Ekiti Development: Governor Oyebanji Strengthens Collaboration with Budget Minister for Developmental Synergy.

Ekiti Development: Governor Oyebanji Strengthens Collaboration with Budget Minister for Developmental Synergy.                                     By Olamide Akinwumi. 

In a proactive move to foster collaboration and advance Ekiti State's development agenda, Governor Biodun Oyebanji paid a working visit to the office of the Honourable Minister for Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, earlier today, Friday, January 26th.

The BAO Administration places a strong emphasis on regular interactions with federal MDAs (Ministries, Departments, and Agencies) and development partners. Governor Oyebanji's intentional engagement with the heads of these institutions is a key feature of his commitment to the state's comprehensive development.

During the visit, discussions centered on strategic collaborations, aligning Ekiti State's developmental goals with national priorities. Governor Oyebanji reiterated the importance of synergy between the state government and federal agencies in driving impactful projects that benefit the citizens.

The Honourable Minister, Senator Atiku Bagudu, welcomed Governor Oyebanji and expressed readiness to support Ekiti State's developmental initiatives. The collaborative efforts between the state and the federal government aim to ensure efficient resource allocation, strategic planning, and the successful execution of projects.

As part of his proactive governance style, Governor Oyebanji continues to engage with key stakeholders at the federal level, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in achieving sustainable development for Ekiti State. The visit signifies a commitment to leveraging partnerships for the benefit of the state's residents.

The BAO Administration remains steadfast in its pursuit of robust collaborations, recognizing the critical role they play in realizing the state's developmental aspirations. Further updates on the outcomes of such engagements are anticipated as Governor Oyebanji continues to champion Ekiti's progress on the national stage.

Grassroots Commitment: Ogunsanya Engages Iworoko and Afao Ekiti Residents for Development Initiatives.

Grassroots Commitment: Ogunsanya Engages Iworoko and Afao Ekiti Residents for Development Initiatives.

By Olamide Akinwumi

In a robust commitment to grassroots development, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence Sunday, Executive Chairman of Ifedara Local Council Development Area in Ekiti State, has reassured residents of Iworoko and Afao Ekiti of impactful developmental initiatives in their communities.

Affirming his dedication on Friday, January 26th, Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence reiterated his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises aligned with the six-point agenda of the Oyebanji-led state government.

Emphasizing principles of democracy, good governance, inclusivity, and citizen participation, the council boss pledged to involve all citizens in the decision-making process.

He said; his administration will focus on developing the area's renowned agricultural produce to enhance economic prosperity, urging citizens to fulfill their civic responsibility of tax payment and cooperate for global recognition through grassroots development.

Addressing security concerns, the Chairman, Hon. Ogunsanya Lawrence, emphasized the need to restore farmers' confidence against insecurity on their farmlands.

Monarchs in Iworoko and Afao Ekiti commended Ogunsanya's transformative leadership, urging a focus on agricultural rejuvenation for enhanced local revenue generation.

During the community engagement, community members expressed enthusiasm, rendering solidarity songs as the Chairman's entourage, including Vice Chairman Hon Sola Olowojebut, visited both towns.

The engagement involved Kabiyesis, chiefs, iyalojas, Iyalodes, youths, artisans, driver unions, Okada Union associations, and others, fostering familiarity with the communities' needs for direct benefits.

The purposeful engagement showcases Ogunsanya's commitment to community-driven development, setting the stage for collaborative initiatives that align with the aspirations of Iworoko and Afao Ekiti.

Fed Govt tackles HIV, malaria, TB with $933m from Global Fund.

Fed Govt tackles HIV, malaria, TB with $933m from Global Fund.

The Federal Government yesterday said it had taken steps to further reinvigorate the nation’s healthcare service delivery with the disbursement of Global Fund’s $933 million to relevant agencies to tackle human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), Malaria, and Tuberculosis (TB).

The fund is expected to be utilised by the implementing agencies between this year and 2026.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced this while disbursing the funds to the agencies yesterday in Abuja.

Recipients of the Global Fund grant include: the National Agency for the Control of AIDS – $10,663,394.00 (HIV/AIDS); the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP)- Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) – $30,038,555.00 (HIV/AIDS); the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP)-FMOH, $122,390,772.00 (Tuberculosis); Institute for Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), $340,095,438.00 (HIV/TB (C-Grant); the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)-FMOH, $80,877,025.00 (Malaria); the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), $315, 933,900.00 (Malaria); the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme-FMOH, $42,557,406.00 (RSSH); and the Lagos State Ministry of Health, $4,100,440.00 (RSSH).

The minister said the Global Fund resources were meant to boost Nigeria’s efforts at meeting the Global 95-95-95 by 2025 for notable improvement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

A statement by the ministry’s Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe, reads: “The Coordinating Minister of Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) 2024-2026 implementation period in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

“Speaking at the official launch of Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the minister stated that the allocated resources of $933 million to Nigeria for the 2024-2026 implementation period would help mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

He said: “In approving the sector-wide programme, the President essentially directed that the health outcomes of Nigerians should be better than what it is and that we should all collaborate, Federal Government with state government alongside development partners.”

Pate assured Nigerians that the resources donated would be used judiciously.

Recipients of the Global Fund grant include: the National Agency for the Control of AIDS – $10,663,394.00 (HIV/AIDS); the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP)- Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) – $30,038,555.00 (HIV/AIDS); the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP)-FMOH, $122,390,772.00 (Tuberculosis); Institute for Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), $340,095,438.00 (HIV/TB (C-Grant); the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)-FMOH, $80,877,025.00 (Malaria); the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), $315, 933,900.00 (Malaria); the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme-FMOH, $42,557,406.00 (RSSH); and the Lagos State Ministry of Health, $4,100,440.00 (RSSH).

According to Pate, the expected results, which all the principal recipients are committing to, is to achieve the 95, 95, 95 by 2025, notable improvement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

Fed Govt earns N1.49b from rail transport in Q3 2023.

Fed Govt earns N1.49b from rail transport in Q3 2023.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said the Federal Government generated N1.49 billion from passenger fare for rail transport in the third quarter 2023 (Q3 2023).

NBS made this disclosure in its document tagged: “Rail Transport Data (Q3 2023),” yesterday.

According to the document, the revenue by 108.25per cent from the N715.09 million earned in the Q3 2022.

The data said, “In terms of revenue generation, N1.49 billion was received from passengers during the reference period, showing an increase of 108.25per cent from the N715.09 million recorded in the same quarter of the previous year.”

NBS also noted that in Q3 2023, a total of 594,348 passengers travelled via rail system, relative to 500,348 reported in the corresponding quarter of 2022, indicating a growth rate of 18.79per cent.

It said the volume of goods/cargoes transported in Q3 2023 stood at 81,963 tons, compared to 33,312 tons recorded in Q3 2022.

 According to the document, similarly, N286.78 million was collected from goods/cargos conveyed in Q3 2023, up by 181.58per cent from N101.84 million received in Q3 2022.

NBS added that other receipts amounted to N119.22 million, indicating an increase of 1.05% in Q3 2023 from the N117.98 million collected in Q3 2022.

Ganduje extends open invitation to Kano Gov, Yusuf, NNPP members to join APC.

Ganduje extends open invitation to Kano Gov, Yusuf, NNPP members to join APC.

The National Chairman of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Thursday extended an open invitation to the only New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State and his party supporters to join the party.

Ganduje stated this during a stakeholders meeting with party members at the Presidential/State campaign office in Kano on Thursday.

The former Governor said the party would commence e-registration and the target was to have highest number of membership from the state and also one party state.

He said talks have reached advanced stage with other smaller parties nationwide and more Governors, lawmakers would soon dump their parties and join the ruling party.

According to him, “our hands are open for other political parties to join our party. We call on the Governor of Kano State and all the supporters of NNPP to join our party. We are assuring him of a very good environment in our party, the APC. His coming to the party will strengthen the APC at the state and national level and will drive development to Kano State as the most populous state in the federation.

“If we can do it at national levels, why can’t we do it at the state level?

“We will soon commence e-registration and our target is to have highest number of membership in Kano and to have one party state in Kano.

“We are in talks with smaller parties to dump their parties and join the APC. And soon, Governors, Senators and others would join our party,” Ganduje however stated.

Present at the stakeholders meeting were the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, former House Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Kano State party Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas among other party chieftains.

Reps plan amendment to strengthen PIA, NEITI Acts.

Reps plan amendment to strengthen PIA, NEITI Acts.

The House of Representatives has said it is planning to amend the Petroleum Industries Act (PIA) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Act in order to strengthen them for maximum performance in the extractive sector.

Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere, announced this at a meeting with officials of NEITI yesterday in Abuja.

The lawmaker said the House was working on introducing key amendments to the PIA to make it have stronger provisions for clean energy transition.

He said: “We are also focused on reviewing the NEITI Act, to grant NEITI statutory powers to implement the findings of their investigation, and possibly execute the recommendations of their report.

“We are also considering granting NEITI powers to prosecute those found to be in breach of extant laws, strengthening the governance structure of NEITI, placing more emphasis on crucial disclosure requirements of EITI, especially as they relate to contract transparency and beneficial ownership, independent funding for NEITI, timely review and action on reports by the National Assembly, among others.

“We are also working with sister Petroleum/Oil and Gas Committees with a view to ascertaining those who operate extractive industries in Nigeria, to deepen transparency and public oversight of the industries through the House. “

“We also seek to pursue the recovery of public funds that were either mismanaged, wasted or yet to be remitted from the extractive industries.

“It is also our desire to ensure that there is accountability on the part of state-owned extractive industries to ensure that greater value and revenue is derived from the sector for the good of the nation and to foster a sustainable energy transition.”

Uhochinyere explained that as part of efforts to ensure the success of the House legislative agenda, the committee had secured the partnership, support and commitment of over 70 lawmakers as co-sponsors for critical Bills which seek to review some provisions of the NEITI Act.

He said this would lead to full realisation of the NEITI objectives, as well as the expansion and achievement of the desired transparency in the extractive industry.

Benue Govt. orders refund of excess WAEC/NECO charges.

Benue Govt. orders refund of excess WAEC/NECO charges.

The Benue State Education Quality Assurance Agency (BSEQAA) has directed school principals in the state to immediately refund the excess WAEC/NECO handling charges paid by SS3 students.

The Director-General of the agency, Dr Francis Terna, gave the directive on Thursday, when he visited some schools in Makurdi, the state capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Terna had engaged some students in SS3 in the schools visited to ascertain what they paid as WAEC and NECO examination fees.

Having ascertained the facts, he instructed the principals to refund the excess charges to the students without delay.

He further directed all the schools to adhere strictly to the approved handling charges of N5000 per student.

He also advised the schools’ authorities to desist from such sharp practices, adding that failure to comply with the government’s directive would be met with appropriate sanctions.

Terna said that the state government was fully committed to upholding high standards and ensuring academic excellence.

According to him, the agency will continue its random visit to schools to monitor their operations.

He restated the government’s directive that no SS3 student should be admitted during the second term to avoid disrupting the academic calendar.

NAN further reports that the BSEQAA boss also inspected form masters’ registers, schemes and record of work as well as lesson plans.

The schools visited included RCM Primary School in Tiosha, UBE Junior Secondary School, Naka Road, NKST Secondary School, Naka Road and Mount Carmel College, Makurdi.