Tinubu directs creation of youth unemployment benefits.

Tinubu directs creation of youth unemployment benefits.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the creation of a Social Security Unemployment Programme where unemployed youths will be paid to ease economic hardship.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at the State House, Abuja, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Tinubu.

He said: “At this period of heightened food prices, Mr. President has committed to doing all that can be done to assist in giving purchasing power to the poorest and in that line, he has committed and instructed that the social security unemployment programme be devised, particularly to cater for the youths, for the unemployed graduates, as well as the society as a whole. So, we have coming, in the nearest future, an unemployment benefit for the young unemployed, in particular.”

The Minister also informed there were plans for setting up of a consumer credit scheme to alleviate the pains of economic adjustment. 

“Finally, all in the same line, to emphasise that there is empathy. And there is feeling for those who are less well off, or feeling particularly the pains of this adjustment, there is coming a social consumer credit programme. 

“So, by making consumer credit available, of course, goods become more affordable, the economy even gets a chance to revive faster, because people have purchasing power that allows them to order goods, products,” he stated. 

Edun also spoke on the review carried out by the Special Presidential panel on the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), which has submitted a preliminary report to the president. 

He informed that President gave the highlights to the Council meeting noting that what was done was “a review of the existing mechanisms, a review of the existing programmes, and where there have been successes, such as the 400,000 beneficiaries of the GEEP programme, and so on and so forth.”

He said: “Those have been identified and recognised. School feeding programme is another example of relative success and whilst there is still some further work to be done, particularly, as regards availability of the financial data, which is still being looked at, the interim report has been submitted and a key recommendation of the panel was that, especially given the heightened, limited household purchasing power at this time, rising prices, particularly elevated food prices, it’s important to restart the programme. 

“So, the direct payments to 12 million households comprising, 60 million Nigerians, is to resume immediately with the important proviso that every beneficiary will be identified by their National Identity Number (NIN) and the Bank Verification Number (BVN). Therefore, payments will be made into bank accounts or mobile money wallets so that whether it is before or after, there is verification of the identity of beneficiaries. 

“Each person that receives 25,000 Naira for a total of three months will be identifiable, even after they have received the money, it will be clear who it went to and when it went to them. And that is the big change that has allowed Mr. President to approve the restart of that direct payments to beneficiaries programme.”

Southwest speakers demand state police, power devolution.

Southwest speakers demand state police, power devolution.

The Southwest conference of speakers has advocated the immediate creation of state police and devolution of powers to address the hydra-headed insecurity and other socio-economic challenges facing the country.

The speakers, in a communique signed and made available to journalists at their meeting held in Ikogosi-Ekiti, said more power should be given to the sub-nationals to further enable them to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

The communique was co-signed by the conference chairman and Ekiti state speaker, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Adebo Ogundoyin, Olamide Oladiji, and Adewale Egbedun, the speakers of Oyo, Ondo, and Osun respectively.

The speakers stressed the dire need for holistic collaborative measures among the southwest governors to address the prevailing security challenges facing the region.

They also called for increased regional integration efforts to enhance economic growth and development across the six Southwestern states.

The communique reads: “The speakers endorse the devolution of power to states, especially in the realm of security, and emphasise the importance of state policing as a means to enhance security and law enforcement at the local level.

“The Conference calls on the federal government to urgently address the rising economic concerns, particularly the shortage of food, and urges citizens to support government efforts in finding lasting solutions to these challenges.

“The conference agrees to host a legislative summit to address critical issues affecting the Southwest region and to foster collaboration and cooperation among the legislative assemblies of the Southwest states.

“We hereby affirm our commitment to these resolutions and pledge to work collectively towards the advancement and prosperity of the Southwest region.”

Gov Oyebanji's Transformative Initiatives Reshaping Ekiti State's Future.

Gov Oyebanji's Transformative Initiatives Reshaping Ekiti State's Future.

By Olamide Akinwumi

In Ekiti State, the administration of Governor Biodun Abiodun Oyebanji, fondly referred to as BAO, has embarked on a series of remarkable initiatives aimed at improving the lives of its citizens and fostering economic development. These initiatives, covering various sectors, highlight the government's commitment to addressing key challenges and creating opportunities for growth.

●Significant Approvals and Payments:

●Salary Arrears Cleared: The governor approved the payment of one month salary arrears to State and Local Government workers, totaling over N2.7 billion.

●Increment in Subvention: An increment of N600 million per month was approved for autonomous institutions, including the Judiciary and all tertiary institutions.

●Pension Arrears Settled: Two months pension arrears owed to State and Local Government workers, totaling N1.5 billion, were cleared. Additionally, the monthly gratuity payment for state pensioners was increased to N100 million, and for local Government pensioners to N100 million, bringing the total monthly gratuity payment to N200 million.

●Investments in Agriculture and Livestock:

Boosting Food Production: A commitment of N1 billion was made to improve food production, with a focus on land preparation and support for small-scale farmers.

●Transforming Livestock Subsector: A significant sum of N1.2 billion was committed to transforming the livestock subsector through the World Bank-financed Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

●Support for Businesses and Economic Recovery:

●Loan Programmes: A N500 million loan programme in partnership with Access Bank was launched to support medium and small-scale businesses. Additionally, a N1 billion cooperative fund was established to provide low-interest working capital for cooperatives and members.

●Continuation of Relief Programmes: The governor approved the continuation of the conditional cash transfer to low-income households and the CARES programme, with a focus on livelihood support, technology support for small businesses, and support for agric produce, with N3.5 billion earmarked for these initiatives.

●Social Welfare and Infrastructure Development:

Free Bus Service: The provision of free bus service for students and workers within Ado-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti, with plans to extend it to Ekiti State University (EKSU) and other major towns.

●Food Distribution: Distribution of food items to the 177 wards of the State, coordinated by the Local Government Councils and Community Development Associations.

These initiatives underscore Governor Biodun Oyebanji commitment to touching lives and solving problems in Ekiti State, driving positive change and progress across the region. With a focus on inclusive growth and sustainable development, the administration continues to make significant strides in improving the welfare and well-being of its citizens.

NANS backs out from NLC planned protest, seeks dialogue with FG.

NANS backs out from NLC planned protest, seeks dialogue with FG.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its planned industrial action and embrace dialogue with the federal government.

A statement by NANS Senate president, Akinteye Afeez said the impact of the strike on academic activities would be particularly devastating for students, who are already grappling with various challenges within the educational system.

He said disruptions to academic calendars, examinations, and other educational activities could derail the progress of students and exacerbate the already precarious situation in the education sector.

The student body stressed the importance of unity and solidarity in times of crisis, urging the NLC to join hands with the government and other stakeholders in advancing the development agenda of the nation.

The statement reads in part: “The Nigerian government has reportedly fulfilled approximately 60 percent of the demands presented by the NLC, indicating a commitment to addressing the concerns of workers and improving their welfare. However, the looming threat of a strike poses a significant risk of further exacerbating the economic challenges facing the nation and disrupting the lives of ordinary citizens, including students.

“We are appealing to the NLC to shun the path of strike action and explore alternative avenues for resolving disputes with the government. We believe that dialogue and constructive engagement are essential for addressing grievances and achieving meaningful progress in improving the welfare of workers and citizens alike.”

NANS pledged its support for the NLC in their advocacy and efforts to address challenges facing workers while ensuring the well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians.

Protest over economic hardship paralyses commercial activities in Edo.

Protest over economic hardship paralyses commercial activities in Edo.

Protest by members of Edo Civil Society Organisations, (EDOCSO) on Monday, February 26, paralysed commercial activities in Benin, the Edo State capital, and its environs.

The protesters called on President Bola Tinubu to address the economic hardship in Nigeria.

Members of EDOCSO, who were armed with placards, bearing various inscriptions, took the protest march from the popular Ring Road and moved to Akpakpava Road, and other busy roads in Benin.

Inscriptions on their placards included: “Nigerians are starving to death”, “Tinubu, end hunger and suffering in Nigeria” and “FG, end hunger in Nigeria now” among others.

EDOCSO’s interim chairman, Austine Enabulele, while addressing reporters at the venue of the protest, stated that the 14-day ultimatum given to President Tinubu to fix the Nigerian economy had since elapsed, with nothing done to address hunger in the country.

Enabulele said: “On February 10, 2024, we held a news briefing and gave the Federal Government two weeks to fix the problems of Nigeria and end hunger in the country. Two weeks have long expired, and nothing has been done.

“So, we have come out today to tell President Tinubu to fix the hunger and suffering in Nigeria. Enough is enough. We cannot take the pains anymore. Enough of the hunger, enough of the hardship, enough of bad governance in Nigeria.

“Nigerians are dying every day. Children are now becoming orphans, because their fathers are dying, because of the hardship in Nigeria.

“The President should give value to our naira, because Nigerians do not use Dollars. We cannot be living our lives in Dollars.”

A cleric with Omega Fire Ministries (OFM), Benin, Pastor Azemhe Azena, who is the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the September 21 election in Edo, during the protest, declared that the situation was getting out of hand while admonishing the government at all levels to urgently take steps to checkmate it.

Azena said: “Hunger is biting harder in our country. The people are suffering. We are here to draw the attention of the government to the state of the economy in the entire country. The leaders should do something fast because a hungry man is an angry man.

“To prevent anger, crime, and violence in society, you have to attend to hunger. The prices of things are going up in Nigeria per hour. So, we should control, and regulate the prices of goods. So, that the poor can breathe, and afford the items.

“I am a pastor, I can feel it in the faces of members of my congregation. The load is becoming too much on the clerics because they need to pay people’s school fees, feed them, transport them, and pay hospital bills. We meet them daily, but government officials do not meet them on a daily basis. Government officials only meet them during elections.”

The NNPP’s governorship candidate also urged the government officials to quickly do something about the difficult situation in Nigeria.

FEC adopts Orosanye Report for implementation.

FEC adopts Orosanye Report for implementation.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Monday, February 26, approved the adoption of the Orosanye Report, aimed at the reduction of cost of governance, for implementation.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to journalists during a media briefing after the FEC meeting, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

According to Idris, the adoption of the report means that some agencies, commissions and departments of government would be scrapped, some merged, some subsumed under some others and others moved under new ministries where they are supposed to perform better.

“In a very bold move today, this administration, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, consistent again with his courage to take very far-reaching decisions in the interest of Nigerians, has taken a decision to implement the so called Orosanye Report.

“Now, what that means is that a number of agencies, commissions, and some departments have actually been scrapped, some have been merged, while others have been subsumed. Others, of course, have also been moved from some ministries to others where government feels they will operate better.

“Like I said, this is a very far-reaching decision. It is aimed, one, to fine-tune or to restructure government operations as a whole. Secondly, it’s in line also with decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce the cost of governance”, he said.

He, however, explained that the adoption of the report did not mean people working in the affected agencies and departments will lose their jobs.

Everton’s 10-point deduction reduced to six.

Everton’s 10-point deduction reduced to six.

Everton have had their 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) reduced to six following their appeal hearing.

Everton will now be on 25 points which moves them up to 15th and five points above the bottom three.

It was reported Everton were sanctioned by an independent commission on November 17 after being found to have exceeded permitted losses by £19.5m over an assessment period ending with the 2021-22 season.

The club appealed the decision with the hearing taking place over three days, which concluded at the start of February.

“Everton FC appealed the sanction imposed against it on nine grounds, each of which related to the sanction rather than the fact of the breach, which the club admitted,” the Premier League said in a statement.

“Two of those nine grounds were upheld by the appeal board, which has substituted the original points deduction of 10 for six.”

Everton said they were satisfied the appeal had resulted in a reduction in the points sanction.

Everton said in a statement they were “particularly pleased with the appeal board’s decision to overturn the original commission’s finding that the club failed to act in utmost good faith”.

“That decision, along with reducing the points deduction, was an incredibly important point of principle for the club on appeal,” the statement added. “The club, therefore, feels vindicated in pursuing its appeal.”

“Notwithstanding the appeal board’s decision, and the positive outcome, the club remains fully committed to cooperating with the Premier League in respect of the ongoing proceedings brought for the accounting period ending in June 2023.”