Akeredolu returns to Germany, Aiyedatiwa steps in.

Akeredolu returns to Germany, Aiyedatiwa steps in.

The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, would be embarking on another medical vacation in the European country of Germany.

This came barely four months after the governor returned to the country and stayed in his private residence in Ibadan Oyo State.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Tuesday, the governor would return to the European country as a follow-up to his medical treatment.

Olatunde said the governor would be going back on Wednesday, adding that he(Akeredolu) had written a letter to the state House of Assembly in that regard and the deputy governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would assume office as the acting governor.

The statement read, “During his medical leave, Governor Akeredolu will prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties.

“A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.

“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in an acting capacity.

“Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.

“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations. This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations.”

2024 Budget: Senate panel frowns at N1bn capital allocation for information ministry.

2024 Budget: Senate panel frowns at N1bn capital allocation for information ministry.

The Senate Committee on Information, on Tuesday, December 12, frowned at the N1 billion proposed for the Ministry of Information and National Orientation as capital allocation in the 2024 budget.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Senator Kenneth Eze (APC-Ebonyi Central) made the assertion when the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris Malagi, appeared before the committee to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget.

Earlier, Idris had in his presentation before the committee informed the senators that the National values and attitudes re-orientation campaign under the aegis of the National Values Charter (NVC), would be launched in early 2024.

He said: “The ministry desires to have a big national conversation around our values and attitudes re-orientation so that Nigeria will at least rediscover itself and reclaim some of those values that have been eroded over the years so that we can have a better country for all of us.

“We also desire the launch of the National and International branding campaign for Nigeria to highlight and showcase Nigeria’s immense natural and cultural resources.

“We are also going to convene and coordinate regular press briefings and media engagements for cabinet members and other senior government officials to avail Nigerians of what various ministries and agencies are doing so that Nigerians will be carried along on what the projects and programmes of government are.

“We also intend to invest resources in modernising the Federal Government information and communication management and regulatory system across the agencies, for example, NAN, NTA, FRCN, etc.”

He however added that the N1 billion earmarked for the Ministry as capital expenditure in 2024 would not be sufficient for implementation of the programmes.  

Apparently impressed by the vision and programmes of the Minister, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kenneth Eze said the capital provisions in the 2024 budget were nothing to write home about for implementing such laudable visions.

Eze said: “This is not a budget that can be visible if we are telling our story as a country. There is no way we can go far. You have a great initiative on how you are going to transform the country in the area of information, I wonder how you are going to do that with this so little fund.

“Information is a very sensitive ministry that should be taken seriously, and funded, and if we are talking about Renewed Hope Agenda, what we want as a country, Information should be at the forefront, it should be the image maker to sensitise the people, there is a widening gap between the government and information has to bridge this gap.

“I looked around in the budget, I didn’t see Nigeria Press Council, and APCON, and other agencies. Is the government telling us that the agencies are being scrapped or that they can function without personnel? Who will pay their salary and just a few months ago, the DG and Executive Secretary were appointed. Hon Minister, this is a serious matter for the committee to look into and we shall surely do that.”

Shettima unveils blueprint for transportation sector.

Shettima unveils blueprint for transportation sector.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday in Abuja unveiled a bold vision for reforming Nigeria’s transportation sector.

Shettima, represented by Special Adviser, General-Duties, to the President, Office of the Vice-President, Aliyu Modibbo, unveiled the blueprint at the 5th National Summit of Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA).

He said that the Federal Government was committed to addressing the transportation challenges Nigerians were grappling with following the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

Shettima canvassed for a collaborative revolution with the institute as the driving force for the blueprint.

The vice-president acknowledged the crucial role the institute plays as the “lifeblood” and “artery” of the nation’s economic and social progress.

He stressed the need for a robust and efficient transportation system that would connect every part of the country and drive socio-economic prosperity.

Shettima said, “I must appeal to you to remain the architects of a robust and efficient transport system and to partake in managing the connection of every part of our nation, for that is the pathway to knitting together the fabric of our socio-economic prosperity.”

The vice-president said that the institute’s objectives align perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He said that none of the government’s eight presidential priorities, from food security to job creation, could be achieved without a functional transportation system.

Shettima added,” Mr President’s critical points of focus require an efficiently functional transportation system to achieve our mandate.

” We will find it useful to have suggestions from the institute: well-thought-out policy enunciation, transportation infrastructure designs, and effective operational management strategies in all modes of transportation.”

He urged the institute to provide valuable expertise in the form of policy recommendations, transportation infrastructure designs, and effective operational management strategies across all modes of transportation.

The vice-president recognized the technical and managerial skills of the members of the institute.

Shettima expressed confidence in their ability to build a sector that drives employment, manufacturing and production within the industry.

He acknowledged the various concerns raised by the institute, including road construction materials, local airline viability, rapid rail development, pipeline security and waterway navigability.

The vice-president assured the institute of an open door to the government for collaborative problem-solving.

” We are offering you an open door to the government where we can work together to understand your fears and needs as we redeem the cross-cutting issues of energy pricing, green energy, and funding strategies for various aspects of the transportation project.

” We will also provide workable modalities for public-private partnerships, safety and security, technology adoption and adaptation,l,” Shettima added.

He further emphasised the importance of training and attitudinal development for transportation operation personnel, particularly in the road sector.

Shettima highlighted the need for closer collaboration with transport worker unions and associations to improve the traveling and business experiences of Nigerians.

He said, ” The reality of our post-subsidy removal adjustment, in which you have played quite a critical role to stabilize the nation, isn’t lost to us.

” This is why we trust your aspirations as we develop more solutions while we keep our doors open for innovative thinking, well-researched, and workable recommendations to tackle emerging governance challenges in your industry.”

The vice-president urged the institute to increase its visibility and make its professional voice heard more frequently.

He described the institute as a strong partner of the government in tackling emerging governance challenges.

(NAN)

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.