Cash transfer: 283,003 Lagos residents to get N25,000 each.

Cash transfer: 283,003 Lagos residents to get N25,000 each.

More than N30 billion may reach the hands of the poor and vulnerable people in Lagos in the next six months as the State Cash Transfer Unit has kick started the enrollment process for the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Programme.

Part of the National Social Safety Net Project Scale-Up (NASSP-SU), the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aims to bring financial relief to vulnerable citizens across the 36 states of the Federation.

 The first tranche will come from Economic Shock Response Cash transfer while the second will come from the Extended Regular Cash Transfer (ER-CT).

In his opening speech during the Renewed Hope Enrollment Training for 186 Cash Transfer Facilitators in the state, the Lagos Commissioner for Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe said the NASSP-SU was part of reforms in the government’s support policies for the poor, which places the people at the center of development with an aim to leave no one behind.

Ajigbotafe said the programme is focused on helping impoverished communities and people.

According to him, it will contribute to promoting sustainable socioeconomic development and poverty reduction.

Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer, he explained that each beneficiary will receive #25,000 per circle, for three payment circles, culminating in total financial support of #75,000.

According to him, beneficiaries of the second component which is Extended Regular would get #10,000.00 bi-monthly, bringing the total to #60,000.00.

The financial assistance, he noted, would make a significant impact on the lives of the beneficiaries, contributing to their well-being and resilience due to the hardship caused by the current economic reforms in the country.

According to him, over 283,003 households are to benefit from the ongoing enrollment across a total of 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

He also appreciated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his relentless support and care for the down trodden in the state.

He said the great humanitarian strides and efforts were evidenced in the various humanitarian programmes to cater for the poorest of the poor, the vulnerable and the indigent citizens in the state.

“It is truly a greater rising season for our state.

“President Bola Tinubu launched the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer in November, 2023 to mitigate amongst others the economic shocks arising from government policies.

“Also from natural disasters add pandemics that negatively affect rural and urban livelihoods in Nigeria.

“With this, the Federal Government established a time-limited economic shock Response – Cash Transfers (ESR-CT) of N25,000 for 283,003 poor and vulnerable households (PVHHs) in Lagos state to cushion the effect of the on-going economic reforms as mandated.

“A total of 283,003 poor and vulnerable households have been mined for enrolment into conditional cash transfer in the state.

“This includes 209,385 mined Poor and Vulnerable Households and 73,618 from the National Social Register (NSR) and Rapid Response exercise.

“This will aid the capacity building of the nominated 186 cash transfer facilitators to be equipped.

The National Programme Manager, National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO), Dr Micheal Ajuluchuku, represented by Zainab Usman said the Federal Government commenced the immediate roll-out of Cash Transfers to beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Cash Transfer Programme which aims to provide 15 million poor and vulnerable Nigerian households withN25,000 monthly, for three months.

 According to her, the roll out is leveraging the NASSP-SU implementation strategy and delivery platforms, with a view to providing a cushion against the on-going economic reforms

She explained that NASSP SU is designed to support new beneficiaries for Economic Shock

Response Cash transfer (ESR-CT) in urban and rural areas across the country and existing CT beneficiaries for Extended Regular Cash Transfer (ER-CT).

She added that the beneficiaries of the programme are products of the recent Social Register verification and that they spread across the 774 LGs in the Country based on States quota.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Dr Abiodun Onayele said there were efforts by the government towards implementation of programmes for sustainable poverty reduction.

According to him, all beneficiaries will be paid through their bank accounts. Those with existing bank accounts, he noted, will be paid through their accounts while new accounts will be opened by the programme for those that do not have accounts. The strategy, he continued, will help to ensure all beneficiaries are financially included through the programme.

He urged the public to visit their communities to enquire if their community is part of the current disclosure and check their names on the disclosure list which is often displayed on a location agreed by the community members for unhindered access and convenience of the members for validation and enrollment.

Speaking further on this, the State Programme Manager, Mrs Lola Korede Orimogunje said the enrollment targets beneficiaries from the National Social Register (NSR) and additional beneficiaries from the Rapid Response Register (RRR). The enrollment, according to her, is actively ongoing in all the Local Government Areas, Wards and Communities across the State.

 She urged beneficiaries to provide their National Identification Numbers (NIN) during the enrollment process to meet the eligibility criteria for opening bank accounts in fulfillment of the recent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directives. The enrolment exercise which began last week is going to last for ten days.

INEC plans over 8,500 BVAS for by-elections.

INEC plans over 8,500 BVAS for by-elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission is expected to deploy no fewer than 8,500 Bimodal Verification Accreditation System machines for the February 3 re-rerun and by-elections on February 3 2024.

The elections will be conducted in a total of 8,890 polling units, according to a document posted by INEC on its X handle.

The by-elections will be held in nine states in 4,294 polling units while reruns will be held in 4,596 polling units.

 The breakdown showed that for the senatorial districts, elections will be held in Ebonyi South, Ebonyi State and Yobe East, Yobe State.

For the state constituencies, INEC will conduct elections in Chibok State Constituency, Borno State; Chikun State Constituency, Kaduna State, and Guma State Constituency, Benue State.

For federal constituencies, elections will be held in Akoko North-East/Akoko North-West Federal Constituency, Ondo State; Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency, Taraba State; Surulere 1 Federal Constituency, Lagos State; and Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency, Kebbi State.

While the court-ordered re-run elections would be held in 4,596 polling units, the elections will be conducted in one senatorial district of Plateau Central, and 12 federal constituencies.

The federal constituencies include Surulere 1 (Lagos), Gauri/Shanta/Ingaski and Arewa/Dandi (Kebbi), Akoko North-East/North-West (Ondo), Jalingo/Yorro/Zing (Taraba), Ikono/Ini (Akwa Ibom) and Akamkpa/Biase (Cross River State).

Others are Nnewi North/Nnewi South and Orumba North/Orumba South (Anambra), Igbo Eze North/Udenu (Enugu), Birnin Kudu/Buji (Jigawa), Igabi and Kachia/Kagarko (Kaduna), Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa (Katsina), Jos North/Bases (Plateau) and Fine/Fune (Yobe).

Similarly, senatorial elections will be held in Yobe-East and Plateau Central following court orders.

At the state level, elections will be conducted to fill vacant positions in Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi , Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, Zamfara, Benue and Borno states.

It was gathered that a total of 4,567,689 Nigerians are eligible to vote in 8,890 polling units on February 3, 2024.

It is expected that the commission provides at least one BVAS per polling unit and some backup BVAS for a smooth electoral process.

The final list of candidates will be published on January 17. The campaign is expected to start on January 18 and close on February 1.

CBN appoints new executives for Union, Keystone, Polaris banks.

CBN appoints new executives for Union, Keystone, Polaris banks.

A few hours after dissolving the board of directors governing Polaris, Union, and Keystone banks, the Central Bank of Nigeria has appointed new executive directors to oversee the affairs of the deposit money banks.

The apex bank, in a statement signed by the acting Director of Corporate Communications, Sidi Hakama, released on Thursday morning, said the appointment takes immediate effect.

According to the statement, Yetunde Oni, the first female CEO of the Standard Chartered bank in Sierra Leone, was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank, while Mannir Ubali Ringim was selected as the Executive Director of the tier-2 bank.

For Keystone Bank, Hassan Imam was appointed as its Chief Executive Officer, while Chioma Mang got the position of Executive Director.

Also, the bank appointed Lawal Mudathir Omokayode Akintola as the Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank and Chris Ofikulu as its Executive Director.

The CBN statement read, “Following the dissolution of the Board and Management of Union Bank, Keystone Bank and Polaris Bank on Wednesday, January 10, the CBN has appointed new executives to oversee the affairs of the banks;

“Union Bank: Yetunde Oni – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mannir Ubali Ringim – Executive Director

“Keystone Bank: Hassan Imam – Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer Chioma A. Mang – Executive Director

“Polaris Bank: Lawal Mudathir Omokayode Akintola – Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer Chris Onyeka Ofikulu – Executive Director

“The appointments take immediate effect,” the statement added.

Recall that on Wednesday night, the apex bank sacked the entire board of four banks for grievous infringements of financial laws.

It said the banks’ infractions vary from regulatory non-compliance, corporate governance failure, disregarding the conditions under which their licences were granted, and involvement in activities that posed a threat to financial stability, among others.

Hence, the apex bank, in the exercise of its regulatory powers, said the dissolution of the boards became necessary due to the non-compliance of the banks and their respective boards with the provisions of the Financial Institutions Act, 2020.

This action followed the recommendation of the Special Investigator, Jim Obazee, appointed by President Bola Tinubu in July 2023, to probe the activities of the CBN and other relevant establishments.

The report of the special investigation into the activities of the CBN had accused the immediate past Governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele, of acquiring banks for himself through proxies.

The report stated that Emefiele used proxies to acquire Union Bank of Nigeria for Titan Trust Bank Limited and Keystone Bank without any evidence of payment.

Sanwo-Olu hails Otedola’s N1bn security donation.

Sanwo-Olu hails Otedola’s N1bn security donation.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, received a donation of N1bn from renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur, Mr Femi Otedola, to support the state’s security architecture through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

The governor received the donation in the company of the Chairman, LSSTF, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr Abdurrazak Balogun, and other state officials and LSSTF Board of Directors, at the Lagos House, Marina, according to a statement on Wednesday.

Otedola, the Chairman of Geregu Power Plc and son of the Third Republic Governor of Lagos State, the late Sir Michael Otedola, was represented at the event by his daughter, Olawunmi Otedola.

While commending the business mogul for the donation, Sanwo-Olu said the N1bn donation, which was the largest individual donation into the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, would go a long way in creating a more peaceful atmosphere and conducive business environment for economic benefits for investors and residents.

He said, “On behalf of the Fund, the board chairman, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr Abdurrazak Balogun, and other board members, we express our deep appreciation to Mr Femi Otedola. I want other Nigerians to emulate him and even exceed his donation. The N1bn he has donated is not the limit. There are no limits, let others come and do more.

“We call other well-meaning Lagosians and large corporate businesses to support the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. The Fund is open to other donors, and it is a call and challenge which Mr Otedola has set the pace for us to continue to do the right thing. We, as a government, have also committed to supporting the Fund with 300 vehicles in the first quarter of this year and we are working to realise that,” the governor added.

Speaking on behalf of her father, Olawunmi commended Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for their hard work in keeping Lagos State safe and advised the Fund to continue in its culture of transparency and judicious use of resources.

Kano to build N3.9bn milk collection centres.

Kano to build N3.9bn milk collection centres.

The Kano State Agro-pastoral Development Project says it will spend about N3.9bn on the construction of 60 milk collection centres across the state.

The Project Communication Specialist in charge of the project, Ameen Yassar, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Yassar said the project was being funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the Lives and Livelihood Funds, adding that the initiative was aimed at enhancing the provision of quality and safe milk, by putting in place a cold chain.

He said the contracts, in four lots, were awarded to four indigenous companies with a completion period of 12 months.

He explained that each milk collection centre would have a borehole equipped with a solar-powered pump and a 20,000-litre overhead tank, an input store managed by a community appointee and up to 10 fodder banks in its environs.

In addition, every centre would have a 250-litre tank cooled by solar power and a milk testing bench with appropriate reagents/equipment as well as milk collection cans.

According to the Project Coordinator, Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project, Mallam Ibrahim Muhammad, “the investment is unprecedented in Nigeria and will bridge the gap between pastoralists and the dairy industry.”

“One of the major problems of the dairy industry is supply inadequacy and poor quality of the milk.

“This MCC project, therefore, aims to ensure provision of quality and safe milk by putting in place a cold chain. This will guarantee regular sales and income for the pastoralists,” he stated.

 Ibrahim charged the companies awarded the contracts to execute durable projects within the agreed time frame, to justify the confidence reposed in them.

President Tinubu Announces New Leadership for Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission Board.

President Tinubu Announces New Leadership for Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission Board.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a decisive move towards bolstering the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of a new board, comprising nine distinguished individuals with a commitment to service and national development.

Heading the newly appointed board is Colonel Aloche Adole, who assumes the role of Chairman, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to guide the commission. Dr. Stephen Adegbite has been appointed as the Secretary, tasked with ensuring effective coordination and communication within the commission.

The regional representation on the board is strategically curated to reflect the diversity of the nation. Omowumi Olubunmi Ogunlola, Clement Alobu Nweke, and Chief Prince Weli Wosu have been appointed as members representing the South West, South East, and South South respectively. Each member brings a unique perspective and expertise that is poised to contribute to the commission's success.

In the Northern region, the board includes Prof. Joseph Haruna Mamman representing the North West, Dr. Toma Hamidu Ragnjiya for the North East, and Dr. Simon Abu Samson Dolly for the North Central. The appointment of Bishop Raphael Benjamin Nwankwo as the representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) adds a crucial link between the commission and the Christian community.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), conveyed the President's charge to the newly appointed board members. The President emphasized that the appointments are an opportunity for the individuals to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to serving the nation through their roles in the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.

As the nation awaits the confirmation of these appointments, expectations run high for a revitalized and effective NCPC under the leadership of this dynamic board. The diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience of the appointees reflect a commitment to ensuring that the commission fulfills its mandate and serves as a beacon for Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria. 

Tinubu Unveils New Leadership for National Hajj Commission Board and Management Team.

Tinubu Unveils New Leadership for National Hajj Commission Board and Management Team.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a strategic move aimed at ensuring a seamless and efficient 2024 Hajj operation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially announced the appointment of a new board and management team for the National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM). These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, showcasing the President's commitment to a thorough and transparent selection process.

Leading the Board is Jalal Arabi, appointed as Chairman and already in office, emphasizing the urgency and importance attached to the forthcoming Hajj operations. The President has carefully selected individuals for key positions, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective roles.

The Commissioners appointed include Aliu Abdulrazaq, responsible for Policy, Personnel, & Finance; Prince Anofi Elegushi, overseeing Operations; and Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal, focusing on Planning & Research. This diverse team is expected to contribute to the overall efficiency and strategic planning of the National Hajj Commission.

Additionally, the President has ensured regional representation with individuals appointed to represent various zones in the country. Dr. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi, Abba Jato Kala, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman, Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe, Aishat Obi Ahmed, and Zainab Musa have been appointed to represent the North Central, North East, North West, South West, South East, and South South respectively.

Notably, Professor Musa Inuwa Fodio will represent Jama'atul Nasril Islam, while Professor Adedimeji Mahfouz Adebola will represent the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, ensuring that key Islamic organizations are integral to the decision-making process.

The President, through Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), has called on the appointees to dedicate themselves to the crucial task of enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of the National Hajj Commission to meet the needs of Nigerians.

As these appointments await confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, the nation anticipates a National Hajj Commission poised for effective leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to facilitating a smooth and successful 2024 Hajj operation.