Zimbabwe President Donates 54 Bicycles To Village Heads As Christmas Gift.

Zimbabwe President Donates 54 Bicycles To Village Heads As Christmas Gift.

The President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, on Tuesday, donated 54 bicycles to village heads in Zvishavane as a Christmas gift.

Also, the county's  First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, donated Christmas hampers to the wives of Village Heads present at the event.

This was made known by the Zimbabwean Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting on its official X handle on Tuesday. 

The post read, "Today, His Excellency President Mnangagwa #edmnangagwa donated 54 bicycles to Chief Mapanzure, at Lundi Primary School in Zvishavane.

"The bicycles will be distributed to village heads."

Some Zimbabweans, however, react to the news by saying that it is an embarrassment to the country.  

 

An X user known as SinatraGunda, wrote, "Remove this, it's embarrassing. 54 bicycles and the cost of sending your Entourage there. Do you guys even do a cost-benefit analysis?"

Village_idiot7, wrote, "So next year you will buy ma VX for yourselves and you will claim kuti munhu wese akawana chekufambisa!"

Another user identified as SimonTshuma1, wrote, "In this age still distributing bicycles. Am sure the President can afford ma Honda Fit for every Village in the country."

Meekystoredaily wrote, "Gather here and see news on the Ministry handle."

Credit: X |  InfoMinZW

Gov. Adeleke signs Osun 2024 budget into law.

Gov. Adeleke signs Osun 2024 budget into law.

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun on Friday signed the state 2024 Appropriation Bill into law, promising to ensure its full implementation.

The governor’s spokesman, Malam Olawale Rasheed, said in a statement that the total approved budget was N273,908,997,410.

Adeleke said the budget, tagged: “Budget of Reconstruction and Recovery” was crafted to fasttrack the revitalisation of various sectors of the state economy.

“Our focus is to put the state on the path of sustainable development, hence we are rebuilding all the sectors namely education, health, sports, roads, agriculture, creative industry, digital economy ,general infrastructure alongside women and youth focussed programmes and policies.

“I commend the state Assembly for prompt processing of the appropriation bill. I also laud my team for their cooperation with the various assembly committees in the budgetary process.

“We will ensure implementation as stipulated to reconstruct the society and ensure recovery of critical sector,” the governor said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Osun House of Assembly, on Dec. 21, passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N273.9 billion after it was presented before it on Nov. 9 for consideration and approval.

(NAN)

Ekiti Declares Three Days of Mourning for Akeredolu.

Ekiti Declares Three Days of Mourning for Akeredolu.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has officially declared three days of mourning for the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who passed away on December 27th. Arakunrin Akeredolu, a prominent figure in regional governance, served as the Chairman of both the Southern Governors Forum and the South West Governors Forum.

The declaration of the three-day mourning period was made in a statement released by the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Oyebanji, Yinka Oyebode, on Friday. As a sign of respect and tribute to the departed leader, all flags at public buildings across Ekiti State will be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period, which began on Friday.

Late Gov Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. 

Governor Oyebanji had earlier extended his condolences to the Government and people of Ondo State following the passing of Governor Akeredolu. In a further expression of solidarity and sympathy, Governor Oyebanji paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Akeredolu at their residence in Ibadan on Friday.

The late Arakunrin Akeredolu's contributions to regional governance and his role as a unifying force among Southern and South West Governors have left an indelible mark. His sudden demise has led to an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the political spectrum.

As Ekiti State observes three days of mourning, the government and citizens join together in honoring the memory of Governor Akeredolu, recognizing his impactful legacy and the void left by his passing. The lowered flags symbolize a state in mourning, paying respects to a leader who dedicated his service to the progress and unity of the region.

Aiyedatiwa Visits Tinubu, Says President Asked Him To ‘Pull Everyone Together’.

Aiyedatiwa Visits Tinubu, Says President Asked Him To ‘Pull Everyone Together’.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the new governor of Ondo, says President Bola Tinubu has advised him to take charge and galvanise everyone for the growth of the state.

Aiyedatiwa spoke with journalists on Thursday after meeting with Tinubu in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as governor of Ondo on Wednesday following the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, the former governor of the state.

Speaking after the meeting, Aiyedatiwa said he used the occasion to update the president on recent developments in the state.

The governor said he also appreciated the president for being a “father figure” during a crucial moment for the state.

“I’m here to see Mr. President, to further brief him on the events that happened in our state — the loss of our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu,” Aiyedatiwa said.

“I also let him know that I have just been sworn in because there can never be a vacuum.”

Aiyedatiwa added that the president advised him to “pull everybody together to work” for the state.

“It was a paradox, a mixed feeling, he commiserated with me, even though he put a call through yesterday to condole with us in Ondo State, through me, he still did the same today, and also wished me well that there can never be a vacuum, one era ends, another one begins,” he said.

“So, it’s basically an advice and to also encourage me to take charge and mobilise everybody and to pull everybody together to work together and see how we can move the state forward.”

FG Begins Teachers Recruitment For ‘Build-A-Thon’ Initiative.

FG Begins Teachers Recruitment For ‘Build-A-Thon’ Initiative. 

The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has announced the commencement of applications for teaching positions under its Build-A-Thon initiative programme.

The programme which was launched earlier in December, according to the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, will promote early-technology adoption among senior secondary students.

The programme will run for four days in January 2024 and it is expected to have 1,500 students from 150 schools in three locations, Owerri, Maiduguri, and Abeokuta.

The ministry announced the call for applications from prospective teachers on Thursday on X.

The ministry added that the right candidates should be visionary educators, teachers, and enthusiasts who would be able to guide the next generation of tech innovators in secondary schools.

Interested and qualified candidates are to apply on the programme’s website.

Commenting on the launch of the programme recently, the minister said, “The Build-A-Thon initiative is part of our strategic plan to promote early-technology adoption to shape tomorrow’s innovation leaders.”

He added that the overall goal of the program includes showcasing innovative projects, recognising achievements, fostering future collaboration, inspiring future leaders, and promoting lifelong learning.

We'll maintain N3500 cement price beginning from January~ Alhaji Rabiu.

We'll maintain N3500 cement price beginning from January~ Alhaji Rabiu.

The chairman of the BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul-Samad Rabiu, has declared that the company will stick to its pledge to sell cement at N3,500 starting from January 2024.

He made this statement on Thursday, December 28, in Lagos while speaking with State House Correspondents following his meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

He promised that the business will also make the product available at a reasonably affordable price for consumers.

“You know the price that we have set will be N3,500 per bag. You know the tax of the factory of course plus VAT, and then the cost of delivery to customers depending on the region.

“As you know the number of factories that we have; one is in Edo, the other one is in Sokoto state. So for example, if you want us to deliver cement to you from Sokoto, say to Lagos, the price may differ. Also, from Edo to Adamawa or to Maiduguri, the distance is quite far.

“So it is dependent on the distance and also on the location. You know the price changes but we intend to keep that promise,” he said.

Oyebanji: The People's Governor Fostering People-Oriented Governance with a Focus on Citizens' Welfare.

Oyebanji: The People's Governor Fostering People-Oriented Governance with a Focus on Citizens' Welfare.                                                             By Comr Olamide Akinwumi. 

His Excellency, Governor Oyebanji, isn't just referred to as "the people's Governor" due to his ability to draw crowds in Ekiti, but rather for steering a people-oriented government. The moniker is well-earned as Governor Oyebanji consistently runs an administration focused on the welfare and engagement of the citizens.

The essence of his people-oriented governance is evident in his regular consultations and engagements with the people. These interactions are not mere formalities but crucial elements in understanding the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the citizens. Governor Oyebanji's commitment to these engagements reflects his dedication to responsive and inclusive governance.

In a recent community engagement program, Governor Oyebanji demonstrated his commitment to the people by extending Christmas gifts to all the communities represented. This gesture not only reflects the Governor's spirit of generosity but also embodies the principles of giving back to the community, a hallmark of his people-oriented approach.

The communities, beneficiaries of BAO's (Governor Oyebanji's initials) Christmas gifts, expressed gratitude for the thoughtful gesture, recognizing the Governor's commitment to fostering a sense of community and shared prosperity.

Governor Oyebanji's administration continues to set a precedent for people-oriented governance, emphasizing accessibility, inclusivity, and responsiveness. As "the people's Governor," he not only attracts crowds but actively engages with and addresses the needs of the people, making a tangible impact on the lives of Ekiti residents.