Report Rates Ekiti High in Investment Promotion, Human Capital Devt, Job Creation, Others.

Report Rates Ekiti High in Investment Promotion, Human Capital Devt, Job Creation, Others.

....Ranks third in Nigeria, first in Southwest.

....Predicts future economic boom for Ekiti.

A prestigious Business Management Consulting Firm, Philips Consulting Limited (Pcl), has scored Ekiti State Government high in investment promotion, human capital development and prudent financial management, describing these as factors that are catalysing the state's economic transformation.

The consulting firm, established in 1992 and headquartered in Nigeria, said Ekiti has done exceedingly well in the areas of job creation, inclusive governance and  laying of solid  propitious business environment, with high  propensity for speedy attainment of economic recovery for its citizens.

The ratings were contained in the firm's State Performance Index report released for all the 36 states of the federation for the 2023 fiscal year.

As contained in the report, Ekiti stands out as the 3rd overall best-performing state and the top performer in the Southwest region, largely attributed to its  strengths in provision quality basic education, healthcare, robust public institutions, preservation of social and cultural values, and healthy Capital Expenditure to budget ratio.

Despite its limited resources, the report stated that Ekiti demonstrated exceptional efficiency in deploying these resources for socioeconomic development, which vividly reflected in the state's rank of 8th regarding socioeconomic development performance.

In the report released by the consulting firm, Pcl remarked that the positive economic outlook for Ekiti State is underpinned by several promising factors, which also encompasses stability in governance  and political alignment with the Federal Government.

Other standpoints catalogued  by the respectable body that are setting Ekiti on a faster pace of economic  rebirth include promotion of inclusive governance, investment in Human Capital Development, job creation, and prudent resource utilisation.

The report rated the state highly in promotion of  liberal democracy that accommodates all shades of opinions  and declared that the personality of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, largely perceived to be a rabid believer of participatory governance, is also adding value to governance and political participation.

The report posited that though the state has history of political unpredictability, but still maintains relative stability and occasional alignment with the federal government, which tend to reduce election-related violence, attract federal presence and enabling a smoother succession planning process.

The report averred further that  Ekiti State had distinguished itself from many other states in Nigeria by effectively engaging with its residents and indigenous population, which it said helped in fostering a  sense of satisfaction among the state's inhabitants.

 

The report expressed the fact that Oyebanji's Economic Team , comprising individuals with proven integrity  and strong business orientation, will bridge the noticeable  economic knowledge gap in the system for expeditious attainment of the deserved height in economic development.

 

The report said: "Ekiti State is strongly committed to investing in health and education. This investment serves as a catalyst for the security of lives and properties while driving development across various sectors of the economy.

"Job creation is critical to socioeconomic development. Ekiti State has shown a commitment to managing the risk of unemployment effectively, as indicated by a high score in this regard. This commitment to job creation positively impacts the lives of residents and their dependants, fostering social and economic well-being.

 

"Ekiti State's ability to make the most of its limited resources stems from the necessity to innovate and manage resources effectively. This culture of innovation ensures that the state is managed efficiently, even with relatively fewer endowments than other states.

"Ekiti State is characterised by electoral outcomes that closely reflect the wishes and aspirations of its populace. This democratic environment compels the

government to work diligently, addressing the concerns of its citizens. It encourages politicians to offer constructive criticism and gain public support for electoral victories.

"Governor Biodun Oyebanji's profile highlights a history of service to humanity. While he may need more in-depth economic and wealth creation knowledge, forming a solid economic team can compensate for this limitation, thereby spearheading the state's economic transformation.

"The road ahead for Ekiti State is undoubtedly promising. With a combination of efficient resource utilisation, a solid commitment to human capital development, and a liberal democratic environment, Ekiti is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and development", it stated.

However, the report urged the state to identify and eliminate impediments to conducting business within its borders, implement tax reforms and create an enabling environment for businesses and investments for enhanced internally generated revenue (IGR).

For the actualisation of the expected economic and business status, the report  advised the government to focus on human capital development, enhance citizen engagement, explore opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing with states that have excelled in similar socioeconomic conditions.

Meanwhile, the state is already responding to the business constraints identified with the approval of the Business Enabling Reform Action Plan and inauguration of the Board of Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA).

Repentant terrorists swore by Quran, can’t return to killings – Borno.

Repentant terrorists swore by Quran, can’t return to killings – Borno

The Borno State government said, on Wednesday, that the 160,000 repentant  Boko Haram insurgents can’t return to killings because they swore to an oath with the Quran.

The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, whose ministry oversees the affairs of the ex-combatants and rescued captives, added that of the 160,000 repentant insurgents, 70,000 had been resettled and reintegrated into their communities.

Gambo stressed that having sworn by the Quran the ex-terrorists would never return to the bush to rejoin Boko Haram.

She spoke at the public presentation of survivors, victims and deradicalised women of Boko Haram by the UKAID-assisted Maiduguri-based non-governmental organisation, Allamin Foundation.

The commissioner allayed the growing public fears that the resurgence of terror in the North-East was being caused by the repentant terrorists reneging on their repentance and trooping back to the bush to pick up arms against the Nigerian state.

She said, “It is completely untrue that the repentant Boko Haram fighters are reneging on their repentance and returning to the bush to continue fighting.

“Out of the over 160,000 who repented, we have already reintegrated over 70,000 in their home communities, and I can assure you that no one will be missing should we decide to gather all of them for anyone to confirm. We operate a transparent process of their repentance.”

The commissioner said she was sure the repentant insurgent would not return to the trenches, having taken an oath with the Quran.

“We subject each of them to proper oath taking with the Holy Quran that he or she will never return to the bush to fight; and he or she swears with the Holy Quran in the presence of a committee comprising traditional rulers, religious leaders and government officials.

“No repentant Boko Haram dare renege on the oath because he or she knows what it means to swear with the Holy Quran and renege; and he or she knows that he or she dare not return to the bush because he or she knows that death awaits him on arrival; their commanders in the bush will kill him because they would not trust him.”

Gambo said about 75 per cent of the repentant insurgents were originally farmers, who were captured and forced into insurgency.

“They were not real fighters,” she said.

She, however, said the state government would study the entire charters of demand and do everything it could about them.

The charter comprises the demands of the survivors and victims from the government, security agencies, NGOs, the media, traditional and religious leaders, community members and other stakeholders for proper rehabilitation to a prosperous life.

Lagos begins N750m ‘Trader Money’ payment

Lagos begins N750m ‘Trader Money’ payment.

The Lagos State Government, on Wednesday, flagged off the Lagos Market Trader Money Initiative to give N50,000 cash to each of 15, 000 traders in the state to boost their businesses.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while unveiling the programme at LTV8, Agidingbi, Ikeja, said the beneficiaries were selected through a methodical process.

The governor said 200 of the beneficiaries were selected from markets in each of the 57 local government areas and local council development areas.

He said 50 beneficiaries were selected by the Iyaloja/Babaloja General in each LGA/LCDA making a total of 14,250 traders.

“750 beneficiaries were identified from markets within the barracks and military formations across the state in collaboration with their respective Iyaloja/Babaloja. This brings the total number of beneficiaries to 15,000.

“To ensure fairness in the selection process while demonstrating the spirit of Lagos as being home to all, the beneficiaries were drawn from across all the geopolitical zones of the nation with 11,039 from the South-West, 914 from the South-East, 868 from the South-South, 1,710 from North-Central, 373 from the North-West and 107 from the North-East,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He added that 74 per cent of the beneficiaries were women while the remaining 26 per cent were men.

He said 33.7 per cent of them are below 40 years while 66.3 per cent are above 40 years.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, explained that: “This initiative is part of the government’s efforts towards ensuring sustainable livelihoods and wealth creation for traders across the state.”

Ghana’s president removes finance minister in reshuffle.

Ghana’s president removes finance minister in reshuffle.

Ghana’s president removed his finance minister in a sweeping reshuffle on Wednesday ahead of December elections where an economic crisis looks set to take centre stage.

Ken Ofori-Atta will be replaced by lawmaker Mohammed Amin Adam, according to a presidency statement.

The long-serving finance minister, in office since 2017, has faced criticism for his handling of Ghana’s most severe economic crisis in decades.

Inflation rates exceeded 50 per cent in 2022, and the stable West African country accepted a $3 billion International Monetary Fund bailout after the Ghanaian cedi lost half of its value.

The IMF said inflation was down to 23 per cent in December last year and “headed in the right direction” even if it remained high.

Observers think the replacement of the finance minister is partly designed to help Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who is running for president, distance himself from the crisis.

“It was long overdue and that is what we have all been clamouring for. Things were just not working and the hardship was so obvious that Ghanaians could not take it anymore,” economist William Ansong told AFP.

He said President Nana Akufo-Addo’s move would inject fresh perspective and expertise to help navigate the complex economic challenges facing the gold-and-oil rich nation.

Amin Adam previously served as the deputy minister for energy, overseeing the pivotal petroleum sector.

His tenure in various ministerial roles, including deputy minister for the Northern Region in 2005, underscores his extensive experience and understanding of Ghana’s socio-economic landscape.

He is renowned as a heavyweight in the extractive sector and has been instrumental in shaping policies to harness Ghana’s abundant natural resources.

As the founder of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, he has played a pivotal role in advocating for sustainable energy practices and fostering dialogue on crucial economic issues.

The cabinet reshuffle affected 13 ministers of state. Former information minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah will move to the housing ministry, and be replaced by his deputy Fatimatu Abubakar.

Ambrose Dery, who held the interior minister portfolio, has been re-assigned to the office of the president.

AFP

Declare state of emergency on insecurity, NBA tells Tinubu.

Declare state of emergency on insecurity, NBA tells Tinubu.

The Nigerian Bar Association has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the insecurity ravaging many parts of the country.

The NBA president, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing journalists on the state of the nation.

Maikyau said this should be done in addition to ensuring the right investments in security in line with global trends in security without compromising Nigeria’s sovereignty.

He said insecurity has left many Nigerians homeless and businesses destroyed, adding that citizens were losing confidence in the Federal Government to deal with the insecurity plaguing the country.

He said, “Some Nigerians have lost, and many more are fast losing confidence in the ability of the Federal Government to deal with the security situation in Nigeria.

“At this time, when public confidence in the sincerity of the government in dealing with insecurity is at its lowest ebb, I strongly recommend a government/people engagement that will, at the minimum, inform the people (to the extent that security protocol may allow) about what is being done to secure the nation. Alternatively, let there be clear indicators

“I can on the President to show a demonstrable commitment to prioritise the security of the lives and properties of Nigerians as already committed by you.

“The government, through our Armed Forces and other security agencies, must ensure that no square inch of the Nigerian territory is left ungoverned; no part of Nigeria should be left under the control of criminal elements by whatever name so-called.”

The NBA president added that the FG “must adopt a holistic approach to the issue of security while not overlooking the peculiarities of each region and design bespoke measures to deal with them accordingly. In this wise, the government must neither be scared nor ashamed to make the right investments in security, in line with global trends, without compromising our sovereignty.”

He stated that it’s high time the FG declared a state of emergency “in the area of security and I urge you, Mr. President not to waste time and spare no effort in this regard. ”

He also lamented the dwindling of the economy as well as the nation’s currency.

“The Nigerian economy is dwindling, the value of the Naira has been bastardised, prices of foodstuff have skyrocketed, and everything negative seems to be on the rise. The insecurity has equally impacted negatively on food sufficiency and food security as a nation,” he said.

Maikyau lamented that farmers could no longer go to their farms, adding that “while this administration may argue that it is only seven months into office and is not the cause of present-day experience, the fact remains that it is this government that has the responsibility of stemming the negative tide.”

He urged the President to spell out his plans as well as efforts in revamping the nation’s economy and to declare a state of emergency on the failing economy of the country.

Maikyau urged Tinubu to state deadlines for specific fundamental economic steps to be taken toward economic recovery.

He said, “Nigerians need to know, as we all are entitled to, in concrete terms, the plans this administration has for the revamping of our economy. It is the government/citizens’ engagement on the strategies for the recovery, reformation, and repositioning of the economy and all other sectors, that will give Nigerians hope to continue to persevere and remain resilient as we have always been.

“Not to do so will cause a complete loss of confidence in the ability of this administration to truly deliver on the renewed hope agenda, and would be recorded as a monumental failure on the part of government.”

The NBA president also threatened to engage in a legal battle with the FG if the Enhanced Trade Investment agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is not reviewed.

He said,  “We will fight it. We have the responsibility of protecting the legal space. I come from the village and I know what it means. Do you want those in the village who are struggling to make a living to still have competitors from the UK to take the little he has?

“There are already wholesome practices by some people few lawyers in this country who would come back to Nigeria and set up offices for English firms Continue to practice because they’ve been called to Practice in Nigeria and that is completely unacceptable.”

“I have my suspicions and nobody has allayed my suspicions over the deal. We will seek the judiciary interpretation of the propriety of that decision and we are entitled to do that. This is a matter that will go to court. There is no matter about it. We cannot be naive about these things anymore.”

House of Reps Job Racketeering Probe.

House of Reps Job Racketeering Probe.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, urged the Federal Government to ban the production, importation, distribution, and use of styrofoam and single-use plastics in the country.

This is even as it advocated a phased and gradual approach to the ban by providing sufficient time for businesses and industries to transition to alternative eco-friendly materials and practices.

Earlier in the year, a civil society organisation, the Joint Action for Good Governance, called on the Federal Government to implement a nationwide ban on styrofoam owing to growing concerns over its health risk.

As a result, the lawmakers urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and other relevant agencies to monitor the quality of packaging of foods and beverages, particularly in fast-moving consumer goods, ensuring that global best practices are followed.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to ban the use and distribution of styrofoam and single-use plastic across the country,” moved by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Kwara State, Mr Muktar Shagaya at a plenary session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

Shagaya while presenting the motion noted that the provisions of Section 20 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), place a responsibility on the Federal Government to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations, and ensure the health and well-being of its citizens.

He argued that the increasing use of styrofoam and single-use plastics in Nigeria poses significant environmental and public health risks, including pollution of waterways, soil, and air quality, among others.

“Chemical found in styrofoam is linked to health issues, such as cancer, vision and hearing loss, impaired memory and concentration, and nervous system effects. The House is aware that styrofoam is prohibited in Taiwan, Rwanda, England, and many other European countries, together with some towns and states in the United States. Currently, the product is illegal in Lagos and Abia states.

“The House is also aware that alternatives to styrofoam and single-use plastics, such as biodegradable materials, reusable containers, and recyclable packaging, can reduce environmental impact and public health risks.”

The lawmaker further stated that the increasing use of styrofoam and single-use plastics in Nigeria “not only leads to increased plastic waste and environmental pollution but also poses a significant health risk.”

Cognizant of the need to address the environmental and public health crises posed by styrofoam and single-use plastics to safeguard the future of Nigeria’s natural resources, ecosystems, health, and the well-being of its citizens, the House mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services, Environment, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

The Lagos State Government had in January announced the ban on styrofoam in the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made the declaration in a statement released by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.

FG to distribute 42,000MT grains nationwide, engages DSS, NEMA.

FG to distribute 42,000MT grains nationwide, engages DSS, NEMA.

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, announced that it would distribute the 42,000 metric tonnes of grains approved by President Bola Tinubu to poor Nigerians at no cost.

It also announced that the Department of State Services and the National Emergency Management Agency had been engaged in the distribution process to ensure that the commodities get to the targeted citizens nationwide.

It disclosed this through the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja.

Last week, President Tinubu directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release about 42,000MT of maize, millet and other commodities from the national strategic reserves to address the rising cost of food in Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in Abuja after a meeting of the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention.

Idris also stated that the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria had committed to releasing about 60,000MT of rice to the markets.

“The first one is that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has been directed to release about 42,000MT of maize, millet, garri, and other commodities in their strategic reserve so that these items will be made available to Nigerians; 42,000MT immediately.

“The second one is that we have held meetings with the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. Those who are responsible for producing this rice and we have asked them to open up their stores.

“They’ve told us that they can guarantee about 60,000 metric tons of rice. They will make that available to Nigerians; to bring out to the market to make food available,” the information minister had told journalists.

Explaining how the 42,000MT grains would be distributed at the press briefing on Wednesday, the Agric minister said it would go to poor Nigerians for free.

Kyari said, “This 42,000MT is going to the needy free of charge. It will be directly to the needy at no cost.”

Asked to state how the government would identify the needy, Kyari replied, “We’ve met with NEMA and DSS to give us the index. These are where to gather intelligence reports on where it is needed the most. And we are going to look at those indices.”

The agric minister insisted that the government would ensure that only those who need the grains benefit from the exercise, adding that state governors had been put on notice about this development.