The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Senate: Benin-Auchi-Lokoja road a mess

    Senate: Benin-Auchi-Lokoja road a mess

    The Senate yesterday urged President Bola Tinubu to stem the further deterioration of the Benin-Auchi-Lokoja Road by urgently mobilising contractors to the site.

    Also, the House of Representatives asked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to direct the Ecological Fund Office to address cases of erosion in the Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

    The Senate urged the President to grant approval for the augmentation of costs on the road through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing pending the constitution of the Federal Executive Council for ratification.

    The Upper Chamber also urged the ministry to urgently commence repairs on the failed portions of the road and provide adequate funding to complete its reconstruction.

    The lawmakers further tasked the ministry to devise a plan to settle all lingering issues bordering on the dualisation of the road with contractors and review the contract’s terms and conditions to meet the current realities of inflation.

    These resolutions of the Senate followed its consideration of a motion titled: “Urgent need for the Federal Government to mobilise contractors to site and stem further deploration of Benin-Auchi-Lokoja Road.”

    The motion was sponsored by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC – Edo North).

    Oshiomhole in his lead debate said the Senate noted the deplorable and dangerous state of the road that links the Southeast and Southsouth states to the northern part of the country.

    He noted that the contract for the reconstruction of the road was awarded to Dantata and Sawoe, Reynold Construction Company, Mother Cat and GIG Company in 2012 by the Goodluck Jonathan Administration, “following cries and complaints by commuters about the hardship they encounter daily on the road.”

    Read Also: ‘Senate should not be a rubber-stamp’

    He added that this was causing suffering to those who rely on this route for their socio-economic activity, “despite the over N200 billion that had been budgeted since the award of the contract for the reconstruction of the road.”

    The House adopted a motion of urgent public importance by Ogbara Adetola Kafilat and asked the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons to urgently provide relief materials to the affected communities in the Kosofe constituency.

    Ogbara said Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State was facing increasingly severe annual flooding with the latest flood due to torrential downpours and sea level rise which destroyed properties worth billions of naira and displaced thousands of people from their homes.

    She noted that poor drainage system had been the number one cause of flooding in Lagos “because there’s simply no other place for the water to go other than the roads, homes and offices.”

    She noted that the flooding incurs enormous costs for the government and losses in GDP due to the need for resources to be put towards recovery efforts and away from other critical daily activities.

    According to her, communities of Agboyi Kingdom waterside, Ajegunle, Owode-Elede, Oworonshoki, Ogudu Ori-Oke and some parts of Ojota and Ifako were particularly affected by the flood and suffered gravely for it.

  • Amnesty for bandits, terrorists has failed, says COAS

    Amnesty for bandits, terrorists has failed, says COAS

     The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday passed his verdict on the amnesty programme for bandits and terrorists in Zamfara and other Northwest: it has failed.

    Lagbaja also acknowledged the complexities of the crises in Kaduna and Plateau but affirmed the military’s determination to stem insecurity, especially with the cooperation of the stakeholders in the states.

    Lagbaja spoke in separate meetings with the governors of Zamfara, Kaduna and Plateau in Abuja.

    While hosting Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, the COAS said apart from failing to achieve its purpose, the amnesty programme also allowed criminals to regroup, reorganise and attack defenceless citizens.

    He said: “We also have the issue of the amnesty programme that has been instituted, and which has failed not only in Zamfara but in so many other states of the Northwest.

    “So, I think we need to look at this issue of the amnesty programme because the criminal elements have proven to be incorrigible.

    “The issue of amnesty has created an avenue for them to regroup and reorganise to launch attacks on our defenceless citizens. So I think we need to look at that,” he said.

    The COAS said he had directed the deployment of more platforms and the release of funds to reactivate unserviceable platforms to boost troops’ operations in the state.

    According to him, the Zamfara crisis was a mix of farmer-herder clashes, ethnic confrontations and the quest for economic empowerment driven by mining activities.

    He assured that the Army was determined to tackle the security challenges in the state.

    “We will not have a situation where some people constitute themselves into outlaws and just go into communities and kill children and defenceless women.

    “By working on this with the state government and other critical stakeholders we can eliminate these outlaws and reduce the insecurities by a significant percentage.

    Earlier, Lawal said Zamfara had been facing very challenging security threats and appealed for the army’s support army to address it.

    He commended the efforts of the troops in restoring peace in the state and called for the deployment of more military wares to support military operations.

    Read Also: COAS lists strategies for combating insecurity

    The COAS also addressed the perennial crisis bedevilling Plateau, saying the military had put measures in place to end it, including going after all outlaws bearing illicit arms.

    He spoke when Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang visited him.

    Lagbaja blamed much of the security challenge in Plateau on the farmers-herders crisis, noting that it had been limited to three local governments of Riyom, Jos South and Barkin Ladi.

    According to him, the recent crisis in Mangu was a cause for concern to the army, and President Bola Tinubu.

    “We have taken some measures and we believe those measures will yield the desired results quickly.

    “We are still receiving reports from the field to see other areas of intervention that can bring lasting peace to the troubled local governments and even the entire Plateau,” he said.

    Lagbaja urged the governor to convene an expanded stakeholder meeting to let them ‘jaw-jaw’ rather than ‘war-war’.

    The COAS said that there was also the need to properly organise the state-controlled security outfit to avoid working at cross purposes, in the overall interest of the state.

    He advised the governor to consider the report of all previous Commissions of Inquiry on the crisis to see what issues had been addressed and those not addressed.

    Muftwang expressed confidence that Nigerians were hoping that the Nigerian Army under Lagbaja would meet their expectations and bring about lasting peace in the country.

    In the meeting with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, the COAS said the military was doing a lot to entrench peace and stability in Southern Kaduna and other conflict areas across the country.

    Lagbaja said the security situation in Southern Kaduna was multifaceted, hence the need for all hands to be on deck to overcome the security challenges.

    The COAS said: “The security threats in Southern Kaduna are complex considering there is a mix of the farmers-headers crisis and ethnic animosity and other variables and it is when there is a perfect balance of the people, the government and the military that we can bring peace and stability to our community.

    Commending him, Governor Sani noted that peace had largely returned to Southern Kaduna where the COAS personally led the battle against banditry and terrorism when he was the GOC.

    He urged the COAS to scale up the effort, assuring that the state government would continue to give the Nigerian army and the military in general, all the needed support to be able to succeed.

  • CBN directs payment of dollar receipts in naira

    CBN directs payment of dollar receipts in naira

    From the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday came a directive to International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs):  pay dollars received through Diaspora remittances to domestic beneficiaries in naira.

    A circular to banks, IMTOs and the public by CBN Director, Trade and Exchange Department, O.S Nnaji, listed 62 approved IMTOs to carry out the directive.

     In the list are Western Union, World Remit Limited, CashPot Limited, eTransact International Limited, Leadremit Limited, Flutterwave Technology Solutions Limited, and Interswitch Limited.

    Others are Belyfted Limited, Caperemit UK Limited, Chime In (Sendwave), Colony Capital Limited, Comet Trading Nigeria Limited, CSL Pay Limited, CP Express Limited, among others.

    Read Also: CBN searches for Payments System Vision 2025 drivers 

    The circular titled: Payout Option in Naira Receipt of Proceeds of Diaspora Remittances, said: “Further to the circular referenced TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/011 dated November 30, 2020 in respect of the above subject, the Central Bank of Nigeria hereby announces Naira as a payout option for receipts of proceeds of International Money Transfers”.

    “Accordingly, all recipients of diaspora remittances through the CBN approved IMTOS on the attached list shall henceforth have the option of receiving Naira payment in addition to USD and eNaira as payout options”.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, International Money Transfer Operators are required to pay out the proceeds using the Investors & Exporters’ Window rate as the anchor rate on the day of the transaction. This regulation takes effect immediately. Please note and ensure compliance,” it said.

  • Glasgow Rangers’ return excites Leon Balogun

    Glasgow Rangers’ return excites Leon Balogun

    *Ndidi salutes Super Eagles defender

    Leon Balogun is back at Rangers on a one-year deal after the club confirmed his return with a surprise pre-season video cameo.

    The Nigerian international reunites with Michael Beale a year after leaving Ibrox.

    Balogun wasn’t offered a new contract at the end of the 2021/22 season by Gio van Bronckhorst, despite wanting to remain at his “football home.”

    The Dutchman’s loss was Michael Beale’s gain, who snapped up the 35-year-old on a free transfer for QPR.

    As confirmed by the official Gers website, the centre-back has moved back to the club on a one-year deal after his spell at Queens Park Rangers between 2020-2022 when he made65 appearances for the club .

    He told the club’s website: “I am just excited to be honest, it is still a bit unreal but it is very real, so I am just really happy to be back at Rangers – it feels like coming home. Since I have left, I have always felt a lot of appreciation and love from friends I have made in Glasgow and around the club and now that I am back it is nice to say the least.

    Read Also: LEON BALOGUN: Rangers fans push me to be better

    “I know second is no option, I know what people are going to say very quickly if we are not performing so it is time to get to work, put our best foot forward and make sure we get the results that we need.”

    Meanwhile, Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has sent a four-word message to Balogun after the latter re-joined Rangers.

    “Coming home,” Balogun posted on Instagram, with Ndidi replying: “Good luck young Balo.”

    Balogun’s return to Ibrox represents a great move for all parties involved, with the defender set to play a key role in the club’s fight to get back to their very best next season.

    Beale added: “Leon is a person that I have full trust in both as a footballer and a man. He is extremely well-liked by everyone inside the club, and we are very happy to have someone with his experience and leadership qualities re-joining our squad. Naturally he will integrate back into the club very quickly and he understands fully our way of working and style of play.

    “As a free agent, we were able to move quickly so that he could join us here in Germany. It was really nice to see the reception he received from the players and staff on joining us here at the camp.”

  • ‘Don’t be scared of witch-hunt’

    ‘Don’t be scared of witch-hunt’

    Benue state Governor Hyacinth Alia has advised former Governor Samuel Ortom not to be afraid of witch hunting, if his hands are clean .

    Reacting to the statement credited to the media aide of former Governor Samuel Ortom, on the impounded vehicles belonging to his boss, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Sir Kulas Tersoo, denied any witch hunt in the operation that led to the seizure of 44 vehicles from the former governor’s automobile workshop in Makurdi, the state capital .

    In a statement, the CPS said: “We have read with dismay, contradictory statements from Mr. Terver Akase, a media aide to the former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, and also from the state Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party in Benue State, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, wherein they both accused the Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia’s administration of harassing and witch-hunting Samuel Ortom.

     “We can recall that during the June 22, 2023 inauguration of the Assets Recovery Committee by Rev. Fr. Alia, the Governor had charged the committee not to witch hunt anyone, but to stop at nothing to legitimately recover all lands, vehicles, houses, furniture and other machines wrongly taken away, sold and kept in the wrong hands.”

    Read Also: Benue: APC, PDP renew hostilities over suspended council chairmen

     The CPS said Ortom was not the target, as his aide and the Publicity Secretary claimed.

     The discovery and recovery of vehicles at a private building by the committee was an indication that they were working.

      He recalled that Ortom had set up similar committees, shortly after he was sworn into office in 2015. Government assets were allegedly recovered from certain individuals at the time, including from his predecessor, Sen. Gabriel Suswam.

    “Sadly, to desperately defend callousness, Mr. Akase has, in his statement described the building where the vehicles were recovered as “a commercial automobile workshop operated by London Lines Transport Limited,”  while Mr. Bemgba on the other hand stated that the place is “a private automobile workshop owned by Gov. Ortom’s business concern, Oracle Business Limited.” I truly sympathise with them here. This is a clear case of double-speak and a feeble depiction of desperation to defend the indefensible.

  • ‘Lagos working to build, sustain digitised public service’

    ‘Lagos working to build, sustain digitised public service’

    Lagos State is committed to building and sustaining a digitised public service to meeting the people’s needs.

    The Head of Service (HoS), Hakeem Muri-Okunola, reiterated this at a public lecture yesterday, which was part of activities to mark the 2023 Public Service Week.

    According to Muri-Okunola, public servants must adapt their service delivery to the realities of this era ‘where technology has become an integral part of our lives’. “Such adaptation would be in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to continuously meet the evolving needs of our citizens”, he noted.

    The HoS added: “In building a digitised public service, we must recognise that technology has transformed the way we interact with the people and other stakeholders as government agencies and institutions. From online platforms for applying for permits and licences to digital portals for accessing information and resources, the potential for innovation is vast.

    Read Also: Naija Super 8: Sporting Lagos shock Remo Stars as Katsina United dump Enyimba

    “By implementing user-friendly interfaces, streamlining processes, and harnessing the power of automation, we can improve the overall experience for citizens.”

    He also noted that a key advantage of a digitised public service is its ability to increase efficiency and productivity, as well as enhance accessibility and inclusivity.

    Speaking on the topic ‘Building and Sustaining a Digitised Public Service’, Muri-Okunola harped on the need to not just build, but also sustain a digitised public service. This, he said, the government was doing by ensuring that citizens and public servants alike were equipped with necessary skills to navigate and utilise digital tools effectively.

  • Ilorin Aviation College graduates pilots

    Ilorin Aviation College graduates pilots

    The International Aviation College (IAC), Ilorin, Kwara State, has graduated four students. While one obtained a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine, the others got their Private Pilot Licences (PPL).

    This is coming about a month after five newly-graduated pilots were decorated by the college, increasing the number of pilots, produced from March 2022 till date, to 31.

    Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, at the graduation ceremony, reiterated his commitment to the continued funding and support of the college to contribute its quota to manpower development in the aviation industry.

    Represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Hajia Habeeba Saidu, the governor commended the management and staff for their dedication.

    He urged them to maintain momentum in churning out more students to reduce the backlog.

    The governor also advised the new pilots to be exemplary ambassadors of the college and apply their training and skills in uplifting the aviation industry.

    Read Also: NCAA lifts suspension on Aviation College’s certificate

    Acting Rector of the college, Capt. Yakubu Okatahi, thanked Abdulrasaq for his support, and urged the graduands to unleash their skills and potentials in contributing to the growth of the aviation industry.

    “The industry is waiting for your contributions, do not to disappoint,” he told them.

    One of the graduands, Ezema Chindera, who described his graduation as the fulfilment of a long dream, appreciated the government’s support which has kept the college going.

    Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi has directed the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) Chairmen in the 16 local government areas to sponsor their indigenes for the Standard Pilot and Flight Dispatchers’ Courses at the college.

    Alabi spoke at a meeting with the college’s management and chairmen. He advised the chairmen to take advantage of the college’s presence in Kwara by sponsoring their indigenes through the school.

    According to Alabi, local governments that cannot afford the fee for the standard pilot course can still sponsor about three persons for flight dispatchers’ course which is equally a lucrative aviation-related course. 

    The deputy governor thus directed the college, particularly the Business Development Unit, to liaise with the ALGON Chairman to ensure the plans see the light of day.

  • Nigeria redeems $500m Eurobond

    Nigeria has redeemed her $500 million Eurobond issued in July 2013.

    The Debt Management Office (DMO), in a statement yesterday, said: “This is part of a dual-tranche US$1 billion Eurobond for a tenor of 10 years at a coupon of 6.375 per cent per annum.”

    The DMO said Nigeria had  redeemed a $500 million Eurobond in July 2018, another $500 million Eurobond in January 2021, and a $300 million Diaspora Bond in June, last year. This, with the $500 million bond.

    According to the DMO, “the Eurobond redeemed today, brings the total amount of securities redeemed by Nigeria in the International Capital Market (ICM) to $1.8 billion”.

    By redeeming these Eurobonds on their due dates means, the DMO said, “Nigeria’s successful redemption of its Eurobonds and Diaspora Bond in the ICM over the past six years. It is a demonstration of its strong debt management operations and planning.”

    Redeeming a Eurobond means that Nigeria is repaying the principal amount of the bond along with any outstanding interest payments before or immediately upon the bond’s maturity date.

    A Eurobond is a type of bond issued in a currency other than the currency of the country where it is issued. In this case, Nigeria issued a $1.8 billion Eurobond, which means it borrowed $1.8 billion from international investors by issuing bonds denominated in a foreign currency, such as the US dollar or the euro.

    Read Also: MTN redeems $300m in Eurobonds ahead maturity

    When Nigeria redeems a Eurobond, it uses its funds or obtains new financing to repay the bondholders. Typically, a country redeems a Eurobond by utilising its foreign exchange reserves, obtaining loans, or issuing new bonds. The repayment process involves returning the principal amount borrowed, along with any interest payments that have accrued (in this case 6.375 per cent per annum).

    The redemption of a Eurobond affects Nigeria’s  debt profile in several ways. Firstly, by redeeming the Eurobond, Nigeria reduces its debt obligations by the principal amount of $1.8 billion.

    This can help improve the country’s debt sustainability and reduce the burden of servicing the debt.

    Secondly, redeeming a Eurobond may have implications for Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. If the country uses its foreign exchange reserves to repay the bond, it could deplete its reserves or reduce the buffer it has to support the local currency and manage external obligations.

    The redemption of a Eurobond can also impact Nigeria’s creditworthiness and borrowing costs. As Nigeria has successfully redeemed the Eurobond, it can enhance its reputation in international financial markets. This, in turn, may lead to improved investor confidence and potentially lower borrowing costs in the future.

    It’s important to note that the specific details and implications of the redemption can vary depending on the terms and conditions of the Eurobond issuance and the overall economic and financial situation of Nigeria at the time of redemption.

  • ‘Ogun Central deserves ministerial slot’

    ‘Ogun Central deserves ministerial slot’

    The Ogun State Integrity Group has asked President Bola Tinubu to consider fairness, justice and equity when picking ministerial nominee from Ogun State, saying the nominee should come from Ogun Central.

    The group argued that Ogun East has Governor Dapo Abiodun and Ogun West has Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

    Group leader, Wale Coker, who addressed reporters yesterday, said any arrangement short of this fair demand would put Ogun Central out of the 2023 political equation. He also reminded President Tinubu and party leaders that the Central has the largest voting population and demonstrated same during the last general elections.

    Coker noted that given the past experiences since 2003, it is quite logical, reasonable, and politically expedient that the next minister due to Ogun should come from the Central District.

    Read Also: Youths seek ministerial nomination from Taraba Central

    He said: “Ogun Central has eminent and qualified sons and daughters who are distinguished in their personal and professional lives, and have also worked assiduously for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu in the last elections.

    “Picking any minister from Ogun East or West will amount to a total disequilibrium of the state’s political setup, which may not augur well for APC and our leader who we all know to be an apostle of fairness. Also, for political expediency, Ogun State is politically sophisticated as shown during the last governorship election when compared to the earlier presidential election.

    “Therefore, for justice and equity, we are appealing to President Tinubu to choose his ministerial nominee from Ogun Central as anything against this may not go down well with the leaders and stakeholders of Ogun Central.”

  • Assembly to complete screening of Adeleke’s nominees Monday

    Assembly to complete screening of Adeleke’s nominees Monday

    • •Okays 25 special advisers

    Screening of commissioner and special adviser- nominees began yesterday at the Osun State House of Assembly. The screening is expected to end on Monday.

    Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the screening committee, Akinyode Oyewusi, stressed the seven-man committee’s readiness to carry out a thorough job.

    “The exercise should not be seen as an attempt to witch hunt any of the nominees, but a legislative procedure to choose the best hands to navigate the running of government for the next four years,” he said.

    Read Also: Forum chides Adeleke for breaking pact on women inclusivity

    Oyewusi added that the nominees shall make another appearance before the House next Monday on after the committee submits its report to the General Assembly. 

    The Assembly also okayed the governor’s request to appoint additional 25 special advisers, a statement by the speaker’s media aide, Olamide Tiamiyu, said.

    He added that the confirmation was conveyed in a letter by the Speaker Adewale Egbedun, to Governor Adeleke yesterday.

    The statement reads: “Governor Adeleke had written to the House on July 4, requesting approval to appoint 25 special advisers. After careful consideration, I am pleased to inform you that the House of Assembly has approved your request.”