Minister gifts Ondo APC N23m, four truckloads of rice.

Minister gifts Ondo APC N23m, four truckloads of rice.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has gifted four trailers of rice, containing 1,200 bags, and N23m cash to members of the All Progressives Congress across Ondo State in celebration of Christmas and New Year.

According to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Tuesday, the minister gave N1m each to all the 18 local government secretariats of the APC in the state, while members of the state executive of the party were gifted N5m.

The statement said Tunji-Ojo ensured the smooth and effective distribution of the four trailers of rice across the state.

“More so, the interior minister has also reached out to his immediate constituency in the Akoko North West and non-party members across Ondo State by gifting them two trailers of rice and an undisclosed amount of money,” the statement said.

The APC chieftains commended Tunji-Ojo for the gifts, saying no past minister from the state had extended such a gesture to them.

“I am most glad that we now have a minister who truly sees the entire state as his constituency. Tunji-Ojo deserves all appreciation for putting smiles on the faces of members and non-members of the APC in Ondo State,” the statement quoted one of the party stalwarts as saying.

Edo crisis: Govt slashes deputy governor’s budgetary allocation.

Edo crisis: Govt slashes deputy governor’s budgetary allocation.

The rift between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, may have taken another dimension as  N345 million was allocated to the Office of the Deputy Governor in the 2024 Budget as against the N19bn allocated to the Office of the State Governor.

An analysis of the budget which the governor signed into law on December 15, 2023, showed that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government got N8bn far higher than the N345m allocated to the deputy governor’s office.

The document also showed that while the House of Assembly got N13bn, the Office of the Head of Service got N968m.

A source close to the House of Assembly said the slash in the allocation to the deputy governor’s office was connected to his ambition to succeed his boss as governor of the state.

It was gathered that some lawmakers believed to be loyal to the deputy governor opposed the decision of the members of the assembly to pass the budget as presented by the governor.

Lawmakers in that category were said to have described it as an “unfair appropriation” but that they were overwhelmed other members.

An insider claimed that the budget has divided the lawmakers, but a principal member of the House of Assembly said there was no division in the House.

It was reported that Shaibu had last week said his office had not received any allocation in the last six months owing to the tension between him and his principal.

The deputy governor, who stated this at the unveiling of the Correspondent Office in Benin on Tuesday, said he had been running the office and doing other activities through goodwill and contributions from friends.

He said, “You know there is tension between the governor and me. And for six months, there has been no allocation to my office. So, whatever I am doing is contributions from friends and my goodwill; and I am still standing very strong.”

Edo NLC applauds Obaseki for approving 13th month salary.

Edo NLC applauds Obaseki for approving 13th month salary.

Edo State workers have applauded Governor Godwin Obaseki on his pledge to pay workers in the State Civil/Public Service, a 13th month salary.

The Edo State Government, in a statement, had announced that the 13th month salary promised by the governor will be paid on December 27.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State Council, Chief Odion Olaye, said workers in the Edo State Civil/Public Service are grateful to Obaseki for the show of love, care, and compassion for their welfare.

He said, “We, on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the working people of Edo State wish to put on record the unprecedented and landmark decision of Governor Godwin Obaseki to pay the Edo Worker on December 11, 2023.”

Olaye said the payment of December salary to the state government workers on December 11 was exceptional, noting, “It is unprecedented and an historical reference that will remain a long time in our hearts that a sitting governor without any pressure, decided in his own volition to pay its workers on the 11th of December have set a new benchmark for the nation.

“We, therefore, want to put on record that we the workers of Edo State are grateful for this show of love, care and passion for our welfare. We also want to put on record the promise of His Excellency to pay us the 13th month salary despite the economic reality in our country. This has come like a beautiful storm and we all look forward to its manifestation.”

He added, “Your Excellency, the entire workforce of Edo State has directed us, as their leaders, to express their profound gratitude for your kindness and benevolence. We also want to put on record that the beautiful ambience of our working environment has remained a reference point across the country.”

The Edo State NLC Chairman assured Obaseki of the support and solidarity of the workers, noting, “We express our unalloyed commitment to Your Excellency’s Administration and our resolve to remain with you in all your drive to complete your tenure strongly and have a worthy successor.

“Be assured always of the solidarity of the Edo State workers.”

South Africa floods kill seven, 11 missing.

South Africa floods kill seven, 11 missing.

Rescue teams battled in torrential rain Tuesday to find victims of flash floods across a South African province that left at least seven dead and 11 missing, officials said.

A muddy deluge up to 10 metres (33 feet) deep swept through a district of Ladysmith, in KwaZulu Natal province, destroying homes and carrying away cars, rescuers said in a report filed by AFP on Tuesday.

Six people were confirmed dead and 10 missing, provincial authorities said.

Further south, an overflowing river at Mandeni carried away three people. One eight-year-old boy was confirmed dead and one man was missing, the IPSS rescue organisation said.

Rainstorms held up the search for bodies in Ladysmith, 230 kilometres (140 miles) northwest of Durban, where the torrent hit late Sunday.

Tereza van den Berg, a team leader for IPSS, said that the torrent “in places 10 metres deep” tore through a caravan park and carried away vehicles crossing a bridge.

“Nobody had a chance to grab anything,” she said. Some of the cars were found three kilometres downstream.

Three bodies were found in a minibus carrying nine passengers. The other six are still missing.

One body was found in a house that was destroyed while two other people who were also inside are still unaccounted for.

At least two other people were killed after becoming trapped in their cars by the floods that swept off the Bellspruit river.

More severe storms were predicted across the province on Tuesday.

KwaZulu Natal has been hit by worsening floods and weather disasters amidst the global rise in temperatures.

More than 450 people died in floods and landslides after a fierce storm hit Durban, the province’s main city, in April 2022.

Hon. Femi Akindele Doles Out Cash Gifts To Indigents and Vulnerable In Irepodun /Ifelodun Constituency 1.

Hon. Femi Akindele Doles Out Cash Gifts To Indigents and Vulnerable In Irepodun /Ifelodun Constituency 1.

The Lawmaker representing lrepodun/Ifelodun Constituency 1 in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Femi Akindele has doled out cash gifts, worth Two million naira to Widows, Indigents and vulnerable in his constituency as a way of making this year yuletide celebration more enjoyable for them.

The event which was held at a Civic Centre in Igede Ekiti, the headquarter of Irepodun /Ifelodun Local Government attracted crowds, such as Party loyalists, Political Office holders, State party Executive, Special Assistants to Governor and Ward Chairmen from the Five Wards made up of the Constituency 1.

  

Consequently, the Organiser of the programme, Hon Femi Akindele said he was happy to celebrate the Yuletide with his people by given them support and interacts with the stakeholders in the Constituency, he described the gesture as an avenue to endear himself with them in the constituency and to appreciate them for their support by way of fulfilling some of the promises made to them during the electioneering period.

He emphasized his commitment to good living condition of the people and promised to prioritised the welfare of the residents and as well assured them that he will sustain the programme by making it a quarterly event to complement his subsequent empowerment programme, where he would be able to empower Youths and other cadres in the Constituency.

Hon Akindele who was joined by dignitaries which includes Rt Hon. Hakeem Jamiu, Rt Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, the State Chairman of All Progressive Congress Barr. Paul Omotoso represented by the Party Secretary, Mr Garba Arogundade, President of Igede Progressive Union, Dr Austin Ibikunle among others commended the lawmaker for remembering the downtrodden.

Speaking at the event, the former deputy speaker in the sixth Assembly and the lawmaker representing Irepodun/ Ifelodun Constituency 2, in the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Hakeem Jamiu described Hon. Akindele as a good Ambassador of his constituency, stressing that the programme was sponsored by the lawmaker from the deposit of his emolument, not from the Constituency allowance but as constituency engagement which was one of the major agenda of the seventh Assembly, he reiterated that all members of Assembly would do such in the 26 constituencies.

Similarly, the Special Assistant to the Governor on disability, Gbenga Obanise, State Commissioner for Information and Value Orientation, Rt Hon.Taiwo Olatunbosun, in their short remarks commended the lawmaker for identifying the real Indigents, the duo described the programme as worthwhile and urged other political office holders in the Local Government to take a cue from him. Donations of Fifty thousand Naira each were made by them to support the programme.

  

In the spirit of celebration, over 250 people across lrepodun/ lfelodun Constituency 1 benefited from the support programme, some of the beneficiaries who spoke on behalf of others were Peter Adewumi, Kemi Fatodu, President Windows Association in the Local Government and the State Public Relations Officer Mrs Tayo Ajetumobi commended Hon. Akindele for putting them at heart, particularly in this Yuletide season and prayed for greater political height in his future endeavours.

Tinubu Urges Governors to Embrace Shared Responsibility for Nigeria’s Peace and Stability.

Tinubu Urges Governors to Embrace Shared Responsibility for Nigeria’s Peace and Stability.

President Bola Tinubu says the federal and sub-national governments of Nigeria have the mutual responsibility of ensuring the country's peace and stability.

Speaking during a meeting with the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) at his residence in Lagos on Tuesday, the President reiterated his condemnation of the latest killings in Plateau State.

Addressing the governors, the President issued a stern directive to security agencies to halt the carnage in Plateau State and intensify the pursuit of those responsible for the recent tragic events in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas.

Condoling with the victims, President Tinubu emphasized the sanctity of human life and called for a paradigm shift among those with contrary beliefs, cautioning them about the inevitable consequences of their actions.

"Nigeria needs peace and stability to move forward. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we have to take care of it," he said.

President Tinubu acknowledged the presence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State at the meeting, commending him for his efforts to peacefully resolve the political challenges in the state.

"I thank you for your statesmanship. I listened to your broadcast and your emphasis on peace. It is only with peace that effective governance can thrive, and governance has commenced in earnest under my watch," he said.

On the 2024 Budget proposals before the National Assembly, the President informed the governors that he had a review meeting earlier in the day on certain elements in the Appropriation Bill, with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu.

He emphasized the need for joint responsibility and closer collaboration between the federal and sub-national governments to foster rapid infrastructural development in every part of the nation.

"I want us to discard federal, state, or rural road classifications. We must regard development as a joint responsibility. Let us prioritize our children. The school feeding programme must return quickly, beginning from the local government to the state and federal governments.

"We must be ready to protect our children and prepare them for the future," the President firmly stated.    

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq expressed solidarity with the government and the people of Plateau State.

"May God be with the souls of the departed and bring peace to Plateau State. The Governor of Plateau State, we are with you; stay strong," the NGF Chairman said.

Governor Abdulrazaq reaffirmed state governments' support for the bold decisions and reforms initiated by President Tinubu's administration.

"These are challenging times. It is not a walk in the park. Removing fuel subsidies had a great structural effect on the economy of the states. But we are confident that we will overcome these challenges and bounce back better," he said.

PWDs, others get FG’s N20,000 grant in Cross Rivers

PWDs, others get FG’s N20,000 grant in Cross Rivers.

No fewer than 5,000 vulnerable, very poor persons and People With Disabilities in Cross River State on Monday received N20,000 grants each from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Speaking at the event which was held at the Millennium Park in Calabar, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Beta Edu, said the one-off grant was part of President Bola Tinubu’s determination to lift vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty across the country.

“Here in Cross River, we are flagging off the grant for vulnerable groups in Cross River. So far, we’ve been able to reach 5,000 very poor and vulnerable persons at the grassroots in this state with plans to expand in the coming year.

“We have checked and confirmed that these people are very poor and they deserve to benefit from the scheme in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty in 2024 through the various social protection programmes,” the minister said in a statement.

She urged the beneficiaries to invest the grants into profitable economic ventures.

“These monies are not given to you for you to spend on drinks or do whatever that is out of place, but to start a petty trade or boast your petty trade and make better profits to sustain your families.

“These monies can be used to start up little businesses. You can use these grants to boost your trade, and that will help with sustainability. These grants are deliberate acts by the federal government to pull people out of poverty,” she added.

Edu assured all that qualified Cross River people will be beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s social intervention programmes being implemented through her ministry and agencies within the sector.

Earlier, the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, who presented dummy cheques to beneficiaries, commended Tinubu for championing the cause of the poor and prioritising the welfare of the citizens.

The governor, who said the state under his watch had been pushing a people-first government, implored the beneficiaries to put the grants into proper use.

“On behalf of the people of Cross River State, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, the President of this great nation, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for truly making a difference in people’s lives daily and championing this cause of prioritizing the welfare of our citizens, it is easy to know a transparent government that means well for its people,” he said.