National Assembly Postpones Resumption to January 30, 2024.

National Assembly Postpones Resumption to January 30, 2024.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In an unexpected development, the National Assembly has decided to postpone its resumption date to January 30th, 2024, instead of the earlier scheduled January 23rd. The announcement was made by the Clerk to the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, in Abuja on Saturday.

The announcement, titled "Announcement" and signed by Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, was directed to all Honourable Members of the House of Representatives. It stated: "I am directed to inform Hon Members that the resumption date for both Senate and House of Representatives has been shifted upwards from Tuesday, 23rd January, 2024 (earlier announced) to Tuesday, 30th January, 2024, at 11:00 am prompt. All inconveniences are regretted."

The decision to postpone the resumption comes as the Senate and House of Representatives had extended their Yuletide recess to allow for the consideration and passage of the 2024 budget. The revised date provides additional time for lawmakers to prepare for the upcoming plenary sessions.

While the postponement may inconvenience some members, it allows for a more comprehensive approach to the legislative duties ahead, including the crucial task of reviewing and approving the national budget for the year 2024. The shift in the resumption date emphasizes the importance of a thorough and well-prepared deliberation on critical national issues.

FG set to amend guidelines for ICT Service providers.

FG set to amend guidelines for ICT Service providers.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) service providers and contractors have been informed of plans by the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive review of guidelines for their operations and registrations.

The government announced that the review has become imperative, considering the fact that the existing document has been in use since 2018, coupled with the necessity of nourishing the growth of the local Information Technology (IT) companies in the country.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under the purview of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy made the announcement in Abuja yesterday.

The Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations of NITDA, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, said the review was “designed to streamline the process for the delivery of IT services to Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

She said in a statement: “These guidelines, initially issued in 2018, has outlined the registration process for indigenous IT service providers that guarantees the delivery of high-quality IT projects to the federal government, uphold the highest standards of professionalism in IT services, and nourish the growth of local IT companies, all in adherence to the relevant Presidential Executive Orders.

Taiwan ruling party wins presidential election despite China’s threat.

Taiwan ruling party wins presidential election despite China’s threat.

Taiwan ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Mr. William Lai Ching-te was yesterday declared winner of the island nation’s presidential election despite China‘s threat.

Lai’s closest rival, Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP)conceded defeat before the declaration of final result yesterday.

Lai had been labelled a troublemaker by China, which warned people against voting for him. KMT had promised better ties with Beijing and peace in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan is a democratic island of 23 million people that governs itself – but it is claimed by mainland China.

About 113 legislative seats were also contested yesterday.

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is an island separated from China by the Taiwan Strait. It has been governed independently of mainland China, officially the People’s Republic of China (PRC), since 1949. The PRC views the island as a renegade province and vows to eventually “unify” Taiwan with the mainland.

Representative and Chief of Taiwan Trade Mission in Nigeria Mr. Andy Yih-Ping Liu declared that the election showed the resilience of Taiwanese despite China’s military threat.

He added: “Despite ongoing pressure from Chinese regime, we are determined to defend our way of lives and our democracy with an independent judiciary and the free press.

“Moreover, Taiwan’s democratic resilience has been further strengthened by its international alliances and support. Despite facing diplomatic isolation due to China’s pressure, Taiwan has successfully cultivated close ties with like-minded democracies such as the United States, Japan, European, Latin American and other Asian countries. These alliances serve as a testament to Taiwan’s commitment and achievements in democratic governance.

“As a shining example of democracy in East Asia, Taiwan’s ability to sustain its democratic resilience serves as an inspiration and a testament to the enduring power of democracy. This is simply an echo of what Nigerian citizens have achieved in West Africa as the role model of democracy.”

Taiwan has also been a key flashpoint in the tussle for power between the United States and its allies on one part and China in the region.

China People’s Liberation Army increased pressure on the island over the last few years with a record number of incursions.

On Friday, the PLA said it would “smash” any Taiwan independence “plots” and that it “remains on high alert at all times”. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also warned voters in Taiwan to make the “right choice”, claiming that Lai would further promote separatist activities if he were elected.

The Biden administration doubled down on its support for Taiwan’s democratic process ahead of the presidential election.

Tensions between China and Taiwan in the 1950s resulted in armed conflict over strategic islands in the Taiwan Strait.

On two separate occasions during the 1950s, the PRC bombed the islands. The United States responded by actively intervening on behalf of Taiwan.

A’Ibom gov dedicates S’Court victory to God.

A’Ibom gov dedicates S’Court victory to God.

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, on Friday, reflected on his legal battles in life.

He said God had seen him through 26 different court cases, out of which eight were dragged before the Supreme Court.

The governor stated this at the Peoples Democratic Party Secretariat in Uyo while celebrating the recent Supreme Court victory which affirmed him as the duly elected governor of the state.

The Supreme Court had, on Thursday in Abuja, dismissed three separate appeals by the All Progressives Congress, Young Progressive Congress and the New Nigeria People’s Party and their candidates against the governor of Akwa Ibom State.

The governor said, “It has been the tradition of all previous governors to come to the party house to celebrate New Year with the party members. This being my very first, I had looked up to it and we had fixed this date but God who knows the end from the beginning had a divine calendar.

“So, yesterday, by the special grace of the Almighty God, the Supreme Court affirmed our governorship, affirmed all of your labour, your campaigns, your belief, all of your votes and so this calls for a double celebration. It has become both a New Year visit and a victory celebration so we return all the glory to God.

“I appreciate God for seeing me through 26 court cases, out of which 8 were dragged to the Supreme Court.

“I acknowledged the party structure’s unwavering support before, during and after the election, the victory has further renewed my commitment to do better as a servant leader.

Contractors promise Aiyedatiwa timely completion of projects.

Contractors promise Aiyedatiwa timely completion of projects.

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed his commitment to complete all ongoing projects across the state as he ordered the contractors handling road projects to return to sites and continue the work.

The governor also approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of 60km roads across the state within the next three months.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan on Saturday.

According to the statement, some of the affected roads are Oda -Ijoka dualisation in Akure, Owo dualisation, Arigidi-Ogbagi Akoko, and OAUSTECH internal roads, among others.

It noted that projects to receive urgent attention as directed by the governor are the completion of Owo township dualization,  Oba Osupa – Oluwatuyi – Ijoka road (Akure) dualisation, completion of Oda dual carriage (Akure), completion of Akure flyover (Onyearugbulem-Shagari-Irese road), construction of 15.89km selected roads in Ondo township among others.

The statement read, “Governor Aiyedatiwa, who had promised that all ongoing infrastructural projects in the state would be completed, directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to mobilise contractors back to the site to speed up work on the projects for early completion.

“The governor expressed the determination of his administration to hit the ground running with the implementation of policies and programmes of government as scheduled to budget, assuring timely payment for jobs done by contractors

The statement added that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Allen Idowu, had relayed the directive of the governor to the concerned contractors.

“The Permanent Secretary said the contractors had expressed their willingness to speed up their projects to meet up with the deadline set by the governor, adding that the officials of the ministry had also been mobilised to play their parts,” the statement read.

Hon Ogunsanya Inspires Ifelodun Muslim Chiefs to Foster Humanitarian Development and Islamic Promotion.

Hon Ogunsanya Inspires Ifelodun Muslim Chiefs to Foster Humanitarian Development and Islamic Promotion.                                                       By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

The Executive Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence, graced the awards and installation of chief ceremony at the Central Mosque, Igbemo-Ekiti. The event, held on Saturday, January 13th, 2024, celebrated the induction of new chiefs within the Ifelodun Muslim community in Ifedara LCDA, Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, Ekiti.

In his address, Chairman Hon Ogunsanya inspired the newly inaugurated chiefs to utilize their positions for the betterment of humanity and uphold the principles of Almighty Allah. He emphasized the importance of remaining true to the doctrines of Islam and serving diligently.

"Contribute meaningfully to the development of humanity, lead your followers in line with Muslim principles and standards. Don't be biased; remember that Allah is omnipresent and always guides our deeds," he explained.

Hon Ogunsanya also called upon the Muslim community to include prayers for the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and his own administration. He highlighted the significant contributions of religious leaders to community development, underlining his administration's commitment to involving all religious leaders.

In addressing internal revenue generation, the Chairman advised the Muslim community and the entire Ifedara LCDA to consistently pay their taxes, enabling the government to execute effective and tangible projects.

Touching on environmental hygiene, he urged the Muslim community to keep their environment clean and tidy, emphasizing the importance of observing environmental sanitation exercises.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Chief of Staff to the chairman, his Personal Assistant, traditional leaders, chiefs, and various religious leaders. The ceremony marked a harmonious convergence of community leaders dedicated to fostering positive development and unity.

The installation ceremony underscored a commitment to religious principles, community progress, and collaborative efforts for a better future.

Minister assures contractors of adequate funding for Abuja-Kano highway.

Minister assures contractors of adequate funding for Abuja-Kano highway.

The Minister of Finance and Co-Ordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has assured contractors of adequate funding for the Abuja-Kano highway.

The minister gave the assurance in a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Stephen Kilebe, on Saturday.

The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road forms a critical part of Nigeria’s highway which runs from north to south, enabling the movement of people and products across the country, thereby, uniting Nigerians and the economy.

To address the poor condition and deterioration of this major road, the Federal Government contracted the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the 375.9km of the dual carriageway to Julius Berger: from the Federal Capital Territory Abuja through Kaduna, excluding the Kaduna bypass, to Zaria and further north to Kano.

However, Edun noted that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway is a viable project, adding that he does not doubt the completion of the project on time by the contractors.

The statement read, “The Minister of Finance and Co-Ordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and his Federal Ministry of Works counterpart, Senator David Umahi, have embarked on the inspection of the Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Dual Carriage Way.

“In his remarks, the minister said they were at the inspection of the project today under the mandate of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to examine and hear from the contractors and see their commitment, encourage and support them to the early completion of this all-important project and to urge them to do more.”

Edun reiterated that infrastructure was a critical priority of the Tinubu-led administration “in order to get food prices down, ease transportation of agricultural produce, movement of people freely across the country, and stabilise the economy.”

The minister assured the contractors of the availability of funds for the early completion of the road project.

He said, “We have come, we have seen the level of commitment of the contractors to the completion of the project as soon as possible.”

The minister, who commended the level of progress made on the project, said the ongoing attempt was to improve domestic resources mobilisation available to highly viable projects such as this.

Earlier, Umahi disclosed that Tinubu had directed that they “must ensure that work is completed on this project in 24 months.”

He added that “the two ministers are sorting out the payment modalities and ensuring milestone completion of the project. 

Umahi also thanked him for making critical decisions about the completion of the projects.

The Programme Manager of Julius Berger, the contractor handling the project, Mr. Benjamin Butt, disclosed that the company was using a construction methodology known as recycling technology in the rehabilitation of the roads.