NEWS
FG, National Council for Civil Society Partner to Combat Insecurity
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has commended the National Council for Civil Society of Nigeria for not participating in the ongoing protests and highlighted to them the President Bola Tinubu numerous initiatives to turn the economy around for the benefit of all Nigerians.
During a meeting with the National Council’s delegation at Ship House in Abuja, led by Comrade Johnny Emmanuel, the Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration with civil society organizations in addressing insecurity.
He cited their strong connections to local communities and ability to provide valuable intelligence, mediation, and humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected areas.
Minister Badaru assured the delegation that President Tinubu was committed to improving the economy through robust economic policies, which have started yielding positive results. He mentioned the economic growth in Q1 2024, the second-fastest first-quarter growth in the last six years, and the Defence strategy’s success in improving security.
The Minister highlighted several other initiatives, including: The Nigerian Student Loan Scheme to increase access to higher education, The Livestock Ministry to address herders and farmers’ clashes, The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) to increase funding for infrastructure, The sale of crude oil to indigenous refining companies in Naira, the signing of the National Minimum Wage Act into Law, The autonomy granted to Local Governments for effective accountability and development, irrigation (Dams and channels), Zero tariffs and duties on imports of raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients, Distribution of grains to the states and other social security interventions
“I am still appealing to Nigerians to be patient as the President is introducing more innovations to improve the economy. He is just one year in office and he has done very well and I know that with these initiatives, we will soon start to see the positive results,” he assured Nigerians.
The National President of the National Council of Civil Society of Nigeria, Comrade Johnny Emmanuel, commended the Minister for his outstanding performance and commitment to service.
According to him, they have been taking track records of the Minister’s achievements since when he was a Governor. Describing Badaru as a man with modest lifestyle said that his commitment to judicious use of resources in Jigawa State earned him the nickname “Calculator”
According to a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, the highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the Minister “in recognition of his outstanding commitment, patriotism and integrity to service.
NEWS
LG polls: Nasarawa APC Announces Chairmanship Candidates
Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced its chairmanship candidates for the Nov. 2, local government councils election in the state.
Mr Tanimu Adamson, Chairman of the party’s primary elections committee, announced the names of successful candidates, submitting the report of the exercise to the party’s state executive on Friday in Lafia.
Adamson explained that the party’s flag bearers emerged through consensus as agreed by the party, in line with article 20 of its constitution.
He listed the names of the successful chairmanship candidates for the 13 LGAs to include Safiyanu Isa for Akwanga, Umar Dan-Akano, Awe, Jonathan Addra, Doma, Abubakar Madaki, Karu, and Adamu Aboki, Keana.
Others are Idris Damagani, Keffi, Bitrus Agbawu, Kokona, Mohammed Ahmed, Nasarawa, Iliya Aliyu, Nassarawa-Eggon, Isa Sani, Obi, Murtala Danmadami, Toto and Ezekiel Jaga, Wamba respectively.
He said that the emergence of the consensus candidates followed a painstaking consultation and resolution by stakeholders of the party and the candidates.
Adamson said that the party’s councillorship candidates for 147 electoral wards had also emerged through consensus.
Receiving the report, Aliyu Bello, APC State Chairman, appreciated the committee members for their sacrifice and for delivering on their mandate within the stipulated time.
He expressed satisfaction with the caliber of persons that emerged as candidates of the party.
He, therefore, expressed optimism that the party would win the election in all the area councils, given the quality of its candidates.
Report says that APC at a stakeholders meeting on Oct. 7, fixed October 14 and 16 for councillorship and chairmanship primaries.
The party at the meeting also adopted a consensus method to produce their candidates for the LGAs and electoral wards, respectively. (NAN).
NEWS
Kebbi Sets up Committee to Retrieve Stolen Orphans’ Funds
Kebbi Government has constituted a committee to recover money fraudulently removed from the individual accounts of orphans out of the N2.1 billion funds disbursed by the World Muslim League.
Report says that on Oct. 10, the League disbursed N2.1 billion to 1,849 orphans in the state through bank transfer to cater for their upbringing.
Report gathers that some guardians entrusted with managing the money have engaged in fraudulent activity by shortchanging those under their care.
Briefing newsmen on the development in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Aliyu, said Gov. Nasir Idris, had directed the immediate recovery of the money in full and return it to the rightful owners.
“The governor has high compassion for orphans, he is up to the task, he therefore, charged the committee to do the needful, to ensure thorough investigation.
“We contacted the banks that disbursed the funds but they informed us that the fraudulent acts were perpetrated using Point of Sale (POS) terminals not the conventional banking channels.
“But we are sounding a word of caution, any bank discovered to be involved in the removal of the orphans’ money, government will formally write a letter of complaint to the headquarters of such bank for appropriate action,” he warned.
Sani-Aliyu vowed that the present administration would not fold its arms to allow some unscrupulous guardians of orphans to cheat the orphans.
“Kebbi Government is immensely appreciative to the World Muslim League for its magnanimity and for disbursing such colossal amount of money to orphans in the state.
“The Nigeria’s Regional Office of the League in Kaduna has been notified about what is happening in Kebbi, and the office has pledged full cooperation to the funds’ recovery efforts.
“The Recovery Committee is headed by my humble self, two other Commissioners, two Special Advisers and two Permanent Secretaries,” the commissioner said. (NAN)
NEWS
ACCI Inaugurates Golf Networking Initiative
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has inaugurated novel networking initiative aimed at fostering business connections through golf.
Dr Emeka Obegolu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and President of the Chamber, said this at a B2B meeting and cocktail event organised by the ACCI in Abuja.
Obegolu stressed the importance of achieving a balance between work and personal life, particularly in light of Nigeria’s rising health concerns and sudden deaths.
He advocated for golf as a means to enhance social interactions among entrepreneurs, providing a relaxed environment to discuss business opportunities.
“We are here today to bring businessmen together with the Gulf community, appreciating the eminent businessmen within this community who may not yet be members of the Chamber of Commerce.
“Our message centres on balancing work-life, primarily due to the rate of sudden deaths we are facing in the country today.
“We aim to introduce golf to the business community, providing a platform for networking, exchanging opportunities, and contacts.”
According to Obegolu, the IBB Golf Course, a premier destination, offers an ideal backdrop for networking and forging valuable connections.
He reiterated the chamber’s commitment to promoting ease of doing business in Nigeria, urging support from the Abuja business community.
Obegolu also called on the FCT administration to improve infrastructure at the Idu Industrial District to make Abuja a truly industrial city.
He said more than 110 participants have registered for the golf tournament scheduled for October 19, with more expressing interest.
“”The tournament will culminate in an evening ceremony with awards and prizes.”
Dr James Agbonhese, Vice Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, commended the ACCI initiative, highlighting golf’s values of honour and integrity.
“Golf requires sincerity, which is equally essential in business to achieve success without litigation, disagreement, or problems,” Agbonhese said.
He welcomed the partnership between golf and business, looking forward to future events.(NAN)