The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, June 12, 2024 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians on the occasion.
He said, “As we mark another Democracy day in the history of our dear country, let us all reflect on the efforts of our founding fathers and ensure that Nigeria remains a united, secured, peaceful and indivisible entity”. He urged Nigerians to remain steadfast on the tenets of democratic governance.
Tunji-Ojo reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to positive reforms to revive the nation’s economy and enhance security.
The minister called on Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to appreciate the progress that has been made, and look forward to a better future for Nigeria’s Democracy.
He wished Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day celebration.
With its return to democracy from the dark years of military rule on May 29, 1999, Nigeria celebrated Democracy Day every year on May 29. The day is to celebrate the ideals of democracy since the beginning of the Fourth Republic 25 years ago.
In 2018, the President Muhammadu Buhari moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in honour of one of the national heroes for democracy, Chief M.K.O Abiola and “to remind all Nigerians of one free election after which the presumed winner (Abiola) along with Nigerians were denied their rights and their choice”.
The 2024 Democracy Day would be the second for President Tinubu who was sworn in as Nigeria’s Commander-In-Chief on May 29, 2023.
The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) has announced the disbursement of N1.143 trillion as the total revenue for May 2024.
This announcement was made at the June 2024 FAAC meeting, chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, according to a statement from the Office of the Accountant General signed by its Director (Press and Public Relations), Bawa Mokwa.
There was a 5.38% decline from the previous month’s distributable revenue as N1.208 trillion was shared as April 2024 revenue.
Where the Revenue Came From
A communiqué released by FAAC after its June meeting detailed that the N1.143 trillion distributable revenue included statutory revenue of N157.183 billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N463.425 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N15.146 billion, and Exchange Difference revenue of N507.456 billion.
The gross statutory revenue for May 2024 stood at N1.224 trillion, a slight decrease from April 2024’s N1.233 trillion by N9.604 billion.
Similarly, VAT revenue for May was N497.665 billion, a marginal drop from April’s N500.920 billion by N3.255 billion.
About 49% of revenue made in May was shared among three tiers of government. The total revenue made in May 2024 was 325 trillion, which is a slight increase of 6.07% from N2.192 trillion made in the previous month.
After deducting 647 billion for the cost of collection and N1.105 trillion for transfers, interventions, and refunds, the remaining amount was distributed among the three tiers of government.
Approximately 49% of revenue made in May was shared among the three tiers of government by June 2024.
How the distributable revenue was shared
From the total distributable revenue of N1.143 trillion, the Federal Government received N365.813 billion, State Governments received N388.419 billion, and Local Government Councils received N282.476 billion. Additionally, N106.502 billion was distributed as derivation revenue to states benefiting from mineral resources.
Also, the N157.183 billion statutory revenue was divided with the Federal Government receiving N61.010 billion, State Governments N30.945 billion, and Local Government Councils N23.857 billion. An additional N41.371 billion in derivation revenue was shared among mineral-producing states.
The VAT revenue of N463.425 billion was allocated with N69.514 billion to the Federal Government, N231.713 billion to State Governments, and N162.199 billion to Local Government Councils. From the N15.146 billion EMTL, the Federal Government received N2.272 billion, State Governments N7.573 billion, and Local Government Councils N5.301 billion.
In terms of the N507.456 billion Exchange Difference revenue, N233.017 billion went to the Federal Government, N118.189 billion to State Governments, and N91.119 billion to Local Government Councils. A further N65.131 billion was allocated as derivation revenue.
The communiqué noted significant increases in Companies Income Tax Oil (CIT) and Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) for May 2024.
However, there were considerable decreases in Import and Excise Duties, Royalty Crude and Gas, EMTL, CET Levies, and VAT.
The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) stood at $473,754.57, indicating a stable reserve for unforeseen economic needs.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, visited the family of Cpl Lucky Ikechukwu Ikpeama, one of the soldiers killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen at Obikabia Junction, Obingwa Local Government Area.
Late Cpl Ikpeama hailed from the same village, Nvosi, in Isialangwa South Local Government Area, as Governor Otti.
The deceased, one of the five soldiers ambushed and killed by the gunmen, on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at his duty post, left behind a young wife with about four-month-old baby, and an aged mother.
Governor Otti commiserated with the family and reiterated his promise that the State Government will take up the responsibility of training the children of the slain soldiers on scholarship up to university level.
The Governor was received on arrival by the uncle of the deceased soldier, who informed him that the family has slated Thursday, June 13, 2024 for the soldier’s burial, having applied and consequently granted approval by the army authorities to bury the corpse.
KAZIE UKO
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
June 10, 2024.
The governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah has commissioned a debate tournament for youths, with a whopping take home of N15 million for the winning team.
Announcing this on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @PNMbah, on Monday, the governor said the debate being organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Culture and Self-Development with support from the private sector, would feature 37 teams representing all the 20 universities in the state and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in the 17 local government areas in the state.
“It is important to give our young people a platform to voice their opinions and contribute to the society. It is important that they feel heard and understood. One of the best ways to achieve this is through intellectual discourse.
“To our young people, this is your time and your turn; the stage is yours. Do your research and think critically; challenge the norms and amaze us with your wits and persuasion. Congrats in advance to the winning team!”, Mbah said in the post.
He advised those interested in knowing more about the debate to follow the social media handles, @debatecoolit and @deradebates, and also check the state government’s website, enugustate.gov.ng.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep grief over the death of a former Director-General of the National Maritime Authority, NMA, now Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Ferdinand Agu, describing it as a huge loss to the state and Nigeria.
He expressed the grief in a message he personally signed, noting that the deceased was a boardroom guru and technocrat, who gave his best for the growth and development of Enugu State and Nigeria.
Mbah said, “I received with deep grief the sudden death of my brother, Ferdinand Agu, MFR, a development I have been struggling to come to terms with.
“Agu was an illustrious son of Enugu State, a fine gentleman, brilliant mind, savvy administrator, political engineer, consummate technocrat, and a quite achiever, who gave his best in service to Nigeria.
“As a former Director-General of the defunct National Maritime Authority, NMA, now NIMMASA, as well as former Senior Special Assistant to the President between 2011 and 2015, he contributed immensely to the development of our nation and state. Therefore, he will always remain in our thoughts.
“I send heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Enugu State, and indeed to his friends and associates across the country and beyond.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rejigged the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).
He appointed Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe as the interim Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the NCCC, pending confirmation by the Supervisory Council.
Dr. Maduekwe, 39, a renowned climate policy expert with over 15 years of experience, will also serve as Co-Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP).
According to a statement yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Maduekwe served as legal adviser to the NCCC Director-General.
“In accordance with his commitment to actualize Nigeria’s green industrial vision, boost investor confidence, and unlock sustainable economic value through various climate finance instruments, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in interim capacity, pending the confirmation of her appointment by the NCCC Supervisory Council.
“The President has also approved that Dr. Maduekwe, 39, who holds a Bachelor of Law degree; a Master’s degree in Environmental Law & Policy from the University of Dundee (UK), and a Doctorate degree in Law from the University of Hull (UK), is to serve as the Co-Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP).
“Dr. Maduekwe has over 15 years of national and international experience in climate policy development and project implementation.
“She previously served as Nigeria National Coordinator, Climate Parliament. Climate Parliament is an international, multi-partisan network of legislators working worldwide to help solve the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to renewable energy”, the statement said.
The statement added: “The President has also approved the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, 40, as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement, Office of the President. He is seconded to the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) Secretariat, where he will handle all matters related to Climate Finance and Stakeholder/Donor Relations.
“The President has also approved that Mr. Shelleng is to assume the position of Secretary of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP) and serve as a member of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, as well as the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
“Mr. Shelleng, who holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has served in leading roles across multiple financial institutions, and was Head of Business Development for the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company PLC (NMRC) before his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President.
“The President has also approved the appointment of Mr. Olamide Fagbuji, 44, as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, Office of the President. He is seconded to the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) Secretariat, where he will oversee the digitalization of a new open procurement process and cross-departmental procedural optimization initiative.
“Mr. Fagbuji served as Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters under the previous administration, and was most recently the Technical Adviser to the Director-General of NCCC on Policy Research and Strategy. He is a policy analyst and computer scientist.
“The appointments take immediate effect.
“The President expects the new appointees to bring their expertise and discipline to bear on these very important assignments in pursuance of the nation’s aspiration on green industrial development and climate action for sustainable growth and national prosperity”.
Nigeria, U.S. in talks over climate financing instruments
NIGERIA took a step forward yesterday towards the actualisation of its green industrial vision.
Its Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Ajuri Ngelale, held talks with the United States (U.S.) Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, Sue Biniaz.
The meeting, which took place in Bonn, Germany, centred on exploring tangible next steps to leverage large-scale climate financing instruments and drive Nigeria’s green industrial agenda in the years ahead.
Ngelale and Biniaz shared views on the need for innovative and transparent application of available resources to attract new and de-risked investment capital from around the world.
They agreed on the importance of putting in place new mechanisms to achieve this objective.
Managing Director for Negotiations/Director for the U.S. State Department’s Office of Global Change, Mr. Trigg Talley, was in the U.S. delegation.
Expressing confidence in the team’s ability to deliver, Ngelale said the ties of mutually fruitful cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria will strengthen Nigeria’s ambition to becoming a green industrial powerhouse over the next ten years.
He said: “I certainly cherished the quality and productive time spent today with the U.S. Head of Delegation to the United Nations Climate Conference and Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, Ms. Sue Biniaz, in Bonn, Germany, on Sunday afternoon.
“We shared views concerning tangible next steps to be taken toward leveraging large-scale climate financing instruments to drive Nigeria’s green industrial agenda in the years ahead.
“We have much work to do in the form of putting in place new mechanisms to achieve a truly transparent and innovative application of available resources to meet our objective of attracting new and de-risked investment capital from around the world. I am confident that we have the team to deliver on this for the country – one step at a time.
“The ties of mutually fruitful cooperation between the U.S. and the Federal Republic of Nigeria will extend deeply into Nigeria’s realisable ambition to become a green industrial powerhouse over the next 10 years.
“The U.S. Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate was joined in the meeting by Mr. Trigg Talley, who serves as the Managing Director for Negotiations and Director for the U.S. State Department’s Office of Global Change.”
…CPC debunks news of Ibu’s family begging for fund
Contrary to speculation and misinformation about the burial arrangements for late John Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu, the Central Planning Committee (CPC), some notable friends and family members of the late actor have distanced themselves from some “sponsored publications” concerning late Mr Ibu’s burial with the caption: “Family, friends beg for funds to bury Mr. Ibu”.
The Central Planning Committee noted that the said publication was made with intentions to ridicule Okafor’s family as beggars by giving out denigrating stories concerning the late actor.
Reacting to the publication, the Chairman of the Committee, Monday Diamond Ani debunked such stories maligning the late Mr Ibu and his family, describing it as ‘manipulating, malicious, fabricated and engineered by spurious elements against Mr. Ibu even while on sick bed and after his death.’
He noted that the Central Planning Committee not minding the several millions of naira consumed by the late John Okafor’s sickness in several hospitals in Nigeria, has made several plans towards Mr Ibu’s burial such as erection of billboards across Enugu State, organising a star-studded tribute performance which will hold at the Base Event Center Enugu, novelty match to honor Mr Ibu and other commitments towards making the burial historical.
Speaking further about the development on the burial arrangements, Diamond said: “It is important to note that the night of tribute which is coming up on the 26th of June will be preceded by a novelty match which will be played on the 25th of June between celebrities and personalities against Rangers International football club of Enugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.”
He warned those behind the “malicious story”to desist from tarnishing Mr. Ibu’s personality to avoid the wrath of God.
“I want to make it categorically clear that there was never a time when such publication emanated from us. It’s the handwork of some miscreants, enemies of progress who must have wished for Mr. Ibu’s death and are perhaps happy that Mr. Ibu is no more and wanted to use this medium or avenue to tarnish the name of Mr. Ibu and the Okafor family in general,” he said.
He added: “It is a fact that a fund is being raised to support the burial of Mr ibu which is customary in Igbo land where well wishers will be contributing funds to support the burial. Some will even bring live cows, provide financial support, provide help in logistics and that’s what is happening in the case of Mr Ibu, so it is not a taboo.”
“However, someone coming out on social media to say that the Okafor family needs funds to bury Mr. Ibu, is a lie and should be disregarded. Mr. Ibu was the king of comedy movies in Africa and represented Nigeria as far as motion pictures is concerned and will be buried not like a kid, but as the legend that he was.
“The night of tribute will be heralded by candlelight procession and an all white dress code will showcase mega performances from gospel artists, musicians, comedians, goodwill speeches from Nollywood legends, personalities, technocrats, captains of industry.
“Among the artist expected are: Rudeboy, Flavour, Odumeje, Apkororo, Chinyere Udoma, Gozie okeke, Felix Ndukwe, Paul Nwokocha, Able Cee, Anyidons, Kola boy just to mention few.
” Star appearance include Chief Pete Edochie MON, Osuofia, Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), Osita Iheme(Paw Paw) and Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Mercy Johnson, Rachel Okonkwo (NKOLI), Destiny ETIKO, Chinwe Owo, Victor Osuagu, Charles Anwurum, Ngozi Eze ọnụ, Chidinma and Chidiebere Aneke, Steve Eboh, Amb Emeka Rollas the AGN President, and many other star actors.
“A documentary of the life and time of John Okafor will be showcased.
“Series of billboards about Mr Ibu’s burial are already mounted on strategic places in Enugu. Radio announcements heralding the burial schedule are also on the air. This is in a process of giving him a befitting burial because he was an African movie legend and a comedy king”.
Concluding, Monday Diamond Ani also thanked Enugu State Government for the support given so far especially in the provision of all needed Executive Accomodations at the famous Nike Lake Hotel Resort for Dignitaries, Provision of Security Personnel in different categories, Provision of Government Coaster Buses for the Conveyance of Special Guests throughout the Burial, and some funds as well.
Diamond also thanked senior prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin of Mercyland Deliverance Ministries Warri for his kind support, management of Villa Toscana Hotels and all the friends and well wishers of Mr Ibu who have supported the Burial in one way or the other.
The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology is saddled with the responsibility of facilitating the development and deployment of Science, Technology, and Innovation to enhance the pace of socio-economic development of the country and serves as the apex body responsible for the formulation and implementation of government policies and programs relating to Science, Technology and Innovation.
The Ministry prides itself as having made giant strides in the fulfillment of its mandate; and among others charted the course of technological development including Research and Development (R&D), Policy formulation, Supervision, and Promotion of all matters of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in the country.
Pacesetter reports that the Ministry has seventeen agencies, thirteen of which are charged directly with the mandate to conduct Research and Development, R&D. The other four have mandates for policy research and capacity building in management of technology, intellectual property rights, and technology business incubation.
They are Nigerian Council of Food, Science & Technology (NiCFoST); Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI); National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI); National Center for Technology Management (NACETEM); National Institute for Leather Science & Technology (NILEST); National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA); Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO); National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP); Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN); National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT); National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA); Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT); Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC); Project Development Institute (PRODA); Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA); Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) and Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR).
When Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji assumed office as the Minister in August 2023, he declared his intention to prioritize the commercialization of R&D results in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Since assuming office, we have made bold steps in pursuing the transforming of our economy from the mono-economy (dependence on oil) to a knowledge based economy that is self-sufficient, compensates the hardworking, protects the poor and vulnerable, and can compete globally across a range of strategic sectors. We have equally had positive engagements with some foreign investors with a view to attracting Foreign Direct Investments, FDI”, Nnaji said.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Poised by the decision to implement the Presidential Executive Order No. 5, which is a local content policy designed to drive innovation, promote science and technology and, ultimately, catalyse economic diversificationto create jobs and reduce poverty and in line with the Presidential Priorities of the current administration, the Chief Uche Nnaji-led Ministry has made great achievements in the following sectors:
Space Technology
-In February 2024, the Honourable Minister obtained relevant approvals and signed relevant agreements for procuring and installing four fully Nigeria-owned satellites [with base stations in Nigeria]. Three of these satellites are optical, while one is a Synthetic Aperture Radar [SAR] Satellite. These satellite procurement and installation projects will effectively support security management, intelligence gathering, security surveillance, pipeline monitoring, mineral exploration, precision agriculture early warning, and environmental disaster management.
-Furthermore, the Honourable Minister has finalized arrangements with Adani Defense and Aerospace, India, and AVIC-KDN (Chengdu Honpho Technology Co., Ltd.) for technology transfer and domestic manufacturing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones.
-The Ministry, through the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has signed an MoU and concluded a cooperation agreement with ELEOS-GETS Israel, for the development and sales of RADAR equipment and with GETS for joint development of coastal RADAR surveillance system augmentation using unmanned aerial vehicles.
Honourable Minister Chief Uche Nnaji on facility tour of NASRDA to inspect the UAV.Power and Energy
-Through the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), the Ministry developed energy management devices that are ready for commercialization to support the government’s efforts at import substitution. Notable among these include single- and 3-phase electricity meters, 5kW Cross-flow Turbine Systems, and 1kW Solar PV generators for home and retail shop/kiosk applications.
-The Ministry negotiated and entered into an operational agreement on the strength of an MoU with Chem Energy SA to develop and deploy a Hydrogen Fuel-Stem Cell. The first set of sample equipment has been delivered for study.
-The Honourable Minister provided the first and most inclusive platform for developing policy and economic framework for commercial exploitation of Green Hydrogen. Serving as co-convener of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) commissioned study “A Critical Analysis of the Potentials, Infrastructure, and Other Enabling Framework Conditions for Green Hydrogen to Fertilizer Production in Nigeria” (NIGERIA4H2), he assembled representatives of Government, Industry, Academia, NGOs and International Development partners to chart a pathway for Nigeria Green Hydrogen Plan. His involvement led to the interest of the German government which sent a delegation led by the German Commissioner for Green Hydrogen, Till Mansmann (Member of Parliament, Germany to Nigeria) to discuss high-level pilot projects with the Nigerian government.
-The Honourable Minister signed an MoU with Hecate Energy (a subsidiary of Repsol Global) to supply 200 MW of solar power to Abuja Tech City. Hecate Energy is a prominent developer, owner, and operator of renewable power projects and storage solutions in the United States.
-NABDA improved on the patented bio-digesters for generating electricity from biomass waste. These are essential for integrated energy systems, especially in rural electrification projects.
-The Ministry, through its agencies executed renewable energy projects across the country to improve energy access in the unserved and underserved communities, leading to emissions reduction and an increase in productive uses by the MSME and informal sector.
Agriculture and Biotechnology
-The Ministry, through FIIRO, began promoting cassava and potato processing facilities in different zones across the federation. In the period under review, FIIRO constructed, commissioned and handed over Modern Integrated Cassava Processing Plants to Igbaraoke Community in Ondo State and Uke Community in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. This development indicates the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the utilization of R&D products for improved quality of life for the citizenry.
-In March 2024, the Ministry got approval from the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock breeds/Fisheries (NCNRRCVLF) for the release of TELA Maize to the public. The TELA maize variety is insect and bacteria-resistant, with over 300% productivity yield when compared with the traditional variety. This project was launched in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS).
Chief Uche Nnaji (Honourable Minister) Flanked By DGs of NABDA, ECN & Others at the Presentation of TELA Maize.-The Ministry has approved the release of the bt-cowpea. The btcowpea or the pod-borer resistant cowpea (PBR) is resistant to the insect pest, Maruca vitrata, which accounts for up to 80 per cent yield losses. It is estimated that 20 per cent of the cowpeas consumed in Nigeria is imported. With PBR cowpea, Nigeria is set to save billions in earnings.
-Other interventions include Development of Green Energy Resources from Castor and Jatropha Plants in Nigeria; Production of Anti Hygroscopic Adhesives from Modified Natural Rubber Latex (NRL), Plant Extract and Agricultural waste for Application to Leather Products and Footwear Industries; Development of nano-emulsion from medicinal plants, used as repellent against black fly (Simulium damnosum) as a measure of control against onchocerciasis; Development of Tomato/ Chill Processing Plant, Rice thresher and Destoning machine, spray pyrolysis machine, and automated hand washing machine; Development of rapid test kits for Aflatoxins-B in agricultural produce; Expansion of Bio-fertilizer value-chain at laboratory scale (Slow release Nitrogen Urea Fertilizer) and Development of technologies for the production of High-Quality Neem Based Minero Organic fertilizer to reduce insect attack on crops. It has been tested and is currently used by farmers in the Northern region of the country.
…to be continued
Sourced by PACESETTER from the Office of S.A, Media & Publicity to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; Published Sectoral Updates on the Achievements of the FMIST 2023-2024; Official X and Facebook handles of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
The legal team for the embattled leader of the Independent People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has issued a stern warning to the public, organisations, media houses and government, to stop referring to the group as a terrorist organisation.
In a statement signed on his behalf by Aloy Ejimakor, Esq., on Friday, explained that the team was under firm instructions from Kanu, to issue the final warning to all persons and institutions still referring to IPOB as a terrorist organisation.
The team threatened to sue anyone found contravening the court order.
“Henceforth, any further reference to IPOB as a terrorist organization will be met and countervailed with a muscular litigation and other lawful measures, regardless of who the entity is.
“This is because there is a subsisting Judgment of a competent High Court in Nigeria which ruled that IPOB’s proscription/declaration as a terrorist group by Buhari is illegal, discriminatory and unconstitutional,” the statement read in part, insisting that compliance with the Judgment strictly demands that IPOB, should no longer be referred to as a terrorist organisation.
“Additionally, those calling IPOB a terrorist organization have not adduced a scintilla of evidence that IPOB has ever engaged in any terrorist activity.
“This is underscored by the verifiable fact that since the so-called proscription of IPOB in 2017, no single alleged IPOB member has been convicted of any terrorist act, despite thousands of arrests, abductions, horrendous torture, false flags and extrajudicial killings levied against its alleged members,” it wrote.
Accordingly, the team demanded that the “general public, Presidency, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police and any erring media houses”, should forthwith cease from attaching such defamatory and prejudicial label to IPOB.
Governors of the 36 states of the federation have rejected the N60,000 minimum wage earlier proposed by the federal government.
The Director Media and Public Affairs of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Hajiya Halimah Salihu Ahmed, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, June 7.
The governors said the N60, 000 wage is not realistic and unsustainable, arguing that if implemented, it would force some states in the country to be borrowing to pay workers’ salaries.
The statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is in agreement that a new minimum wage is due. The Forum also sympathises with labour unions in their push for higher wages.
“However, the Forum urges all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners.
“The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.
“All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and can not fly. It will simply mean that many states will spend all their FAAC allocations on just paying salaries with nothing left for development purposes.
“In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers.
“We appeal that all parties involved, especially the labour unions, consider all the socioeconomic variables and settle for an agreement that is sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of the society who have legitimate claim to public resources.”
President Bola Tinubu on Friday, June 7, inaugurated the official residence of the Vice President, which has suffered poor funding since 2010.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to concentrate on delivering on the promises made to Nigerians, rather than dwell on the failures of past Administrations.
Commissioning the building, President Tinubu pledged to always ensure that the nation’s resources are prudently utilized.
The president believed that abandoning projects after spending a substantial amount of money, was equal to wasting taxpayers’ money without completing such projects.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian government to the principles of accountability, transparency, and good governance.
Tinubu used the occasion to assure Nigerians that the government will continue to prioritise their well-being as well as build a nation they can all be proud of.
Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shetttima said: “As we commission this state-of-the-heart edifice, the official residence of the Vice President of Nigeria, we are fulfilling a long-standing commitment and unwavering dedication to accountability, transparency and efficient utilization of resources for the betterment of our Nation,
“I hold a very strong opinion that abandoning projects after substantial expenditure have been incurred, is inherently wasteful, and it is in the best interest of the government and the Public to see them to completion,
“Rather than dwell on past shortcomings, we have chosen to seize this opportunity to demonstrate our resolve to confront obstacles head-on and deliver on the promises made to the Nigerian people in line with our Renewed Hope Agenda,” Tinubu said
Tinubu also thanked the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration for making the completion of the VP’s official residence a reality within his one year in office.
Speaking in his own capacity, Kashim Shettima who could not hide his joy noted that the completion of the project symbolizes the respect that Mr. President has for the office of Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his readiness to provide the needed tools in laying a solid foundation for efficient Governance.
“The Office of the Vice President is the most derided, the most sensitive of positions, but we have to give it to Mr. President (Tinubu), he treats me with absolute decorum, respect, and inclusivity. We have seen how Vice Presidents were treated in the past; this present dispensation is a different ball game.” Shettima said.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike disclosed that the Vice President’s official residence was awarded in 2010, fourteen years ago at the cost of N7bn, abandoned in 2015, but later reviewed by Tinubu’s administration in January 2024, and today it is completed with world-class facilities.
According to Wike, the environment drives productivity, hence the FCT Administration with the approval of Mr. President committed the required resources to complete the project.
“When we came on board 21st of August 2023, if you were here, it was bush. And I went to Mr. President and said, how can we allow the Vice President’s residence to get this bad. Look at, criminals have taken over the place, we are talking about fighting criminals and Mr. President said, go and make sure that the project is completed,
“Mr. President has come within a year, he made it a reality. May God continue to bless Bola Ahmed Tinubu for knowing that if you don’t stay in a good environment, you can’t put in your best.
“Environment affects productivity, the environment affects efficiency by the time you go in here and see what is provided, I am sure, Mr. Vice President will be more encouraged to do more work than where he stays now,” Wike said
The FCT Minister also used the occasion to caution the company in charge of street lights at night, to wake up to their responsibility, noting that the FCTA will not tolerate seeing the city in gross darkness.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary FCDA, Shehu Ahmad Hadi, who noted that the building was one of the projects that was abandoned, explained that the scope of work in the building involves 15 units of blocks, a place of worship- mosque and chapel, standby power house, water treatment among others.
“The main building, a provision for an office for the second lady and the residence for the ADC and CSO, places of worship; a mosque and a chapel, as well as other domestic staff quarters. There are also utility facilities for standby powerhouses, water treatment, and of course, garages for car parking for the public and the VIPs. There are also provisions for recreational facilities.”
The new residence of the Vice President located adjacent to the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, has an office for the Wife of the Vice President, a mosque, chapel, and recreational facilities among others.
The vice president’s official residence is the 8th FCT critical project inaugurated by President Tinubu to mark his one year in office.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, says his administration is working very hard to clean up the business environment and make it conducive for new investments as well as bring back old ones that had left the state in the past due to unhealthy government policies.
Governor Otti said that capital, by way of investment, is devoid of emotion and sentiment and only goes to places where the environment is conducive for it to thrive and flourish.
“You may choose to relocate abroad in search of capital, but foreign capital will not come until you have created the conditions to attract it. No matter how much of preaching you do, no matter how much of platitudes, capital has its own sense, it doesn’t have emotion, it’s not sentimental, it just moves to where the environment has been prepared because the reward for capital is profit,” Governor Otti said, while recalling an article he had written as a newspaper columnist.
The Governor spoke on Wednesday when he received a group of investors, led by Dr. John Nwankwo, Chief Executive Officer of Comfort Stevens, who are promising to rewrite the story of Abia State, indeed Nigeria, in the footwear business.
The Governor, who assured the investors that his government would support them in realising their dream of completing their factory located in Owerrinta, Isialangwa South Local Government Area of Abia, said he would always allign with projects geared towards meeting his agenda of providing job opportunities for the teeming unemployed Abia youth.
“I want to congratulate you for not giving up and I’m happy that you have gotten to this level that you are hopeful of commissioning by December.
“If there’s anything that we can do to support you to make that December a reality, please don’t hesitate to ask,” Governor Otti assured.
The Governor, while underscoring the importance of local manufacturing, noted that no country has ever developed on the back of consumption of imported products without production.
He disclosed that his government is working very hard to support existing businesses and also attract new investors through favourable policies, adding that supporting the Geometric Power company to come on stream and the various infrastructural upgrades going on in the State, including the dualisation of the Imo River-Umuikaa-Umuene road in Isialangwa South, are all geared towards industrialisation of Abia.
The Governor expressed joy that one of the company’s plans is to train and upskill existing local shoe manufacturers in Aba and promised that his Government would partner the company in that regard.
“The major problem a lot of them have is finishing. A lot of them are impatient, a lot of them don’t have the right tools, a lot of them don’t have the right skills; so it would be interesting to have Comfort Stevens double as not just producers but also as a training and finishing school for our young ones.
“Go to shoe plaza and see what the young men and women are doing there with bare hands, then you’ll understand that if you introduce them to technology, they will give you much more,” Governor Otti said.
Dr. Nwankwo, who led the team of investors from the United States, China, and Brazil recounted the ugly experience he and his team had gone through under the previous administration in trying to realise their dream of establishing a world class shoe factory in Abia.
He told the Governor that their company, Comfort Stevens, in the last one year of the new government has made tremendous progress that they decided on the visit to formally introduce to the Governor their large scale industrial footwear project, which will be commissioned by December 2024, and thereafter start production.
Nwankwo, who presented different samples of high quality shoes to the Governor, said that the fifteen thousand daily footwear production capacity factory will not only produce complete shoes but also shoe components such as gum, soles, insoles, strings, among others.
He said that the mission of the company with its partners from US, China and Brazil is to produce quality footwears that can compete favourably in the global market, adding that machines for the production of high quality footwears and its components have arrived its facility in Owerrinta for installation before the end of June.
Dr. Nwankwo congratulated Governor Otti for his impactful one year in office and the unimaginable progress that has taken place in Abia under his watch, which, according to him, is an eloquent testimony of the Governor’s sincerity of purpose and passion towards the industrialisation of the state.
Governor Otti was joined by the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem; among other government functionaries in the meeting, which was facilitated by the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, also in attendance.
KAZIE UKO
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
June 6, 2024.
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