POLITICS
Osinbajo Says Optimistic Nigeria Will Surmount Problems
Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has assured Nigerians that the country will surmount the challenges confronting it.Osinbajo gave the assurance at an inter-denominational Church service, held in Owerri on Sunday, as part of activities marking Gov.
Hope Uzodinma’s one year in office. The Vice President said that the Federal Government had put in place measures to tackle Nigeria’s challenges head on, adding that Nigerians were greater than any problem. “Let me say to Imo people and Nigerians that the Nation is passing through challenges, but in the midst of these challenges, we have done a lot, and we are mightier than our problems.He, however, urged Uzodinma to continue meeting the yearnings and aspirations of Imo people through good governance.“You are here as governor of Imo by the special grace of God. God says he honours those who honour him. You can honour God by serving your people honestly.“Your administration has invested heavily in solid infrastructure, which include construction of up to 46 roads.“I have been told that this year budget of Imo state is tagged; `Budget of Wealth Creation’, and that is apt, with what we are seeing, you have planned to take Imo to greater heights,” he said.Delivering a sermon, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Diocese, His Grace, Anthony Obinna, however, said that the solution to Nigeria’s problems could only be divine.Obinna advised politicians to look up to God for guidance rather than focus on avenging perceived wrongs.“Let us prefer light over darkness. The preference for vengeance is making us lose direction in this country “, he said.Also, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, described Uzodimma as a reliable and trustworthy leader, adding that the governor had the capacity to develop the state.“I served with Uzodimma at the Senate, and he is very reliable, and someone you can trust. He is one you cannot find wanting in any given assignment.“When Uzodimma became governor, I knew Imo would be taken to the next level because of his capacity to deliver,” Lawan said.In an address, Uzodinma thanked everyone for their support and pledged continued service delivery without fear or favour.“The days of lawlessness are over and we have restored democracy. We have been able to clean up the fraud in the civil service and more positive strides are in the pipeline.“I call on Imo people to keep faith with this administration and watch us fulfill our mantra of rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery,” the governor said.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the event was attended by many dignitaries including Deputy Senate President, Omo Agege and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris.Others included governors of Lagos, Babatunde Sanwolu; Kogi, Yahaya Bello; Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi; Ebonyi, Dave Umahi and Yobe, Mai Mala Buni.Former Imo governor, Ikedi Ohakim, former Abia governor Sen. Theodore Orji and former Borno governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, serving and former lawmakers, as well as wife of former President, Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience, were also present. (NAN)POLITICS
FG Spends N1.16trn on Fuel Subsidy as Crude, Products Losses Account for N16.20b
By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria spent a whopping N1.16trillion on fuel subsidy, losing N16.20billion to crude and product issues while deducting a total of N1.20trillion from the federation account as sales and proceeds in 2021.
Disclosing this in Abuja yesterday during his presentation to the Senate Public Account Committee (SPAC) probing the 2021- 2023 Audit Report on the Oil and Gas Industry conducted by Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Chairman of Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu added that pipeline repairs gulped N22.
05billion and strategic stock holding N6.75billion in that fiscal year.Speaking further, the RMFAC boss revealed to the Committee that during the period, the intention of the derivation objective was undermined by the way it was computed.
“The practice of computing 13% derivation on the balance of revenue after deductions from the total collections is contrary to the intention of the derivation objective “, he said.
However the Senate Committee Chairman on Public Account who was a former Accountant General of the Federation, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo stood down the reports of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) ‘s submission saying the measure was to offer members enough time to study the report while ordering the Agency to reappear midweek.
Senator Dankwambo who was visibly upset following the non – appearance of the Auditor – General of the Federation for the investigative session without any valid or representative however threatened that the Auditor General must unfailingly appear before the Committee on Tuesday next week or risk a forced appearance through the invocation of the powers of the National Assembly.
” The Auditor – General must unfailingly appear before this committee on Tuesday next week or risk invocation of powers of the National Assembly against him , which will lead to forced appearance”, he said.
POLITICS
Orile-Agege Council Chairman Flags off Monthly Business Grant Disbursement
The Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Akinola Idowu, has flagged off the disbursement of N100,000 monthly business support grants to selected residents.
The programme was held on Thursday at the council secretariat with 50 beneficiaries in attendance.
In his address, Idowu said that the initiative fulfilled his administration’s promise to improve welfare and promote grassroots economic development in Orile-Agege.
He reaffirmed commitment to people-oriented governance aimed at improving livelihoods, encouraging entrepreneurship and reducing poverty in the council area.
The chairman urged beneficiaries to invest the funds in productive ventures that would grow businesses and create employment opportunities.
He assured that the monthly empowerment would be sustained, with more deserving residents from every ward benefiting in subsequent editions.
“Governance is meaningful only when it directly impacts the lives of the people,” Idowu said.
He reiterated resolve to implement programmes that promote inclusive development, economic prosperity and shared progress across Orile-Agege LCDA.
Peju Owolabi, one of the beneficiaries, commended the chairman for the timely intervention to strengthen small businesses and support household incomes in the LCDA.
Another beneficiary, Miss Basanya Taofikat, thanked the leadership of the council for the support and prayed for a successful tenure for the chairman’s administration.
Adeshina Ademola, a shoemaker and a beneficiary lauded Idowu for contributions to grassroots development.
Ademola said that the grant would help expand his business.
Other beneficiaries described the initiative as a testament to the administration’s dedication to empowering residents and fostering self-reliance.
POLITICS
City Boy Movement Replaces Oyo Coordinator over Alleged Misconduct
The City Boy Movement (CBM) has replaced its Oyo State Coordinator, Ahmed Ajibola, following allegations of gross misconduct, insubordination, and conduct prejudicial to the interests of the organisation.
This is contained in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday by the Director-General of the Movement, Mr Francis Shoga.
Shoga said that Ajibola’s replacement followed allegations of making offensive comments about the Movement’s patron, Seyi Tinubu and derogatory remarks directed at President Bola Tinubu.
The movement’s D-G also accused Ajibola of engaging in conduct capable of bringing the image and reputation of the City Boy Movement into disrepute.
The CBM consequently announced the appointment of Adewale Oladiti as the new Coordinator for Oyo State.
Oladiti’s appointment, Shoga said, was due to his commitment, grassroots engagement, and willingness to contribute to the growth and advancement of the organisation in the state.
The City Boy Movement is a support group associated with the political interests of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.


