Beyond Betta Edu Gate: Omoluabi Group Call for the Scrap of Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Investment.

Beyond Betta Edu Gate: Omoluabi Group Call for the Scrap of Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Investment.

The repeated cases of financial scandals that have been the normal routine in the embattled Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management calls for much worries and concern for Nigerians who are beginning to see the Ministry as a hub for perpetrating frauds. Consecutively those who have been appointed to oversee the activities of the ministry have made diversion, misappropriation and illegal distribution of funds to friends, allies and selected beneficiaries a norm that has continually deep them into financial recklessness.

The establishment of the ministry by President Muhammad Buhari was with good intention aimed at ameliorating poverty and empowering vulnerable Nigerians. But it now appears that the ministry is fast becoming a hot spot and a mine site for government officials appointed by their principals at the Federal Executive Council. The worries is that women who are by nature known to be prudent, modest and good savers of money have consistently lavished such huge amounts in their custody as Ministers in- charge of the Ministry. First Sadia Farouq, second is Betta Edu and who knows what the next woman to be appointed will do if assigned similar portfolio. 

It is now advisable to plea as a way of advise to the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to proffer a lasting solution to this perpetual cases of scandals. Omoluabi Team Alliance Socio-cultural Group is of the opinion that in averting the re- occurrence of this menace which is fast becoming a sort of national embarrassment to the President, it is absolutely advisable that the embattled Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social investment be scrapped with immediate effect as suspending the activities of the Ministry is not a lasting solution at all. 

Over the last few years the Ministry has played the role of a parasite with no significant contribution to the economy. Rather than ameliorate poverty and sufferings of the people, it has made it a point of duty to deny Nigerians the social benefits accrued them by government. There are reported cases of conditional cash transfers in the market places where only 10 market women or men got the cash transfer but officially reported at the Ministry to have made the transfers to 50 market women or men. There are cases of fake or ghost NPower recruits who don't exist physically but exist on paper. There are cases of palliative intended to be distributed to Nigerians by donors and government but were diverted into personal stores and warehouses in big markets in various parts of the country. The most recent are cases of relief packages meant to be distributed to Nigerians across the 36 States and the FCT as a relief for the subsidy removal pains but reports show that the relief packages involving bags of rice, beans and other grains were diverted and only made available to the political elites and selected party loyalists. 

"We appeal to Mr. President to take the bull by the horn and immediately announce the scrapping of the Ministry so as to save the country of unpatriotic and dishonest Ministers and their cronies feeding fat on the commonwealth and benefits of about two hundred million Nigerians in hunger and lost their assets to unsolicited natural disasters."

Omoluabi Group however recommend that all suspects who have done this evil to Nigerians despite harsh economic conditions should be punished, jailed and made to refund all looted funds back to the nation's purse.

"We recommend that disaster management should be the affairs of NEMA, school feeding programme returned to Ministry of Education, Npower be returned to NDE, with other subsidiary programmes of Npower such as Agric and ICT be returned to the existing relevant Federal Ministries".

"We are confident in the leadership style and decisions of the People's President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he is committed to good governance devoid of corruption."

E- Signed:

Omoluabi JAYEOLA, A.O.

National Convener and Leader  

13/1/2024

Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, Michael Langley.

Commander of the U.S. Africa Command,  Michael Langley.

The United States Marine Corps has assured Nigeria of strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The Commander of the U.S. Africa Command,  Michael Langley, and the Command’s Senior Enlisted Leader to Nigeria, Michael Woods, during their recent visit to Nigeria, said the bilateral cooperation would counter violent extremism and support the latter in its fight against insecurity.

In a statement made available to Saturday Punch, Langley said the mutual understanding and training between the United States and the Nigerian militaries were essential in addressing the evolving security landscape in West Africa and advancing common interests.

According to the statement, “The leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two nations, efforts to counter violent extremism in the region, and Nigeria’s leadership when addressing regional security. Langley reaffirmed the United States’ long-standing cooperation with Nigeria, which has the largest population, economy, and democracy in Africa.

“Cooperation and training between the U.S. and Nigerian militaries is vital in addressing the evolving security landscape in West Africa and advancing common interests.

“This visit underscores the United States’ commitment to work in partnership with West African nations in promoting security, stability, and prosperity across the region. Around West Africa, extremist groups exploit weak governance and environmental stressors, causing instability. This insecurity not only affects the region but also poses a global threat by fostering terrorism and exacerbating humanitarian crises.”

Reduce ‘ponmo’ consumption, LASEPA urges residents.

Reduce ‘ponmo’ consumption, LASEPA urges residents.

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has urged ‘ponmo’ lovers in the state to consider reducing their consumption to keep the air quality of the state clean and healthy.

Speaking exclusively with our correspondent on Friday, the General Manager of the environmental agency, Babatunde Ajayi. disclosed that burning of cow skin in different areas of the state releases carbon emissions into the air which are very harmful to humans.

Ponmo is made by burning cow skin. This involves burning the cow skin for an extended time on fire before it reaches the perfect texture. Thereafter, the roasted skin is washed several times and boiled for several hours to soften it.

According to cleanairfunf.org, air pollution caused by traffic and congestion, biomass fuel burning and shipping are major threats to sustainable growth in Lagos.

Speaking against the backdrop of the data on air quality that the state agency released, which showed that the air quality was below healthy, Ajayi, said agricultural emission contributes to poor air quality.

The data by LASEPA across the 22 areas measured found that the air quality in those areas ranged from moderate to unhealthy with Agege, Akoka, Ojo, and Ketu topping the list of areas with the most unhealthy air quality.

Revealing how agriculture causes massive carbon emissions in the state, he said, “Some areas are purely agricultural. This includes animal farming particularly the processing of hides and skin.

“The burning of cow skin in Agege would account for a huge amount of carbon emissions. So, if you like ponmo, you are causing a major problem to the air quality of Lagos.”

Ajayi added that vehicular emissions also contribute to the poor quality of air in the state. “Lagos has a very high volume of vehicles on the road, larger than most cities in Nigeria, so they are a major culprit,” he said.

“The second is industrial emission. Many of these areas have several kinds of industries. The entire Lagos has pockets of industries in different regions. So, in regions where you have high concentration, they will have poorer air quality.

“Thirdly, would be commercial or residential emissions from generators. Every household probably has a generator. The emissions from those generators depend on their quality, how frequently they are serviced as well as the health of the generator.”

Just as actions are being taken to curb noise pollution in the state, Ajayi said efforts are being made to address air pollution in the state. The general manager revealed that it had engaged the private and public sectors as well as individuals on ways to curb it.

The general manager while speaking with our correspondent suggested ways to contain the emission.

He advised realtors and house owners to plant trees as it is known that trees absorb some of the carbon that is emitted into the environment.

He further advised persons who own many cars to learn to limit the usage of cars by carpooling instead of using all available cars at once as it would reduce carbon emissions.

In the same way, he campaigned for the use of solar energy over generators insisting that solar energy is cheaper in the long run, especially with the high cost of diesel.

“So, instead of putting on generators for seven hours, if you have solar panels run for three hours, that saves us,” he said.

On the impact of bad air quality on residents, Ajayi, who is a medical doctor, remarked that unclean air increases the risk of one suffering from asthma, runny nose as well as cough while it can also lead to chronic respiratory issues if not effectively managed in the long run.

The state government had earlier called on residents of the state to be cautious and make conscious choices as data reveals moderate and unhealthy Air Quality Index in some parts of the state.

Data released on Thursday by AirQo Africa revealed that parts of Lagos State, including Lagos Port, Apapa; Ita Elewa, Ikorodu; LASEPA, Ikeja; Oshodi; Ikeja General Hospital Road; UNILAG Research Lab; LSDPC Estate, Ebute Metta; Egbeda and Ikotun had a moderate air quality index, which is said to be fair but might affect sensitive individuals.

Tinubu appoints 9-member governing council midstream/downstream gas infrastructure fund.

Tinubu appoints 9-member governing council midstream/downstream gas infrastructure fund.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a 9-member Governing Council for the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF).

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources in charge of Gas would be the chairman.

The new approval was disclosed in a statement issued Friday evening by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in Abuja.

According to the statement, President Tinubu has already charged the appointees discharge their duties by upholding the highest standards of transparency, discipline, and patriotism.

“President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a Governing Council of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) to be domiciled in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA):

“MDGIF Governing Council Chairman — Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas); MDGIF Executive Director — Mr. Oluwole Adama; MDGIF Governing Council Secretary — Mr. Joseph Tolorunshe; NMDPRA Chief Executive — Engr. Farouk Ahmed.

“Representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance; MDGIF Independent Member — Ms. Amina Maina (North-East); MDGIF Independent Member — Mr. Edet David Ubong (South-South); and MDGIF Independent Member — Mr. Tajudeen Bolaji Musa (South-West).

“The President mandates the appointees to discharge their duties by upholding the highest standards of transparency, discipline, and patriotism in line with his administration’s drive to enhance the role of the gas sector in achieving robust and inclusive economic growth for Nigeria”, the statement said.

RTEAN ban lifted as union gets new leadership in Lagos.

RTEAN ban lifted as union gets new leadership in Lagos.

The Federal Government and Lagos State Government have resolved the crisis rocking the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Lagos State.

The ban slammed on the union’s operations in Lagos has been lifted.

The resolution lay to rest the contentious issue of RTEAN leadership with the unanimous appointment of a new leadership for the union in Lagos State.

In a letter signed by the National Security, Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to the Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Adeshina Teslim (aka Okanlomo), has been appointed as the new Chairman of RTEAN in Lagos State with effect from January 1.

According to Ribadu, the Lagos State office of RTEAN and all properties hitherto taken away are hereby returned to the union.

He stated that the operation of RTEAN in all motor parks in Lagos State is to resume with immediate effect.

“No member of RTEAN will be victimized by the Union or Lagos State Government for their role in the dispute. Lagos State Government, its agencies, and the general public are to be intimated about the peaceful resolution.

“On this premise, you are humbly requested to intimate the union on the amicable resolution of the dispute and the highlights of the agreements reached,” the NSA stated in the letter.

Ribadu noted that the action was in compliance with the provisions of Item 6 of the Memorandum of Understanding dated October 2, 2023 between the FGN and the Organised Labour to interven in the crisis to facilitate peaceful resolution of the issues. The intervention of the FGN, he said, was also in line with the commitment of the present administration to bolster industrial harmony and ensure strict adherence to the rule of law.

Reacting to his appointment, Teslim thanked the Federal Government through the National Security Adviser for successfully resolving the issues in Lagos state RTEAN and the TUC.

He hailed RTEAN President Alhaji Musa Muhammad Metakobi, for ensuring there was no conflict or violence in Lagos state.

Teslim specially appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the appointment and also ending the crisis in the union.

“I also thank the Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of staff to the Governor Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner of Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport Sola Giwa.

Afreximbank disburses $2.25b crude oil prepayment to Nigeria.

Afreximbank disburses $2.25b crude oil prepayment to Nigeria.

African Export-Import Bank said it has successfully arranged a syndicated $3.3 billion crude oil prepayment facility sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and that an initial disbursement of $2.25 billion has been made.

A second tranche of $1.05 billion is expected to be disbursed subsequently. Afreximbank said: “This landmark financing is Nigeria’s largest crude oil prepayment facility and one of the largest syndicated loans raised in Africa in 2023. Investors were keen to consider ticket sizes of $250 million and $500 million amidst current headwinds and year-end pressures in the loan markets. The 5-year facility carries a margin of 6.0% per annum above the 3-month secured overnight financing rate (SOFR). The transaction structure has an embedded price balance mechanism where 90% of all excess cash from the sale of the committed barrels (after debt service) will be released while the balance of 10% will be used to prepay the facility, effectively shortening the final maturity of the facility and freeing cash flow from future pledged cargoes for use by Nigeria.

 

“The initial participating lenders are Afreximbank, Africa’s multilateral trade finance institution, Gunvor International BV, a Geneva-based multinational energy and commodities trading company and Sahara Energy Resources Limited.”AFRICAN Export-Import Bank said it has successfully arranged a syndicated $3.3 billion crude oil prepayment facility sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and that an initial disbursement of $2.25 billion has been made.

A second tranche of $1.05 billion is expected to be disbursed subsequently. Afreximbank said: “This landmark financing is Nigeria’s largest crude oil prepayment facility and one of the largest syndicated loans raised in Africa in 2023. Investors were keen to consider ticket sizes of $250 million and $500 million amidst current headwinds and year-end pressures in the loan markets. The 5-year facility carries a margin of 6.0% per annum above the 3-month secured overnight financing rate (SOFR). The transaction structure has an embedded price balance mechanism where 90% of all excess cash from the sale of the committed barrels (after debt service) will be released while the balance of 10% will be used to prepay the facility, effectively shortening the final maturity of the facility and freeing cash flow from future pledged cargoes for use by Nigeria.

Tinubu won’t allow National Philanthropic Office fail – Shettima.

Tinubu won’t allow National Philanthropic Office fail – Shettima.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, assured that the success and positive impact of the newly established National Philanthropic Office (NPO) is guaranteed under the Tinubu administration.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima stated this during the inauguration of the Local Implementation Committee of the NPO at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Vice President said President Bola Tinubu has been a firm believer in giving back to society and as such, his enduring spirit of bettering the lots of the citizens is enough guarantee for the NPO to make a huge success and impact.

The NPO, an initiative driven 100 percent by the private sector with full support from the government, is part of efforts by the Tinubu-led Federal Government to raise alternative funding for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMSEs) and other vital economic programmes through collaboration with the private sector.

 The office is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the establishment of 12 industrial value-chain hubs and accelerators for startups and small businesses across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

Delivering his speech titled, “Philanthropy and Our Shared Responsibilities,” during the inauguration of the Local Implementation Committee of the NPO, Vice President Shettima disclosed that the NPO is set to raise $200 million in grants and non-financial investment through local and international teams to provide support for start-ups in key sectors of the country’s MSMEs space.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this initiative proposes to raise $200m in grants and non-financial investment, through local and international teams, to provide support to start-ups in the key sectors within the MSMEs space that drive job creation in Nigeria,” he stated.

Noting President Tinubu’s knack for giving back to society, Shettima said his boss’s commitment to philanthropy had always been the mark of his identity.

“Long before stepping into the realm of public service, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a steadfast believer in the ideals of giving back to society. This commitment to philanthropy has always defined his identity.

“The Country Chairperson of the National Philanthropic Office (NPO), Mrs. Thelma Ekiyor, can rest assured that this initiative is in secure hands. Mr. President’s enduring spirit of societal betterment is enough to guarantee its success and impact,” the VP stated.

 He acknowledged what he called gaps existing in philanthropy, saying “there’s an unmistakable inadequacy of philanthropy,” even as he added that this “has led to the establishment of the National Philanthropic Office.

“Through this office, we aim to kindle a spirit of support for vulnerable enterprises and ideas that hold the key to our collective progress,” he explained, noting that there is no place in the world “where government thrives in isolation, and without collaboration with private individuals and organizations bound by the virtue of empathy, this practice of philanthropy”.