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2022 Budget: Lagos Assembly Urges Sanwo-Olu To Focus On Projects To Alleviate Poverty

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to work more on policies to bring more dividends of democracy to the people of the State.

The State Assembly through its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa gave the advice when Governor Sanwo Olu visited the Assembly on Wednesday to present the 2022 Budget Of Consolidation put at ₦1,388,285,459,990.51.

Speaking after the presentation by the Governor, Obasa who passed a vote of confidence on  Sanwo-Olu for the achievements of his  administration, said the dividends still need to get to the grassroots.

The Speaker also called on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to rejig the economy of Nigeria to reduce unemployment, insecurity and poverty.

It also stressed that interference of Executive in State Legislature should be criminalised.

He praised the House of Assembly for its pro-people orientation and for constantly supporting the Governor to meet the yearnings of the people of the State.

He said the support the Governor enjoys from the Assembly has reflected in the successes so far achieved by the government

While commending the seven-man Judicial Panel of Inquiry into cases of brutality and Human Rights violations committed by operatives of the disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS) in the State for completing its task, the Speaker urged Lagosians to remain patient and not stoke controversies while a Whitepaper  on the report is being expected.

Account for 97bn Cancer Center Funding, Reps Tell FG

By
Uche Mbah
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President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

By Uche Mbah

The House of Representatives has queried why Nigerians cannot be treated at the National Cancer Center after sinking a whooping  N97bn into it by the Muhammadu Buhari regime.

The House specifically mandated its Committees on Health Institutions and Health Care Services to, in their own words, “investigate the Federal Government’s implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan 2018-2022 to ensure its implementation”,

and“ascertain the status of all radiotherapy cancer treatment centres in the country to come up with a workable plan to subsidise treatment for cancer patients.”

A motion moved and adopted at the plenary Wednesday, which was titled, ‘Call for Federal Government’s Intervention in Cancer Treatment in Nigeria’ by a member of the House, Olusegun Odebunmi, put a stamp on it.

Recall that the President had last December signed a bill for the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment of Cancer Patients in Nigeria.

According to Odebunmi, in 2018, “the Federal Government launched the National Cancer Control Plan,to be implemented between January 2018 and December 2022, and with a proposed budget estimate of N97,321,725,422.53.”

“The House is worried that in 2018 alone, Nigeria recorded an estimated 116,000 new cancer cases with 41,000 mortalities and since then, the mortality rate keeps increasing, with breast and cervical cancer being the major causes of the mortality cases.

“The House is also worried that despite the increasing rate of new cases, only four out of the eight treatment centres in the country are functional.

“The House is concerned that Nigerians barely have access to cancer specialists for proper diagnosis and adequate treatment.

“The House is also concerned that for a cancer patient to go through a complete session of radiotherapy, an approximated amount of N750,000 is needed, an amount Nigerians suffering from the ailment cannot afford”, he said.

How Father of Abducted Former IImo Deputy Governor Was Freed

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

The abducted Traditional Ruler of Achi Mbieri in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, His Royal Highness, Eze Henry Madumere, has been released after spending five days with his abductors.

The Monarch was kidnapped Friday in Iho, Ikeduru Local Government Area of the State on his way to a function. He was apparently trailed by his abductors who double-crossed, furiously  his vehicle, shot into the air to scare shocked onlookers, and made away with him.

He is the father of a former Deputy Governor of the state, Eze Madumere.

The former Deputy Governor Wednesday announced his father’s release.

In a statement released by the former Deputy Governor’s media aide, Uche Onwuchekwa, the former number two man in the state said his father was released early Wednesday.

“The father of the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere’s father, HRH, Eze Henry Anoruo Madumere, has regained freedom from his abductors”‘, he said.

“Pa Madumere who is the Traditional Ruler of Ezi-Mbieri Autonomous Community was released by the kidnappers in the early morning of Wednesday.

“He was, however, taken straight to the hospital for a medical check-up. He arrived at his home town, Achi, Ezi Mbieri Autonomous Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, and was received with thunderous shouts of joy by his family and subjects.”

Even though the family was silent on how he was relieved, sources close to the family said “a lot of money was paid for his release. His abductors demanded for ransome and were paid after the family negotiated with them. Everybody was nervous because of his health.”

Jonathan Hosts Uniport Alumni 1981 Set Reunion

By
The Source
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Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan, will this weekend host the University of Port Harcourt alumni set of 1981.

Jonathan, an alumnus and a pioneer graduating student of the federal institution will alongside other of his former school mates participate in  reunion activities scheduled for Thursday  November 25 to Saturday 27, 2021  in Yenagoa the Bayelsa State capital.

A statement from the  media office of Dr Goodluck Jonathan notes that activities lined up for the programme include a lecture, an excursion   and a  dinner and award night.

The statement adds that the reunion programme is part of activities of the alumni aimed at fostering bond among old classmates and a platform to deliberate on issues affecting their alma matter and give back to the school and society in general.

The statement indicates that Prof Ebiegberi Alagoa, pioneer deputy  vice chancellor of the university of port Harcourt is to serve as the Guest Lecturer for the conference scheduled for  10 am on Saturday while Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa of State and an alumnus of the School will serve as special guest of honour.

The University of Port Harcourt  located in Rivers state,  was established in 1975 as University College,  but  was upgraded to a full-fledged university in 1977. The school popularly called  Uniport  has over the years groomed many illustrious leaders and trailblazers of international repute and the reunion is meant to encourage young and upcoming generations on the power of education.

Police: DIG Folawiyo Retires As DIG Johnson Kokumo Steps In For South West Zone

By
The Source
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DIG David Femi Oyebanji Folawiyo

Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG David Femi Oyebanji Folawiyo, psc (+), BESS, mni, ,on 24th November, 2021 bowed out of the service of the Nigeria Police Force after successful completion of his statutory years of service to the Nation. 

DIG Folawiyo was pulled out in a glamorous and colourful Pull-Out-Parade ceremony organized by the Force in his honour at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

 A Press Release by CP Frank Mba, Force Spokesperson said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc, while felicitating with the celebrant on his meritorious retirement from the service of the Nigeria Police Force stated that DIG Folawiyo, a very fine officer and astute Member of the Force Management Team under the current Police leadership, will be greatly missed for his invaluable contributions in advancing the course of peace, public safety and security in Nigeria.

DIG David Folawiyo, a member of the prestigious National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, joined the Nigeria Police Force in March, 1988 as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). A holder of a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Masters’s degree in International Relations, DIG Folawiyo served the Force, humanity and the Nation at large in various capacities within and outside Nigeria since his commissioning and rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Inspector General of Police, a position that availed him the opportunity to serve as a member of the Nigeria Police Force Management Team and coordinating DIG in-charge of the South-West Geo-Political Zone. 

Amidst his numerous professional deliveries, he will be remembered for his passion in coordinating and facilitating the development and approval of the ICT POLICY for the Nigeria Police Force while he served as the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Meanwhile, the IGP has approved the posting of Ag. DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, mni to the Force Headquarters, Abuja as Member of the Force Management Team and coordinating DIG in-charge of the South-West geo-political Zone of the country. 

Ag. DIG Kokumo, who until his recent elevation was the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in-charge of the Zone-2 Headquarters, Lagos, takes over from DIG David Femi Oyebanji Folawiyo, psc (+), BESS, mni, and would be heading the Department of Research and Planning of the Force.

Imo State Govt To Okorocha: You Are The Sponsor Of Insecurity

By
The Source
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Rochas Okorocha

Imo State Government on Wednesday berated Senator Rochas Okorocha over his call on the Senate to intervene in the security breaches in the State, reminding the former Governor that he was actually the sponsor of insecurity in the State.

The Government said Okorocha’s mischievous submission has vindicated its earlier stance that the Senator was plotting to get the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency in Imo by sponsoring insecurity.

“When we averred that Okorocha was the chief sponsor of insecurity in Imo for purely selfish and political gains, some people thought it was mere political talk. But his call on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday for the Senate to  intervene in Imo State has exposed him,” the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, said in a statement, Wednesday.

Emelumba continued: “It is a great pity that a former Governor of the State could descend so low to sponsor insecurity in his State just because he wants to scuttle the wheel of justice at all costs. We know he is the one sponsoring kidnapping and arson and rebellion against the State. He is their pay master.”

Emelumba described Okorocha’s speech as a well rehearsed script with the predetermined goal of goading the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Imo.

The Commissioner  said the former Governor was crying wolf when non exits, arguing that “the pockets of security breaches were no where near the picture painted by the Senator.”

“The situation in Imo State is not worse than what obtains in some states, yet the Senate has not been invited by their own representatives to intervene.”

Emelumba said it was regrettable that Okorocha, instead of commiserating with victims of the crisis, wants to make political capital out of it, adding that “the Government in collaboration with security agencies was already on top of the situation.”

Emelumba noted that it was curious that anytime the Security Agencies were bringing the situation under control, some people will trigger another wave of violence, suggesting that the target is the office of the Governor.

“How come that it is only when the situation is returning to normal that people like Okorocha will raise false alarm? Does it not suggest that they actually know what is happening? ” he asked.

Emelumba, however, commended the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan for the mature answer he gave to Okorocha.

He further advised both the Senate and other Federal Government agencies to be at alert so as not to be taken in by the lies and cheap propaganda of the likes of Okorocha and opposition in Imo State.

Traditional Rulers In Ekiti Lead Protest Over Neglect Of LG Headquarters

By
Ayodele Oni
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Traditional Rulers in Ekiti State

By Ayodele Oni

Traditional Rulers in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Ekiti State,have led a peaceful protest over the continued neglect of the Council Headquarters, Eda Oniyo, in the provision of infrastructures.

The Royal Fathers explained, while briefing journalists at Eda Oniyo, Ekiti, that since over three years ago when the Headquarters was relocated to the town, the State Government has refused to embark on any visible project.

A spokesman for the Royal Fathers, Oba Adetutu Ajayi, the Elewu of Ewu Ekiti, stated that private homes have been turned to offices to enable the Council workers operate while some of them have turned tree shades to offices.

According to him, the refusal of the State Government to release funds for the building of the Local Government Secretariat has really led to some of the workers not coming to office.

Oba Adetutu, who led other three Traditional Rulers, appealed, on behalf of the Community, to the State Government to facilitate the relocation of other offices and facilities still left behind at Iye, the former Headquarters to the new site.

In another Save Our Soul message, the Eda Oniyo Progressive Union, (EPU), explained that since the Supreme Court had ruled three years ago in favour of the Community, the State Government should not hesitate to provide necessary facilities befitting the status of Eda Oniyo as a Council Headquarters.

National President of EPU, Dr Rufus Ajayi, in his speech stated that “You are all aware of the tortuous journey to fame as regards the struggle for the local government headquarter between two communities of Eda Oniyo and Iye. Decree number 36, vol 83 of 1996 made Eda Oniyo the lawful hq of Ilejemeje LG. Same decree created Ekiti and other states in Nigeria.

“But, three months into its creation, one Military Administrator of Ekiti state through a radio announcement, claimed the Headquarters has been relocated to Iye. Not to bore you with rethorics, the legal battle began and lasted for over 20 years culminating in the Supreme Court judgement of 14th December, 2018, which affirmed Eda Oniyo as the legally recognized seat of Ilejemeje Local Government.

“Now, the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement began with a pronouncement by the State Government ordering the movement of all instruments of office from Iye to Eda Oniyo.

“Yes, we have the headquarters in Eda Oniyo today but, the accompanying facilities are still missing. It may interest you to know that almost  three years after relocation, Eda Oniyo has not really felt the impact of the Local Government.

“All accomodation being used till date as offices are made available free by Indigenes of the Community, this is aside the various levies on the people just to ensure that the Headquarters takes off smoothly.

“Some departments are still left behind at Iye despite directive by the state government that everything including offices should be moved down to Eda Oniyo.  For your record, it may interest you that the following offices/ facilities are still not available in Eda Oniyo.

“These are Magistrate Court, permanent LG secretariat, Police station, office of Independent National Electoral Commission, NSCDC, Plate Number to reflect the new status. No federal department has physically relocated to Eda Oniyo.

“Our demands are supposed to be provided without much noise, but the reverse has been the case now. Is it not interesting to hear that over two years after the official relocation of the Headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government to Eda Oniyo, the Community has not felt the presence of both the state and federal government in the provision of infrastructures to befit our status? That is our plea and demand from the state and federal Government.

“The Community has made available a large expanse of land, already surveyed for citing of the council headquarter secretariat, we equally cleared the site for construction work to commence.

“We appeal to the present administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi to ensure that this project see the light of the day during his regime.”

Ecobank Threatens N80bn Honeywell, Flour Mills Deal

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

Ecobank has warned Flour Mills of Nigeria, FMN to back off from its proposed N80 billion take-over deal with Honeywell Group. On Monday, the two leading agro-allied companies reached an agreement for Flour Mills to acquire a 71.69 percent stake from Honeywell Flour Mills and also a 5.06 percent FBN Holdings equity in Honeywell Flour Mills.

Speaking on the deal Omoboyede Olusanya, the group managing director of FMN, said “the proposed transaction is part of our global growth strategy; which is aligned with our vision to not only be an industry leader but also, a national champion for Nigeria in the Food and Agro-allied industries.’

On his part, Obafemi Otudeko, managing director of Honeywell Group Limited, said “today’s announcement is in line with the evolution of Honeywell Group and our vision of creating value that transcends generations.”

But as it seems, Ecobank will not allow the two parties to walk away with the transaction without a fight due to a humungous N5.5 billion loan the commercial bank claimed is owed by Honeywell.

According to a letter addressed to the managing director of Flour Mills by Kunle Ogunba and Associates, counsels to Ecobank, the bank said Honeywell has failed to pay back the loans. The bank said it had dragged the company to court, and since the case has not been disposed off it would amount to a nullity any deal reached to acquire Honeywell at this time.

The pan-African bank has, therefore, warned anyone, company panning to acquire shares in Honeywell to desist as doing so would be at a great risk.

Ecobank claimed it had facilitated several loan services, including working capital disbursements to Honeywell Flour Mills that are yet to be redeemed. It cited a pending suit no FHC/L/CP/1571/2015 at the Federal High court, Lagos.

The bank said “while the said action was dismissed at the federal high court and the court of appeal, it is pertinent to state that an appeal with appeal no: SC/700/2019 has been filed challenging the said decision at the supreme court (notice of appeal is herein enclosed and marked as annexure C).

“Hence, the effect of the above is that there is currently a winding-up action/proceeding pending against the said Honeywell Group Limited.

“Where a company is being wound up by the court, any attachment, sequestration, distress or execution put in force against the estate or effects of the company after the commencement of the winding-up is void,” the letter said.

The bank said the pending case bars Honeywell Group from entering into a deal proceeding with Flour Mills of Nigeria.

“Consequently, we hereby demand that Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, in its best corporate interest, immediately cease and desist from consummating the subject transaction, which aims to divest the assets of a company being wound up (Honeywell Group Limited).

“Please be further informed that the assets of both Honeywell Group Limited and Honeywell Flour Mills Plc. are the subject of the winding-up action and thus based on the doctrine of “lis-pendens” (in addition to the provisions of CAMA supplied above) you are advised to refrain from dealing with the subject asset which forms part of the subject matter of litigation.”

In a statement released by the Nigerian Exchange, NGX on Monday Flour Mills said the take-over of Honeywell is part of the company’s strategic drive to become the leading agro-allied industry in the country.

Grammy Awards 2022: Wizkid, Burna Boy, Femi Kuti Nominated

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Buma Boy - Wizkid and Femi Kuti

By Akinwale Kasali

Multiple Award Winning Nigeria Musicians Ayodeji Balogun, popular as Wizkid and Dami Ogulu also known as Burna Boy have once again been nominated for the International prestigious Grammy Awards.

Both Burna Boy and Wizkid won the 2021 Grammy Awards, and have also been nominated again for the 2022 Award.

Burna Boy was first nominated for the award two years ago in the Global Music Award category with his album, African Giant, but lost out to Angelique Kidjo.

However, the singer was nominated in the same category in 2021 with his album, Twice As Tall, and he clinched the award to the delight of his teeming fans.

Wizkid is nominated in the ‘Best Global Music Performance’ category for ‘Essence’ — his collaborative song with Tems.

In July, ‘Essence’ became the first Nigerian song to crack the highly coveted music chart and the third in Africa.

Meanwhile, Afrobeat maestro, Femi Kuti, and his son Made, were also among the nominees in the 64th Grammy Awards.

Femi Kuti’s ‘Pa Pa Pa’ and Wizkid and Tems song ‘Essence’ are also nominated in this category.

Made shares the spotlight with his father as their collaborative album ‘Legacy +’ received a nod in the Best Global Music Album .

Burna Boy fetched a nomination in the Best Global Music Performance for his collaboration with Angelique Kidjo, Femi Kuti’s ‘Pa Pa Pa’ and Wizkid and Tems song ‘Essence’ are also nominated in this category.

The 2022 Grammys’ main event will air on January 31, 2022, at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on the CBS Television Network.

It is understood that the award show would also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount.

Gas: FG Says It Doesn’t Have Control Over Hike In Price; Nigerians Groan

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The price of Cooking Gas keeps has skyrocketing making it difficult for Nigerians to purchase the commodity, and leading to complains from different quarters.

The President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government has compounded the woes of Nigerians following its declaration that it has no control over the prices of Cooking Gas, leaving Nigerians to their fate.

The Federal Government through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva revealed on Tuesday that it has no control over the price of cooking gas because the product is fully deregulated in the country.

Sylva, also, noted that President Buhari is worried about the hike in the price of the commodity.

The Minister was at the Presidential villa, Abuja to introduce to the President the CEO, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Engr. Faruk Ahmed and the CEO, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

He asserted that gas prices are determined by the global market, even though he indicated that Government will do everything possible to bring down the price especially during the Yuletide season.

He said, “We must understand that cooking gas is not subsidized. It is already a deregulated commodity. So the price of cooking gas is not determined by the Government or by anybody in the industry. In fact, gas prices are determined internationally.

“And you all are aware that in Europe, today, gas prices have gone up. There was even a crisis in Europe relating to gas prices. So the pricing of gas internationally now affects also the price of gas in the country.

“Apart from that, there are some issues around VAT charges on imported gas, and of course, taxes on imported gas, which we are handling. But of course, quite frankly, these taxes on imported gas, you must also juxtapose it side by side with the local producers of gas.

“So, if you incentivize the importance too much, then you will also kill the local industry. And also, you don’t want to incentivize the local industry at the expense of the imports, because if incentivize the local industry at the expense of the imports, then you will not have enough gas produced within the country.

“So, these are the issues of balancing that the midstream and downstream regulatory authority are handling and I want to assure you that we are quite concerned.

“Mr. President also is very concerned. He is aware that the price of gas is high in the market, and we’re doing everything trying to see how we can bring down the price of gas especially as we approached the Yuletide.”

Sylva also disclosed that the President has directed him to proceed to Nembe, Bayelsa State to investigate the level of damage caused by the recent gas spillage in the area.

The Minister stated that he will visit the affected communities on Wednesday to assess the situation.

It would be recalled that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State complained bitterly about the hike in the price of Cooking Gas making life difficult and unbearable for Nigerians.

For instance, the 12.5kg cylinder of gas that was sold for about N3,500 earlier in the year has risen to N9,500 and N11,000, depending on the location and availability in the parts of the country, which Governor Okowa said

must not be allowed to continue.

The Delta helmsman said concerted efforts must be made towards reducing the rising cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas in the country, if the objective of the National LPG Expansion plan was to be achieved.

The Governor said the adverse effects of climate change due to the use of fossil fuels has thrown on mankind the urgent need to move to a cleaner energy.

According to him, the situation has made “the adoption of LPG as a transition fuel to greener sources exigent and Delta State is keen to play a vital role in this process and will give this awareness programme maximum support.

“Delta is home to 40 per cent of the nation’s natural gas endowments, hence a large number of oil and gas companies operate in the state. However, as we adopt LPG as the fuel to drive the socioeconomic activities of the economy, we must acknowledge a big challenge currently confronting the populace: the issue of high price of LPG in the market.”

Okowa said “at the rate the price is skyrocketing, LPG is gradually getting out of the reach of the middle class and the common man.

“The price increase has been linked to several factors including the VAT re-introduction, devaluation of the naira and large importation of LPG vis-a-vis low production locally.

“It is imperative that policy makers find a way to mitigate this upward trend in the price of LPG to give succour to our people and if the goals of the LPG expansion plan are to be realised.”

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