Home Blog Page 1293

“I Did Not Know Ordinary People Can Come Close And Shake Hands With A Governor” – Mother Whose Pilot-Trainee Son Mbah Paid N23.3m Fees For

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Peter Mbah and Israel Echezona

By Adesina Soyooye

In a very touching and emotional scene, Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, gave hope to the hopeless. He uplifted a family and its brilliant teenage-son beyond their imagination. He brought sunshine to his life, and gave him a refreshing future.

It started when 17- year old Israel Echezona took the entrance examination to the  Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria. His ambition is to become a Pilot. But considering how expensive it is to train a Pilot at NCAT,  Echezona’s ambition was a tall one.

But he was not discouraged. He probably had no hope of being a Pilot-trainee there, but he took the entrance all the same.

His ambition took a dramatic turn when the result of the entrance examination was published. The teenager shone like a thousand stars. He came out tops, and emerged the overall best candidate.

His life changed when the attention of Governor Mbah was drawn to Echezona’s feat. The teenager is from Enugu State, and so, Governor Mbah’s subject.

Mbah, therefore, had no second thoughts to help when the teenager’s plight was brought before him. “Your subject was the overall best candidate but cannot go to NCAT   because of the fees.”

The Governor quickly sent for the teenager who lives in the Northern part of Nigeria with his mother and siblings.

On arrival, Mbah gave them an unexpected welcome. He immediately offset Echezona’s initial school fees of N23.2 million. And he did more. The Governor said the State Government would pick all his bills until his final graduation/qualification as a Pilot.

Said Mbah to the teenager: “I congratulate you on your admission. You have made us proud, and this is exactly what we want for the youths  of our State. We will give you full support going forward. So, the ball is now in your court. Go and make us proud.”

An overwhelmed and emotional Echezona promised to make the State proud. He said the Governor, by his action, has shown there is hope for Nigeria. For that, the teenager had an advice for youths. He asked them not to lose hope but to work hard to be the best in whatever they do.

Echezona: “Look up to God. Pray and work hard. Nigeria is our country. Meet your Governor. The other Governors who are like my Governor, Peter Mbah, might help you in the sponsorship of your education.”

His mother said she had lost hope that his son would take up the admission until the  former Councillor, for Mgbagbu-Owa Ward 1, Stephen Okafor, suggested we draw the Governor’s attention to our plight.

Her words: “I am filled with joy. When the admission came out, I saw the money, and I said I could not continue because it is not what I can attain. But I was encouraged that this is a rare admission, that the Government could be interested in it. We wrote to our Councillor who took it up. Within one week, we are here, and I have  met and talked with the Governor.

“I did not know that a Government can be this kind and the Governor has already proven that even ordinary people can come close to the Governor. I am overwhelmed having a handshake with the Governor, and he told us he is taking full responsibility for this child as his own.”

FG’s Plan To Borrow N20trn Pension Fund Against Pension Act, Atiku Warns

By
James Orji
-
0

The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has criticized federal government’s plan to borrow Pension Funds to finance infrastructure in the country.

Atiku, a former vice president kicked against plan on his X handle on Wednesday, saying the move was against the pension fund extant laws.

His comment comes on the heels of suggestion by the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinator of the Economy that the federal government was planning to borrow the N20 trillion in the Pension Funds to fund critical infrastructure.

Reacting, Atiku this is against the Pension Reform Act of 2014 which specified that only five percent of the fund are allowed to be borrowed by the government.

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refused to be misguided on the issue, adding that the plan should be rescinded immediately.

The former number two citizen also urged the federal government to seek other means of providing infrastructure for Nigerians, for instance,  by leveraging on foreign investment and technology.

Atiku said, “My attention is drawn to a disturbing disclosure by the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, as he addressed state house correspondents after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting at the presidential villa on Tuesday, 14 May.

“There is, according to the minister, a move by the federal government to rev up economic growth by unlocking N20 trillion from the nation’s pension funds and other funds to finance critical infrastructure projects across the country.

“The minister has indicated that although ‘the initiative is expected to attract foreign investment interest over time’, domestic savings are his ‘immediate focus’ for now.

“He provided no useful details, such as the percentage of the funds to be mopped up from the pension funds, for example. Even at that, this move must be halted immediately!

“It is a misguided initiative that could lead to disastrous consequences on the lives of Nigeria’s hardworking men and women, who toiled and saved and who now survive on their pensions having retired from service. It is another attempt to perpetrate illegality by the federal government,” he said.

“In particular, the federal government must not act contrary to the provisions of the extant regulation on investment limits to which Pension Funds can invest no more than 5% of total pension funds’ assets in infrastructure investments.

“I note that as of December 2023, total pension funds assets were approximately N18 trillion, of which 75% of these are investments in FGN Securities.

“There is no free Pension Funds that is more than 5% of the total value of the nation’s pension fund for Mr. Edun to fiddle with.”

Not a few Nigerians will agree with Atiku considering the mismanagement of pension funds by its administrators in recent past. Many retired workers are still struggling to receive their pensions many years after retirement, according to analysts.

In Major Reorganization, Customs Appoints Five DCGs, Eight ACGs

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Five Deputy Comptroller Generals of Customs DCG and,8 Assistant Comptroller Generals of Customs ACGs were on Tuesday May 14 appointed by the Board of the Nigeria Customs Service NCSB to fill vacant managerial positions created by the retirement of some senior personnel.

A statement issued by the Spokesperson for NCS Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada  on Wednesday May 15 ,noted that the  Minister of Finance and Coordinating minister Wale Edun chaired the 59 th regular meeting of  the Board   at which the new appointments were  confirmed .

According to the statement, the new appointments were made to fill the vacancies created by the exit through retirement of some senior officers of the service recently.

“The Principles of federal character ,seniority and  merit guided the appointments as approved by the Board .

These appointments are a testament to the officers’ exemplary services and dedication to the Nigeria Customs Service . The NCSB remains committed to providing strategic leadership to ensure effective and efficient service delivery for optimum performance .

While thanking the retired members of the management for their meritorious services ,the Comptroller General of Customs CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi congratulated the newly confirmed officers and charged them to redouble their efforts to ensure the service attains greater heights in its mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitations amongst others”” part of the statement reads .

Below are the details of the appointments/Promotions.

I ,OO Peters DCG / Commander,Training and Doctrine Command ( rtd)

II BM Jibo ,DCG Enforcement,Inspection & Investigation.

III B U Nwafor ,DCG Excise ,Free Trade Zone & Industrial Incentives.

IV S A Bomai DCG ,Commander Training &Doctrine Command

  1. C K Niagwan DCG Tariff &Trade

ACG.

I B Imam ACG Board

II A A S Oloyede ACG ,Trade & Tariff.

III S K Dangaladima ACG Zonal Coordinator Zone B.

IV A Abdulazeez ,ACG ,Zonal Coordinator,Zone D

  1. S A Yusuf ACG ,Human Resource Development
  1. C O Obih ACG ,Zonal Coordinator,Zone C

VII N P Umoh ACG Training & Doctrine Command .

VIII S Chiroma ACG ,Strategic Research & Policy .

Media Freedom: Tinubu Directs Bank Of Industry To Grant Cheap Loans To Media Orgs

By
James Orji
-
0

To assist media organizations in the country to thrive during the current economic crisis President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Bank of Industry, BOI, to grant a single digit loan to them.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris made the revelation in Abuja on Wednesday when members of the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria, IBAN, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Media organisations in the country have been struggling under the harsh economic conditions prevailing in the country. While some have closed shop, others are barely surviving due to the high cost of production.

The former President Muhammadu Buhari was said to have refused to reduce the import duty on printing materials to reduce the cost of production, to assist media houses while in power.

The minister however stated that Tinubu’s order to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, BOI, is part of the administration’s efforts to create a conducive business environment for the media to operate in Nigeria.

He said,“Let me say that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation under my leadership, as part of our five pillars, will support all media platforms in this country, whether they are public or private.

“I can tell you that the President has directed the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to extend financing to media organizations at single-digit interest rates. I think you need to take advantage of that.”

Ex-Army Chief Applauds Tinubu’s Rejection Of US, France Bases In Nigeria

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Burutai

Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), a former Former Chief of Army Staff, COAS, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for rejecting The US and French military bases in Nigeria.

The former Army Chief who said this is the right to do, said “Nigeria should not allow any foreign force on its soil,” for whatever reasons.

The former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic affirmed his position on the issue on Tuesday while speaking to some leaders of thought from the North.

The magazine reported that not a few Nigerians, particularly from the northern part of the country has advised the president not to welcome foreign military bases in any part of the country.

Burutai said Nigeria must maintained her strategic autonomy as a non -aligned country commending “the federal government for its stand against the reported planned redeployment of the US Forces that are being withdrawn from the Niger Republic to Nigeria.”

He explained that Nigerian government had rejected such overtures in 2015 when it rejected the deployment of United Nations, UN, or African Union, AU, international peacekeeping forces to fight Boko Haram insurgents on Nigerian soil.

According to him, “The Nigerian government rejected the deployment of a UN or AU international peacekeeping force to fight Boko Haram in 2014 and 2015.

“The birth of the new MNJTF with its HQ in N’djamena was the solution to a foreign force deployment that could have placed these foreign forces as interposition force between the Boko Haram territory and the Nigerian territory.

“The implication of this is that it could have given territorial legitimacy to the insurgents,” he said.

“Similarly, as COAS, I had to quickly recover Gamboru-Ngala from the insurgents to prevent the deployment of the Chadian Forces on Nigerian soil. The MNJTF Concept of Operation was to have 3 Sectors.

“Sector 1 deployed in Cameroon’s Far North Region, comprising all Cameroonian troops. Sector 2 was to be deployed in Ngamboru-Ngala on Nigerian territory, comprising all Chadian troops. Sector 3 was to remain in Baga in Northern Borno State, comprising all Nigerian troops.

“Having denied the Chadian forces deployment on Nigerian soil, Sector 2 was then deployed in Baga Sola in the Lac Region of Chad,” Burutai stated.

President Tinubu recently denied knowledge of plan by US and French bases to be stationed in the country.

The US through David Greene, its chargé d’affaires in Nigeria, has also debunked the report.

Airport Tollgates: FG Loses N10bn To VIPs- Minister

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has lamented the loss of N10 billion to VIPs as toll charges in the nation’s airports.

The Minister made this known on Tuesday after the Federal Executive Council Meeting, FEC, promising to end the trend.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently directed government officials and other VIPs to pay toll at the airports. The President’s directive, according to Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity did not exclude the president and the vice president.

Speaking yesterday after the two-day FEC presided over by President Tinubu, Keyamo said it’s only in the Aviation sector that VIPs don’t pay for services rendered to them.

According to him,  over 80 percent of what is supposed to be collected at the toll gates in the nation’s  airport, totaling has been lost to the VIPs.

“That is how bad it is. 18 per cent and 82 per cent of these e-tags are given out free of charge to VIPs,” the minister stated, stating the trend would no longer be allowed under his watch.

He explained that out of the N260 million that is supposed to accrue to the federal government from airports toll only N100 million is realized.

Keyamo said: “Let me give you the shocking statistics. The negative figure that we get at the end of the day from the complimentary e-tags is 82 per cent, in the negative.

“In other words, where we are supposed to have a 100 per cent contract on the e-costs from these e-tags that we print, it is only 18 per cent that we now end up selling. That is how bad it is. 18 per cent and 82 per cent of these e-tags are given out free of charge to VIPs. So, imagine the loss in my sector, and I ask myself,’Which other sector will I go to that they give me anything free?’

“Is it because I’m a VIP that you say that in FCT, I should not pay land charges that you waive it for me? I pay for that sector. I pay for power. Yes, I pay for everything. So, why would anybody now come to my own sector and want to get free passage? Not possible. That is how bad it is.

“So this has led in the past to loss of billions of naira, not millions, annually. Yet, our airport infrastructure, you know, is decaying. I am helpless. I’m looking for concessionaires. I’m looking for help with decaying infrastructure.

“They will be the first to cry out, these same VIPs – ‘why are the toilets like this? Why are your toilets smelling? Why can’t you do this?’ They are the same people, but they don’t pay for the services. So, if we want improved infrastructure at the airport, we must pay for services.

“I’ll give you another example. In one of the access gates, based on the count of the barrier going up and down, we are supposed to be making N250m or 260 million from that gate every month. That gate, because of exemptions, the return to us is less than N100 million every month,” the minister said.

“This Is An Investment Enabling Government, We Will Not Relent In Facilitating The Ease Of Doing Business”  – Tinubu Assures Investors

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Bola Tinubu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

President Bola Tinubu has expressed the optimism that with an estimated 500 mmscf of Gas expected to be supplied into the local market by the newly  constructed gas production facilities at Ohaji- Egbema in Imo state and Kwale in Delta State, the problematic shortfalls in the supply chain  will be substantially curtailed.

The President who spoke at the official commissioning of the Gas projects on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, emphasised the determination of his administration to rejig the economic fortunes of the country through the provision of critical infrastructural facilities.

A statement issued by the Spokesperson for the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL, Olufemi Soleye, qouted President Tinubu as saying that his administration from the beginning has always perceived the exploitation of the country’s abundant gas resources as an important component in the  collective task of increased power generation ,revitalization of industries and the creation of job opportunities .

According to the NNPCL’s statement, the three gas production facilities commissioned include,the AHL Gas Processing Plant, ANOH Gas Processing Plant, and the 23.3km Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben OB3 Custody Transfer Metering Station Gas Pipeline projects.

“I wish to assure the citizenry that these are just the beginning ,as the federal Government is stepping up its coordination of other landmark projects and initiatives that will ensure the earliest realization of gas -fueled prosperity in our country .

“Consequently, I wish to assure investors in the energy sector that this is an investment enabling  Government and we will not relent in facilitating the ease of doing business ” President Tinubu stated .

The President noted that a significant progress has been achieved in the area  of intentional efforts at transiting Nigerians away from the use of petrol and  diesel as vehicles combustion fuel to Compressed Natural Gas CNG  .

While appreciating the NNPCL and its partners, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company, SEEPCO and Seplat Energy for seeing the Gas projects through, President Tinubu also urged the apex petroleum products management outfit to sustain the quest to further develop the industry for the over all interest of the country.

“It is pleasing that an approximately,500MMscf of gas in aggregate would be supplied to the domestic market from,these Gas processing Plants ,which represents over %25 incremental growth in gas supply .

“In practical terms ,this translates into more gas to the power sector ,Gas Based Industries and other critical segments of the economy.” the President remarked.

‘Our Judiciary Witnessing  Undeniable Decline’ – Obi Says Rule Of Law An Intangible Asset Of Any Society

By
The Source
-
0
Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has bemoaned the state of Nigeria’s Judiciary and said it is witnessing an undeniable Decline.

The LP standards bearer notes that although there still exists few good judges and justices in the country but generally speaking, the situation is worrisome and a threat to the future of the nation.

Delivering a Keynote speech titled “The Role of the Judiciary in Shaping Nigeria’s Future” at the 5th Memorial of Justice Anthony Nnaemeka Aniagolu, at the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Obi said there is a lot to learn from the integrity of the late Justice of the Supreme Court and his class of Justices.

“It was truly an honor to pay tribute to one of Nigeria’s most esteemed jurists, the late Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Anthony Nnaemeka Aniagolu. His illustrious career, particularly as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1978 to 1987, brought immense honor to our judiciary through his unwavering integrity and steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in our nation.

“As we commemorate the legacy of Justice Aniagolu and other revered Nigerian judges, we must draw inspiration from their exemplary service. We must strive to emulate their dedication to integrity, fairness, respect for the rule of law, transparency, humility, and the dispensation of justice.

“While the judiciary today still boasts of a few outstanding judges, there is an undeniable decline in our judicial system. This decline poses a significant threat to the future of Nigeria. Justice is increasingly commodified, and delivered in favor of the highest bidder.

“When the rule of law is compromised, the most vulnerable members of society are disproportionately affected, and the fabric of our society begins to fray. The integrity of our institutions, the protection of human rights, and the stability of our nation are all jeopardized.

“The rule of law is the highest intangible and most valuable asset of any society, and we must work tirelessly to protect and preserve it. We must prioritize the pursuit of justice above all else.

“Only then can we ensure that the rule of law remains a beacon of hope and a safeguard against tyranny, oppression, and injustice. The future of our nation depends on it

“In my address to the audience, I emphasized the urgent need to revitalize our judicial system by safeguarding its independence and promoting the values of character, competence, capability, compassion, and integrity among our jurists, as well as within our political leadership. By doing so, we can ensure that justice and fairness prevail as we endeavor to build a better Nigeria for all.

Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu is a private institution owned and managed by the Catholic Church.

Hajj: FG Releases N90 Billion For Subsidy

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

Federal government announced on Wednesday that it subsidized this year’s Hajj with N90 billion  in order to have a smooth and successful exercise.

Government also explained that the amount was necesitated by a major challenge due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates.

President Bola Tinubu disclosed this at the flagging-off of the inaugural airlift of 2024 Hajj exercise from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The ceremony took place at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi with the President,  represented by the Vice President,  Sen. Kashim Shettima.

He urged the intending pilgrims to pray for peace, unity and progress of the country.

The President also charged the intending pilgrims to abide by all rules and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and urged them to avoid any illicit act capable of affecting the integrity of their Hajj.

“Mr president has been committed to this year’s Hajji due to the economic situation, he has also contributed the sum of N90 billion Naira to subsidise this year’s Hajj exercise in order to have a smooth and successful exercise.

”You may recall that this year, we had a major challenge in announcing the final hajj fare for the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates.

”President Bola Tinubu also work round the clock to control the downwards spiral of our local currency to bring relief to our pilgrims and other Nigerians.

”A moved that eventually succeeded in lowering the fare. The President approved the released of N90 billion to subsidize the cost of pilgrimage for this year’s hajj.”

He stated that the government of Renewed Hope led by Tinubu attaches immense importance to religious pilgrimage due to the role its plays in transforming behavioral and social vices of the believers beyond performing the pilgrimage.

Delivering his speech, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris said this year’s Hajji signifies a sacred journey for thousands of devoted pilgrims who embarked on a spiritual voyage to the Holy land.

“It is a journey of faith, devotion and unity where believers come together to fufil one of the five pillars of Islam, the pilgrimage to Mecca is a profound experience that fosters a sense of community, humility and spiritual renewal.

“It is a time for reflection, prayer and seeking forgiveness, as well as an opportunity for personal growth and self discovery,” he added.

In his remarks, the National Chairman, National Hajji Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalai Ahmad Arabi thanked the President and Kebbi State Governor for their support and cooperation towards the success of this year’s Hajji exercise.

He described this year’s Hajji as the most innovative and special one, saying, “honestly, I am overwhelm by the way and manner the Kebbi State committed resources for them to achieve.

Breaking: Governor Sanwo Olu’s Deputy Chief Of Staff, Gboyega Soyannwo Is Dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Gboyega Soyannwo

By Akinwale Kasali

The passing of Gboyega Soyannwo, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu has thrown the Governor and the State into mourning.

Soyannwo slumped yesterday, and was immediately rushed to the Hospital, untIl the announcement of his death.

Prior to the slumping that aggravated his state of health, he had fallen sick for some days, before the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday.

He, also,  had been suffering from stroke.

He died at the age of 55 years.

Soyannwo was born on 3rd October 1968. He had his primary education at the Corona School Victoria Island, Lagos from 1974 to 1980 and his secondary education at the prestigious Kings College, Lagos from 1980-1985.

He thereafter proceeded to the Federal School of Arts & Science for his A-Levels which he successfully completed in 1987. He proceeded to the University of Lagos from where he graduated in 1992 and earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Hons.) Degree in Economics.  Gboyega Soyannwo also held an MBA (General Management) from the revered Lagos Business School.

Soyannwo started his career at the Central Bank of Nigeria in 1992 as a Youth Corp member. He subsequently worked in the following institutions where he served in various capacities:  Financial Services Consultants Limited, STACO Insurance Plc., National Bank Of Nigeria Limited (now WEMA Bank Plc). Zenith Bank Plc. and Oceanic Bank International Plc (now Eco Bank Plc.), where he left in December 2009 as the Group Head – Commercial Banking to join the First Class Group Limited as Director, Finance and Strategy.

Gboyega spent the earlier years of his banking career taking up responsibilities that sharpened his leadership and talent management skills. He had been a creative problem solver who consistently demonstrates excellence in the efficiency, productivity and quality of his work.

1...1,2921,2931,294...3,101Page 1,293 of 3,101