The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • SGF urges improvement in export trade

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr. Boss Mustapha on Wednesday challenged Nigerians to move forward in their trading activities as the nation cannot remain a consuming nation, even though it believes in free trade.

    Speaking during the National Forum on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Operationalisation  Programme in Abuja, he applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the continental deal.

    Read Also: ARMTI seeks enhanced agro exports

    “The country is at the implementation stage of AfCFTA and no more planning stage. What the country need is the mobilisation of the people. I want to say that the government is open for any assistance to partner with institutions that are ready, and this trade agreement is not about government but about private sector.”

    The President, National Association of Nigerian Traders, Ken Ukaoha said the country signed after having serious consultations research and weighing the implications.

  • Fed Govt loses 30% procurement budget

    The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) on Wednesday said the country loses about 30per cent of her procurement budget yearly due to ineffective and inefficient procurement process and system.

    It said this is largely proliferated by non-professionals and quacks.

    A report by the World Bank revealed that most countries spend between 80 per cent to 90per cent of their budget on procurement. One can only imagine the amount that will have been wasted due to inefficient procurement process.

    Read Also: Fed Govt audits 500 ex-Nigeria Airways staff

    CIPSMN President, Alhaji Jubrin Ado, spoke in Abuja at its Batch-B Mandatory Proficiency Development Programme (MPDP), with “Ensuring Compliance with Statutory provisions of the PPA 2007 and Leveraging Procurement Professionalism and best practices for the Growth of Nigerian Economy as theme.

    He said: “Nigeria wastes at least 30 per cent of the money earmarked for procurement due to ineffective procurement system and process.

    “There is no gain saying that some people are hell bent on manipulating the procurement profession and professionalism in order to continue with the mess.”

  • LG chair charges elective officers on their campaign promises

    The Local Government Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun, Hon Shuaib Fatia Ajidagba has called on public office holders to focus on delivering on their campaign promises as that would help them live good legacy for posterity.

    Ajidagba said this at the Lagos City Biggest Leadership conference and award organized by Success in Leadership Conference 2019 in conjunction with Hall of Fame held in Lagos.

    The theme: Taking The Lead brought together had government representatives, business leaders, and youths in attendance.

    Read Also: Human trafficking: FG launches ‘Not for Sale’ campaign

    He said that government at all levels must be responsible to the needs of the people as Nigeria is in dire of development and that beacons on public office holders to be alive to their responsibilities.

    He asserted that leadership is about influence, impact and leaving good legacy for others to follow, adding that Nigerians will be better off if leaders do things that better the lots of the people.

    He said that it is sad that many public office holders are becoming self-centered and self-serving rather than serving the communities and the nation, adding that Nigerians are wiser now and would speak out with their vote.

  • Sanwo-olu assures private investors of enabling environment

    The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu has restated its commitment toward providing an enabling environment through the provision of friendly policies and putting in place appropriate regulatory framework that will attract the needed investment in the real sector.

    Sanwo-olu made this known at the African Real Estate Conference and Awards with the theme “Bridging Investment Gaps in Africa’s Real Estate Markets for Sustainable Growth” Wednesday at Landmark Conference, Victoria Island, Lagos organised by PropertyPro.ng.

    He said that shelters remains one the very important needs of man and a critical factor that determines quality of living.

    He noted that in all major cities of the world, especially those with challenges of rising population, provision of affordable shelter and bridging the deficits in the housing sector is both a social and economic issue.

    He stressed that bridging the hounding deficit as we have it today is not a responsibility for government to shoulder alone. The investment required is huge and can only be provided by the private sector.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu: self-reliant women cardinal to nation-building

    Sanwo-Olu said “we are willing to partner with the private sector to meet the housing needs of our growing population which is excess of 22 million people. Our focus is the development of sustainable urban settlement with adequate infrastructure for decent living”.

    He further said that the challenges become more pronounced with growing urbanization as a result of migration of people from rural areas seeking economic opportunities.

    “A number of steps have been taken in the past to develop appropriate and sustainable solutions in partnership with the private sector. What is clear is however, considering the increasing needs of affordable and decent shelter is that the desired objectives are yet to be met”.

    “The situation at hand therefore calls for a review of existing policies and strategies with a view to aligning them with current realities and policy objectives”, he said.

    Sanwo-olu added that part of the issues which he believes are germane to achieving sustainable growth in the housing sector include the development and sustenance of a modern mortgage system, development of appropriate technology in building construction as well as use of local materials.

    In his words, the Chief Executive officer, PropertyPro.ng, Fikayo Ogundipe said that the conference is designed to proffer solution to real estate issues, acknowledge,  encourage and celebrate excellence  among Africa real estate stakeholders by given them the opportunity to gain valuable exposure and well-deserved recognition for their national and global achievement in the real estate sector.

    “AFREECA 2019 is a platform for deliberations on concrete solutions regarding formation and implementation of effective investment ideas, and policies that will serve as motivation to interest individuals who have help reshape the development and growth of the African real estate market”, he said.

  • Appeal court sets aside high court judgment over Atan, Ota land

    The Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division, has set aside the judgment of an Ogun State High Court granting statutory right of occupancy on parcels of land situate at Ajelanwa Olowo Igbo village and Kajola Iboro village via Atan Ota, Ogun State, to persons standing for the Oyeyemi Asalu family.

    The appellate court, in its unanimous decision, also dismissed the suit filed by respondents: Oba Samuel Olufemi Ojugbele and three others for themselves and on behalf of members of Oyeyemi Asalu family of Iga, Isalu Ota.

    It awarded N250,000 against the family.

    Alhaji Yekini Solabi, Lamina Solabi, Jimoh Jolaoso Solabi, Fasasi Solabi, Mojidi Solabi, Ibrahim Solabi, Alhaji Mutairu Owoeye, Ganiyu Owoeye, Tunde (a.k.a. One Hour) had approached the appellate court seeking an upturn of the lower court judgment, which upheld them as customary tenants.

    The court held that Oba Samuel Ojugbele, Alhaji Suraju Olusesi, Babatunde Akinade and Chief Abayomi Ojugbele, who were the first set of respondents in the appeal,  failed to provide the particulars of the intervening owners through whom they claim as true owners of the land.

    Read Also: Olubadan vs 21 Kings: Don’t twist Court of Appeal ruling-Ibadan family heads

    It insisted that to accept their claim of being Oyeyemi’s  direct children, they must prove their link with positive evidence how the land devolved from Oyeyemi to them. “Failure to establish this link is fatal to the claimants’ case.” The court held.

    The appellate court argued that in their (respondents) pleadings, they left a gap unfilled by claiming that Oyeyemi bore only Ilo. It stated that their pleadings which stated that Oyeyemi built more huts for people, including ‘his children’, suggested that he had children, not a child, meaning that the claimants did not give the names of other children.

    “It is the law that parties are bound by their pleadings,” it held.

    “The court cannot grant them right of occupancy on a land that does not exclusively belong to them.

    “Based upon the foregoing, I am of the view that the learned judge ought to have made a finding of fact on whether Oyeyemi actually had children or Ilo was his only child. Where a finding of fact is not made on a crucial issue like this, an appeal will be allowed,” the court held.

  • We’ll keep facilitating partnership for joint ventures, says Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has affirmed his administration’s resolve to facilitate partnerships and ensure that whatever needed to be put in place to make such joint venture viable is done.

    Abiodun, who spoke in his office at Oke-Mosan, while hosting an agro-food and business food company, Elephant Group Plc, said his administration was poised to remove all forms of bottlenecks in business partnership to further improve the ranking of the state in terms of doing business.

    He noted that the state in fulfilment of its desire to revolutionise agriculture, inaugurated a steering committee to oversee the Ogun State Anchor Borrowers Programme, adding that government would be allocating lands to the first set of 10,000 farmers in a few weeks.

    “We will do everything to facilitate partnership and ensure that whatever we need to do to make this partnership to work will be done. We want to remove the bottlenecks and we want to improve our ranking in terms of doing business,” he said.

    Read Also: Abiodun to reposition public service for effectiveness

    Abiodun, who said the vision of his administration is driven by the Public-Private Partnership approach, added that his administration was committed to ensure that investors do not go through multiple windows, as a Bill, Ogun Invest, is currently at the House of Assembly.

    Group Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Elephant Group Plc, Mr. Olatunji Owoeye, noted that the company, with its over 25 years of experience in agriculture business, would assist the state in its quest to revolutionise the agricultural sector.

    He assured that the company would help the government to actualise its dream of employing 40,000 farmers in two years, stating that his company’s relationship with Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) like the Bank of Industry (BoI) and Bank of Agriculture (BoA), would add value to the planned agricultural revolution in the state.

  • Governor signs Security Trust Fund, OGROMA Bills

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has signed the State Security Trust Fund Bill, passed by the State House of Assembly into law.

    Abiodun signed the Bills after it was presented to him by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, at the Governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Wednesday

    Similarly, the Governor also signed into Law the Ogun State Road Maintenance Agency (Amendment) 2019, passed by the state Assembly, according to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, in a statement.

    The passing of the Bill and signing into Law, the deplorable township and rural roads in the state would soon begin to wear new look as the agency swings into action.

    Read Also: Ogun to demolish houses harbouring kidnappers

    Abiodun resuscitated the agency to serve as a quick fix mechanism to address the deplorable condition of township and rural roads.

    He also, last weekend inaugurated the committee of the trust fund, headed by Mr. Bolaji Balogun, to source for money for the acquisition and deployment of security equipment and such human materials and financial resources that would  be necessary to prevent crime and preserve public peace.

    The committee is expected  to also hold gifts,  property and money for the purpose of crime prevention, mobilise funding and resources in cash or kind from the public, private, corporate or institutional or all other sources and manage those resources in a transparent and accountable manner for the purpose of public security.

  • No hiding place for criminals in Osun, says Oyetola

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has pledged his administration’s continued support to security agencies, declaring that there is no hiding place for criminals.

    He said the administration is poised to raise the bar of security by providing the necessary logistics and security architecture that will enable the security operatives to perform their duties efficiently, effectively and diligently.

    Oyetola reiterated these on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly built 12 One Bedroom Single Officers Quarters, at the 209 Quick Response Group (QRG) Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Ipetu-Ijesa.

    The governor, who solicited the continued support and cooperation of the security agencies, said the state would continue to work in partnership with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to strengthen security and ensure maximum protection of lives and property of the citizenry.

    He said the inauguration of the officers’ quarters was a clear demonstration of the interest the Air Force boss has in his officers and men, adding that the attention being given to the welfare of Air Force officers and men is, therefore, a huge contribution to the nation’s military strength and capacity.

    “It is on the basis of this realisation that I would like to salute the vision and leadership of the Chief of Air Staff and appreciate his contributions to the security needs of the nation,” the governor said.

    He said the state has been working in collaboration with other Southwest states to enhance the security architecture in the region.

    Read Also: Southwest gets nod to establish security outfit

    Hailing the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for being supportive to the security agencies, the governor also applauded the leadership of the Air Force for joining hands with other security agencies during the emerging security challenges in the state and Nigeria at large.

    Oyetola said: “I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the establishment of an Air Force Base in Ipetu-Ijesa to promptly respond to emerging security challenges in the Southwestern part of the country and for providing necessary support to sustain the operations of the Base.

    “I also understand that very soon, a Regimental Centre Annex to train Special Forces personnel will come on stream here. I would like to thank the Chief of Air Staff for considering Osun for this all important centre.

    “I solicit the continued support of the Air Force in our resolve to keep the Region and our people safe,” Oyetola said.

    On his part, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commended Oyetola and President Buhari for being supportive to the Force in its quest to provide adequate security in the country.

    He said the Force has been enjoying hands of fellowship and prompt support from the state and federal governments – a gesture he described as a motivation and encouragement.

    Abubakar, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Napoleon Bali Rinkap, pledged that the Force will re-double its efforts at ensuring the security of lives and property of the citizens.

    Those in attendance at the ceremony include: Former Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin; Commander Nigerian Air Force 209 Quick Response Group, Ipetu-Ijesa, Wing Commander D.M Komo; Secretary to the State Government Prince Wole Oyebamiji; Chief of Staff to the Governor Dr. Charles Akinola and Head of Service Dr. Festus Olowogboyega Oyebade.

    Others are: Owa Obokun of Ijesaland Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran and Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa Oba Adeleke Agunbiade among others.

  • Glo, Huawei donate devices to Adekunle Ajasin varsity, students

    Nigeria’s digital transformation leader Globacom and its infrastructure partner, Huawei, have presented routers and pre-loaded android phones to authorities of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State and five of its outstanding students.

    The firms have been going round tertiary institutions donating ICT devices and data bundles.

    The institution received top officials of the high-flying telecommunications companies yesterday in its Akungba Akoko campus.

    Speaking at the formal presentation, Globacom’s State Manager in Ondo State, Mr. Olusegun Oguntuase, said the company aimed to contribute its quota to the advancement of research and scholarship in tertiary institutions across Nigeria through the use of technology.

    Read Also: Glo leads internet subscriber acquisition

    “Every country that must grow needs the help of its academic populace to conduct researches for social development and enhancement of technological know-how. This is only possible where students and their teachers have access to seamless internet and good phones. There is a vast body of knowledge available on the internet for solutions to human problems,” he said.

    He called on students, lecturers and others within the university community to take advantage of the company’s week-long data clinic holding within the university premises to upgrade to Glo 4G in order to experience the new speed of life, as well as the memorable communication solutions available on the network. She said Globacom has the widest, most reliable 4G LTE coverage across the country.

    Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Igbekele Amos Ajibefun,  gave kudos to Globacom for the kind gesture which, according to him, would encourage research and motivate the students to be more committed to their academic pursuits.

  • Residents render homeless as rainstorm destroys Ekiti communities

    Many residents of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, and Ikere Ekiti, headquarters of Ikere Local Government, have been rendered homeless, following a heavy rainstorm that left property worth millions destroyed.

    The rainstorm, which began around 8p.m. on Tuesday and fell intermittently throughout  the night until 6a.m. on Wednesday, was accompanied by violent whirlwind.

    Some of the affected areas in the state capital include Ureje area on Polytechnic road and other adjoining communities such as Boom Town, Eminrin and Ijelu village, fondly called Aba Oyinbo by commuters.

    Read Also: Flood: Residents urge demolition of shanties

    Also affected in Ikere-Ekiti were Kajola Adun Ogbon in Oke-Osun, Eti-Osun and Alade Filling Station in Odo Oja.

    When The Nation visited the affected areas, it was observed that some pieces of roofing sheets, smashed ceiling and debris littered the roads with many livestock, houses and cars badly damaged.

    Other property destroyed included church buildings and business outfits.

    The communities have appealed for government’s urgent assistance.