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UK $15m Investment In Nigeria’s Agric Sector To Create 2,800 Jobs

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Rishi Sunak - UK Prime Minister

The United Kingdom Development Finance Institution, British International Investment, BII has disclosed that it will invest $15 million in the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

The investment would be made in equity into a Singaporean-headquartered agricultural trading house, Valency International, the agency said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the transaction is subject to regulatory approval, and will take effect in the first quarter of next year.

BII said the investment is expected to create at least 2, 800 jobs for low income workers across the country, apart from market access for 60,000 farmers.

The statement said, “The support will create up to 2,800 jobs for low-income workers across the country. It will also provide market access indirectly to a further 60,000 smallholder farmers and boost agricultural output and export. The new Valency facilities, funded by BII will strengthen partnerships with local farmers and processing centers to maximize their output and provide a more stable supply of premium-quality products.”

“Crop production is the largest segment within agriculture and it accounts for about 87.6 percent of the sector’s total output. BII, as the first institutional investor in Valency, will provide value-added support to the company in developing best practices in business integrity and Environmental and Social Management Systems. Both parties will work closely to improve job quality and gender inclusion and enhance value creation.”

TUC To FG: No Excuse, Pay Workers N35,000 Provisional Wage

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President of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Fstus Usifo has demanded the immediate payment of the N35,000 provisional wage promised civil servants by the federal government.

He said the workers could no longer wait for the wage to be paid because things are very hard in the country.

Osifo spoke on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the end of the congress’ emergency National Executive Council, NEC, meeting, saying TUC members have not received the wage since October.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had made the promise to pay federal government workers the wage as part of his government’s efforts to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.

The promise was also made after the workers said they would embark on strike to press home their demands for the government to intervene vis a vis the economic hardship resulting from the removal of petrol subsidy in May this year.

The TUC President however said his members have not been paid the wage since October, stressing that the government should not no longer delay the payment.

All the modalities to pay the wage must be put in place immediately, he said.

According to him, “We learned that they are currently putting some things in place to pay this money. But people are not ready to listen to excuses. All we want is that this money be paid into the accounts of our members until the new minimum wage is put in place.

He said, “We want the government to tighten their belts, governments at all levels, the Federal Government, the state, and local governments because a situation where they are asking Nigerians to keep tightening their belts and they (government officials) are living in affluence is not acceptable.”

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Ekpo U. O. Nta said in a memo two months ago that President Tinubu has approved N35, 000 provisional wage for federal civil servants, with effect from September 1, 2023.

The memo reads; “I refer to the Memorandum of Understanding reached between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Monday, 2 October 2023 as a result of the dispute arising from withdrawal of subsidy on the price of premium motor spirit (PMS) and hereby convey the approval of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the grant of a wage award of N35,000:00 (thirty-five thousand Naira) only per month to all Federal Government workers with effect from 1 September 2023 pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.”

The federal government said the payment will last for six months.

Kaduna Bombing: Obi Visits Victims, Demands Probe, Tasks FG On Security, Citizens’ Welfare

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The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25th election, Peter Obi on Tuesday visited Kaduna state to commiserate with them on the error Bombing of the Nigeria Army that claimed about 100 persons with many still receiving treatment in the hospital.

Obi who visited Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital where the bomb victims are receiving treatment commended the Kaduna State Government for their efforts to bring succor to the victims.

While noting the gallantry of the nation’s military, Obi advised them to be more cautious and professional to avoid recurring accidents like this that have claimed many innocent lives.

The LP Standard bearer, however, used the visits to express worry at the glaring misplacement of priorities by the federal Government pointing out that attention is being paid to non-essential issues while critical areas like security are suffering.

He expressed shock at the remarks made by the Chief of Defence state, General Christopher Musa that budgetary allocations to the military are not being fully released as and when due and wondered why that should be when funds are released for luxury items like buying expensive cars, and needless and nonessential trips.

In a release on his X handle after the visits, Obi said “l call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that the rhetorics of support to security agencies now transcend mere words and letters to deliverable actions.

“The recent remark by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, that not all their statutory allocations are released to them as and when due, must be looked into. We cannot, as a country, continue to release funds for the purchase of SUVs for politicians, renovations of buildings, unnecessary travels, parties, and conferences, while depriving resources to areas of top priority and great importance, like security, which if handled properly, will immensely contribute to turn around the sufferings of Nigerians, including farmers going back to their farms to tackle one big challenge fuelling inflation in Nigeria today – the cost of food items.

“Today, I visited Kaduna state to commiserate with the grieving good people of the state on the unfortunate accidental bombing by the Nigeria Army at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government of the State.

“While in Kaduna I took time also to visit the  Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, where those wounded in the ugly incident are receiving treatment.

“May Almighty God forgive the sins of those that died grant them eternal rest, and grant their families the fortitude to bear their irreplaceable losses. And for those receiving treatment in the hospital, I pray to God Almighty to grant them quick recovery.

“I thank the government of Kaduna State for their kind and caring intervention for the affected victims. I urge governments at all levels, and the good people of Nigeria to help in setting up a foundation for compensation of families affected in this particular incident and similar incidents in the past, and most importantly, in educating the young children orphaned in this incident.

“Furthermore, while thanking our gallant soldiers and other security agencies for the great work they are doing in securing Nigeria, especially at this challenging time, there is now a need for extra caution in their operations, because the occurrence of 16 mishaps which have claimed about 485 lives, since 2009 when we started the war against insurgency, is quite worrisome. We need to take every necessary precaution to avoid future occurrences while remaining focused on securing Nigeria.

Obi finally reiterated his earlier call saying “Again, I maintain that we need to get our priorities right in our nation and channel our resources to more critical and productive areas that will be beneficial to Nigerians, and engender development in our nation. I remain committed to this Nigeria, the New Nigeria of our dreams.

“Prepare For New Taxes In 2024”, Governor Oyebanji Tells Ekiti People 

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that new taxes are imperative in the state in the new year to enable government to meet its commitments.

Oyebanji explained that in order to fast-track the state’s development index and shore up Internally Generated Revenue, his government will introduce Land Use Charge in January, 2024 for all developers.

The additional revenue, he said would help government undertake more projects across all sectors.

Expatiating further on the proposed Land Use Charge, Oyebanji, promised that the impending tax would be made affordable to all citizens, and not one that will be considered outrageous and jaw breaking.

“We are going to make it affordable. And I want to assure you that we will use the money for development and when we do this, I know that our people will be motivated to pay.”

The governor however assured that his administration is irrevocably committed to fulfilling all electoral promises to pensioners, who had expended their energies serving the state during their productive years.

Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, during a special prayer organized by the State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), at Jibowu Hall, Government House grounds.

The prayer session was attended by the Deputy Governor,  Monisade Afuye; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habitat Adubiaro and members of the State Executive Council.

Describing pensioners as central to the progress of the state, having served zealously in the past, Oyebanji said: “I will be a bastard if I fail to protect your interest as Governor of the State. As long as we have the resources, all your issues and welfare will be at the front burner.

“How could someone work for that number of years and now can’t afford what to eat? This is not good enough. We will continue to attend to your welfare to make lives easier for you”.

Governor Oyebanji said he was already working with the Head of Service to ensure a more regular payment of gratuity.

“By January, 2024, we will dedicate a fix amount for the payment of your gratuity monthly at both state and local governments.

“The labour is agitating for wage increase for workers, they also have the right. We will look for ways to balance the two. We have to balance the everything and make sure everybody is happy.

“I appeal to my people in government to be selfless, we need to be sacrificial, because election has an expiry date. We will still go back to the people, what are we going to tell them if we fail them?”

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Ekiti chapter, Mr. Joel Akinola, described the prayer session as the first of its kind that would be organized for a sitting Governor. He described it as another remarkable step in their relationship with Governor Oyebanji.

Akinola, who stated that Governor Oyebanji’s government has been a “God- sent” to Ekiti, described the Governor as a man of integrity, who values pensioners and always keep all his promises.

“Governor Oyebanji is a politician but he is not behaving like a typical Nigerian politician who always deceive people.

“We are not here to praise him, but we want to appreciate the grace of God in his life. The pensioners are happy with you and we will always stand with you”.

Akinola appealed to Governor Oyebanji to pay part of the pension and check- off dues arrears to further cushion the effect of the current economic situation on pensioners and to also make name as a governor who values the lives of retirees.

Rivers Court Stops Lawmakers Loyal To Wike From Sitting

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Rivers State house of Assembly

By Ayodele Oni

A Rivers State High Court   has restrained the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly from using armed thugs and police personnel, to gain access to the Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

The faction led by Speaker, Mr. Martin Amaewhule, and other 26 members of the House of Assembly are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike.

They had, on Monday, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Amaewhule-led Assembly had accused the governor of withholding funds for the management of the Assembly.

The suit was brought by the factional State House of Assembly Speaker, Edison Ogerenye Ehie, as claimants/applicants, against  Martin Chike Amaewhule and  Dumle Maolas as defendants following the fire incident that engulfed the Assembly complex on October 29, 2023.

Following this, Governor Sim Fubara  has ordered the relocation of the Assembly’s sitting to a secure venue during the building’s renovation.

Ruling on the motion ex parte in Suit No. PHC/3030/C5/2023, upon hearing the motion, Justice M. W. Danagogo granted the interim orders sought by the claimants/applicants to wit:

“An order restraining the defendants and the claimants from using armed thugs, accompanied by police personnel, to gain access to the Assembly complex in Port Harcourt, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

“An order preventing the defendants from disrupting the smooth operation of the claimants and interfering with their legislative duties during the renovation period.

“The second claimant is obligated to pay N50 Million  in damages if the application is deemed frivolous.

CNPP Urges Defecting 27 Rivers Lawmakers To Vacate Seat, Calls For Bye-election

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Rivers State house of Assembly

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has reacted to the political development in Rivers State where 27 lawmakers elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the state House of Assembly reportedly defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, the CNPP urged the defecting legislators to immediately vacate their seats, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election in the affected state constituencies “for the people to choose their representatives.”

The CNPP noted that “it is both immoral and illegal for a lawmaker elected on one political party platform to defect to another and still retain his or her legislative seat.

“In 2022, as has been cited by many, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had sacked 16 Ebonyi House of Assembly members for defection based on Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution, just as 18 members of Cross River House of Assembly and two House of Representatives members as well as the a House of Representatives member on the platform of the Labour Party in Ondo State were sacked under the same constitutional provisions.

“In the case of the Labour Party, the member representing Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency who defected to another party was ordered by the Supreme Court to vacate his seat.

“We recall that the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had on several occasions described a situation where politicians would defect to other political parties with the mandate of another party as unconstitutional.

“As a matter of fact, the former Rivers State governor fought up to the Supreme Court in the governorship case between Rotimi Amaechi and Celestine Omeha and the apex court in its landmark judgment ruled unambiguously that votes cast in elections belong to political parties, not the individual candidates.

“Therefore, if indeed the 27 lawmakers are loyal to the Minister of FCT, as being speculated, it will be a political disaster waiting to happen to see the same personality, who stood for rule of law, now undermining the same. And that’s why we don’t want to believe that former Governor Nyesom Wike is behind the lawmakers until proven otherwise.

“We, therefore, urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister to intervene in the current twist in the Rivers State political crisis to forestall breakdown of law and order in the state.

“We also call on all political parties, the civil society and all lovers of democracy to pressure the Rivers State Speaker to declare the seats of the 27 lawmakers vacant if they indeed defected to another political party to enable INEC to conduct fresh polls in the affected state legislative constituencies.

“If a political party accepts the trampling of democracy today, it could be at the receiving end someday. In justice to one should be injustice to all if our democracy and the society can survive”, the CNPP said.

“Understand My Ways, Tolerate My Shortcomings, I Appreciate You” – Governor Uzodimma To Imolites

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has expressed gladness over the outpour of prayers and good wishes by the people of Imo State on the occasion of his 65th birthday, assuring them that he will not disappoint their expectations.

He spoke on Tuesday at the Government House Chapel Owerri in a brief remark he gave after the Thanksgiving Mass to mark his birthday.

Governor Uzodimma said he appreciates the love and support Imo people have shown him and his family and more importantly, for believing in him, and promised not to let them down.

However, the Governor who requested Imo people to “understand his ways” and “tolerate” his “short comings” described the day of his birth as ‘’a day of joy in which all will continue to be glad and rejoice.’’

He said it was a delight to worship with the congregation who came for the Mass “in the spirit of God and victory” reminding them that it is the first Service since he received his Certificate of Return for a second term in office after winning in the 27 Local Governments of the State.

Governor Uzodimma who said he observed the spirit of enthusiasm and joy on the faces of the people thanked God for his infinite mercies and kindness to him these past years and used the opportunity to welcome all and sundry to his phased birthday celebrations.

He did not end his remarks without admonishing the congregation and all Imo people to continue to live their lives as Christians they prophessed, doing the things expected of them and repenting of their sins so as to make heaven at last.

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s 65th birthday Celebration
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s 65th birthday Celebration

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Stanley Onyeagba of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Awommama thanked God for the life of the Governor and his family as a rare gift to the people of Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

He however urged the Governor to be wary of sycophants who may want to derail his good plans and programmes for Imo people in the second term of his administration.

The Eucharistic Service was presided over by the Cathedral Administrator of Okigwe Catholic Diocese, Rev. Monsignor John Iwe assisted by the representatives of the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and that of Orlu Diocese.

The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Imo State, Bishop Eches Divine Eches and other men of God were also in attendance.

Highlights of the celebration were the  presentation of birthday gifts and cakes to the Governor.

The Anglican Bishop of Egbu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor, the APC Executives in Imo State led by their Chairman, Dr. Macdonald Ebere, the Choir master, Government House Chapel and the Government House Management and staff led by the Principal Secretary, Dr. Mrs. Irene Chima and the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie led in the presentations.

Present at the Mass Thanksgiving were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Bola, the Deputy Governor-elect, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Barr. Chukwuma Ekomaru SAN, Federal House members, members of the Imo State House of Assembly, members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council, top Civil Servants among others.

Osun: 18 Pupils  Hospitalised After School Meal, Governor Adeleke Calls For Immediate Probe

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By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called for the immediate probe of what led to the hospitalization of 18 Pupils of St. James Primary School, Owoope, Ayetori, Osogbo, after a meal in the school. The pupils were rushed to different hospitals around Ayetoro on Monday after eating the suspected contaminated meal.

The meal – rice and egg –  was served to them by Government approved vendors of the state free school meal, tagged O’Meals, during the break period.

After eating the meal, it was gathered that pupils were began to  defecate continuously, and were rushed to the hospital around the community, where it was discovered that they suffered from food poisoning.

Parents of the affected pupils, who got to the hospital at different times, quickly raised the alarm that the affected pupils were affected by the meal they ate in school.

Reacting to this development, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said in a statement that Governor Adeleke has ordered a full investigation into the matter.

While disclosing that the State Government will foot the hospital bills of the affected pupils, it added that food supply to the school has been put on hold, and a meeting of the affected cooks has also been summoned immediately.

“The Governor has subsequently directed the stoppage of further food cooking at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations into the circumstances of the incident.

“The affected cooks in the said schools alongside the Planning officer for the O-Meal programme have also been summoned to a meeting by Tuesday morning.

“Additionally , the Governor has directed enforcement of food standard and control as well as the auditing of the O-Meal structure to forestall future occurrence”, it reads partly.

Akeredolu To Begin Another Medical Leave, Gives Notice, To Write Assembly On Power Transmission To Deputy

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Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, for the second time within six months, has written to the state House of Assembly for approval to commence medical leave following continued deterioration of health.

This letter is coming after Monday’s meeting with President Bola Tinubu by some Political Leaders in the State, during which the President, allegedly, advised the Assembly to proclaim the Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as Acting Governor, using doctrine of necessity.

Akeredolu’s leave, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Tuesday, will commence on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, as a follow-up to his medical treatment.

The statement added that “During his medical leave, Governor Akeredolu will prioritize his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties.

“A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.

“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in acting capacity.

“Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.

“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations.

“This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations.”

A group in the State, Acts For Positive Transformation Initiatives, through its spokesman, Kolawolre Johnson had advised that any letter from Governir Akeredolu to the state Assembly should be properly scrutinized in order that those that has been forging the governor’s signature, are not the one to sign it.

The group stated that  “The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, intervened, once again, in the current political impasse in Ondo State and spoke decisively on the part of the provision of the law by ordering the immediate emergence of the Deputy Governor as the Acting Governor.

“The danger looming is that if a forged signature is allowed as the premise for transmission of power to Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, it will be difficult to reject the same forged signature on other documents that are currently in our possession and many more in different government agencies across the state.

“There can not be a rejection of the signature in some instances and acceptance of the same in other instances.

“We, however, do know that the President is fully in the know of Governor Akeredolu’s state of health at the moment, his level of lucidity, and his likely inability to sign any letter.

“It’s our concern that any attempt to accept a forged letter to the House of Assembly which will transfer power to the deputy governor in an acting capacity will confer some sort of legitimacy on the forgery already perpetrated.

“This will make it difficult for the forgers to face the full wrath of the law in the fullness of time as we are determined to bring perpetrators to face the law.

“In this circumstance, we suggest an electronic signature be used in place, or a law enforcement officer be sent alongside the Governor’s son to sign the letter in full glare of the camera.

“We advise that the right thing be done in making the deputy governor the acting governor while we pray for the full recuperation of the governor.”

Don’t Pick Atiku, Northern Candidates For 2027 Presidential- George Warns PDP

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Chief Bode George, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has warned the party not to field a northern candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The opposition party, he said, must pick a candidate from the south for it to win the next Presidential election.
Recall that George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the  PDP had opposed the party’s decision to chose Atiku Abubakar, a northern candidate for the 2023 presidential election, arguing that a southerner must succeed then President Muhammadu Buhari.
The party eventually lost the election to Bola Tinubu, a southerner and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Speaking yesterday after receiving award from the National coordinator of the mobilisation committee in the party, the PDP chieftain said the principle of power sharing in the PDP constitution, must be followed, adding that the founding fathers of the party had a reason for their action.
The delegation of the party led by Iteh Ubon had paid a visit to George to solicit his support for the next Presidential election.
Chief George said the party has the chance to return to the Nigerian Presidency if its members are united.
The PDP chieftain said, “it is our determination to ensure that the PDP returns to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on May 29, 2027. But, we can only go back to Aso Rock if we are united, not divided.
‘’So, I don’t really understand the rhetorics in some quarters these days that a member of the party from the North is strategizing or plotting to return as the presidential candidate of our party in 2027.’’
Meanwhile, keen watchers of the party insist that so long Abubakar Atiku, the PDP candidate in the last presidential election decides to run in 2027, the party will remain polarised.
The former vice President recently said he’s not tired to run for the highest office in the country.