Category: News

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has announced a number of palliative measures to cushion the impacts of the fuel subsidy removal on residents of the state.

Mr Soludo, in a post via his verified Facebook page on Monday, said the state government has decided to roll out immediate and medium-term palliative measures for the residents.

“Our response recognises that the subsidy removal affects all citizens, especially millions of the unemployed and underemployed youths and vulnerable segments of the population,” he said.

The governor explained that the measures were intended to last for four months, from September to December within the context of the state’s 2023 budget framework.

“In our 2024 budget, we shall roll out a more comprehensive agenda to address the medium to longer term issues that will help to smoothen the path for all our residents, and ensure that everyone shares in our broad agenda of building a livable and prosperous homeland,” the governor explained.

Short term measures

Mr Soludo recalled that his administration had earlier increased salaries of civil servants in the state by 10 per cent since January.

He added that he has further resolved to begin paying all pensioners and public servants in the state a monthly “flat non-taxable cash award of N12,000” within the period of the palliative.

“This is to augment their monthly take-home,” The governor said.

He said his administration had resolved to begin the process of clearing over four-year pension and gratuity arrears which he inherited on assumption of office.

“Anambra State Government will be distributing rice to over 300,000 households in the coming weeks across the 326 wards in Anambra,” the governor stated.

Tax exemptions and reductions

Mr Soludo also said his administration has exempted “highly vulnerable persons” from all forms of taxation and levies in the state.

The governor listed the “highly vulnerable persons” to include hawkers, wheel barrow and truck pushers, vulcanisers, artisans, motorcycle riders, and petty traders with capital of less than N100,000.

He also said the internal generation revenue payments imposed on all transporters- such as tricycle and minibus drivers – have been reduced by 20 per cent with effect from 1 September.

He stressed the ongoing free basic education programme (primary school to junior secondary education) in all public schools in the state would be sustained.

“We are reviewing the plethora of other levies, fees, and charges in these schools. Before schools resume in September 2023, we shall make further announcements to sanitise the system and reduce the burden on our pupils/students and their sponsors,” the governor said.

Healthcare

Mr Soludo also announced that the government will henceforth be providing free antenatal services and free delivery services to pregnant mothers in State Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and general hospitals

“We will announce a more comprehensive medical package for our residents, especially the senior citizens and children in our 2024 budget,” he stated.

“We are rolling out a very ambitious program to build and modernise PHCs in all the 326 wards to let everyone have access to qualitative healthcare.”

The governor appealed to landlords in the state to “show empathy to their tenants at this challenging moment” and consider easier options for rent payment.

Transportation

Mr Soludo said he has approved repair and renovation of all serviceable public servants’ staff buses to facilitate easy movement of public servants.

The governor said that the government would apply for the purchase of many of the CNG-fueled buses to be provided by the Federal government for intra-state transportation.

“The aim is to reduce the cost of transportation within Anambra,” he said.

“We will embark immediately on the repair of existing and purchase of new water boats to ease transportation for our citizens in the riverine local government areas.”

Medium term measures: Empowerment of farmers

Mr Soludo said his administration recently distributed 1.1 million oil palm and coconut “high yielding seedlings” to over 100,000 households.

The governor said he would sustain the initiative by distributing one million seedlings per annum over several years in continuation of the state’s revolution to create a new palm-coconut green and industrial ecosystem.

He said the initiative would “guarantee 500,000 – 1,000,000 households earning N1.5 million to N3 million per annum, thereby lifting them out of poverty, create wealth and earn foreign exchange for Nigeria”

“We are determined to provide every assistance to the farmers for the next planting season in 2024 to boost food and animal production,” Mr Soludo said.

The governor listed other measures to include ameliorating the impact of imminent flooding on the residents, provision of grant and soft loans at reduced interest rate for youths as well as further recruitment of thousands of youths as teachers for schools, road and street sweepers and public works.

Premium Times

On resumption of office as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong has promised to resolve all pending labour disputes by working closely with the two labour groups – the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria. (TUC)

Lalong also assured to address with strong determination the new minimum wage and other palliatives arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.

“The government through the NLC and TUC and their affiliates not only ensure that all impending industrial disputes are settled amicably but we will address with strong determination the new minimum wage and other palliatives arising from the removal of subsidy ” he said.

He also stated that the Ministry shall leverage Technology, skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, and agriculture among others to open up more employment opportunities for all Nigerians.

“In the coming weeks, we shall unveil detailed plans of President Tinubu’s vision for Labour and Employment and also spell out the role that the Ministry and its agencies, development partners and Nigerians, in general, will play in actualizing it.

“We shall be engaging all relevant partners and receiving briefings towards a robust performance.” the minister. also revealed

Lalong while delivering his address added that because of the level of unemployment, underemployment, and challenges associated with the work environment, President Bola Tinubu has tasked them to make sure that SDGs 8 is achieved to ensure that Nigerians get decent employment and are adequately remunerated for their labour both in the public and private sectors.

“We shall not spare any effort to protect the Nigerian worker and guarantee his dignity at all times.”

“This administration will therefore escalate the relations with the private sector, development partners, international agencies, NGOs among others to make sure that unemployment and underemployment is reduced to the barest minimum according to the plan of the Tinubu Administration,” he added

“We shall therefore mobilise and deploy all the resources of the Ministry towards ensuring that the matters relating to Labour and Employment are galvanised across relevant MDAs and sectors of the economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President. Our workers must get value for their labour and operate in a safe and conducive environment.”

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The Enugu State Government has announced plans to begin the construction of 81 roads, comprising 71 roads in Enugu metropolis and 10 major roads to connect every part of the state.

The government has also identified roads for dualisation and strategic points for the construction of flyovers to ease traffic congestion in the state capital.

The Commissioner for Works, Dr. Gerald Otiji made this known while briefing Government House correspondents after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Peter Mbah on Monday.

“We identified about 71 roads in Enugu urban. We have scoped them and we are on the verge of getting them rehabilitated or reconstructed. These 71 roads cut across Trans Ekulu, Abakpa, Emene, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, Asata, New Layout, Achara Layout, Idaw River, among others.

“Also identified were areas with heavy morning traffic and traffic jams where government will build flyovers. Among them is Abakpa Junction. There is going to be a flyover there. We are also trying to navigate the Chris Chemist/Old Park junction area so that we can build a flyover there.

“There are also about 10 other roads that the State Executive Council has identified outside Enugu metropolis and they are spread across the three senatorial zones. Those ones are very important roads linking the various local governments.

“There are equally some existing roads, such as the Enugu-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka road and GRA – Trans Ekulu road, which will be dualised due to the heavy traffics on them.

“These projects will come in sequence and we are ready. We urge the people of Enugu State to exercise a little more patience”, the Commissioner stated.

Meanwhile, also briefing, the Commissioner for Information, Aka Eze Aka, explained that the State Executive Council has also approved the implementation of short to long-term programmes and policies to improve security, alleviate the challenges occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, and migrate the state to e-governance.

“The Council has also noted that part of the palliatives to support the people of Enugu State is to provide mass transit buses and other measures to alleviate their sufferings.

“Approval has equally been given by the Council on some high-tech security infrastructure to support the security architecture of the government of Enugu State.

“Lastly, Council has approved the digitalisation of the MDAs to enhance work efficiency, which will form the foundation of our e-governance platform enunciated by Governor Peter Mbah”.

Also, briefing newsmen, the Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, added that the Enugu State Government would soon commence the distribution of palliatives, stressing government’s decision to decentralise the management of palliatives.

“On the issue of palliatives, Council took note of the effect of subsidy removal on the lives of Enugu people and took a decision to involve the local government councils to ensure that these palliatives actually alleviate the suffering of the people”, Dr. Agbo stated.

…State government sets up 8-man investigative panel on state owned poly, IMT

The general public is by this announcement informed that the Enugu State Government had on the 21st day of August 2023 inaugurated a Committee of Inquiry into the Accounts, Management Practices and Staff Conduct at the Institute of Management and technology (IMT) Enugu.

THE TERMS OF REFERENCE INCLUDE:

1. Evaluate the legal and policy framework underpinning the constitution of the Business Committee.

2. Thoroughly analyze the various categories of fees charged to students, investigating the methods of payment, designated accounts for transactions, and the overall management of fee-related processes;

3. Assess the degree of adherence to pertinent laws, regulations, and institutional policies in the selection and appointment of staff members, particularly those occupying key positions such as Heads of Department, Deputy Rector, etc.;

4. Identify and scrutinize all streams of revenue generation for the institution, delving into the mechanisms for revenue collection, proper accounting practices for remittances, and the overall management of these financial resources;

5. Investigate any instances of undue financial demands imposed on students either by lecturers or the administrative body, regardless of the pretext used;

6. Explore any other relevant areas that may emerge in the course of addressing the aforementioned issues;

7. Conduct a comprehensive examination leading to well-founded conclusions and recommendations concerning the matters outlined above.

The general public and interested individuals are requested to forward eight copies of typed memorandum addressed to the Chairman of the Committee c/o Secretary to the State Government Office on any of the above listed terms of reference within seven (7) days from the date of this announcement.

Signed:
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia
Secretary to the State Government
Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has announced the reduction of school fees in state-owned tertiary institutions, slashing them by up to 50%.

Speaking in Kaduna on Monday, Sani said that the reduction of the tuition fees was in fulfilment of his election promises.

The governor also said that the reduction of the fees was to offer palliatives so as to reduce the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, which has led to a high rise in cost of living in the country.

Sani said, “In response to the public outcry over the current fees being charged by tertiary institutions in Kaduna State and its effect on school enrolment and retention, I have approved the downward review of school fees for tertiary institutions in the state.

“This downward review of the extant fees regime aligns with our commitment to offer palliatives to cushion the effect of general rising cost of living in the polity, especially in the wake of recent petroleum subsidy removal in Nigeria.

“The welfare of the people is our topmost priority. Our administration shall continue to take all measures necessary to ensure access to free and qualitative education for every child in Kaduna State from primary to secondary school; expand access to higher education; enhance Teachers’ Welfare & Teaching Standards; improve School Infrastructure; build ICT competence in our students from basic education level; and intensify investments in Technical & Vocational Education.”

The institutions that had their fees reduced are as follows; Kaduna State University (KASU) – current fee: N150,000, reduced by 30% to N105,000; Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, current fee: N100,000, reduced by 50% to N50,000; College of Education, Gidan Waya, current fee: N75,000, reduced by 50% to N37,500; Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences & Technology, Makarfi – HND courses- current fee: N100,000 reduced by 30% to N70,000, ND Courses, current fee: N75,000 reduced by 30% to N52,000; and Kaduna State College of Nursing, current fee: N100,000 reduced by 30% to N70,000.

In June 2021, the administration of the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, had, despite public outrage, increased the fees of all tertiary institutions in the state.

The former state commissioner for Education, Shehu Makarfi, had said that the tuition rates were increased in order for the institutions to be able to perform better in information technology (IT) and research in order to fulfil demand on a worldwide scale.

Arise News

Samson Abanni, Abuja

Following his swearing-in and inauguration, alongside 44 other Ministers by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji Nwakibie, has stated that he has the mandate of the President to ensure that Nigeria effectively competes on the global stage.

The Minister made this known when he met with the management and staff of the Ministry shortly after the inauguration by Tinubu at the Aso Villa.

He asked the Ministry to brace themselves for the tasks ahead, emphasizing that the integration of ‘Innovation’ had broadened the ministry’s reach to impact all other sectors.

Nnaji explained that he understood the weight of the assignment handed to him by Mr. President and sought for their cooperation, as he was determined to succeed.

While thanking the President for finding him worthy for the task ahead, he gave an overview of what the leadership might look like by design and in sync with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the Tinubu administration.

A gathering of well-wishers and dignitaries cut across political parties graced a celebration ceremony in his honor.

Among those present were the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Chief Emma Enukwu, Chief Ijeomah Arodigbo, Senator Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party, Senator Osita Ngwu of the Peoples Democratic Party, Rt. Hon. Nnoli Nnaji of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, Senator Ben Collins Ndu, Rt. Hon. Ozomgbachi, Victor Nnam, Osita Okechukwu, Professor Anike, Chief Udoko, Uchenna Ngwu, Iyke Anyadigibe, Chinwe Ezenwa CEO Leelook and many others.

Newly sworn-in Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike on Monday assumed office, with a pledge to restore the city’s master plan.

At his maiden news conference, he said land allottees who have been given Certificates of Occupancy but failed to develop would also lose their lands to give way to those ready to build.

“If you know you have built where you are not supposed to build, it will go down”, he said.

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested several staff members of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Services, including the Manager, Pascal Nnorli, and the Operations Manager, Victor Adamu, over the leak of a memo that warned of a possible terror attack on the rail line.

The memo, dated August 18, 2023, was addressed to the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, and signed by the Director-General of the DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi. It stated that the DSS had received intelligence that some criminal elements were planning to sabotage the rail tracks and plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Abuja-Kaduna route.

The memo also advised the NRC to increase security measures and conduct periodic checks on the tracks and trains. It further warned that if the letter was leaked, it could lead to arrests and prosecution of those involved.

However, the memo was leaked to the public on August 19, 2023, and circulated on social media platforms. The leak caused panic among commuters and travelers who use the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, which is one of the busiest and most secure routes in Nigeria.

The DSS reacted swiftly and arrested Nnorli, Adamu, and other staff members who were suspected of being behind the leak. The DSS also interrogated Okhiria, who declined to comment on the matter when contacted by reporters.

The NRC issued a statement on August 20, 2023, assuring the public that the rail service was safe and operational. The statement also urged passengers to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities or objects along the rail line.

The DSS has not released any official statement on the arrests or the investigation. It is not clear if any charges have been filed against the suspects or if they have been granted bail. The motive behind the leak is also unknown.

The Abuja-Kaduna rail line was inaugurated in 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari as part of his administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and transportation in Nigeria. The rail line covers a distance of 186 kilometers and has nine stations. It transports an average of 3,700 passengers daily.

President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, swore-in 45 ministers as members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), warning them against sectionalism or tribalism as they are Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not regions or States.

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The ministers were sworn-in batches of five. The first batch comprised of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State Gas in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy, and Minister of Education Tahir Maman.

The second batch sworn-in included Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of State (Oil), Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.

The third batch of ministers to be sworn-in were the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh.

Also, the fourth batch of ministers to be sworn-in were Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, Minister of Transportation, Alkali Sa’id, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite, and Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru.

The fifth batch of ministers to be sworn-in included Minister of State Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mariya Mahmud, Minister of Housing and Urban development, Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.

The sixth batch of ministers to be sworn-in were Minister of State Education, Yusuf Sunumu, Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, and Minister of State Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman- Ibrahim.

The seventh batch of ministers to be sworn-in had the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, Minister of State Environment, Ishak Salako, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

The eighth batch of ministers to be sworn-in were Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Power, Adedayo Adelabu, Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike.

The ninth batch of ministers to be sworn-in were Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, Minister of State for Steel Development, Maigari Ahmadu, Minister of Police affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, and Minster of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo.

Leadership

Kano Tribunal reserves judgment in Guber election petitio

The Kano state governorship election petition tribunal has reserved judgment in the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to challenge the victory of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

The chairman of the three-man panel, Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay, who promised on behalf of the panel to be fair to all parties, said the judgment would come earlier than the 180 days allowed by the law.

The adjournment came after all parties made their final addresses with the APC urging the tribunal to uphold the petition and return Nasir Gawuna as the winner of the election while INEC, NNPP and Yusuf urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition.

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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have again seized N4.8 billion worth of illicit drugs at a warehouse tucked in the heart of the popular International Trade Fair Complex, Alaba, Ojo area of Lagos State.

A non-governmental organisation, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), has expressed concerns over the creation of new Ministries of Gas Resources and that of Marine and Blue Economy, saying the decision by President Bola Tinubu may pose threat to the environment of oil field communities.

This is as it expressed the hope that President Tinubu will explain to Nigerians the reasons behind the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

HOMEF, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt on Sunday, also said the failure of Tinubu to appoint a Minister for the Ministry of Environment sends a signal to Nigerians about the concern of the President for a sector that is so fundamental to the survival of all.

The statement, which was signed by the organisation’s executive director, Reverend Nnimmo Bassey, said the creation of Ministry of Gas Resources would only give license to the continuous gas emissions, which is a major cause of climate change and attendant problems faced by the communities.

“There are many signs to show that we need to be worried about the president’s new lineup of ministries. Three of the announced ministries, the Ministry of Gas Resources, and the Ministry of Petroleum and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy raise special concerns at this time of our history.

“It is shocking to see that the Environment has no minister. Not appointing a minister for environment sends a signal to Nigerians about the concern of the president to a sector that is so fundamental to their survival.

“While we have continued to raise concerns about the degraded environment, creating a Ministry of Gas Resources would only give license to the continuous gas emissions which are a major cause of climate change and attendant problems faced by our communities.

“By placing a special focus and promoting the gas industry, the Ministry of Gas will inexorably discourage the development of cleaner and more sustainable energy alternatives. This will further create a long-term dependency on fossil fuels, at a time when all efforts should be made to “depetrolize” our economy.

“We do not see a bright future for the Nigerian environment, people, and economy with the President as minister of the twin petroleum ministries, and with the creation of a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The three ministries will pose unique problems for our aquatic ecosystems and will inevitably worsen the plight of communities whose interests are once more set to be sacrificed,” it stated.

HOMEF further said that the nomenclature ‘Marine and Blue Economy’ was tautological as the blue economy is practicable only in marine or aquatic ecosystems.

The statement read: “The government may wish to rename the unit as Ministry of Marine Resources. The concept of Blue Economy, like the Green Economy, is aimed at massive exploitation and commodification of Nature with deleterious consequences.

“Developing the marine and blue economy sectors will lead to industrial fishing, pollution, habitat destruction, marine biotechnology, deep sea mining and other activities that are ecologically harmful. With a hugely unpoliced continental shelf, this focus will pose special threats to our communities and others in the entire Gulf of Guinea.

“HOMEF believes that by prioritizing gas, other renewable energy sources will be neglected. This lack of diversification will hinder a country’s ability to adapt to future energy demands. It portends continuous disruption of our ecosystems with attendant health and safety risks.

“At a time when health and environmental audits should be conducted in the oil field communities, the government is poised to ramp up the horrors. This is unacceptable.

“After taking so long to put together the cabinet, the announced set up raises many questions. While these may be addressed at the swearing in ceremony, it is hoped that the government will explain the erasure of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to Nigerians, and what appointing a coordinating minister for the Ministry of Health means.

As part of its efforts to boost the gross domestic product of the state economy through diversification, the Enugu State government has concluded plans to enter into a partnership agreement with a major international airline carrier, Ethiopian Airlines.

The relationship will also foster mutual economic growth between the two bodies in aviation, including exploring different available opportunities such as the training of Enugu youths at the Ethiopian Airlines Aviation University and other areas of interest.

This was disclosed by the airlines’ officials when the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah played host to a delegation from Ethiopian Airlines led by the outgoing Traffic and Sales Manager, Mr Henok Sirak, who were on a courtesy visit, at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu, weekend.

“Our meeting with the governor was a productive meeting aimed at strengthening ties and exploring avenues for mutual benefits,” Mr Sirak said.

The discussions which centred around collaborative opportunities and strategies to enhance the airlines’ operations within the state, further underlined the commitment of the parties to forge a common front that would contribute to the growth and development of the state’s economy.

While reacting to the visit, the governor expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, describing it as a pivotal step towards the realization of the administration’s economic development plan.

While wishing the outgoing manager well, Governor Mbah pledged that his administration would work with the new manager, Mr. Zeleke Flate, who was introduced to him at the meeting by the outgoing manager, to ensure that both parties benefit from the partnership.

The visit ended in a symbolic gesture as the governor received a model aircraft bearing the Ethiopian Airlines logo and a carefully curated selection of Ethiopian premium coffee, which signified a strengthened partnership between state government and the Ethiopian Airlines.