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Award Of Excellence On Fiscal Transparency And Accountability, Gov Akeredolu Says It’s Result Of Developmental Efforts

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has attributed recent ranking of the state as having the lowest poverty level to a result of deliberate developmental efforts of his administration.

The Federal Government had on Thursday announced that Ondo State has the lowest poverty level in the country with 27 percent.

The figure was presented during the launch of Nigeria’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Survey in Abuja.

The survey was conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI).

According to the report, the measure used to calculate the figure was based on Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) with five components of health, living standard, education, security and unemployment.

The survey, which revealed that 63 percent of persons within Nigeria, 133 million, are living in poverty, identified Sokoto State as having the highest poverty level among the states in the country with 91 percent while Ondo has the lowest with 27 percent.

This is even as the state also received an Award of Excellence on the World Bank’s States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) for being a very good performer on Fiscal Transparency and Accountability.

The award was received in Abuja at an event tagged, “Federal Government of Nigeria/World Bank States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) recognition dinner with Governors/Awards Night.”

Reacting to the development, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said his administration has continued to prioritize the need to lift the people of the state out of poverty.

He noted that his administration’s programmes and policies are tailored towards addressing the needs of the people and providing succor for even generations unborn.

“It is clear from the measure used to calculate the figure which was based on Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) with five components of health, living standard, education, security and unemployment.

“The Governor Akeredolu administration has continued to record giant strides in all these areas, thereby reducing poverty levels in the state and promoting more economic activities.

“On health, this administration inherited two Mother and Child hospitals in Akure and Ondo town which services had already been suspended on account of backlog of debts incurred on consumables, most significantly on drugs.

“Governor Akeredolu revived services at these facilities and expanded the mother and child hospitals from just two to seven across the three senatorial districts of the state.

“Similarly, On the 6th of February, 2018, Governor Akeredolu signed into Law the  bill establishing the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission (ODCHC) and the Ondo State Contributory Health Scheme (ODCHS).

“The ODCHC has a five bespoke health insurance products for all strata of the teeming population of Ondo state under the ODCHS cover, including the Abiyamo Maternal & Child Health Insurance Scheme (AMCHIS).

“The Abiyamo Maternal & Child Health Insurance Scheme (AMCHIS) is a State Equity Scheme for two sets of Vulnerables – Pregnant women and Under-5 children. This program is fully funded by the State Government.

“Governor Akeredolu launched this scheme on the 3rd of December, 2019. Since the inception of the scheme, it has made provision of maternal and child care free and sustainable.

“It gives access to Antenatal care, delivery (including Caesarean section), post-natal care for the mother (up to 6 weeks after delivery), neonatal care (first 30 days of baby’s life) and treatment of common illnesses in children till they attain the age of five years. Beneficiaries do not pay for services.

“The pre-qualification criterion to enjoy this scheme is the Kaadi Igbeayo (Ondo State Residency Card), which is issued to residents of Ondo State by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA). Governor Akeredolu has also ensured that the card is issued at NO COST to pregnant women willing to become AMCHIS beneficiaries.

“It should also be known that the premium for AMCHIS is solely paid by the Ondo State Government and there is a state budgetary line yearly to this effect. Till date, AMCHIS has recorded over 22,500 beneficiaries (pregnant women and children below five years of age).

“Since this scheme was launched on the 3rd of December, 2019, a total number of 24,678 including Pregnant Women and Children under 5 have benefited till date. At the Mother and Child Hospital, Akure alone, over 4,842 total number of Pregnant Women have accessed Ante-Natal Care till date with 3,432 total deliveries.

“As we speak, there is an ongoing construction of a modern world-class 250-bed University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital complexes in Akure and Ondo town respectively. This is aside the regular provision of medical equipment at the teaching hospital and Mother and Child hospitals.

“On Education, Governor Akeredolu has reconstructed over 800 public primary schools in the state with perimeter fence and modern equipment. This has increased enrollment in the public schools and encouraged parents and guardians to send their children or wards to schools with ease.

“The adequate security in the state has continued to attract investors. The hospitality business is growing in Akure, the state capital, and other parts of the state.

“Over the last five years, Governor Akeredolu has regularly equipped the police, Army, Navy, Civil Defence, the DSS and other security agencies in the state.

“The establishment of the Amotekun corps has reinforced confidence among our people. The usual fear that accompanied inter-state trading and other economic activities within the state has been eroded by the galant efforts of Amotekun corps. Ondo is safe for business.

“In Ore, the Ondo-Linyi industrial hub which has also continued to provide jobs and oil the state’s economy is another giant leap taken by the Governor Akeredolu administration.

“Today, there are over eight companies including textile industry, MDF factory, HDF factory, cassava to ethanol pant, Truck assembly plant, and other investments at the industrial hub.

“The Ondo State Government in partnership with the Linyi  Municipal in China made this happened. Many indigenes and dweller of the state are employed into these industries and many more. Just as the growing hospitality industry in the state are providing jobs for the unemployed.

“Unlike before when investors drove for hours to come to Ondo State, there are three major airlines that fly Lagos-Akure-Abuja route. Undoubtedly, these have promoted investment opportunities, driven provision of employment and promote economic activities in the Sunshine State.

“At the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service where Governor Akeredolu built the first of its kind Revenue House, over 500 young graduates have been employed.

“This is aside the recruitment of over one thousand teachers, over 425 health workers including Consultants, Nursing officers, Staff Nurses/Midwives, Medial doctors, Pharmacists, Radiographers among others.

“Also, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has recruited 804 health personnel. The UNIMEDTH wasn’t left out.

“Over 400 medical personnel have so far been recruited. At the Mother and Child hospital in Akure, there are 434 health workers presently working at the facility.”

“Lastly, the infrastructural development in the state is massive. Over 274.11km of roads have been completed across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State while 120km are ongoing.”

Labour Party Targeting Outright Win In All States

By
The Source
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The  Obi-Datti Media Office says its  attention has been drawn to what it described as a clearly unsubstantiated view of a former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose that he does not see Labour Party winning 25% in 24 States of the federation.

In a statement, it said Fayose is ignorant of the happenings around him and in the country, politically.

The statement reads:

“Ordinarily, we would not have bordered to react to such subjective view not supported empirically but we feel such view is capable of sending the wrong message to the public if unexplained.

“LP presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi and his Running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmad are not targeting 24 states for victory but the entire country meaning the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“We are well aware that making 25% of the votes cast  in 24 states is the minimum requirement to win the Presidency, but LP is looking at the entire country since it’s flag bearer is a national person to be limited to any region.

“Ex-Governor Fayose is certainly living in the past by refusing to capture the political mood of the country which is beyond geopolitical, ethnic, regional, state and my turn interests.

“Nigerian youths who are driving the Obidient Movement are spread and active in every state of the federation and their target is overwhelming and outright victory across board.

“It’s possible that Mr. Fayose and his like are relying on the old order not knowing that the Take-back-Nigeria project is actually meant to dismantle and decimate the old order and install a new vibrant and progressive system.

“Mr. Fayose possibly due to political reason did not want to factor in the opinion polls conducted scientifically and professionally by three professional bodies, ANAP Foundation, Bloomberg and the Arewa Trust foundation all giving  victory at the poll to LP’s Peter Obi.

“Since these scientifically proved polls were conducted few months ago, Peter Obi and his Obidient Movement have had their profiles ascending not declining meaning that  victory in 2023 by Labour Party is being more enhanced.

“Finally, for purposes of emphasis, every indicator  ahead of 2023 is showing clearly that Labour Party candidate is cruising to victory because his messages have sank with the people and has made the people’s decision to take back the country unanimous, total and unflinching.

“The train has left the station and we expect progressive minds like Fayose to join.

Call For Coach Peseiro’s Sack Thickens, Following Super Eagles Abysmal Loss To Portugal

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Jose Peseiro

By Akinwale Kasali

Super Eagles Coach, Jose Peseiro could be on his way out as the National Team Coach following the shambolic display of the team at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon losing 4-0 to Portugal in an International Friendly.

Two goals in each half saw the three time African Cup of Nations Champion succumb to one of its heaviest defeat in recent times.

A brace from Bruno Fernandes and a goal apiece from Diogo Dalot and Joao Mario gave the 2022 Qatar World Cup participants a convincing victory in their last warm up match before the World showpiece.

Nigerians had expected that the Super Eagles to perform brilliantly against the highly rated European Champions but the National Team was just a shadow of itself as it failed to lived up to fans expectations.

Teeming fans of the National Team who are still yet to come to terms with the failure of the Super Eagles to be at the Qatar 2022 World Cup are how we calling for the sack of Peseiro.

Since resuming office over Six Months ago, Peseiro have won just two Competitive Match that includes the 2-1 win over Sierra and 10- 0 drubbing of São Tomé and Principe, losing to Mexico 2-1, Ecuador 1-0, Algeria 2-1 and playing a 2-2 draw with the Algeria B Team.

In Seven Matches since assumption, Peseiro has lost four matches, won two and draw one which has been widely criticized by soccers fans.

James Udume, a soccer analysts is perturbed that despite the shambolic display of the Super Eagles in recent matches the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has not wielded the big stick on Peseiro.

“This is not the Super Eagles we saw played brilliantly at the African Cup of Nations held earlier this year. Peseiro hasn’t done anything spectacular to the team, he is no difference to Gernot Rohr. The NFF should sack him immediately”.

Another Soccer enthusiast, Femi Gbadamosi said that Peseiro is just experimenting with the National Team, calling on the NFF to call him to order.

“How can we lose 4-0 to Portugal. It is a shame and a disgrace. We have lost the flair, aerial strength and confidence. It is so painful. The players and the coaching crew needs to be lashed”.

Femi Olusesi, a football fan said that with this performance it is better that we didn’t qualify for the World Cup that it could have a disaster and a big embarrassment if we are been battered.

“It saddens me when I see that the national team lacks the determination, accuracy, tenacity and will power. We failed to create any meaningful chance throughout the whole 90 minutes. The penalty we managed to get, we could see how Paul Onuachu and Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis were dragging to take the spot kick until it was squandered by an over ambitious Dennis.

“We still have a long way to go, and I will advise that the NFF should charge the Coaching Crew to do better or sack them”.

Though Peseiro has indicated his disappointment on the outing by his players, but was fast to defend Dennis for his penalty miss which swayed the advantage to the Portuguese.

He said his team were poor in the first half, but improved after the break.

“I am sad, 4-0 was too big a defeat,” he admitted.

“In the first half, we did not start well, we did show good organization, didn’t pressure the opponents.

“It’s also true they have so much quality and that way they created their superiority.

“We were better in the second half, that we can cope against a big team like Portugal.

“If we had scored at that moment, we could try to draw the game, but then we suffered letting in two more goals soon after and we lost our balance,” he explained.

“He (Dennis)missed a penalty, but next time he can score. Who is the player in the world who does not miss a penalty?

“It was Dennis missing and he has my protection”, he said.

2023: NSCDC Boss Confident Election Will Hold In All States; As INEC Designs Security Strategies

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, is optimistic that contrary to insinuations from certain quarters the 2023 General Elections will hold in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The NSCDC Boss said that the electorate should be assured of maximum protection while casting their votes.

Audi added that all security apparatus are on alert to quash any security threat that may arise, advising citizens to remain confident and rest assured that elections will take place in all states.

The Commandant General made this statements while receiving Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani Award in Abuja, the nation’s Capital.

He reiterated that the cruciality of the 2023 general election requires a multi-agency approach, therefore, calling  on all security and law enforcement agencies in the country to come together and synergise in order to uphold, defend and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.

A statement signed by NSCDC Spokesperson, Olusola Odumosu, it reads, “ Audi informed that, historically, elections are marred by violence but assured that the forthcoming elections will be successfully conducted against the expectations of naysayers who believe that we cannot get it right in Nigeria.

“The Corps helmsman affirmed that the Corps will collaborate with civil society organisations to inform the populace against incitement of violence, thuggery, hate speeches and other forms of electoral malpractices and crime.

“He also assured that elections will be held in all parts of the country and citizens will enjoy maximum protection during the period to exercise their franchise because the elections will be rancour-free.

“He hinted that personnel of the Corps are undergoing a series of training and workshops to educate them on how to conduct themselves before, during and after elections as all hands must be on deck and none is expected to fall short of expectations.”

In the same vein, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Lagos State, in its quest to enhance adequate security at the forthcoming election held an inaugural meeting of the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCESS.

The Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje and the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Abiodun Alabi and other security agencies brainstormed  on how the 2023 election in the State would be conducted under an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

It was however agreed by the Committee that a Security Strategy should be designed before, during and after the elections for the electorates  and the entire electoral process.

Rivers 2023: Governor Wike, Other Aggrieved PDP Governors Light Up Rivers With Governorship Campaign

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nyesom Wike and Members of G5

By Akinwale Kasali

The aggrieved Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP – Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State are set to lead the Rivers State Governorship Campaign.

Felix Obuah, Chairman of the State PDP Campaign Council, at a media briefing in Port Harcourt, the State Capital, disclosed that the G5 Governors alongside the Dan Obih, the PDP Deputy National Chairman in the South South Region will begin the official inauguration of the Party’s Governorship Campaign in the State.

Obuah said: “The high point of the rally which is billed to take place at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium would be the grand unveiling of the PDP’s Governorship candidate, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

“The unveiling ceremony will be performed by the G5 Governors who are at the centre of a fight designed to promote inclusiveness.

“While in Port Harcourt, the state governor, Nyesom Wike, who is the chief host, will treat our friends, elders and leaders to a State Banquet. The banquet will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022.

“Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, the host Governor and leader of the G5 – Wike – will grace the occasion.”

The immediate Past Chairman of the PDP in the State showered encomiums on the aggrieved Governors, saying that they remain the soul and conscience of the PDP and have afterwards earned the respect of Nigerians by remaining in the main opposition party.

“Their decision to pursue peaceful options despite obstacles placed on the way has further endeared them to the Nigerian people. We are happy that these great patriots who believe in one Nigeria will participate in activities marking the beginning of our campaign effort in Rivers State.

“As the clock ticks and public attention turns in the direction of Rivers State, we want to inform you that we are ready. We are ready to fight the good fight, our sleeves rolled up, and our hands on the plough.

“We are ready, as a political party, to win the 2023 governorship election. We are also ready to sweep the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly elections,” he stated.

Ekiti Assembly Leadership Change: Security Agents Foil Attempt To Burn Complex

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ekiti State House of Assembly

By Ayodele Oni

True to findings by security agents, there was an attempt to burn Ekiti state House of Assembly complex in Ado Ekiti on Friday.

A team of anti-riot police on guard from Ekiti State Police Command however thwarted the plan, orchestrated by some suspected Political thugs.

It was gathered that a combined team of security personnel, comprising men of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Security, and the Nigerian Army rescued the complex.

This is the one of the fallouts of the leadership crisis rocking the Assembly.

Information gathered at the Assembly revealed that persons numbering more than 10 forced their ways into the gate at about 6:30am, armed with Petrol kegs, tyres and other objects with the intention of setting the complex on fire.

The security men on guard tried to prevent them from getting to the complex and raised alarm prompting deployment of more personnel.

Confirming the development, Lawmaker representing Ikole constituency two, Adeoye  Aribasoye said that, “Some unknown persons at the Early hours of this morning had attempted to burn the House Complex as a result of which the security persons have taken over the place to avoid breakdown of law and order.”

He explained that immediately he was contacted, he informed the Deputy Speaker, Hakeem Jamiu and other principal Officers of the house who swing into action and ensure the culprits are repelled.

He distanced the executive arm of the government from the crisis rocking the assembly, saying there’s no crisis for now, “what’s important is for Police to provide adequate protection for every member of the assembly, the civil servants, as well as security of lives and property at the legislative complex.

On his part, a Lawmaker representing, Ekiti East Constituency two, Akanle Lateef Oluwole also lend credence to the alleged attack on the legislative complex saying he was made to understand that, some hoodlums in their numbers attempted to burn the building very early this morning, but were repelled by no nonsense security operatives who were armed to teeth.

Akanle revealed that some people made an attempt to force their way into the premises, while calling on security agencies in the State to ensure more men are deployed to the complex in order to ensure such ugly trends are nipped in the bud.

He assured that the Executive was not in any way interfering in the internal problems of the Legislature but just doing everything to ensure that peace prevails saying, “the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature is very cordial and it will remain so.

Ekiti State House of Assembly on Tuesday elected Gboyega Aribisogan from Ikole as new Speaker following the demise of Funminiyi Afuye from Ikere.

Aribisogan had contested for the assembly’s number one seat with Mrs Olubunmi Adelugba from Emure, said to have been highly favoured by former Governor Kayode Fayemi. Aribisogan scored 15 votes to beat Adelugba that got 10.

The emergence of the new Speaker has not gone down well with some lawmakers regarded as Fayemi stooges, and some political leaders who want the seat to remain in the south senatorial district, until their term of office expires.

The Type Of Politics You Play Has No Respect For Human Life – Ondo Govt To PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akredolu with Oyetola commission Flyover in Osun State

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state government has vilified the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over its comment on the commissioning of a flyover in Osogbo, Osun state capital on Thursday by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Governor Akeredolu, chairman Southern Governors Forum, was invited by Governor Gboyega Oyetola to commission the flyover as part of activities to wind up his administration.

PDP in Ondo state had criticized Akeredolu for daring to commission the project in other state when his administration cannot execute similar one in Akure.

Government statement on Friday, signed by Richard Olatunde, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor derided PDP for not having respect for human life.

The statement reads “The opposition party is prepared, out of desperation, to play politics with the lives of the people and demean any effort of the present administration in the state to save lives.

For clarity and education of the PDP, flyovers are not constructed for decoration or fancy. They are constructed as careful interventions to forestall unnecessary road mishaps.

“Since Government responsibilities are huge with limited resources, the need to plan and prioritize projects has become expedient.

“For several years, the intersection at Ore was a nightmare, not only to the people of Ondo State but other road users plying the Lagos/Benin Expressway. Sadly, there were frequent carnages at that spot in Ore. Lives were lost. Precious times were wasted due to gridlocks.

“To address the nasty situation, Governor Akeredolu moved and constructed a flyover, the very first in Ondo State, to save lives and promote economic activities in Ore, which is the economic hub of the state.

“It is, however, shameful that the PDP, out of self inflicted selective amnesia, has suddenly forgotten this huge intervention and decided to demean the great effort that has continued to save lives in the state.

“Politics has boundaries. It should not cross the line when it comes to any efforts geared towards saving the lives of our people. Any act contrary to this is, at least, insensitive. Every responsible opposition knows that saving the lives of the people is a collective gain for the state.

“History has already recorded it that Governor Akeredolu is the first Governor in the state to construct the first flyover. This great feat is in Ore and it is saving lives. No adversarial politics can change the narrative.

“The clamour for a flyover at the popular Oba Adesida road due to traffic logjams at a time has been defeated with the placement of concrete barriers on the median. It turned out that what was needed was to stop people from indiscriminately crossing the road and not a flyover.

“Similarly, the obvious spots where flyover would have been needed in Akure are both FUTA north gate and Onyarubulem junction.

“But the combined team of the state and federal governments has taken a traffic sensor of the roads and discovered that human recklessness and flagrant violation of traffic rules are the cause of the traffic situations on these spots.

“Again, we are happy that the PDP is gradually diving into self-ridicule. Isn’t it ridiculous that a party that was in government for eight years in this state and refused to construct even a pedestrian bridge throughout its stay in office during an era of economic boom, has now suddenly realized the need for a flyover in Akure?

“For the records, the Akeredolu-led administration has constructed more roads in Akure than all previous governments put together. The work of this administration in Akure, the state capital, is undeniable.

“The massive infrastructural development in Ondo State is imparting lives and providing jobs for our people.

“The Nigeria’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Survey launched in Abuja on Thursday revealed that Ondo has the lowest poverty level in Nigeria with 27 percent.

“The survey was conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI).

“This statistic is an attestation to the fruitful efforts of the Akeredolu administration on job creation, sustained economic development, industrialization and stability.

“The PDP should learn how to have a sense of shame and get their facts and figure right before rushing to issue statements that clearly indict them.

“The people of the state have seen good governance under the Akeredolu administration unlike the cosmetic projects glorified with needless showmanship under the PDP government.”

Apprehension As Some Fmr Gov Fayemi’s Aides Return To Government

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

There is apprehension in Ekiti state, especially among members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), over refusal of some political appointees that served in the immediate past administration to leave office.

It will be recalled that former Governor Kayode Fayemi during his last executive council meeting did not announce dissolution of the council but just commended members for a job well done.

Since his government was inaugurated on October 16, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, apart from the secretary to government that is a new appointee, others are those that served in the previous administration.

Oyebanji has recalled three commissioners that served in the previous administration on the pretext that he is looking for experienced and professionals to work with him.

Those that he has recalled include commissioners for health, finance,  culture and tourism, while he equally retained the Chief Press Secretary that has served Fayemi for close to 12 years.

One of those that has refused to leave office is Prof Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, in charge of culture and tourism, who just led a state contingent to the festival of arts and culture in Lagos.

Ojo- Bakare is currently engulfed in allegation bordering on fund mis management, but he has come out to clarify that the allegation is coming from politicians that are interested in taking over his job.

“Those who are eyeing the Commissionership seat started fighting me. They became threatened thinking that I wanted to come back , so what they wrote was 100 percent lies.

“I am not running the Ministry as a commissioner. The governor sent me on errands as a professional, which I couldn’t turn down.

“They said I embezzled over N100m as a Commissioner during Ekiti NAFEST, even when the entire budget for that event was N94 million. The same event Lagos State hosted with over N2bn. My personal fund went into Ekiti NAFEST.

“They said I am still collecting money for some Media Houses that the Ministry owed N40m during NAFEST. In case they didn’t know, the National Council for Arts and Culture was responsible for the funding for publicity, my office only supported with a token  .

“In the Lagos NAFEST that we attended, we didn’t owe any hotel in Lagos, the entire contingents in Ekiti were camped at a faith-based centre in Gbagada . 87 people represented Ekiti and the money budgeted for them was just N15m, no case of N26m hotel accommodation debt.”

Bakare, denied being high-handed or acting as a “tyrant” as a Commissioner, said he didn’t take away any vehicle belonging  to the Ministry after leaving office on October, 14, 2022.

The question being asked by the people, especially APC members is whether there are no more competent and qualified persons in Ekiti than those that are being recycled.

Those that worked with Oyebanji during the campaigns are now being apprehensive that the Governor is being railroaded to pick from former Governor Fayemi Aides.

Controversy over the choice of Chief of Staff to the Governor remains unresolved, as three camps are said to be putting forward different names for the position.

Governor Oyebanji has clarified in different fora that nobody is teleguiding him on who to appoint into his government, but people of the state have contrary view to his declaration, going by the current development.

IMO Scribe Arrives Nigeria For Int’l Maritime Summit

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, His Excellency Kitack Lim, is scheduled to visit the Federal Republic of Nigeria from November 20th – 22nd 2022.

During his visit, the IMO scribe will attend the Nigeria International Maritime Summit 2022 where regional policies and operational perspectives on Decarbonization and Green House Gas Emissions in shipping will be the focus. The Federal Ministry of Transportation and its Agencies in collaboration with the organized maritime private sector under the auspices of Nigeria International Maritime Summit is hosting the event.

The Minister of Transportation Engineer Mu’azu Sambo says the Federal Government is committed to ensuring Nigeria becomes a major destination for global maritime players.

On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, said the visit by Kitack Lim, which is the first by an IMO Secretary-General to Nigeria in over fifteen years, is a testament to the renewed confidence of the international maritime community in Nigeria.

“We are glad that after fifteen years, an IMO Secretary-General will be visiting Nigeria. Our desire is to continue in this stead until we attain a status of not just the hub of maritime activities in the region, but a major player in the global scene,” Jamoh said.

The CEO of NIMS, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, noted that the summit will provide a platform for practical issues in operations; and regulations impacting Decarbonization in Shipping in the West and Central Africa region would be highlighted as a catalyst for igniting the Blue economy in the said region.

NLNG Ship Management Limited, NSML, is among the industry stakeholders partnering with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA in the Deep Blue Project operational engagement session scheduled as part of the activities of the IMO Secretary General’s visit to Nigeria. Kitack Lim is also expected to have a firsthand experience of some operational activities of NIMASA, which is the focal Agency of Nigeria liaising with the IMO under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

Zenith Tech Fair Attracts Global IT Practitioners

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Ebenezer Onyeagwu - Zenith Bank PLC MD

 The Second Edition of the Zenith Tech Fair, themed “Future Forward 2.0”, will be held on Tuesday, November 22 and Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. daily.

Conceived in the line with global technological events such as the Consumer Electronics Show, CES, and EmTech Asia, the fair will showcase leading technology innovations that cut across different aspects of life, such as Artificial Intelligence, Computing, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Robotics, Big Data, FinTech, Augmented Reality, Data Analytics, 5G and Communication Technologies, among others. The event will also feature Hackathon sessions to identify innovative startups, panel discussions, masterclasses, and exhibitions.

The two-day fair will feature a welcome address by Jim Ovia, CFR, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, and opening remarks by Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc and Chairman, Body of Banks’ CEOs, Nigeria.

The keynote address, “The Future of Banking: Digital Transformation Journey”, will be delivered by Brett King, a renowned futurist, bestselling author, award-winning speaker, Founder of Moven, and Author of Bank 4.0. Other eminent IT practitioners who represent top global brands will make presentations. These include; Tarik Alatovic, Senior Partner, McKinsey; Juliet Ehimuan, West Africa Director, Google; Ola Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft Inc.; Andrew Uaboi, Vice President/Head, Visa West Africa; Mrs Rakiya Mohammed, Director of Information Technology, CBN; Chris Lu, Managing Director, Huawei Technologies Nigeria, and Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, amongst others.

The fair will feature three-panel discussions. The first panel, which will examine “The future of payments: what next and how can we get there”, has Prof. Yinka David West of Lagos Business School as the host, with four discussants, including Agada Apochi, Managing Director, UPSL; Olu Akanmu, Managing Director, Opay; Premier Oiwoh, Managing Director, NIBBS; and Kari Tukur, V/P & Head of Products East/West Africa, MasterCard.

The second panel will explore the theme “What are the main challenges of digital transformation in the financial industry? How do we solve them?”. It will be hosted by Brett King and has four discussants, including Tosin Eniolorunda, Managing Director, TeamApt; Obi Emetarom, Managing Director, Appzone; Dr. Babatunde Obrimah, COO, FintechNGR; and Olugbenga Agboola, Founder/CEO, Flutterwave.

The third panel discussion is titled “Driving the global trade revolution with technology: current transformation trends”. The panel, which will be hosted by Samuel Eze, Founder/CEO, Ourpass, has five discussants, including Mike Ogbalu III, Managing Director, PAPSS; Akeem Lawal, Divisional CEO, Interswitch; Massimiliano Spalazzi, Country Manager, Jumia; and Dr. Ozoemena Nnaji, Director of Trade & Exchange, CBN.

The first edition of the Zenith Tech Fair was held on November 27, 2019, at the Landmark Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Tagged ‘Future Forward’, the fair featured a hackathon which produced ten winners, including Octave Analytics Limited, who won the grand prize of N10m; Neohaul Technologies, the first runner up who received N6m prize; and reQuid Technologies, the second runner up who won N5m. Other winners who took home N1m each includes Termii, Xcard Nigeria Limited, Payonhold, Escrow Inc, Alerzo, Nairapacket and Qview.ai.

To register and participate, visit www.zenithbank.com/techfair. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. The fair will be live on Zoom for participation and streamed on the bank’s social media pages including YouTube.

 

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