The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Philanthropist pledges more support for youths

    Philanthropist pledges more support for youths

    Chairman of Alies Group, High Chief Micheal Onuoha, has said he would dedicate more resources to the upliftment of youths in the country.

     Chief Onuoha said his desire to support youths in the country was to curb unemployment and youth restiveness.

      Onuoha said the strength of Nigeria as a country could be tapped form its huge population.

     He spoke after he was conferred with an of the humanitarian icon of the year by the Yoruba Youth Assembly.

    He appealed to the youths to embrace peace and avoid issues capable of causing division in the country.

     President of the YYA, Olarinde Thomas, said Chief Onuoha was recognised because of his commitment and support to youths initiatives and programmes across the country.

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     He said: “As youths who are the most active and vital force in the society; we are the most eager to learn and the least conservative in their thinking.

    “It is, therefore, of the utmost urgency that a frame work be put in place to harness and bring into full play the energy of our youths in the task of transforming our tribe and nation into a truly developing one.

     “As we struggle to stabilise education not only of certificates but of culture and discipline in Nigeria, it is wise and patriotic to invest in leaders and followers.

     “Chief Onuoha understands and embodies the core values and aspirations of the youth. It is a

    crusade to vanguard the already disenchanted but mobilised young people in Yoruba land. Thus, anybody who wants a grater future be it socio economical or otherwise for our continent must appreciate the road-map of the development Chief Onuoha has continued to provide.”

  • ABAT Movement hails Akinyelure

    ABAT Movement hails Akinyelure

    The Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement (ABAT) has congratulated the ex-director of Wema Bank, Chief Pius Akinyelure, on his appointment as Chairman, Board of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

     In a statement by the organisation’s executives, Akogun Banji Ojo, Otunba Femi Soluade and George Ogunjimi, they described his appointment as well-deserved and a round peg in a round hole because Chief Akinyelure is a visionary leader in the oil and gas sector.

     “We are using the medium to congratulate our father from Ondo State, a rare gem and ex-director of Wema Bank and Odua Investment Ltd on his appointment as NNPCL chairman.

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     “No doubt since the inception of President Bola Tinubu, he has been putting the right peg in the hole and he has proved again by appointing Akinyelure as NNPCL chairman, based on his experience in oil and gas sector,”

     ABAT Movement also lauded President Tinubu for choosing Chief Akinyelure to use his vast experience in the crucial sector in Nigeria.

     President Tinubu on Monday appointed Akinyelure as the new Board Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited with effect from December 1.

  • ‘NIMC to assist states build robust database’

    ‘NIMC to assist states build robust database’

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has pledged to work with state governments to build accurate and reliable databases.

     The commission said this is part of efforts to ensure that states make adequate provisions for the needs of the citizenry.

     Director General/CEO of the agency Abisoye Coker-Odusote said this while receiving the General Manager of the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

     The director-general said the collaboration would make it easy for states to use NIMC’s database to improve service delivery and policy formulation.

     In a statement by her Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ayodele Babalola, she said: “I admit that the age we are in is that of collaboration. In order to have a meaningful impact, it is important that we partner with each other.

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     “As no man is an island, so we have to continue to push the limits by leaving our comfort zones until the collective desire of seeing the country move forward is achieved.”

     In her remarks, the LASSRA GM explained that the purpose of the visit was to explore possible ways for the two government agencies to collaborate using efficient strategies for an effective identity capturing of citizens and residents.

    Adebiyi-Abiola said: “It is no news that we work together to ensure that Nigeria as a nation and Lagos State give citizens and residents the best in terms of social welfare and other basic amenities, but this has to be achieved using a systematic approach that shows that the government is responsible and responsive to its citizens.”

    She explained that a major advantage of the registration system is the ability to identify and locate specific individuals as long as they reside in Lagos and are registered with the Agency, thereby strengthening the security system of the state.

  • FUTO set for convocation

    FUTO set for convocation

    The Federal University of Technology Owerri(FUTO) is set to hold its  34th and 35th combined convocation ceremony tomorrow.

    Many distinguished Nigerians will be conferred with different awards, including Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Chimos Group, Chibuike Lawrence Achigbu, who will be conferred with a Doctor of Technology(D.Tech), Honoris Causa.

    The institution’s alumni association, in a statement, hailed Achigbu  for being an integral part of the FUTO alumni who have remained consistent in their support for the infrastructural development of the institution.

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      It praised  his  immense contributions toward the growth and development of both the  association and the university.

     The alumni also   thanked authorities of the institution for finding it worthy to honour an alumnus who has played pivotal roles in the collective progress of the university.  

     “FUTO’s  commitment to recognising and celebrating   the achievements of its alumni is commendable and reinforces the strong bond between the university and its graduates,” it said.

  • World Disability Day: Foundation eulogises Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

    World Disability Day: Foundation eulogises Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

    A non-governmental organisation, Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation, has eulogised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their roles in making life more meaningful and worthwhile for the people living with disability.   This was done to commemorate this year’s World Disability Day.

     The Coordinator, Comrade Kehinde Oshilaja, made this known at a pre-event for the commemoration of this year’s World Disability Day with the theme: A day for all as an organisation, championing the cause of people living with disabilities in Nigeria. The event was held yesterday at their headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos. 

     Oshilaja hailed Senator Tinubu for her love and support for people living with disability, especially for her

     Renewed Hope Initiative, which was tailored towards making all and sundry, including women and children, to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

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     He said: “Let all of us use this occasion of this year’s World Disability Day to commend the First Lady, Senator Tinubu, for her love and support for people living with disabilities. We love you Mama. Our prayer is that you and your husband succeed for a more secure and prosperous country.”

     Oshilaja also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu and business tycoon, Femi Otedola, for their support and contribution to the education and welfare of people with disability.

     The foundation appealed for more support, especially total inclusion of people living with disabilities in all tiers of government, federal, state and local government, by setting up a special budget for the education of people living with disabilities.

     “We love the way and manner Governor Sanwo-Olu is handling all that has to do with our members, but like Oliver Twist, we need more inclusiveness in all tiers of government so that all that concern our members will be pre-captured in budgets of all tiers of government, to  cater for all that concern people living with disability,” Oshilaja said.

  • Global tech conference holds

    Global tech conference holds

    The inaugural edition of the Global Tech Africa (GTA) Conference, held at the Lekki Coliseum in Lagos, has emerged as a pivotal platform for the advancement of Africa’s digital economy, providing unparalleled insights into the potential and future of the continent’s tech ecosystem.

     This is according to the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, who delivered the keynote address.

    He highlighted Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s tech capital and outlined the government’s commitment to partnering entities to create a platform, fostering networking and idea generation.

     “The government is partnering NGOs, organisations, foundations and the international community to create this platform so that we can network and brainstorm ideas on how to enact policies that can enable the ecosystem and position Nigeria as a digital powerhouse in the global landscape,” he said.

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    Implementation Partner of the GTA Conference, Dr. Inya Lawal, emphasised the collaborative nature of the conference, highlighting its role as a catalyst for driving digital transformation across Africa.

     Stressing the interdependence of the public and private sectors, she stressed the need for joint efforts to propel the tech industry forward, noting it as a catalyst for initiating crucial conversations and united planning to steer Africa’s tech ecosystem toward sustainable growth.

     Lawal said: “GTA is that platform where the government and private sectors can collaborate in impactful partnerships to foster Africa’s tech ecosystem. We need each other and we also need to find alliances that work for us.”

     The GTA Conference also hosted a pitch session and seed funding for young tech founders, with Rukayat Kolawole emerging as the winner, securing a $20,000 ‘SAFE’ Investment in her startup, Regxta.

  • Fed Govt to rehabilitate, build roads in Kogi, says Umahi

    Fed Govt to rehabilitate, build roads in Kogi, says Umahi

    • Igala youths greet Bello, Ododo

    The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has has said that the ministry has received express approval from the presidency to commence federal roads construction/rehabilitation in Kogi State.

    He also outlined the modalities being explored to expedite the works without delay.

    Umahi spoke during a visit to him by the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and Governor-elect, Ahmed Usman Ododo, at his office in Mabushi, Abuja.

    Governor Bello expressed gratitude to Senator Umahi for his support and solidarity, contributing to the victory of the Governor-elect in the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State.

    He said Ododo would continue to bring significant infrastructure development to Kogi State, enhancing the pride of the people and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senator Umahi congratulated the Governor-elect, emphasizing that his victory reflected the people’s desire for continuity and consolidation.

    He commended Governor Bello’s achievements in road construction, education, health infrastructure, and other critical areas.

    He urged the governor-elect to uphold the trust placed in him by the people and the party, ensuring the fulfillment of his campaign promises.

    The minister said that ongoing projects, such as the Ganaja road rehabilitation, would be concrete-based, aligning with the Federal Government’s policy to ensure durable roads in Nigeria.

    Ododo reiterated his commitment to the trust bestowed upon him by the people.

    He expressed gratitude for the minister’s support and pledged to strengthen the existing relationship between the state and the federal government through the Ministry of Works.

    Ododo assured the minister of his administration’s readiness to actualize the infrastructure master plan for Kogi as laid down by the current administration.

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    Meanwhile, the National President and Coordinator of the Igala Youths Consultative Assembly, Benjamin Akoji Daniel, has sent a congratulatory message to Governor Bello, and Ododo, for their victory in the election.

    Akoji during a briefing yesterday at the Igala Unity Square in Anyigba alongside heads of other socio-cultural groups, commended Prince Ishaq Shaibu Okolo, Executive Chairman of Dekina; Alfa Nasiru Muhammed, Kogi East Zonal Chairman of the All Progressives Congress; and other well-meaning Igala sons and daughters who stood and believed in the “Kogi Agenda” rather than any form of ethnic agenda.

    He thanked them for making the Igala kingdom proud by not engaging in any form of bigotry, noting that Igala people are known for their uprightness and peaceful cohabitation with other ethnic groups in the state.

    The group enjoined Ododo to build on the foundation laid by Governor Bello, and ensure he carries all ethnic groups along in the discharge of his duties.

    Other speakers at the meeting praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting an election in the state that is adjudged free, fair, transparent, and credible.

    Secretary of the group, Alhaji Suleiman Makolo, advised Ododo to see all Kogites as one and build on the unity championed by Bello from 2016 to date.

    He urged him to embark on more infrastructural projects in Kogi East to complete what Governor Bello started in 2016, which led to the construction of several projects such as the Anyigba-Umomi-Idah Road, Ankpa Township Roads, Olamaboro Roads, erosion control projects in Ogugu, Anyigba, and other parts of the State

  • Bauchi presents N300bn budget

    Bauchi presents N300bn budget

    Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has presented a budget of N300 billion for 2024 to the state House of Assembly for approval.

    Presenting the proposals, tagged “Budget of consolidation and renew of focus,” Mohammed assured members of the house that the budget would be fully implemented.

    According to him, N178.8 billion Capital Expenditure of the budget represents 59.6 per cent, while N121.3 billion for Recurrent Expenditure, represents 40.4 per cent.

    Mohammed said the budget was 48.2 per cent higher than the budget presented to the house in 2023.

    He explained that the increase was attributable to increased revenue arising from the subsidy removal and the upward inflationary trend associated with the depreciating local currency.

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    He said this implied an increase in prices upon which the government’s projects and programmes would be implemented.

    “A total sum of N121.3 billion is earmarked for the Recurrent Expenditure with personnel cost of N48.2 billion, overhead cost of N73.1 billion.

    “It is projected that the state would realise capital receipt in the sum of N89.6 billion from internal and external loans of N50.9 billion, aid and grant of N24.18 billion and other capital receipt of N14.6 billion,” he said.

    “Capital expenditure has been proposed in the sum of N178.8 billion in the following areas – N19 billion for administrative sector, economic sector would take N74.9 billion, law and justice sector would take N2 billion.

    “Regional sector takes N17.2 billion, social sector which involves health and education has N65.7 billion,” he said.

    While appraising the performance of 2023 budget, Mohammed said that it achieved about 51.6 per cent, adding that at the end of the fiscal year, they would achieve a total performance percentage of over 60 per cent.

  • Palliative: Alia hands over 100 buses to Benue transport  firm

    Palliative: Alia hands over 100 buses to Benue transport  firm

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, yesterday handed over 100 Hiace buses to Benue Links Transport Company, the state owned transport company, to ease the challenge of transportation amongst travellers in the state occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.

    The Governor who described the occasion as a proud moment for his administration said, the supply of the buses to the company is in fulfilment of his earlier promise to the good people of the state, to provide vehicles that would move passengers and their goods at cheaper rates.

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    While describing transportation as a necessity in contemporary life, Governor Alia charged the management of the company to ensure professionalism with the drivers, open more routes and drop the transportation fares for interested passengers to ensure the good people of the state enjoy better traveling experiences, especially as the Yuletide approaches.

    He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for introducing palliatives from which states can choose to address the peculiar needs of their people, adding that the government will provide more vehicles as soon as the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses are rolled out for use.

  • China, Kano partner on commodities exchange

    China, Kano partner on commodities exchange

    China-African International Economic and Trade Promotion Council and the Kano business Community yesterday signed an agreement to promote agricultural commodities trade.

    Leader of the Chinese trade delegation and Secretary-General of China and African Trade, Ms Liu Yajuan, said the exchange trade partnership is intended to explore exportation of local agricultural value chain from Kano to the republic of China and import of sustainable technology solutions Nigeria.

    Ms Liu Yajuan said the council is the second largest in China with over ¥166 billion (Chinese Yuan) volume of trade.

    Yajuan, who addressed a business roundtable in Kano explained that the China-Africa International Trade Promotion Council is holding an agric trade expo slated for June/July 2024 in China where 309 commodities will be opened for export demand with over US$54.7 billion business opportunity for African countries.

    “The Chinese council has reached agreement with Kano business community under Golden Yabanya Limited to establish an agric processing factory in Kano, for value addition to Ginger, Hibiscus and peanuts before export to China.

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    “To actualize the establishment of the factory, necessary equipment for the processing factory will be imported and assemble in Kano, thereby creating job opportunity for multiple youth population.

    “The council requires 180,000 metric tons of Hibiscus flower, 500 metric tons dry Ginger and 50,000 metric tons of peanuts from Africa to meet its annual demand,” she said.

    It was gathered the Golden Yabanya Limited Kano was considered for the foreign business trade because of its cooperative advantage in the production of Hibiscus flower, Ginger and Seseme.

    Convener of the roundtable trade exchange, Alhaji Mohammad Kabir Haruna, who is the chairman of Golden Yabanya Limited, said the plan establishment of processing factory in Kano will not only boost economic viability but will also reduce the level of export of raw materials abroad and enhance the country’s Gross Domestic Income.