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Nigeria’s Finance Minister Gets International Appointment

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

For the first time, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, will sit atop  African Finance Ministers known as Governors Forum of the World Bank

This followed his appointment as the Chairman of the African Governors’ Forum of the World Bank.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday.

The ministry in the statement said that this marks the first time Nigeria has assumed the role of Chairman in 60 years.

It also noted that the appointment presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria and the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The African Governors’ Forum of the World Bank and International Monetary Forum (IMF) is made up of the continent’s finance ministers and central bank governors.

AFDB President Says Corruption Not Peculiar To Africa Alone

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

President of the African Development Bank, (AFDB), Dr Akinwuni Adesina, has said that corruption is a global phenomenon and not peculiar to Africa alone.

Adesina, a former minister of agriculture, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday, was of the view that what is important is to continue to improve transparency, accountability, and the use of public resources.

According to him, “The global financial crisis that brought the world down in 2008 was not in Africa. We have no Wall Street. That collapse came from greed, from corruption, from fraud.

“You have people cooking the books that are in the financial industry in Europe, not in Africa. Corruption is not an African issue.

“The issue is that is not to say that there’s none. What you have to do is to continue to improve transparency, accountability, and the use of public resources.”

NUC Rejects Top Up Degree By NBTE For HND Graduates

By
Ayodele Oni
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National University Commission NUC

By Ayodele Oni

The National Universities Commission, (NUC) has rejected a move by the  National Board for Technical Education, (NBTE) to launch a “top-up degree” scheme for graduates of Nigerian polytechnics at the level of Higher National Diploma.

The Universities ’ Commission in a statement on Saturday, signed by its Acting Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki, noted that the move was in clear violation of its mandate.

The NBTE had announced a partnership with foreign universities where HND graduates could convert their diplomas to degrees through a one-year conversion course, following the dichotomy which has continued to exist between graduates of universities and polytechnics.

Some universities in the country had announced that holders of HND certificates should approach them for conversion.

The move had received praise from HND graduates across the country, but the NUC in a strongly-worded statement urged the NBTE to stay put on its plan.

The statement reads, “The attention of the National Universities Commission has been drawn to the news (online) that the National Board for Technical Education has officially introduced a one-year top-up degree programme in Nigerian Polytechnics to enable holders of the Higher National Diploma to convert their certificates to the first degree with foreign accredited universities.

“The online news, which was credited to the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, Prof Idirs Bugaje, and the Board’s Head of Media Unit, Mrs Fatima Abubakar, revealed that the action was in furtherance of the advocacy for the removal of the existing dichotomy between degree holders and HND graduates in their various places of work, and to enhance the beneficiaries’ opportunities for further studies.

“The NUC wishes to inform the Management of the NBTE and the general public that the “Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma in the Same Profession/Field for Employment, and for Related Matters”, which was passed by the 9th National Assembly in 2021, is yet to be assented to by Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“So, even though agitation continues to grow for the abolition of the dichotomy in Nigeria, there is, at the moment, no law that has removed the dichotomy between a university degree and the HND.”

NGA To FG: Gas Is Cheaper, Make It More Affordable For Nigerians

By
James Orji
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The federal government has been advised by the Nigerian Gas Association, NGA, to make gas more available for Nigerians’ use.

The association said in Lagos on Friday that Nigerian with an abundance of natural gas should be able to invest more in her gas resources to make it affordable for Nigerians in the face of the rising cost of petrol.

Comparatively, the cost of compressed gas that can be used for domestic, industrial and other purposes is cheaper to PMS aka petrol which has continuously experienced price surge lately.

Following the removal of the petrol subsidy in May this year by the federal government, the price of the commodity has shot up to at least N620 per litre, beyond the reach of many Nigerian consumers.

Marketers of the product have again threatened to increase the price further to match the current realities in the sector. Some petrol stations have also shut down in the last few weeks due to what they blamed on the shortage of the product, partly because of the scarcity of foreign exchange to import petrol into the country, according to independent petrol marketers.

But the government-controlled NNPCL denied the claim during the week of any plan to further hike petrol price in the country.

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration says it’s making huge investment to make CNG more affordable, saying the effect of the investment will manifest in a few months.

Amidst these challenges, NGA President, Akachukwu Nwokedi told journalists in Lagos yesterday that it’s possible for consumers to shift from petrol to natural gas for their different uses if government can invest more in the area.

According to him, “The Federal Government has to continue to make gas affordable, and we as an association support CNG, Train 7 because Nigeria has enough gas resources to achieve economic growth. Besides CNG is 15 per cent cheaper than petrol.”

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerian consumers have slammed the government for policy summersault in the energy sector. For instance, the government had at a time encouraged Nigerians to shift to gas from kerosene for their domestic use, saying it’s cheaper. Now, the price of cooking gas has risen to N13,500 per 12.5 kilogram with rumour that the price could rise to as much as 20, 0000 before the end of the year.

Senate: NIMASA Act Amendment Bill Passes First Reading

By
James Orji
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The bill to amend the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA Act has passed the first reading on the Floor of the Nigerian Senate.

Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, who announced this during a working visit by the committee to NIMASA operational offices in Lagos noted that the senate of the tenth assembly is committed to formulating policies that will ensure Nigerians enjoy the benefits of the blue economy.

Speaking further, the Committee Chairman averred that a constructive evaluation of the existing maritime legal framework was necessary to ascertain gaps for possible review, pledging that the Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio was committed to supporting the maritime sector, in line with the vision of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“Let me inform you that the bill seeking amendment of the NIMASA Act has passed first reading on the floor of the senate.

I have to say on behalf of my colleagues that we are with you on this journey, and we will not hesitate to support your vision, in as much as such is geared towards enhancing the potential of the maritime sector for national growth and development.

With the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry by Mr. President, a message has been passed to all stakeholders that the maritime industry has a huge role to play in our nation building. We must align with the vision of the President, and we must support the government to achieve a better country for all Nigerians”, Sani said.

The Committee members unanimously acknowledged NIMASA’s investment in the acquisition and building of a strong safety and security architecture, reiterating that such effort was a confirmation that NIMASA was conscious of its mandate and strategic status as one of Nigeria’s major contributors to the country’s sustainable development.

A member of the Committee, Senator Abdul Ningi, commended NIMASA Management stating that much progress has been made over the years. I have visited this Agency over the years and must note that much progress has been made over the years. You have done very well, he said.

In his welcome remarks, the Director General of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh, noted that the Agency is committed to both human capacity and infrastructural development to grow the Nigerian blue economy.

Speaking further, Jamoh stated that a well-developed marine and blue economy would be strong enough to service Nigeria’s annual budget because it encompasses all economic activities associated with the oceans and seas.

According to Jamoh, “NIMASA is working tirelessly to secure our waters and by extension, the Gulf of Guinea. The time has come for us as a nation to build on the recent gains in the area of safety and security of our waterways. Rest assured that NIMASA is utilizing appropriated funds judiciously, evident in our investment in infrastructure. We will continue in the direction President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pointed with the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.

“Palace Coup” And Strange Marriage:  Outrage As  Lady Marries Her Sister’s Husband

By
The Source
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By Chidi Levi

“Had I known” is a language of regret. It tugs at hearts after the deed is done.

A young lady from Cross River state who got married to her heartthrob two years ago and is currently nursing a baby must have silently muttered a thousand ” had I known”  in the past weeks.

Of course,  had she known, she would  not have invited her younger sister to Lagos to help out in the rigours of nursing her baby and at the same taking home chores

If she hadn’t invited her sister,  a daring “overtaking” that had just taken place wouldn’t have happened and she would have still had her darling husband to herself!

In what could be likened to a palace coup, a young mother of one who goes by the Facebook name, Mary Obeten Peter has taken to the blue app to narrate the abominable story of how her younger sister snatched her husband, Peter Obeten, and went ahead to secretly marry him.

The dramatic personae in the sordid drama hail from Ugep,  headquarters of Yakurr local government area of Cross River state.

According to Mary,  the ” coup” happened in Lagos where she and her husband reside.

Lamenting the turn of events on her official Facebook wall, Mrs Mary Peter Obeten whose marriage is about two years old condemned her sister’s action, saying God would judge her for her despicable action.

Mary: “My kid sister has finally succeeded in taking my husband as her husband, may God judge you, Amen”

Peter, a plumber, and Mary got married in 2021 and were blessed with a child sometime this year.  They were said to have been happily married before the shocking event.

The “overtaking” happened when Mary invited Hannah, her younger sister, to assist with house chores. However,  no sooner had Hannah arrived than she abs her sister’s husband started an illicit but secret love affair.

Hannah was said to have allegedly persuaded Peter Obeten last week to divorce Mary so she could take over. He acceded to the request and they eventually wedded on October 11, 2023.

Further expressing her hurt, Mary rued that while her sister and Peter now live together as husband and wife, she is in the village nursing her child.

However, an unperturbed and unrepentant Peter is showing no remorse.

On his Facebook Wall, he defended his action,  blaming it on “blind love”. Peter:  “Love is blind. I found love before and I found love again. Love can happen to anybody, it could be you. Do not judge. Love is like an ocean, it can carry you away. Love is strong and no one can break it. Please do not judge so that you will not be judged,” he averred, adding that he still loves his former wife.

Gov Oyebanji Presents 2024 Budget To Ekiti Assembly

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has presented a budget estimate of N159,572,482,915.61 Billion Naira, to the state House of Assembly for 2024 fiscal year.

Christened “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development”  the estimate is a Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) is made up of N71,994,898,233.20 capital expenditure and N87,577,583,682.41 recurrent expenditure.

This represents ratio of 55:45 of recurrent to capital expenditure. The budget, according to the Governor, is a product of wider consultation with Ekiti people.

Governor Oyebanji explained that the overall focus of the budget is to sustain his administration’s quest for shared prosperity through the six pillar agenda of the government.

He highlighted the objectives of the 2024 budget to include creating enabling environment for micro, small and medium enterprises to thrive through friendly policies and provision of infrastructure; achieving shared prosperity through collaboration, compassion, fiscal prudence and quality service delivery.

It will also expand the revenue base in the area of internally generated revenue, and to also ensure timely completion of on-going developmental projects through equitable and effective distribution and allocation of available resources.

The governor also explained that the budget would provide a veritable platform for youths and women empowerment, skill acquisition and entrepreneur development; strengthen the security architecture of the state; cushion the effect of petrol subsidy removal.

According to him, it will guarantee food security and support agro allied industry as well as further promote good governance through budget discipline, probity and accountability in the allocation and utilization of government fund, among others.

On capital projects, Oyebanji, pointed out that his government is not unmindful of the importance of capital project on the socio economic development of the state and that his administration would embark on numbers of projects without compromising the well-being of the people of the state.

Davido And Wife, Chioma Welcome Set Of Twins In US

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

International Musical Sensation, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido and his Wife, Chioma, have welcomed a set of twins babies.

The multiple award-winning Afrobeat singer and his wife were filled with joy as they left an Atlanta United States hospital where their twins, a male and female, were delivered.

Davido flashed a huge smile and made a gesture to replicate that his wife delivered twins while Chioma, who could not hide her joy, sat in a wheelchair with the babies held closely to her chest.

In a viral video, the Musician was seen smiling with the wife holding closely to her chest her bundle of joy.

It was gathered that the Adeleke family welcomed the set of twins on Monday, but kept it off the social media.

However, Evangelist Gospel Agochukwu on Tuesday morning made that disclosure, but Davido didn’t respond to the news.

The delivery came barely 11 months after the couple’s first child, Ifeanyi, drowned inside the family’s pool in the Banana Island Area of Lagos.

Full List  Of 43 Items On Which  CBN Lifted Forex Restrictions

By
The Source
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0

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday lifted foreign exchange restrictions it placed on importers of 43 items eight years ago.

The restriction was placed under the watch of Godwin Emefiele as CBN Governor.

Emefiele was suspended indefinitely in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu. A couple of weeks ago, Tinubu  finally sacked the CBN Management, including Emefiele, who had, reportedly, earlier resigned from office.

In Emefiele’s place, President Tinubu appointed Yemi Cardoso as the new CBN Governor, and appointed four new Deputy Governors to replace the four he sacked.

Following the 43 items on which forex restriction was lifted.

  1. Rice
  2. Cement
  3. Margarine
  4. Palm kernel
  5. Palm oil products
  6. Vegetable oils
  7. Meat and processed meat products
  8. Vegetables and processed vegetable products
  9. Poultry and processed poultry products
  10. Tinned fish in sauce (Geisha)/sardine
  11. Cold rolled steel sheets
  12. Galvanized steel sheets
  13. Roofing sheets
  14. Wheelbarrows
  15. Head pans
  16. Metal boxes and containers
  17. Enamelware
  18. Steel drums
  19. Steel pipes
  20. Wire rods (deformed and not deformed)
  21. Iron rods
  22. Reinforcing bars
  23. Wire mesh
  24. Steel nails
  25. Security and razor fencing and poles
  26. Wood particle boards and panels
  27. Wood fiberboards and panels
  28. Plywood boards and panels
  29. Wooden doors
  30. Toothpicks
  31. Glass and glassware
  32. Kitchen utensils
  33. Tableware
  34. Tiles-vitrified and ceramic
  35. Gas cylinders
  36. Woven fabrics
  37. Clothes
  38. Plastic and rubber products
  39. Polypropylene granules
  40. Cellophane wrappers and bags
  41. Soap and cosmetics
  42. Tomatoes/tomato pastes
  43. Eurobond/foreign currency bond/ share purchases

Why Tinubu Should Listen To Obi – Group

By
The Source
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0

Worried by the controversy over President Bola Tinubu’s identity crisis as well as the furore over the authenticity or otherwise of his Chicago State University certificate, the Neo Africana Centre has asked Tinubu to look beyond partisanship and embrace the counsel offered him by Peter Obi on how to resolve the issues in contention.

Tinubu has been embroiled in controversy over his claim to have attended and obtained a certificate from Chicago State University in the United States. There is also a haze of uncertainty over his true identity following the inconsistencies in his name and gender as revealed by the Chicago papers.

To put paid to these controversies, Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 presidential election, has asked Tinubu to mount the rostrum and address Nigerians on these vexed issues in order to save himself and Nigeria the embarrassment arising from them.

In a statement by its Director of Public Affairs, Jenkins Udu, the Centre said it agrees entirely with Obi that Tinubu should speak up on the issue as his silence is deepening suspicion and distrust over the matter. According to the public policy think tank, Tinubu will be doing himself a world of good if he does not bring partisan considerations to bear on Obi’s counsel. If anything , he should see Obi’s interest in the matter as a friendly intervention by a patriot who is concerned about the sanctity of the office of the president as well as the image of his country.

Part of the statement reads:

“We have observed with concern the furore over President Bola Tinubu’s Chicago papers especially as they relate to the certificate he claimed to have acquired from Chicago State University. The Chicago papers have also raised questions over Tinubu’s true identity, including his gender. These ugly developments are not only embarrassing to Nigerians, they cast a slur on the image of the president and the office he occupies. In fact, they have the potentialities to bring the Nigerian presidency to disrepute if not properly handled.

“We were therefore deeply relieved when Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 presidential election, brushed politics aside and offered Tinubu a well-intentioned and genuine counsel which, if embraced by Mr President, will put paid to the ongoing controversy. Rather than harangue and brow-beat Obi for his patriotic intervention as some Tinubu’s lackeys are doing, he should be applauded for prescribing the right antidote to a festering sore.

“We therefore agree with Obi that Tinubu should address Nigerians on this subject matter. As the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Tinubu’s identity should not be a matter of speculation. If Nigerians did not have full knowledge of who he was before he was declared president, questions arising from the Chicago papers have compelled them to seek to know who their president is. This, for us, is a simple and straightforward matter. Tinubu as Nigeria’s first citizen should gladly step forward to clear the air on areas of doubt about his identity and background. Making himself an object of gossip and unedifying banters is tantamount to debasing the Nigerian presidency.

“It is unconscionable for a president who claims to hold the people’s mandate to leave the same people to speculate about who he is. Public office is a trust. In other words, Tinubu occupies his present office on behalf of the people. The people should therefore, at all times, be in a position to talk freely and confidently about their president. But this can only be possible if his background is not cloaked in secrecy. The ongoing attempt at shielding the identity and background of Mr President from the public is therefore patently distasteful. It will only create the impression that the president has something to hide.

“It is regrettable that elements around the president are polluting the political space with divisiveness and bad blood just because the people who, ostensibly, voted the president into office are insisting on their right to know. Honour and integrity demand that the president should make full disclosures about his identity and background. Silence cannot be golden in this circumstance.”

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