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PISE-P launch: Deputy Speaker not on war path with Southeast governors, Ohaneze

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has denied reports that he was on a war oath with Southeast governors and Ohaneze Ndi Igbo over the control of the region’s political space.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, described the reports as unfortunate, stressing that they showed a lack of patriotism and absence of support for the pursuit of peace in the region.

It reads: “Ordinarily, the Office of the Deputy Speaker would not have batted an eyelid over such claptrap of a publication that lacks simple journalistic ethos of attribution to a story. But because we owe the unsuspecting members of the public the huge responsibility of protecting them, this rebuttal, then, becomes very necessary.

“To set the record straight, Kalu is not looking for a fiefdom to exert his control over. For those who know him, he is only passionate about the peace, unity, growth and development of his native region.

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“As a true son of Igbo land, Kalu is very much concerned and greatly distressed by the security challenges that had bedevilled the Southeast for a while now.

“What is expected of any son of the soil and the occupant of an office such as his is to galvanise the people and deploy the influence of his office to finding the panacea for the travails of the zone. And this is precisely what Kalu has done and still doing with Peace In the Southeast Project (PISE-P).

“Needless to say that the launch of the novel, noble, and bold idea altruistically initiated by Kalu, was a huge success.”

“Before the event, Kalu toured every nook and cranny of the country, including his Southeast, selling PISE-P to everyone.

“So, for an event that was eventually attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima; the Senate President, ably represented by his deputy, Senator Jubrin Barau; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajideen Abbas; the governors of the five eastern states, including the Chairman of (the region’s) governors’ forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, who represented the traditional rulers from the South; the Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Mohammed Sa’adu Abubakar III; the President-General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, amid an array of stellar personalities from different political, cultural, business and religiously backgrounds, it then defies every logical reasoning to say the talk for peace did not get the desired attention.

“It will be mischievous on the part of the newspaper and the author of the story to feign ignorance of the fact that Governor Hope Uzodinma, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, and the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo President-General, Chief Iwuanyanwu, who are prominent sons of Igbo land, made a declaration and took turns to eulogise Kalu for the initiative…”

January 2, 2024
First Lady offers Renewed Hope’s willingness to separate conjoined twins

• Ebonyi first baby arrives at midnight

• Hair dresser gives birth to triplets in Enugu, seeks help

• Bricklayer’s wife delivered of Ekiti first baby

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday promised that her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), will assist in the separation of a set of conjoined twins at the National Hospital in Abuja.

The First Lady made the promise while presenting gifts to the first babies born at the hospital and came across the conjoined twins.

After speaking with the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof. Mohammed Raji Mahmood, she promised the willingness of RHI to facilitate the surgery for the conjoined twins.

Prof. Mahmood expressed appreciation of the hospital for the First Lady’s gesture.

He called for more help to sustain the legacy of the national hospital.

Senator Tinubu also urged expectant mothers to prioritise their health and seek to know their HIV/AIDS status.

In a statement in Abuja by her spokesperson Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu urged well-meaning Nigerians to work with the government to adopt hospitals and wards for the improvement of healthcare delivery.

She said the RHI was working with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to register all births in Nigeria to safeguard the rights and protection of all children.

The First Lady visited the first baby of the year, a boy named Boluwatife Johnson, who was born at 12.03 a.m.

She also visited other babies born in the hospital and presented gifts to them.

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Senator Tinubu was accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye; wife of the Works Minister, Mrs. Rachael Umahi, and the wife of the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Bello Matawalle.

Baby Johnson was born at 12.03 a.m.

Also, Ebonyi State’s first baby of the year was born at the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre (NOFIC) in Abakaliki, the state capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the baby girl, who weighed about 2.8 kilogramme, was born on the nick of the New Year.

The governor’s wife, Mrs. Mary Maudline Nwifuru, who was at the hospital to present gifts to the first baby, expressed satisfaction over the safe delivery.

The first baby was born to Mr. and Mrs. Elom.

In Enugu State, a hair dresser, Joan Orajiobi, from Nnewi, gave birth to a set of triplets on New Year Day.

She was delivered of two girls and a boy at a private hospital, the Praise and Grace Hospital and Maternity at 1 Mbanugo Street, Coal Camp, Enugu State.

Orajiobi, who lives at Ologo Quarters in Uwani Enugu, sought help from fellow Nigerians to take care of the babies.

“I am a hair dresser. I have two girls already before this pregnancy occurred in May,” she said.

Seeking help from Nigerians, Orajiobi said it would be difficult for her and her husband to take care of the babies.

In Ekiti State, wife of the governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, yesterday welcomed the first baby of the year at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Okeyard, Ise-Ekiti.

The first baby, Adeyemo, was the second child of a 38-year-old bricklayer, Mr. Gbenga Adeyemo, and his 32-year-old wife, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adeyemo.

The mother was delivered of the baby at midnight and the baby weighed 3.0 kilogrammes at birth.

Mrs. Oyebanji congratulated the parents and presented gifts to the new baby.

In Lagos State, the first babay was born in Badagry.

The governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, welcomed and presented gifts to the first babies of the year in four Lagos general hospitals at Badagry General Hospital; Maternal Child Centre (MCC) Amuwo-Odofin; Ajeromi General Hospital, and Apapa General Hospital.

At Ajeromi General Hospital, a boy weighing 2.9 kilogrammes and delivered at 12.01 a.m by Mrs. Balogun is the first baby of the year.

Also, a boy weighing 3.6 kilogrammes, born at 12.04 a.m by Mrs. Echo-Harry, is the first baby of the year at the Badagry General Hospital.

The first babies of the year at the Maternal and Child Centre at Amuwo-Odofin are twins delivered through Cesarean Section by Mrs. Salaudeen.

The first child, a boy, weighing three kilogrammes, was delivered at 12.07 a.m; the second child, also a boy weighing 3.5 kilogrammes, was delivered at 12.09 a.m.

The first baby of the year at the Apapa General Hospital is a boy weighing 2.6kg and born at 12.38 a.m by Mrs. Rafiu Rachael.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu presented gifts to the babies and blessed them.

In Abia State, the governor’s wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, welcomed the first baby of the year at Okpulor Ukwu Primary Health Centre in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs. Otti presented gifts to the baby during her goodwill visit to the health centre.

The first baby of the year, Chiziterem Jethro Ikechukwu, a boy who weighed 2.5 kilogrammes at birth, was born at 12:02 a.m to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ikechukwu Albert of Mbubo community in the same local government.

January 2, 2024
The urgency of unity behind anti-terrorism war

• War against terror can benefit from a comprehensive approach that combines military strength, education, economic development, community engagement, political solution and international elements

In the year 2023, Nigeria recorded remarkable progress in its counterterrorism efforts, achieving significant successes in the relentless pursuit of peace and security. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reported a series of commendable achievements by Nigerian troops, serving as a testament to their unwavering commitment and operational prowess throughout the period from January to December. Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, delivered the encouraging news, highlighting the successful neutralisation of 6,886 terrorists and other criminal elements. Additionally, the troops demonstrated their vigilance by apprehending 6,970 individuals engaged in extremist activities, contributing significantly to the dismantling of illicit networks. The successful rescue of 4,488 kidnapped hostages further underscored the dedication and effectiveness of the Nigerian military in safeguarding the lives and well-being of its citizens.

Beyond these impressive statistics, the troops exhibited exceptional tactical skills by recovering 3,320 assorted weapons and securing 39,075 assorted ammunition. This effort reflects the comprehensive nature of their operations across the country during the specified time frame. These accomplishments not only speak to the military’s operational excellence but also highlight the collaborative and strategic approach employed in addressing diverse security challenges. The dedication of the Nigerian military to maintaining public safety and addressing the multifaceted aspects of security is evident in these achievements.

In addressing the battle against crude oil theft, General Buba provided significant details on the achievements of the troops. Notably, they successfully recovered 100,316,600 litres of crude oil, along with 60,339,426 litres of AGO (Automotive Gas Oil), 3,465,450 litres of DPK (Dual Purpose Kerosene), and 3,544,990 litres of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit). Despite these accomplishments, General Buba emphasised that the security situation throughout the outgoing year of 2023 remained fluid, complex, and dynamic. He highlighted the transformative nature of the threat, which continuously adapted in both form and scale. General Buba acknowledged the unpredictable challenges posed by this evolving threat landscape, requiring constant vigilance and adaptability from security forces.

This acknowledgment underscores the ongoing dedication of the military to address not only current security concerns but also the evolving nature of threats. The multifaceted approach taken by the armed forces remains crucial in navigating the complexities of the security environment, ensuring a proactive response to emerging challenges. “This unpredictable nature of the threat and the attendant demands for stability have continued to pose significant challenges for security forces. Consequently, various forces have continued to evolve Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) to professionally respond to these threats,” he said.

This decisive action underscores the country’s commitment to national security and signals a major blow to terrorist networks operating within its borders. The coordinated efforts of security forces have not only resulted in a substantial reduction in potential threats but also demonstrate Nigeria’s resolve to maintain stability and protect its citizens. This commendable success reflects the dedication and effectiveness of the nation’s security apparatus in tackling the complex challenges posed by terrorism. This substantial achievement not only signifies a decisive blow to terrorist networks but also highlights Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security within its borders. The success is a testament to the coordinated and strategic approach adopted by the nation’s security apparatus. Through meticulous planning and execution, the authorities have managed to significantly diminish the operational capabilities of terrorist elements. The scale of these operations underscores the magnitude of the threat that Nigeria has faced and the determination to address it comprehensively.

The apprehension of 6,970 individuals adds another layer to this success story, as it reflects the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and law enforcement efforts. These arrests not only disrupt existing terrorist networks but also serve as a deterrent to potential recruits, sending a clear message that unlawful activities will be met with swift and decisive action. Beyond the immediate gains in national security, this accomplishment positions Nigeria as a proactive and resilient force against the complex challenges of terrorism. The nation’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and maintaining regional stability shines through in these efforts.

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For over ten years, Nigeria has grappled with the menacing spectre of terrorism, a challenge that demands a united front and steadfast resolve from its diverse population. The war against terrorism is not merely a military endeavour but a collective societal responsibility that necessitates collaboration on multiple fronts. Terrorism, with its insidious tactics, has left scars on communities, fractured social fabrics, and instilled fear in the hearts of citizens. It is imperative for Nigerians to recognise that combating this menace extends beyond military interventions. A holistic approach that encompasses economic development, education, and community engagement is crucial.

The government must prioritise intelligence gathering and sharing, not only internally but also through regional and international cooperation. Collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries and global partners can significantly enhance the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations. This is a battle that transcends borders, and unity on the international stage is paramount. Education emerges as a powerful weapon in the war against terrorism. By investing in education, particularly in areas prone to extremist ideologies, Nigeria can empower its youth with knowledge and critical thinking skills, countering the allure of radicalization. Additionally, promoting religious tolerance and understanding can help bridge divides and foster a sense of national unity.

Economic development plays a pivotal role in eradicating the roots of terrorism. Addressing poverty and unemployment is essential to prevent vulnerable individuals from falling prey to extremist ideologies. Government initiatives and private sector involvement can create opportunities, offering hope for a brighter future and diminishing the appeal of terrorism as an alternative. Community engagement is the backbone of any successful anti-terrorism strategy. Local communities, being the first line of defence, should be empowered with the tools and resources to identify and report suspicious activities. Building trust between security forces and communities is vital, as it strengthens the bond needed to eradicate terrorism at its roots.

Lessons from other countries

Several nations around the world have faced and successfully combated terrorism through comprehensive strategies. One notable example is the United Kingdom’s struggle against Irish Republican Army (IRA) terrorism. The conflict between the UK and the IRA spanned several decades, characterised by bombings, assassinations, and social unrest. The UK government employed a multifaceted approach to address the root causes and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure. Key elements of their strategy included political dialogue. The UK government engaged in sustained political dialogue to address the underlying issues that fuelled the conflict. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 marked a crucial turning point, establishing a framework for peace and political stability in Northern Ireland.

Intelligence and security cooperation also helped, as effective intelligence gathering and sharing between the UK and international partners played a vital role in achieving success. This collaboration helped disrupt terrorist plots and dismantle the IRA’s support networks. Investment in economic development, particularly in areas affected by violence and unrest, aimed to address socio-economic grievances. This approach sought to provide alternative opportunities for individuals who might be drawn to extremist ideologies due to economic hardship. Building trust and cooperation between security forces and local communities was equally essential. Community policing initiatives and efforts to involve residents in the peace process helped create a more supportive environment. The UK also received support from the international community in condemning terrorism and promoting a peaceful resolution. This included diplomatic efforts and pressure on external actors who supported or facilitated terrorism.

Colombia faced a prolonged insurgency by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) that lasted for more than five decades. The Colombian government implemented a multifaceted approach to address this insurgency. It engaged in sustained military operations against FARC, targeting its leadership and disrupting its operations. This military pressure weakened the group’s capabilities over time. The Colombian government pursued a two-pronged strategy of military operations and negotiations. In 2016, a historic peace agreement was reached, leading to the demobilization of FARC combatants. Efforts to reintegrate former fighters into society followed, with programs focusing on education, job training, and community involvement. To address the root causes of the conflict, Colombia implemented social and economic development programs in conflict-affected regions. This included initiatives to reduce poverty, improve infrastructure, and enhance access to education and healthcare. Colombia sought international support for its efforts, receiving aid and cooperation from various countries and organizations. The involvement of the international community provided resources and legitimacy to Colombia’s anti-insurgency measures.

Spain faced a protracted campaign of terrorism by the Basque separatist group ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna). Spanish authorities utilised law enforcement measures to combat ETA, targeting its leadership and infrastructure. Increased collaboration with European counterparts helped in tracking and apprehending key figures. Alongside law enforcement actions, the Spanish government engaged in political dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict. In 2011, ETA declared a permanent ceasefire, and in 2018, it officially dissolved. Efforts were made to reintegrate former ETA members into society through rehabilitation programmes. This included psychological support, education, and job opportunities to facilitate their transition away from violence. Spain also collaborated with other European nations to counter cross-border terrorism. Intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts were instrumental in preventing ETA from operating with impunity across borders.

Nigeria, like many other nations, has borne witness to the devastating impact of terrorism on its people, economy, and social fabric. The scars left by acts of violence serve as a poignant reminder of the need for a united front against those who seek to sow discord and disrupt the peaceful coexistence of diverse communities. The urgency of unity behind Nigeria’s anti-terrorism war cannot be overstated. In the face of this formidable adversary, the nation has demonstrated remarkable courage and determination. The sacrifices made by the Nigerian Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies, and countless civilians who have stood firm in the face of terror are a testament to the indomitable spirit that defines the nation. It is crucial to recognize that the fight against terrorism extends beyond the battlefield. It involves fostering a collective consciousness that rejects the ideologies of hate and division. The hearts and minds of the people are the battlegrounds where unity and resilience must triumph over fear and mistrust.

In this endeavour, the role of community leaders, educators, and influencers is pivotal. They serve as beacons of hope, promoting tolerance, understanding, and a shared commitment to building a society free from the shadows of terror. Empowering communities with education and opportunities becomes a formidable weapon against the allure of extremist ideologies. The international community, too, plays a crucial role in supporting Nigeria’s fight against terror. Collaboration, information-sharing, and assistance in capacity-building are vital components of a comprehensive strategy to address the complex and evolving nature of global terrorism. As Nigeria continues to confront this multifaceted challenge, it is essential to celebrate the victories, however small, and acknowledge the progress made in dismantling terrorist networks. The unity displayed by Nigerians in times of crisis is a force that can reshape the narrative, turning despair into hope and fear into resilience. Nigeria’s war against terror is a journey that requires collective determination, unity, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of peace and justice. By standing together, the people of Nigeria can overcome the shadows of terror and pave the way for a brighter, more secure future for generations to come.

January 2, 2024
Where have all the prophets gone?

Not long ago this was the season in which all manner of prophets did brisk business – shoeless tramps in the seedier parts of town and on the fringes of the beaches dispensing their wares to individuals and the collectivity, trailed by a retinue of onlookers, passers-by and pickpockets, as well as in the better neighbourhoods where they did brisk discreet business with discriminating patrons.

Urban sprawl has shoved those of them with few assets farther and farther from the city centre, to the point when you are now most likely to find them in franchises of white-garment churches, which have to make returns to a mother church presided over by a Most Holy Primate, assisted down the line by other prophets ranked in descending order of divinity.

They are doing roaring business and doing it largely unnoticed. A scandal bobs up here and there usually where a high-ranking official has crossed the forbidding divide from Holy Communion to communion of the unholy kind, or has mixed up church funds with his personal bank account.

Among the faithful, these matters are usually discussed only in hushed whispers. It may result in an expulsion, but nothing stops the erring official from founding his own church and assigning himself a higher title and rank than the last one, and the sole prerogative of handing out lucrative franchises.

The contours of this commodification of religion were already visible in the 1970s. The phenomenon attained its notorious height during the mid-1990s, a period overlapping what his fawning acolytes call the IBB Era. The internet had not then become ubiquitous, and the few publications that peddled junk and smut were called by their proper names.

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Nobody took them seriously.

You did not need to be a research scholar or crackerjack reporter to monitor the mega-churches closely; there were only a few of them. And they were led for the most part by colourful personalities whose end end-of-year predictions, ranging from a bulletin on the health of a political leader of consequence to the fortune of the nation’s cashew crop in the commodity market, were eagerly awaited by policy-makers and producers.

Not a few invested them with the sanctity of Holy Writ.   The major newspapers and some of their commentators paid generous attention to the predictions. So did political officials often caught up in the news, however tangentially.

Suppose you are holder of the ticket of a major political party, and the prophet emerges from seven days and seven nights of fasting and abjuring things of the flesh and declares with critical solemnity that it had been revealed to him that the name of the winner of the coming presidential election is to be found in the Holy Bible.

If you are a candidate and were in early life baptized as Benjamin, or Jeremiah, as Nnamdi and Obafemi Awolowo respectively were, what does that piece of intelligence do to you or your followers, or for that matter to your opponents, even though, without formally renouncing those hallowed names, you had not answered to them for more than decades?

If, on the other hand, you were Shehu Shagari, Aminu Kano, or Waziri Ibrahim, that intelligence could not have given you much cheer nor kindled celebration in your circle. You could hear the air seep out of the balloons at their campaign headquarters.

In this instance, however, the joke – was on Zik and Awo. Their baptismal names were in the Bible all right, but so also is Shamgar which, come to think of it is close enough to pass Prophet Godspower Oyewole’s test. And it was Shagari who was declared winner and confirmed as such on appeal and at the court of last resort.

Who, but an authentic Man of God, could have anticipated and foretold this singular outcome?

Consider, next, this lead, wrought from sooth by a contemporary of Oyewole’s, variations of which could be heard in any street corner or read in their newsletters:   A political heavyweight from the North Central geopolitical zone will die in a ghastly motor accident during the year. Bad news, bad news, and more bad news. Floods and earthquakes, setting off mass displacement and suffering of Biblical proportions.

But there was always in the foreground an event, an occurrence an incident that bore a close resemblance to the prophecy.

The Minister of Information, the theatrical Alex Akinyele, thought it was bad for national morale and development that soothsayers kept harping on negative issues instead of the positive, uplifting things happening around them instead of dredging the sewers. He hinted darkly that if they persisted in harping on the dark side of things, government might be compelled to step in.

A tidal wave of positive prophecies followed – bounty harvests, an appreciating, Naira, falling food prices, but it was hard to tell whether this change resulted from chance or from the exertions of the Better Women, DIFFRI, MAMSER, or the People’s Bank. What is known for sure is that hysterical prophecies of disasters and doom ebbed dramatically.

It was bruited by the usual conspiracy theorists that officials who had a huge stake in playing up the brighter side of things had induced the soothsayers to put their often-doleful imaginations for once where their hungry mouths were, and then sit back and enjoy the dividends.

That was then. Today, the political and social climates are vastly different. Even if you could induce the traditional media to hew to a particular line or creed, could you get an alternative media that are not even social in name to do the same?

I had done a column in which I had dismissed the most of temperate and urbane of the tribe, Dr Gabriel Okunzua, whose authority derived from communion with spirits and witches and wizards and plants, as little more than a con artist like the rest of them.

One day, a student in my journalism class at the University of Lagos brought me an invitation from the parapsychologist himself. He said he would like to meet with me at my earliest convenience.

My mind raced back to a story a colleague told me long ago. The colleague, a staffer on another newspaper, had written an elegant and engaging puff piece about a celebrity who was famous for being, shall we say, famous, since few in the attentive audience remembered what her celebrity had consisted in, to begin with. The story touched on her henpecked second husband, whom she had wedded in a ceremony that met every definition of excess.

The lady worked up a rage of volcanic proportions. Brushing aside the rules, she called up a huge loan the publishing house in question was owing the bank, where she wielded considerable power and influence. Next, she demanded that the publisher bring the reporter to meet her face to explain his contumely.

I will leave Uncle Sam to favour us in his much-awaited memoirs with a narrative of how he navigated that treacherous passage.

To return to the main story:

Not to worry. The student assured me that Okunzua had had taught my older brother and pioneering paediatric surgeon, Professor Paul Omo-Dare at the old CMS Grammar School, Lagos, and was an avid reader of my column.

One Sunday afternoon, after service at the Protestant Chapel at the University of Lagos, I drove to the tidy arboretum that served him as home. There he was in the midst of shrubs and plants of all shapes and sizes, doing what he did best: talking to and listening to them.

His welcome was disarming. How is Paul these days?” he asked. I am so glad that he fulfilled the vast promise he showed at the Grammar School. Tell him to feel free to stop by whenever he is in the neighbourhood

Not a word about my article that I thought had offended him gravely. Not a word then, nor at any point during my 45-minute visit.

After whispering to a plant for about a minute, he told me calmly that nothing would come out of my application for a position with a New York-based international agency, though I was better qualified than most of the applicants.   How he came to know this quest which I had shared with only my closest friends baffles me to this day.

Then he struck a note that was even more jarring. The way things were shaping up, he said, I would have to return to the United States soon with my family. In the ten years since I returned from doctoral studies at Indiana University, I had never seriously contemplated such a move.

Three years later I was headed to Illinois, where I have lived ever since.

January 2, 2024
Rudy Giuliani’s woes

In the closing weeks of last year, former New York mayor and ex-United States President Donald Trump’s ally, Rudy Giuliani, officialized his money troubles. He filed for bankruptcy, days after he was ordered to pay $148million to two former Georgia election workers he had falsely accused of fraud as he worked to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss to current President, Joe Biden. In his bankruptcy filing, he sought protection from creditors over liabilities running into $500million whereas he estimated his assets at between $1million and $10million.

Giuliani had been teetering on the brink of financial ruin for many years, but the eye-popping damages award to former election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, pushed him over the edge. The 79-year-old had in August been found liable by a US district judge of defaming Freeman and Moss with his 2020 election lies on behalf of Republican Trump who narrowly lost Georgia to Democrat Biden. Giuliani, who led Trump’s legal efforts to overturn the results of the poll, posted a video of the pair by which he falsely accused them of engaging in fraud during ballot counting amid numerous other baseless claims. Freeman and Moss, who are Black, told the jury trial that Giuliani’s false accusations led to death threats that made them fear for their lives. An eight-person federal jury, on December 15, awarded both women more than $16million each for defamation, $20million each for emotional distress and $75million in punitive damages.

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Giuliani’s bankruptcy filing marked a fortune reversal arising from the political company he kept. He was New York mayor from 1994 to 2001, guiding the city through the shock of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and becoming known as “America’s Mayor” for his calm and steady leadership following the attacks. He is a one-time Republican presidential candidate, and high-ranking Justice Department official. All that were before signing up as Trump’s personal lawyer in his (Trump’s) White House years. Once swimming in cash as a globetrotting security consultant, his fortunes plunged amid lawsuits, fines, sanctions and damages related to his work helping Trump try to overturn the 2020 election. Other lawsuits he listed as potential liabilities include one brought against him by Biden’s son, Hunter.

Spokesperson Ted Goodman said in a statement that Giuliani’s decision to seek bankruptcy protection should surprise no one because “no person should reasonably believe that (he) would be able to pay such a high punitive amount.” The filing, according to him, will give the former mayor “opportunity and time to pursue an appeal, while providing transparency for his finances under the supervision of the bankruptcy court…”

When sages say the company you keep determines the vicissitudes of life you face, look no further than Giuliani’s battles for an apt illustration.

January 2, 2024
Stemming sexual, domestic violence through public outreach

The last few months have been busy for the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in Lagos as it embarked on a number of outreaches and campaigns against gender- based violence in the nook and crannies of the state. ADEBISI ONANUGA reports strategies employed to stem the tide of the vice in the ember months

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has evolved new approaches in its efforts to curb gender-based violence in the state through behavioral mindset programmes. It also involves sensitising and training of all relevant stakeholders to infuse the SGBV message whilst moving towards a complete reversal of the menace from the society.

The first of such awareness programmes tagged: “Man Wey Sabi” held at Unity market, Agbado.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the purpose was to address gender stereotypes in Lagos.

She emphasised the collective responsibility to empower women, urging society, leaders, and residents to champion gender equality in their various domain.

Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi said the program shines a light on men’s pivotal roles in ending domestic and sexual violence in a pragmatic manner and promotes partnership in marriages. A lively cooking competition generously sponsored by Power Oil Nigeria Limited showcased culinary skills of the participants.

The primary objective is to spread our message in a spirited manner, challenging stereotypes regarding men’s involvement in childcare and the essence of marriage partnership.

The Baba-Oja of Unity market, Agbado, Prince Abiodun Kosoko appreciated the currentadministration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for ensuring that the society is conducive for both genders to thrive.

Inter-generational conversations in Lagos Island

The next stage of the awareness and enlightenment campaign was given the theme: “Because You Have Experienced It, Don’t Become It”. The one-day intergenerational conversation on triggers of violence in homes was taken to door steps of homes on Lagos Island and had many residents and stakeholders in attendance.

The DSVA, while intensifying efforts to curb the menace of sexual and domestic violence in homes in the state and their relentless commitment to raising awareness against violence towards women and girls also emphasised the unique importance of the discussion to bridge the generational gap in understanding the triggers of violence within homes.

Mrs Rhodes-Vivour, who was represented at the event by the Head of the Public Affairs Department, Mrs. Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni, set the stage for a dialogue focused on fostering understanding and collaboration.

This collaborative effort signified a step forward in fostering understanding and unity across generations in the fight against violence within homes.

The Supervisor for ‘Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs. Olayinka Bamidele, in a goodwill message, urged participants to persist in speaking up on issues related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

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She urged parents to also respect the privacy of couples, allow them to bond together and make decisions concerning their homes. She said third party interference often triggers violence in the homes.

The collaborative partner for the event, VCARE for Development Foundation, represented by Mr. Peter Fujuno, affirmed their commitment to supporting DSVA in the fight against SGBV.

At Ojuwoye Market, Mushin which hosted another version of the “Men Wey Sabi” edition, the DSVA Executive Secretary, Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to eliminating gender-based violence through it’s initiative aimed to change people’s behavioural mind sets, educating and training pertinent to stakeholders and the Public.

She said that the programme was critically aimed at addressing gender stereotypes in Lagos, revealing that statistics through research have shown that these stereotypes are the resultant causes of Domestic Violence in various homes.

She said the Ojuwoye Market, Mushin edition was held so that the message could be amplified to the nooks and crannies in Lagos.

The Executive Secretary, who was represented by the Head Community Engagement, Mr. Adewusi Damilare, further emphasised that it was crucial to empower women to boost development and give them a voice as they also play significant impact in society.

In order to mobilise support for gender equality, she laid credence to the need for collaborations from the public and private sector, elected leaders, and individuals to use their positions, offices, and platforms to amplify the SGBV message.

Adewusi noted that: “Market Fiesta” increased awareness of men’s crucial roles in preventing sexual and domestic violence and sustaining marital partnership, while also rallying support for gender equality. He emphasised that the programme’s goal was to debunk myths regarding men’s involvement in the kitchen in opposition to gender stereotypes that place women in certain positions and the importance of cooperation in marriage as a vital source of mutual support in households.

UNFPA day in Epe

During its outreach in Epe, a walk was held to heighten sensitisation campaign on the 16 days of Activism against Violence against Women and Girls globally. The walk held on Friday, December 8, 2023.

Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi, at the event said the agency was aligning with the global movement for the annual event. The 16 Days of Activism against violence against women and girls, with the theme “Women Arise, Light Up Campaign” was in partnership with UNFPA to organise a transformative sensitisation walk in Ayetoro Market, Epe.

Vivour-Adeniyi said the objective of the event was to address and combat gender-based violence, fostering a community-wide commitment to speak up against these atrocities.

She stated that, the sensitisation walk with the theme “Women Arise, Light Up Campaign.” also aimed at illuminating and empowering the entire communities of Epe, urging them to raise their voices against all forms of abuse, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

“The sensitisation walk in Epe is sacrosanct and represents a significant stride towards building safer and more informed communities, and as the agency eagerly anticipates further partnerships and initiatives in the pursuit of a violence-free society, whilst remaining resolute in our mission and looks forward to the continued support of all stakeholders in this noble cause.” Vivour-Adeniyi said.

Participants in the sensitisation walk included market women, the youth, representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Ministry of Health, Child Protection Network, the Police force, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and the DSVA team, gathered at Ayetoro market. This diverse representation symbolised a united front against SGBV..

The walk commenced from Ayetoro market through Ayetoro town up to the Fish Market in Epe with notable interaction at the fish market where the Baba Loja – Elijah Jacob Babatunde and Iyaloja- Alhaja Adeola Giwa not only endorsed but passionately voiced support for the cause, emphasising the urgency of combating SGBV.

The walk stopped at the Local Government Secretariat, where participants were brought together for a closing session.

Badagry Intergenerational Conversations

The DSVA, in continuation of the sensitisation on the 16 Days of Activism against violence against women and girls had a one-day Intergenerational Conversation on triggers of violence in the homes in Badagry.

Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi, in her welcome address said the theme – “Because You Have Experience It, Don’t Become It”, was specifically chosen to address re-occurring issues which contribute to triggers for violence in the home.

She informed the gathering that marriages require amongst others, mutual respect, understanding, communication, respected boundaries and cooperation, and partnership to achieve peace which were the Key takeaways for participants in in the program.

The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Head of the Public Affairs Department, Mrs. AdeJoke Ladenegan-Oginni stressed that the event which was first held during the DSVA Awareness Month gave a platform to leverage and further amplify the message of the intergenerational conversation on triggers of violence in the home.

The Vice Chairman Badagry Local Governmentt, Mrs. Elizabeth Pedetin-Kappoin her goodwill message thanked the state government and the agency for organising the event in Badagry. She noted that all forms of abuse affect victims psychologically and emotionally and the resultant effect evident in unruly children and a violent society.

Ensuring peaceful homes, safer society

Also, Supervisor, WAPA, Alhaja Risikat Abimbola Padonu- Hassan said women and girls are being protected from all forms of abuse and should endeavour to ensure they dwell harmoniously with their spouses by respecting and cooperating with them. She said eradication of triggers in the home would result in a peaceful home and a safer society.

The Panelists and the Moderator, Ann Onyechefula of the Programs Department, DSVA informed participants that data gathered by the agency revealed that third-party interference, lack of communication, lack of sexual satisfaction, financial dependency, unrealistic expectations, and infidelity have been identified as triggers contributing to domestic violence and intimate partner violence.

“These conflicts usually result in violence in homes bearing in mind that the family is the first unit of socialisation, to tackle violence in society we must find ways to resolve conflicts in the home front because if not curbed they eventually lead to violence in the society at large”

She said the objectives for organising the program were to highlight the significance of Intergenerational Conversations on triggers of violence in the home particularly between inlaws and or other extended family members of the family by fostering understanding, promoting effective communication, and sharing valuable insights that create more harmonious and fulfilling family dynamics by offering solutions to actualise a peaceful society devoid of strife”.

At the event of the Badagry event, panelists were drawn from the different age groups and generations to participate in the symposium amongst whom were, Mrs. Oluwakemi Bello, Miss Temi Arowojolu, Mr. Taiwo Amusa, and Mr. Nathaniel Ayodeji.

Damilare Adewusi spoke on the services the agency renders free of charge that can be accessed, courtesy of the state government.

Intergenerational

conversations at Ikorodu

Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi, in her welcome address at the intergenerational conversations at Ikorodu said the theme – “Because You Have Experience It, Don’t Become It”, was specifically chosen to address reoccurring issues which contribute to triggers for violence in the home.

She also told the gathering that marriages requires amongst others, mutual respect, understanding, communication, respected boundaries and cooperations and partnership to achieve peace which were the Key take-aways from the event.

Vivour-Adeniyi who was represented by the Head Public Affairs Department, Mrs. AdeJoke Ladenegan- Oginni stressed that the event gave a platform to leverage on and to further amplify the message of the Intergenerational Conversation on triggers of violence in the home.

Parents to pay more attention to their children

The Chairman Ikorodu Local Government, Adesina Wasiu Ayodeji who was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Afinnih Abdullateef during his goodwill message, thanked the state goverment and the agency for organising the event in Ikorodu, He said all forms of abuse affect victims psychologically or emotionally as this could trigger mental disability or suicide.

He urged on parents to pay more attention to their children and wards and urged residents to report cases whoever the situation arises

Report cases timely

Ms Kemi Babatunde who represented VCARE for Development Foundation; in a good will message, encouraged the Ikorodu residents to take ample opportunity of the DSVA services by reporting cases timely. She said the eradication of triggers in the home would result in a peaceful home and safer society.

Triggers of domestic, sexual violence

Head- Clinical Pschology department, Dr. Olive Oluwagbemileke, said data gathered by the agency revealed that third-party interference, lack of communication, lack of sexual satisfaction, financial dependency, unrealistic expectations, and infidelity have been identified as triggers contributing to domestic violence and intimate partner violence.

“These conflicts usually results to violence in homes bearing in mind that the family is the first unit if socialization, to tackle violence in the society we must find ways to resolve conflicts in the home front because if not curbed it eventually leads to violence in the society at large”

She said the objectives were to highlight the significance of Intergenerational Conversations on triggers of violence in the home particularly between inlaws and or other extended family members of the family by fostering understanding, promoting effective communication, and sharing valuable insights that

create more harmonious and fulfilling family dynamics”.

At the event, panelists were drawn from the different Age Groups and generations to

participate in the symposium amongst who were, Mrs. Omoyemi Folarin, Mr. James Odey, Mr. Taiwo Amusa, Mr. Nathaniel Ayodeji, Ms. Zipporah Atoyebi and Mrs. Olive Oluwagbemileke as Moderator

Mrs Oluwakemi Bello , at all the events of the agency, gave an overview of SGBV and the services available at the Lagos DSVA that residents can access free of charge. She told participants to call the toll-free line 08000-333-333 or visit the Novel House office at Plot 3, Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Alausa Ikeja to report cases.

January 2, 2024
163,878 Nigerians enjoyed FG transportation rebate in 10 days

Minister of Solid Minerals Development and chairman of the Committee on the Implementation of the End of Year Transportation Subsidy Programme of the President, Oladele Alake said 163, 878 Nigerians benefited from the federal government transportation rebate across the country.

Special adviser to the minister, Kehinde Bamigbetan, who made this known in a statement said Alake described the programme as a huge success.

According to him, Alake, made this known in a progress report on Monday, January 1, 2024.

He added: “Alake said the programme, which was approved by President Tinubu on December 19, 2023, provided free transportation on the routes of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and 50 percent subsidy on transport fares for passengers travelling on 30 routes serviced by bus operators under the umbrella association, the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria, ALBON.

“He also added the programme was a demonstration of the president’s empathy and love for the Nigerian people, who are culturally and emotionally committed to travelling to their home towns at the end of the year.

“According to him, the programme was also aimed to ease the financial burden of the citizens, who are facing some economic challenges due to the global pandemic and other internal factors.

“He said the committee took some remedial measures to address some identified gaps in the execution of the programme, such as adding two more routes, engaging other bus-owning stakeholders, such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, the State-owned Transport Companies, and the Private Transport Operators Association, PTONA, and collaborating and sensitising Nigerians through the press and other media platforms.

“He said the programme recorded impressive results, as between December 21 and December 31, 2023, the NRC conveyed 71,000 passengers, while buses operating under the auspices of ALBON carried 77, 122 passengers.

“The Minister in the report also revealed that 652 ‘bus trips originating travels’ from Oshodi Interchange in Lagos carried 15,766.

“Between December 21 and December 31, 2023, figures avaialable show that the NRC conveyed 71,000 passengers, while buses operating under the auspices of ALBON carried 77, 122 passengers, and 652 bus trips originating travels from Oshodi Interchange in Lagos carried 15,766. This means no fewer than 163, 878 passengers benefitted from the Presidential Yuletide Transportation Subsidy in the first 10 days of the programme.

“Secondly, while train bound passengers enjoyed total free service, road travelers paid only 50 percent of the fares. The subsidies depended on the fares ranging from a saving of N21,500 on a Lagos-Abuja road trip fare of N43,000 and N15,000 on a Lagos –Onisha bus fare of N30,000,” Alake said in the report.

He added: “He appealed for co-operation from the passengers and the bus companies to manage the return of passengers from their respective locations back to their bases till Thursday, January 4, 2024, as the programme is still ongoing.

“On the overall assessment of the scheme so far, Alake enthused that it has been a huge success, emphasising that the transportation rebate was a demonstration of the level love President Tinubu has for Nigerians.

“The programme has been a huge success. It is a vivid expression of the resonant leadership driven by emotional intelligence. The yuletide transportation programme sought to meet the mass of Nigerians at their point of need,” said the Minister.

The special Adviser also stated: “On the arrangement for the return leg of the trip by travellers, Allake also urged them to initiate their return journey as early as possible to secure seats on the coaches and buses, and appealed to all the bus companies involved to demonstrate faith, integrity and patriotism by applying the 50 percent subsidy and making enough vehicles available.

“The minister added that the committee would continue to monitor compliance and intervene whenever and wherever necessary, and assured that the appropriate government security agencies have been properly briefed to ensure the free embarkation and disembarkation of passengers at the parks.”

January 1, 2024
New Year: Minister donates gift items to baby of the year in Abaji

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has donated delivery kits and baby items to a mother of twins in Ayaura Comprehensive Health Centre in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

This is part of activities to celebrate Baby of Year.

The minister who donated also gave a token of undisclosed amount of cash and other assorted items to other nursing mothers in the hospital.

At the presentation of the items to the beneficiaries, the minister described the successful delivery recorded in various primary healthcare centres as a bundle of joy, just as she prayed that joy would continue to radiate in the Federal Capital Territory in 2024 and beyond.

According to a statement issued by her Special Assistant Media, Austine Elemue, the minister tasked mothers on exclusive breastfeeding and early training of their children, noting that children are gift from God.

While calling on mothers to accept all vaccines given during government-approved immunization campaigns, the minister used the occasion to remind them of the need to ensure that their babies complete the routine immunization before the age of two.

“Remember to take care of yourselves and attend post-natal clinics and continue to take your routine medicines. Also, engage in exclusive breastfeeding. On my part, I will continue to identify with you and sharing in your joy.

“Since I came to office in 2023, I have continued to implement and support initiatives that would improve the health of mothers and children, particularly towards reducing maternal and child deaths from preventable causes.

“I will also encourage you to always contribute to the growth of the family in particular and community at large. All babies born today are welcome and I pray to God to continue to grant mothers and babies good health, while the fathers continue to have the means to support their families,” Mahmoud stated.

Earlier, the Ona of Abaji and Chairman FCT Traditional Council of Chiefs, HRM, Adamu Baba Yunusa, appreciated the minister and her team for the visit, just as he commended the efforts of this administration in ensuring peace in the various area councils.

Read Also: Zach Orji: Minister rallies hospital to save actor’s life

While commending the initiative of the Baby of the Year, the monarch, however, called for institutionalization of scholarship scheme for the first baby of the year.

He said: “The annual programme of the Baby of the Year is commendable, however, the celebration and recognition should go beyond that. There is need for educational foundation that will assist in granting educational scholarship to every first child of year in the Federal Capital Territory”.

He, however, pledged his support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

One of the benefitting parents, Mr. and Mrs. Haruna Musa, who delivered a set of twins at 12:04am today, in Ayaura Comprehensive Health Centre thanked the minister for the kind gesture, adding that the items and cash donation would assist mothers at this early stage of delivery.

The highpoint of the event was the visit to the palace of the Ona of Abaji by the minister and her team.

January 1, 2024
Dangote Refinery gets fourth one million barrels of crude

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has delivered one million barrel of crude oil to Dangote Refinery for commencement of production.

The consignment is the fourth fresh one million barrel of crude oil that has been supplied to the refinery in the last few weeks.

The refinery is scheduled to receive six million barrels of crude oil before commencement of production.

A press statement that the company issued yesterday said: “Preparations are in top gear for the commencement of production in Dangote Refinery, as the petrochemical company has received the fourth crude shipment of, one million barrels of bonny light crude supplied by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), and expecting the fifth crude shipment, anytime from now.

“The fresh one million barrels of crude was the fourth consignment to be delivered to the Dangote facility out of the six million barrels of crude being expected by the world’s largest single-train refinery.”

The statement recalled that Dangote Refinery had earlier, received three million barrels of crude.

According to the statement, the Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, Akin Omole, had then told newsmen at the Dangote Quay, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos that the Refinery will receive about four million crude shpment before the end of 2023 and the remaining two by the early of January 2024.

He said the crudes supply would put the Refinery in good stead to commence operation.

The refinery said once the 6 million barrels are fully delivered, it will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

“This latest development will play a pivotal role in alleviating the fuel supply challenges faced by Nigeria as well as the West African countries.

Designed for 100% Nigerian crude with the flexibility to process other crudes, the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery can process most African crude grades as well as Middle Eastern Arab Light and even US Light tight oil as well as crude from other countries.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery can meet 100% of Nigeria’s requirement of all refined products, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet, and also has a surplus of each of these products for export.

The refinery was built to take crude through its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore and to discharge petroleum products through three separate SPMs. In addition, the refinery can load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck-loading gantries.

Dangote Refinery has a self-sufficient marine facility with the ability to handle the largest vessel globally available. In addition, all products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.

The refinery is designed to comply with US EPA, European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms as well as African Refiners and Distribution Association (ARDA) standards.

While receiving the first consignment, President of Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote stated: “We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects.

“Our focus over the coming months is to ramp up the refinery to its full capacity. I look forward to the next significant milestone when we deliver the first batch of products to the Nigerian market.”

January 1, 2024
BREAKING: Tinubu signs 2024 Budget, threatens to sack aides who won’t help implementation

President Bola Tinubu has signed the N28.78 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill into law, following the ceremony with a warning to ministers and heads of agencies that those who would not aid effective implementation of the budget may be eased out.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu assented to the bill at the State House, on Monday, shortly after returning to Abuja from Lagos.

Speaking at the signing of the bill, the President assured Nigerians that the implementation of the budget would be efficiently pursued and vigorously monitored, saying “I cannot conclude my remark without saying that a budget is only as good as its implementation. We will implement this. I want to assure Nigerians that all the MDAs and our teams have been warned, that’s why we even take our time to separate Economic Planning from Finance.

“MDAs must have regular reports of the budgetary performance in the area that we put in place to help ordinary Nigerians. The goal is to promote efficiency, dedication, and accountability. If you cannot do that, you may have to leave us to do the job on your behalf.

“All MDA’s have been directed to take responsibility and provide monthly Budget Performance Reports to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which in turn shall ensure the veracity of such.

“The Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy shall hold regular reviews with the Economic Management Team and, in addition, I shall Chair periodic Economic Coordination Council meetings,” he said.

He lauded the National Assembly for the work it did to bring the budget out on time, recalling his Budget Presentation moments and summing the expedience put into the process to the kind of positive relationship existing between the executive and legislative arms of government.

“When I presented the budget on the November 29, 2023, I presented N27.5tn and left room and I called for expeditious treatment of the budget, the review, the passing, the debate and all that.

Today we have a budget of N28.7tn with an increase of N1.2tn over the proposal that I submitted.

“I thank the National Assembly for this prompt review, adjustment and auditing necessary. This is an evidence and a great testament to the excellent relationship between the executive and the legislature. We should keep it up”, he said.

He went on to highlight both the focus and structure of the budget, which is said is aimed at giving hope to the ordinary Nigeria and as well as weighing the balance more on capital expenditure more than the recurrent.

“In my address then, I remarked that the budget is a Budget of Renewed Hope. It is anchored on reducing the deficit and increasing capital expenditure, particularly in our priority areas. The approved 2024 Budget that we just approved, achieve both objectives. It contains a very good increase in the capital side, a reduction in recurrent expenditure and it brought down the deficit from 6.11% to 3.88%. That, to me, is an achievement.

“Then we can debate in the area of economic thinking, whether capital expenditure and reduction in the recurrent means what. It’s a subject of interpretation. It means a lot. It means where the hope is hanged in development and particularly human capital development.

“When you pay attention to Education, Health and road infrastructure, you are resuscitating the economy and making sure that the ordinary people are carried along.

“While we take Power and Steel and other projects, one of the priority areas we just passed is the N100bn provision for the feeding of school children that is a stimulant that will encourage our school attendance and others.

“I’ll been meeting with local governments at sub-national levels so that we can collaborate and jointly bring an all inclusive programme that will help. Yes, I’m pleased with what you’ve done with the judiciary and other areas. All other details will be mentioned in future”, he said.

The top priorities of the 2024 budget of N28.7 trillion are defense and internal security, job creation, macro-economic stability, improved investment environment, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security.

The President emphasized that his commitment to enhance investment promotion while creating a rules-based society that favours no individual over the law begins with important reforms in the Nigerian judiciary, the funding for which is captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

“Funding the judiciary is a major element in our effort to support a just, rules-based society. Statutory transfer to the Judiciary has been increased from 165 billion naira to 342 billion naira,” the President said.

Some of the key estimates are capital expenditure, N10 trillion; recurrent expenditure, N8.8 trillion; debt service, N8.2 trillion, and statutory transfers, N1.7 trillion.

Speaking on how the budget will be funded, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said government would immediately do what it needs to do to ensure that all revenues are brought in, so it could rely more on generated revenues than on borrowing.

“The first thing to say is that it’s a lower budget deficit, so it’s a lower financing requirement and in fact, as a percentage of GDP, the budget deficit is down from 6.1% to 3.8%. So we’re relying less on borrowing and more on revenue and I think you have to take the two together. I think we’re very optimistic about the improvements in revenue that will take place.

“We are all ready, even from tomorrow, applying technology and the digitalization to ensure that the revenue that should come to government from all sources, including from government-owned enterprises, comes into the consolidated revenue fund and on the other side, we are bringing order to government borrowing, so Ways and Means is being eliminated by taking the funding that is required from the market, as opposed to from printing of money by Central Bank.

“That, in a nutshell, is what is happening on the financing side. We are very optimistic that not only will this budget be funded adequately, but it will be funded on a timely basis as well”, he said.

Reacting to criticisms from some quarters that the budget was passed in a hurry, Bagudu said the budget went through a thorough process, but explained that the process was seamless this time around because all those involved in the process, from the President down the line were experienced in the process.

“There’s nothing like in a hurry. This shows that people are on their toes. Mr. President had experience as a member of the National Assembly, he had the experience as a state governor and then luckily for us as a country, now he’s sitting atop the affairs as the President.

“Equally, many members of his team; the Vice President, Chief of Staff, SGF, many ministers, the First Lady of the Federation, so there has been a buildup of relationship between the National Assembly… as it ought to be.

“Committees are supposed to be working, it’s not when you are passing budget that committees should know the priorities of the relevant sectors. Mr. President, ever since he was sworn in, left no one in doubt that look, I want you to respect institutions; as ministers, respect National Assembly. They work well with the committees.

“The oversight is respected, we welcome interrogation, he said so publicly. So even before the budget process started full-stream, there was good understanding about what the challenges are, what the priorities are, and therefore it’s easy to come to conclusion as to what we should do, and that’s what we have done”, he explained.

Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who addressed State House Correspondents afterward, said the legislature will be working closely with the executive to monitor the budget’s implementation, given the President’s earlier directive.

“So we have already enjoined all our committees to get to work. And that means the President has also pointed out that it’s good to have a monthly report from the ministers or the MDAs and any head of any agency or minister found wanting to have to find his way out of his administration, with that instruction and order.

“With that directive from the President, ours is to monitor what goes on to ensure that, indeed, it is one thing to do a budget; it is another thing for the budget to be fully implemented,” said Akpabio.

He also defended the move N27tn Tinubu proposed last November to N28tn, saying it had “very verifiable justifications.”

Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, revealed that the 2024 budget was not the only piece of legislation President Tinubu assented to on Monday.

Abbas told journalists that Tinubu also signed the supplementary budget 2023—which will now run until March 31—and securtitised the controversial Ways and Means.

He explained: “Mr. President has signed two other bills. The first one is the supplementary appropriation bill of 2023, which he has agreed to extend by 90 days. So, it will continue to work concurrently with the 2024 budget up to March 31.

“He has also approved the 2023 main budget to concurrently operate with the capital component of the 2024 budget up to March 31, 2024.

“Another landmark achievement we had was also approving the securitisation of the ways and means that have effectively brought to an end these controversial means and ways of borrowing money. And he has assured Nigerians that this will be the last of this kind of ugly incident”, Abbas said.

Among those with the President while he signed the budget were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, were on hand as well.

Also on ground were the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; Chairman of the Senate Appropriation Committee, Senator Olamilekan Adeola; Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon Abubakar Bichi, among other

January 1, 2024