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UAE Lifts Air Travel Ban, Visa Restriction On Nigeria

By
Ayodele Oni
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United Arabs Emirate

By Ayodele Oni

Air travelers from Nigeria to the United Arabs Emirate, (UAE) have cause to rejoice following resumption of operations by airlines operating along the route.

Some airlines operating along the route suspended operation recently following a disagreement between them and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

While the suspension lasted, the country also suspended issuance of visa to Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu after attending the international seminar in India made a detour to UAE on Sunday where he was joined by the minister of aviation, Festus Keyamo for discussion with UAE authority.

However, a statement on Monday by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said all issues have become past following a meeting with the President of UAE, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahya by his Nigeria’s counterpart.

The statement stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, finalized an agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.

“Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.

“As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.

“In recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

“Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.

“In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.”

Boost For Education As FG Plans To Increase Budgetary Allocation By 25 Percent

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Tahir Mamman - Minister for Education

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to introduce measures to improve the quality of education in the country as well as guarantee security of students.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said on Monday in Abuja that part of the measures is to increase by 25 percent budgetary allocation to education and put in place right policies.

The budgetary increase for education may be a welcome development for Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU) as this has been one of members demands while on strike.

The minister disclosed these while declaring open the 2021 and 2022 Nigeria Annual Education Conference (NAEC) with the theme “Implementation of Education 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”.

He also pledged his commitment to bridge the gaps between education policy statements and its actualisation outcomes.

Mamman noted that the country has a lot of good policies on what was required to do in the best interest of the nation, but that those policies were not bringing values to the sector.

”President Tinubu has directed the return of the 10.5million out-of-school children to school at the expiration of his tenure.

”We still have a long way to go. We are not matching the children in the country with the desired education and this is because our policies are not producing the values we need.

“What we need is the action on ground and not the policy declaration. This is where I can tell you we intend to come in. We want to bridge the gaps between policy statements and actualisation of outcomes.

“This is to give them future training that will enable them to live their lives and make them employers of labour. Everybody deserves to live a life of dignity for the well-being of their family.”

He said that the responsibilities of government was to provide government was to provide opportunities for Nigerians to be empowered adding that now is the time to make the policies reality.

The Minister also said that the basic and secondary schools must be equipped by developing appropriate skills template for creativity and research.

“We know that society that had benefitted from education are known for nurturing of creativity and research which starts from the lower levels.”

He stated further that there was need for implementation strategies to provide mechanisms for constant monitoring and evaluation of policies, to ensure the SDG goals were achieved.

The Minister expressed concern over the state of insecurity in the schools and nation at large, lamenting the recent killing of one Miss Deborah Atanda, a nursing student of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti few days ago.

He, however, directed Vice-Chancellor of the institution, in concerted efforts with the security, to uncover the perpetrators of the killing

Mamman charged stakeholders to work with the Federal Ministry of Education and agencies as well as State Ministries of education to identify innovative approaches for improved funding and ensuring inclusive equitable, quality education and life-long opportunities.

Delta Releases Palliatives Guidelines, Guarantees N40 Billion Pension For LG Workers, Teachers

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Delta State Government has guaranteed N40bn for payment of pensions for Local Government workers and retired primary school teachers in the state.  Payment begins this month – September.

Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, State Subsidy Palliative Committee, Kingsley Emu, disclosed this in Asaba on Monday, while outlining the procedure it would adopt in the distribution of palliatives to its citizens to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on petrol by the Federal Government.

“As a State we have commenced the process of distribution of palliatives for a long time by embarking on the payment of N5.522 billion promotion arrears to workers which commenced since August.

“We have also commenced the payment of N10,000 for over 50,196 workers since August and the recruitment of 2,000 primary school teaching and non-teaching staff across the state.

He said that the state would adopt a distribution model of 40 percent to 500 Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, (DSIEC) Wards in the state with 10 percent reserved to shore up urban wards.

He explained that 25 percent would be distributed to heavily impacted people consisting Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and widows while 20 percent for poor and vulnerable households and five percent left for contingency for the LGAs.

According to the SSG, every local government would receive 696 bags of rice of 50kg while maize would also be distributed to poultry farmers across the state.

The government scribe disclosed that the food item to be distributed across the state was facilitated by the Federal Government which had extended a loan to the states repayable in 20 months.

“Governor Oborevwori also approved the commencement of three working days rotational scheme for civil servants on Salary Grade leve 1-14, while staff on SGL 15 and above are to work out what is convenient for them in their respective MDAs while ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted.

“We are also working on purchasing tricycles (Keke) bi-fuel engine (petrol and gas) to be distributed across the three senatorial districts.

“Finally we are also in discussion with several organisations to provide CNG and EV powered inter and intra city commuter buses through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) option.”

He however assured that with the measures taken by the State Government in the selection of the palliative distribution Committee at various levels, the process of distribution would be seamless across the state.

He said the Local Government Monitoring Team would consist of a non-patisan and trusted leader as Chairman with representation from traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives of NULGE, women and youth.

He explained that the Ward Committees is made up of a non-partisan and trusted leaders as Chairmen, representative of the traditional rulers, President-General or representatives of the communities or quarters and a credible NGO representative.

Nigeria Loses Accounting Guru, Akintola Williams

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Akintola Williams

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s most popular Accountant, and arguably, one of the oldest Nigerians that lived,  Akintola Williams is dead.

Williams who recently celebrated his 104 birthday, died of old age-related issues on September 11, 2023.

Born in 1919, Williams was the first indigenous Chattered Accountant Nigeria had.

He was the pioneer of  Nigeria’s accounting profession. He was, also, instrumental to developing Nigeria’s financial sector.

Williams studied Accounting at the University of London and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1947.

He returned to Nigeria and later set up his accounting firm, Akintola Williams & Co., now Deloitte & Touche, in 1952.

Williams, a strong advocate for developing the accounting profession in Nigeria, was a founding member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) which President he was 1963 to 1965.

He was, also, a member of the National Board of Accountants and Auditors.

Williams and a recipient of many awards and honours, including the National honour of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM).

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Williams was the older brother of Chief Frederick Rotimi Williams (FRA Williams) until his death, unarguably, one of the most successful and biggest names in the Nigerian legal circle.

His wife, Efuntiloye died in 2009.

Edo: Gov Obaseki Dislodges Deputy, Relocates Office Outside Govt House

By
Ayodele Oni
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Philip Shuaibu and Godwin Obaseki

By Ayodele Oni

Indications emerged on Monday that the strained relationship between Edo state Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, may continue to linger following signals that the end is still far.

The Deputy Governor’s Office located within the Osadebey Avenue of Government House has been relocated

Shaibu, last week announced that following intervention by prominent indigenes of the state, including traditional rulers, he has withdrawn the suit he filed against Governor Godwin Obaseki and House of Assembly to restrain them from impeaching him.

A report monitored from Channels Television on Monday stated that Shuaibu has moved out of the Edo State Government House.

Before the strained relationship, the deputy governor’s office, in Benin is a stone throw from the Governor’s office.

The report added that the new office, situated at No. 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, close to the Government House, is unfit as some facilities including electricity are not there.

The report quoted sources close to the Deputy Governor as disclosing that a letter was sent by the Head of Service to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor instructing her to supervise the movement of civil servants and files to the new office.

It was also gathered that the new office is not habitable as there is no electricity, is waterlogged, and the office spaces are significantly small.

The State Government had, however, insisted that the Deputy Governor’s  new office is within the confines of the area designated as the Government House.

Unity Bank Focused On Recapitalisation, Says CEO; Earnings Hit N27.5bn

By
James Orji
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The managing director of Unity Bank Plc, Tomi Somefun hzs disclosed that the commercial bank is focused on its quest to recapitalise despite significant disruptions in the business environment in the country.

The chief executive said the lender will continue to do business in the fast-growing markets in Nigeria despite the economic headwinds such as the naira devaluation which has really hampered gains.

Somefun spoke on the back of the release of the commercial bank’s half year unaudited financial statement to the Nigerian Exchange, NGX. The bank has grown its deposit to N333.38 billion from N327.42 billion, the lender said in the report.

Commenting Somefun noted that the significant disruptions which characterized the operating environment has impacted the positions of the Bank to the extent that we have constraints in income generation on the back of revaluation of the bank’s net foreign liabilities occasioned by the Naira devaluation during the period.

She said: “In the light of the prevailing FX revaluation in the financial system, what we have is a market-driven impact which is adjustable envisaged from the positive economic outcomes of the government policies in the near term.

” Be that as it may, the negative shareholders’ fund has improved considerably through the injection of N135billion which moderated the negative shareholders’ fund from (-ve) N275Billion in December 2022 financial year-end to (-ve) N178Billion as at the end of June 2023, after absorbing the FX revaluation loss suffered in Q2/2023. We are however, focused with clear-cut plans to close out on our recapitalization programme very soon to enable us do business as expected in the fast-growing markets in Nigeria”

She stated further, “We remain optimistic that the government’s policy initiatives will lead to cause correction in the market, the Bank has accelerated measures to ramp up asset creation and liability generation in the short and medium term.

“The Bank is aggressively driving its retail growth in every segment of the market, expanding strategic partnerships; and growing commercial banking business to develop new and sustainable income lines for the Bank as well as pay sufficient attention to fast-paced process automation, cost and resource efficiency, targeted value chain relationships, and product marketing to enhance value creation in the market.”

The growth in deposits demonstrates incremental gains by the lender from its commitment to deepening its retail footprint through a well-diversified banking product suites that caters to different segments of the retail market,

Other highlights of the unaudited financial statement include gross income and total assets which recorded N27.5 billion as against N27.4 billion and N512.1 billion from N510.1 billion respectively within the period under review. The net loans portfolio reduced significantly by 31% to N198.6Billion as at 30 June 2023 from N289.4Billion as at 31st December 2022.

The bank’s NPL Ratio remained moderate at below three percent while liquidity ratio stood strong at over 45 percent.

Its profit for the period was impacted by foreign exchange revaluation on the back of Nigeria’s recent FX liberalization policy, resulting in a slide in our position.

The retail lender grew its FX trading income significantly by 17 percent to N239.8 million from N204.4 million in the corresponding period of 2022, underscoring the Bank’s strategic focus on diversifying and growing its earnings portfolio.

Similarly, fees and income commission also witnessed a 10 perecent growth to N3.5 billion from N3.2 billion compared to the corresponding period of 2022, on the strength of the growing popularity of its digital banking platforms and customers’ acquisition in the retail space

Notwithstanding the market shocks currently being experienced, the Bank is still on course given the resilience it has demonstrated over time, according to keen analysts in the financial market.

G-20: German Scholz Visiting Nigeria To Strengthen Economic Ties- Presidency

By
James Orji
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0

The Nigerian Presidency has decriibed the decision of German Chancellor Olaf Scolz to visit Nigeria as the outcome of fruitful engagement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with world economic leaders in the ongoing G-20 Summit in India.

President Tinubu is currently attending the ongoing meeting in Delhi, India attended by world economic powerhouses such as the United States, Canada, China, United Kingdom, following his invitation by India Prime Minister Norenda Mordi.

Before he left the country last week, Tinubu said his aim was to use the annual G-20 Summit to attract foreign capital to Nigeria.

He has been speaking with other world leaders at the meeting on how to attract foreign investment, including the German Chancellor who promised during a meeting with Tinubu to visit Nigeria to further strenghten economic ties between the two countries, said Presid3ntila spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.
Scolz will pay a visit to Nigeria in October to explore areas in which both countries could advance economic cooperation, Ngelale said in a statement on Sunday.

“Thank you for this important discussion, Mr. President. I appreciate this opportunity to advance our economic relations. Your market is unique and our companies have a history in Nigeria,” Scholz was quoted as saying after meeting with Tinubu.

“We acknowledge the business-friendly reforms you have put in place. I am happy to inform you of my desire to visit you in Nigeria in October, which will allow us to carry forward these initiatives.”

Ngelale also quoted Tinububu: “It is not, for us, only a matter of designing the financial architecture for an expanded economic partnership.

“It is also about the practicality of aligning the perspectives of your large-scale manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and others, with the reality of the new incentives my government is putting in place for them to come and prosper across multiple value chains and sectors inside of our country.”

Germany is one of Nigeria’s trade partners. In 2022, Nigeria spent over $5 billion importing items such as electric generating sets, electric transformers, vacuum cleaners, hair clippers, and other electrical machinery and equipment from the European biggest economy, according to data from the International Trade Centre.

Igbo Not Marginalised By Tinubu, Umahi Holds ‘Juicy’ Position’, Says Soludo

By
James Orji
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0

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra stats says Igbo have not been marginalised in the appointment made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The governor said the president should be commended for appointing more persons from the region into his government.

According to him, the president has shown goodwill towards the south east region, for instance, by appointing one of their sons, Dave Umahi, a former govrnor of Ebonyi state as the minister of Works despite the fact that the region did not vote for him in the last pesidential election.

Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party, LP defeated Tinubu who represented the All Progressives Congress, APC, by scoring over 90 percent of the votes from the region.

The president, despite his abysmal performance in the region during the election still went ahead to appoint people from the region to important positions in his government, the Anambra helmsman said.

Soludo said: “Giving the totality of votes we contributed from Southeast and looking at the ministerial portfolios, we may not have the basis to begin to demand for “juicy” portfolios.

“But, the President graciously gave us one of our finest and best, one of the few engineers who pioneered concrete pavement as current standard for road construction.

” Nigeria is a federation. You cannot stay in your state, clap with one hand and expect noise. You need the other hand, which is the federal government, for things to work.”

“With you, Engr. Umahi in office, you are a perfect round peg in a round hole. Please, keep showing your leadership.

“What you said about the possibility of coming back again for us to move around in Anambra State will be fantastic because we have fundamental challenges on road infrastructure and especially how it’s delivered by the Federal Government.”

Apart from Umahi, other ministers appointed from the region by President Tinubu are from Doris Anite ( Industry, Trade and Investment; Imo state); Uche Nnaji (Innovation, Science and Technology; Enugu), Nkiru Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment; Abia); anf Uju Kennedy (Women Affairs; Anambra).

The president has received applause for appointing Rear Admiral Emmauel Ogalla among the Service Chiefs.

His preecessor President Muhammadu Buhari shunned demand from people of the region to appoint one of their own into the position for the eight years he spent in office.

AFCON 2024 Qualifiers: Super Eagles Annihilate São Tomé and Principe, Makes History

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles New - AFCON 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have set an unprecedented record in the footballing history of the country by scoring 22 goals in their six matches at the 2024 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Coach Jose Peseiro- tutored team made this history following a 6-0 win over the Falcons and Parrots National Team of São Tomé and Principe.

At the blast of the whistle for the commencement of hostilities at the Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, the vociferous crowd made this presence known charging the Super Eagles to victory, and sending fear and jittery into the spines of their Central African visitors.

As early as the 13th minute, Napoli Football Club of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen opened the floodlight of goals with a powerful head to send the filled to capacity crowd into wild jubilation.

14 minutes later, Atalanta Football Club of Italy winger, Ademola Lookman added the second, as the Super Eagles dominated the match all through the half.

Six minutes into the second half, Nottingham Forest Football Club of England forward, Taiwo Awoniyi scored Nigeria’s third goal, before Osimhen recorded his brace from the penalty spot, having been fouled by the São Tomé and Principe goalkeeper.

A lovely combination of passes between AC Milan of Italy winger, Samuel Chukwueze and Osimhen led to the fifth goal and Osimhen’s hat-trick, to increase his goal tally at the AFCON qualifiers to 10.

Chukwueze how we added the sixth goal of the night after been set up by Bayer Leverkusen Football Club of Germany striker, Victor Okoh Boniface.

Coach Peseiro started the game with Francis Uzoho in goal, with Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and debutant, Bruno Onyemaechi in the defense.

In the heart of the midfield as Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman, while Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Osimhen led the attack.

Boniface and Raphael Onyedika earn their debut for the Super Eagles by coming in as second half substitute for Awoniyi and Ndidi, while Tyronne Ebuehi, Joe Aribo and Samuel Chukwueze came in for Onyeka, Iheanacho and Aina respectively.

With the victory, Nigeria ended the qualifiers as leaders of the Group with 15 points, scoring a record 22 goals from six matches and conceding just four goals.

PEPC And APC Must Come Clean On The Header Reflected On The CTC Of The Judgement Issued To APC; Says Let It Not Be Another Glitch

By
The Source
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0
Babatunde Ogala - SAN

The Labour Party has reacted to the controversy surrounding the appearance of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team, TPLT on the Certified True Copies, CTC of the judgment and charged both the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, and APC to come clean and tell Nigerians what really transpired.

The Party said in a statement on Sunday that “Consequent upon the revelation that Certified True Copies (CTC) of the recent judgment by the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) had an imprint, “Tinubu Presidential Legal Team” (TPLT) as its header, Nigerians are curious about such happenstance that has inevitably generated storm and controversy.

“The Labour Party was very disturbed by the delay in releasing the judgment expeditiously, only to be confronted with this befuddlement. The public is equally at pains trying to comprehend what is happening.

According to the party in a statement signed by Obiorah Ifoh, its National Publicity Secretary, “The onus of explaining and dousing the unfolding controversy rests on the PEPC and the TPLT, the imprint owners. Clearly, the header is not a watermark. We note that only some of the petitioners received the same version.

“In a highly contentious case with dire national interest and implications, confirming that the PEPC did not confer any advantage, rights, or privileges to any party is imperative. This development must be cleared up quickly to avoid conjectures and the belief that something untoward happened. This cannot be the case of another glitch.

The party noted that “the unsigned and undated statement issued purportedly by a senior counsel on behalf of the Tinubu Legal Team is misconceived and empty. The senior counsel claimed that the header is a watermark! It is not and can never be.

“Typically, a watermark is a faint imprint or design made on some papers during production and which can be seen when held up to the light. It helps in checking the genuineness of the paper.

The party stated that the senior counsel is responsible for substantiating his claims and should not pass the buck to innocent parties.

“We of the Labour Party place it on record that the counsel who collected the judgment on behalf of our party and our candidate did so long after a representative of Tinubu Legal Team.

Meanwhile, “we call on the PEPC and APC to come clean on the CTC imprint and disclose whose imprimatur is inscribed on the entire judgment. Nigerians deserve the right to know and are demanding urgent answers.

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