Borno Visit: President Tinubu Grieves Over Kaduna Bomb Victims At Shehu's Palace.

Borno Visit: President Tinubu Grieves Over Kaduna Bomb Victims At Shehu's Palace. 

President Bola Tinubu, in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday, expressed his condolences once again to the families of Nigerians who lost their lives in the recent and sad bombing mishap in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, saying that most of the victims tragically lost their lives while reciting the Shadada as they observed maulud, a central statement of faith for practising Muslims.  

"They were Nigerians of profound faith and in the moment of the tragedy, they were reciting the Shadada. God Almighty comforts their families as their nation grieves their passage into glory. May their souls rest in eternal peace," the President prayed.

Speaking at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, the President pledged that the Federal Government will continue to do all within its powers to provide support and care to the families of all Nigerians affected by the remnants of insecurity in parts of Borno State.

"This is my most sacred responsibility and the trajectory of the larger effort shown by the ratio of victory over defeat has been sliding well in our favour since the new administration has resumed office. We are not satisfied yet. We are not satisfied until we reach the end of insecurity in Nigeria," the President declared.

The President declared that under his watch, security issues would remain a top priority, but not limited only to battlefield concerns.

"We will provide better amenities and benefits to our gallant armed forces and their families. We are committed to this and this is factored into the 2024 budget. We will ensure that our administration reflects the grateful heart of the Nigerian people in the way we treat those who make the ultimate sacrifices on our behalf," the President affirmed.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Office of the National Security Adviser has worked diligently to connect all branches of the nation's security architecture by closely coordinating missions and enhancing inter-agency intelligence sharing at all levels. Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum acknowledged the steady improvement in collaboration between the security agencies and the Borno State Government.

"We have seen the close working relationship between our state and the security agencies. The results are speaking for themselves. We remain committed to the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the fight against insecurity anywhere it exists in Nigeria. We thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will continue to give all required support to the Nigerian Armed Forces," Governor Zulum said. 

On his part, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi urged the President to deliver his infrastructural interventions to areas that have been hard hit by insurgency over the years.

"We seek the revival of the Lake Chad Commission to provide succour to the large communities in the Lake Chad's surrounding areas. We seek power projects and job creation initiatives for our unemployed youths. Governor Zulum has been performing beyond what is humanly possible but his resources are limited. Please assist him," the Shehu of Borno stated.

Commending the Shehu of Borno for supporting the government of Borno State and the Federal Government in maintaining peace and stability in the region, President Tinubu promised to enhance the active involvement of traditional institutions in ensuring stability at the grassroots level across the country.

Cash scarcity: CBN suspends processing fees on cash deposits.

Cash scarcity: CBN suspends processing fees on cash deposits.

In a bid to alleviate the ongoing cash scarcity crisis in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the temporary suspension of processing fees on cash deposits exceeding certain thresholds.

This suspension, which takes effect immediately and will remain in place until April 30, 2024, aims to incentivize cash deposits and enhance financial transactions for individuals and businesses.

Previously, individuals were charged a two percent processing fee on cash deposits above N500,000, while corporate entities faced a three percent fee for deposits exceeding N3,000,000.

The directive, signed by Dr. Adetona S. Adedeji, Acting Director of Banking Supervision, mandates all CBN-regulated financial institutions to comply. This means individuals and businesses can now deposit any amount of cash without incurring additional charges.

A CBN official told The Nation that “this measure will address the immediate cash shortage by encouraging the deposit of available cash into the formal banking system. This will increase the liquidity available for withdrawals and economic activity. Additionally, it promotes financial inclusion by making banking services more accessible to individuals who primarily rely on cash transactions.”

However, concerns remain about the potential for fueling inflation and illicit financial activities due to the processing fee suspension. Experts emphasize the need for the CBN to closely monitor the impact of this measure and implement appropriate mitigating measures if necessary.

The Nation has also reliably gathered that to address the current cash crunch in the country, the CBN has started deploying cash from its branches across the country to locations in dire need of cash.

Another CBN official revealed that “efforts are currently being made to move cash to where the scarcity is hardest.”

He reiterated that the CBN has sufficient cash to meet the transaction demands of cash-using members of the public.

He attributed the biting cash crunch to the panic withdrawals of cash by Nigerians ahead of the yuletide to forestall the experience of the last year.

The CBN’s latest directive and action to deploy cash to needy areas demonstrates its commitment to addressing the current cash scarcity crisis while promoting a cashless economy and ensuring a robust and inclusive financial system.

The suspension of processing fees on cash deposits is expected to provide immediate relief to individuals and businesses affected by the cash shortage, boosting economic activity and access to financial services in the short term.

FG to get Nigeria’s 20m out-of-school children to school.

FG to get Nigeria’s 20m out-of-school children to school.

Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, said this on Monday at the 2024 budget defense before the joint committee of the National Assembly on Education in Abuja.

He said that there were millions of out of school children in Nigeria saying that it was a major problem for the country.

‘’At the tertiary level, we need graduates who have skills and competence to be able to contribute to national development.

‘’We need graduates who can be employed by willing employers, right now we have that complain on the quality of the products from our universities and polytechnics.

“Basically the policy trust of the government and this ministry is on these major areas. There are about 20 million out-of-school children or even more in Nigeria.

“We are working on it to ensure that as many as possible of these children, for those of them that can come back to school are given the opportunity to come back,’’ he said.

Mamman added: “For those who cannot, we want to ensure they are empowered though short term skills training that will give them the opportunity to connect with the society to have a meaningful likelihood.”

The minister said that the ministry had engaged with stakeholders to review Nigeria’s school curriculum to ensue skills acquisition for students.

He encouraged universities to include skills training, and entrepreneurship into their curriculum to ensure that they produced self-reliant graduates.

Mamman said that a total of N101.45 billion was allocated for the ministry it 2024 out of which N5.88 billion was for personnel cost, N1.08 billion for overhead cost and N94.48 billion for capital expenditures.

The Chairman, House Committee on Alternative Education Rep. Aliyu Mustapha, said that the House was concerned by the rising number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Read Also: Carving a brighter future for out-of-school children

“I am happy that the minister has highlighted out-of-school children, youth and adult literacy in the ministry’s programme and vocational training that has taken the centre stage.

“In the 2024, we have seen that you are still limited by funding, the National Assembly is doing its best to see that those allocations are raised,” he said.

Alliyu assured of the required support to the ministry and oversight where necessary to ensure proper implementation of programmes.

(NAN)

I Won't Tolerate Financial Indiscipline, Ineptitude in Councils - Oyebanji.

I Won't Tolerate Financial Indiscipline, Ineptitude in Councils - Oyebanji.

......Commissions projects in Efon LG.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has advised the Local Government Chairmen elected in the recent poll to be fully prepared for good governance , saying he won't won't tolerate financial recklessness and ineptitude that could derail development in the councils. 

Oyebanji posited that the incoming administration across the 16 statutory councils and Local Council Development Areas, must be ready to surpass the tempo of radical development being fostered by the current occupants of the seats.

Disclosing that the government would resist any act of sabotage, Oyebanji  stated that councils in Ekiti are now executing  projects in education, health, human capital development and agriculture sectors, leveraging on financial independence being enjoyed. 

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said these in Efon, headquarters of Efon Local Government Area, on Monday, while commissioning some projects initiated and completed by the Chairman of the Council, Engr Olabode Adetunji.

Projects commissioned include: 1.2km Ita Iyana-Itamesi road, 245 metres length Irayo road , ALGON comprehensive health centre, New Legislative Building, and solar-powered streetlights. 

Addressing the community, Oyebanji, saluted the council leadership for delivering democracy dividends to the people, by replicating projects encapsulated under the  six -point policy thrust of Oyebanji's government in the local government.

"Let me assure you that the incoming council bosses that will soon assume their respective  offices in all our council areas will be made to sustain the tempo of development already ushered in by the present occupants of the seats. 

"This government won't allow any laxity that can derail the focus to make our local governments more functional in Ekiti. I congratulate those who were elected in the just concluded election for their victories. God will help them to succeed".

He stated further that his belief that the councils, being the closest tier of government to the masses and rural dwellers must be made functional through  financial autonomy remains unshaken. 

Oyebanji was emphatic that  his administration, had again demonstrated enormous respect for independence of the legislative and judicial arms, for democracy to flourish and for the smooth running of government.

"Recently, Governor Oyebanji commissioned the newly built Customary Court of Appeal in Ado Ekiti to show respect to the judiciary as an independent arm of government, the same mutual respect was being extended to the legislative arm".

Espousing the tremendous relevance and significance of the projects, Oyebanji, commended the council boss for being focused and selfless to deliver the best to the people, disclosing that he has etched his name in the hearts of the residents of the area.

"I am of the humble opinion that the 1.2 kilometres Ita Iyana- Itamesi road and the 245 metres length Irayo road project, will contribute to smooth transportation and ease of doing business in this local government.

"Road project is one of the cardinal areas where Governor Biodun Oyebanji is making huge exploits to make lives more rewarding and easier for the masses. This will also stem the tide of insecurity because criminals often hide under deplorable  road to unleash terror on the people.

"Let me also appreciate your efforts in the area of human capital development and social services, with the construction of a befitting health centre that will reduce child and maternal mortality as well as contribute substantially to increase in the life expectancy of our people. Health they say is wealth. 

"I know that new legislative building that will be commissioned today will foster  strong and mutual relationship between the executive and legislature in this council for more delivery of democracy gains to our people'. 

The Chairman of the Council, Engr Olabode Adetunji, commended Governor Oyebanji for allowing the councils unfettered access to their funds, saying this has gone a mileage in helping his colleagues to deliver on their campaign promises. 

The LG boss said the Comprehensive Health Centre would expand accessibility to quality healthcare and curtail untimely deaths through prompt  treatments of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, malaria and other killer illnesses.

Besides the projects commissioned, Adetunji revealed that his administration, had distributed 10,000 of gmelina and  palm seedlings to farmers, employed 30 educated citizens, graded 24.2km farm and township  roads , and sank boreholes to supply potable water .

The Council boss stated that his administration, has constructed concrete roads and retaining walls in some strategic areas to tame the recurrent cases of ecological crisis being confronted by the the hilly town.

Adopt Constitutional Solution, As Omoluabi Group Beg Tinubu to Sanitize Ondo State Now.

Adopt Constitutional Solution, As Omoluabi Group Beg Tinubu to Sanitize Ondo State Now.

The recent happenings in Ondo State is fast becoming an eyesore and a complete show of constitutional manipulation and total lack of respect for the good people of Ondo State.The original owners of Ondo State who are indigenes are on a daily basis being short changed and deceived by the political actors whom themselves have chosen through the ballot to provide leadership through good governance. 

Today the scenario is synonymous to things falling apart as described by the late writer and literary giant, Chinua Achebe. The centre definitely can no longer hold as there are now clear evidences of multiple cracks on the walls of the Alagbaka house, which is the seat of Ondo Sate Government under the watch of a Governor and his embattled Deputy Governor. You cannot beat or suppress the truth. How hard you may try, the truth will definitely prevail. 

The bitter experience in this whole issue is that the indigenous people of Ondo state are at the receiving end. Their patience have been taken for granted, their humility have been taken for foolishness, their perseverance and tolerance in the face of this cold war between the political gladiators who are suppose to be the people ' s servants is fast making the people complete loosers. 

There are several questions that need to be asked and requires to be answered by those our people voted for under the APC Akeredolu - Led Government. We cannot continue to pretend that all is well in Ondo State for the past two to three months now. There are serious administrative gaps and the arrow head is unheard and unseen. Can a plane continue to fly in the sky without a pilot? Simply No, it will definitely crash land. For how long shall we continue to watch this constitutional aberrations being committed in a state that parades so much civilized, learned and brilliant men and women as her indigenes? 

Few days ago, it is the case of signature forgery, cases of disrespect to constituted authority among state excos, war of words between the state executive and the legislative arm despite the earlier intervention of Mr. President. It is clear and glaring that governance in Ondo State have been hijacked by selfish individuals who wants to milk the state treasury dry before this administration expires. 

Ondo State Chapter of the Omoluabi Team Alliance Socio- cultural and Political Group have watch with interest the case of the recent happenings in Ondo State and feel the need to express absolute dissatisfactions as concerned citizens. It is in our ideology to speak truth to government at all times and speak up for equity, fairness and justice. We don't want trouble in any of the southwest states including political turmoils and brouhaha. So in circumstances like this it is in the interest of the people that we must speak.

Truth be told, the case of Ondo State requires constitutional solution since the two actors concerned swore to the Constitution. The integrity of the constitution must be preserved. The House of Assembly under the Speaker has erred in their constitutional responsibilities. Knowing the truth and shying away from it is a crime against the state anf crime against democracy. Relevant sections of the constitution has addressed this serious issue and need to be followed religiously. The only answer that is require to avert invoking the relevant section of the constitution is for the people to be addressed Mr. Governor, submit self for medical investigation, medical experts give their recommendations and make known their reports to the Ondo State House of Assembly. Where there is need to further allow Mr.. Governor rest then, the Deputy Governor who is on a joint ticket with Mr. Governor should be immediately sworn in as Acting Governor.

Omoluabi Group join voices with well meaning citizens of the sunshine state and friends of the state who have their thinking caps on and are pro- constitution and pro-people that the needful must be done to further strengthen democracy.

 President Tinubu and elders in the state should adopt the Gowon Doctrine of Necessity approach which was adopted in the case of Late Musa Yar' Adua and Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan scenario in averting administrative lacuna that may have caused the country a national embarrassment.

We can no longer continue to pamper and window-dress this constitutional aberration in Ondo State.

 Omoluabi Team Alliance (aka Egbe Omoluabi) is a Socio-cultural and Political Group with presence across the six southwest states including Kogi and Kwara States 

 E- Signed:

 Egbe Omoluabi

 Ondo State Chapter

 Email: omoluabi_teamalliance2022@yahoo.com

Popular Yoruba poet, Olanrewaju Adepoju, dies at 83.

Popular Yoruba poet, Olanrewaju Adepoju, dies at 83.

A Yoruba poet, writer, artiste and religious leader, Alhaji Olanrewaju Adepoju, is dead.

Adepoju died on Sunday at his Idi Orogbo off Ring Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State residence around 7 pm. He was aged 83.

His son, Adejare Adepoju, broke the news in a brief announcement on Sunday, saying “Baba has gone to rest. Inna lilahi Wa innaa ilaehi Roojiuuna. My Dad, Olanrewaju Adepoju, Rest in Peace”

He later posted another message on Facebook saying, “In memory of my beloved father, Alhaji Chief Olanrewaju Adepoju(Ewi Exponent), a passionate human rights activist, accomplished author, and gifted poet.

“His life’s work was dedicated to making our country a more just and compassionate place. As we grieve, let’s carry forward his torch of advocacy for a brighter future. Rest in power, Dad.:

Also confirming his death, the family wrote, “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dear Father, Chief Mas’ud Olanrewaju Adepoju. From Allah we come and unto Him we shall all return.”

They announced that Adepoju will be buried according to Islamic rites on Monday by 11 am.

“Final prayers will be held for Baba tomorrow Monday, by 11 in the morning, at UMB Central Mosque, Old Ife Road, Gate Ibadan.

“May Almighty Allah grant our father the highest elevation in Paradise, Jannatu Firdaus!” the family said

Hajj: Saudi Arabia increases Nigeria’s tour operators to 40.

Hajj: Saudi Arabia increases Nigeria’s tour operators to 40.

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has increased the 2024 Hajj slots of Tour Operators from 10 to 40.

This development came following the Federal Government’s demand for an increase in the 2024 Hajj tour operators.

In September, Saudi Arabia announced that only 5% of each Hajj-participating country’s Licensed Tour Operators would be permitted to conduct the 2024 Hajj exercise.

This means that Nigeria will only have 10 slots.

However, the federal government unrelentingly engaged the Saudi Ministry over its course of promoting indigenous entrepreneurs as a tool in sustaining the country’s socioeconomic development.

Responding to the request, the Saudi Ministry in charge of Hajj and Umrah reverted the decision in Nigeria’s favour.

Consequently, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, in a press statement released on Sunday night, in Abuja by its assistant director of public affairs, Fatima Usara, disclosed the development.

Usara revealed the criteria for screening the earlier announced 110 qualified tour operators.

The criteria used in selecting the initial 110 tour operators included capacity of operation; years of experience; historical antecedents, and clean bill of operation.

The commission noted that the top 40 scoring by a seven-man team of experts were adjudged to qualify and were consequently approved after the evaluation of each operator’s ability, experience, and quality of services.

The Commission urged the remaining 70 that have qualified (from the 110 earlier approved) to consider aligning with the qualified 40 in the discharge of this religious obligation.

It assured that, as a stakeholder, it was desirous of ensuring that this partnership was entrenched even before the issuance of letters of approval.

In the principle of inclusivity, the Commission announced that it will soon hold a meeting with the overall 110 qualified operators to explore avenues of synergy to ensure all parties are carried along amicably.