Nigeria on journey to self-discovery, says Shettima.

Nigeria on journey to self-discovery, says Shettima.                                                                     ......VP launches OTNI for private-public sector synergy, job creation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria cannot take over the world without understanding the right road to the future.

The Vice President spoke at the inauguration of 2,000 jobs to vibrant and talented youths yesterday in Gombe State under the Outsource Nigeria Initiative (OTNI).

The Vice President said for too long, the country had underestimated its potential that could unlock her future.

He described OTNI as a catalyst for change in business processes and technology-enabled outsourcing sector said to be the fastest route to job security for the teeming youths in the state and other parts of the country.

“Today, we embark on a journey of self-discovery. It’s a paradox for any country to possess the advantages we have and still rank in the middle or at the bottom of the economic chain.

“This is why we are here to provide a gateway to the world and remind ourselves that we are an epicentre of knowledge, an incubator of innovation, and a nurturer of brilliance. We can’t take over the world if we don’t know the road to the future. And so, we are honoured to join you in this quest.

“For too long, we have overlooked the treasure within our demographic dividends. For too long, we have underestimated our role in the knowledge economy. Far beyond the magnitude of our population and the global utility of our proficiency in English lies a profound characteristic — the Nigerian spirit.

“From the bustling cityscape of Aberdeen to the vibrant landscapes of Melbourne and the financial hubs of Zurich, this Nigerian spirit of excellence thrives. It is, therefore, time to recognise our potential and embrace this unique identity as we set out to explore the markets eager for our unique contributions.

“Today, we are not only presenting to you the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI) with the honourable aim of taking over the world. We present to you a lens to see the needs of the world, a bridge to interact with the world, and a vehicle to reach the world from the comfort of your offices and homes in Nigeria.

“Outsourcing, as an economic strategy, is not just about efficiency; it’s a profound recognition of our interconnectedness in the global economy. Outsourcing is also a strategy to counteract brain drain and channel our talents and skills into reconstructing a Nigeria that works,” he said.

Praising President Bola Tinubu for his foresight, Shettima said: “In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have a leader whose vision transcends the immediate horizon. He is a refined economic strategist who understands the balance between our present circumstances and the trajectory of the global landscape.

“Our routes to the future hinge upon our sensitivity to our realities. The tough decisions we have taken may pose short-term challenges, but rest assured, they are strategic investments to fortify the foundations of our economy.

“As your guarantee, I affirm that the reforms in progress will not only weather the storms but usher in a future where we shall stand grateful for the resilience and foresight displayed in propelling our nation towards economic prosperity.”

Shettima explained that the OTNI, which is the global business process for outsourcing industry, is a towering monument valued at over $250 billion.

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya said the initiative would unlock the business potential of the state and position it as a beacon of opportunity and innovation.

Other dignitaries at the event included Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi; deputy governors of Borno and Gombe states; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; the Emirs of Gombe and Biu, as well as the Secretary to Gombe State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi.

Kanu’s N1bn suit against DSS gets March 18 date.

Kanu’s N1bn suit against DSS gets March 18 date.

The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday adjourned a fresh N1 billion suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government until March 18 for a hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had, on January 8, reported that Justice James Omotosho fixed the hearing for yesterday.

Counsel to the defence, I.I. Hassan, told the court that they were yet to be served with the processes.

But Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, said everything needed for the service had been perfected.

He wondered why the originating motion and other applications were yet to be served on the defence by the bailiff.

Justice Omotosho adjourned until March 18 for the plaintiff to serve the defence in the suit.

NAN reports that Kanu, through his lawyer, Ejimakor, had filed the latest suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1633/2023 for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.

He sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Department of State Service (DSS) and its Director-General.

The detained IPOB leader sought “a declaration that the respondents’ act of forcible seizure and photocopying of confidential legal documents pertaining to facilitating the preparation of his defence which were brought to him at the respondents’ detention facility by his lawyers, amounted to denial of his rights to be defended by legal practitioners of his own choice”.

He also sought “a declaration that the respondents’ act of refusing or preventing his counsel from taking notes of details of counsel’s professional discussions/consultations with him at DSS detention, with said discussions/consultations relating to preparation of his defence amounted to denial of his right to be given adequate facilities for the preparation of his defence by legal practitioners of his own choice”.

Kanu sought an order compelling the respondents to issue an official letter of apology to him for the infringement of his fundamental right to a fair hearing.

He is also seeking an order mandating the respondents to jointly and severally pay the sum of N1 billion as damages for the mental, emotional, psychological and other damages he suffered as a result of the breach of his rights.

CBN slashes FX duty rates by 5.3%.

CBN slashes FX duty rates by 5.3%.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a further decrease in the exchange rate used to calculate import duties.

Information about the decrease was posted on the official trade portal of the Nigeria Customs Service. 

The reduction comes after a period of relative stability in the exchange rate between the Naira and the United States dollar.

As of yesterday, the rate for calculating customs duties was N1,544.081 per dollar. This represents a 5.3 percent decrease compared to the previous rate of N1,630.159 to a dollar used on Friday.

In simpler terms, importers will now pay N86.08 less per dollar when clearing their goods through the ports.

This change reflects the CBN’s ongoing efforts to ensure that import duties accurately reflect the prevailing exchange rate.

By adjusting the rate downward, the CBN aims to ease the pressure on companies importing goods. The expectation is that this will lead to a more predictable and stable environment for international trade.

On February 23, 2024, the CBN issued a circular in response to concerns from importers regarding fluctuating import duty.

Key points of the CBN circular include acknowledging market volatility and price distortions due to the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, addressing importers’ concerns about uncertainties caused by fluctuating exchange rates affecting duty calculations, and advising the NCS to use the closing FX rate on the date of opening Form M for imports as the fixed rate for duty assessment.

This fixed rate will remain valid until the completion of import and clearance of goods.

The measures, along with the reduced customs duty rate and clarified import duty assessment process, aim to bring stability and transparency to the import environment.

This is expected to benefit businesses, consumers, and the overall Nigerian economy.

Importers and businesses involved in international trade were advised to keep themselves updated with the latest information from the apex bank to accurately calculate duties and avoid delays or issues when clearing their goods.

Tinubu seeks global partners’ support in Africa’s battle against arms proliferation.

Tinubu seeks global partners’ support in Africa’s battle against arms proliferation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday tasked global partners to stand with Africa in its fight against growing and socio-political crisis springing up on the continent.

He gave the task at the opening of a summit on African Regional Dialogue of the Future titled: “The Africa we want and the UN we need” in Abuja.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President expressed concern over the rising threat of terrorism, insurgency and military intrusions in governance across Africa, particularly in West Africa,

He, however, pressed the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to devise innovative strategies to halt the flow of arms and light weapons into the continent.

Tinubu said: “As part of our collective response to these challenges which have grave global implications, may I urge the participants to find innovative and cost-effective strategies by which the African Union would collaborate with the United Nations and the international community to stem the tide of the proliferation of arms and light weapons into Africa, end terrorism and resurgent insurgency and to check the retrogressive return of the military in governance in Africa.”

The president commended the efforts of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development and the Stimson Centre for organising the high-level Regional Dialogue, highlighting the global call for reform and democratisation of the UN System.

“The wide support by many reputable international Civil Society Organisations and research institutions…speaks the minds of honest and progressive global citizens,” he noted, emphasising the collective desire to improve global governance through multilateralism”, Tinubu said.

The president also acknowledged the severe socio-economic, environmental, and political challenges facing many African countries, making it difficult for them to achieve their development goals.

He agreed that African perspectives and innovative priorities need to be included in policy debates to enhance the performance of global institutions in addressing sustainable development, peace and security, climate governance, and human rights.

Highlighting the establishment of a standing Network of African think tanks, President Tinubu, praised the initiative as a visionary move to ensure African voices are heard in resolving global governance challenges.

He also reiterated his commitment to negotiating the peaceful return of democratic governance in ECOWAS member states affected by military interventions.

In closing, President Tinubu officially declared the conference open, wishing participants fruitful deliberations.

On his part, the former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and founder/chairman of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy, and Development, Ibrahim Gambari, said Africans must be vocal advocates for causes that concern them.

He said: “As Africans, we must be our champions and very vocal advocates. All Africans must desire for each other a continent that is peaceful, secure, united, and prosperous.

“We must promote constitutionalism and respect for human rights and human dignity. These we must reach a consensus on as our non-negotiables and upon which all else will be built,” said Gambari.

The ace diplomat called for reforms in the UN saying “Our position for reform of the UN Security Council is to evolve into a body that is not paralysed by the misuse of vetoes as demonstrated in the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

“It must also be a more inclusive body by making changes to the configuration of both permanent and non-permanent member states, and more importantly, Africa deserves two permanent seats at the council.

“The International multilateral institutions, especially the Bretton Woods institutions, should play a stronger role as an effective partner, understanding where we are in the development lifecycle while promoting trade facilitation, efficient harnessing, and maximisation of Africa’s resources for its economic growth and benefit.”

Gambari argued that the governance of these multilateral institutions must reflect effective African participation and thus responsiveness to its needs.

“Africa cannot be asked to defend that in which it did not participate in its definition and design,” he noted.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said the commission has a plan to completely change the continent Agenda by 2063.

 He blamed Africa’s failure to deepen democracy and collective security as a major impediment to achieving sustainable development and progress.

Governor Oyebanji; The Leader That Connects The Clock And The Compass.

Governor Oyebanji; The Leader That Connects The Clock And The Compass.

By Obababa GCFR.

Leadership is considered the most essential catalyst for development. A good leadership requires both efficiency and effectiveness. True leaders have the ability to connect the clock which signifies efficiency and the compass which implies a sense of direction, purpose, vision, perspective and balance.

Upon assumption of Governor Oyebanji, Ekiti State has been featuring in headlines where it is depicted as the emerging model in both leadership and socio-economic development. The foresight, dexterity and sagacity of Governor Oyebanji in giving the best leadership to the good people of Ekiti State is not only visible in those critical sectors that move the economy forward but also in the way the state gets it right in politics and polity.

Numerous awards and honours won by Ekiti State Governor reflects his outstanding disposition and general acceptability of his leadership style in the state, across the nation, and beyond.

Governor Oyebanji identifies development partners, individuals and institutions, collaborate and work together with them towards the development of his people.

He strengthen, economic and administrative institutions in the state for smooth running of governance and for maximum productivity. Governor Oyebanji is just the good ladder against the right wall. He knows the what, the how and the when.

Ekiti people are indeed lucky to have such a good leader. We just need to give him our support again to continue leading the state on the right track of sustainable development.

Governor Oyebanji is Keeping Ekiti Working towards shared prosperity.

Aseyori ni tomo Olorun.

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.