Ondo Explains Delay In Distribution Of Palliatives, Says FG’s Rice Can’t Go Round

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August 22, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF) and the Unted Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are organizing an executive leadership retreat for Governors.

The retreat holding in Kigali, Rwanda, between August 24 to 27, is expected to be attended by 36 state Governors in Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser, Media, to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Governor Biodun Oyebanji will leave Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Tuesday to join his other colleagues for the trip to Kigali on Wednesday 23rd.

Highlights of the three-day leadership retreat include a moderated dialogue on “Future of Pan-Africanism and Integration in a Changing World.”

Rwandan President, Paul Kagame; former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta; and former Tanzanian President, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete are expected to be among panelists.

Other highlights include a forum with private sector players focusing on investments opportunities.

Governor Oyebanji will be accompanied on the trip by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Mr Seun Fakuade.

The Governor will return to Ado-Ekiti by Monday, August 28th, the statement added.

Foreign: Niger: AU Suspends Niger As El Rufai Rejects Invasion

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August 22, 2023

Former Governor of Kaduna, Nasir El Rufai state has cautioned the Economic Community of Ecowas States, ECOWAS, over its plan to invade Niger Republic will military forces.

El rufai is among prominent Nigerians who have opposed the use of force to resolve the political crisis in the country.

The political impasse in the country escalated on Sunday after the military junta which took power last month said they needed three years to restore constitutional democracy.

ECOWAS has rejected the plan describing it as provocative.

The regional economic bloc has called for the reinstatement of deposed President Mohammed Bazoum, threatening the use of force to achieve its aim if diplomatic efforts failed.

Reacting on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the former governor who recently lost a ministerial appointment, urged ECOWAS to ensure that war does not break out in the region.

According to him, fighting between ECOWAS and Niger is tantamount to war between brothers.

“As ECOWAS beats the drums of war, I recall the 1970s rock classic by Dire Straits – ‘Brothers in Arms’ because a war within our subregion is a war between brothers,” El rufai said.

On Sunday, Burkina Faso and Mali deployed warplanes to Niger Republic as tension with ECOWAS escalates

“Mali and Burkina Faso turned their commitments into concrete action by deploying warplanes to respond to any attack on Niger,” a Niger television station said without giving further details.

The planes were Super Tucano fighter jets, the report said.

On July 26, General Abdourahamane Tiani-led military junta sacked President Bazoum from power and dissolved his government.

The deposed leader has remained in detention since then.

Meanwhile, the African Union has suspended Niger as a member of the union.

The suspension was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the continental body in what has been described as its major response since the military coup on July 26.

The AU called on all of its member states and the international community to refrain from any action that could legitimize Niger’s junta, and said it strongly rejected interference from foreign powers.

Anambra: APGA Hails Soludo Over Plan To Distribute Bag Of Rice To 300,000 Households

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August 22, 2023

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has been commended over his government’s plan to provide various palliatives to the people of the state, including the distribution of rice to over 300,000 households.

The governor was commended by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa who said the palliatives will help the people of the state ”during these uncertain times.”

Ezeokenwa made this known in a statement signed in Awka, the state’s capital on Tuesday, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Tony Olisa Mbeki.

He said the removal of fuel subsidy has brought untold hardship to many Nigerians, saying what Governor Soludo has done is priotise the welfare of his people.

“Today, I am excited to commend the extraordinary efforts of our Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for his exceptional palliative measures aimed at alleviating the hardships caused by subsidy removal. These initiatives highlight the unwavering commitment of the APGA-led government to prioritize the wellbeing of every citizen,” Ezeokenwa said.

According to the APCGA Chairman, “I am delighted that the Anambra State Government will be distributing rice to over 300,000 households in the coming weeks, spanning across the 326 wards of our state. This significant gesture will provide much-needed support to families facing economic challenges during these uncertain times.

“Additionally, Governor Soludo has enacted various measures to ease the financial burden on our people. Basic education, from primary school to JSS3, will remain tuition-free for all public schools, ensuring that our children have access to quality education without placing an additional burden on households.

“To further alleviate the financial strain, the IGR payments of all transporters, including keke and minibus operators, will be reduced by 20% starting from September 01, 2023. This reduction will bring substantial relief to our transporters who play a crucial role in our daily lives.

“Governor Soludo’s vision extends beyond immediate relief, as he lays the groundwork for a brighter future for Anambra State. The ambitious plan to build and modernize primary health centres across all 326 wards is a testament to his dedication to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services to our communities.

“Furthermore, the government’s commitment to infrastructure development is evident through the construction of over 340km of roads across all 21 local governments. These road projects will improve connectivity, enhance transportation efficiency, and boost economic growth for the benefit of all citizens.

“In another remarkable move, civil servants will enjoy free transportation, thanks to the Federal Government’s assisted CNG transportation initiative. This step ensures ease of movement for our dedicated public servants, allowing them to fulfill their duties efficiently.

“Very importantly, the provision of free antenatal services and delivery services to pregnant mothers in state primary health centers and general hospitals is a significant milestone towards ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and children in our dear state.

“The rolled-out palliatives are numerous. Let us applaud Governor Soludo for his tireless efforts in implementing these impactful measures. His commitment to the welfare and well-being of Ndi Anambra sets a remarkable example for other State Governors to emulate.

“Together, let us support our exceptional National Leader in his quest to uplift the lives of every citizen and build a prosperous and livable homeland in Anambra State,” the APGA boss stated.

The federal government recently announced an N5 billion palliative to the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Nigeria’s Foreign Reserves Less Than $4bn JP Morgan Tells FG

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August 22, 2023

JP Morgan, a US-based financial service provider has listed factors such as security lending, currency swaps, and others as reasons why Nigeria’s Net foreign reserves have dropped below $4 billion.

The country’s current foreign reserves, according to figures provided in its reports put Nigeria’s Net Reserves at $3.7 billion as of December 2022.

Gross foreign reserve is defined as the government’s total holdings of foreign currency reserves, while Net foreign reserve is the balance after foreign currency liabilities are deducted from gross foreign currencies reserves.

The report, according to analysts comes as Nigeria is facing forex shortages leading to the depreciation of the naira.

The government said it’s addressing the problem through various monetary measures, one of which is last week’s agreement between the NNPCL and Afrexim Bank for a $3 billion emergency loan to stabilize the forex market.

The financial service firm had a few days ago noted in a report that Nigeria’s foreign reserve is lower than previously estimated.

The American multinational financial services firm noted in an August 17 report that Nigeria’s net FX reserves are significantly lower than previously estimated.

According to figures provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Nigeria’s gross foreign reserves stood at $36.61 billion as of the end of last year.

It has dropped further to less than $34 billion as of August this year, the apex bank said in a report.

But commenting, JP Morgan disclosed in the report that what Nigeria actually has in her foreign reserves after foreign liabilities have been deducted is $3.7 billion.

“We estimate that CBN’s net FX reserves were around $3.7 billion at the end of last year, from US$14.0 billion at end-2021,” the firm said.

JP Morgan provides its estimates on how it arrives at the figure, saying the local forex market will continue to be under pressure, it, however, hinted that the CBN can still source forex from different areas to stabilize the market.

“FX forwards ($6.84 billion), securities lending ($5.5 billion) and currency swaps ($21.3 billion); and estimating currency swaps by backing out FX forwards and outstanding OTC Futures balances from an overall aggregate published in the financial accounts,” the report said.

“Nigeria’s exchange rate market remains fragmented. Since the adjustment of USD/NGN at the Investors and Exporters window a few weeks ago, interbank FX liquidity has not improved as much as anticipated, partly due to the re-introduction of de-facto controls limiting local trades and loose monetary policy conditions.”

Last Wednesday, the NNPC Limited secured a $3 billion Emergency Crude Repayment Loan from African Export-Import (AFREXIM) Bank to stabiles the naira.

“The NNPC Ltd. and Afrexim Bank have jointly signed a commitment letter and Termsheet for an emergency $3 billion crude oil repayment loan,” NNPC said in a terse statement.

“The signing, which took place today at the bank’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, will provide some immediate disbursement that will enable the NNPC Ltd. to support the Federal Government in its ongoing fiscal and monetary policy reforms aimed at stabilizing the exchange rate market.”

Ekiti: Gov Oyebanji Says Too Much Pressure On Political Appointees Distances Them From People

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August 21, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to Ekiti people not to put undue pressure and demands on the newly appointed commissioners and Special Advisers, so that they will not run away from them.

The Governor stressed that such could, apart from distracting them, prevent them from coming to their constituencies regularly as true representatives of the people .

Oyebanji also declared that his Government had expended a sum of N213 million to lift 2,600 indigent citizens from poverty under social investment component of his administration within the last 100 days.

He also said that over a hundred project spread across the state were executed between April and July, stressing that the state Independent Power Project (IPP) is due for commissioning next month.

The Governor made the remarks on Monday in Omuo Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti East Local government Area, while giving account of stewardship at a stakeholders’ engagement programme marking his 300 days in office.

“The new commissioners are coming from different background and diverse level of expertise. We are still going to do much more than what we have done.

“If we can do all these in eight months without full cabinet, we should be able to do times two of these in four years.

“My cabinet members must hear this, our people said I am doing well because my Commissioners, who are politicians have not been brought on board.

“But I want to say that they don’t have any other choice than to do well. But don’t put unnecessary pressure on them. We should know that political appointment is a position of responsibility.

“When pressure is put on them, they will be dodging and would not want to come home. But these cabinet members are ready and willing and they have the fire power and experiences to do well. I have implicit confidence in them that they can only join us and deliver for our people.

“We must know that we contested the last election and won with APC as a vehicle and our members need to be very careful to remain in government. They must not take our people for granted or misbehave to them.”

Expressing confidence on ability of the appointees to perform, the Governor said they are coming with additional values to the government, adding that rather than slow down the pace of work, the public should expect greater level of performance.

In the area of security, Oyebanji rued the reported cases of kidnappings around Imesi-Ode-Omuo axis, saying the Amotekun Corps had been restructured to rise to the occasion of ensuring peace and security across all the towns in Ekiti.

He urged traditional rulers to collaborate with the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in the state to rid the state of criminal elements.

I Specifically Asked The President To Assign Me To Ministry Of Solid Minerals Development – Alake

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August 21, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has clarified that he specifically requested President Bola Tinubu to assign him to the Ministry, contrary to expectation of his admirers.

Alake, served as a Commissioner for Information when Tinubu was Governor of Lagos State.

He had a brief stint as Special adviser to the President on Communication, Strategy and Special Duties before he was nominated as a Minister.

Alake explained that he was assigned the portfolio by President Tinubu because of the sensitive position of the sector to economic renewal.

The Minister disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen after the inauguration of 45 new Ministers at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that he specifically asked the President to assign the Ministry to him contrary to the general perception that he would be given a particular portfolio, which is Information.

Alake said the much talked about portfolio speculated for him was not necessarily tailored for only him.

‘’I heard about that matter since the beginning of this administration when I was given the position of Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy.

“The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, as you know, is a sensitive position in this period of economic renewal.

“The administration is ready to give a new lease of life to the sector.

So, that position was one that I specifically asked Mr. President to give me and he obliged.

“The Ministry is key to the administration and the President wanted someone that he trusted and believed would deliver effectively.”

“I Sympathise With Those Whose Houses I Will Demolish” – Wike, FCT Minister

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August 21, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that his first major task will be to ensure that owners of buildings in the FCT comply with Abuja master plan.

He vowed to deploy bulldozers in the Federal Capital Territory to areas where there is breach or non compliance with the building rules to sanitize the territory.

Wike, immediate past governor of Rivers state, added that he sympathized with house owners whose buildings fall into the category of those that have violated the master plan, saying he was sorry because the structures would go down.

Wike, who was speaking shortly after his swearing in by the President, vowed to step on toes as long as he was doing the right thing.

He thanked President Tinubu for the confidence he reposed in him, which was the reason he put him in such a strategic position as the FCT Ministry

He said he would not disappoint the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He warned that the era of impunity in the FCT was over even as he urged all those involved in illegality in the territory to leave the FCT bag and baggage.

He said buildings in green areas in the FCT would be brought down, while also serving notice to those who had uncompleted buildings in the FCT to either complete them or the Government would take them over.

“People who are distorting the master plan of Abuja, your houses will go down. People who have built on green areas, your houses will go down.”

Inuaguration: Gagdi Felicitates Lalong, Hails Him As Labour Friendly Leader

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August 21, 2023

Member representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, has felicitated former Governor of Plateau state, Simon Lalong, on his inauguration as Minister Labour and Employment, by President Bola Tinubu, adding that his competence is never in doubt.

Gagdi, who hails from Plateau state, described the former governor as a ’round peg in a round hole’, in a congratulatory Message he issued in Abuja on Monday, August 21, 2023.

President Tinubu had earlier on Monday inaugurated his cabinet in a ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that Lalong, who was named the Minister of Labour and Employment, earned his place in the ‘Renewed Hope’ cabinet of President Tinubu, because of his “unrivaled record” as having the most labour friendly administration in Plateau State, when he held sway as the Governor for eight years.

The lawmaker said further, “As the leader of the All Progressive Congress in Plateau State, we have never doubted your competence and capacity to represent Plateau State competently in the Federal Executive Council. You have always proven your capability in every task assigned to you; the most recent being successfully leading APC’s presidential campaign to a resounding victory in the 2023 elections.

“As you brace up to tackle the prevalence of unemployment among Nigerian youths, as well as ensuring that the wages of Nigerian workers can be dignifying for their labour to the fatherland, we are confident that you will justify the trust reposed in you by Mr President and make Plateau State proud in this assignment.

Once again, congratulations to Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, HE Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong.”

Abuja: Wike Vows To Revoke Land Titles, Warns Speculators

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August 21, 2023