mitigate the difficulties being felt during the implementation of key economic reforms in the country, as well as his recognition of the faithful implementation of terms that were agreed upon during the deliberations between ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

But Piwuna, when asked to comment on the said approval of the four-month salary arrears, said that ASUU is not aware of such.

“We are not aware that the government has awarded money to anybody. We are not aware. As a union, we are not aware of that,” he declar

Nigeria pushes for regional security at ECOWAS parliament meeting.

Nigeria pushes for regional security at ECOWAS parliament meeting.

Nigeria is rallying West African nations to collectively enhance regional security as part of its agenda as ECOWAS Chair.

This formed a key highlight of the report presented at the ongoing 2023 second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

Presenting the report, Nigerian representative Lynda Ikeazu said the country wants a “harmonisation of the regional security agenda geared towards a mutual linked security goals.”

According to Ikeazu, “Given the transnational nature of the threats, non-military peace efforts would take priority over an overly militarised approach to security. A military approach has had the unintended effect of protracted armed conflicts across West Africa.”

She referenced President Bola Tinubu’s prioritisation of security in his ECOWAS vision, quoting his words that “without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive.”

The session also heard reports from Cape Verde, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, and The Gambia likewise stressing security. Cape Verde said it “has invested heavily in securing its borders” but warned that “it has numerous shelters on all the islands, which has been exploited with some intensity in the relatively recent past by drug traffickers.”

For Senegal, its report noted that, while largely stable, “there are still pockets of hostilities around the borders with Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and Gambia in the Casamance region.”

The Gambian presentation cited successes from ongoing security reforms but added that “all these efforts are geared towards guaranteeing the protection of human rights and non-recurrence of the violation of fundamental human rights by security forces.”

ECOWAS parliament speaker Sidie Tunis presided over the session attended by delegations pushing for regional cohesion against terrorism and transnational crimes threatening West Africa’s economic progress.

NAN

Sanwo-Olu commissions new Godrej Nigeria factory in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu commissions new Godrej Nigeria factory in Lagos.

In demonstration of his administration’s commitment to reforms and economic incentives that will improve the ease of doing business and enhance investment opportunities, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, has commissioned the newly-built wet hair production factory owned by Godrej Nigeria Limited.

Godrej Nigeria Limited is an Indian consumer goods company and an emerging markets FMCG leader with a growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The newly-built and commissioned factory is part of its drive to deepen its presence and consolidate its consumer base in the country.

The Governor described the project as an ‘audacious step’ taken by the company to further deepen its investment and market share in the Lagos consumer market sector, noting that the new production line would raise the company’s capacity to meet local demand for its products.

“This is a strategic investment decision being made by Godrej Nigeria Limited to transform its business and deepen its investment in consumer goods. This is a testament to our willingness to collaborate with the private sector and bring about sustainable economic benefits to better our citizens’ lives, “ Governor Sanwoolu stated.

The Governor further added that his administration would continue to pursue actions that would eliminate red tapes and regulatory impediments hindering the growth of businesses in the State, thereby demonstrating his willingness for continued collaboration with the private sector to improve the livelihood of the residents.

Kayode Oladapo, Chief Executive Officer of Godrej Group, West Africa, stated that in addition to the company’s market expansion drive, it is poised significantly to impact people and communities in ways that transform lives forever, thereby consolidating its footprint as a key human capital developer in regions where it operates. “This is a significant milestone in our company’s journey here in Nigeria, and we are not just keen on growing or expanding our footprint in businesses but impacting lives and people in ways that will make lasting impact”, Mr. Oladapo stated.

Obasanjo, Jonathan, Sanwo-Olu, others hail Uzochukwu over luxury brand launch Sudhir Sitapati, Managing Director and global Chief Executive Officer, Godrej Group, also added that the launch of the new factory signifies growth for the company which marks a significant milestone for the company’s trajectory in the West African region. Mr. Sitapati commended Governor Sanwoolu and his administration for formulating business-friendly policies that enable ease of doing business and growth, which ultimately impacts the residents and citizenry.

Godrej Group is a big player in the Hair Fashion, Hair Care, Home Insecticide, and Personal Care categories, particularly for women of African descent, offering a range of products tailored to their needs. The Company continues to expand its presence on the continent and other emerging markets, with manufacturing facilities in several African countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, and Nigeria. As a 120-year-old group with over 8,900 staff in Nigeria alone, its legacy is strongly built on values that reflect trust, integrity, and respect. Its fast-rising growth is fueled by its exciting ambitious aspirations. Presently, the company enjoys the patronage of over 1.1 billion consumers globally with three categories of hair care, personal care and home care products under its belt.

The Company has also made several acquisitions, reflecting its commitment to provide consumers with a wide range of quality products and improve its market leadership. In 2008, Godrej Consumer Products Limited acquired the Kinky Group, as part of its foray into the hair extension business in Africa. Later, in 2015, Frika Hair (Pty) Limited, a leading premium hair extensions company in South Africa was acquired.