Be Decisive About Implementation of Environmental Sanitation Laws, EKSG Charges LG Bosses.

Be Decisive About Implementation of Environmental Sanitation Laws, EKSG Charges LG Bosses.

The Ekiti State Government, has charged the local government chairmen to be more concerned and committed to the implementation of all relevant environmental sanitation laws in the state.

Of specific reference, Mrs Afuye, raised concerns over the expediency of the local governments' chairmen to key into the policy of making the monthly environmental sanitation exercise more successful in 2024.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the charge in Ikere Ekiti, on Saturday, while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Ikere Local Government Area of the State.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said there was a need for all the council bosses to coalesce actions with the state government for strict compliance with environmental sanitation exercise.

She said restricting the citizens to stay within the precinct of their residences for three hours once in a month  to observe cleanliness and hygiene shouldn't be a difficult task to comply with.

Mrs Afuye expressed dismay at the poor level of compliance during the exercise she monitored in the local government, regretting that the residents capitalised on non-restriction of movements  by government to manifest laxity and non-compliance.

"Declaration of non-restriction of vehicular and human movements shouldn't be a reason why people shouldn't stay at home and take care of their premises. This exercise is for the health safety of our citizens and nothing more.

"I want to appeal to our local government chairmen and health officers to be more serious about the implementation of environmental laws in 2024.

"Some noticeable  laxities and non-chalant attitude  noticed in 2023 must be corrected, because this is one exercise that borders on the wellbeing of our residents".

The Deputy Governor monitored the exercise alongside the political heads, health officers and other staff of Ikere Local Government and Ikere West Local Council Development Area.

Prince (Amb.) Ogungbemi, Highlights Media Roles in Grassroots Development.

Prince (Amb.) Ogungbemi, Highlights Media Roles in Grassroots Development.

...... A Thought-Provoking Public Lecture.

In an intellectually charged Annual General Meeting, Hon. Prince (Amb) Michael Ogungbemi (FCPA, CSME, CIM), Chairman, Ajoni LCDA delivered a thought-provoking public lecture on "The Media and Grassroots Development." The event, hosted at KSSD Hotel, NTA Road, Ado Ekiti, brought together members of the Association of the Mass Communication Alumni of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.

Hon. Ogungbemi commenced his discourse by highlighting the pivotal role media plays in connecting with grassroots development. He emphasized the symbiotic relationship between media engagement and community progress.

Underscoring the media's fundamental role in disseminating information, Hon. Ogungbemi stressed its power to bring marginalized issues to the national forefront. Media, as a platform, holds the potential to amplify local communities' stories, struggles, and aspirations, thereby mobilizing support and advocating for positive change.

In the digital age, media platforms provide spaces for individuals and communities to express concerns and share stories. This empowerment ensures that the struggles, aspirations, and needs of grassroots communities are recognized by decision-makers, fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

Furthermore, the media acts as a catalyst for community development by enabling participatory communication. Grassroots initiatives can leverage various media tools to engage citizens actively, leading to self-reliance and sustainable development.

Hon. Ogungbemi also highlighted the role of media in education and awareness among grassroots communities. By reporting on pertinent issues, media equips communities with the knowledge necessary for informed decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Despite these positive contributions, challenges such as accessibility, affordability, and media literacy hinder full grassroots participation. Bridging the digital divide, ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering collaborative efforts are essential to overcome these barriers.

In conclusion, Hon. Ogungbemi underscored the transformative potential of media in empowering local communities and fostering sustainable grassroots development. He urged individuals, organizations, and policymakers to recognize and harness the power of media for building a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous nation.

The public lecture served as an inspirational call to action, emphasizing the imperative to leverage media as a powerful agent of change for grassroots development.

Soludo pledges more road construction in Anambra.

 Soludo pledges more road construction in Anambra.

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurates 11 kilometers of newly constructed roads in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area, while praising the community’s private sector initiative and calling on other citizens to follow suit.

The governor said the roads were built by private citizens of Abatete, showcasing the potential of Public Private Community Partnerships in infrastructural development.

Soludo highlighted the importance of such partnerships, stressing that limited resources required collaboration between government, individuals, and communities.

He acknowledged the community’s contribution, comparing it to similar projects in Neni community and pledging similar government support for Abatete’s future development.

The governor outlined his broader vision for road construction across Anambra, including projects in Nzam, Onitsha South, Awka North, and Okpoko communities.

He encouraged wealthy individuals to invest in their communities by building roads, renovating schools, and supporting local initiatives.

“At least 1,000 Ndi Anambra can construct at least two kilometers of roads. If that is done, Anambra can boast of constructing an additional 2,000 kilometers of roads, boosting infrastructural development in the state.

“Before I became governor, I already built a 4.5-kilometer road in my community,” he stated.

Soludo revealed the state’s limited tax revenue compared to Lagos and emphasised the need for local investment to complement government efforts.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, Fred Uzoh, also one of Abatete’s sons who built a part of the 11km of roads, said it was a thing of honour to have a governor sitting by his side to encourage them

He disclosed that Nsukwu, one of Abatete’s four quarters, has seen some of its illustrious sons actively participate in Soludo’s model of Public Private Community Partnership.

Abiodun signs N703bn 2024 budget into law.

Abiodun signs N703bn 2024 budget into law.

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, on Friday, signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N703.028bn into law.

The House of Assembly had on Thursday passed the budget reviewing the capital and recurrent expenditures as well as the projected revenue of 18 Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The review led to a reduction in the total revenue target of the government from N210.248bn to N198.748bn, giving a reduction of N11.5bn.

Revenue from the excess crude was jacked up from N3.845bn to N13.845bn, resulting in an increment of N10bn, and the capital receipt was moved from N128.372bn to N136.872bn. This gave an upward review of N8.5bn.

Speaking after signing the budget into law at the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun, who described the budget as the highest in the history of the state promised that it would be fully implemented for the development of the state.

The budget tagged “Budget of Sustained Growth and Development” was presented to the governor for assent by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, with other principal officers of the assembly.

Abiodun assured that the budget would be used to further drive sustainable growth and improve the standard of living of the people of the state.

He promised that the budget would stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities, and enhance the overall socio-economic landscape of the state by attracting more investment as well as assist his government to deliver on its promises and fulfill its obligation to the people.

The governor thanked Oluomo and members of the assembly for their thorough review of the budget and preparation of the final budget, stressing that the Assembly had demonstrated to be a reliable partner in the development agenda of the state.

Tinubu determined to end violence in South-East — Shettima.

Tinubu determined to end violence in South-East — Shettima.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Friday, said the Tinubu-led government is resolute to end the reign of terror in Nigeria’s South-East fueled by those he called “self-serving criminals” taking advantage of the security situation to foster their political agenda.

“The problem we are here to solve as a community, as a Umunna, is a creation of self-serving criminals who do not represent the interests of the Ndi-Igbo and Nigerians,” Shettima said in Bende, Abia State when he unveiled the Peace in South-East Project by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

His comments came over three weeks after he advocated the adoption of non-kinetic mechanisms to tackle insecurity in the South-East.

Shettima who received a delegation led by the Deputy Speaker at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on December 5, said, “The approach is the most beautiful I have seen so far. We need to build bridges, there is a need for a handshake, that way, those that have not been radicalised can be captured.” Kalu’s delegation were at the State House to seek the VP’s buy-in on the PISE-P.

Since 2012, insecurity in Nigeria’s South East, where the Indigenous People of Biafra is most active, has become increasingly complex and multifaceted as the region continues to see a rise in unrest and conflict in recent years.

The increased unrest is partly attributed to the activities of IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network, which, proponents say, was established to combat criminality and protect the local population from perceived threats.

However, ESN’s operations have led to clashes with Nigerian security forces, resulting in casualties and further instability. A report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting revealed that at least two people die daily as a result of violence in the South East, with over 1700 deaths documented between 2021 and June 2023.

According to a statement signed Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the VP said Tinubu is concerned about the development and is “determined to deploy all available resources to eliminate the purveyors of falsehoods and propaganda that have become weapons against Nigeria’s unity.”

The statement is titled ‘Tinubu poised to end the reign of terror in South-East – Shettima.’

Delivering his speech titled, ‘Why We are all Umunna’, Shettima said, “His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, has been concerned about the extensive economic devastation inflicted by non-state actors on this beautiful region since we took office.

“He is acutely aware that our commitment to Nigeria’s future remains incomplete as long as we grapple with the sinister operations of economic saboteurs who masquerade as advocates for the Ndi-Igbo.

“That’s why he’s determined to utilise all available resources to ensure that the peace we’re establishing in this region is not cosmetic, and we can’t guarantee it unless all of us see through the falsehoods and propaganda that have become weapons against our unity.”

Shettima reasoned that the terror groups that have held the South East to ransom were not created by the people of the region, or of Nigerians from other parts of the country.

“The problem we are here to solve as a community, as an Umunna, is a creation of self-serving criminals who do not represent the interests of the Ndi-Igbo and Nigerians.

“Mr President knows this better than all of us, and that’s why he has never held any group accountable for the infractions of law-breaking individuals who identify as their members. This, I believe, is the democracy we have all chosen,” he stated.

He revealed that the criminals disrupting the peace in the South-East are doing so in connivance with “forces exploiting the situation for dangerous political agenda,” adding that attempts to undo the hard work of the nation’s heroes past will fail.

However, the VP maintained that the situation cannot be reversed unless the government involves the people whom he said are its ears, legs and mouths in the region.

“Today, we stand united to firmly declare: enough is enough,” Shettima stated, stressing the need for a coordinated intervention to tackle insecurity in the region head-on.

He promised that the Tinubu administration “shall not rest until it fulfils its pledge to mitigate the crisis” it inherited.

Shettima commended Deputy Speaker Kalu, who is the convener of the peace initiative, for his efforts to restore lasting peace in the South East, just as he said the event attests “to the profound understanding that no one comprehends the experience of a community better than the people themselves.”

Earlier, Kalu said his goal for initiating the PISE-P was to foster peace, unity, and development in the region. The project also aims at promoting reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts, he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the South-East Governor’s Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, commended the Vice President for his sufficient goodwill to the people of the South East.

Uzodimma who is also Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum said, “Our Vice President has shown sufficient goodwill to the people of the South East.

“From this part of the country, we will continue to work with the rest of Nigeria to make the country a prosperous nation for the interest of all of us for service to God and humanity.”

Dignitaries present at the event include Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Gilbert Ibezim; Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Others are Senator Osita Izunaso; Kano State APC governorship candidate, Nasiru Gawuna; former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Henry Ikoh; the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe; the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha; former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, among others.

Credit: Punch Newspaper 

I will fight infrastructure battle in Benue, says Alia.

I will fight infrastructure battle in Benue, says Alia.

Benue state governor, Hyacinth Alia, has promised to intensify the infrastructure battle in the Northcentral state next year.

The governor, who signed the 2024 budget passed by the House of Assembly in Makurdi, the state capital, described it as a budget of infrastructure, job creation and poverty alleviation.

He said: “Infrastructural development is the backbone of any thriving society. It lays the foundation for progress and economic growth. With this budget, we are investing significantly in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure.

“We recognize that well-connected communities are empowered communities. To this extent, we are determined to enhance accessibility, connectivity, and overall livability for our citizens.”

Alia added: “The Budget of Infrastructure, Job Creation and Poverty Alleviation, which draws life from our Policy Document tagged “A Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue” after revision from the Benue State House of Assembly, has an aggregated financing to the sum of N225,727,395,206.97K) only.

“The disaggregated sum of the total 2024 budget comprised of a total recurrent expenditure of N110,511,233,965.99K) only which represents 48.9% of the total budget.”

The governor explained that the capital head stood at N115,240,361,240.99, representing represent 51.1per cent of the total budget.

However, he said the deficit financing stood at N34,691,000,000.00, which represents 15.3% of the budget.

Alia said the estimate represented a clear and unwavering commitment to the well-being of tje people and the growth of our great stat, adding that “it is a roadmap that charts the course for a future where our communities thrive, our economy flourishes, and our citizens enjoy an improved quality of life.”

He stresed: “This budget is a beacon of hope for job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs. We understand the importance of job creation in fostering a dynamic and resilient economy.

“By allocating resources to various sectors, we aim to stimulate economic activities that will, in turn, generate employment opportunities. Whether through public works projects, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, Agriculture or investments in emerging industries, in which we are committed to creating a conducive environment for job growth. Reiterating his determination to fight poverty in the state, the governor said: “Poverty alleviation remains at the forefront of our agenda.

“We acknowledge the challenges faced by our fellow citizens, and we are resolute in our determination to address them. This budget reflects a comprehensive approach to poverty reduction by focusing on education, healthcare, and social welfare programs. By investing in the well-being of our people, we aim to break the cycle of poverty and create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Exemption of ASUU from IPPIS unfair, say civil servants.

Exemption of ASUU from IPPIS unfair, say civil servants.

Some civil servants have criticised the exemption of university lecturers under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The civil servants expressed their reservation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

THe IPPIS was created in 2006 as part of the reforms of the Federal Government to enhance the storage of personnel records and streamline the administration of monthly payroll.

But over the years, the leadership of ASUU had agitated for the Federal Government to exempt university lecturers from IPPIS and create an alternative payment platform for them.

The agitation by ASUU resulted in an eight-month long strike by union in 2022.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), in a meeting on December 13, finally approved the removal of public tertiary institutions from IPPIS.

Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said the development meant that staff members of public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education have been taken off IPPIS.

Mrs. Grace Uzor, a civil servant, said IPPIS was created to eliminate unauthorised personnel workforce (ghost workers) from government payroll.

According to Uzor, IPPIS was also created to make retrieval of personnel information of public servants seamless.

She said allowing the university lecturers to exit the system was unacceptable, adding that the system only needed to be monitored and sanitised.

“If the policy that was put in place to prevent corruption cannot work, it is a problem.

“And if any group of people can choose to exit a laid down policy, it also means that there is a problem,” she said.

An accountant, Mr. Emmanuel Isa, said the scheme programmed automatic stoppage of payment to personnel due for retirement as a result of length of service, age and tenure, thus reducing wastage or unauthorised payments.

He said under the IPPIS, unapplied and unutilised funds were easily monitored and tracked.

“Monthly emoluments are paid to public servants on the scheme same day, no matter the location within the country without delay.

“From all indications, the scheme is good but the Federal Government only needed to sanitise it,” he said.

Another civil servant, Abbas Aliu, said the government should scrap IPPIS if it was no longer desirable, rather than its selective application.

“If IPPIS has not lived up to expectation, it should be scrapped, rather than its selective application; after all, we are employees of the same government,” he said.

A financial expert, Mr. Okechukwu Unegbu, said it was regrettable that even with IPPIS, incidents of ghost workers had not abated.

Unegbu, a past president of the Chattered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), urged the Federal Government to scrap IPPIS if it was not able to sanitise it and make it function optimally.