Tinubu’s Reforms Will Bring Prosperity To Nigeria -AGF

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has said ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will bring economic prosperity and stability to Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to be patient with the president and support the reforms being introduced across the board. Fagbemi spoke during a prayer organised in his honour by his family in his Ijagbo country-home in Oyun Local Government of Kwara State on Friday. The event was attended by the state governor, Abdurrazaq Abdurrahman; monarchs, friends and well wishers. A statement signed by the S A Communication & Publicity to AGF& Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele, stated that the minister assured Nigerians of the president’s determination to take the country out of the woods. He said, “The president is not looking for self aggravadisement. He’s seeking a better future for the country. ” Immediately after his swearing in, he has been all out to seek investors’ buy-in. As a result, positive responses have been trailing his discussions with foreign investors. The only thing we need is to exercise some patience. Even if you plant a tree, it won’t grow into fruition until after a while. “Nigerians need to be patient; things will improve greatly in the coming days. The sacrifices of today will translate to a greater future for the country. I know with prayers and support of Nigerians, the country will emerge stronger.” The AGF commended the governor for his giant strides in the state.

FG Has Undertaken Comprehensive Efforts To Curb Terrorism -Defence Minister 

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni has said that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has undertaken Comprehensive efforts to curb the menace of terrorism and other forms of criminalities and restore normalcy to all parts of the country, especially in the North East geopolitical zone. He disclosed this during the book launch by the Nigerian Air Force, titled: “Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism in North East Nigeria: Emerging Perspectives and the Imperative of Airpower” recently in Abuja. The Minister stated that the Ministry of Defence as the vanguard of the national security has played a pivotal role in coordinating the Armed Forces and executing strategies to counter terrorism effectively. He added that there was the need for a multi-faceted approach of combining Military precision with socio- economic initiatives to address the root causes of radicalization. Speaking on the title of the Book launched, Badaru said that in a bid to pursue a whole society approach to the issue of terrorism, the book was developed by leveraging strong partnership between Nigerian Air Force and the academia. He commended the book launchers saying that it would serve a valuable resource for policymakers, Military Strategists and scholars in understanding the evolving dynamics of terrorism in Nigeria and to explore the imperative of airpower in the nation’s counter- terrorism efforts. The Minister said that the scourge of terrorism was not confined within national borders alone, but that it was a global challenge. “The Sahel region with its vast and diverse terrain, has become a hotspot for terrorist activities, posing a significant threat to regional stability. In this context, the collaboration of intergovernmental organizations including the African Union, Economic Community of West African States, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and others become imperative to address the root causes and manifestations of terrorism in the Sahel,” he said. The Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio in his address said that the book launch was not just an academic exercise but a call to action that would serve as a reminder that we have a shared responsibility to fight against terrorism and protect the lives and liberties of our fellow citizens. The Governor of Bornu State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum who was in attendance appreciated the Armed Forces for exhibiting professionalism, synergy and commitments to ending insurgency. The host, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar noted that the book was developed in collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and Babcock University to serve as a guiding light for policy makers, military strategists and practitioners in formulating holistic solutions that go beyond the realm of military operations.

Gov Makinde Pays Welfare Packages To Civil Servants, Pensioners

Civil servants and pensioners in Oyo State have commenced celebrations as the disbursement of the long-awaited welfare package pledged by Governor Seyi Makinde is now underway. The announcement was made via the official Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) handle on Friday, November 10. Governor Makinde’s commitment to the welfare of the state’s workforce was underscored with the approval of N15,000 for each pensioner and N25,000 for every civil servant on the state’s payroll.  The payments, slated to continue for six months starting in October 2023, aim to alleviate the economic challenges faced by residents. Assuring labour union leaders, Governor Makinde expressed his dedication to finding sustainable solutions for workers within the stipulated six-month period. The governor emphasized that his administration remains steadfast in prioritizing the welfare of employees while addressing the broader needs of the people of Oyo State.  The positive response to the initiation of payments echoes the optimism of a brighter future for the state’s workforce.

Defence Ministry Develops Strategic Plan, Inaugurates Team To Drive FCSSIP 25

The Ministry of Defence has inaugurated Strategic Planning Team to drive the full realization of the digitalization of the Service and institutionalization of the Federal Civil Service Strategic Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP 25). Inaugurating the nine members committee drawn from the core departments of the Ministry on Thursday, at a retreat organized by the Ministry on the development of the Ministry of Defence Strategic Plan in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, said that the Head of Service (HoS) Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has directed the Ministry to develop its Strategic Plan that will help in achieving the Ministry’s peculiar mandate. Accordingly, the Strategic Plan, the Ministerial objective would further be cascaded from departments to individual staff members to draw job description, strategic objectives, key performance indicators, key result areas as well as performances contract and appraisal and review for optimal performance. Dr. Kana who was represented by the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Suzan Ochida, urged participants to contribute their best in developing the Strategic Plan for the Ministry. According to a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry Mr Henshaw Ogubike mnipr, she said: “This retreat is therefore intended as a variable platform to harness contributions, trends, experiences, development that will culminate in the production of a policy document in line with world best practices that will stand the best of time in alliance with the vision, mission and mandate of Ministry of Defence. In his opening remarks, the Director of Planning Research and Statistics, Olusa Dada, called on the participants to come out with sound discussions, contributions, innovative ideas that would galvanize the actualization of the Ministry Mandate in line with FCSSIP 25. According to the Director, the Strategic Plan is a strategic innovation of the OHCSF aimed at breaking away from the old practices to a new paradigm of productive world- class Civil Service for accelerated national development. The highlight of the retreat was goodwill messages given by various stakeholders and paper presentations geared towards a robust Strategic Plan for the Ministry. In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency called on holistic appraisal of the entire system pointing out that a sound strategic plan would be a good driver in achieving the mandate of the Ministry of Defence in the provision of security. Represented by Real Admiral Julius Nwagu, he commended the Ministry saying that the retreat was timely as planning is germane to national development. Also, the representative of OHCSF, Professor Ajayi Adeyemi, commended the Ministry for the inauguration and retreat. The retreat, he said was timely as there is a paradigm shift to doing government business by productive world-class Civil Service. He said: “The Defence sector strategic plan will effectively drive all the six Pillars of FCSSIP 25. The retreat was well attended by Management and other Staff of the Ministry.

Delta State Government Assures On Improved Services in 2024 Budget

The Delta State Government is gearing up to deliver a more comprehensive and effective 2024 state budget that addresses the concerns of its residents. During a Zoom meeting, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen, shed light on various aspects of the upcoming budget, which aims to enhance the lives of Deltans. Housing has been a significant concern for many residents, particularly students who have been grappling with the high cost of accommodation.  The commissioner pledged to address this issue by acquiring vast land and collaborating with developers to construct affordable housing options, with a particular focus on students’ needs. Road infrastructure is another critical area in the state, with complaints about the deteriorating state of the Efurrun Abraka Agbor road, which residents consider a safety hazard.  The commissioner assured the public that work is already underway to repair the road, emphasizing the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure.  Although concrete construction was preferred, cost considerations led to the decision to use asphalt. Recognizing the importance of food security, the government plans to invest in farm settlements to make food more accessible and affordable for the people of Delta State.  This step is expected to have a positive impact on local agriculture and food supply. In addition to these specific areas, the 2024 budget will also encompass crucial sectors such as security and education, aiming to ensure the satisfaction of Delta’s residents. Commissioner Ekedayen urged the public to be patient and supportive as the new government settles into its responsibilities.  He said the Delta State Government is determined to improve the lives of its citizens through a well-rounded and people-centric budget for the upcoming year.

FG Plans 50% Subsidy For Wheat Farmers – Minister

The Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari, has disclosed that the Federal Government is giving out 50 per cent subsidy to wheat farmers in the upcoming dry season farming to ensure massive production of the grain in the country. Kyari spoke to newsmen shortly after inspecting assorted seed wheat productions in Kano on Friday. “We are fully committed towards massive wheat production in the upcoming dry seasons farming for local and foreign export actions,” he said. He explained that President Tinubu’s renewed agenda was aimed at making sure that Nigeria secured food production, starting from next Month, with wheat farming taking toll in the dry season farming. The minister, who was in Kano and Jigawa to supervise the seeds production, expressed satisfaction that the local production was the vital component of the farming. “Jigawa State has shown a lot of interest in wheat farming by providing 40,000 hectares of land for wheat farming, closing on the 70,000 hectares set aside by the Federal Government to achieve this year,” he said. The minister explained that the Federal Government was making efforts to have enough seeds that would cover the 70,000 hectares provided for wheat farming. “The breeder and foundation seeds were checked before it became satisfied to phase out wheat importation before next year’s irrigation farming. “This is because importation of the wheat is taking a lot of Nigeria’s foreign reserve. Kyari noted that the Federal Government planned to secure the nation’s food production and be self-sufficient, adding that local production was one way that importation of seeds would completely be stopped. “In the next 4-5 years with the Programmes set out, Nigeria would completely stop importations of wheat seeds and be self-sufficient with the local production that would enhance food production and security.” The minister was at the National Wheat Council Ware Houses at Sharada, AA Albasu Grains Company and Alyumna Seeds Production Company.

Federal Government Suspends N-Power Scheme, Initiates Probe

The Federal Government has temporarily suspended the N-Power Programme of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to give way for proper audit of the programme. The Federal Government kick-started the N-Power scheme on June 8, 2016 to address issues of youth unemployment and help to increase social development. The scheme was created as a component of government’s National Social Investment Programme. Dr Akindele Egbuwalo, National Programme Manager of N-Power announced its suspension in a statement he issued on Sunday in Abuja. Egbuwalo stated that the suspension and audit of the scheme became necessary to give room for a detailed investigation into N-Power’s operations in the last 12 months. He added that 960,000 Nigerians were enrolled in the scheme since its inception to date. “There is the need to audit the number of people still under the scheme because most of them have exited from N-POWER 1.0 and N-POWER 2.0 Batch A and Batch B. “The audit is also necessary to establish the number of people that have exited the programme; those who are being owed; and how funds have been utilised over the years,’’ he explained. Egbuwalo stated that some beneficiaries who concluded their programme since 2022 were still expecting payment from government. “Recently, we discovered instances of programme beneficiaries whose participation had lapsed since 2022 but have stayed on and continued to expect payment from government. “Some beneficiaries do not report to their places of primary assignments as required, but still receive monthly payments. “Some have other jobs and have left this bracket, but are still benefiting from payments, while those who truly worked are not paid. “These instances call for a thorough audit of the scheme,’’ he stated. Egbuwalo assured Nigerians that government would prioritise claims of those owed between eight months and nine months stipends after ascertaining the veracity of their claims. “Graduates and non-graduate volunteers Batch C1 & Batch C2 are in this category. We want to establish the exact number of people owed and the total cost implication to eliminate ghost beneficiaries. “Our preliminary findings show that some consultants are holding on to beneficiaries’ funds disbursed to them long ago, even when their contract ended in March 2023 without a renewal. “We condemn this practice and will not tolerate it going forward,’’ he stated. Egbuwalo added that work was on-going to identify culprit consultants to ascertain why the payments did not get to the beneficiaries. Such funds would be recalled and paid to affected beneficiaries, he assured. “We assure all beneficiaries with genuine claims that we will resolve their cases once we complete the verification and honour all valid outstanding obligations. “We appeal to Nigerians to understand the rationale behind the temporary suspension and investigation of the scheme as we work to restore the nation’s confidence in it,’’ he stated. Egbuwalo expressed government’s determination to restructure and expand the programme to accommodate persons within the ages of 18 years and 40 years as against the previous age limit of 35 years. “The restructuring will accommodate some new programmes in education, health, works, agriculture, technology, fashion, entertainment, and other relevant areas of skills acquisition and employability. “We are targeting five million beneficiaries in five years at a rate of one million beneficiaries per year under the graduate and non-graduate streams,’’ Egbuwalo also stated. 

FG To Support Local Manufacturers With N75bn

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the federal government will support local manufacturers with N75 billion by March 2024 to strengthen the manufacturing sector. Shettima said this while declaring open the second National Conference on non-oil export organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Abuja. Represented by Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, Shettima said N75 billion was earmarked to support 100,000 start-ups and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at single digit interest rates. The two-day conference is with the theme, “Building a Sustainable National Economy Through Non-Oil Export.” According to him, the federal government is also committed to providing necessary infrastructure that will support increased export of non-oil commodities. “There can never be a better time to envision a conference of this nature than now; a time to reflect on non-oil export. “Over the years, the nation’s major source had been 80 per cent dependent on oil revenue. “It is clear that as a nation, we can’t afford to work on this uncharted path. “Today, we find ourselves in protracted situation and challenges. All indications point to the fact that we have to prioritise our non-oil export. “And this administration will give every support to boost non-oil export,” he said. While pledging support towards made-in-Nigeria products, he assured of federal government’s commitment to provide infrastructure that would facilitate export trade. “We will prioritise capacity building for MSMEs, we will invest in human capital development. “We need to work diligently to utilise opportunity provided by African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by deepening our existing values and expanding our forex earnings,” he said. Earlier, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, expressed concern that Nigeria operated a mono-economy for long. The minister, however, expressed joy that government’s diversification efforts were beginning to yield positive results. “Nigerian non-oil exports grew by almost 40 per cent in 2022, reaching 4.820 billion dollars. “Semi-processed and manufactured products accounted for almost 37 per cent of these exports, surpassing agriculture’s 30 per cent. “This is a big step in the right direction. We no longer have the luxury of business as usual when it comes to the business of making sure Nigeria succeeds. “We can no longer afford to export raw materials cheaply and import finished products at premium prices. “That train has stopped and will not be starting again. Our focus for exports is locally manufactured value-added products that create both business and employment,” she said. Dr Ezra Yakusak, the Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, said the Council had significantly increased the contribution of the non-oil sector to the Nigerian economy. According to him, for first time, the performance of the non-oil export grew by 39.91 per cent in 2022 to 4.820 billion with about 214 different products exported, ranging from manufactured, semi-processed, solid minerals to raw agricultural products. He said Nigerian products were exported to 122 countries, and appealed to the federal government to address the strange disease afflicting ginger farm in Kaduna State. “I will not do justice to this address if I do not present the challenges being faced by farmers and exporters of ginger in Nigeria. “It is a known fact that Nigeria’s ginger has been adjudged as the best in the world due its unique aroma, pungency and high oleorosin content. “This makes Nigeria one of the largest exporters of ginger in the world.  However, the Council received several complaints of the outbreak of a strange disease ravaging ginger farms in Kaduna State. “So far, about 2,503.9 hectares of farmland have been affected with an estimated loss of over N8 billion,” he said.

Nigeria has recorded appreciable success on UN TB control –FG

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare says the country has made significant progress in the implementation of the 2018 UN High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) declaration on Tuberculosis (TB) control. Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, its Director of Public Health, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the Pre-UNHLM on TB National Stakeholders’ Consultation. The event was organised by Stop TB Partnership Nigeria in collaboration with the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP). The 2018 UNHLM on TB resulted in the adoption of the Political Declaration on the Fight against TB in September 2018. Nigeria committed itself to implementing the declaration to achieve the targets set forth. TB remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with the country ranking among the top 10 with the highest burden of the disease in the world. Anyaike, who was represented by Dr. Urhioke Ochuko, a Deputy Director who currently oversees the Childhood Tuberculosis Unit, said that Nigeria had increased the number of TB cases detected and treated. “We have detected more than 285,000 cases; we had a 60 per cent achievement of the target in 2022,” he said. He said the country had also strengthened health systems. “Nigeria has prioritised the strengthening of its health systems to improve TB control, including the training of healthcare workers and the establishment of more TB treatment centres. “TB preventive treatment for Nigerians has also improved significantly from the pre-2018 levels,” he said. He said that the Nigerian government had shown increased political commitment to TB control with some additional funding to TB control by the government and partners. He, however, said that there were still significant challenges that the country was facing in achieving the targets set forth in the political declaration. The official listed the challenges to include inadequate funding, low child TB case detection and low enrolment of diagnosed DR-TB patients on treatment, He called on participants to equally explore the possibility of more investment for TB treatment as well as innovative TB financing strategies to match funding with the multiple interventions being rolled out. Mr Mayowa Joel, Executive Secretary of Stop TB Partnership, said that the 2023 UNHLM special session would serve as an opportunity for a comprehensive review of the political declaration. “The theme of 2023 UNHLM on TB is: ‘Advancing science, finance and innovation, and their benefits, to urgently end the global TB epidemic by ensuring equitable access to prevention, testing, treatment and care,” he said. He said that the UNHLM on TB is the most significant political meeting ever held on TB and the biggest opportunity to raise the political priority of TB. “It secured commitment from Heads of State and governments for a coordinated global response, resulting in a substantial increase in financial resources for TB. “That led to millions of lives being saved from premature deaths from TB,” he said. He emphasised the need for Nigeria to develop a comprehensive and coordinated response to UNHLM. 

2nd Abuja Airport Runway: We’ll pay N825.8m compensation –Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration (FCTA) will pay N825.8 million as compensation for the construction of second runway for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Wike stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, while briefing newsmen at the end of a closed-door meeting with members of the Jiwa community and other stakeholders. He said that the amount would be paid through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for compensation and resettlement of the people of the community affected by the project. He added that as part of the incentive, 12 people from the community would be employed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies and 10 by FCTA. He added that the government would also construct the Tunga Madaki bridge along with a five-kilometre road from the bridge to the community for easy movement of the people. The minister explained that the project would be captured in the 2024 budget of the FCTA. Wike also said that FCTA would equally provide a modern health facility to provide quality health care services for people of the community. He said that an undertaking would be signed based on the agreement between the government and the community. He identified the signatories as the permanent secretaries of FCTA and ministry of aviation, the Chief of Jiwa, the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Council and the Commissioner, Public Complaint Commission. “If that is done today, and tomorrow or next tomorrow the money is paid to them, contractors will no longer delay. They have to move to the site immediately and commence work. “So, the second runway has come to stay,” he said. He said that the current administration was determined to ensure that the second runway was delivered. He commended the Chief of Jiwa, Alhaji Isa Idris, for mobilising his people to attend the meeting to resolve the crises. His counterpart, Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said that he met the issue on his table, adding that the project ought to have been delivered in July. Keyamo said that the contractors could not be mobilised because of the issue of compensation. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, said that the completion of the project requires the support of all relevant stakeholders. Adesola commended Wike for the intervention to ensure a quick resolution of the issue. Dr Emmanuel Meribole, Permanent Secretary, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said that the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council in March 2022. Meribole said that the project was awarded to four contractors in April, with CCECC Nigeria Limited as the major contractor. He, however, said that the project was stalled because of the disagreement over compensation to the affected community members. Earlier, the Chief of Jiwa, said that the ministry of aviation through its consultant had earlier pegged the compensation at N2.5 million per hectare, for the 12,000 hectares allocated for the project. Idris further said that the amount was later reviewed downward to N700,000 per hectare when FCTA took over the discussion as the rightful authority to determine how much compensation to be paid. He said that the community took the matter to the Public Complaint Commission with a view to resolve the issue amicably. The community leader said that his people were concerned that the N700,000 being offered per hectare would not be enough for the affected persons to acquire another land.