Lagos swears in five perm secs.

Lagos swears in five perm secs.

The Lagos State Government, on Wednesday, swore in five newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Banquet Hall, Governor’s Office, Alausa Secretariat, state Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, said the appointees were selected from the pool of directors who participated in the 2022 merit-based screening exercise for Permanent Secretaries appointment.

His statement revealed that it was the second swearing-in he coordinated since he assumed office as the 22nd Head of Service.

Agoro said, “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me to state for the record that the appointment of these new five Permanent Secretaries by our amiable Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, shows Mr Governor’s commitment to excellence, merit, fairness, and transparency, as the appointees were selected from the pool of directors who participated in the year 2022 merit-based screening exercise for appointment as Permanent Secretaries.”

He listed the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries as Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Somide Ayodele; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Adegbite Olakunle; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Emmanuel Audu; and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Mrs Oki Morenike.

Agoro added, “On this note, I congratulate all the five appointees on their elevation to the enviable rank of Permanent Secretary in the state public service, as I want to admonish you to ensure that you maintain good standing with the political head and all the staff of your respective MDAs, for the speedy attainment of your given mandate.

“I have full confidence in your abilities to add value to the quality of service delivery, which, in the long run, will go a long way to complement the efforts of the state government towards achieving its developmental agenda. I, therefore, urge you to hit the ground running and validate Mr. Governor’s trust and confidence in you.”

Economic hardship affecting govt projects, says Diri.

Economic hardship affecting govt projects, says Diri.

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Douye Diri, has bemoaned the current economic hardship facing the country resulting from inflation caused by the policies of the Federal Government.

The governor, while addressing members of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state at the Government House gate, Yenagoa, during the nationwide high cost of living protest on Tuesday, said he was not insulated from the economic crisis.

Explaining how the economic hardship was affecting him, Diri said ongoing development projects undertaken by his administration were attracting variation costs from contractors to reflect the current inflationary surge.

The governor said, “We are all aware, and we are all in this country. Whether you are rich or poor, whether you are a worker or you are not a worker, the current hardship has no boundaries. And it is only a fool that will say,I’m not affected’. Workers are affected; my dear countrymen, even me as governor, I’m affected.

“Do you know how I’m affected? Now, in all of our projects that we have done before, every body is putting in a paper for variation. Do you know how I’m affected? The food that I used to eat at one naira, they are now putting variation for N10.

“Do you know how I’m affected? Now, some of you who used to come and dine with me in the morning , I can no longer invite you to come and dine with me again. All of us are affected. We are all affected.”

Diri, however, told the protesting workers that he was convinced President Bola Tinubu did not deliberately inflict misery and poverty on the citizens as some tough decisions usually bring about good things.

In addition, he said the soaring prices of goods and services in the country were primarily caused by the floating naira policy of the Federal Government, noting that state governments had no hand in it.

Shedding light on the cause of inflation, Diri said, “For anything to be good, there are also some bad situations. I believe that the President of this country wouldn’t deliberately want to punish us as citizens of this country. I do believe so. Certain policies that have come out; I’m sure they (Federal Government) are also weighing the options.

“The issue about inflation mostly has to do with our currency, the policy of floating our currency. And I’m sure that as they weigh the options; because currency as you know is purely for the Federal Government; state governments cannot; we can only advise. And having received your protest letter, we can only continue to advise.

“But the decisions are taken by the Federal Government about currency. And as you all know, currency is on the Exclusive List (in the Constitution). The whole of this thing rallies around our currency. Our currency has been floated.

“I’m sure that, as I said, if it is affecting me then it certainly is affecting Mr President. And Mr President, who is the head and leader of this country, can no longer sleep. I’m sure he’s going to do something, seeing workers protesting across the country.”

Why FG will move against Binance, others- Onanuga.

Why FG will move against Binance, others- Onanuga.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information & Strategy, has voiced concerns over the impact of crypto platforms like Binance on the economy, indicating that the Federal Government is contemplating action against them to safeguard the nation's financial stability.

Speaking on Politics Tonight, a program on Channels TV, Onanuga highlighted the potential threat posed by these platforms, emphasizing their ability to manipulate exchange rates and undermine the authority of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He stressed the necessity of preventing Binance and similar platforms from causing harm to the economy.

"Some people just sit down using cyberspace to dictate our exchange rate, hijacking the role of the CBN. They just sit down and fix anything they like, and we were told If we don’t clamp down on Binance, Binance will destroy the economy of this country. They just fix the rate," Onanuga stated.

The development comes amidst reports that two senior executives at Binance have been detained by the Federal Government, with their passports seized, as reported by the UK-based business news outlet Financial Times (FT).

The move signals the government's resolve to address concerns related to cryptocurrency platforms and their potential impact on the Nigerian economy. As discussions continue, stakeholders await further details on the government's course of action regarding the regulation of crypto exchanges in the country.

The situation underscores the evolving landscape of digital finance and the challenges it poses to traditional financial institutions and regulatory authorities. As Nigeria navigates this complex terrain, ensuring regulatory oversight while fostering innovation and economic growth remains a critical balancing act for policymakers and industry stakeholders alike.

Senate throws out bill seeking to include Anambra among NDDC States.

Senate throws out bill seeking to include Anambra among NDDC States.

The Senate on Wednesday threw out a Bill which sought to include Anambra among States comprising the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The move and rejection led to disagreement between Senator Tony Nwoye (LP – Anambra North) and Senator Jibrin Isah popularly known as Echocho (APC – Kogi East).

The Bill titled: A Bill for an Act to amend the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act to make provision for the inclusion of Anambra State as one of the member state and for other connected matters thereto, 2024” was sponsored by Senator Nwoye. 

Nwoye in his lead debate, said that Anambra deserved to be a member of NDDC States having been collecting 13 per cent derivation since 2021 on account of oil production in the state on yearly basis.

But most of the Senators who made contributed to the debate on the bill, opposed the move on the grounds that States like Kogi and Lagos are not covered by NDDC operations despite being oil- producing States.

Specifically, Senator Isah said NDDC by its name is more of a regional or geographical intervention body and not just an amalgam of oil producing states.

He noted that his home State (Kogi) has also been collecting 13% derivation as an oil-producing State.

Nwoye vehemently countered Isah’s claim by repeatedly brandishing a document in his hand that it is Anambra and not Kogi, that has been collecting 13% derivation.

“Mr President and distinguished colleagues, Anambra as an oil producing state has been collecting 13% derivation from oil exploited from her wells by the federal government since 2021 and eminently deserves to be included in the operational radius of NDDC.

“Kogi State was also declared as an oil producing state but has not been collecting any 13% derivation,” he said.

At this point Senator Isah warmed Senator Nwoye to limit his argument to Anambra State and allow the Senate to decide the fate of his bill.

“Senator Nwoye with all due respect, please stop dragging Kogi State into your argument for membership of Anambra State in NDDC. Kogi State is an oil producing State and has also been collecting 13% derivation since October 2022,” he said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio in a bid to douse the tension building between the two Senators, said if the argument of Senator Nwoye on proposed membership of Anambra State in NDDC is to be accepted by the Senate, then Lagos State which has two oil wells in Badagry, will also advocate for membership of the commission. 

On submissions made by Senator Nwoye that even if NDDC is considered to be a geographical or regional interventionist body, Anambra State is qualified to be a member on account of its proximity to Niger Delta area, Akpabio said the National Boundary Commission should be allowed to so decide.

Senators voted against the bill when it was put to voice vote and was subsequently threw away.

Bring Down Prices Of Food, Other Commodities, Ekiti First Lady Begs Market Women.

Bring Down Prices Of Food, Other Commodities, Ekiti First Lady Begs Market Women.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has appealed to market women not to take advantage of the prevailing economic situation to inflict more hardship on the people of the state.

Dr. Oyebanji who held a meeting with Iyalojas (market leaders) in all local government areas of the state in her office on Wednesday said her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, was very much concerned about high prices of foodstuffs and other household commodities in markets in the state.

The First Lady urged market women in the state to have mercy on the common man and not exploit the harsh economic climate to make life difficult for the people of the state.

The wife of the Governor specifically demanded downward adjustment of prices of foodstuffs and other commodities that are not purchased with foreign exchange in the interest of the ordinary citizens who find the present situation of things difficult.

The First Lady passionately appealed to market women not to contribute to the pangs of hunger being experienced by the masses but to join hands with the Oyebanji Administration to carry out measures that would reduce hunger and poverty.

She charged the market leaders to take the message to all the markets in the state and engage traders on areas they can lessen the burden of the masses to complement what the state government is doing to ease the burden on the people.

"I want to plead with you my mothers, you are leaders in your respective markets, those commodities that are not affected by the dollar, let their prices come down. We should not take advantage of the present situation to take undue advantage of our people.

"Let's go to our markets and engage other market women. We must look for ways to ameliorate the suffering of our people. This storm will not last but the little we can do to lessen the pain, let us do it for our people to be relieved," she said.

Dr. Oyebanji noted that her husband recently rolled out some palliative measures including a N12 billion economic lifeline including payment of arrears of salaries, pensions, increment in subvention to tertiary institutions, N331 million approved for purchase of food items for distribution in all local government areas, free transportation for workers and students, among others.

The First Lady also explained that her recent visit to Irona Market in Ado Ekiti to give cash support and food packages to indigent traders and aged persons were part of measures to cushion the effects of the unfavourable economic situation in the land.

She disclosed her readiness to commence a market outreach tagged "Aya Gomina N Be Oja Wo" (Governor's Wife Visits Markets) to all parts of the state to patronize local market women and also empower indigent traders.

Earlier, the Iyaloja General of Ekiti State, Chief Habibat Ogunjobi, said the market women have always been partners of progress with Governor Oyebanji on the issues of development of the state 

Mrs. Ogunjobi said the market leaders would take the message back to traders at the local markets with a view to ensuring that the government's advice is effected to the benefit of the masses.

She said everything possible would be done so that the people of the state enjoy relief under the Oyebanji Administration.

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Investment, Trade and Industry, Mrs. Tayo Adeola; Special Adviser on Gender Empowerment, Mrs. Kemisola Olaleye and Director General, Office of Community Communications, Mrs. Mary Oso-Omotoso.

Economic hardship: I take full responsibility, says Tinubu.

Economic hardship: I take full responsibility, says Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is working to ensure that Nigeria is reformed for greater efficiency with a particular emphasis on systematically inculcating fairness and equity in all aspects of the national life.

Addressing Afenifere leaders at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, the President emphasized his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity.

''Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.

''We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity,'' the President affirmed.

On reforming Nigeria, President Tinubu said his task will be to ensure fiscal and true federalism, as well as the broad-based manifestation of the philosophy of "what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander." 

He acknowledged the understanding and support of all Nigerians in the face of the tough but temporary economic conditions, assuring them that their patience and perseverance will not be fruitless.

"The economic challenges we have endured since assuming office are not new to me. As the former governor of Lagos State, I faced similar calls for my resignation. But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.

"I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria's interests, and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused. 

"We cannot allow Nigeria's economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently," he stated.

Speaking on behalf of Afenifere, Pa Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who read the address of Pa Fasoranti, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to Nigeria's progress and expressed support for his administration's efforts.

"You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word," the elder statesman stated.

Pa Fasoranti asked President Tinubu to be fair and courageous, declaring that such traits were the hallmark of the Afenifere family.

"Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible," he said.

Senate summons Wike, CP over kidnap, killing of lawmaker’s aide.

Senate summons Wike, CP over kidnap, killing of lawmaker’s aide.

The Senate has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe, following the murder of Chris Agidy, an aide to Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North) by some kidnappers.

The Senate also agreed that the duo should appear before it for a briefing over the spate of kidnapping in the territory.

Their invitation was a sequel to the adoption of prayers contained in a motion sponsored on Wednesday by Nwoko on the kidnap and killing of his senior legislative aide.

The late Agidy was kidnapped along with 19 others in the Galadimawa area of Abuja in November 2023.

Other prayers adopted by the Senate after a debate on the motion are that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, should urgently increase security patrols and surveillance within Abuja and across the nation for proactive measures against kidnappings.

The Senate also agreed that the IG should see to the installation of CCTV Cameras in strategic locations within and around Abuja highways and that the police should dedicate a three-digit emergency number for effective emergency response.

Also, the Nigerian Communications Commission should urgently ensure the functionality of dedicated emergency numbers for the police, ambulance, and fire service emergencies to enhance swift response to security and public safety incidents.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, further stated that both the FCT Minister and CP are to meet the Senate in a closed-door session on a date to be written in a letter of invitation to be forwarded to them by the Senate’s Clerk, Chinedu Akubueze.

Akpabio said, “The FCT Minister and Police Commissioner would appear before us in closed session on a date to be sent to them by the Clerk of the Senate.

“Their expected appearance before the Senate is to hear from them, measures and strategies being put in place to stem the ugly tide of kidnappings in FCT.”

“Incidences like kidnapping and killing of  SLA of Senator Nwoko and some residents of FCT, are worrisome and must be stopped not only in FCT but in Nigeria generally.”