Embrace repentant insurgents, Zulum urges Borno communities.

Embrace repentant insurgents, Zulum urges Borno communities.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Wednesday, urged communities in the state to embrace the repentant insurgents.

The governor stated this in Maiduguri, the state capital, during the presentation of the state’s N340.6 billion 2024 Appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly.

Zulum revealed that the recent Niger Republic coup has stalled the repatriation of the over 120,000 Nigerian refugees back home from the neighbouring francophone country.

Since the beginning of the implementation of the Federal Government’s ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ and the Borno State Government’s programme of reintegrating the ex-combatants in their home communities, fears have raged over possible retribution by those whose relations they killed or maimed during the insurgency.

However, Zulum urged that instead of retribution, the communities should live in harmony and support the surrendered insurgents to resettle and reintegrate well at home.

“I want to call on the people of Borno State to support the repentant Boko Haram insurgents,” he said, revealing that over 160,000 insurgents and their families have so far repented.

“We understand your fears, but imagine that these people are left in the bush; they would have been wreaking more havoc than imagined,” Zulum maintained, adding that “managing them in repentance is, therefore, better.”

The governor revealed that he had been able to secure €10 million and €500,000 grants from Germany and Switzerland, among other grants and donations, towards the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons and the reintegration of the repentant insurgents in their ancestral communities.

“I will continue to pursue more grants for the programme,” he said.

Speaking on the repatriation of the Nigerian refugees, Zulum had earlier listed some of the projects his administration planned to execute in the Northern Borno Local Government Areas without mentioning Guzamala LGA, the home LGA of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulkatim Lawan.

“Mr. Speaker, I know you will be surprised that I did not mention your Local Government Area, ” he turned jokingly at the Speaker.

“The coup de tat in the Niger Republic has impeded our plan to repatriate Abadam and Guzamala people (refugees) home from that country,” apparently saying that the refugees have to be repatriated and the IDPs from the two LGAs may have to be returned home before any project is executed.

Finance and Economic Development take the lion’s share of N53.8 billion of the 2024 Budget of Consolidation and Progress, followed by Health, at N51.1 billion; and Education, at N39.4 billion.

Zulum begged for forgiveness from the people of the state he might have offended while discharging his gubernatorial duties and responsibilities in 2023, promising, “I will never lose focus in the discharge of my duties and responsibilities back to prosperity.”

Ekiti State Government Empowers Entrepreneurs with 100KVA Solar Inverter System.

Ekiti State Government Empowers Entrepreneurs with 100KVA Solar Inverter System.

......Commissioner Omotayo Adeola commissions 100KVA Solar Inverter, Unleashing a Wave of increased productivity and profitability for MSMEs.

The Honorable Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment - Hon. (Mrs.) Omotayo Adeola today commissioned the 100KVA Solar Inverter System donated to the Texhnology Incubation Center, Ado Ekiti by the then office of the former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo through the Ekiti State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. 

Nestled within the Technology Incubation Centre, Ado Ekiti are entrepreneurs and MSME operating in Light manufacturing, Agro processing, Metal works and fabrication, Electrical works, Fashion and cosmetics, Building and construction and many others. 

However, a persistent challenge faced by these Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Entrepreneurs is the unavailability of reliable power supply. Many of them rely solely on electricity for their production, finding it financially burdensome to run generators due to escalating fuel costs. 

In addressing this issue, the Honourable Commissioner Hon. (Mrs.) Omotayo Adeola who was then Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Investment, Trade and Industry played a vital role in facilitating the provision of the 100KVA Solar inverter system from the office of the former Vice President - H.E Prof. Yemi Osinbajo aimed at providing reliable source of electricity for MSMEs and entrepreneurs so as to increase their production capacity and productivity. 

During the commission, Adeola charged the MSMEs to make judicious use of the facility, stressing that the Biodun Oyebanji administration will continue to provide shared facilities and equipment for MSMEs as the overarching goal is to foster clustered production, processing, marketing, and export, creating an environment conducive to sustained growth and prosperity within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Adeola also took time to inspect the production process of some of the processors and gave on-the-spot financial literacy and business management tips that would aid their business decisions which would further increase their productivity and profitability.

Ogun orders 17 communities to vacate forest reserve.

Ogun orders 17 communities to vacate forest reserve.

The Ogun State Government has asked 17 communities in Ijebu-East/North Local Government Area of the state to vacate the elephant conservation area in the Omo Forest Reserve.

The communities, whom the government tagged “illegal farmers and timber contractors” were ordered to vacate the area on or before January 15, 2024.

The state Commissioner for Forestry, Engr Taiwo Oludotun, gave the order during a meeting with farmers, village heads and timber contractors at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Oludotun, through a release by the Press Officer, Ministry of Forestry, Luke Adebesin, on Wednesday, accused the 17 communities of encroaching on the buffer zones of the forest reserve.

According to the Commissioner, “the 17 communities are: Eseke, Tamitami, Bridge, Korede, Fatai, Sojukorodo, Etemi- Gerade, Onigburugburu, Erifun, Aba Alhaja, Erimogan, Ologunna, Ori Apata, Imaba, Apora, Fatai 2 and Yomi Iga”.

Oludotun pointed out that planting cocoa seedlings within the state’s forest reserves was illegal, warning that any cocoa seedlings found within the forest after the exit date would be duly sanctioned.

“The state Ministry of Forestry will not fold its arm and allow illegalities to continue within its forest reserves, any timber contractor found to be involved in cocoa plantation within the reserves, the government property hammer of such contractor will be withdrawn’’, he said.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Timothy Olatunji, had called on timber contractors to cooperate with the Ministry to put an end to “the unwholesome activities within the forest reserves.”

Also, the representatives of timber contractors, Hon. Kunle Kalejaye and Alhaja Ranti Bambi, were said to have expressed dismay at the violation of government’s directive by some miscreants, promising to complement the Ministry’s efforts in curbing the illicit act.

Zamfara gov promises relief packages for terror attack victims.

Zamfara gov promises relief packages for terror attack victims.

In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in parts of Zurmi Local Government Area and surrounding communities, the Zamfara State Government has offered to extend assistance and emergency relief materials to the affected people in their respective areas.

The government also expressed gratitude to the military forces and other security agencies for their relentless efforts to contain the situation.

Governor Dauda Lawal’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, conveyed the government’s commitment to providing assistance and emergency relief materials to individuals and communities adversely affected by the attacks in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday.

Idris reassured the people of Zamfara of the government’s dedication to ensuring their safety.

The statement read, “The state government will extend assistance and emergency relief materials to the affected people.

“We want to assure the people of Zamfara that we are fully committed to ensuring their safety. We are aware of the sacrifice of the security forces in their efforts to protect the people’s lives. “The state government will provide them with all the necessary logistics and support to fight banditry. We will not rest until Zamfara is completely secure.”

The governor expressed sympathy for the communities impacted by the bandit attacks and commended the troops for their commendable efforts.

The statement continued, “Zamfara State government is deeply concerned over the recent attacks in communities across the state, particularly in Zurmi, Maru, and Tsafe Local Government Areas.

“Governor Lawal further commended the efforts of the security forces for neutralizing scores of leaders of the bandit groups across the state.”

He stated that positive reports highlighted the progress made by troops in the fight against banditry in the ztate, acknowledging the sacrifices and efforts of the security forces.

The governor called for continued support and prayers for the security forces engaged in restoring peace and security to the state

Ekiti Livestock Development Center Trainees Commence Culling Of 10,000 Table-Size Chickens.

Ekiti Livestock Development Center Trainees Commence Culling Of 10,000 Table-Size Chickens. 

......Govt vows to continue empowering youths.

Youths undergoing training at the Livestock Development Center site of the Ekiti State Government Agricultural hub at Erifun have commenced culling of the 10,000 table-size chickens that were hatched about five weeks ago.

Speaking during a monitoring visit to the site, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun described the development as the fruition of a strategically planned scheme with support from donor agencies that was designed to train and empower youths in the State.

Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun stressed that the five-week period from hatching to maturity of the birds coupled with the readymade market makes the scheme a short-time enterprise and very profitable for youths to venture into.

Olatunbosun reiterated the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration to the welfare of people in the State particularly the youths, assuring that the administration would continue to initiate and implement programmes designed to make youths self-reliant and employers of labour.

He urged youths in the State to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the State Government to make themselves financially independent and possible employers of labour.

He said “we were here about five weeks ago, just like we were here to witness the first set of broilers that were raised at the centre. Today after five weeks, we are here again to witness the broilers that we saw as day old chicks now fully grown enough to be eaten or consumed.

“The joy of it is that our trainees have received a lot of practical and expertise training that can make them to stand on their own. One of the things that Government is doing through the Ministry of Agriculture is the promotion of short term business enterprise that can earn them resources that can give them good money within a short period of time. 

“The choice of broilers as against production of layers that would take minimum of one year plus. Within a period of five weeks, you can have your business and have your gains and reinvest again. This is very good. It shows that our Government is getting it right”. 

“Having trained and setting up the current group, it is our believe that our young ones can take advantage of this opportunity with the Government Agric Ministry to participate in the entrepreneurship training”.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade recalled that a set of 9,000 birds had been culled at the center in September before the current set was hatched and raised.

Assuring of Government’s constituency in implementing the scheme, Boluwade said that the trainees who have become more informed, experienced and exposed would be assisted to set up their own pens and become entrepreneurs in their own rights.

Boluwade disclosed that the State Government had acquired several hectares of land that would be allocated to the graduates of the Center to be used as pens in order to achieve the desired goal of making them successful entrepreneurs.

He assured interested youths of the Agricultural hub’s capability to take in as many of them that are ready to learn and work, adding that there is no excuse for youths in the State to be unemployed with all the initiatives put in place by the State Government.

Èkìtì State Chapter of the Nigerian Youth Congress Congratulates Ààrẹ Adedara Temitope Moses on New Appointment.

Èkìtì State Chapter of the Nigerian Youth Congress Congratulates Ààrẹ Adedara Temitope Moses on New Appointment.

The Èkìtì State Chapter of the Nigerian Youth Congress extends heartfelt congratulations to Ààrẹ Adedara Temitope Moses, the Executive Chairman of the youth congress, on his recent appointment as the Special Adviser Domestic to the Executive Governor of Èkìtì State, His Excellency Biodun Abayọmi Oyebanji.

Ààrẹ Topmost's exceptional leadership qualities and style in guiding the Èkìtì youth have garnered well-deserved recognition. As a testament to his commitment, Ààrẹ Adedara Temitope Moses emphasizes, "Leadership does not exist for itself," assuring the people of Èkìtì that he will dedicate himself to the purpose of this new assignment in accordance with the guiding provisions of the office.

In the press statement released by the Youths Congress through the office of the Public Relations Officer, Greatolasoji Gabriel expressed confidence in Ààrẹ Topmost's ability to fulfill this new role effectively.

His Excellency, Biodun Abayọmi Oyebanji, is commended for acknowledging and appointing youths like Adedara Temitope Moses. The entire youth congress expresses gratitude for the appointments, including Maxwell Oluwasegun Olu-Ajayi as the SA Youth Development and Mary Ọrẹ Adetiba as the SSA Student Affairs. Expectations are high for these appointees to unite, foster unity, and strengthen the bond between the state government and Èkìtì youth and students.

The youth congress congratulates all the appointed youth leaders and emphasizes their responsibility to channel leadership toward inclusiveness and effectiveness.

In reaffirming their commitment, the youth congress declares its dedication to the development of Èkìtì State, transcending political affiliations and religious beliefs.

Gombe lawmakers pass N208bn 2024 budget.

Gombe lawmakers pass N208bn 2024 budget.

The Gombe State House of Assembly has passed the state’s 2024 budget estimate of N208.064bn.

It was reported that the budget reflects an increase of N300m as against the N207.750bn earlier submitted by the state governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya.

A statement signed by the Chief Information Officer of the House, Mr Umaru Ma’aji, on Wednesday contained the breakdown of the budget estimate.

The Speaker of the House, Abubakar Luggerewo, as quoted in the statement, thanked the lawmakers for their support, cooperation and the manner with which the appropriation bill was handled.

Presenting the report of its committee, the Chairman, Appropriation Committee, Alhaji Aliyu Manu, representing Gombe North said his committee observed that most of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies’ budget officers were not conversant with the budget provisions which is guided by Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

“Therefore we recommend that henceforth budget office should transmit executive council’s approved budget to ministries and as well as consider and approved N208, 064,000,000.00, as total budget size of Gombe state,” the statement partly read.

Ma’aji said the 2024 budget, tagged ‘Budget of Continuity and Consolidation’ focus on completion of all ongoing projects starting from the first tenure of the present governor, adding that 43 per cent of the budget goes to economic sector while 11 per cent goes to social sector .

He added, “After a clause by clause consideration by the Speaker, Abubakar Luggerewo, at the committee of the whole and contributions by the members, the bill was read for the third time and passed into law.”

Luggerewo lauded his colleagues for the support and cooperation given to the committee members.

Meanwhile, the House has passed a resolution to write a letter of reminder to members of the National Assembly representing Gombe North to do a follow up at Federal Ministry of Works on the dilapidated road condition of Gombe Funakaye – Nafada Road which has been previously awarded but not funded.

Presenting his committee’s report to this effect, the Chairman, House Committee on Works and Transportation, Mustapha Hassan, said his committee has interacted with Federal Ministry of Works Area Office Gombe, FERMA and State Ministry of Works and Transportation where they found out that the project was captured in the 2024 budget of the Federal Government