The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Don’t hold on to govt revenue, Faleke warns agencies

    Revenue generating agencies must refrain from holding on to revenue collected on behalf of the Federal Government, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, James Faleke, has said.

    The Lagos (Ikeja Federal Constituency) lawmaker said it would be business unusual henceforth.

    He noted that prompt remittance would be enforced to ensure effective funding and implementation of the nation’s appropriation.

    In a statement, Faleke blamed the non- implementation proposed in the yearly appropriations on paucity of funds.

    The lawmaker said his committee would not shy away from its oversight function of keeping the revenue monitoring agencies on their toes.

    He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, I make it clear that the committee will ensure effective oversight to all agencies that have anything to do with revenue generation.

    Read Also: Fayemi seeks new formula for revenue allocation

    “The country is faced with inability to fund its budget due mainly to shortfall in revenue. This committee under my leadership will carry out due diligence to ensure that all the revenue generating agencies remit what is due to the Federation Account.

    “It will no longer be business as usual because the country needs all available resources to fund the budgets to be able to provide the essential services.”

    The Lagos (Ikeja Federal Constituency) lawmaker, who promised to justify the confidence reposed in him, listed the provision of critical infrastructure such as roads, electricity, schools, hospitals and a happy workforce as well as an enabling environment for businesses to thrive for operators to pay taxes.

    He said: “If you observe that when a budget is presented by the executive, the only people that could make it work are in the public service because they work to provide the funds for the budgets.

    “They need to be monitored to ensure that the funds so generated are credited into the appropriate Federation Account.”

    The committee chair lauded the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as government’s only account for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

  • Ayade seeks regulation of social media

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has called for the regulation of the social media in the country.

    The governor spoke on Wednesday at this year’s National Broadcasting Summit with the theme: Broadcasting and Democracy: Emerging Security Imperatives, organised by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Calabar, the state capital.

    Ayade attributed most of the tension about insecurity in the land to unchecked usage of social media.

    He noted that other countries, like China, are regulating it.

    Read Also: 8 things to avoid posting on social media

    The governor, who said dissemination of falsehood must have its penalty, added that the situation was causing divisiveness in the country.

    He also said false information threatens security, adding that if social media is allowed to go on unchecked, the country would not have the kind of peace it has been enjoying.

    The Chairman of Daar Communications Plc, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power FM, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, called for more openness and transparency in the management of the nation by its leaders.

  • President to open global youth employment forum

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to declare open this year’s Global Youth Employment Forum, which opens today in Abuja, the nation’s capital, to discuss how to ensure more and better quality jobs for young people.

    The forum, organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in collaboration with the Federal Government, will be attended by more than 200 youths from around the world.

    The forum is holding outside Geneva, Switzerland, for the first time after it began.

    It will also be attended by ILO’s Director General Guy Ryder.

    Organisers of the event explained that with 59 million young people unemployed worldwide and 136 million in poverty, youth employment has become one of the most pressing issues facing the world of work.

    The ILO said during the three-day discussions, the young participants will aim to agree on recommendations that will advance the ILO’s Resolution on the “youth employment crisis: a call for action,” which was adopted at the International Labour Conference in June 2012.

    Read Also: Buhari hails appointment of UK-born Nigerian Kemi Badenoch as British Minister

    It explained that the Resolution calls for immediate, targeted and renewed action to tackle youth employment crisis.

    Participants will also discuss how to accelerate progress on youth employment-related targets and youth-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Other topics for discussion are: gender equality, rights, the rural economy, youth representation and the opportunities and challenges facing young people in their search for decent work.

    As part of the three-day forum, 15 young entrepreneurs will present their solutions to some issues in an exhibition showcasing their projects.

    Government, employers’ and workers’ representatives, academics and members of multilateral organisations, regional institutions, foundations, civil society and the private sector will also take part in the forum.

    Ryder, who is visiting Nigeria for the first time, is also expected to visit President Buhari and interact with the nation’s Labour community at a dinner to be oragnised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

  • JUST IN: APC suspends Jibrin for alleged anti-party activities

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) has suspended a House of Representatives member, Abdul Muminu Jibrin Kofar, representing Bebeji /Kiru Federal Constituency.

    According to a statement by APC Chairman Bebeji local government area of Kano state, Alhaji Sulaiman Sabo Gwarmai on 30th July, the suspension was premised on the adoption of the committee report on anti-party activities of Abdul Muminu Jibrin Kofar contrary to some provisions of the party’s constitution.

    The party said: “Ranging from article 21, paragraph A (ii) (v) and (vii) the executive committee adopted the report and hereby suspend Abdul Muminu Jibrin Kofar for 12 months.’’

    Read Also: APC has fared better under me – Oshiomhole

    The statement said the executive committee also adopted the committee’s recommendation, urging the state executive committee to recommend to the national executive the immediate expulsion of the lawmaker from the party for various offenses.

    ‘’The offenses which were also found to be contrary to article 21. Paragraph A (ii) (v) and (xi) of the party constitution, ’the statement said.

    The Nation gathered that the federal lawmaker, who was the campaign Director-General, Gbajabiamila/Wase Speakership team, had been having a running battle with the APC state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas.

    Many believe this and many more may not be unconnected to him losing out in the scheme of event at the House of Representatives.

  • Insurgency: Sierra Leonean President Bio warns against toying with youth matters

    Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio on Wednesday urged African leaders to do something about the exponential growth of youth population in the continent or risk a full-blown insurgency in the near future.

    He said it had become imperative for African leaders to take pragmatic steps to address the problems associated with youth population, considering that their involvement in all spheres of life would save the continent from “justifiable anxiety”.

    President Bio said leaders across the world are concerned about the situation in Africa, particularly as the number of African youths keeps growing daily with the challenges of poor infrastructure, poverty, lack of opportunities, lack of quality education and rapid urbanisation, among others.

    The Sierra Leonean President expressed the concerns while delivering the Graduation Lecture of Course 27 at the National Defence College, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The lecture, titled: Youth Inclusiveness and Good Governance: Imperatives for Regional Security and Development, was attended by top military officers, including representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Service Chiefs and representatives of the Inspector General of Police and the Comptroller General of Customs Service (NCS) and Controller General of the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS).

    Bio, who was accompanied by his wife, Fatimah, and other top government officials, said statistics had shown that over 60 per cent of African population from age 0-24 comprises young people.

    Read Also: ‘Inequalities fuel insurgency in Nigeria’

    The Sierra Leonean President noted that the youth population is projected to grow by 50 per cent in 2050.

    He said: “By 2050, sub-Sahara Africa will have overwhelming youth population in the world, estimated to be in the region of 945 million people, meaning that compared with South Asia, Western Europe and North America, by 2060, 86 per cent of the poorest people in the world will live in sub-Sahara Africa.

    “So, one can easily deduce that the majority of the world’s poorest people will be young people who will be on our continent. It is, therefore, important that we provide solutions to this challenge because the youth population can be assets or liability, depending on the approaches adopted by governments in the continent.”

    President Bio called for the involvement of Africa’s youths in all spheres of socio-economic and political developments in the continent.

    The Commandant of the college, Rear Admiral Mackson M. Kadiri, praised President Bio for delivering the lecture.

    He said to the students of Course 27 had 127 participants comprising 50 from the Army, 21 from the Navy, 23 from the Air Force and three from the police.

    Kadiri, who said the graduation lecture provided a platform for interaction on global issues bordering on security and development, added that there were 16 participants from ministries and other agencies while 17 were from allied countries: Europe, America, Asia and Africa.

  • Breaking: Two-storey building partially collapses in Gbagada

    A two-storey building has partially collapsed at No. 9, Adio Street, in the new garage area of Gbagada, Lagos State.

    The incident happened in the early hours of Thursday.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Another building collapses in Lagos

    Rescue efforts are underway as many are feared trapped according to report. Two persons rescued so far.

    Details shortly.

  • Aregbesola urges Nigerians to live within their means

    Former Osun State Governor and minister-designate, Raul Aregbesola, on Wednesday said the country has remained stagnant due to the free money it has been living on.

    He urged Nigerians to be productive and stop living beyond their means.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain spoke in Lagos at the launch of a book written by former Lagos State House of Assembly member, Olusegun Olulade.

    Aregbesola said it was time to change the narrative, especially among youths, who he advised to look inwards for what they can do for the country.

    The book, titled: Eleniyan Perspectives, examines the impact of political leadership in the face of dwindling economy.

    The minister-designate, who was the chairman of the event and guest lecturer, noted that the bane of the country’s underdevelopment was due to the mismanagement of abundant opportunities.

    He said some youths preferred the easy way to wealth, adding that this is responsible for the recurrent cases of kidnapping, robbery and other deviant acts in the land.

    Aregbesola observed that many people fail to plan what they want to achieve while others even spend beyond their income.

    Read Also: The Nation marks 13th anniversary with praises, prayers

    “You have to improve yourself. As you do this, you must consider your environment because your environment plays a key role in this. And in doing this, education becomes the most important factor that should be considered.

    “Today, the Southwest is far ahead of other regions in the country due to the education provided by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The education he gave is the greatest asset the Southwest gained which other regions are still battling to catch up with.

    “The world is driven by knowledge and those who do not follow this path will be drifted away. It has become imperative for the public and private sectors to embrace this model and ensure that education is given the support it deserves,” Aregbesola said.

    The book reviewer and Group Controller at TVC, Mr. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, described the book as a bold initiative to elevate the thought of the author whose impact in politics had been remarkable.

    The popular journalist said Eleniyan Perspectives provides an insight into Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s unparalleled examples.

    He urged the Yoruba nation to leverage on the quantum leap provided by the great leader.

    Kolade-Otitoju advised the government to support youth development and position them for leadership.

    The TV personality said the author was a product of similar efforts he leveraged on to build himself.

    Olulade said the book deals with topical issues that promote development, unity and sustainable growth.

    He added: “I thank all those who came to this event to share in my perspectives and thoughts.

    The 23-chapter book, for me, is an epoch and ground-breaking development. It will guide our youths on the various steps to take to make impact in the society.”

  • Buhari hails appointment of UK-born Nigerian Kemi Badenoch as British Minister

    President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the appointment of Olukemi Olufunto Badenoch, a United Kingdom-born Nigerian as Minister of Children and Families by the new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

    Describing her appointment as “well-deserved,” the President urged the 39-year-old to regard her new position as an opportunity to justify the confidence reposed in her by making lasting impact.

    President Buhari, who expressed confidence that Badenoch would succeed, given her academic qualifications and parliamentary experience, also enjoined the junior minister to see herself as an ambassador of her fatherland in conduct and performance.

    Read Also: WAEC official, presidential aide confirm Buhari’s certificates

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President described Badenoch’s appointment as a plus for Nigerians in Diaspora.

    He said: “It further confirms my belief that with hard work and integrity, Nigerians can excel in their chosen professions and fields of endeavour anywhere in the world.”

    The President, who also applauded Prime Minister Johnson for finding Badenoch suitable, wished her success in the new challenging role.

  • The Nation marks 13th anniversary with praises, prayers

    Management and staff of Nigeria’s best newspaper, The Nation, on Wednesday gathered for praises and prayers to celebrate the paper’s 13th anniversary.

    The gathering, which held at the quadrangle of the newspaper’s headquarters in Lagos between 2 p.m and 4 p.m, was, for many, a time to reminiscence about the early days of your darling newspaper, appreciate its present and project into a future of endless opportunities.

    Reading Psalms 103:1-5, 90, 44:3; Proverbs 3:5-7 and 1Corinthians 3, those present glorified God for sparing the lives of the workers throughout the past financial year.

    They praised God for making the newspaper the readers’ delight and for the wisdom bestowed on the management and board of directors to pilot the company effectively.

    The Executive Director in charge of Finance Sunday Adeleke said the newspaper had fared well in its 13 years of existence, adding that it had been well across the country.

    He said: “We are just 13 years and we are everywhere. We can only thank God for His mercy. Professionally, the Lord has helped us. We win awards every year. No award passes us by, even internally. Our workers have also been appointed in key political selections across the country.

    “The Nation, as a company, has not been left out. When they look at media houses and they are saying which media houses will they pick competent people from to hold strategic positions in the country and states, The Nation has always been favoured. And we thank God for it.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu picks Omotoso, 24 others for commissioner, adviser

    “We also thank God for the successes ahead of us. God assisted us in the past to overcome our challenges and has helped us to always pay salaries when due and …we will not owe salaries, amen.

    “That is why we will always come to give honour to the Lord and we will continue to do our best because someday we will leave here and will be proud to look back and say I was indeed in that company. By that time, the company would have gone global. My prayer today is that as we continue to give in our best in service to this company, God will bless and increase our fortunes in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

    In his sermon, Pastor Festus Eriye reiterated the need to be faithful and diligent in service to others.

    He stressed that God rewards faithful servants.

    Eriye, who is the Editor of The Nation (Sunday), said the company had many reasons to be grateful to God, especially because no death was recorded in the past year.

    He said: “For the past one year, we have not had any cause to bury anyone in The Nation and we thank God for that. It is of the Lord’s mercy that we are not consumed. We should thank God because whatever we have achieved in The Nation is not because we are fantastic but God favoured us.

    “Reflecting on when we started, I know about four newspapers that sprang up at that same time and have all collapsed. Any organisation, person that has the habit of thanking God will always thrive because God will always release more blessings their way.

    “We always gather here once a year to thank God. That is one of the reasons The Nation keeps enlarging. In 13 years, God has taken us from our little beginning to a great place. I remember then when a popular journalist in one of the media houses said we would not last up to six months. But look at us today. It’s been tough, but we are still here.

    “Every anniversary is the end of something and the beginning of another. Everyday brings a new thing and a new challenge. We are alive and we thank God. Our newspapers are on the street; we thank God we are paying salaries as at when due. Our vans are moving; we thank God.

    “But as an organisation, we should not just be satisfied that we are paying salaries. We should want to do more than we are doing now. We need to stop admiring our past triumphs. Let us keep dreaming as a company and as individuals. If we are committed in this company, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”

    Also at the gathering were the Deputy Chairman of the Editorial Board, Mr Tunji Adegboyega, Advert Manager Robinson Osirike, Online Editor Sunday Oguntola and Production Editor (Advance), Madam Cecilia Uwadi.

  • Shi’ites suspend ‘free El-Zakzaky’ protests

    The Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has suspended its streets protests for the release of their leader and his wife, Mallama Zinat.

    The group, also called the Shi’ites, said the suspension, which it called temporary, was out of its respect for prominent groups and eminent Nigerians who genuinely waded into resolving the problems.

    In a statement on Wednesday by its spokesman Ibrahim Musa, the movement said it suspended the protests in good faith and out of respect for eminent people and groups whose input in the resolution of the problems appeared genuine.

    Reiterating IMN’s demand that their leader, his wife and several others in detention be given their freedom, having been in detention since 2015, Musa said the movement is committed to exploring the new openings to resolve the protracted issues with the government.

    Read Also: Why we named IMN terrorist group, by IG

    He added: “If at all any protests occur anywhere in the country, it might be this notice hasn’t reached those in the field or this message is misunderstood or it is some security agents who are mischievously behind it, as they have been doing in an attempt to smear our image and be seen as unruly people rather than as victims of savage oppression since 2015.

    “The Islamic Movement in Nigeria hereby announces to the general public and the international community that it has temporarily suspended its ‘Free Zakzaky’ street protests to allow for some new openings into the resolution of the problems, especially the court case instituted by our lawyers on the proscription order by the Federal Government this week.

    “We sincerely hope an amicable way could be found to solve the crises surrounding the illegal detention of our leader for almost four years now.

    “The IMN wishes to thank national and international civil rights activists and organisations, which have been demanding the protection of our fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the constitution.

    “We also thank the media – national and international – and social media activists for the full coverage of our activities throughout the struggle for justice.”