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Zamfara: APC Accuses Gov Lawal Of Awarding N38 Billion Fertilizer Contract To Himself, Invites EFCC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Dauda Lawal - Zamfra State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Zamfara State All Progressive Congress, APC, has accused the State Governor, Dauda Lawal, of awarding to himself a whopping N38 billion fertilizer supply contract.

The Party also alleged that the contract, which was awarded to Zam-Agro Chemicals, an outfit in which the Governor owns a major stake, was highly inflated .

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary Yusuf Idris Gusau, the APC expressed outrage over the spending of over N38 billion by the Zamfara State Government to procure 75 trucks of fertilizer.

According to the APC, going by the contract sum, the fertilizer was purchased at the staggering sum of N855 per bag, representing a whopping differential with  the market value of the products.

The Party insisted that the highly inflated supply contract was awarded to benefit Governor Lawal and other top Government functionaries in the State.

The Party, also, noted that this is not the first time the contracting firm is associated with high wired fleecing of the State through highly inflated contract.

According to the statement, Zam-Agro Chemicals had similarly, in 2022, refused to supply the essential farming input to the State, after fully collecting the contract sum.

The APC said that it is all the more worried about the conflicting signals emanating from Government circles on the actual quantity of the products ordered for.

According to Idris Gusau, while Governor Lawal announced the purchase of 135 trucks of fertilizer, the PDP leadership has insisted that 145 trucks were ordered.

The cacophonic tones, the party maintained, is disturbing and  raises serious doubt concerning the level of sincerity surrounding the entire transaction.

“We calculated that at N38.5 billion the Government purchased the fertilizer at an astonishing N855 per bag.

“This is a clear case of contract inflation. Even if we use the figures provided by the PDP, it would still result in an outrageous price per bag” the party insisted.

However, the APC stated that it is not at all surprised at the antics of the PDP-led State Government which it accused of trying to appropriate the credit for the Federal Government’s. earlier intervention .

According to the party’s statement, the Federal Government had initially provided 70 trucks of the products to the state.

But for the timely intervention of the APC, the PDP-led administration had wanted to join the Federal Government efforts with the 75 trucks it ordered.

The party has, therefore, called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, and other relevant authorities to institute a probe into the fertilizer supply contract awarded by the state Government .

This is even as it has demanded that  all established inflated sum of the contract be refunded.

Evangelist Ebuka Obi To Uzodimma: “I Have Come To Appreciate You, Imo Is Safe, Secure

By
The Source
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Evangelist Ebuka Obi and Hope Uzodimma

The Spiritual Director of Zion Church Ministries Worldwide, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Obi has commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his administration’s efforts in the protection of lives and property in Imo, affirming that the State is safe and secure.

Speaking on Monday at the Government House Owerri when he paid a thank you visit to the Governor over the successful three days Crusade at Ngor Okpala area of Imo State that attracted participants from different parts of the world, Evangelist Obi said not one incident linked to insecurity was recorded during the occasion.

The Evangelist said: “I have come to appreciate you, Your Excellency. People were eager to see you at the crusade to thank you. The white visitors were confident and happy about the security situation. Everyone felt secure and at home. I, therefore, want to tell you that Imo is safe and secure.”

He reminded Governor Uzodimma that no less than three million persons attended the crusade in what he described as the largest since he started holding such crusades in the country.

Explaining that he was happy to have visited the Governor with his principal officers to appreciate him for his support and that of the Government of Imo State, Evangelist Obi emphasised that “over three million people attended the programme considered as the largest of such in the whole of the South East and no bad news of insecurity was recorded.”

He added: “Everybody was happy and people re-established their confidence in the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma in the State. It is a milestone that has further positively marketed Imo State to the outside world.”

Responding, Governor Uzodimma expressed happiness that the man of God visited him, noting that “the coming of the Zion Church Worldwide to Imo State comes with a lot of advantages.”

“It will bring a lot of economic development and increase the dire need to make Imo a tourism hub for the South East and Nigeria in general.

“The programme at Ngor Okpala has further showcased the State to the whole world that Imo is safe and secured,” Governor Uzodimma said.

While encouraging the Evangelist to remain steadfast in his calling, despite the challenges he must be facing, the Governor assured him of government’s support to realise his dream of coming to Imo State.

“Let me tell you that you are not alone. You must bear in mind that every profession goes with envy. Don’t envisage any problem. I can assure you and your team that I will talk to everyone in Imo State to understand that we need the presence of Ebuka Obi and his Ministry.”

The Governor insisted: “Imo needs the Ministry in the State and we will get the people to support you and your Ministry.”

Governor Uzodimma who expressed joy to be Evangelist Obi’s landlord said it is even heartwarming hearing that the celebrated Prophet, worldwide, hails from Imo State, adding, “Imo will cue behind him.”

“The State is looking for a day when that place will be developed economically, socially, educationally and otherwise like Elele in Rivers State, resulting from the works of Fr. Edeh,” the Governor noted.

The highlight of the visit was the offering of prayer and blessing to Government House Staff who came around to welcome and bid him farewell.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Imo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Dr. Macdonald Ebere and other members of the State expanded Executive Council joined the Governor in receiving Evangelist Obi and his entourage.

Palliatives: Kebbi Govt Disburses N6.5bn to 65,000 Beneficiaries

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nasir Idris - Governor of Kebbi State

By Ayodele Oni

As part of measures to cushion the hardship occasioned by present administration’s economic policies, Kebbi State Government has disbursed N6.5bn to 65, 000 people under ‘Kaura Cares’ Livelihood Support programme.

While flagging- off the disbursement exercise through Point of Sale (POS) to the targeted beneficiaries in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, Governor Nasir Idris said the livelihood support programme was very important as it provides privilege to beneficiaries and will improve their living conditions.

He announced that each of the beneficiaries received N100,000 which is unprecedented in the history of the nation and it’s only surpassed by the Federal Government.

“This scheme is in fulfilment of my campaign promise to the people of Kebbi State, and I have multiplied the number of beneficiaries by four times of the initial figure.”

He added that his administration will continue to implement similar programmes, either under the World Bank, the Federal or the State Government which will be beneficial to the people.

The Governor said “I have watched clips of video of those who had earlier benefited from the programme, from what I have seen, there is a peculiar recipient who has been going from one place to another in search of medical care.

“I am hereby directing the Ministry of Health to identify them for medical treatment in Nigeria or abroad and the state will shoulder the responsibility.”

Idris reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare and prosperity of the people of the state, saying that the programme had detached the people from poverty in the state.

“My government is determined to fight poverty under whatever dimension and provide the much needed basic social services to all communities.

“I urge you to make good use of the support funds you have received, use it for yourselves and as an investment for generation to come.”

Earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Abba Sani-Kalgo, announced that the governor approved N6.5 billion for disbursement to 65,000 beneficiaries across the state.

Sani-Kalgo said the Kaura Cares had continued to meet its target objectives of intervention, to support farming communities, increase yields and serve with effectiveness in poverty eradication.

“The livelihood cash grant today is in fulfilment of the promise by the governor to provide such funds to 15,000 people but in his wisdom, the governor has quadrupled the number to 65,000 beneficiaries.”

Sani-Kalgo said that the beneficiaries were chosen by their various communities without interference by the governor or his subordinates.

Earlier, the state Programme Coordinator NG-Cares, Dr Rukayya Muhammad-Bawa, said that the NG-CARES programme is a beacon of hope, designed to uplift the most vulnerable citizens and enhance livelihood across the state.

“Under the livelihood intervention 1.1, from inception, we have enrolled 1,950 beneficiaries that have received N10,000 monthly for the period of two years. These beneficiaries were mined from the state social register that were either aged, chronically ill, persons with special needs or urban poor.

“Just recently, Governor Nasir Idris has given the approval to enrol another 5,850 beneficiaries who will also be receiving N10,000 monthly for the period of one year.”

Muhammad-Bawa added that for the direct livelihood intervention 1.3, of the programme, a sum of N200 million was disbursed to 1,050 beneficiaries under the livelihood grants scheme in the first phase.

“From inception to date, the state has disbursed over N8.5 billion to over 85,000 beneficiaries ranging from N100,000, N200,000 and N200,000.

” These funds are aimed at empowering individuals to establish and expand income- generating activities, thereby creating sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.”

President Tinubu Names DGs For NIA, DSS

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - Nigeria President

By Ayodele Oni

New Directors-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have been named.

President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed is the new Director-General of the NIA while Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi is the new Director-General of the DSS.

This was contained in a State House statement on Monday signed by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, (Media & Publicity).

This followed the voluntary resignation of Ahmed Rufai Abubakar as Director-General, (DG) of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), last weekend.

Ambassador Mohammed has had an illustrious career in the foreign service since joining the NIA in 1995. He had served in various roles, culminating in his promotion to the rank of Director and his subsequent appointment as the head of the Nigerian mission to Libya.

The 1990 graduate of Bayero University, Kano, had served in North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and at the State House, Abuja.

The new DSS Director-General, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, rose through the ranks to attain his current post of Assistant Director-General of the Service. He had, at various times, served as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi.

The new appointments follow the resignation of the previous NIA and DSS chiefs.

The statement added that “President Tinubu expects that the new security chiefs will work assiduously to reposition the two intelligence agencies for better results and charges them to bring their experience to bear in tackling the security challenges bedeviling the country through enhanced collaboration with sister agencies and in surgical alignment with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“The President thanks the outgoing Directors-General of the two pivotal intelligence agencies for their services to the nation while wishing them success in their future endeavours.”

Passport Fees Increment: NIS Embarks On Sensitization, Promises Enhanced Quality

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Passports

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has explained that  the recently announced increase in international passport fees will make the document difficult to be faked, enhance quality, faster process and access.

Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, NIS Comptroller in Adamawa stated this on Monday in Yola, at the inauguration of an exercise to sensitize the people of the state about the increase in the fees.

Mohammed told the gathering that, with effect from Sept. 1, applicants within Nigeria will pay ₦50,000 for 32-page passport booklet with five years validity, an increase from the previous ₦35,000 fee.

He said the 64-page passport booklet with ten years validity will cost ₦100,000, up from ₦70,000.

Mohammed told the gathering that, with effect from Sept. 1, applicants within Nigeria will pay ₦50,000 for 32-page passport booklet with five years validity, an increase from the previous ₦35,000 fee.

He said the 64-page passport booklet with ten years validity will cost ₦100,000, up from ₦70,000.

Mohammed however, added that applicants abroad will not be affected by the upward review.

Justifying government decision, the Comptroller said: “This is a new enhanced passport with better durability and quality, aligning with international standards.

“It has fingerprints and with that, it is difficult to be faked or tampered with, unlike the old one.”

He advised those intending to acquire/renew their passports to apply online or visit NIS offices. Mohammed cautioned them against patronizing agents to avoid being duped.

He urged religious leaders to sensitize their followers to the development, adding that any applicant before the deadline would be charged the old rate.

He said the service would also extend the awareness to Local Government Areas, starting with Mubi.

Mr Joel Manzo and Alhaji Aliyu Iya, representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim Council, Adamawa, respectively appreciated NIS for the enlightenment and assured taking down the message to their followers.

The NIS has taken the sensitisation to motor parks and major streets in the state capital

Enugu Set To Digitalize Pension Payment, Uncovers 2,640 Ghost Beneficiaries

By
Ayodele Oni
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Peter Mbah
Gov Peter Mbah

By Ayodele Oni

As Enugu state Government moves to clear backlog of salaries and pensions inherited from previous administration, it has uncovered nothing less than 2,640 ghost and deceased pensioners on its payroll.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia who disclosed this, said the administration was making effort to reform pension payment in the state.

He said; “Recall that the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, had earlier promised that his administration was poised to eradicate poverty in the state by clearing the inherited backlog of pensions and other liabilities, and also keep up with its current fiscal responsibility to the citizens, among other measures.

“This will improve our people’s standard of living, raise purchasing power and promote strong and sustainable economic growth in the state.

“A total of 7109 local government pensioners received monthly payments of close to half a billion naira in July, including 989 newly captured entrants who retired between April 2022 and April 2024 but were not accommodated in the pension scheme.

“The record provided by the Local Government Pensions Board indicate that the state has been paying over 8,760 local government retirees as of April 2024, against the 7109 verified pensioners.

“The payment mode adopted by the state will guarantee that backlogs are phased out within the timeline set out by the government.

“This administration will continue to support our citizens, particularly our senior citizens, who dedicated their time and energy serving the state.

“We will soon phase out all arrears inherited by the administration. We are reforming the pensions system through strong institutional policies that would make it difficult for corrupt elements to find their way into the scheme.

“We have been able to digitalize the institution with measures that would make every transaction and payment transparent, accountable and traceable.”

Amnesty For Illegal Property Owners As Oyo Govt. Begins Online Registration

By
Ayodele Oni
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Seyi Makinde - Governor of Oyo State

By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve has come for property owners in Oyo State as government has commenced a 60-day Online Building Permit Amnesty (OYBPA) programme, to enable them regularize buildings that were constructed without proper government approval.

OYOBPA programme kick started officially on Monday and ends on the 27th October.

The programme will also allow  those in violation of building regulations in the state to regularize and process new approvals within this 60-days window.

The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, disclosed this on Monday, in Ibadan.

Mr. Akin-Funmilayo pointed out that the scheme is in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s transformation and sustainable development agenda, designed to enable the government to improve urban planning and enhance the security and safety of lives and properties within our dear state.

He added that the government has also approved that property owners can now get or regularize their building permits within the sixty (60) days amnesty period at a 20 percent discounted rate.

“This is to allow the good people of Oyo State to get their building permits faster, easier, and cheaper as the government will embark on massive enforcement of building permits after the amnesty period.

“This amnesty period lasts for 60 days, and it is advised that all property owners, residential, commercial, industrial, educational, health facilities, etc. within the state, who have no building permit and have engaged in unauthorized development or are currently planning to commence development should harness this opportunity.”

In a statement, the state commissioner for information, Fotun Oyelade, explained that the OYBPA, which is majorly an online process, will enable property owners to process their permits without falling victims to touts and middlemen.

He gave the guarantee of property owners getting an authentic permit, which will prevent any further interference by the authority as regards their development as long as they adhere to the provisions of the approval.

Application process for the amnesty period has started online across the 33  local governments.

“At the end of these exercise, an amnesty certificate will be issued to all who took advantage of this opportunity.

“In the same vein, we therefore plead with member of the public and our directors of zonal planning authorities to strictly adhere to the principle of granting building permit in the State.”

There However an exception to the amnesty as properties illegally occupying state government acquisition zone; properties within the circular road or circular road set back; properties directly under the power line zone; properties within the disallowable proximity to dam, stream will not be granted amnesty.

Also those built on the road; within pipeline setback; and properties under Court / financial crimes matters will not be granted amnesty.

He said this scheme, like every other Seyi Makinde initiative, promises to be great, seamless, and a worthwhile investment for the good people of Oyo State.

He said, “Let’s support the government to make Oyo State better, safer, and more viable.”

Group Urges National Assembly To Give Constitutional Roles To First Ladies

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria First Project

By Ayodele Oni

A political pressure group, Nigeria’s First Project, has called on the National Assembly to introduce and pass a bill to give constitutional roles to President, Governors and Local Governments’ Chairmen wives.

The group noted that there must be defined Constitutional roles for the office of the First Lady of Nigeria and First Ladies of the 36 States and 774 Local Government Councils.

Justifying the call, National coordinator of the group, Jonah Bonet, told journalists at a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, that by doing so, the First Ladies would be better positioned to fulfill their primary roles, which should focus on the wellbeing and advancement of women, children, and the overall development of their respective communities.

Bonet insisted that the office of the First Ladies should not be limited to only pet projects, which are mostly seasonal, but should be empowered to carry out crucial roles especially where it will have direct impact on women across the nation.

“The impact on women in shaping the future of our children should be seen as a long-term Nigerian project.

“We are therefore calling on the National Assembly to see this as a very important national project by initiating a concrete bill that will empower our First Ladies to function as they should.

“We strongly believe that the recognition of these offices is essential for the progress and prosperity of our nation.

“Their primary roles should focus on: Advocacy on good parenting and inculcation of good social values, Humanitarian services, charitable works and social welfare enlightenment campaign against the use of hard drugs and other substances by our children and Orientation on nationalism and patriotism.

“The recent efforts of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme, have been truly commendable. Her relentless efforts have resulted in the unveiling of a N1.85bn recapitalization grant for 37,000 beneficiaries nationwide.

“It is imperative that these efforts receive constitutional backing and recognition, as they are truly making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of women in Nigeria.

“The First Lady’s leadership and commitment towards uplifting the lives of women deserve our utmost support and constitutional recognition.

“With what the First Lady has done so far, we have decided as a group to pass a vote of confidence on her and her office.

“Worthy of mention here also is the First Lady of Kaduna State, Hajiya Hafsat Uba Sani, who has been very supportive of women and children across the state and has equally been catering for cancer patients in the state. She is a true mother and this group also wishes to pass a vote of confidence on her and her office.”

Two Kidnappers Killed, Five  Victims Rescued In Twin Foiled Bandit-Attacks In Katsina

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar, has commended the bravery, commitment and  dedication to duty displayed by the  Operatives attached to the Malunfashi Local Council’s  formation of the Service.

His commendation comes on the heels of the foiling of two attacks by banditry elements  and subsequent  rescue of five kidnap victims in the Malumfashi Local Government of the State.

Two members of the abduction syndicate were  neutralized by the  Police in the two separate bandit- attacks and kidnap attempts, according to a statement on Monday, August 26, 2024 by the Command’s Spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq ASP.

Suspected bandits were said to have cashed in on the heavy down pour on Sunday to attack Marabar Kankara village in the Malumfashi Council of the State .

“On Sunday, August, 25, 2024 , a distress call was received at  the Malumfashi Divisional police headquarters from Lay in Minister Village that bandits attacked and kidnapped five people .

Upon receipt of the report ,operatives were quickly dispatched to the scene. On noticing the presence of the Police Operatives, the hoodlums opened fire and the team responded gallantly.

All the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt, as the assailants succumbed to the superior firepower of the operatives and fled the scene with varying degrees of bullet wounds.

On the same day ,another distress call was received at the same headquarters that some suspected armed bandits riding on twelve(12) motorcycles and wielding dangerous weapons were shooting sporadically.

“On receipt of the information, the DPO Malumfashi, swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene and gallantly engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel and successfully foiled the attack.

In the course of scanning the scene, the bodies of two neutralized suspected armed bandits were recovered,” the Police stated .

The Command, while reassuring residents of  the protection of their lives and properties, also, promised that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing bandits.

Resident Doctors Begins Nationwide Warning Strike

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Medical Doctors in Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has embarked on a nationwide seven-day warning strike.

The strike which began today, Monday, August 26, 2024, is in response to the abduction of Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.

Announcing the commencement of the Warning Strike after an emergency meeting at the National Executive Council, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, President of NARD said: “The strike is total, and there will be no concessions or emergency care during this period,” he said.

It would be recalled that NARD members had protested against Dr. Popoola’s abduction last Thursday, August 15, in Lagos.

The demonstration was organized by Resident Doctors at Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta.

Popoola was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. Although her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity after eight months.

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