Fayemi Urges Unity, Peace, and Generosity as Nigerians Celebrate Christmas.

Fayemi Urges Unity, Peace, and Generosity as Nigerians Celebrate Christmas.

As Nigerians celebrate Christmas, Dr Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF), extends heartfelt wishes of peace, goodwill, and prosperity to all. 

In a message by the head of the Fayemi Media Office, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi acknowledges Nigerians’ resilience in the face of challenges throughout the year and urged that in the spirit of Christmas, we should all come together in celebration, irrespective of religious or cultural differences, fostering a sense of togetherness and unity.

Fayemi said, “This festive season signifies a time for reflection, gratitude, and rekindling the flames of hope and unity that underpin our nation. It is a time to celebrate the values of love, compassion, and generosity which was illustrated by the birth of Jesus Christ.

‘’Despite our challenges, Christmas reminds us of the enduring power of faith, forgiveness, and resilience. Let us embrace this spirit and use it to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, foster peaceful coexistence, and rekindle the flames of national unity.

‘’I urge all Nigerians, irrespective of their differences, to use this special season to extend kindness and understanding to one another. Let us celebrate the joy of family and friends, share our blessings with those in need, and offer prayers for peace and prosperity for our nation.

‘’May the light of Christmas illuminate our hearts and homes, guiding us towards a brighter and more prosperous New Year. May the joy of this season fill our lives with happiness, hope, and renewed strength.’’

Lawmakers, Edun meet on presidential palliatives, loans.

Lawmakers, Edun meet on presidential palliatives, loans.

The House of Representatives Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises has met with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on key aspects of the implementation of the presidential palliative grants and loans.

The committee Chairman, Mansur Soro, who led the team on Friday to ascertain the extent of funding and releases so far made to implementing ministries, departments, and agencies, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday by his Personal Assistant, Aleeyu Darazo.

The House Committee on SMEs had previously met with other top government officials. including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, as well as the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Charles Odii.

The statement read in part, “The 10th House of Representatives under the leadership of Tajudden Abbas places a high premium on SMEs development, hence its decision to create a standing committee on SMEs to ensure effective oversight of the SMEs activities and programmes of line MDAs.

“The presidential palliative grants and loans which come in three tranches of N50,000 grants to one million nano-businesses, N100,000 to N1m, and N75bn to manufacturers are due for disbursement anytime soon.”

President Tinubu had in July ordered the implementation of palliatives to cushion the effects of the removal of the petrol subsidy across the agriculture, transportation, social safety, and SME sectors of the economy.

US Group Awards Ekiti's Best Students N1.6 Million for Excellence.

US Group Awards Ekiti's Best Students N1.6 Million for Excellence.

The President, Ekiti Association Houston, United States of America, Pastor Bolu Alabi, has expressed the association’s commitment to promoting the culture of academic excellence in Ekiti State through spurring younger ones.

Alabi, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital on Saturday, during the first annual prize-giving ceremony of the association, where a sum of N1.6m was shared among the 32 best JSS3 students, said, “The aim is to encourage academic excellence, healthy competition and to ensure our students are the very best they can be.”

The president of the US-based group, who lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his good deeds in different sectors including education, said, “We are here today to contribute our quota to the development of the state.

“The award is for the very best students in the last JSS3 examination. The students are currently in SSS1. As an association, we want to be part of the good things going on in the state. That is why we are awarding prizes today to the best students in 32 secondary schools across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State.

“This maiden edition is to kickstart what we believe will eventually become an annual award. Our ultimate goal is to get to a level where we will be giving awards to the best JSS3 students in every secondary school in Ekiti State annually. By the grace of God, next year, the number of schools will have increased,” Alabi said.

A US Fulbright Scholar, Prof. Wole Olaiya, in his lecture titled, ‘Education in a season of japa’, advised the beneficiaries and indeed secondary school students to “shun distractions and strive to achieve the education that will help to build your character.”

FG probes misconduct of Immigration personnel at Seme border.

FG probes misconduct of Immigration personnel at Seme border.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has expressed sadness over the alleged unprofessional activities and misconduct of personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Seme border.

The government therefore directed that immediate investigation and action be taken to ensure that such occurrences are stamped out.

The personnel were said to have behalf in manners not in tandem with the Standard Operating Procedure of Service.

Also, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, has declared that if the allegations against the personnel were proven to be true, the Service would mete out severe consequences on the culprits.

Adepoju insisted that such misconduct is not reflective of the values and standards upheld by the NIS.

According to a statement endorsed by the Public Relations Officer of Immigration, Dr Dotun Aridegbe, the CG expressed dismay at the behaviour of the personnel and therefore assured the public that immediate steps are being taken to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Aridegbe said: “The NIS is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation.

“In response to these allegations, the NIS is implementing changes at our borders to ensure the smooth passage of migrants without compromising national security.

“The Comptroller General is personally overseeing these changes to address any shortcomings and to reinforce a culture of accountability within the Service.

“The NIS acknowledges the importance of public trust and wishes to encourage the general public to report any unprofessional conduct or provide feedback through the following official platforms:

X (Twitter): @Nigimmigration Instagram: Nigimmigration NIS Contact Center: 09121900655, 09121556359 and 09121477092.

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“The Service assures the public that all feedback and complaints will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken to address any misconduct.

“The Comptroller General is confident that, with the continued support of the Honourable Minister of Inter, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and his dedication to fostering a disciplined and effective workforce within the NIS, the Service will overcome challenges and strengthen its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and public trust.

“We remain committed to our mandate of ensuring the security of our borders and facilitating the smooth movement of people. We appreciate the cooperation of the public in helping us maintain the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.”

Fed govt will ensure standard working environment for workers, says minister.

Fed govt will ensure standard working environment for workers, says minister.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has said that the federal government is focused on standardising the nation’s work environment for improved safe and healthy workplaces, and higher productivity.

She stated this while inspecting ongoing work at the Headquarters of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Abuja.

The project, which has reached 70 percent, will be delivered before the first quarter of next year.

The minister said the ministry would increase efforts in ensuring that factories and other workplaces comply with regulations and the minimum international best practices for the health and safety of the nation’s workforce.

Onyejeocha said in this new focus, the ministry would incorporate the labour unions to be part of their factory inspections team to ensure that all work environments at factories meet the required standards and comply with laws and regulations.

In a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Olajide Oshundun on Saturday, the minister said in compliance with regulations, factories must be registered, their licenses renewed, and their facilities and environments subjected to inspections for the protection of the employees and the public.

Onyejeocha stated that the ministry would also reposition its skills development function along with identified skills needs for both literate and non-literate beneficiaries, aimed at making them active contributors to national productivity and wealth creation.

She said: “This is about helping Nigerians get out of poverty. The human being is part of the infrastructure. Once you get it right on your workforce; get it right on employment, then the nation is on the right path.”

She remarked that contrary to popular belief, the ministry’s mandate does not revolve around dispute resolution, as its responsibilities also include skill development and employment generation, as well as registration, inspection, and renewal of licences of factories. 

Onyejeocha stated that the NDE headquarters, when completed, would give its workforce an environment conducive to quality work and increased productivity.

The Minister commended the company handling the project, M/s Skaldon International Limited, on its professionalism and quality of work and urged them on the real-time delivery of the project, which is targeted for the 1st quarter of 2024.

Director-General, NDE, Abubakar Fikpo, appreciated the commitment of the federal government to providing a more convenient location for the headquarters of the agency.

Fikpo: “We are hoping that maybe before the first quarter of 2024 work on this project would have been completed.”

Soludo buries father, restates commitment to Anambra burial laws.

Soludo buries father, restates commitment to Anambra burial laws.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has buried his father, Pa Simeon Soludo.

Speaking during the burial held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Umueze-Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday, Soludo extolled his late father saying he died a “staunch” member of the Catholic Church.

The governor also thanked everyone who joined in the ceremony, while reminding the people of a law guiding burial ceremonies in Anambra, stating that it was aimed at curtailing expenditure during burials as most people find it hard to bury their dead because of finance.

He said, “Spiritually I remembered that my father was teaching us catechism after the civil war. There was a time he asked me a question, to recite what he taught us in catechism but I failed it and he flogged me and since then I have not failed in catechism.

“We worship at St Jude and I served morning mass there before going to school and have our Block Rosary too.

“As an only son, my father today was blessed with seven sons, eight daughters-in-law, 22 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

“We did not print any posters, brochures, invitation cards, or give mourning clothes to people. We only wear mourning clothes to show we are mourning.

“Some people are poor and when they are mourning they go borrowing and sell their land just to get money for burial.”

The governor said that if he could bury his father as governor without much spending, others too could do the same.

In his homily, Cardinal Peter Okpalaeke, also eulogised the late Pa Soludo, for grooming his children in the right direction aimed at seeing God.

Okpalaeke said there were two types of death, physical and spiritual that is throwing one out of the kingdom of God if he failed to seek God when on Earth, adding that he who believes in God his life will be changed.

“Pa Soludo was a holy man and knew the value of the sacrament and God blessed him in many ways. He lived a life that pleased God.

“In any position, one finds himself he should remember that his parents did a little to him,” he stated.

Among the dignitaries at the event were; Governors Alex Otti of Abia State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, former Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, and former Governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha

Sanwo-Olu urges states to invest in people-oriented projects.

Sanwo-Olu urges states to invest in people-oriented projects.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged state governments to invest more in people-oriented projects and programmes to benefit from the bold economic initiatives of the Federal Government.

In an interview with newsmen on Saturday in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said this would complement the dividends of democracy which these initiatives are coming up with by next year.

”Let’s continue to invest in areas where the lives of the people will be impacted. Let’s continue to support the poorest of the poor in our system.

”Let’s use technology to help us situate some of these challenges so that we are not giving what is not supposed to be given to the wrong sets of people,” he stated.

The governor said that the resilience of Nigerians must be sustained to reap the rewards of the administration’s policies, adding that ”there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Sanwo-Olu said that states should collaborate with the FG’s ministries and agencies to turn the fortunes of their people for good.

He said the infrastructural developments ongoing in the states were a result of the readiness of the government to allow people to benefit from some of the fruits of its bold initiatives.

”It’s part of the benefits of these initiatives by the Federal Government that led to the granting of 50 per cent subsidy to Nigerians travelling by road as well as the free train rides where they already exist.

”This is the first in the country. It directly impacted the people and their socio-economic well-being,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said that the fortunes of the country would see a positive development in 2024 with the ratings of the economy by the global financial houses.

NAN