What Benin Republic President Discussed With Tinubu At Aso Rock
President Patrice Talon of Benin Republic made a diplomatic visit to President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday evening. Both leaders engaged in discussions to bolster trade relations between their nations, emphasizing the critical need for cooperation to drive economic growth in West Africa. President Tinubu highlighted the necessity for synchronized efforts between Nigeria and Benin Republic, emphasizing their shared interests and likening the countries to conjoined twins. Expressing support for Benin’s economic initiatives, Tinubu underlined the importance of common economic principles and priorities. He lauded President Talon’s proactive approach and expressed readiness to foster prosperity through private sector collaboration. President Talon sought President Tinubu’s support in enhancing trade ties ahead of the ECOWAS Summit, emphasizing the importance of stronger economic integration between Benin and Nigeria. He outlined Benin’s national development plan focusing on deepening ties with Nigeria, particularly in trade, and stressed the need for implementing existing agreements to promote mutual growth. Additionally, Talon proposed the formation of an inter-ministerial technical committee to facilitate cooperation across sectors and address bilateral issues like smuggling, aiming to protect interests while aligning their economies. “Our investment programme must be revised to factor in all factors of the Nigerian economy. We seek to set up an inter-ministerial technical committee that will jointly prepare a draft document for our legislatures. I am ready to sign an executive order to appoint members of the council to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors. “There have been difficulties bilaterally on the issue of smuggling. We will work hard to coordinate and ensure that your interests are protected as we integrate our economies. I want us to make history together,” President Talon said.
NJC recommends Eleven S/court justices, one A/court justice, 32 others
The National Judicial Council(NJC), has recommends appointment of 11Supreme Court Justices, one Justice of Court of Appeal, 6 Heads ofCourts and 26 other Judicial Officers. The NJC, at its 104 Meeting of 6 December 2023, considered the list ofcandidates presented by its Interview Committee and at the end ofdeliberations, recommended the under-listed names of successfulcandidates as Heads of Courts and other Judicial Officers for theFederal and State Courts in Nigeria. According to Soji Oye, Esq.Director, Information, all recommended candidates to the Supreme CourtBench would be sworn-in after the approval of their recommendation byPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the subsequent confirmation oftheir appointment by the Senate. The various Heads of Court recommended would also be sworn-in upon theapproval of their appointment by their various State Governors andsubsequent confirmation of same by their respective State Houses ofAssembly. The Eleven justices for supreme court are: Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey, OFR, Hon. Justice Chidiebere NwaomaUwa, Hon. Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, Hon. Justice Haruna SimonTsammani, Hon. Justice Moore Aseimo A. Adumein, Hon. Justice ObandeFestus Ogbuinya, Hon. Justice Stephen Jonah Adah, Hon. Justice HabeebAdewale O. Abiru, Hon. Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur, Hon. JusticeAbubakar Sadiq Umar, Hon. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris. One justice, of the court of Appeal.Hon. Justice Mohammed Ahmed Ramat CHIEF JUDGE TARABA STATE Hon. Justice Joel Filibus Agya 4. CHIEF JUDGE, KEBBI STATE Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar 5. GRAND KADI, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, KEBBI STATE Hon. Kadi Sadiq Usman Mukhtar 6. PRESIDENT, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, OGUN STATE Hon. Justice A. O. Femi-Segun 7. PRESIDENT, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, TARABA STATE Hon. Justice Alfred Yakubu8. PRESIDENT, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, OYO STATE Hon. Justice Tajudeen M. Abdulganiyu9. ONE HIGH COURT JUDGE, BAYELSA STATE Amaebi Ibomo Orukari 10. ONE HIGH COURT JUDGE, OGUN STATE Akinyemi Martins Ayodele 11. THREE HIGH COURT JUDGES, CROSS RIVER STATE 1. Ama Edet Ekpo2. Theresa Ansa Agom 3. Jalarth Ogar Agim 12. THREE KADIS, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, ZAMFARA STATE 1. Aminu Abdullahi Gusau 2. Usman Hassan Gummi 3. Hadi Sani 13. TWO KADIS, SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, NASARAWA STATE1. Abubakar Ahmad Tijjani2. Aliyu Ibrahim Ebbema14. NINE HIGH COURT JUDGES, KANO STATE; 1. Fatima Adamu 2. Hauwa Lawal Umar 3. Musa Ahmad 4. Musa Daihuru Mohammed 5. Farida Rabiu Danbappa 6. Halima Aliyu Nasir 7. Aisha Mahmoud 8. Adam Abdullahi 9. Hanif Sanusi Yusuf15. ONE JUDGE, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, BAYELSA STATE Opokuma David Lawrence16. FOUR HIGH COURT JUDGES, NASARAWA STATE 1. Esther Mami Ejeh 2. Ibrahim Dauda Shekarau3 Musa Muhammad Dallah4. Makama Tanze Benjamin 17. TWO JUDGES, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, OGUN STATE1. Awoyomi Bolanle Adenike 2. Lawal Adeniyi Olusanya
Court Dismisses Ihedioha’s Suit Seeking Uzodinma’s Sack, Fines Lawyer N40 Million
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has thrown out a suit filed by 2019 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate in Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha seeking Hope Uzodinma’s removal from office. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, representing Emeka Ihedioha from the Peoples Democratic Party, was also fined N40 million by the apex court for filing what was deemed a frivolous motion. The Supreme Court dismissed the application, stating it lacked merit and jurisdiction. The court clarified that the 60-day period to address the election matter had passed. Justice Tijjani Abubakar delivered the lead judgment, noting the application’s lack of substance and imposed the fine to be paid to the four respondents involved in the case: the Action Peoples Party, Uche Nnadi, Uche Nwosu, and INEC. Ozekhome’s motion claimed that the All Progressives Congress had no candidate in the 2019 Imo governorship election, challenging Uzodimma’s governorship on the APC platform. Meanwhile, Uzodinma will face fresh legal battles as his opponents, Athan Achonu of the Labour Party and Sam Anyanwu of the PDP have vowed to seek redress at the Tribunal over the November 11 governorship polls. Uzodinma was re-elected as governor after clearing all the 27 Local Government Areas of the state to emerge winner.
Edo Governor Approves 13th Month Salary
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has given the greenlight for the payment of the 13th-month salary to state workers, slated for December 27. Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, announced this in a statement, emphasizing the governor’s consistent focus on enhancing the well-being of the state’s workforce. The statement added that Obaseki’s commitment to better working conditions has remained steadfast and reflected in the timely payment of salaries without default for seven years, adhering to a schedule where salaries are disbursed on or before the 26th of each month. Additionally, the administration has facilitated regular promotions, the most recent being in January 2023, while fostering a conducive work environment across six hubs in the state. Workers are enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme, entitling them to benefits like Life Insurance, portraying a favorable scenario for employees in Edo State. Meanwhile the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Godwin Obaseki, Andrew Okungbowa has resigned, citing dissatisfaction with his treatment as the reason. Reportedly, Okungbowa’s resignation stemmed from the perceived preferential treatment given to social media influencers over his position within the Government House in Benin, which he found unacceptable.
Shettima Defends N15 Billion Budget For His Residence, Knocks Peter Obi
Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended the N15 Billion allocated for the renovation of his official residence. Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi had raised concerns about the government’s decision to allocate substantial funds for renovating buildings while only setting aside a small N5 billion budget for student loans in the country. In a statement by his Spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima clarified that the project was initiated during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He emphasized that the project, previously abandoned, was renewed by the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Nkwocha refuted Obi’s comparison between renovation expenses and student loans, stating the administration’s commitment to completing long-abandoned public projects across the nation. He also disputed Obi’s comparison between the allocated budget for the Vice President’s residence and salaries paid to university professors, asserting the administration’s focus on educators’ welfare and educational infrastructure. Nkwocha accused Obi of post-election trauma and divisive rhetoric, urging him and others in opposition to accept defeat gracefully and prioritize Nigeria’s interests. “There is no other context to situate Obi’s sermon about waste other than the fact that he has refused to swallow the bitter pills of reality. ”It is pitiful that since he was mercilessly defeated by President Tinubu, he and his army of social media cohorts have continued to brazenly unleash a campaign of calumny against the President and now, his administration. ”But despite Obi’s divisive rhetoric, Nigerians have since put a final seal on religious and ethnic politicking so that the country can move forward against the wish of certain persons in the mould of Obi, who have continued to fan the embers of division and falsehood just to create tension and spurn vexatious narratives in the polity”, part of the statement read.
Tinubu Returns To Nigeria After Controversial COP28 Summit
After his participation at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Dubai, President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja. Alongside attending the summit, he engaged in bilateral discussions with notable figures like King Charles of England and the President of UAE, aiming to solidify partnerships. Additionally, President Tinubu observed the signing of an agreement between Nigeria and Germany, focused on enhancing Nigeria’s electricity supply. He also conducted a significant meeting involving stakeholders and investors, discussing the Nigeria Carbon Market and the Electric Buses Rollout Programme during the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit. Having commenced his journey from Abuja to Dubai on November 29, 2023, for the summit that was scheduled to conclude on December 12, 2023, President Tinubu faced criticism over the large number of Nigerian delegates registered for the summit. Despite the controversy, the government clarified that it had funded only 422 individuals to attend, amidst the count of 1,411 registered delegates.
FG, Microsoft To Partner On Nigerian Video Games, Fashion -Minister
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, has said that plans are underway to reposition the video game animation industry in Nigeria. Musawa disclosed this during the third quarter edition of the Xbox Developer Hangout, organised by Microsoft, in Lagos. According to her, this will be done in such a way that Nigerian movies, music, fashion and culture will feature in every locally produced video game. She said the industry holds lots of employment potential for the youth, adding that consultations with Microsoft would help in actualisation of her vision in that respect. She said that a working document had already been developed to actualise the mission but needed input from Microsoft. “We want to look at the kind of innovation we can achieve through gaming, with the huge talent we have in the sector. I want the gaming space transformed and I know with collaborations we can achieve a lot. “I promise to support in whatever capacity to actualise this and this is the reason I will continually remain grateful for President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. “I perceive Nigerians as the most creative beings who will transform the gaming industry, the billion-dollar industry, with help and support from government. “We want to see a situation where our indigenous movies, peculiar fashion sense, music and elements of our culture will serve as contents of our locally produced video games,” she said. Earlier, Olatomiwa Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft, noted that the organisation was committed to empowering everyone with the needed tools to grow in the industry. Williams said it was important to leverage all opportunities to achieve President Tinubu’s agenda for economic diversification. “Partnering with the Federal Government is a thing of delight for us, young Nigerians deserve every right to thrive, we are creating an inclusive industry also for women to thrive. “Microsoft has been in existence for over 20 years and I can say that Nigerians have been contributing to our solution areas,” she said. Also, Oluseye Soyode-Johnson, Founder, NuConti, said, “the videogame industry is larger than the Nollywood and the global music industry, it is a billion-dollar industry which should be taken seriously.” Speaking on the needed tools for video games, Matthew Isikhuemen of Unreal Engine, said they included epic mega grants, epic game education, epic unreal fellowship, unreal market place, epic games store, twin motion among others. Winston Ohunyon, Creative Director, Dimension II Games noted that infusing culture into video games could be achieved through storytelling which entailed description and expanding beyond traditional elements. “The tools for this description can be seen in the plot, setting, theme, characterisation, composition, dialogue, story and all. “We must be careful about how the stories are relayed to protect our identity as a nation or a continent,” he said. Also, Dooshima Anger, Founder of Dooshimagames, noted that to fully support inclusivity in video game industry in Nigeria, more collaborations and awareness must created.
FG Seeks Stricter Rules To Curb Raw Minerals Exports
The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to implement stricter regulations to curb the export of raw minerals and promote the export of processed products. This strategic move aims to generate employment opportunities and enhance the overall value of Nigeria’s exports, according to Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals, who emphasized the importance of adding local value to mineral resources. Alake stated in an interview, “You can’t take our minerals away without adding value locally. This means establishing factories to produce goods associated with the minerals being extracted.” Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude oil producer, is diversifying its income sources as oil production declines. The country possesses significant mineral resources such as lithium, gold, bitumen, and iron ore deposits. It aspires to follow the example of countries like Indonesia, which successfully increased the value of its commodities through regulations requiring buyers to establish refineries within their borders. Indonesia’s nickel exports, for instance, saw a tenfold increase in five years. Despite past efforts by Nigerian governments to revitalize the mining and quarrying sector, the desired progress has been elusive. A decade ago, the administration of then-President Goodluck Jonathan aimed to elevate the mining industry’s contribution to the gross domestic product to three percent by 2015. However, the sector only accounted for 0.2 percent of the GDP last year, as reported by PwC. Encouraging foreign companies to refine minerals within Nigeria remains challenging due to issues such as unreliable electricity supply and limited domestic demand. Additionally, many minerals are extracted by illegal miners. In northern Nigeria, security concerns persist, with armed gangs involved in mass abductions and killings, leading to the displacement of local communities and facilitating illegal mining activities, as noted by Alake.
Naira drops 6.83% at Investors, Exporters window
The Naira on Wednesday depreciated against the dollar, exchanging at N793.70 at the Investors and Exporters window. The Naira decreased by 6.83 per cent when compared with N742.93 for which it exchanged for the dollar on Tuesday. The open indicative rate closed at N778.07 to the dollar on Wednesday. A spot exchange rate of N853 to the dollar was the highest rate recorded within the day’s trading before it settled at N793.70. The naira sold for as low as N699.50 to the dollar within the day’s trading. A total of 87.19 million dollars was traded at the investors and exporters window on Wednesday.
FG, World Bank train 80 animal health workers in Yobe
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday, commenced training of 80 private and public health workers in Yobe. Dr Yusuf Maina, Director, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Yobe, said the programme was being sponsored by the World Bank through the Ministry. Maina said that the aim of the programme was to change the way disease outbreaks were reported from analogue to digital for effective management and control. According to him, the training is nationwide. Today is Yobe’s turn. We have divided the training into two segments because of the volume of participants. “Today we are doing for the Area Officers, veterinaries who are in charge of local government areas and then private practitioners, who operate private veterinary services. The training for other category of participants, the surveillance agents, who are closer to people in the rural communities might be carried out next week. “After the training we will give them applications so that whenever they see anything reportable, they will just input, and the report will go direct to the central device for further action,” he said. Maina said the programme would be dealing with emerging and re-emerging diseases, adding that 75 per cent of the emerging diseases come from the animals’ side. “That is why WHO decided to take what is called one health. That is the human health, the animal health and the environmental health. “Under this one health, we come together, we strategise together and fight diseases together,” he explained. One of the participants, Dr Abdussalam Saleh, the Area Veterinary Officer, Nangere Local Government commended the organisers and described the training as timely. Another participant, Dr Hauwa Daya, said the development would ease their work and make it effective.