NEWS
Groups Want Taraba Govt. to Sign Reviewed Action Plan 2024-2026

Groups have appealed to Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba to accelerate the signing of the reviewed State Action Plan (SAP 2024 – 2026) and inaugurate the state steering committee.
This is contained in a communique issued at the end of a three -day meeting on Open Government Partnership (OGP) and Community Development Planning (CDP), State Exchange Learning and Experience Sharing in Yola, Friday.
The meeting was organised by OXFAM with government officials and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) drawn from Adamawa, Kaduna, Taraba and Abuja.
The group commended the Taraba government for being reform-minded by signing in to law the OGP.
It called on the government of Taraba to strengthen the implementation of the laws by appointing CSOs in the board of bureau for public procurement and fiscal responsibility commission for more effective citizens’ participation.
It also called on the government of Adamawa and Taraba to be more responsive and encourage citizens and civic groups-led reform initiatives and feedback on project execution.
Further more, it called on Taraba government to adopt and adapt digital platforms for real-time project monitoring and information dissemination to increase transparency and enhance accountability towards building public trust in governance.
The groups also called on the civil society groups and actors to embrace constructive dialogue and evidence-based approaches in engaging with State governments.
“The communique also Called on development partners to support the participating States to conduct political economy analysis (PEA) for more effective engagement, informed and proactive actions, and delivery of OGP commitments
“It Commended the Kaduna State government for sustaining the gains of OGP reforms and appeal for the strengthening of the Eyes and Ears projects and Community Development Charter (CDC).
The communique also stated that there was a need to replicate the successful OGP, Community Development Charter (CDC) and Community Development Planning (CDP) models, demonstrated in Kaduna and Adamawa in Taraba (NAN)
NEWS
We’ll Comply with PenCom’s 3-day Pension Payment Directive- PenOp

The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) has assured the National Pension Commission (PenCom) that its members will comply with the recent directive to settle all pension benefits within three working days.
The Report says that the National Pension Commission has mandated Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Fund Custodians to approve and pay pension benefits to eligible applicants within three working days of receiving complete applications. Mr Oguche Agudah, Chief Executive Officer, PenOp, speaking with newsmen in Lagos, said that the directive was positive and capable of fostering accountability. Agudah said that PenOp members were fully aligned with PenCom’s efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the pension system in Nigeria.He said, “This is a good development for pensioners, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and the entire system.“PFAs are going to comply with this new directive, which is set to begin in June. We will ensure servicelevels are maintained, and we will also ensure people get their money as and when due.“We recognise the importance of timely payment of pension benefits to retirees, and we are committed to working with PenCom to achieve this goal.” (NAN)NEWS
Food Security: Benue Govt. partners FACAN on Pricing of Agric. Commodities

The Benue State Government is partnering with the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) on pricing of agricultural commodities in the state.
Mr Donald Akule, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), Agricultural Development Company (ADC), who made the disclosure on Monday in Makurdi, said that the partnership would enhance food security. Akule restated the state government’s willingness to work with FACAN to mediate between the farmers and the government on the prices of commodities. The MD said that the aim was to ensure that all farmers get value for their produce and also ensure food availability. “We have declared a state of emergency on food insecurity. We want to make sure that every farmer gets value for what they produce. “In the coming days we are going to roll out a template of how this produce can be bought or mopped by the ADC and to make sure that we fill up our silos and food banks,” he said. Akule advised farmers to form cooperatives or groups for easy transactions, adding that the government would not work with individual farmers. “Agriculture business is a collective business; it is a collaborative business. We are going to liaise with FACAN to make sure that we regulate the prices of grains. “We will not recognise any person that is working in isolation. Any farmer that is not part of an organised working group would not be accepted,” he said. FACAN State Coordinator, Mr Vitalis Tarnongu, said Benue farmers were ready to partner with government in the regulation of prices enable them get value for their produce. Tarnongu said that their mandate was to ensure that the prices of commodities are set in such a way that both farmers and government make gains. The new state coordinator assured government of FACAN’s commitment with ADC to boost agricultural production.“We are ready to work closely with ADC to ensure food sufficiency.“We solicit your support and cooperation for the association to succeed in its assignment,” he added.(NAN)NEWS
Court Orders Man to Pay N140,0000 Feeding Allowance for Child

A Shari’a Court sitting at Magajin Gari, Kaduna State on Monday ordered one Bilya Isah to pay the sum of N140,000 as feeding allowance for his child.
The Judge, Malam Kabir Muhammad made the ruling after one Rabi Musa, an ex wife to the defendant prayed the court to grant her custody of her one year and seven months old son. The Judge granted her custody and ordered Isah to pay N140, 000 as feeding allowance for the seven months he failed to provide and to continue paying N10, 000 monthly. Earlier the complainant said through her counsel, A. Badamasi that her ex husband had neglected their child for seven months and prayed the court to order him to pay N1 million as compensation for the months he missed.She also prayed the court to order the defendant to pay N30, 000 monthly feeding allowances.Meanwhile the defendant on his part said he can only afford N3, 000 monthly allowance.(NAN)