Oyebanji's Wife Launches Adire Ekiti Hub As 200 Youths Commence Training.

Oyebanji's Wife Launches Adire Ekiti Hub As 200 Youths Commence Training. 

....Governor Says Scheme Will Turn Job Seekers to Job Creators.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, on Monday unveiled a local fabrics empowerment scheme and training centre, Adire Ekiti Hub, to give economic empowerment to the unemployed and widows in the state.

A total of 200 beneficiaries drawn from Ekiti Central Senatorial District began the training sponsored by Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his wife in partnership with the Nike Okundaye Art Foundation. Two batches of 200 participants each drawn from Ekiti North and Ekiti South senatorial districts are to commence training by next week. 

The Adire Ekiti Hub which has the main building and workshop was commissioned by the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi to the admiration of the Governor, the First Lady and other guests present.

The First Lady, Dr. Oyebanji said the Adire Ekiti would benefit the state in the areas of provision of sustainable livelihoods, promotion of entrepreneurship, creation of opportunities for economic empowerment and preservation of cultural heritage in the Land of Honour.

The Governor's wife, who is also the initiator of Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project, said she envisioned "a community of skilled artisans, vibrant entrepreneurs and a thriving Adire industry that contributes to the growth and prosperity of Ekiti State."

The beneficiaries are expected to undergo two weeks intensive training on the intricacies of tie and dye at the training facility dedicated for the project which was commissioned by Governor Oyebanji as part of the events of the day.

The building housing the Adire Ekiti Hub was donated by the former lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly and immediate past Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.

But Dr. Oyebanji said the opening of the Adire Ekiti Hub marked the beginning of a new chapter for the people of the state which holds the promise of long term benefits for the beneficiaries, local economy and building a brighter future for the coming generations.

She said: "The Adire Ekiti Hub represents a platform for creativity, skill development, and collaboration. It is a symbol of our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation and building a brighter future for the people of Ekiti State.

"Through this initiative, we envision a community of skilled artisans, vibrant entrepreneurs, and a thriving Adire industry that contributes to the growth and prosperity of our state."

Governor Oyebanji who charged the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunity offered by the Adire Ekiti scheme which include self sustenance, productivity and becoming job creators rather than job seekers emphasized that "provision of palliatives cannot solve Nigeria's problems."

He promised that his administration would support the beneficiaries to stand on their own, give them opportunities to access soft loans and market advising anyone among them who saw the scheme as another opportunity for free money to perish the thought as they will be strictly monitored to follow the terms of the scheme.

The Governor said: "Government cannot give everybody employment; it is good to be educated, your education will prepare you to do better in whatever area of life you find yourself so, don't see this as a share of the national cake. The challenges we have with programmes like this will be put behind you to ensure that you overcome them.

"We are going to hand-hold you, to train you and not to leave you alone because that is the problem of many government interventions. We are going to monitor you to the level that you will become independent and become employers of labour. If we do 200 per senatorial district, that is 600 (across the state) and you can now know the multiplier effects.

"A time is coming when all of you will not be able to meet up with the demands (for your product), that is what I want to see. By the time we are doing one year anniversary of this project, we will call you back to tell your success stories."

Senator Ojudu who praised the Governor and how wife for their commitment to empowering ordinary citizens emphasized that "the wealth of the nation lies in the skills of its people."

The wife of the Ooni, Olori Ogunwusi, said Adire Ekiti is a platform for capacity development, skills acquisition, job creation and wealth creation in addition to being a major part of the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

The Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Nike Art Foundation, Chief Nike Okundaye, described Adire Ekiti as "the next big thing that will happen in creative economy" stressing her readiness to assist in ensuring growth of the hub to prominence and a springboard for empowerment in local craft.

Mrs. Okundaye, who was represented by Mrs. Nneka Moses of Goge Africa, urged the stakeholders to support Mr. Oyebanji, whom she described as a "visionary Governor" and his wife, Dr. Oyebanji in rewriting a new chapter in the Ekiti story for the world to see."

While appreciating the Governor for bringing her on board, Mrs. Okundaye pledged the full support of her Foundation in ensuring that the beneficiaries get the best of training in preparation for their foray into the market and to also train others in the art of Adire making.

NANS Commends Daurama Foundation's Exemplary Humanitarian Initiatives.

NANS Commends Daurama Foundation's Exemplary Humanitarian Initiatives.

Comr. Sadiq SK Zango CNS.

In recognition of the profound impact and transformative initiatives spearheaded by the Daurama Foundation, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) which serves as an umbrella body for all students' unions and associations across the country, boasts a membership exceeding 50 million individuals proudly extends its commendation to the foundation for its outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes across Nigeria, particularly in addressing critical aspects of female health and maternal care in Daura, Katsina State.

The Daurama Foundation, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Samira Salisu Buhari (Garkuwar Dauraman Daura), has been at the forefront of empowering marginalized communities, advancing education, and enhancing healthcare access for the underserved. Through its unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for all Nigerians, the Daurama Foundation has embarked on transformative initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of countless individuals, particularly women and adolescent girls.

One such initiative that deserves commendation is the provision of menstrual hygiene kits to over 1,700 adolescent school girls. By addressing this vital aspect of female health and empowerment, the Daurama Foundation has not only helped these young girls manage their menstrual health with dignity but has also contributed to ensuring their continued education and participation in school activities.

The Daurama Foundation has consistently demonstrated a deep sense of compassion and empathy in addressing the diverse needs of communities across Nigeria. Its holistic approach to empowerment, coupled with a strong emphasis on sustainability and local capacity-building, has earned widespread admiration and recognition.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) recognizes and applauds the Daurama Foundation for its transformative health initiatives and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of women and adolescent girls in Daura, Katsina State. The Foundation's commitment to advancing healthcare access and maternal care standards exemplifies the spirit of compassion, empowerment, and community development.

The NANS Commendation for Daurama Foundation's Exemplary Humanitarian Initiatives celebrates the foundation's tireless efforts in fostering positive social change and creating lasting impact in the lives of the most vulnerable members of society. By championing the principles of inclusivity, equity, and social justice, the Daurama Foundation has set a remarkable standard for philanthropic organizations in Nigeria and beyond.

As we celebrate the impactful contributions of the Daurama Foundation, NANS extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Samira Buhari and the entire team for their visionary leadership and tireless efforts in making a tangible difference in the lives of others and reaffirms our support for their noble mission. May their continued efforts inspire positive change and transformative impact in communities across Nigeria.

FG plans foreign training for select doctors.

FG plans foreign training for select doctors.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, says the Federal Government plans to send some medical personnel abroad for training in certain specialties with a view to checking medical tourism and enhancing research,

Alausa said the Federal Ministry of Health was working with the National Postgraduate Medical College, Ijanikin, Lagos State towards the plan.

 The health minister spoke in Lagos on Friday during the investiture of Dr Peter Ebeigbe as the 23rd President of the

National Postgraduate Medical College, Ijanikin.

Ebeigbe, a fellow in the Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was elected on December 1, 2023, during the 131st statutory meeting of the governing board of the college, and he is expected to hold the position for the next two years after taking over from the immediate past president, Dr Akinsanya Osibogun.

Delivering a speech at the ceremony, Alausa said the ministry was developing new curricula to solve the challenges in the health sector.

He said, “I am to announce that the college, in collaboration with the ministry, is establishing training in many other sub-specialties to be able to treat Nigerians, reduce medical tourism, and enhance research.

“The new curriculum being developed includes interventional cardiology in the faculty of internal medicine and cardiac electrophysiology in the faculty of internal medicine. This is extremely important as a lot of people in our country now have pacemakers and automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators; interventional radiology in the faculty of radiology; pain medicine in the faculty of anesthesia; critical care medicine in the faculty of anesthesia; hospice and palliative medicine in the faculty of family medicine; and robotic surgery in the faculty of surgery.

“The FMOH is putting mechanisms in place to fund this training abroad for selected candidates who will be bonded. Surgical oncology in the faculty of surgery; and transplant surgery in the faculty of surgery. This super specialty training in solid organ transplant will focus on kidney, liver, lung, and heart transplants for now.”

Speaking during his address,  Ebeigbe lamented the dwindling earnings of medical professors and consultants compared to their counterparts in the Middle East.

He noted that the major reason why medical professionals in the country migrated abroad was for economic reasons while calling for urgent economic intervention.

Ebeigbe said, “One of my teachers who travelled to the Middle East and came back after many years explained things to me, stating that a Nigerian medical professor’s annual earnings gradually dwindled until they were less than the equivalent of $700.

“It was an insightful ‘economic’ intervention by the Federal Government for the enactment of the Medical Salary Scale, which resulted in better pay for doctors, that put an end to the medical brain drain.

“The root cause of brain drain is economic, and economic intervention is currently needed to stem the worsening cascade and prevent a collapse of the health system. As a person who relates closely and daily with resident doctors and trainers, I must inform the honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare about the severity of the situation.”

Reps ask airlines to refund N4bn COVID-19 funds.

Reps ask airlines to refund N4bn COVID-19 funds.

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has issued a one-week deadline to all private airline operators in the country to account for the sum of N4bn given to them by the Federal Government to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic or refund same in the absence of justifiable evidence of how the amount was spent.

The committee, chaired by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party from Osun State, Bamidele Salam, issued the ultimatum on Friday at the resumed investigative hearing into the alleged mismanagement of the COVID-19 intervention funds by ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

It was reported that the committee is investigating over 56 MDAs for alleged mismanagement of the intervention funds.

The committee said, “All private airlines that received COVID-19 relief funds designated to support the aviation sector are to refund the allocated funds to the Federal Government treasury if they fail to give justifiable evidence of how the money was judiciously spent within a week.”

The committee lamented that in spite of their appearance, many airlines and industry stakeholders, including Aero Contractors, Azman and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, could not convince the lawmakers satisfactorily how the funds given to them were expended to manage the COVID-19 pandemic challenge.

The Marketing Manager of Azman Airlines, Odum Uju, who represented the company at the hearing, admitted receiving N367.90m purportedly allocated for various operational expenses, including aircraft maintenance, spare parts, fuelling, forex purchasing, and insurance premium paid while the Station Manager of Aero Contractor, Abdulmalik Musa, said the company received N217.35m from the Federal Government to manage the threat of the coronavirus.

The representative of the Aero Contractor Airline, however, said the fund was used for airport handling and facility payment, fuelling, onboard catering payment, pilot training payments, and lease rental payments.

Reacting to the submissions, a member of the committee and former pilot with the Nigerian Air Force, Ojuawo Adeniyi from Ekiti State, faulted the submissions, saying the services claimed by the operators were applicable only during the regular operations of airlines.

Subsequently, a motion was moved by the member representing Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency, Cross River State, Akiba Bassey, for the refund of N4bn to the Federation Account should the airlines fail to give the committee a satisfactory account of how they spent the COVID-19 intervention funds and same was unanimously supported by his colleagues.

FG eyes 10,000 jobs from offshore waste management deal.

FG eyes 10,000 jobs from offshore waste management deal.

The Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has said at least 10,000 jobs will be created following an offshore waste management agreement signed with a private firm, XPO Marine Services Limited.

The agreement is for the collection of offshore waste generated in the eastern zone.

Speaking on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the flag-off of the offshore waste reception facility for the Eastern Zone Operations of NIMASA, the agency’s Deputy Director, Public Private Partnership unit, Kabiru Diso, said for decades it was difficult to take care of waste beyond 10 nautical miles of the country’s shorelines.

Diso said, “Today is a very remarkable day, not remarkable because we have inaugurated the implementing stage of this contract but for having an opportunity for Nigeria as a country to be able to discharge its function under IMO obligation through PPP arrangement.

“Under this arrangement, a lot of income will come to the Federal Government, a lot of youth employment will come with this project. If we have this kind of project two, three in the country, I’m sure within the shortest possible time we will move from where we are to be among the first maritime nations.”

While noting that the concession arrangement was for 10 years, Diso said, “Every collection they make, 60 per cent is going to the concessionaire, 20 per cent is going to the Federal Government of Nigeria and 20 per cent is going to NIMASA. And it is performance-based. It is when they do the job certification they will get paid.”

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of XPO Marine Services Limited, Wellington Agharese, said the firm would be moving from one platform to the other, from one ship to the other to collect oil and solid waste “so that our aquatic environment can be preserved and we take the waste for ultimate disposal’.

“The time you take the multiplier employment implication you are talking of something more than N10,000 both direct and indirect employment,” Agharese stated.

Investment prospects: Wike approves Abuja maiden infrastructure investment expo.

Investment prospects: Wike approves Abuja maiden infrastructure investment expo.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved Abuja maiden infrastructure investment expo initiative to explore strategic areas that will attract investment opportunities and boost development.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on legal and multilateral cooperation to the minister, Benedict Daudu disclosed this at the weekend during the first meeting of a committee that will fast track Abuja infrastructure investment expo proposed to be held in the first half of 2024.

Daudu said across the world, governments partner with the private sector for development and also explained that the expo is targeted at investors who are interested in providing infrastructure for all sectors for accelerated development in the nation’s capital in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He revealed that the event will attract both local and foreign investors that will avail them the opportunity to partner with FCT in line with government guidelines under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement and make Abuja a smart city under the watch of the minister, Nyesom Wike.

The SSA explained that the plan will also bring about unparalleled infrastructure development to most districts or communities in need of basic infrastructure that would put Abuja in a more global stage.

According to him, the time has come to revive the hiding potential and opportunities in the territory under Wike’s watch.

Daudu said: “Abuja infrastructure investment expo is being proposed for infrastructure development within the FCT, one that has not been carried out in the territory. It is a time that is needed to drive infrastructure development and it will capture the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. It will really propel the FCT to where it is.

“We are targeting both foreign and national direct investment opportunities from interested investors who will come in to partner with the FCTA and to bring the expo to a global stage where you can see the FCT growing into a smart city under Nyesom Wike.

“It will propel us greatly in the right direction, and is going to review president Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

On her part, a member of the committee and acting Director FCTA Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Jumai Ahmadu commended the minister for his Informed decision to rewrite the history of infrastructure in the Nation’s capital.

She said the committee would think deeply and draw an acceptable template that will be in line with Wike’s plan for a new FCT especially in districts that require additional government intervention.

According to her: “We are going to work with the relevant SDAs, we will think deeply on areas of infrastructure deficit and ensure that the concept is in line with Wike’s plan for the new FCT.

“The infrastructure investment expo is going to focus only on infrastructure, the government alone can’t do it. The novel idea is going to be first of its kind.

“The minister saw the need to develop FCT, and he feels that the idea will help the territory. FCT is 48 years old and there are a lot of opportunities that we need to develop more, tourism is one of the key areas, some countries tourism is their main stay, that can happen in Abuja.

“People can be invited to take over the site and develop it for us, it will bring about huge revenue generation for FCT Administration.” Jumai said.

Report any official demanding bribe, inducement to me directly – Tinubu tells Qatari investors.

Report any official demanding bribe, inducement to me directly – Tinubu tells Qatari investors.

President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, March 2, asked the global business community not to miss out on the golden opportunity for investment that Nigeria is offering now, just because of old perceptions.

He emphasized that his administration is actively eliminating obstacles to business, including corruption, to facilitate smoother investment processes.

Speaking at the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, the Qatari capital, President Tinubu assured investors of access to him, to be able to get their concerns across to him, including reporting officials who might demand bribes from them.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu assured the international business community that Nigeria is ready for serious business as his administration will deal decisively with any and all entrenched interests in the country, who undermine investor confidence in the Nigerian economy, pledging to remove all bottlenecks standing in the way of profitable and legitimate enterprise.

The President told Qatari investors that Africa’s largest economy and its systems are being reformed and upgraded, and asked them to report any government official who demands a bribe or any form of inducement at any point in their business endeavour, moving forward, with full assurance of their direct access to the President’s Office.

“I am here to give you the assurance that reforms are going on; forget about whatever you heard in the past. Whatever is the obstacle or problem that some of you might have experienced; it is in the past, because there is no obstacle in the future.

“Do not offer a bribe to any of our people, and if it is requested or taken from you, report to us. You will have access to me. Nigeria will no longer be defined by the past, but by what we do now and moving forward. Do not let perceptions become a hindrance to your will to invest. Nigeria is serious about revolutionizing investment promotion.

“We are removing obstacles today and we are going to continue to remove all obstacles. We have done so much within nine months and I am assuring you, it is free entry and free exit. Your funds will flow smoothly into and out of our country. Bring your investments,” the President stated.

Moreover, the President noted that the war against corruption and insecurity in Nigeria had been significantly strengthened with the appointment of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as National Security Adviser (NSA).

“We have a man who has won many global awards for anti-corruption as an anti-corruption czar.

“My responsibility is to tell you that Nigeria is open for business, and to assure you that your investments are safe in our hands. We have men and women of great reputation here. And we believe we can forge a good committee that will advance our discussions to fruitful conclusions.

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“A nation is an artificial entity unless there are good people to drive it. People build great nations and we have great people. We are ready,” the President affirmed.

The President also noted that Nigeria possesses vast opportunities in various fields, telling his host: “We have oil and gas; we have solid minerals. I do not see why we cannot become prolific partners in exploring iron ore, as well as steel production, and energy across the board.

“I am here to give you assurances in all spheres: tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and in many other opportunities that abound around us. Do not be the investors who miss out on the golden opportunity we present,” the President added.

Welcoming the Nigerian delegation in the presence of Qatari captains of industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, said his country looks forward to exploring opportunities in Nigeria, owing to its population demography and market, as it seeks to prioritize new investments in low carbon initiatives, mineral products, petroleum chemicals, industry, and consumables.

“We look forward to working with our Nigerian counterparts to achieve our joint objectives in these sectors,” the Minister said.

Accompanying the President to the Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum were: Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.

Others are the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Youth, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo.

Also at the meeting were the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen; and the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye.