Ondo raises N900m from motorcycle, tricycle riders in 11 months.

Ondo raises N900m from motorcycle, tricycle riders in 11 months.

ODIRS Office, Akure.

The Ondo State Government said it has so far generated N900m from the sales of tickets to commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists across the state.

The government hoped to make over N1 billion before the end of December 2023.

The Chairman of the state Internal Revenue Service, Mr Tolu Adegbie, stated this on Monday at the 2023 raffle draw ceremony for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state which was held in Akure.

Adegbie, however, noted that the state recorded a revenue shortfall compared to 2022 when it generated N1 billion between January and November, attributing the decline to some factors which included naira scarcity problem experienced in the early part of the year and the removal of fuel subsidy.

He said, “A sum of N900 million has been generated compared to last year. I mean from January to November, we’ve generated about N900 million. Meanwhile, this time last year, January to November, we had done N1 billion. This is for motorcycles and tricycles, but the bulk is from motorcycles.

“For the tricycle, they are doing roughly about N250 – N350 million which is not much. That is why we are giving out more gifts to the motorcyclists. We’ve charged the tricycle owners, even fewer in number, to increase their performance.”

He expressed optimism that by the end of this month (December), the revenue generated from motorcycle and tricycle owners will be over N1 billion.

Earlier, in his remarks, the Special Adviser to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Special Duty and Strategy, Doyin Odebowale, explained that when the present government came on board, the revenue being generated from commercial motorcyclists was about N400,000 in a month and N4.8million in a year. In 2018, Akeredolu administration was able to generate N350 million.

At the programme various items ranging from motorcycles, bags of rice, among others were gifted to operators by the ODIRS, to appreciate their commitment.

EU raises concern over violence ahead of DR Congo election.

EU raises concern over violence ahead of DR Congo election.

The European Union on Tuesday, warned against hate speech and violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo a day ahead of elections.

The EU gave this warning in a statement on Tuesday, amid fears that political tensions could boil over.

Forty-four million Congolese are registered to vote in Wednesday’s presidential, parliamentary, provincial and municipal elections, in a country ravaged by conflict in its east.

“The EU expresses its concern about the hate speech, violence and incidents that have marked the last few days of the campaign,” the EU said.

“Serious human rights violations and abuses have been recorded according to the United Nations, and it is up to the authorities to launch investigations in order to prosecute the perpetrators.”

President Felix Tshisekedi, 60, stands a healthy chance of securing re-election against a divided opposition in the country roughly the size of continental western Europe.

The election campaign has taken place in relative calm, a feat in a country whose first peaceful transition of power since independence in 1960 occurred in 2018.

But Bintou Keita, the head of the United Nations peacekeeping force in the country, said Monday there had been an “escalation of violence, acts of vandalism and destruction of campaign materials as well as hate speech”.

In a report published on Saturday, Human Rights Watch warned of electoral violence that “risks compromising the holding of the vote”.

The NGO said it has documented clashes between supporters of rival parties since early October that have led to “assaults, sexual violence and at least one death”.

The EU said in its statement that “efforts to divide the population on the basis of ethnicity or origin and any comments inciting violence are unacceptable.”

The bloc recalled “the responsibility of the authorities to ensure an inclusive, free, transparent and peaceful electoral process.”

Last month, the EU cancelled its deployment of election observers to DR Congo for “technical” reasons.

Several sources told AFP that authorities had refused to allow the observers to use satellite equipment, allegedly over fears it would be used to manipulate the presidential poll.

AFP

Gov Bago presents N613.3bn 2024 budget to Assembly.

Gov Bago presents N613.3bn 2024 budget to Assembly.

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State.

The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has presented the 2024 budget estimate of N613.3 billion to the state Assembly

Bago, who described the budget as a budget of the future, said the budget would drive the government’s programme for a new Niger state.

The governor presented the budget on Tuesday to lawmakers.

At the budget presentation were government functionaries and the eight emirs of the Emirate councils.

He urged Niger residents to support the government in its programmes to transform the state.

Bago announced to the audience that he should henceforth be called the “Farmers Governor” in line with his determination to transform the state into a leading farming state.

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Sarkin Daji, in his remarks, assured the governor and audience that the budget would be thoroughly screened and passed within one week.

Betta Edu Vows to Achieve 100% Mandate in Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Betta Edu Vows to Achieve 100% Mandate in Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

In a robust defense of the 2024 budget before the joint National Assembly Committee on special duties, humanitarian affairs, and poverty alleviation, Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, expressed her determination to fulfill the mandate given to her by President Bola Tinubu.

Addressing the committee, Dr. Edu highlighted the urgency of addressing Nigeria's humanitarian crises, emphasizing the need for a shift from emergency responses to sustainable solutions. She stressed that Nigeria, with 16 million people directly affected by the humanitarian crisis, including refugees and migrants, required a resilient system.

Dr. Edu urged the National Assembly to hold her and her team accountable for delivering on the mandate. She emphasized President Tinubu's focus on poverty eradication, highlighting over 23 programs designed to address multidimensional poverty. The Minister called for a budget that reflects the ministry's mandate, ensuring effective implementation.

"We will ensure we get to the grassroots, and we will go there with you to implement," she affirmed. Dr. Edu pledged improvements under her watch, vowing to make a tangible impact on Nigerians' lives, aligned with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, expressed the committee's readiness to embark on oversight visits. He assured Dr. Edu of their support in ensuring adequate funding for the ministry and its agencies. Senator Lawan commended Dr. Edu, stating, "You have started well; you will succeed."

The collaborative dialogue between Dr. Betta Edu and the National Assembly underscores a commitment to addressing humanitarian challenges and poverty in Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Tinubu's vision for a renewed hope agenda.

Shettima hails youths as ‘pillars of today’ at awards gala.

Shettima hails youths as ‘pillars of today’ at awards gala.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared young Nigerians the “pillars of today” and pledged unwavering support for their entrepreneurial dreams.

Addressing the 5th Annual Under 30 CEOs Awards and Gala Night at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja on the theme “A Flower for the Nigerian Youth”, VP Shettima, who was represented by Rukaiya El-Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council (NEC) and Climate Change at the Office of The Vice President emphasised the crucial role young people play in shaping the nation’s future.

In a statement issued by his Spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “we believe that none of you belongs to tomorrow, for we are a young nation by our demography, by our history, and by our pursuits,” acknowledging his own inclusion among the “young” while affirming their rightful place at the decision-making table.

Highlighting Nigeria’s median age of 19, the Vice President framed it as a “demographic dividend” ripe for investment. “You are our inspiration to focus on cultivating a robust human capital,” he said, envisioning a future where young Nigerians ascend to corporate heights, build billion-dollar empires, and inspire generations of entrepreneurs.

Recognizing the challenges of managing a nation’s aspirations, Shettima emphasized the need for an enabling environment.

“This is a phase in the life of this nation where the drive for change must meet our commitment to creating an enabling environment,” he stated, vowing to make young people “ambassadors in a world coming to terms with the inevitability of the Nigerian as a pathfinder, a pace-setter, a trend-setter, and a champion.”

He further pledged collaboration, stating, “We are going to work with you because strategic governance isn’t just an interplay of diverse perspectives and synergy; it’s an investment in succession planning.”

This collaboration, he explained, would bridge the gap between generations and sectors, fostering an exchange of ideas and ensuring the best minds contribute to the nation’s progress.

VP Shettima aligned the aspirations of young Nigerians with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he described as seeing “young Nigerians as harbingers of progress, the drivers of whatever reform we have set in place.” This vision, he elaborated, would be realized by creating an ecosystem that spawns “more Aliko Dangotes among you.”

Acknowledging the economic challenges, Shettima countered with optimism and action. “Our vehicle to where we are heu8*aded isn’t just optimism,” he declared. “We are driven by our collective strategic thinking and commitment to putting it into practice.”

The Vice President pointed to the resilience of Nigeria’s business landscape, boasting 23 billion-dollar enterprises even amidst the pandemic. “Today, we take a step forward one more time to declare that we are here for business, literally,” he asserted.

Reassuring the young entrepreneurs of the government’s support, VP Shettima promised, “We will be here to give you your flowers, we will always celebrate your ascent up the ladder, and I want you to see this government as your partner, as your ally.”

Rivers crisis: Tinubu brokers peace, sets 8-point resolution for Fubara, Wike sides.

Rivers crisis: Tinubu brokers peace, sets 8-point resolution for Fubara, Wike sides.

The presidential intervention in the Rivers State political crisis achieved a headway on Monday, December 18, with sides in the impasse given instructions on moving forward.

President Bola Tinubu met with sides involved in the crisis and secured commitments from all sides to abide by a set of eight resolutions reached at the parley.

The resolution, signed by both Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his predecessor and minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, spelt out steps expected by parties in the conflict to take.

Other signatories of the resolution are the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Ngozi Ordu; Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a loyalist of the FCT minister, Hon Martin Amaewhule; acting chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chukwuemeka Aaron; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) caretaker committee chairman, Chief Tony Okocha.

Also present at the meeting was former governor of the state, Dr Peter Odili.

According to the resolution document, a copy of which was obtained by The Nation on Monday evening, directed Governor Fubara to withdraw all matters he has before the courts, just as it directed the State House of Assembly to drop all impeachment processes it initiated against the governor.

It also directed that Amaewhule’s leadership of the House of Assembly be recognised, just as it directed Governor Fubara to re-present the state’s 2024 Budget to the Amaewhule-led Assembly.

“All matters instituted in the courts by the governor of Rivers state, Sir Fubara, and his team, in respect of the political crisis in Rivers state, shall be withdrawn immediately.

“All impeachment proceedings initiated against the governor of Rivers state by the Rivers State House of Assembly should be dropped immediately

“The leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly as led by the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule shall be recognized alongside the 27 members who resigned from the PDP

“The remunerations and benefits of all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and their staff must be reinstated immediately and the governor of Rivers State shall henceforth not interfere with the full funding of the Rivers State House of Assembly. 

“The Rivers State House of Assembly shall choose where they want to sit and conduct their legislative business without interference and/or hindrance from the Executive arm of government

“The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Fubara, shall re-present the state budget to a properly constituted Rivers State House of Assembly.

“The names of all commissioners in the Rivers State Executive Council who resigned their appointments because of the political crisis in the state should be resubmitted to the House of Assembly for approval

“There should NOT be a caretaker committee for the local governments in Rivers State. The dissolution of the Local Government administration is null and void and shall not be recognized.”

FedPoly Ado Emerges Champions in NANS Ekiti Spelling Bee Competition.

FedPoly Ado Emerges Champions in NANS Ekiti Spelling Bee Competition. 

......NANS Urges State Government to Organize Educational Programs Among Institutions in the State.

In a noteworthy exhibition of academic brilliance and unity, Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti secured victory in the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS Ekiti State Chapter) Spelling Bee Competition at the College of Health and Technology, Ijero. Led by former President Comr Olubodun Abiodun Harry, alongside the Vice President, Gen SEC, and Senator Aji (FPA Stakeholder), the team showcased exceptional linguistic skills.

Organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS Ekiti State Chapter) under Comrade Aderigbigbe Sikiru's leadership, the competition brought together representatives from various institutions in Ekiti State. Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti's triumph reflects the institution's commitment to excellence, extending beyond academics to embrace extracurricular achievements. The team's meticulous preparation and dedication underscore the institution's academic prowess.

Former President Comr Olubodun Abiodun Harry expressed delight at the team's success, emphasizing the importance of unity and academic pursuits. He commended the collaborative efforts leading to this victory and highlighted its positive impact on the institution's reputation.

NANS Chairman, Comrade Aderigbigbe Sikiru, urged the state government to adopt the idea of organizing educational and competitive programs among institutions within the state during his conversation with newsmen.

The entire student body congratulates Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti for this remarkable achievement, affirming their commitment to excellence beyond boundaries. This victory not only brings honor to the institution but also inspires students to pursue success in various endeavors.