EKSG presents 2024 budget breakdown.

EKSG presents 2024 budget breakdown.

Ekiti State Government has presented the breakdown of the N159.6Billion 2024 Budget signed into law by Governor Biodun Oyebanji on 27th December, 2023 to the public. 

At a public presentation of the breakdown and analysis of the budget tagged “ Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development”, held at Jibowu hall, Governor’s office, Ado- Ekiti, the state’s Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr Niyi Adebayo, who gave a breakdown of the budget estimates, said  the thrust of the fiscal document is to sustain the administration’s policy of shared prosperity through the six-pillar agenda of the government.

According to Adebayo, the 2024 budget with a total size of N159.6 billion, which stemmed from both the six-pillar agenda of the administration and the State’s 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), represents an increase of 10 percent over the 2023 Supplementary Budget of  N144.7 billion. He stated further that actual revenue and expenditure for 2023 were N139.9 billion and N137.2 billion respectively, representing a performance ratio of 97 and 95 percent respectively when compared to the 2023 budgeted figures. 

He also affirmed that the budget showcases the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration to economic reforms necessary for creating opportunities towards achieving economic recovery. It also reveals government desires on improved sectorial allocations to boost the economy towards achieving the shared prosperity agenda of the administration by stimulating sustainable economic growth and development.

The Commissioner explained that the objectives of the budget included shared prosperity agenda of government; expansion of revenue base; creation of enabling environment for MSMEs; youth and women empowerment as well as instilling good governance, among others.

He added that the budget would help in building and enhancing the capacity of civil servants; cushion the effect of fuel subsidy on the populace; create employment opportunities; guarantee food security; assist the state in her quest to boost her achievement along key dimensions of human development and stimulate economic activities in the state.

He explained  that the budget was prepared against the backdrop of continuing global and national economic challenges. 

Speaking further, Adebayo pointed out that the  estimate for recurrent expenditure in the approved Budget stand at N89,952,583,682.41 representing 56 percent of the budget, while the capital expenditure of N69,388,898,233.20 represents 44 percent of the budget.

The Commissioner noted that the Budget would focus more on ongoing and new capital projects and programmes that would enhance the achievement of the six pillar agenda of government through infrastructure and industrial development; agriculture and rural development; youth development and job creation; human capital development; arts, culture and tourism and effective governance, all of which would help unlock the economic potential of the state.

He highlighted some capital projects that the 2024 budget would address to include road constructing in and around the capital city of Ado Ekiti and other towns of the state as well as the new ring road; agricultural development; public building projects including completing the construction of Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, renovation and landscaping of state Secretariat Complex, and electrification and extension of Independent Power Project to key facilities in the state.

Sectorially, the Commissioner noted that the budget showed that the Biodun Oyebanji administration is deliberately committed to the economic emancipation of the state by allocating increased budget to the social and economic sectors, which comprise education, health, youth and sports, culture and tourism, agriculture, works and infrastructure.

According to the breakdown, the  state government projected to earn N53.6 billion in federal allocation, N28.2 billion in Value Added Tax, N22.5 billion in Internally Generated Revenue and N50.3 billion in grants and other capital receipts, among others.

Present at the budget analysis presentation include the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, members of the state executive council, Permanent Secretaries, financial experts  and representatives of the media and the Civil Society Organizations.

Adelami sworn in as Ondo Deputy Governor.

Adelami sworn in as Ondo Deputy Governor.

A former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr Olaide Adelami, has been sworn in as the Ondo State Deputy Governor.

Last Tuesday, Adelami was picked by the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the deputy governor after which his name was sent to the state House of Assembly for screening and ratification.

At a ceremony held at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure on Thursday, the new deputy governor was sworn in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola.

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new deputy governor to play the game according to the rules while in office and to shun all acts of corrupt practices.

He said, “I like to congratulate you and your families on your well-deserved appointment in the belief that you will serve diligently and patriotically.

“You must bear in mind that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption. We expect you to demonstrate transparent, open, and accountable leadership in your new office. You must also avoid discrimination as you have the entire state as your constituency, rather than serving sectional interests.”

In his acceptance speech, Adelami, who commended the governor and other stakeholders for appointing him to the position, promised to join hands with the governor to move the state forward and sustain the legacy of Late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

“To the good people of Ondo State, I’m here to join hands with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to serve you and ensure that lives are made more meaningful for you in all facets. I want to therefore appeal to all our people in Ondo State at home and abroad to kindly support Mr Governor and I in our sincere desire to entrench good governance in our Sunshine State.

“You will agree with me that within a month that Governor Aiyedatiwa had been in the saddle of governance in our dear state, a fresh lease of life has manifested across sectors of the state. Contractors working on various infrastructural developments in Ondo State are back to sites and they are more committed than ever before, because of the assurance of Mr Governor that he would not abandon any of the laudable projects of our former governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.”

Miners owe FG over N2tn~ Dele Alake.

Miners owe FG over N2tn~ Dele Alake.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said that miners and operators in the sector owed the Federal Government more than N2 trillion.

This is as the minister stressed that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to halt the activities of illegal miners across the country.

Alake described the activities of illegal miners as a huge crime against Nigeria and Nigerians, which he said, was unacceptable.

The minister stated this during a meeting with Licensed Minerals Holders, Laterite /Sand Operators Dealers in Kaduna State, on Thursday.

He said, “Miners and Operators owed the federal government more than N2trn” while “in Kaduna State, it’s over N300bn.”

“We have made it very clear that in Kaduna State, every operator should make bold steps and clear their debt,” the minister, represented by the Acting Zonal Mines Officer, North-West Zonal Office, Kutman Hosea Ali, said.

Meanwhile, the minister has directed the Special Mines Taskforce activated in Kaduna State to clamp down on illegal miners and nonpayment of royalties which must be paid monthly as well as other taxes to the apex government.

The Special Mines Surveillance Taskforce is comprised of members from the Nigeria Army, Police, Civil Defence Corp, Department of State Security Services, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Nigeria Immigration Service while the team is headed by Mines officers in the state.

He also faulted the non-remittance of money collected as royalties and taxes on mineral resources to the federal government, warning that defaulting states would henceforth be penalized.

According to him, mining is on the exclusive list as such it is only controlled by the federal government while the state and local governments are not allowed to collect royalties or any mining tax.

 Alake demands justice for slain Ekiti monarchs, rescue of kidnapped pupils 

“Let me clarify it, state government and local government are entitled to collect other taxes such as ground rent and other taxes but they are not to collect royalty and tax on mining

“Any state government or any local government that collects money in the name of Royalty or Mineral Tax will be deducted from the source allocated to the State.

“The Special Mines Taskforce has been activated in Kaduna State and they had commenced operation on the war against illegal Mining and nonpayment of royalties which must be paid monthly as well as other taxes to the Government of Nigeria,” the minister added.

He warned miners and operators against going to the field without a mining license while noting that those who had obtained their license “should report to the Mines Office, Kaduna to collect permit to mobilise to site”.

He said the purpose of the meeting was to unveil the ministry’s plan for miners and operators for 2024 and beyond.

Alake explained that the mining sector under the administration of President Tinubu was given a top priority, noting that the importance of the meeting cannot be overemphasized.

In his brief remarks, the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Kaduna branch, Ado Dogo, represented by the Secretary of the association, Kashim Hussaini, said the interface between miners and the regulators became imperative.

He decried what he termed the interference of state governors in mining activities while stressing the need for state governors to respect the laws guiding mining activities in their various states.

“We as miners know we are operating within a state, local government, and even down to villages but sometimes, state governors can stop you from working. Meanwhile, this mining operation is what we are doing by contributing to the federation account,” he said.

IG meets Ekiti governor, Senate leader over attacks.

IG meets Ekiti governor, Senate leader over attacks.

The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, met with the Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, and the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, at the Force Headquarters.

The meeting focused on the circumstances surrounding the violent attacks that occurred in Emure-Ekiti leading to the murder of two traditional rulers, and the abduction of pupils and teachers.

This was as President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, ordered the police boss to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement on Thursday, said following the President’s order, the IG ordered the deployment of a police helicopter, Armoured Personnel Carriers, Police Intelligence Response Team and Special Tactical Squad operatives, and police Mobile Force personnel, to argument the manpower already deployed to the state for special operations.

The FPRO had earlier revealed that the Nigeria Police Force had arrested 13 suspects in connection with the violent attacks, following a preliminary investigation.

Revealing the latest development, Adejobi said, “Following the recent security situation in Ekiti State, and an earlier statement where the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, ordered strategic deployments to deal with the incidents, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, has ordered the IG to ensure that all the perpetrators are apprehended and caused to face the full wrath of the law.

“This was made known during the visit of the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, to the Inspector General of Police at the Force Headquarters today, February 1, 2024, to address the incidents in a bid to finding a lasting solution to them.”

He noted that the IG expressed the commitment of the Force to addressing the challenge, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book and the kidnapped pupils rescued unhurt.

“In addition, the IG has ordered the deployment of police helicopter, Armored Personnel Carriers, IRT and STS operatives, and Police Mobile Force personnel, to argue the manpower already deployed to Ekiti for the special operations,” he added.

Earlier on Thursday, Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Abiodun Asabi to Zone 17, Akure, Ondo State, along with additional personnel and assets.

The Zone 17 zonal command of the Nigeria Police Force headquartered in Akure, Ondo State, has a total land mass of about 21,853 square kilometers, and comprises Ondo and Ekiti State police commands, with its headquarters domiciled.

The FPRO who revealed the developments in a statement on Thursday, noted that the aim of the deployments was to ensure swift restoration of peace and order in the affected areas.

Adejobi said, “The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, strongly condemns the recent killing of two traditional rulers – Oba Olusola Olatunji, the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti, and Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti in Ekiti State, and the abduction of school pupils and teachers in Emure-Ekiti.

“The IG has therefore taken immediate steps to address the security challenges in the region. To ensure the swift restoration of peace and order, the IG has ordered the immediate deployment of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abiodun Asabi to Zone 17 Akure, along with additional personnel and assets.

“The newly posted AIG has been tasked with overseeing a comprehensive and coordinated security response to bring an end to the unfortunate security incidents in Ekiti, and parts of Ondo State and ensure proper coordination among security agencies for optimum effectiveness in tackling the security concerns within Ekiti State.

“The Inspector-General expresses his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Ekiti State, the families and loved ones of the deceased traditional rulers whose lives were tragically cut short during these incidents.

“Preliminary investigations have led to the arrest of 13 suspects who are currently assisting the Police with the investigation process.

“The Inspector General of Police hereby reiterates the commitment of the NPF to ensuring that justice is served, and those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to book while assuring the public that every necessary measure will be taken to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with the Police and other security agencies, as we work to restore peace and security to the affected areas.”

Intensified Security Collaboration: Gov Oyebanji Engages Military and Police Chiefs for Safety and Security.

Intensified Security Collaboration: Gov Oyebanji Engages Military and Police Chiefs for Safety and Security.                                                    By Olamide Akinwumi.   

In a bid to bolster safety and security measures within Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, flanked by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, embarked on strategic meetings with top military and police officials in Abuja on Thursday, 1st February.

The first of these crucial meetings took place at the Defence Headquarters, where Governor Oyebanji and Senator Bamidele conferred with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa. The focus of the dialogue was the prevailing security situation in Ekiti State, with a concerted effort to forge stronger collaboration with the military to eradicate criminal elements.

General Musa, representing the military top hierarchy, assured the governor of unwavering support in the state's battle against criminality. The discussions underscored the commitment to working hand in hand to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Ekiti.

Continuing their pursuit of enhanced security measures, Governor Oyebanji and Senator Bamidele later met with Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting delved into strategic approaches to reinforce policing within the state, addressing specific security challenges.

During the meeting, the Inspector General of Police assured the Ekiti State delegation of increased security presence and a proactive approach to tackling security concerns. The collaboration between the state government and the police force aims to create a safer environment for all residents.

Governor Oyebanji emphasized the significance of these collaborations in ensuring the overall well-being of the state, expressing gratitude for the support received from both the military and police. The proactive engagements with security agencies highlight the government's commitment to fostering a secure and peaceful environment for all Ekiti residents.

As Ekiti State continues to navigate the challenges posed by criminal elements, these strategic meetings underscore the importance of unified efforts between the state government, military, and police in the pursuit of lasting security solutions.

EFCC goes after church for receiving N7bn fraud proceeds.

EFCC goes after church for receiving N7bn fraud proceeds.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the anti-graft agency traced the sum of N7bn, suspected to be proceeds of money laundering, to a religious organisation.

He said another religious group was found to be laundering money for terrorists.

The EFCC chairman made the revelation on Wednesday at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, during a one-day dialogue on “Youth, Religion, and the Fight against Corruption.”

He said some of the religious organisations, institutions, sects, and bodies in the country had been found to be aiding and abetting fraudsters and terrorists.

Olukoyede stated that the EFCC discovered the laundered N7bn in the bank account of a religious organisation in the course of investigating a N13bn fraud.

Though he did not reveal the identity of the religious organisation, a source in the anti-agency privy to the case told our correspodent that it was a church.

The EFCC chairman vowed that the anti-graft agency would recover the money through the court.

Olukoyede said, “We were investigating a N13bn money laundering case when we discovered that N7bn of the N13bn was linked to a religious organisation’s bank account.

“When we approached the religious organisation about it and we were carrying out our investigation, we got a restraining order stopping us from carrying out our investigation.”

Olukoyede, however, said the EFCC would not give up on the investigation as the restraining court order had been appealed.

Meanwhile, the EFCC chairman said the anti-graft agency also uncovered another unnamed religious body laundering money for a terrorist organisation.

“No one will be spared, we’ll probe everyone who is suspected to be committing financial crimes, and these includes members of the executive, legislative, and judiciary arms of government,” Olukoyede added.

He said since his assumption of office as the EFCC chairman about three months ago, the anti-graft agency had secured 747 convictions, mostly cybercrime.

He said the one–day event, tagged “Youth, Religion and the Fight Against Corruption,” was aimed at addressing the challenges of youth involvement in cybercrimes and how religion could be used as a weapon for their reorientation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, spoke extensively about the need to curb corruption in government and among the young people.

Other dignitaries present at the dialogue were the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), a former Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria,Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Chairperson, Nigeria Committee of Vice Chancellors, Prof. Lilian Salami, and the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

Tinubu orders AGF, Lokpobiri to end $1.3bn oil block dispute.

Tinubu orders AGF, Lokpobiri to end $1.3bn oil block dispute.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, and other agencies of government to clear all court cases around the $1.3bn deepwater OPL 245 oil block located in southern Niger Delta.

Other agencies that also received the order include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Lokpobiri disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, as he revealed that parties in the deal were currently negotiating to end the over 28 years crisis and litigations surrounding the prolific oil block in the next one month.

The Malabu OPL 245 deal and subsequent litigation with the Nigerian government is a complex and long-standing saga involving allegations of corruption, fraud, and legal battles.

The oil block in question, OPL 245, is considered one of Nigeria’s most prolific oil blocks. In 1998, Malabu Oil and Gas, a company with links to former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete, acquired the block for $2m.

In 2001, the Federal Government under former President Olusegun Obasanjo revoked Malabu’s license due to “questionable practices.”

In 2006, Malabu challenged the revocation in court, eventually reaching an out-of-court settlement with the government under former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

In 2011, Shell and Eni, two major oil companies, acquired the block for $1.3bn from Malabu in a deal approved by the Nigerian government.

But since then there have been allegations and litigations, as Transparency International and other anti-corruption groups alleged bribery and corruption in the deal, with funds allegedly funneled to Nigerian government officials.

This resulted in litigations involving Nigeria versus Eni and Shell, as the Nigerian government under former President Muhammadu Buhari pursued legal action against Eni, Shell, and Malabu, alleging corruption in the deal.

Commeting on the issue, Lokpobiri said, “The previous administration initiated most of the cases that we are talking about today, and they took us to court, while we took Eni, Malabu, others to different courts in Europe, Canada, etc, but we didn’t win any of the cases.

“To even shock you, there is one that got us a penalty of over 70 million pounds. How did that happen?”

 He explained that JP Morgan sued the government for trying to dent its image in the saga, adding that the penalty was now binding on Nigeria.

 “So we have been fined over 70 million pounds by the court. Who will pay that? You and I will pay that, or our children will pay, because it is a judgement debt. And in all the ones that we pursue both in Switzerland and other locations, we have no evidence to get conviction.

“And so it makes sense for this government to come and say that for 28 years, this block has been idle. This block is a prolific block that will add so much value to our economy, so let’s see how we can resolve the problem.

“So we are talking to Eni and Shell, and saying let’s sit down and see how we can resolve all the problems. We have taken you to court on multiple occasions, you have also taken us to court, but let’s see how we can resolve these problems,” the minister stated.

He noted that at the last meeting, “we said parties should go on with negotiations and within one month we convene and see how we will be able to sort out all the issues so that the investment can continue.”

Asked to state the parties of the Federal Government interfacing with Eni and Shell, he replied, “The Attorney-General of the Federation is the one leading the delegation. We have the NUPRC, EFCC, NNPC, and the Minister of State for Petroleum.

“So we are very transparent about this process. We have the full government in resolving this matter. Everything is being done transparently. This process has nothing to benefit the President as an individual.

“But as President and Commander-in-Chief, his interest is the welfare of Nigerians and to attract requisite investments to the sector so that Nigerians can benefit from this God-given natural resources.

“And this block has been embroiled in one form of litigation or the other for 28 years. It doesn’t make any sense for us to continue dragging the case, because again, the world is moving towards the abandonment of fossil fuels.”

Lokpobiri stated that if Nigeria fails to get the investments in the block now, the country would never be able to attract capital to invest, because it would require billions of dollars.

The block had witnessed international cases as investigations and legal cases were also opened in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and Netherlands.

On the outcomes, it was reported that in 2018, the US Department of Justice closed its investigation without charges. In 2020, the US Securities and Exchange Commission closed its investigation without finding evidence of wrongdoing.

In 2021, the Italian court acquitted Eni, Shell, and all defendants of corruption charges. In 2022, Nigeria dropped its $1.1bn suit against Eni and lost its $1.7bn claim against JP Morgan terkait with the deal.

In 2023, the former Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, advised Buhari to terminate further litigation due to low chances of success and potential economic benefits of developing the block.

The Malabu OPL 245 deal remains controversial, with lingering questions about corruption and the legality of the transactions. The Nigerian government is considering ending further litigation and potentially allowing development of the block to proceed.

The Malabu OPL 245 case highlights the challenges of corruption in the extractive industries and the complexities of international legal battles involving multiple jurisdictions.

The case also raises questions about the role of Western oil companies in potentially fueling corruption in resource-rich countries