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FG Threatens To Revoke Contract For the Reconstruction PH/Aba Highway, Accuses Chinese Firm Of Arm Twisting Tactics

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The Source
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By Daniel Maduka

For failing to mobilise to site, four clear weeks  after a ministerial directives, Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has threatened to revoke the  contractual agreement between the Federal Government and Messers China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC in respect of the reconstruction of a section of the PortHarcourt/ Aba Federal highway.

Consequently, the Hon Minister has directed the Federal Director of Works in charge of Rivers state to take steps and issue  the construction giant a 14-day Termination Notice, paying due regard to due process.

Engr Umahi also directed that  the contract be terminated  immediately if the contracting firm fails to fully mobilize to site at the end of the 14-day notice.

It will be recalled that the Minister had, about a month ago, while on an inspection tour of the project site, directed the Chinese Construction giant to go back to site to complete the project.

In a statement signed and issued on Sunday, February 18, 2024, by the Special Adviser to the Minister on media, Bar Orji Uchenna, Umahi lamented that one of the major reasons for the escalation of contract costs in the country is some contractors penchant for delaying project execution.

He noted that some contracting firms are in the habit of staying on a project for years, only to turn around to request for cost variations.

According to the statement ,Engr. Umahi said that the federal government with  recourse to due process will terminate all contractual agreements with firms out to delay contract execution in the country,.

The Minister of Works therefore warned contractors to either be committed and sincere in their dealings, or face the wrath of the  Federal Government.

Abia Traders Blame Customs For High Cost Of Commodities As Govt Plans To Remodel, Reconstruct Existing Markets

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The Source
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By Daniel Maduka

In its determination to remodel and reconstruct, the over 30 high profile markets across the State to bring them to global best standards, the Abia State Government on Friday February 16, inaugurated the newly appointed members of the Abia State Almagamated Traders Association with a  call on them to lead  the charge to lift the status of the markets.

The Source reports that the State Commissioner of Information,Prince Okey Kalu had at the end of an Executive Council Meeting three weeks ago announced Government’s plan to remodel and reconstruct most of the State’s markets, most of which were established some 40 years ago.

Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu,the Abia State Commissioner For Trade , Commerce and Investment, while inaugurating the ASAMTA members in Umuahia the State capital enjoined them to partner with the Government in its efforts to create an enabling environment for the thriving of business activities .

Dr Ukaegbu noted that it is the avowed intention of the Abia State government to rehabilitate and transform infrastructural facilities in all parts of the state ,with a view to engendering economic growth and development.

Responding on behalf of the ASAMTA members, the Chairman, Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo while appreciating Governor Alex Otti for finding them worthy to serve, called on the Government to factor in the provisions of some infrastructural facilities such as model schools, fire fighting stations and hospitals at the markets.

Chief Udeigbo who is also at the head of the Interim Management Committee of the State’s largest Market Eziukwu Road Market Aba appealed for the assistance of the  State Governor Dr Otti, in drawing the attention of the Federal Government to the  negative effects the activities of Customs operatives are having on   Abia traders .

The ASMATA Chairman lamented that incessant raids, uncountable check points and other alleged unwholesome activities of men of Customs are at the root of the escalation of prices of essential commodities in not only Abia,but  most parts of the Southeast region.

While assuring the State Government of the readiness of the ASMATA leadership and indeed traders in Abia to partner with the authorities in the task of rediscovering and repositing the State ,Chief Udeigbo further appealed for Government’s support and assistance to Small And Medium Scale Enterprises SME ,through the provision of regular power supply and establishment of Micro Finance Banks to provide soft loans to traders and other business operators.

According to him, encouraging traders, and the SMEs with ready and soft loans ,will grow the economy and provide job opportunities ,particularly for the youths,which will in turn impact positively on the security situation in the State.

Other members of the ASMATA were drawn mainly from the leaderships of some the markets across the State.

Edo APC Primary Election: Controversy Over Idahosa’s Victory, Two Aspirants Lay Claim, Ganduje Lauds Uzodinma Committee

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Ayodele Oni
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Dennis Idahosa

By Ayodele Oni

Saturday’s Primary Election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state, is becoming more interesting as two other aspirants are insisting they won the election.

This is coming as the national chairman of the APC Ganduje congratulated Dennis Idahosa for his victory at the election.

Idahosa, a serving member of the House of Representatives, Dennis Idahosa was declared winner of the shadow election by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state, who is the chairman of the primary election committee, with 40, 448 votes.

Immediate past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning,  Clem Agba, in a swift reaction to the controversial outcome of the primary election, assured his supporters that they won the exercise based on the authentic turnout of party members.

In a statement dated February 17, 2024, entitled: “Edo 2024 APC Primary,”, Agba wrote: “To my good people of Edo state and esteemed members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, I want to thank you for your loyalty and support for my candidature.

“Unfortunately, what we have all witnessed in the APC party primaries in Edo State on Saturday February 17th, 2024 falls below the minimum standard of democratic elections that is universally acceptable.

“I believe strongly that thousands of loyal party members were disenfrachished. Based on the authentic turnout we clinched victory. The result so far announced is a ridicule and undermines the principles of democracy and fair play.

“The votes of the people did not count, the processes of election were compromised and the strength and unity of our party greatly undermined.

“On the eve of the primary election, there was a counter narrative that the Presidency had settled for Edo central and that Senator Monday Okpebholo had been endorsed for the party’s ticket.

The Okpebholo endorsement led to the withdrawal of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from the race with a directive to his supporters to cast their votes for Senator Okpebholo.

Okpebholo had strongly supported Ize-Iyamu on the two occasions he contested for the gubernatorial election in 2016 and 2020 on the platforms of the PDP and the APC respectively.

But on Saturday, as Okpebholo was reportedly winning the primary election, the Chairman of the Primary Election Committee and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, announced Senator Oshiomhole-endorsed aspirant, Hon Dennis Idahosa as winner of the primary election with 40, 448 votes.

Uzondinma, a political ally of Oshiomhole, announced his version of the result while collation was still going on at the Collation Centre, where the Returning Officer, Dr Stanley Ugboaja, was superintending the process.

Ugboaja, at the end of the collation of results from the 18 local government areas, announced that Senator Okpebholo scored 12,194 votes to emerge winner of the election and to become the APC’s standard bearer in the scheduled September 21, 2024 governorship election.

The national publicity secretary of APC Felix Morka had earlier warned that on Governor Uzodinma has power to announce the result of the election.

“We wish to state categorically that only the Governor Hope Uzodinma-Led Edo State APC Governorship Primary Election Committee is duly authorized to undertake final collation and announcement of results of the Primary Election in the State.

“We urge all Party members, officials in the State, and the general public to disregard the said announcement of results by these unauthorized persons.”

Meanwhile, the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has congratulated the winner of the Edo state governorship primary election, Hon Dennis Idahosa.

Congratulating Idahosa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, the national chairman urged the party’s flag bearer to carry all aspirants along to deliver the party at the September state governorship election.

Ganduje equally commended Governor Hope Uzodinma’s election committee, noting that its transparency in the conduct of the election was highly commendable.

The chairman then urged all aspirants to put aside their differences now that the primary election is over and join hands with the winner to deliver the party at the election

Ganduje said: “I want to congratulate the winner of the Edo State governorship election, I want to equally commend and appreciate Governor Hope Uzodinma’s election committee for their hard work and the transparent manner in which the primary election was conducted.”

Hardship: Beggars, PLWD Beg Tinubu “We are Hungry, Give Us Palliatives”

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Persons Living With Disabilities, PLWD, have made a clarion call to the federal and Lagos government to save them from the current hardship.

The Coordinator and Convener of the group Kehinde Oshilaja made the call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu in a statement in Lagos at the weekend, saying they need to be supported too, like other Nigerians who are facing hardship due to the prevailing economic situation in the country.

From the palliatives that government are sharing to citizens, the PLWD said they should also be considered, saying this would go a long way to ameliorate their sufferings.

The governments at the federal and subnational level have been sharing palliatives to groups and other Nigerians as a way of softening the current economic hardship on them, even though not a few Nigerians insist that the palliatives don’t really get to those who need them, as they are hijacked by government officials.

Speaking Oshilaja said some well-meaning Nigerians who would normally assist them could no longer do so due to the hardship in the country.

The government should come to their aide, the PLWD stressing   that disabled people are   ‘suffering’ and  “could no longer eat, even once daily,” due to the current economic downturn.

Oshilaja said: “There is hunger in the land. People living with disability are hungry. We are disappointed, as inflation is biting hard. We are using this medium to appeal to President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State House of Assembly members to fast track and implement budget proposal for people living with disability. Despite the hunger in the land, no one is willing to help us.”

Catholic Bishops Hit Tinubu: You Have No ‘Compassion’ For Nigerians

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Catholic Bishops in Orlu

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing economic policies which are now threatening to ground the country to a halt.

The umbrella body of Catholic Church in the country made its position known on Sunday in Abuja, the nation’s capital during the opening session of the 2024 First Plenary Assembly.

According to the bishops ‘millions of Nigerians have been reduced to a life of grinding poverty,” due to the unfriendly economic policies of the administration.

The bishops are referring to the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira last year, amongst others which not a few Nigerians led to the current hardship in the country.

The President of CBCN, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji said the country is experiencing the worse state of insecurity and economic hardship that have not been experience in Nigeria’s short history.

Taking a holistic look at the administration, Ugorji accused the administration’s officials of living in affluence while many Nigerians are struggling to eat, despite the huge sums of many the government is spending with nothing to show on the part of the masses.

Ugorji said, “If we cast a cursory glance at the present state of our nation, we are inclined to conclude that this seems to be the worst of times for our country in the areas of security and the economy. Despite the huge sums of money appropriated monthly as security votes, our communities have continued to experience persistent insecurity.

“Recently, there has been an upsurge in kidnapping for ransom and increasing incidents of senseless bloodshed across the nation. Unarmed citizens are brutally slaughtered on our highways, in their homes and even in the sacred precincts of places of worship. Killer herdsmen, bandits and unknown gunmen seem to be on rampage. Many communities across the nation have been taken over completely by criminals. Families have lost their ancestral lands to armed invaders and land-grabbers. The social and economic lives of communities have been paralysed due to insecurity.

“Schools have been shut down, and children can no longer continue their education. Farmers are unable to access their farms out of fear of either losing their lives or being kidnapped. Businesses have closed down. Many displaced families have no sources of livelihood and are daily afflicted by hunger and starvation.

“The reform agenda of the present government has added to the plight of Nigerians. With the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, there has been a sharp increase in the pump price of petroleum products and a steep decline in the value of the Naira. Indeed, there is a free fall of the national currency. High spiralling inflation has made it difficult for the average Nigerian to access basic commodities, including food items and medication.

“As a result of the government’s reform agenda, millions of Nigerians have been reduced to a life of grinding poverty, wanton suffering, and untold hardship as never before in our national history. In a bid to survive, an increasing number of the poor have resorted to begging. With more than 80 million Nigerians living under the poverty line of less than two dollars a day, our country, according to the recent disclosure of the World Bank, is the world’s second-largest poor population after India.

“While many impoverished Nigerians continue to suffer and die as a result of the hardship caused by the government’s economic reforms, the president has continued to urge the populace to make even more and more sacrifices with the assurance that brighter days lay ahead.

“As the government demands additional sacrifice from the struggling masses, one would expect to see a drastic cut in the cost of running the government at all levels. On the contrary, it is worrisome to watch top government functionaries living by the sweat, toil and tears of the poor. They continue spending huge public funds on ostentatious and luxurious lifestyles and seem incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor.”

Labour Party: What’s Next For Abure, Will He Resign?

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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There is no respite yet for the embattled National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP.

This followed the decision, on Sunday, by 36 state chairmen of the party who demanded the resignation from his position to allow investigation into his alleged misappropriation of over N3.5 billion campaign fund.

The magazine reports that the National Treasurer of the party accused Abure last week of misappropriating the sum, and has refused to be accountable.

Some party officials including its presidential candidate in last year’s election, Peter Obi has demanded a thorough probe of the alleged financial scam.

Abure has however defended himself saying he is innocent of the allegation. In spite of this, not a few watching what is going on in the party, insist that the current pressure on the National Chairman may be too much for him to retain his position.

“The fact that Obi has waded into the matter is a pointer that the problem is a serious one which may likely consume Abure. The party prides itself as incorruptible. They would need to show Nigerians that they mean it. What happens to Abure next would determine whether the party is serious,’ a political analyst said on Sunday.

Demanding that Abure gave up his position, the 36 state chairmen stated during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, the nation’s capital that this is to allow thorough investigation into the alleged financial scam.

Abure cannot be a judge in his own case, Solomon Ndem, Plateau State labour Party Chairman and the leader of the Forum, said.

According to the forum: “We stand before you with a profound appreciation for the responsiveness of HE Peter G. Obi, a stalwart in our party, for his swift action in response to the call for the external auditing of the LP accounts. This gesture underscores his unwavering commitment to transparency and the principles of the New Nigeria project.

“However, we find ourselves at a critical juncture where we must address certain internal matters for the sake of our party’s integrity in the spirit of openness and accountability as elected Chairmen of Labour Party in Nigeria, we wish to address certain concerns that have come to our attention,” the Forum stressed.

“We are appealing to His Excellency, Peter G. Obi, Senator Ahmed Datti, and other distinguished personalities within the party to join us in requesting Barrister Julius Abure to step aside.

“This step is essential to facilitate the establishment of an independent investigative panel that will thoroughly examine various allegations, including the misappropriation of funds level against him by the Treasurer of our Party and indeed the complaints of forgery and impersonation by a lot of our party aggrieved members.

“It is crucial that no one acts as a judge in his own case, and we believe this measure will ensure a fair and impartial inquiry.”

Meanwhile, the question on the lips of not a few Nigerians is whether Abure will bow to pressure to resign.

Kebbi State Moves To Curtail Spread Of Avian Influenza, 14 Peacocks Already Killed

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State government has assured that the outbreak of Avian influenza in the state is under control

Dr Alheri Ibrahim-Sanchi, the Director, Veterinary Services, Kebbi State Ministry of Animal Husbandry, explained that government has stepped-up efforts to mitigate the spread of avian influenza that reared its ugly head in the state.

Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, in a statement on Sunday, stated that the director made the disclosure while addressing journalists shortly after fumigating a farm infected with the disease located at Amanawa village, Kalgo, outskirts of Birnin Kebbi.

The official confirmed that the disease had so far killed 14 peacocks in the affected facility.

The fumigation was carried out by a team of professionals under “One Health”, comprising experts from ministries of Animal Husbandry, Health, Environment, Information, as well as Principal Partners.

He explained that some peacocks were reported to have been ill and the pattern of mortality became worrisome, “so, we send a team of veterinary doctors for preliminary investigation.

“Upon investigation, we found it necessary to take samples and those samples were sent to Veterinary Diagnostic Reference Laboratory in Jos.

“When those samples were analysed, unfortunately for us, they returned positive for ‘Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1)’,

“So, this is what necessitated this exercise, to first of all come to the scene where these birds were resident and  do the needful.”

The director pointed out that the main task was to ensure that the incident did not go beyond the affected facility, assuring that the team would go ahead and take active surveillance, “which is a pathern of seeking for other likely cases that may be occuring in our state.”

He said that considering the fact that “highly pathogenic avian influenza is zoonotic infection that has the tendency to spread to humans”, the team also undertook the veterinary component of it, while colleagues in human health would identify individuals in contact with the animals for necessary action.

Ibrahim-Sanchi appealed to poultry owners to remain calm but be vigilant, and intensify bio-security, adding that “it is a disease that potent high economic lose for poultry owners.”

To curtail possible spread to human beings, he advised that the number of persons who visit the poultry should be minimized and also enjoined them to restrict movement of birds, avoid sharing of farm implements to curb spread of the disease.

Ibrahim-Sanchi added that the ministry, in collaboration with sister ministries and agencies like ministry of health, environment and information and principal partners, were making efforts to sensitize the public on the disease.

Also in an interview, the Director, Public Health, Kebbi Ministry of Health, Abubakar Bagudu-Muhammad, confirmed that the disease had the potency to affect humans, adding that “it is also pathogenic; meaning it can be transmitted from one person to another.”

He, however, said they were working as a team, involving animal, human, environment, information and other stakeholders to coordinate emergency health activities at the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to curtail any outbreak.

Ilorin Emirate Council Dismisses Viral Video Showing Protest In Front Of Emir’s Palace

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Emir Of Ilorin

By Ayodele Oni

Feelers from the Kwara state capital indicate that the Emir Of Ilorin reportedly sneaked out of his palace as some protesters occupied it seeking for food.

Report, as shown in a viral video, indicated that on Saturday, there was chaos at the Emir’s palace in Ilorin, as the brunt of hardship faced by Nigerians worsens.

The protesters chanted “We are hungry, we need food,” as they  stormed the Emir’s palace in protest.

The protesters also called out the federal government during the demonstration saying, “The state is hungry.”

The Ilorin Emirate Council has reacted to the incident describing the viral video as not the true reflection.

In a statement, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, Spokesman to Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council said that the viral video was an old event.

“Our attention has been drawn to a video in circulation on social media platforms where some people are shouting and lamenting over poverty and hardship in front of the Emir’s Palace in Ilorin.

“We want to state categorically that the said video was part of the events that characterized and witnessed during the build-up to the 2019 general elections.

“The video does not have any connection with the current situation in the country and it would be recalled that in occasions of such, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara Traditional Rulers Council,  Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, always express his concern on the need to ensure that peace and harmony continue to prevail in the society.

“At the height of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the emir expressed high level of concerns and joined governments at all levels in the campaign towards ensuring that the unfortunate situation was contained

“He also played frontline roles in championing the pains and interests of the masses during the scarcity of Naira currency which inflicted hardship nationwide with no exemption to anyone irrespective of social, political and economic status.

“On the current economic hardship, the Emir and his colleagues at the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council level are engaging government at all levels on the need to continue to improve on the welfare, security and social life of the people of the state with commendations to the state government for being responsive to masses-oriented issues.

“We thereby appeal to the general public to disregard the video in circulation in order to avoid any misrepresentation of the scenario vis a vis the location of the gathering as reflected in the video, even as he plead with the people of Ilorin and Kwara State at large to remain peaceful and pray always.”

Jonathan’s Moving Tribute To Late Sister: My Heart Is Heavy

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The Source
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0

By Goodluck Jonathan

“Our mother gave birth to 10 of us. Eight died before they were one year old. Two of us survived. I had a special bond with you. Now, I am alone. My beloved sister, I cannot process your death. Our mother is in her 90s. How can she survive this?”

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has penned an emotional tribute to his late elder sister, Madam Obebhatein Jonathan, who died on January 11, 2024 at the age of 70 years.

In a  tribute published in the funeral brochure presented at last Friday’s burial ceremonies in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Dr. Jonathan described the death of her only surviving sibling from his aged mother as traumatising. In the two-page tribute, the former President also noted that he shared a special bond with his late elder sister, adding that he would continue to carry on her legacy with honour.

Below is the full text of the tribute:

“Can I, in all honesty, say adieu to my dear loving sister Obebh?

“Sister Obebhatein is gone! How I wish I could turn back the hands of time. How can she depart the world now when our mum is in her nineties and knowing that our mum has only two of us as her surviving children.

“No! I still find it hard to believe that the only sibling I have from my mum is dead. The news of her death was the most devastating and unkind news that my ears suffered to hear for as long as I can remember. It was too hard to process and bear now that the family has come to accept the Grim Reaper’s cold jab.

“Yes, I knew she was ill, but I believed she would pull through. Little did I expect death to come knocking so soon.

“I was in Bayelsa State on December 27, 2023, and stayed through the New Year period. During that period, I spent some time with her. I noticed that my elder sister was up and about, even attended some ceremonies but a bit frail in her gait. Even then,  she assured me that it was no longer so much of a concern. I still insisted that her doctor should conduct a comprehensive check on her and advise on the best course to take for her full recovery.

“I had a personal matter to sort out abroad. As I travelled on January 8, my thoughts were squarely on my sister. In my head, I had worked out a plan to send her to a specialist hospital for a follow-up and comprehensive examination once I returned. But that was not to be.

“Later, I got to hear that the Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa did their best to avail her of the necessary care, especially when her condition suddenly worsened. They assembled many consultants, including endocrinologists and neurologists, and carried out an MRI scan and other required tests in a bid to stabilise her.  But her health deteriorated so fast, such that the cold hands of death could not be stopped.

Her death is terribly traumatising. We know we will all die, but the time and circumstances of death are critical and significant.

Now that she is gone, can our mother take this news? Can she survive it? I did not brief my mother in detail about why I had to travel abroad, but I reckon that someone might have told her that I could also see a doctor during the trip.

“That must have been a piece of information too dense for her to digest. Is she losing her only two surviving children at the same time, at such an advanced age?  This is a woman who had ten live births, but eight died before their first birthday. I could only imagine the devastating storm the development had triggered in her psyche.

“Sister Obebh exited this world at the wrong time. Mama will have to contend with the eternal absence and loss of a daughter who had, over time, become a mother and grandmother and her companion in her old age.

Since she retired from teaching ten years ago, my sister has become our mother’s associate, friend, confidant, and key support system.

“There was a special bond between me and my sister. She was the only sister I knew growing up, and I was her only brother from childhood. Together we lived, dreamed, played, laughed, loved, fought, and stood for each other.

In the tapestry of my life, there are threads of love, humility, companionship, and an unbreakable bond that belongs solely to Obebh, my dear elder sister. As I write this, my heart is heavy with sorrow yet overflowing with gratitude for all that God led her to do for me.

“Obebh, from the beginning, you were not just a sister but also a guide, a confidant, and a fellow dream-weaver. Together, we navigated the labyrinth of life, chasing shared dreams with a determination known only to those who truly understand the power of close sibling camaraderie.

“I am eternally grateful, blessed beyond measure, to have grown up alongside you, my beloved sister.

Even though you are no longer with us in body, your memory, and the love we shared will forever remain in my heart. Thank you for the cherished moments, the unspoken understanding, and the unwavering support. You will always be a part of me, and I will carry your legacy with honour.

“We are all grieving now, but we are hoping for Almighty God to comfort and strengthen all of us. We will take solace in the fact that you were an exemplary woman and role model who lived a dedicated life of service to God and humanity.

“Farewell, my dear sister, until we meet again.

“Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, GCON
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010-2015)”

Oyo Govt Flags Off Biometric Enumeration Of Traders, Industrialists For Empowerment

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Oyo State Government has flagged off the Biometric enumeration of people in the informal sector of the economy with a view to empower the.

Those in the category include  Traders, Artisans, industrialist and members of cooperative societies in the State, that will be captured under the state government ‘Ise D’otun programme.

While unveiling the programme  in Ibadan, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni explained that it would help the government ascertain the details of traders, Artisans Industrialists and members of cooperative societies in the State.

She said that this would facilitate sharing the dividends of democracy and ensure they get to the targeted members of the public.

The Head of Service hinted that the present administration was working tirelessly and putting up necessary measures to ensure life is worth living, hence the initiative of ‘Ise D’otun’.

She therefore urged them to cooperate with the State Government to ensure the successful collation of their data as it will enhance their business through various support opportunities from government, stockholders and NGOs.

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Ademola Ojo, stated that having accurate data of the informal sector would enhance the State Government’s access to facilitate local and international grants, loans and other supports for the participants.

He added that the programme would also give the beneficiaries the opportunity to use their numeric strength to enjoy affordable insurance plans in case of fire outbreak and also give them other business opportunities.

The Commissioner further stressed  that ‘Ise D’otun’ is a laudable business development solution for traders, artisans, Cooperatives and small scale industrialists in Oyo State, which is aimed at promoting economic growth and development in the State, anchored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives.

According to him, the consultant engaged by the State Government to carry out the programme, had equally concluded arrangements with one of the leading network service providers in the country to move those to be enumerated under the Close Users Group (CUG) which would give them opportunity to make telephone calls to one another at a very discounted rate of Five Hundred Naira monthly.

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