2024 budget: Reps appropriation committee summons CBN governor, Customs CG.

2024 budget: Reps appropriation committee summons CBN governor, Customs CG.

The House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation on Friday, December 8, turned back the representatives of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Comptroller General of Customs from appearing before it for the 2024 budget defence.

The committee insisted that Cardoso and Adeniyi appear in person on Monday to answer questions on the 2024 budget.

The chairman of the committee, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi said because the meeting was called to discuss the budget, the Governor of the Central Bank needed to appear before the Committee in person.

He said: “We can only interact with the Governor of the Central Bank because of the sensitivity of the issues in the budget. So, he needs to come and shed light on issues like inflation, exchange rate and all that.

“So, it is important that he appear before the Committee on Monday at 10 am. The Comptroller General of Customs is also to appear in person because we are talking about the budget and how to increase our revenue. He is also to appear in person by 10.00 am on Monday.”

Other agencies appearing before the committee on Monday are the Federal Inland Revenue Service, NPA, NNPC Limited, Minister of Finance, and Minister. Or State for Petroleum Resources, NUPRC, and the NCC

Bichi said while the N27 trillion budget may appear big, the revenue target for government-owned companies to fund the budget was not enough, hence the invitation of the agencies by the committee.

Addressing the meeting, Bichi described the rising inflation in the country as a major problem hence the need for GOEs to appear before the committee for further interaction.

He said reducing the burden of Nigeria’s debt profile, sectoral budgetary allocations, and the dynamics of budget releases, economic diversification strategies, and revenue generation forecasts is needed to facilitate the enactment of the bill and effective implementation of the Appropriations Act, 2024.

According to him, revenue-generating agencies must come with money because, without money, there is no magic the President can perform to ensure the realization of the Renewed Hope Budget.

He said while President Bola Tinubu’s 2024 budget is fantastic, a lot of money is needed to fund the budget.

Bitchi said: “The objective of this engagement is, among others, to provide highlights on some key issues about the preparation, enactment, and implementation of the 2024 budget.”

He said there were concerns about addressing the infrastructural gap in the country, eliminating poverty, and generally achieving the 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added that there was a need to ensure that all loose ends to revenue were tied, adding that this could have a gross impact on the government’s ability to implement the 2024 Appropriation Bill when passed.

He stated: “While the revised MTEF and FSP showed that revenue-generating efforts by the present administration are already yielding fruit, more needs to be done to ensure that government-owned enterprises optimize their revenue-generating potential.”

He said the objective of this engagement is, among others, to provide highlights on some key issues concerning the preparation, enactment, and implementation of the 2024 budget.

He said: “The highlights may include strategies for addressing rising inflation, reducing the burden of Nigeria’s debt profile, sectoral budgetary allocations, and the dynamics of budget releases.

“Others are economic diversification strategies, revenue generation forecasts, and any useful information that will facilitate the enactment of the bill and effective implementation of the Appropriations Act, 2024.”

Fintiri presents N225.8bn 2024 budget.

Fintiri presents N225.8bn 2024 budget.

Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa on Friday presented N225.8 billion Appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly for 2024 fiscal year.

The budget is higher than N175 billion approved for 2023.

Presenting the budget tagged: “Budget of Re-engineering”, Fintiri said it would focus on the development of critical infrastructure in the state.

He said the estimate included N114.5 billion capital expenditure representing 51 per cent and N111.3 recurrent expenditure representing 49.5 per cent.

The governor said the budget would be finance from N68.3 billion statutory allocation; N22.2 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), N16 billion exchange rate difference, N1 billion ecological fund, N47.7 billion Value Added Tax (VAT), among others.

Finitiri said the budget would provide necessary funds to fast track infrastructure development in critical sectors such as education, security, health and social services.

The Speaker, Mr Wesley Bahtaya said the legislators would ensure speedy passage of the bill.

While commending the governor over the full implementation of the 2023 budget, Bahtaya attributed the cordial working relationship between the executive and the legislature to strict adherence to the principles of separation of powers.

(NAN)

Ekiti Govt Renovates 203 Public Secondary Schools Under World Bank Assisted Agile Programme.

Ekiti Govt Renovates 203 Public Secondary Schools Under World Bank Assisted Agile Programme.

Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, has announced the ongoing renovation and rehabilitation of 203 public secondary schools in the state. This initiative is being carried out under the World Bank-assisted Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) programme.

During a recent tour of project sites spanning the three Senatorial Districts in the state, Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun highlighted that the program is a vital component of Governor Biodun Oyebanji's commitment to advancing the education sector and fostering conducive teaching and learning environments.

The AGILE projects, currently in progress, aim to enhance secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls aged between 10 and 20. This aligns with the Human Capital Development agenda of the administration and the overarching vision of shared prosperity.

Commissioner Olatunbosun emphasized that these projects have a specific focus on comprehensive ap.

Ajoni LCDA Chairman, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, Honored as Meritorious Personality of the Year by ASUSS Ekiti State Chapter.

Ajoni LCDA Chairman, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, Honored as Meritorious Personality of the Year by ASUSS Ekiti State Chapter.           By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J.

In a resounding recognition of exemplary leadership, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, the Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, has been bestowed with the prestigious Meritorious Personality of the Year Award by the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) Ekiti State Chapter.

The ceremony, attended by esteemed members and leadership of ASUSS, celebrated Prince Michael Ogungbemi for his outstanding contributions to the community. Described as an intelligent, brilliant, diligent, cheerful, and dedicated youthful leader, Kudos pours in for the Ajoni LCDA Chairman.

The award not only acknowledges his commitment to development but also underscores his significant impact on education and the community at large. This recognition serves as a testament to the transformative leadership of Prince Michael Ogungbemi in Ajoni LCDA.

Undoubtedly, this accolade marks a momentous occasion for both Prince Michael Ogungbemi and the entire Ajoni LCDA community, reinforcing the belief in the positive impact of visionary leadership.

During the gala night event hosted by ASUSS Teachers in Ekiti State, Ajoni LCDA Chairman was celebrated for instituting policies that include:
●Ajoni Educational Endowment Scheme to sponsor indigent but academically sound pupils/students from Ajoni Communities.

●Erecting a modern and international standard public primary school building within Ajoni Communities to reduce minimally out-of-school children within Ajoni Communities and by extension, Ekiti State at large.

●Introducing entrepreneur empowerment programs and providing accessible business grants to the bodies of teachers not only within Ajoni Communities but by extension, in Ikole local government areas.

This noble action is worthy of commendation in Ekiti State, leading to the nomination and consideration of Prince Michael Oluwadare Ogungbemi, Chairman-Elect, Ajoni LCDA, for this meritorious award. His administration has positively impacted various sectors, including education, agriculture, health, social impact, youth empowerment, electricity, and security, visible across all constituencies.

Congratulations to Prince Michael Ogungbemi for this well-deserved honor, as he continues to steer Ajoni LCDA towards greater heights.

NYSC secures release of corps members kidnapped in Zamfara.

NYSC secures release of corps members kidnapped in Zamfara.

The National Youth Service Corps has secured the release of two females prospective corps members kidnapped in Zamfara State on their way to the Orientation Camp in Sokoto State.

The Army had secured the release of two victims.

A statement by NYSC’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, said efforts are ‘on to ensure the safe release of the remaining four prospective corps members’.

Seven prospective corps members from Akwa Ibom State were abducted on August 17 in Zamfara State on their way to the camp. The kidnappers demanded N200 million.

The statement reads: “The NYSC Director General, Brig.-Gen. Y.D Ahmed reassures the public, especially parents of the remaining four victims, that we would explore every available strategy to ensure they are released unhurt and reunited with their families.

“Management also appreciates the overwhelming support from the Army in its concerted efforts towards securing the release of the victims. The Scheme will always remain resolute in its statutory responsibility of fostering national unity and integration.”

Tinubu, NUPENG, others mourn as Kokori dies at 80.

Tinubu, NUPENG, others mourn as Kokori dies at 80.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday mourned the passing of former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Frank Kokori, whom he described as a thoroughbred activist and an exemplary comrade.

The late elder statesman, who passed away at about 1:30 am Thursday, was a foremost figure in the June 12 struggle. He was aged 80.

It was gathered that Kokori had been in a private hospital in Warri, Delta State, undergoing treatment for a kidney-related ailment.

 Also, the family, in a statement on Thursday, formally announced the death of the late labour leader in a statement issued by Kive Kokori, one of his children.

 “The children and grandchildren regret to announce the passing of their daddy, Chief Frank Kokori, who died at around 1:30 am on December 7th, a day that also doubles as his birthday.

“Chief Frank Kokori was 80 years old.

“Chief Frank Kokori was one of the arrowheads of the June 12 struggle and the enthronement of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. He was a labour leader per excellence, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and an elder statesman. His love for Nigeria was unparalleled,” the family said.

Reacting to the news, President Tinubu condoled with the Kokori family, the civil society, the government, and the people of Delta state over the deeply painful loss.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President described the former labour leader “as a man of conscience; highly principled, courageous, and true.”

In the statement titled ‘President Tinubu mourns hero of June 12 struggle, Frank Kokori,’ Tinubu said, “Frank Kokori was a thoroughbred democrat and activist. He fought for democracy at a great personal cost.

“He surrendered his liberty to fight for truth and justice. He was the finest among reformers and champions of civil rights in Nigeria.

“He was a brother in the June 12 struggle. He was uncompromising, unbending, and irrepressible. He was an exemplary comrade.”

Tinubu prayed for the repose of Kokori’s soul and encouraged those he left behind to take comfort in his peerless legacy.

Also, NUPENG said Kokori was a beacon of democratic struggles in Nigeria and he remained an advocate of democracy throughout his life.

President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, said on Thursday in Lagos that Kokori would be missed greatly by the labour and pro-democracy movements.

He said, “He stood firm and continued to speak for the downtrodden until his last breath on earth. We wish he lived longer. It is a sad day for us in NUPENG and will continue to celebrate him.

Akporeha said, Kokori “spent a life of “Sacrifice” to struggles for emancipation of the working class globally and enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria,”.

According to him, Kokori spent years in prison and was severely brutalised in his struggles for not only the trade unions but also against military rule in Nigeria.

He said the late unionist spent the later years of his life nursing some of the vicious wounds inflicted on him in the course of those struggles.

Also, the President, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, and Deputy President, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria; Tommy Okon, said Kokori’s death was very painful.

“The trade union movement will miss him seriously, but his contributions to the growth and development of the trade union movement in the country can never be forgotten.

“Let me use this medium to extend my condolences to the family and the trade union movement, in particular the NUPENG family, for the loss.

“Also, I pray for the repose of the soul of the erstwhile General Secretary of NUPENG, Chief Frank Kokori; may his soul rest peacefully,“ Okon said.

Also, Programme Manager, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Mr Okeke Anya, described Kokori’s death as a very sad one.

“Chief Frank Kokori was not only a great labour leader, but also a great patriot, who fought for the entrenchment of democracy in the country.

“We console the family and pray that his soul rests with the Almighty, “ Anya said.

The Delta State Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Kenneth Gbagi, described Kokori’s transition as “a great loss to the Urhobo nation”.

Gbagi, in a condolence message, said Kokori’s transition had come at a time Nigeria, Delta and the Urhobo nation needed him most, particularly at a time when we are supposed to mark his birth anniversary”.

Also, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, described the late Kokori as “an iconic labour leader, a staunch progressive politician, and a fearless defender of democracy”.

“He was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker and bridge builder who stepped in and led a section of the oil sector at a very difficult time in the history of the country.

Former Deputy President of the Senate and governorship candidate of the APC in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in a tribute, eulogized Kokori as an advocate for the people and accountable governance.

“He deliberately put his life on the line when he mobilized workers in the oil industry to fight the Abacha repressive regime. They could not buy him over, they could not handle him and it required the use of undercover state operatives to render and detain him.

“It cannot be faulted to say that he is one of the main pillars of the birth of democratic rule in May 1999. Chief Kokori epitomised the virtues of the advocacy of father of labour activism in Nigeria, the late Pa Michael Imodu, who used the platform to fight irresponsible and dictatorial tendencies in government,” Omo-Agege stated.

IDPWD: Humanitarian Affairs Minister Calls for Establishment, Domestication & Implementation of States Disability Commission, Laws Across Nigeria.

IDPWD: Humanitarian Affairs Minister Calls for Establishment, Domestication & Implementation of States Disability Commission, Laws Across Nigeria.        ......Presents thousands of Assistive Devices To People with Disability across the country.

Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu has called on state governments and state Houses of Assembly to establish and domesticate and fully implement disability laws across the country. 

The Minister made the call Wednesday when she declared open the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Sheu Yaradua Centre, Abuja.

She also called for significant improvement on the budget for the Commission for Disabled Persons in Nigeria, saying under the Renewed Hope Agenda, there is no segregation.

According to Dr Edu, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already directed that 10% of all the intervention programmes of the Ministry be given to the PWDs, pointing out that the president runs an inclusive administration. 

"President Tinubu is prepared and committed to doing everything possible to see that PWDs take centre stage in our country's development. 

"Hence he began by signing the African Charter for Persons with Disability, which ensures that your rights have been protected. We are celebrating today five years of having a law in Nigeria that protects you. 

"I want to use this medium to call on our state governments to establish, and for those who have established already, to domesticate persons with disabilities law and Commissions across the country", 

Dr Edu said “Doing this will give PWDs equal rights and voices as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will enable us to have seamless programmes that can get to the grassroots in all the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria. 

"We have the president's backing, we must protect the persons with disability so we are calling strongly for the creation of all the accessibility mediums for persons with disability in all Public and Private buildings in the country.

On the need to improve the budget of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Minister said: "The budget allocation to the Disability Commission needs significant improvement from the 2024 budget moving forward.

"On behalf of 35.5 million Nigeria who fall within the PWDs category, we are pleading with the very dynamic and uncommon leadership we have at the National Assembly to please improve on the budget for the Commission for Disabled Persons in Nigeria. We plead with NASS members to channel some of their constituency projects to persons with Disability.

Dr Edu, at the event, made a symbolic presentation and distribution of thousands of assistive devices to people with disabilities which will be shared across the country, to states and LGAs assuring them of President Tinubu's solidarity. 

Some of the devices include Orbit readers, collapsible guide claim, iPhone Pro Max with optical characters, typewriters jaw screen readers, laptops with jaws, the talking watch, digital magnifiers, low vision lamps, the charisma share water, the beauty blocks for CWA, the talking toys for CWA, the doorbell for the deaf, the speech to text for the deaf, the alerting devices, the digital hearing aids, the HP laptops, sewing machines, hairdryers, air cleaners, motorised wheelchairs of different types clutches among others.  

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, James Lalu commended President Tinubu for giving them Dr Edu as Minister supervising the commission. 

Lalu who described the Minister as the ambassador of the disability community, lauded her for providing innovative and dynamic leadership in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. 

"President Tinubu has given us a BETTA HAND”

"She takes this Commission as a priority in the Ministry and we are very grateful", Lalu said.

The minister Dr Edu Launched the Gazetted and simplified copy of the the Disability regulation Law and regulations for implementation, after which she alongside other dignitaries inspected the exhibition stands showcasing items manufactured by People with Disability 

Also at the event were Senator Osita Izunaso who is representing the Imo West Senatorial district and Chairman, of the House of Representatives Committee on Persons with Disabilities, Dr Basheer Dauda, SA to President on Disability as well as development partners who have been working with the Commission.