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Tinubu Forwards Keyamo’s Name To The Senate As Ministerial Nominee

By
Ayodele Oni
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Festus Keyamo

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, forwarded another letter to the Senate which added the name of Festus Keyamo to the supplementary list of Minister-nominees, which was submitted to the Senate on Wednesday.

Nineteen nominees were in the supplementary list that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, submitted to the Senate during screening of those on the first batch.

Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Delta State, served as Minister of State for Labour and Employment in the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He also served as the official spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Presidential Campaign Organization that worked for the emergence of the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

He is in the Senate with the nineteen others to be screened by the upper legislative chamber preparatory to confirmation.

Keyamo, at the end of his tenure in the immediate past administration had criticized the position of a Minister of State, saying there was no constitutional provisions to back it up.

FG Raises N800bn Sukuk Bond For Infrastructure

By
James Orji
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The Debt Management Office, DMO, on Thursday listed N130 billion sovereign Sukuk on the Nigerian Exchange, NGX, and the FMDQ Securities Exchange.

Sukuk fund has been used by the Nigerian government to provide critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams, etc across the country.

The recent issue has now raised the total bonds from Sukuk to close to N800 billion in five years.

In February this year, the federal government revealed that it has invested over N612.557 billion raised through Sovereign Sukuk issued between 2017 and 2021 for the construction and rehabilitation of key economic road projects in the six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The funds, according to the details were used to construct and rehabilitate sections of 71 road projects covering 2,808.06 km and four bridges by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and sections of six road projects covering 99km and 19 bridges by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

According to a statement released yesterday by the DMO, the Sukuk bond was initially offered at N100 billion in November 2022 but received overwhelming interest from investors, resulting in an over-subscription of N165.25 billion.

To accommodate the needs of this diverse group of investors, N130 billion was allocated. The balance of N35.25 billion will be returned to those subscribers whose offers could not be accommodated after the N130 billion has been listed.

The statement said “the listing on the NGX and FMDQ Securities Exchange will not only expand the range of financial offerings available to investors in the capital market but also provide liquidity and promote price discovery through the opportunity to buy and sell the sovereign Sukuk”.

Life & Style: In Loving Memory of Senator Annie Okonkwo

By
James Orji
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By Uche Nworah

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCON), a federal government agency that oversees the multidimensional engagements of Nigerians in the Diaspora, with the objective to protect their interest and also harness their potentials to ensure meaningful contributions to the development of the nation.

But what they may not likely know is that the initiative that birthed this increasingly impactful commission, headed by Hon. Abike Dabiri, came out from the fertile mind and foresight of the late Senator Annie Okonkwo, who represented Anambra Central Senatorial District in the senate between 2007 and 2011.

As a business mogul and an experienced legislator, Senator Okonkwo had identified the socio-economic benefits of evolving a strategic policy thrust that would engender more productive synergy between the Nigerian government and Nigerians in the diaspora.

And in order to give life to this idea, Senator Okonkwo, sponsored a Bill entitled “Establishment of the Nigerians Citizens in Diaspora Commission”, which later came into existence as NiDCON.

His time at the senate was evidently very eventful, as he served on different Senate Committees, such as Upstream Petroleum Resources, Police Affairs, Environment ( as vice-chairman) and Agriculture. He later contested for the governorship of Anambra state in February 2010, but lost to the then incumbent, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general elections.

But apparently, either in victory or in defeat, Senator Okonkwo had always exhibited a remarkable sense of sportsmanship and commendable philosophical worldview that do not give oxygen to politics of acrimony or calumny, which some people may associate with happenings in some sections of the Anambra state political ecosystem.

Since his recent home calling, by his creator, those that had engaged him in the past, in political pugilism in his home state, Anambra, either in senatorial or governorship elections, have continued to underscore his positive  lifestyle, rooted in decency, love for family and community, sense of propriety, humaneness and unblemished character, that’s not tainted by vagaries of business or politics.

For instance, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC’s), Senator Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment, who is one of Senator Okonkwo’s former political opponents, in his condolence message, hailed his political sportsmanship, as a man who detested politics of bitterness and showed good character in his conduct and utterances, in and outside public office.

Ngige described him as a strong and dogged politician with whom he fought many political battles and fierce contests, the most memorable being the three-dimensional fight for the Anambra Central Senate seat between himself, the late Senator and late Prof Dora Akunyili in 2011. And even though Ngige won the election, Senator Okonkwo didn’t hesitate to call to congratulate him in the spirit of laudable sportsmanship.

Also the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, who also contested Anambra state governorship election with Okonkwo in 2010, gave further insight into Okonkwo’s positive politics as he disclosed how the late Senator supported and contributed to his campaign before the presidential election, in spite of the fact that he wasn’t a member the of Labour Party.

According to Obi, “Distinguished Sen. Annie Okonkwo was a veteran of Nigerian politics. Despite not being a member of the Labour Party, he was one of the strongest pillars of support in our journey to a New Nigeria. He provided very invaluable advice and immeasurable support during our vigorous campaigns around the nation.

“He persuaded his son, Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, who was in another party then, to join the Labour Party, where he contested and eventually won a seat at the House of Representatives. After the elections and the subsequent declarations, which we are challenging in court today.

“Sen. Annie Okonkwo did not relent but remained steadfast in his efforts and commitment towards a New Nigeria. When I heard that he was sick, I travelled to the United States to visit and spent time with him.” Obi disclosed.

The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) leader and Governor of Anambra state, Charles Soludo, has also eulogised him as a prominent son of Anambra who has paid his dues serving the state with dignity.

Remarkably, the renowned philanthropy of the Ojoto, Idemili Local Government Area born business tycoon, Senator Okonkwo, deservedly earned him the traditional titles of ‘Okaka Ojoto’, and ‘Agunaechemba Idemili’ (strong man of Ojoto and the Lion that defends the land of Idemili, respectively).

If there is any minute regret the late Senator may be taking to his grave, it would likely be not living long enough to symbolically handover the baton of representative leadership to his son, Uchenna, who was recently inaugurated to represent Idemili North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra state in the House of Representatives.

But Uchenna would be consoled by the fact that his dear father had the grace to shepherd him into that leadership path to continue the legacy of service to his people, through a well deserved electoral victory in the last National Assembly election.

Hon. Okonkwo described his late father as a leader with tireless efforts and passion for creating positive change, who would forever be remembered and cherished by those who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“His kindness and generosity touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on our community.

“His legacy will live on through the countless lives he impacted and the causes he fervently championed,” he said.

He said further that his father dedicated his life to public service, championing the rights of the people he represented with unwavering commitment and integrity.

According to him, Sen. Okonkwo was an accomplished politician, a loving husband, father, and a grandfather who left a legacy of service, leadership, and love.

Late Senator Okonkwo, who bestrode Nigeria’s business and political circles like a colossus, was a loving husband to his wife, Chief Mrs Chinyelu Okonkwo (Ugoagu) and caring father to his children.

From a small family business in Aba, in the old Imo state, trading in cosmetics and other items, he built a conglomerate, that employed over 7,000 people. His firms include, Reliance Telecomm, Clemco Industries, Modern Communications (satellite TV Network), MacClemm Marketing Communications, Sunflower Nigeria and Pentagon Oil.

The amiable Agunechemba would be laid to rest in August 30, in his country home in Ojoto.

Nworah, PhD, is the Chairman, Editorial Board of Daily Times Nigeria

Confusion As NLC Gives Fresh Strike Notice

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Joe Ajaero

The industrial disputes between the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the federal government appears not over yet if reports are anything to go by.

On Tuesday, the organized labour in the country under the aegis of NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, called off their protests against the removal of petrol subsidy after President Bola Tinubu met with their leaders at the presidential villa.

The president appealed to the workers to call off the nationwide protest promising to look into their demands, which include the repair of the nation’s four refineries, increase in workers’ salaries, and provision of palliatives to Nigerians to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal, amongst others.

But barely two days after organized labour shelved the strike, they have issued a fresh strike notice after they got wind of a plan by the federal government to charge them to court for contempt.

The next strike, according to them, will commence on August 14 if the federal fails to withdraw the case against them.

Recall that the federal government had warned NLC and TUC that embarking on strike this week will be in contempt of last month’s order by the National Industrial Court, NIC, stopping the unions from going on strike.

The order followed a suit filed by the federal government against the unions at the NIC over the May 29 removal of fuel subsidy by President Tinubu.

Reacting to the contempt suit filed on Wednesday by the federal, the NLC threatened to down tools if the application is not withdrawn immediately.

Joe Ajaero, NLC President, in a statement on Thursday, said the Ministry of Justice and NIC have become anti-democratic forces in the country.

The labour said they were surprised by the decision of the Ministry of Justice to sue the union for contempt after they called off the protest due to the intervention of the president, warning that the government has 11 days to withdraw the suit.

Ajaero said the union shelved the strike to give the federal government enough time to implement the promises it made to the workers, but are now surprised about the line that the government has taken.

Due to the recent turn of events, the NLC has now decided “To go on total strike across the country any day labour leaders are summoned to court by the government through the NICN 5; To demand the immediate withdrawal of this litigious terrorism by the Federal Ministry of Justice before the end of work Friday, the 11th of August, 2023; To embark on a nationwide comprehensive strike beginning Monday 14th of August, 2023 if this contemptuous court summons is not withdrawn by whosoever initiated it.”

Meanwhile, some NLC sources who spoke with the magazine on Friday said the next strike will be a total showdown, saying they felt betrayed by the federal government.

Prices Of Ventolin, Augumentin, Beecham Ampiclox Skyrocket, As GlaxoSmithkline Exits Nigeria

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

There are fears among Asthmatic patients following the increase in the price of Ventolin and Augumentin.

Reason for the increase is as a result of the planned exit of GlaxoSmithkline, popularly known as GSK, a British Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Company, that has been operating in Nigeria for over 51 Years.

GSK Nigeria, in a statement by its secretary, Fredrick Ichekwai, said the exit would be in the coming months. The statement was sent to the Nigeria Exchange Limited, NGX.

The company said it resolved to exit the West African country after its board meeting and evaluation of options with GSK UK.

“The board of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc has concluded that there is no alternative but to cease operations,” GSK Nigeria said.

The decision to leave the shores of Nigeria is coming two months after GSK Nigeria lamented the difficulty in accessing currency, stating that it affected its supply of products to Nigeria.

“The challenge in accessing currency is affecting our ability to maintain a consistent supply of medicines and vaccines in the market,” it said in a statement by its spokesperson, Omongiade Ehighebolo.

Nonetheless, the company, in its latest statement, said it would appoint third-party distributors to supply medicines and healthcare products in Nigeria.

“The Haleon Group has also separately informed the board of its intent to terminate its distribution agreement in the coming months and to appoint a third-party distributor in Nigeria for the supply of its consumer healthcare products,” it said.

GSK Nigeria said it would ensure it meets legal requirements on the development with its employees and shareholders.

It advised shareholders to seek professional advice and exercise caution when dealing with the company’s shares until a further announcement.

“The Board is conscious that shareholders will have many questions; we have been working assiduously with our professional advisors to agree on the next steps, and we will be shortly submitting to the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, a draft Scheme of Arrangement which may if approved, see shareholders other than GSK UK, receive an accelerated cash distribution and return of capital,” it said.

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc was incorporated in Nigeria on June 23, 1971, and commenced business on July 1, 1972, under Beecham Limited.

The company was quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1977.

“Failures Have Been Ganduje’s Lot, Bound To Fail Again As APC National Chairman” – PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Abdullahi Ganduje

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has derided the All Progressives Congress (APC) for choosing former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, as its National Chairman saying it shows the type of political Party APC is made of.

PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba noted in a statement that “The choice of Dr. Ganduje by the APC as its National Chairman, in spite of the stinking corruption and bribery allegations against him in the public domain, further confirms that the APC is a cesspit of corruption and a haven for thieves, bribe takers and treasury looters.

“By appointing Ganduje, notoriously referred to as “Gandola” by Nigerians over the infamous video of him barefacedly stuffing his gown with US Dollar notes as bribe allegedly from a contractor, while serving as Governor of Kano State, further validates that the APC is a putrid Party of embezzlers and charlatans.

“It also underscores APC’s impunity and insensitivity to the demands of honesty, integrity and moral rectitude required of public office holders.

“The PDP invites Nigerians to note that only last month, a forensic analysis by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) confirmed that the content of the 2017 “Gandollar” viral video was not doctored.

“It speaks volume of the APC under Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Ganduje, who should ordinarily be under prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged bribery is rather crowned and rewarded with the position of the APC National Chairman.

“Such can only happen in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) like the APC which, according to the former Director General of Progressive Governors’ Forum, is replete with “political bandits”.

“In any case, the PDP describes the assertion by the embattled APC National Chairman that he will “hit the ground running” to ensure the victory of his fizzling Party and disillusioned members in the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa as a pathetic day-dreaming.

“The PDP reminds Ganduje of how he was humiliated by Nigerians and failed woefully as Co-Chairman of APC National Campaign Council for the July 2022 Osun State Governorship election, which was overwhelmingly won by the PDP.

“Indeed, a worse crushing defeat awaits Ganduje and his Party, the APC, in the November 11, 2023 Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States.

“Moreover, the mortifying trouncing of the APC in Kano State under his watch as Governor in the 2023 general elections shows that Ganduje has no political value and cannot earn any victory in any electoral contest in the country.

“If Ganduje is desirous to ‘hit the ground running’ as he asserted, he should run to the EFCC for investigation and prosecution for cases of alleged bribery and corruption hanging around his neck.”

2023 Presidential Election: “We Worked Hard, We Received The Trophy” Tinubu; Says Losers Don’t Deserve Joy Of Victory

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has insisted that the February election, in which he was declared winner was legitimate, not minding the ongoing petitions challenging the outcome before the court.

The President, who defended the legitimacy of the election and echoed his earlier stated position, on Thursday in Abuja, was addressing members of the National Executive Committee, (NEC) meeting.

A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity) stated that Tinubu pointed out that “We have worked hard, and we have received the trophy. Winning an election is the first part of the process. What is next is good governance and quality service delivery. We must promote unity, peace, and love among all organs of the party.

”You are the makers and drivers of the party. When we have all passengers inside the bus, the driver must not fall asleep. The brake must also work well. Party loyalty must exist.

”As I always say, those who cannot accept the result of a free and fair election do not deserve the joy of victory.”

He urged the leadership of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), particularly elected officials, to be  committed to good governance, which will re-engineer the economic and political landscape of the nation to address the needs of the poor.

The President pledged that his administration would continue to ensure that government programmes benefit and uplift the masses of the country rather than bringing more pain.

The President, who addressed the NEC meeting for the first time since his election victory in February, emphasized that winning the election is just the beginning of a longer journey, while noting that responsive and accountable governance is a separate challenge that requires continuous effort.

“We are in the process of establishing fully a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. It is in my time that the subsidy has been removed, and it is now upon us to satisfy the yearnings of the poor in a larger, restructured economy.”

He urged party members to promote unity, stability, and camaraderie forged in common purpose among themselves, reiterating that nurturing the party should start from the grassroots level.

President Tinubu also called on the party faithful to focus squarely on development and prosperity for the country, adding that his administration is poised to build international trade partnerships across sectors that will benefit, not just the national coffers, but the wallets and accounts of the Nigerian people.

On the main agenda of the NEC meeting, which appointed new External Auditors to audit party accounts and filled the vacant offices of National Chairman and National Secretary, the President urged the NEC of the party to devolve some of its powers to the National Working Committee (NWC) to fill other vacancies in the party.

This request was sequel to a motion moved by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and seconded by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who doubles as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).

The President had noted that during the last NEC meeting of April 20, 2022, the NEC of the party had ceded some of its powers to NWC for the smooth party operations and he thanked them for effectively utilizing that mandate.

In his welcome address, the Acting National Chairman, Sen. Abubakar Kyari said the ruling party was conscious of the new challenges facing it as the majority party at the sub-national level and in the National Assembly.

Trinity University Loses Vice Chancellor

By
The Source
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The Vice Chancellor of Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, Professor Charles Korede Ayo is dead.

A renowned Academic, Professor Ayo died in the morning of Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

In an Internal Bulletin announcing his passing, released by the Corporate Affairs Unit, the University said it regretted Professor Ayo’s death, and commended him for his immeasurable contributions to the growth of the University.

The Internal Bulletin reads:

Our VC, Prof. Charles Ayo Passes On

“Regrettably, the Governing Council, and the Management of Trinity University, has announced the passage to glory of our Vice Chancellor, Professor Charles Korede Ayo.

“Professor Ayo passed on in the early hours of Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

“The Pro-Chancellor, while addressing members of management and staff, on the development this morning, commiserated with the family and the univeristy community.

“He emphasised  that the Vice Chancellor lived a fulfilled christian and professional life.

“He said the late professor lived an impactful life and contributed in no small measure to the success of the university. He prayed that the Lord would keep the family and the  University that he left behind.

“Pastor Olatunji further advised all in the Trinity University community to take courage and solace in the Lord  and build on the legacies the departed Vice Chancellor left behind.

“He prayed that the Lord would comfort his wife, family, and the university he left behind.”

Subsidy Palliatives: Ondo Announces Free Registration, Consultation Fees In Hospitals

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa - Deputy Governor of Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Students, public servants, retirees and owners of small scale businesses in Ondo state have been picked to benefit from palliative measures being put in place by the government to cushion hardship caused by subsidy withdrawal on petrol.

Retirees in the state are to receive N10 thousand each added to their monthly pensions, while free shuttle buses are to be provided to ease transportation of students.

The commissioner for finance, Wale Akinterinwa disclosed the packages on Thursday in Akure while briefing journalists on government intervention measures.

He said “government will restore free shuttle buses for students starting from resumption in September, till December 31st.

“Thereafter, affordable rates will be charged from January 2024. In like manner, free shuttle boats equipped with life jackets for students in riverine areas starting at resumption in September, till December 31st. Thereafter, affordable rates will be charged from January 2024.

“Additional CNG BUSES will be purchased to convey of public servants, to and from work at no cost to them, till December 31st.

“Unconditional Cash Transfer – For three months, ten thousand Naira (N10,000) will be given to selected vulnerable persons in every local government.

“All pensioners in the state, be they local government or state, will get ten thousand Naira (N10,000) each starting this August till December 2023.

“Food – free food packages will be distributed to one million households across the 18 local government the state.

“Farm inputs at subsidized rates will be made available to farmers. Our poultry and fish farmers will be given free drugs, maize, and feeds for their birds and fishes. In addition, training on local feed formulation and production will be given to them, to help them look inwards.

“Agrochemicals, seeds, drip lines, farm tools and power tillers will be given at subsidized rates. In riverine areas, free fishing nets and subsidized kilns will be made available.

“To ease the movement of farm produce, tricycles will be given free to farming communities. This will be supervised by officially recognized, community-based stakeholder groups.

“The state government has authorized immediate suspension of haulage fee collection on all non-graded agricultural produce. These are produce that are consumed locally and not for export.

“We announce the immediate suspension of hospital registration and consultation fees. Government will reimburse the hospitals directly based on existing data.

“In addition to the provision of free shuttle buses earlier mentioned, there will be immediate payment of 2020 leave bonus to public servants. It should be noted that the state government has already paid leave bonuses for 2021, 2022 and 2023.

“Small and Medium Enterprises Various categories of small and medium enterprises will benefit from Subsidy Removal Palliative.

“Given the current economic realities based on the removal of subsidy on petroleum, the government of Ondo State wishes to announce these far-reaching palliatives measures to address pocketbook issues affecting it’s citizens. Here are what we are rolling out based on sectors of the economy.”

Fmr Head Of State, Abdulsslami Abubakar, Sultan, To Mediate In Niger Republic Crisis

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Former Nigerian Head of State,General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd), is leading a mediatory delegation to Niger Republic to meet with the warring factions.

The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu, dispatched the delegation to Niger Republic with a mandate to resolve the current political impasse in the country.

A State House statement, signed by Presidential Spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday, explained that the action was in line with the resolution reached at the end of the extraordinary summit of the ECOWAS held last weekend in Abuja.

The delegation, headed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd), left for Niamey on Thursday following a briefing by President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

The former Nigerian Head of State is joined in the delegation by the Sultan of Sokoto,Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray.

The President has also sent a separate delegation led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe to engage with the leaders of Libya and Algeria on the Niger crisis.

Briefing the two delegations, President Tinubu charged them to engage all stakeholders robustly with a view to doing whatever it takes to ensure a conclusive and amicable resolution of the situation in Niger for the purposes of African peace and development rather than a move to adopt the geopolitical positions of other nations.

“We don’t want to hold brief for anybody. Our concern is democracy and the peace of the region,” the President said.

Speaking after the meeting, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd) said the delegation would meet the coup leaders in Niger to present the demands of the ECOWAS leadership.

Both leaders of the two missions expressed optimism on the outcome of the assignments.

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