We’ll enact laws to drive development, says Anambra speaker.

We’ll enact laws to drive development, says Anambra speaker.

The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, has assured the people of the state that the legislature will continue to enact laws and resolutions to uplift the standard of living of residents in the state.

Udeze, in his New Year message on Monday from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Emma Madu, also noted that the legislature would make laws that would drive development in the state.

“The legislative agenda of the 8th Assembly coincided with Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s agenda, which revolves around infrastructure development, economic transformation, security, and human capital development, among others.

“As we march into the New Year, we will continue to enact laws that will drive development and impact on the lives of residents.

“I urge residents to support the government in making the state a liveable and prosperous homeland,” he said.

The Speaker said that the growth and development of the state was a collective responsibility, urging religious bodies to intensify prayers for peace and progress of the state.

He also urged Nigerians to be confident and remain steadfast even amid challenges as well as aspire for the realisation of the dream of a prosperous nation in 2024.

(NAN)

Ododo to Nigerians: 2024 will be year of redemption.

Ododo to Nigerians: 2024 will be year of redemption. 

The Kogi State Governor-Elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed confidence in the upcoming year, declaring it as a year of redemption for both Nigerians and the people of Kogi.

In a New Year message made available to PUNCH Online, Ododo said 2024 is the year when the hope of Nigerians will be renewed.

He added that the decision of the President to implement the fuel subsidy removal policy was the best in the interest of the nation’s economy, applauding Tinubu for his efforts at rebounding the nation’s oil refineries.

“We have gone through the sacrifice period of the oil subsidy removal. From the second quarter of 2024, we will bounce back stronger and our economy will be unstoppable from that point.

“I call on Nigerians and Kogites to continue to give total support to the present administration as it is working hard to improve the living standards of the citizenry. 2024 is a year that will herald the arrival of Nigeria on the global stage.”

The governor-elect charged Kogites to pray for him as he will be stepping into the shoes of “Kogi’s best Governor ever”, promising to fulfil their expectations.

He said, “For us in Kogi State, it is a year of transition. I will be taking over from Kogi’s best Governor ever. It is a huge task to match the heroics of His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello but with God on our side, we won’t let down the flag of progress in our dear state.

“It is a big challenge to take over from a hugely successful administration. But the Governor himself has prepared us mentally, administratively, and politically for the task ahead. We won’t fail the people of Kogi State.

“Our agenda is to continue and consolidate the achievements of the present administration in the state. We have no doubt whatsoever that we can build on the solid foundation that was laid by our leader and Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello,” he stated.

He urged Kogites to continue to pray for the greatness of the state and Nigeria, saying Nigerians are already seeing the “bright light of the nation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Adeleke targets agro-industrial economy for Osun.

Adeleke targets agro-industrial economy for Osun.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has disclosed plans by his administration to diversify the state’s economy from its present reliance on salary of civil servants to a modern agro-industrial based and creative industry focused economy.

This, the governor said would be done through the provision of a functioning cargo/commercial airport with the target to grow Osun as an export-oriented economy, as well as, a global tourist destination, being the host of important Yoruba cultural assets.

Adeleke, who unveiled the plans in his new year statewide broadcast on Monday, recalled the successes of his administration, noting that it has successfully blocked leakages in public finance, addressed the corruption and revenue diversion in the solid mineral sector and restored local government administration for grassroots development.

According to him, in the outgone year, the government also embarked on mass water project provision, executed 91 kilometers of road construction, and implemented free medical surgeries with over 50,000 beneficiaries, among others.

On his plans for 2024, the governor said the “dream is for an Osun economy that gradually moves away from its civil service status to a modern agro-industrial based, creative industry-focused economy, stressing that such, “diversification with a functioning cargo/commercial airport will grow Osun as an export-oriented economy as well as a global tourist destination, being the host of important Yoruba cultural assets.

“We are implementing an ambitious state agenda which targets infrastructure upgrade, diversifying the state economic base and deepening the revenue structure of the state.

“For the infra upgrade, we are convinced that the state economy cannot attract the required investment to realise its industrial potential unless the problem of infrastructure deficit is addressed. Hence, we have started the implementation of the multi-billion naira infra plan that I launched a few months ago.

“For economic diversification, we are growing the creative industry; we are opening up the industrial sector; we are attracting investors in key sectors; and we are re-skilling our youth through the soon-to-be-unveiled Imole Youth Corps. To deepen the revenue base, we are tapping into the solid mineral sector; we are reforming the tax sector to eliminate multiple taxation while widening the tax base.”

In a statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Monday, Adeleke, who commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts towards economic restoration, noted that his administration was in collaboration with the National Economic Council, to support federal initiatives targeted at reducing inflation, cost of living and stabilising the national economy.

President Tinubu Signs 2024 Budget Of Renewed Hope, Directs MDAs To Provide Monthly Performance Reports.

President Tinubu Signs 2024 Budget Of Renewed Hope, Directs MDAs To Provide Monthly Performance Reports.

President Bola Tinubu has signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill into law in keeping with his avowed commitment to maintaining a timeous, predictable, and efficient budget cycle.

President Tinubu assented to the bill at the State House, on Monday, shortly after returning to Abuja from Lagos.

Speaking at the signing of the bill, the President assured Nigerians that the implementation of the budget would be efficiently pursued and vigorously monitored, adding: "All the institutional mechanisms shall be held to account in ensuring diligent implementation".

"All MDA’s have been directed to take responsibility and provide monthly Budget Performance Reports to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which in turn shall ensure the veracity of such. The Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy shall hold regular reviews with the Economic Management Team and, in addition, I shall Chair periodic Economic Coordination Council meetings," he said.

The top priorities of the 2024 budget of N28.7 trillion are defence and internal security, job creation, macro-economic stability, improved investment environment, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security.

The President emphasized that his commitment to enhance investment promotion while creating a rules-based society that favours no individual over the law begins with important reforms in the Nigerian judiciary, the funding for which is captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

"Funding the judiciary is a major element in our effort to support a just, rules-based society. Statutory transfer to the Judiciary has been increased from 165 billion naira to 342 billion naira," the President said.

Some of the key estimates are capital expenditure, N10 trillion; recurrent expenditure, N8.8 trillion; debt service, N8.2 trillion, and statutory transfers, N1.7 trillion.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were present at the signing. 

Other senior government officials present at the brief ceremony include: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Akinlayo’s New Year’s Message Sets Agenda For Constituency Development In 2024.

Akinlayo’s New Year’s Message Sets Agenda For Constituency Development In 2024.

In a heartfelt New Year’s message, Ekiti North Federal Constituency (II) Representative – Hon Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo extends warm greetings to Constituents, emphasizing the collective journey into 2024 as an opportunity for growth, unity and shared success with outlined visionary roadmap for the year ahead.

The message emphasizes a robust commitment to achieving shared goals and aspirations, with a particular focus on alleviating the suffering of the Constituents and a resolute commitment to community development.

Hon Akinlayo pledged to enhance support networks and implement strategic initiatives aimed at fostering long-term sustainability, that will fortify the constituency, promoting a sense of interconnectedness and resilience that will lay the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

The headline captures the spirit of optimism and ambition driving the constituency’s dedication to meaningful progress in 2024.

-Akinlayo Media Team.

Oyebanji Assures On Stable Economy, Enhanced Security In 2024.

Oyebanji Assures On Stable Economy, Enhanced Security In 2024.

......I’Ii devise sustainable ways of mitigating hard- biting inflation on Ekiti citizens, he says.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has assured citizens of the state and Nigerians generally that the nation will witness economic stability in 2024.

The Governor also expressed optimism that Ekiti State will witness what he called "massive improvement in security, infrastructure and government services than we have ever seen.". He urged the people to be optimistic for a better and more prosperous year. 

Addressing the people of Ekiti State in his New Year in a statewide broadcast, Oyebanji promised to consolidate on the gains achieved by his administration in its first year in office and expand the scope of development for the benefit of the Ekiti people.

In the address, which was titled "Consolidating on the Shared Prosperity Agenda," Oyebanji 

said he Ekiti had experienced what he described as a "giant lift in the last one year" and stressed the readiness of his administration to boost the standard of living of the people of the state with investment in the key sectors.

He disclosed that 2024 will the development of Ado Ekiti Central Business District "in full force" while the Ekiti Cultural Centre will be constructed "to meet the aspiration to create the enabling environment for the development of artistic and cultural industry of our people."

The state Chief Executive further revealed that 2024 will also witness the commencement of the construction of an Indoor Sports Complex to support sports development in the state.

Amidst the prevailing economic challenges, the Ekiti helmsman assured Nigerians of a stronger economy predicating his optimism on a strong belief that the macroeconomic policies of the national economy will begin to yield positive results.

He said: "Government, we are very hopeful that the economic outlook of the nation will be stable and some of the macroeconomic policy will begin to yield the desired results. We are very optimistic that 2024 will be a year of positive economic resurgent for the country."

Assuring the people of a better Ekiti in 2024, the Governor added: "Ekiti is going to witness massive improvement in security, infrastructure and government services than we have ever seen."

On his administration's plan for agriculture in 2024, the Governor said: "As a Government, we understand the socioeconomic importance of Agriculture and Trade to the total economic profile of our State. 

"Agriculture and Trade remain the mainstay of our economy contributing about 80% to our GDP. We are addressing critical challenges associated with poor yield, access to credit, land clearing, among others to make the sector more attractive.

"The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in conjunction with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry are working on a programme that will solve some of these challenges. 

"They are currently talking to the stakeholders, including traditional rulers on the implementation of cluster farming arrangement that will guarantee access to resources and market. Our target is that by the end of this year, our farmers will have become richer and prosperous than they have ever been."

The Governor restated his commitment to the prompt payment of salaries and pension assuring that his administration will work harder to double up on the liquidation of the outstanding gratuity obligation to senior citizens.

He lauded Ekiti workers for their cooperation, dedication and understanding since the beginning of his administration acknowledging although things are tough for our workers with the hyperinflation that the economy has witnessed in the course of the last year but everything possible would be done to accord their welfare a priority.

The Governor noted tha government is looking at the best way to ameliorate the impact of the erosion of the purchasing power of the naira but is also very careful not to accost the challenge with emotional response that may become unsustainable.

He expressed gratitude to stakeholders like former governors, former deputy governors, former and serving National Assembly members, state executive council, House of Assembly members, civil servants and the entire people of the state for their support.

UN seeks end to wars, global crises 2024.

UN seeks end to wars, global crises 2024.

The United Nations has described 2023 as a year of enormous suffering and violence across the world.

In a solemn video message released on New Year’s Eve, the UN  Secretary-General, António Guterres, called for concerted efforts to end wars and start the process of rebuilding in 2024.

It was reported that Israel and Palestine are currently at war following the invasion of Israel by Hamas on October 7.  At least 21,320 people have been killed.

The Rusian-Ukranian war, which broke out in February 2022, is still ongoing and raging. In April this year, Sudan, in North Africa, plunged into another war. There was a coup and military takeover in the Niger Republic in July, resulting in suffering following sanctions imposed on the country by the Economic Community of West African States.

Addressing the world on Sunday, the UN Secretary-General said, “2023 has been a year of enormous suffering, violence, and climate chaos.

“Humanity is in pain. Our planet is in peril. 2023 is the hottest year on record. People are getting crushed by growing poverty and hunger; wars are growing in number and ferocity; and trust is in short supply. But pointing fingers and pointing guns lead nowhere.”

He  called for unity and urgent concerted efforts to overcome the  challenges that lie ahead.

“Humanity is strongest when we stand together. 2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope.

“We must come together across divides for shared solutions. For climate action.

For economic opportunity and a fairer global financial system that delivers for all.

“Together, we must stand up against the discrimination and hatred that are poisoning relations between countries and communities. And we must make sure new technologies such, as artificial intelligence, are a force for good.

“The United Nations will keep rallying the world for peace, sustainable development and human rights.   Let’s resolve to make 2024 a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together.”