Sanwo-Olu pledges more funding for artisans.

Sanwo-Olu pledges more funding for artisans.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, assured artisans/tradesmen in the state of his administration’s commitment to scale up funding for the sector.

Speaking at the 14th Tradesmen and Artisans Day celebration held  at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Agidingbi, the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, said his administration had put in place a series of empowerment programmes to prepare artisans in the state “to think global and provide local solutions.”

Acknowledging the artisans as key contributors to economic growth, employment generation and wealth creation in the state, Sanwo-Olu said his government would continue to develop “innovative solutions that address the challenges” of the sector and create the enabling environment for improved productivity.

“As a government that is responsive to the needs of the people, we will continue to explore ways to make sure we cushion the effects of these policies; we will do everything within our power to support you at this time and ensure that you feel the impact of our good governance.

“We will continue to improve the capacity of the relevant government agencies and institutions, including the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and continue to support small-scale businesses with access to funds.

“Our passion to enhance the growth of this sector and prosperity of all stakeholders has been demonstrated by the implementation of various programmes through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and collaboration with other government agencies and the private sector,” the governor said.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, appealed for the upward review of the annual subvention from N6m to N12m.

Minister unveils dry season farming in Benue.

Minister unveils dry season farming in Benue.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, on Wednesday flagged off the 2023/24 dry season farming in Benue State.

The minister, who performed the ceremony at Mbaku, Makurdi, said the Federal Government targeted 500,000 hectares irrigable land in 2024.

Utsev said that President Bola Tinubu had directed the ministry to ensure that 500,000 hectares irrigable land was maximally put to use in 2024.

According to the minister, all the 12 River Basins in the country will be fully utilised in 2024 in line with the renowned hope agenda of the president.

He also said that most of the basins were partly commercialised for the purpose of boosting the country’s food production and economy.

The minister said that the 1,500 hectares of land at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority Makurdi farm located at Mbaku community would not be enough for irrigation farming in 2024.

He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to deliver on its mandate and called on investors to invest into the country’s water sector.

“We have put all the machineries in place to ensure that there is no excuse for us not to boost agriculture in this country.

“We have gone into partial commercialisation of the 12 River Basins in the country. We are now inviting investors to come in and partner with us.

“We are going to offer some incentives to farmers today such as water pumps to boost their cultivation and also encourage them.

“As we do symbolic planting of the crops today, I want to assure the famers that we are ready to support them, work with them and help them to overcome their challenges so that food would be available to all Nigerians.”he said

The minister said that government would also provide improved seedlings and technical support to the farmers.

Earlier, Engr. Mohammed Addra, the Managing Director, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Makurdi, commended the host community for their cooperation and promised to continue to work with them.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the minister during the visit, inaugurated the Soil and Geographic Information System laboratories of the basin, Lessel Dam.

He also presented certificates and distributed starter packs to the 5th Batch of graduands under the Graduates/Youths Empowerment Programme of the Federal Government.

The minister also inspected the rice mill, Songhai Model Farm, and distributed water pumps to some farmers and other inputs to the graduands.

NAN

Spotify names Olamide most influential street pop artiste.

Spotify names Olamide most influential street pop artiste.

Spotify, an online streaming platform, has rated Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record executive, Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as “Olamide”, as the ‘most influential street pop artiste of his generation’.

Spotify’s Editor, West Africa, Benewaah Boateng, announced this in a statement on Thursday, in Lagos.

Boateng said lately, the undeniable rise of the sub-genre “Street Pop” in Nigeria had been both remarkable and thrilling to observe and this had slowly made its way to mainstream music.

“Olamide is the most influential street pop artiste of his generation, consistently praised for his role in elevating Street Pop to mainstream recognition as a distinct music genre.

“Since the debut of his hit single, “Eni Duro,” he has been a constant cultural force, popularising dance styles like “Shakiti Bobo” and street lingos such as “Baddo Sneh” and “Pepper Dem”.

“Through his record label YBNL, Olamide has also played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s brightest street pop talents.

“The influence of Street Pop on the Nigerian music landscape in 2023 is clearly and undeniably significant.

“This is just the beginning of Street Pop going mainstream and we cannot wait to see how it continues to grow,” she said.

Boateng maintained that street pop which originated from a fusion of Afrobeats, Highlife, Hip-hop, Fuji, Apala, indigenous sounds, and contemporary elements, boasts of an engaging rhythm, pulsating fast-paced beats and lyrics that mirror the everyday lives of Nigerians navigating the challenges of the streets.

She explained that notable attribute of Street Pop as a music genre lies in its profound connection to the harsh realities of everyday life in Nigeria.

She added that Olamide occupied the ninth spot in the list of top 10 artistes in Nigeria.

“His most recent project, “Unruly” garnered widespread acclaim from fans who describe it as a brilliant body of work.

“One particular track that has resonated exceptionally well with audiences is “Gaza”, which has received significant admiration for its appeal and musical craftsmanship.

“Also, Seyi Vibez has emerged as an undeniable force in the Nigerian street pop scene, particularly in 2023, after finding mainstream success in 2022.

“He has ingrained himself in the hearts of Gen-Zs and millennials, with phrases like “na ham, na ham” echoing from his popular song, “Chance.”

“His success in 2023 is evident, from selling out his concert at the O2 Indigo Hall in the UK to securing features on hit songs like Gwagwalada, the second most streamed song in Nigeria on Spotify.

“Additionally, earning a spot among the top five most streamed artists in Nigeria further underscores Seyi Vibez’s ability to transcend Street Pop and strike a chord with all music lovers,” she said.

Boateng noted that Zinoleesky had reshaped and made substantial contributions to the street pop genre through his skillful melodies and compelling storytelling, landing him in the top 15 most streamed artistes in Nigeria.

She said that as the genre continues to evolve and street pop artistes continue to explore new creative frontiers, it was evident that street pop was poised for exponential growth in the years to come.

She said street pop potentially will be emerging as the next global phenomenon akin to Afrobeats.

NAN

Afuye Greets Oyebanji at 56, Brands Him Fanatical Lover of masses.

Afuye Greets Oyebanji at 56, Brands Him Fanatical Lover of masses.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has rejoiced with her principal and Governor of the state, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, on the occasion of his 56th birthday. 

Rationalising the fact that her principal worths being celebrated, Mrs Afuye, described Governor Oyebanji as an outstanding democrat and rabid lover of the masses, who values humanity and places high priority on the welfare of the poor. 

Oyebanji was born on 21st December, 1967. 

In her congratulatory message to Oyebanji, which she personally signed, on Thursday, the Deputy Governor, prayed for good and sound health for her principal to be able to navigate Ekiti to the promised land.

The congratulatory message was entitled: 'I rejoice with my boss, an outstanding leader and lover of the masses at 56'. 

The message reads: " I rejoice with my principal, Governor Biodun Oyebanji on this auspicious day of his birthday. Governor BAO, as fondly called, is an outstanding democrat and lover of the masses, who has etched his name in the hearts of the masses.

"Governor Oyebanji is a politician and administrator who has ingeniously brought paradigm shift to governance by initiating processes that are steadily building a strong bridge of trust between the government and the governed, thereby bolstering the state and country's democracy. 

"Sir, your own philosophy of governance is one that aligns fully with the doctrine of People's First . By action and deeds, you are walking the talk without distraction or any touch of hypocrisy.

"Let me say loudly and clearly that I thank God for working with an unimaginably selfless and humble leader as inherent in your personality at this crucial time of Ekiti history.

"Your Excellency, sir, your life radiates positivities and this has vividly reflected in your trajectory of services to Ekiti land at all levels. I feliciate you on this auspicious occasion of your 56th Birthday, and pray for God's plentiful grace, blessing, favour and all-round successes for the rest of your life.

"I hereby wish you good and sound health, God's invincible and unquantifiable favour as you navigate the wheel of affairs of the state to the path of progress and radical development.

"Once again, accept my hearty congratulations, sir".

FULL TEXT

I REJOICE WITH MY BOSS, AN OUTSTANDING LEADER AND LOVER OF THE MASSES AT 56!

I rejoice with my principal, Governor Biodun Oyebanji on this auspicious day of his. Governor BAO, as foundly called, is an outstanding democrat and lover of the masses, who has etched his name in the hearts of the masses.

Gov. Oyebanji is a politician and administrator who has ingeniously brought paradigm shift to governance by initiating processes that are steadily building a strong bridge of trust between the government and the governed, thereby bolstering the state and country's democracy. 

Sir, your own philosophy of governance is one that aligns fully with the doctrine of People's First . By action and deeds, you are walking the talk without distraction or any touch of hypocrisy.

Let me say loudly and clearly that, I thank God for working with an

unimaginably selfless and humble leader inherent in your person at this crucial time .

Your Excellency sir, your life radiate positivities and this has vividly reflected in your trajectory of services to Ekiti land at all levels. I feliciate you on this auspicious occasion of your birthday, and pray for God's plentiful grace, blessing, favour and protection in all round successes for the rest of your life.

I hereby wish you good and sound health, God's invincible and unquantifiable favour as you navigate the wheel of affairs of the state to the path of progress and radical development.

Once again, accept my hearty congratulations, 

God is your strength.

Signed:

Chief Mrs. Monisade Christianah Afuye

Deputy Governor, Ekiti State.

Tinubu seeks Senate’s confirmation of 11 Supreme Court justices.

Tinubu seeks Senate’s confirmation of 11 Supreme Court justices.

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to screen and confirm 11 justices recommended for the Supreme Court bench.

Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during the plenary on Wednesday.

The National Judicial Council had recommended 11 nominees to the President for Supreme Court appointment.

The 11 candidates were shortlisted from 22 Court of Appeal Justices screened by the NJC headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

It was reported that the Supreme Court currently has 10 Justices as opposed to the 21 constitutionally recommended. The situation had become a matter of public concern, particularly as only four out of the six geo-political zones of the country are represented on the Supreme Court bench.

While the South-West and North-East have three Justices each; the South-South and North-West have two each. But the South-East and the North-Central have no representation.

The two zones lost their last representatives on the Supreme Court bench with the retirement of Justice Muhammad Dattijo from Niger State, (North-central), in October, and the death of Justice Centus Nweze from Enugu State (South-East) in July.

The 11 shortlisted Justices, whose names were contained in Tinubu’s letter to the Senate, included Justice Haruna Tsammani (North-East); Justice Moore Adumein (South-South), Justice Jummai Sankey (North-Central), Justice Chidiebere Uwa (South-East) and Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme (South-East).

Others are Justice Obande Ogbuinya (South-East), Justice Stephen Adah(North-Central), Justice Habeeb Abiru (South-West), Justice Jamilu Tukur (North-West), Justice Abubakar Umar (North-West) and Justice Mohammed Idris (North-Central).

The Senate President referred the nominees to the Senate Committee on Judiciary for screening and further legislative input.

If all the recommended Justices are confirmed, the South-East and the North-Central will each have three representatives on the Supreme Court bench.

NCoS says no jailbreak, attacks in 2023.

NCoS says no jailbreak, attacks in 2023.

The Nigerian Correctional Service says it recorded zero jailbreaks and attacks in all 253 custodial centres across the country in 2023.

The spokesman, Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Umar said that the government had taken comprehensive measures to bolster the security of the facilities and effectively counteract any potential threats, whether originating from internal or external sources.

He said that Nigeria had been haunted by alarming occurrences of vicious jailbreaks and attacks in previous years adding that a lot of strategies were put in place to avert the trends across the nation.

He recalled that the management had announced on January 20, that 2023 would be a tough year for perpetrators of jailbreaks across the country as massive personnel and technology for intelligence gathering were deployed to forestall jail attacks.

This, he said were both in terms of infrastructural development in the service for the year 2023 and security strategies to prevent what happened in the year 2022.

NAN reports that an incident occurred on July 5, 2022, involving the Islamic State West Africa Province, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram in which they successfully carried out an attack on a Nigerian highly fortified custodial centre in Abuja.

By overpowering the vigilant security personnel, the group managed to infiltrate the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, resulting in a significant escape of 879 inmates of which more than half of them were later apprehended.

Umar said that the absence of jail attacks in Nigeria in 2023 was a testament to the robust security measures and the dedicated efforts of the security personnel which included various stakeholders.

He said that it reflected the commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment within custodial centers, ensuring the well-being of inmates and staff alike.

“This achievement should be celebrated as a significant milestone in upholding law and order in the country, “he said.

According to Umar, the fact that there were no jail attacks recorded in Nigeria in 2023 is truly remarkable.

“It speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the top-level security measures that have been diligently upheld in our custodial centers across the nation.

“Ensuring the safety and security of these facilities is of utmost importance, as it does not only protects the inmates but also the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to maintain order and rehabilitation within the system.

“This accomplishment can be attributed to a combination of factors. It reflects the dedication and professionalism of the security personnel who diligently carry out their duties, implementing robust protocols and procedures to prevent any untoward incidents.

“Our commitment to upholding the highest standards of security is commendable and should be recognised, “he said.

Speaking further, Umar said that proper inmate rehabilitation and reintegration had also contributed to the peace enjoyed in all custodial centres in Nigeria.

He said that the care for inmates’ was a very huge task adding that the safety and peace of the custodial centres vis-a-vis were the public safety given to societies in the country.

He said, “Don’t forget that it is only in the absence of chaos that businesses strive.

“This year, we ensure that these inmates are kept in our custodial centres without any problem, no riot, no agitation, and the inmates are going about their normal businesses and that is what gives the society the safety they require.

“A secure and well-maintained custodial system not only upholds the rule of law but also provides an environment conducive to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, “he said.

The NCoS spokesman acknowledged that the absence of jail attacks in 2023 also highlighted the importance of collaboration and intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies.

Umar said that the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Police Force, NCoS authorities, and other security agencies, have also played a pivotal role in maintaining the security of custodial centers.

“Their cooperation and vigilance have undoubtedly contributed to this positive outcome, “he said.

(NAN)

Hon Adewumi Sikiru Facilitates Governor Oyebanji's 56th Birthday Celebration.

Hon Adewumi Sikiru Facilitates Governor Oyebanji's 56th Birthday Celebration.

Hon. Adewumi Sikiru Adekunle, Councillor-Elect Igede Ward B, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, extends heartfelt congratulations to Governor Oyebanji. In his message, he commends the governor's fearless leadership, inspiring service to the state, and conveys warm wishes for continued success and more years of dedicated service.

Governor Oyebanji, known as the "Man of Honour" and the ambassador of good governance in Ekiti Kete, enjoys the distinction of a birthday celebration in close proximity to the Christmas festivities. This marks the second grand-style celebration during his tenure, earning him the title of the masses' governor.

The accomplishments of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji within his first year of leadership have been nothing short of extraordinary. Recognized as the "God Sent Man," he has redefined governance with a focus on the people. His impactful leadership spans various sectors, reflecting only the beginning of a remarkable performance.

This celebration stands as a testament to the governor's ability to bring joy to both the privileged and less fortunate. His governance has left an indelible positive mark on the state's economy.

Once again, a resounding congratulation to Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the leader, lover of the masses, friend to students, workers, business people, and beyond. May your day be filled with joy and rest.

In a collective expression of well-wishing prayers, the people of Ekiti State hope for the Almighty's blessings and long life for Governor BAO to further elevate the state.

Signed;

Hon. Adewumi Sikiru Adekunle

(Omo Imam Adekunle)

Councillor-Elect Igede Ward B,

Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government.