Tinubu sets up panel to audit social investment programmes.

Tinubu sets up panel to audit social investment programmes.

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday approved the establishment of a Special Presidential Panel saddled with the responsibility of undertaking a comprehensive review and reform of the social investment programmes suspended last month.

The panel will be led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun.

The SPP comes 24 hours after Tinubu suspended all administered Social Investment Programmes by the National Social Investment Programme Agency which also includes the school-feeding programme.

A statement signed on Friday by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, said the suspension was in view of the “ongoing investigation of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and its programmes.”

Sequel to the six-week suspension of the four programmes, Tinubu tasked the Edun-led panel to “immediately undertake a comprehensive review and audit of existing financial frameworks and policy guidelines of the social investment programmes.”

This is is according to a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu establishes special presidential panel on social investment programmes.’

Ngelale said the goal is to implement “a total re-engineering of the financial architecture of the programmes with detailed modification to procedures guiding the programmes’ implementation moving forward.”

The SPP, which is comprised of ministers representing strategic sectors and will ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to the reform effort, is made up of the coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance as Chairman, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate as Member.

Other members are the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris; Minister of Communicatons, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani; and the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande.

Tinubu anticipates that the anel will “validate the confidence reposed in it by winning back all lost public confidence in these vital programmes over the years by ushering in a new era of operation based on open and accountable governance frameworks.”

He said these frameworks will prove “impervious to abuse and incompetence for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households across our nation.”

Oyebanji Names Local Government Secretaries; Inauguration Set for January 15, 2024.

Oyebanji Names Local Government Secretaries; Inauguration Set for January 15, 2024.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a move aimed at strengthening local governance, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has announced the appointment of secretaries for the 16 local government councils and 22 local council development areas in the state. This decision comes on the heels of the recent inauguration of chairmen and vice-chairmen for these councils, demonstrating the administration's commitment to efficient grassroots leadership.

The Governor's directive includes the inauguration of the newly appointed secretaries on Monday, January 15, 2024, in their respective councils. This swift action underscores the administration's dedication to ensuring a fully functional and effective local government system.

Congratulating the newly appointed secretaries, Governor Oyebanji encouraged them to view their roles as opportunities to contribute significantly to grassroots development. He emphasized the importance of their positions in advancing the administration's shared prosperity agenda and fostering development across all towns and communities in the state.

The Biodun Oyebanji administration remains resolute in its commitment to the comprehensive development of Ekiti State. The local government administration is seen as a vital vehicle to drive progress at the grassroots level, aligning with the shared prosperity agenda of the administration.

The Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, confirmed the appointments and inauguration date, signifying the government's proactive approach to fulfilling its promises and delivering on its development objectives.

This development marks another stride in Governor Oyebanji's proactive and people-centric governance style, as Ekiti State continues on its path towards sustained growth and prosperity.

I won't be Distracted by 2026 Schemings, says Oyebanji.

 I won't be Distracted by 2026 Schemings, says Oyebanji.                                                                       .......Says his actions, policies align with divine guidance.                                                                          ...…work 'll Begin on 1.2km Flyover Soon.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has said he would not get distracted by underhand political schemings ahead of the 2026 governorship race in the state, describing the idea of second term as the least of his worries for now. 

The Governor also said work on the 1.2 kilometres flyover to be constructed between Okeyinmi and Ijigbo roundabouts in Ado Ekiti, would commence early in the year, to help decongest the business district and give the state capital Ekiti a facelift.

Oyebanji stated these on Saturday, at the grand finale of the 2024 Week of Prayer, organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in conjunction with the Ekiti State Government, held at Jibowu Hall, Government House, in Ado Ekiti. 

At the intercessional programme, prayers were offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the success of his economic policies and programmes as well as for security and progress for the country. The Biodun Oyebanji administration was also rededicated to God for guidance and leading. 

Addressing the congregation at the event which was a follow up to the maiden edition held on January 14, 2023, Governor Oyebanji said news had been filtering in that some politicians had started holding nocturnal meetings ahead of the 2026 governorship election, saying he won't allow this to derail his focus in the interest of Ekiti citizens.

"They said some people have started holding meetings, I am not bothered by this. For now, 2026 is the least of my worries. What I am really bothered about is leading Ekiti to prosperity, and allowing God to guide us. 

"I have made a covenant that there won't be tolerance for corruption, dishonesty, and disobedience to orders, so, I won't allow second term ambition to distract me. Human beings can play politics, but God is the master politician. He knows how to take care of everything". 

In his testimony, Oyebanji relayed to the congregation that prayer and faith in God have made governance an easy task for him and not brilliance, exposure and any other factor. 

"When I became the Governor, which I never believed in my wildest imagination, I was asked to state what I wanted to go and do. I said God told me go and feed my people. That was why the first year, I dedicated it to the welfare of my people. We were paying salary, pension, and gratuity .

"As we were doing all these, some people said what is going to be my legacy, they advised that I should go and do infrastruture. but I insisted that if I feed the people first, infrastructure will come. Because I was obeying God, money for infrastructure was being provided.

“ Let me tell you that work will commence in the coming weeks on the fly over we planned to construct in Ado Ekiti to ease traffic in the business district around Ejigbo. This is just one of many other projects that will be undertaken. 

"In the last one year, God has done in Ekiti what only Him can do. People are asking where is he getting the money? 

“Some said I didn't have the right connections. But, God, in His infinite mercy, has sent me on a mission and when God says I should move, I do that and we have been able to meet the expectations of the people. 

"God just thrust me forward knowing that I wasn't the most brilliant , the most connected and I didn't have anything called political structures .The only thing I will continue to do is to exalt God in this position. There wasn't any time I got worried that I am the Governor because I know He sent me on this mission". 

Particularly, Oyebanji appealed to the politicians and political office holders to always exhibit sacrificial spirit, saying they should perceive leadership as service to God and humanity. 

In his short Bible exhortation , the CAN Chairman in Ekiti, Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye, charged Nigerians to always embrace justice and fair-play and run away from attitudes that can corrupt the system, for the nation to enjoy peace, unity and prosperity.

Quoting copiously from Luke 15: 20-22 and Hosea 6: 1, to espouse his spiritual views on the topic : "The Benefit of Returning to the Lord God", Aribasoye warned that no nation without proper restitution with God can enjoy adequate prosperity.

"In 2024, whatever we call sin, let us run away from it. Don't make sin attractive by trying to give it any colouration. For God to forget our sins and deliver us, let us have faith, embrace justice and have attitudinal change. With these, I know that God will heal our land, because Nigeria needs healing.  

"Our desires is that we live in peace, unity and enjoy economic prosperity. When we run to God with open and clean hearts and strong faith, he will surely do them for us. The promise of God for us is that we prosper this year, but he is calling us to return to him and we must do that without delay". 

Delivering the second sermon at the event, the National Leader of Intercessor for Nigeria , Pastor Stephen Olumuyiwa, urged the Governor to work hard and redirect the state to the path of righteousness, honesty, integrity, unity, peace and prosperity in 2024, for Ekiti to savour more infrastructural facelift.

"Under Oyebanji, there should be no tolerance for corruption, dishonesty, disorder and injustice. There shouldn't be disobedience to order. This country has good laws, but the problem is implementation. We don't implement laws, even in the house of God. But this shouldn't happen in Ekiti, because the Governor has entered into covenant to lead with the fear of God".

Present at the event were Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Akomolafe, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Chairman, Council of Ekiti State Traditional Rulers, Oba Ilori Faboro, royal fathers, priests, civil servants, among others.

Oyebanji Pays Courtesy Visit to Elder Statesman Chief Deji Fasuan.

Oyebanji Pays Courtesy Visit to Elder Statesman Chief Deji Fasuan.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a gesture of respect and acknowledgment of historical contributions, Governor Biodun Oyebanji visited the revered elder statesman, Chief Deji Fasuan, at his residence in Ado Ekiti on Friday, January 12, 2024. Chief Fasuan, a pivotal figure in Ekiti's history, notably chaired the Committee on the creation of Ekiti State, a significant milestone that led to the state's establishment on October 1, 1996. During this transformative period, His Excellency BAO, then a young lecturer, served as the Secretary of the committee.

The meeting between Governor Oyebanji and Chief Fasuan delved into the shared history and commitment to Ekiti's development. Whenever these two influential figures convene, the agenda consistently places Ekiti's progress at the forefront of their discussions.

The encounter underscored the enduring partnership between the seasoned statesman, Baba Fasuan, and the current Governor, highlighting a mutual dedication to the ongoing progress and growth of Ekiti State. The collaboration between the experienced leader and the current administration signifies a bridge between the historical foundations laid by Chief Deji Fasuan and the contemporary initiatives spearheaded by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The rendezvous not only symbolizes a mark of respect from Governor Oyebanji to an elder statesman but also serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of Ekiti's past, present, and future. The shared commitment exhibited during the visit reinforces the importance of collaboration and unity in propelling the state towards sustained development and prosperity.

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.