FG, World Bank to collaborate on mining.

FG, World Bank to collaborate on mining.

The federal government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, is exploring collaboration with the World Bank in the mining sector.

The collaboration is to unlock financing and technical support for the development of the sector.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake during a courtesy visit by the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri expressed satisfaction with the renewed focus on the development of the nation’s mineral resources by the Tinubu administration.

He stated that with the preponderance of economically viable minerals in Nigeria, the country has the potential to make the sector a major contributor to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The special assistant on media to the minister, Segun Tomori made this known in a press statement.

He said: “Mr. Chaudhuri reiterated the readiness of the Bank to partner with the Ministry to unlock financing for specific intervention areas requiring funding, emphasising, however, that that the terms and conditions of the Bank to ensure effective implementation of projects and transparency in utilising funds is mandatory. He also added that the bank is not restricted to providing financing alone, asserting it can offer technical assistance to improve mining operations in the country.

“In his response, the Minister hailed the World Bank team for the visit, commending the institution for spearheading developmental efforts in diverse sectors of the economy over the years.

“The World Bank has been able to redirect focus on developmental issues and projects in countries, especially Nigeria. Just recently, we had the support of the World Bank on palliatives being rolled out after fuel subsidy removal. We had appreciable support from the World Bank. I thank you for your involvement in the min diver project, which, unfortunately, is coming to a close. We look forward to strengthening collaboration, which will culminate in the needed funding for critical areas in the mining sector, alongside the requisite technical support, as earlier hinted.”

He also stated: “Throwing light on his vision for the mining sector, the Minister revealed that the first major priority is investment in exploration to generate the requisite geo-data that will guide investors in making informed decisions about investing in the sector. He also revealed that efforts are ongoing to establish efficient governance structures and secure the mining environment.

“Alake further assured that the federal government is committed to providing an enabling environment to safeguard mining operations whilst ensuring maximum beneficiation to host communities and accruable revenue to the government through royalties and taxes.

“On the World Bank delegation were the Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, and World Bank program leader, equitable growth, finance innovation, Bertina Kamphuis.”

Nigeria Takes Global Lead: President Tinubu Envisions Africa as the World's First Green Manufacturing Hub in CNN Exclusive.

Nigeria Takes Global Lead: President Tinubu Envisions Africa as the World's First Green Manufacturing Hub in CNN Exclusive.

President Bola Tinubu says African countries, including Nigeria, need partnerships for a new green economy, emphasizing the efforts against climate change will only be successful through a cooperative approach.

Writing in an OP-ED article for CNN, the President said the security threats, the dislocation of people, the environmental atrophy and other collateral impacts of climate change were at the forefront of his mind during his participation at the COP28 World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He said Nigeria has battled back against major obstacles, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, short-term challenges from economic reforms, and the ongoing unification of foreign exchange rates, but that the nation remains steadfast in its resolve to reconstruct a better, cleaner economy despite these challenges.

"To uphold our legally binding commitment to a cleaner world, Nigeria launched the Nigerian Carbon Market Initiative at COP28 by joining the African Carbon Market Initiative," he said.

Reiterating his stance on the inequity in the economic status quo, the President wrote that developing nations, despite contributing minimally to the problem, endure most of its impacts.

He said African countries simply can not go at it alone, adding: "There must be a fair and cooperative approach. For too long, too many developed nations have hesitated to do what they should."

Highlighting Nigeria’s efforts and commitment to its pledges, President Tinubu said: "Nigeria has taken significant steps and acted decisively in enacting the Climate Change Act and committing to net-zero emissions between 2050 and 2070.

"Africa’s most populous nation has successfully mobilized tens of thousands of youths nationwide to plant 250,000 trees annually to honor a pledge to plant 25 million trees by 2030 as we build our great green wall to fight back against encroaching desert across the northern region of our nation."

The President said Nigeria is aggressively pursuing the exploitation of the nation’s abundant wind and solar resources but added that transitioning from fossil fuels, which are Nigeria’s economic mainstay, will not be easy.

"While in Berlin last month at the G20 Summit, I announced Nigeria’s commitment to develop blue and green hydrogen capacity for international export. In conversations with Middle Eastern oil producers, I also solidified this commitment.

"We now seek to mobilize private capital with support from initiatives like the Climate Finance Leadership Initiative and the new US and EU global infrastructure programs," he said.

He also said the European Union’s Global Gateway program and the U.S. Government's Build Back Better World initiative are potential resources Nigeria is seeking to explore in its efforts to transition to cleaner energy.

"We are also looking to diversify our economy by engaging in friendly competition with Russia in the supply of energy to European markets. We can do it with natural gas and through green energy. This is why we are investing massively in both.

"Batteries for hire could help Nigerians ditch their generators. But the time for watching and waiting is over. Developed nations must honor commitments in the form of significant contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund and the $100 billion annual climate financing pledge. 

"It is time to seize the moment," the President concluded.

Don't Disappoint Ekiti Citizens, Deputy Gov Charges Chairmen-Councilors-elect.

Don't Disappoint Ekiti Citizens, Deputy Gov Charges Chairmen-Councilors-elect.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has charged the newly elected Chairmen and Councilors to use their performances to prove that the local government system is central to the development of any nation. 

Mrs Afuye lamented that the lacklustre performances of some council bosses, had created the widespread impression that the third tier of government doesn't serve any purpose, urging them to bring a paradigm shift and change such a warped perspective.

Mrs Afuye said these on Tuesday, while receiving the chairmen and councilors-elect from Ikere Ekiti, who paid a visit to her office in Ado Ekiti, after collecting their Certificates of Return from the State Independent Electoral Commission. 

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, insisted that the best pride the elected All Progressives Congress members can do Governor Biodun Oyebanji, herself and the party, is to deliver democracy gains to the populace. 

She emphasized the need for the incoming elected officials to prioritise good governance by revving the pedal of development immediately they are sworn in to convince the skeptics that the system can turn around the fortunes of any nation if run properly. 

"Please, go there and prove to Ikere residents that your own time will be different. All eyes are on you. I beg you, don't disgrace us. Don't put Governor Oyebanji and myself to shame before Ikere people . 

"I want you to convince and disabuse the minds of those having the impression that the local government system is useless with good performances".

Harping on the need for unity in the party, Mrs Afuye said: "Don't take anyone as enemies, everybody should be your friends. Some chairmen were considered for a second term, but this will depend on your performances and loyalty to the government and our people. 

"Work and perform beyond their expectations, so that our people can have trust in the local government system. Ekiti continuity begins with Governor Oyebanji and it won't end with him. We must all work together and deliver democracy gains to our people". 

Addressing the visitors, the Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the governor, Barr. Bayo Idowu and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Victor Adeniyi, said local governements have become veritable vehicles of development in the state with the advent of Governor Oyebanji. 

They pleaded with the Chairman to consider the organisation of seminars for councilors to boost their intellectual capacities and to always defer to the leaders while taking critical decisions to unify the party.

"Local government is not a useless creation, it is for development. The local governments are not rubber-stamp. If you can do well at that level, the pressure on the governor will reduce". 

The spokesman of the group and Chairman-elect, Ikere Local Government, Squadron Olu Adamolekun, promised not to betray the confidence reposed in them.

"We are not going to betray our leaders and all Ikere citizens. We will do our best to deliver to the people of Ikere and increase their belief in the local government system".

Hon. Damilare Ajayi Receives Certificate Of Return From EKSIEC After Victorious Council Polls.

Hon. Damilare Ajayi Receives Certificate Of Return From EKSIEC After Victorious Council Polls.

In a ceremony held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, Hon. Damilare Ajayi, Vice Chairman-elect of Gbonyin LCDA, received his Certificate of Return from the Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC), Hon. Justice Cornelius Alintayo.

In acknowledgments, Hon. Damilare Ajayi thanked his excellency Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for putting in place good leadership strides towards the betterment of Ekiti people by providing them with dividends of democracy: infrastructure, education, security, health care, economic development, social amenities, and many more, too numerous to mention. This stride has led to an easy and smooth victory for the APC in the just-concluded December 2nd council polls held in Ekiti State, which is said to be 100% free, fair, and credible in all ramifications. Indeed, his excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has written his name in the glorious hall of fame in not just Ekiti State but in the country, leaders of Ekiti and other parts of Nigeria will emulate in making their respective communities a good, better, and prosperous state like the present Ekiti if emulated.

He, however, uses this opportunity to congratulate his colleagues, mostly his counterpart from Aiyekire LGA, Hon. Davies Adeyemo, Gbonyin LCDA Vice Chairman Hon. Adebayo Adegoye, Aiyekire LGA Vice Chairman Hon. (Chief) Adeyanju, and all other elected council chairmen, vice-chairmen, and councillors, wishing them continuity of progress in all ramifications.

Hon. Damilare said it's a great honor to receive his Certificate of Return from EKSIEC today. "I am deeply grateful to the people of Gbonyin LCDA for their overwhelming support and trust in my leadership".

"I want to thank the leaders, the entire team that worked tirelessly during the campaign, and the good people of Aiyekire/Gbonyin for their unwavering support. Amongst the leaders present at the venue are; Bar. Paul Omotosho (APC State Chairman) Hon. Ayodele Fadumiye (Aiyekire LGA Chairman), Hon. Shina Ogunleye (Ifedara LCDA Chairman), Hon. Esan Ogunjobi (Aiyekire LGA Secretary), Hon. (Chief) Bola Akinyemi (Leader of the House, Aiyekire/Gbonyin LCDA), other councillors present, Comrd Okunola Idowu (Ijan Ward APC Chairman), and representatives of Gbonyin LCDA Management Team led by the council HLA, Mr. Titiloye Omotayo, and others.

He added: "This Certificate of Return belongs to all of us, and together we will take our council area to greater heights.

"I want to reiterate my commitment to serving the people of Gbonyin LCDA with integrity, transparency, and dedication.

"I believe, with your support and cooperation, we can achieve great things in the task ahead," he explained.

In his statement, Hon. Damilare Ajayi expressed his commitment to the collective effort of elevating Gbonyin LCDA, emphasizing the importance of unity, integrity, and transparency in serving the people. He voiced his confidence in achieving significant progress with the support and cooperation of the community.

I Will always Protect Pensioners' Rights - Oyebanji.

 I Will always Protect Pensioners' Rights - Oyebanji.                                                             .....Retirees hold prayer session for Governor.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that he is irrevocably committed to fulfilling all his electoral promises to pensioners, who had expended their energies serving the state during their productive years.

The Governor also said that in order to fast-track the state’s development index and shore up Internally Generated Revenue, his government will introduce Land Use Charge in January, 2024 for all developers. The additional revenue, he said would help government undertake more projects across all sectors.

Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, during a special prayer organised for him by the State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), at Jibowu Hall, Government House grounds. 

The prayer session was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habitat Adubiaro and members of the State Executive Council.

Describing pensioners as central to the progress of the state, having served zealously in the past, Oyebanji said: "I will be a bastard if I fail to protect your interest as Governor of the State. As long as we have the resources, all your issues and welfare will be at the front burner.

"How could someone work for that number of years and now can't afford what to eat? This is not good enough. We will continue to attend to your welfare to make lives easier for you".

Governor Oyebanji said he was already working with the Head of Service to ensure a more regular payment of gratuity. “By January, 2024, we will dedicate a fix amount for the payment of your gratuity monthly at both state and local governments. 

"The labour is agitating for wage increase for workers, they also have the right. We will look for ways to balance the two. We have to balance the everything and make sure everybody is happy. 

"I appeal to my people in government to be selfless, we need to be sacrificial, because election has an expiry date. We will still go back to the people, what are we going to tell them if we fail them?".

Expatiating further on the proposed Land Use Charge, Oyebanji, promised that the impending tax would be made affordable to all citizens, and not one that will be considered outrageous and jaw breaking.

"We are going to make it affordable. And I want to assure you that we will use the money for development and when we do this, I know that our people will be motivated to pay".

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Ekiti chapter, Mr. Joel Akinola, described the prayer session as the first of its kind that would be organised for a sitting Governor. He described it as another remarkable step in their relationship with Governor Oyebanji. 

Akinola, who stated that Governor Oyebanji's government has been a "God- sent" to Ekiti, described the Governor as a man of integrity, who values pensioners and always keep all his promises. 

"Governor Oyebanji is a politician but he is not behaving like a typical Nigerian politician who always deceive people. We are not here to praise him, but we want to appreciate the grace of God in his life. The pensioners are happy with you and we will always stand with you". 

Akinola appealed to Governor Oyebanji to pay part of the pension and check- off dues arrears to further cushion the effect of the current economic situation on pensioners and to also make name as a governor who values the lives of retirees. 

In their separate exhortations, a man of God, Pastor Kayode Odebode and Sheikh Abdul, applauded Governor Oyebanji for being passionate about the development of the state, particularly his commitment to the welfare of pensioners .

Pastor Odebode, in his sermon entitled : "Integrity and Morality in Humanity", at the spiritual event, a Cleric, Pastor Kayode Odebode, charged Nigerian leaders to always lead with integrity and display humanity to be able to etch their names in the hearts of the populace.

"All our Governor has been doing proved that he is a man of integrity. The Holy Book commanded in the Book of Leviticus that we should take care of the aged and the Governor is doing just that with prompt payments of pension and gratuity. He is a man of his words.

"I appeal to our governor not to drop his integrity and always b a man of his words no matter the situation around you, because whatever we are doing in this world we come to a close one day".

President Tinubu hails Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie On African Players Of The Year Award.

President Tinubu hails Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie On African Players Of The Year Award.

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Nigeria's Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, on winning the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year award.

The President also celebrates the remarkable achievements of Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who clinched the 2023 CAF Women's Player of The Year for the sixth time, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was awarded the Woman Goalkeeper of the Year, as well as the Super Falcons for emerging the Women's National Team of the Year.

The President commends the trio of Osimhen, Oshoala and Nnadozie for their outstanding performances on both national and international stages, and for being sources of pride to the nation and an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the continent. 

''Watching the great ambassadors of Nigeria stand atop the podium as the African Footballers of the Year, in the men and women categories, on Monday night in Marrakesh, Morocco, has strengthened our belief that with hard work, perseverance, and the help of God, everything this nation needs for greatness is within us and available to us. 

''I commend Victor and Asisat for not forgetting their roots and days of humble beginnings in the game they love so much and for acknowledging the role of indigenous coaches in shaping their careers. 

''I join all Nigerian fans in praying that this well-deserved honour will be the beginning of a continued journey filled with success, triumphs, and the fulfilment of all your footballing dreams,'' the President says. 

Tambuwal appoints 64 aides.

Tambuwal appoints 64 aides.

The immediate past governor of Sokoto, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, has approved the appointment of 64 aides across the seven local governments in his constituency.

Tambuwal, who is also Chairman Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development, announced the appointment of constituency and local government aides for the Sokoto South Senatorial District in a press statement made available to the newsmen on Monday by his media aide, Muhammad Bello.

Bello said, “This initiative is part of the senator’s effort to empower his constituents and drive the senator’s development agenda.”

The newly appointed aides consist of some of his former commissioners and special advisers while serving as the governor of the state.