NEWS
Plateau Indigenes in Diaspora Oppose Lalong’s N9.4bn Jos Ultra-Modern Market Rebuilding Project
Indigenes of Plateau State living in the United States (U.
S.) have kicked against Gov. Simon Lalong’s Jos Main Market rebuilding project put at over N9 billion.The group, under the auspices of the Plateau State Association USA, Inc. (PSA-USA, Inc) in a letter dated Aug.
15 and addressed to the governor, said “the project is ill-timed, considering that the current state government is in its twilight. ”The letter, which was signed by the association’s National President, Dr Barth Shepkong, and a copy made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, was titled: “Demand to Immediately Terminate the Jos Main Market Rebuilding Project.
”It reads in part: “We, the members of Plateau State Association, USA, Inc (PSA USA), write to state our position on the proposed rebuilding project of the Jos Main Market.
“It is our understanding that the Plateau State Government through the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and the General Manager, Jos Main Market Authority, have entered into a purported Joint Venture Partnership Agreement with Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc for the rebuilding of Jos Main Market.
“The project is specifically for the construction of 4, 231 Shops at the Main market at the estimated cost of Nine Billion, Four Hundred and Twelve Million, One Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand Naira (9, 412, 166, 000. 00) only.,” they said.
According to the group, it is not news that an overwhelming majority of Plateau people are in opposition to this proposed project.
“Consequently, we wish to add our dissenting voices to those of our people.
“We categorically oppose and reject this project as it is at odds with the interest of the people of Plateau State.
“Further, considering that the current state government is in its twilight, we believe the project is ill timed.
“Why is the government embarking on such a monumental project at this time? Why does the government seem to be in such a rush?
“Is this the only deal on the table to rebuild the Main market? Were other options explored?, if yes, what were the responses?” the group asked.
PSA-USA said that it was their position that prior to the state government’s commitment with Jaiz Bank, extensive and comprehensive consultations with the people of Plateau State were not made.
The group, therefore, called on the state government to immediately cancel the project and all other such projects with huge capital requirements and concentrate on on-going and unfinished projects that would better serve the people of Plateau State.
“The Jos Main Market rebuilding project should be left for the next administration to handle rather than the last minute rush that is being contemplated by the outgoing
government.
“Lastly, we would like to inform the Plateau State Government that PSA and other Plateau State indigenes in the Diaspora have the human capital and the financial muscle to help the state execute the Jos Main Market rebuilding project and other capital intensive projects at the appropriate time,” they said.
(NAN)
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)
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)
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)
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