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  • Alia identifies instruments for peace, unity in Benue

    Alia identifies instruments for peace, unity in Benue

    The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has identified Education and Religion as necessary instruments for peace and unity in the society.

    The Governor made this known Thursday, at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist, Gboko, during a Mass marking the end of this year’s prayer pilgrimage for peace and unity in Tiv land.

    Alia who said Education plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation’s worldview and character, emphasised the need for unity, saying together, Benue people can address the root causes of conflicts and foster a culture of forgiveness and understanding.

    He called on hoodlums hiding in the forest, who are willing to abandon their evil ways and embrace peace, to come forth as he is willing to accept them and rehabilitate them to become useful to the society.

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    The Governor thanked the three catholic dioceses of Makurdi, Gboko and Katsina Ala for sustaining the peace initiative of late Bishop Athanasius Usu, adding that he was attending the event as Governor and expressed hope that permanent peace will reign in Tiv-land

    In his remark, the Tor Tiv His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Professor James Ortese Ayatse, appreciated the efforts so far put in place by Governor Hyacinth Alia to restore peace in the state, and pledged the continued support of the traditional institution for the actualisation of permanent peace in Benue.

    Earlier in a homily, the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-ala Diocese, Most Rev Isaac Dugu had admonished Benue people to strive to live in peace with one another by embracing dialogue as a means of resolving their differences.

  • Sule signs two executive orders to attract investment to Nasarawa

    Sule signs two executive orders to attract investment to Nasarawa

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule has pledged to further open up the state for business opportunities by putting all machinery in motion to attract more investors, including signing executive orders to ensure conducive environment.

    Governor Sule stated this Friday in Lafia during an emergency executive council meeting where he used the opportunity to  sign two executive orders to attract more investment into the state.

    The Executive Orders are for the adoption of the Framework for Responsible Investment in Land Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) and the implementation of the Nasarawa Governance Result and Efficiency Mechanism (NGREM).

    The regulation is for the strengthening of the Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA) Law 2020 and to improve the Framework for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the State.

    Governor Sule said the Executive Orders and regulations are anchored on improving governance and delivering results for the economic development of the state.

    “The adoption of FRILIA is to ensure that land acquisition and resettlement for large-scale agribusiness investments are undertaken in line with established international good practices, to ensure long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits, and to guarantee shared benefits between private investors and surrounding communities.”

    Meanwhile, NGREM is to streamline government processes, promote transparency, and enhance efficiency in the delivery of public services, by requiring all MDAs to Publish Service Level Agreement (SLA), Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and Mandatory Advance Communication rules of upcoming changes for every MDA.

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    On his part, the Managing Director of NASIDA, Ibrahim Abdullahi, noted that the Regulation of the NASIDA 2020 Law will improve the framework to encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors. The regulation seeks to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and enhance the infrastructural development of the State.

    The Nasarawa State Executive Council has also ratified and adopted the State’s Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP) for 2024 in line with the eligibility criteria for the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme, which is aimed at improving the business environment of the state.

    The Governor equally approved the abolishment of all charges for the deployment of fibre optic infrastructure in the state. This is part of his commitment to further attract investors in the sector.

  • Rivers Ijaw accuse Ada George-led elders  of exploiting crisis for selfish interest

    Rivers Ijaw accuse Ada George-led elders  of exploiting crisis for selfish interest

    The Rivers Ijaw Development Forum (RIDF) has accused former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada George, who is leading a group of elders of seeking to prolong the crisis in the state for his personal gain.

    The forum’s Convener, Elder Tombra Ajagidi, in a statement at the weekend condemned the pressure Ada George and his group of elders were mounting on the state Governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, to renege on his commitment to peace.

    Ajagidi said: “Our attention has been drawn to the letter dated 26th December, 2023, titled Peace in Galilee and addressed  to Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, by a group of Rivers Elders led by  Rufus Ada George, urging the Governor  to renege on his commitments to peace as enshrined  in his Christmas broadcast to the people of Rivers State.

    “We consider the  letter  rather unfortunate, ill-conceived and totally disrespectful to our governor, who only the day before, had assured Rivers people of his decision to de-emphasise the crisis, embrace peace and focus on his mandate to improve the welfare of Rivers people.”

    The statement said Ada George deliberately ignored the effort to produce an Ijaw governor in Sir. Siminalayi Fubara, but turning around to hurriedly form a group to fan the embers of conflict.

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    The statement said: “From all indications, it is now obvious to all that the main aim of these Ada George -led  elders, who must have been  hurriedly assembled, is to exploit the  Rivers crisis for their selfish interests.

    “Otherwise, how else can one describe such elders who are only out to escalate and  prolong the crisis when the Governor himself has committed himself to peace for good governance of the state”.

    “It is a well-known fact that Rufus Ada George and his co-elders did not support the governor and were  nowhere to be found when they were most needed  while others laboured to produce an Ijaw governor to the glory of God.

    “Is it not shameful that they are now grandstanding, mischievously pretending to support the governor  when, in fact, they want to reap where they did not sow.

    “We wish to advise  Rufus Ada George and his co-travellers  to respect themselves and refrain from further fueling the crisis in Rivers State by creating unnecessary distractions and allow our young, amiable Governor, who they did not support during the elections, to govern Rivers State in an atmosphere of peace”.

  • Makinde unveils book on shared Yoruba kinship

    Makinde unveils book on shared Yoruba kinship

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has unveiled a book on shared Yoruba kinship and community-based values. The book was authored by Prof. Olufemi Vaughan, currently the Alfred Sargent Lee ’41, and Mary Ames Lee Professor of African Studies at Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.

    The launching of the book entitled “Letters, Kinship And Social Mobility in Nigeria”, was held at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan (U.I). The book is a trove of more than 3,000 letters compiled in 80 years and received by the author from his late father, Abiodun Alfred Vaughan, in 2003.

    Speaking as the chairman of the book launch,  Makinde underscored the importance of shared Yoruba kinship values and education as critical messages of the major letter writers in the book. He called on the people of Oyo State and Nigeria to engage important community-based values derived from the past to help change and transform contemporary conditions.

    The governor also stressed the importance of keeping good records from the past to assist in understanding current social, political, and economic conditions. He encouraged Nigerians in the Diaspora to lend support to the development and progress of Nigerian society.

    Also speaking at the event, a renowned Nigerian historian Prof. Bolanle Awe, advocates the usage of letters and other archival materials in historical writings. Awe, who was the first female lecturer at the Department of History, University of Ibadan, and the first female academic staff in a Nigerian university, emphasised the importance of record-keeping culture and history for posterity.

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    The book, “Letters, Kinship And Social Mobility”, was the first scholarly effort that critically engaged the medium of letter writing to explore the everyday experiences of Africans in the modern world. The letters, written by four generations of the Vaughan family in Ibadan, Nigeria between 1926 and 1994, were the comprehensive correspondences of some major writers that gave a deep insight into how to critically explore the evolution of modern Yoruba society within the context of the formation of the Nigerian State and society.

    The stories constructed from the letters were also narratives about how modern African experiences evolved out of indigenous local structures, values, and ideas at a transformative moment in history.

  • Fire destroys football viewing center, two shops in Kwara

    Fire destroys football viewing center, two shops in Kwara

    A rampaging fire from a diesel truck yesterday damaged two shops and one football viewing centre in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    The incident happened around 10:47 am at Magaji Aare quarters, Ajegunle, in the Idi-Ape area of the metropolis.

    Firemen from the Kwara State Fire Service were said to have arrived promptly at the scene of the incident.

    Spokesperson of the fire brigade Hassan Adekunle said the blazing inferno emanated from a diesel tanker containing 22,000 liters with registration number MUS 916 YF.

    Said he: “The situation escalated as the tanker’s valve opened, causing diesel to gush out forcefully. Undeterred, the firemen, demonstrating their exceptional firefighting skills, called for additional support, and another fire appliance quickly joined the effort.

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    “After a relentless hour of collective effort, the dedicated team extinguished the raging fire.

    “Upon investigation, the tanker driver revealed to the Fire Service media team that the fire originated from the pumping machine used to siphon diesel for the ‘Collo site’ mast, which serves all networks.

    “Policemen from C Division in the metropolis were at the scene to maintain order and control any potential mob disturbance.

    “The community’s cooperation played a crucial role in enabling the firemen to work efficiently and effectively in overcoming the challenging situation.”

    He urged the general public to always play safe, especially during this period.

  • FRANDIS partners Lagos to create jobs

    FRANDIS partners Lagos to create jobs

    In a bid to arrest unemployment, and boost the local economy, the Franchisors and Distributors Forum (FRANDIS) has introduced new MSMEs franchises, developed through the Lagos MSMEs Franchise Framework Initiative.

    The Initiative, which was launched in December 2022 and developed in 2023 as part of the expansion of the Lagos MSMEs franchise network,  is a strategic move expected to create numerous job opportunities across the state.

    The partnership is expected to create between 600 to1500 jobs in 18 months.

    The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared his support for the Initiative partnership.

    The governor’s support is a testament to his commitment to fostering economic growth and reducing unemployment among the youth.

    The initiative will provide a platform for aspiring and women entrepreneurs and contribute to job creation, stimulating economic activity and increasing the per capita of Lagosians in the communities where these businesses will be situated.

    “We are excited about the potential of these Lagos MSMEs Franchises to create jobs and stimulate local economies.

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    “Our goal is to empower local entrepreneurs, create new businesses, create new women businesses, create sustainable jobs, transform Lagos MSMEs into global brands, and contribute positively to the per capita of Lagosians,” said Mr Tayo Adedugbe, Founder of FRANDIS Forum.

    According to Adedugbe, FRANDIS Forum has helped provide access to capital worth over 300 million naira to the MSMEs through its partnership with the Bank of Industry, strengthened the MSMEs in accessing thousands of dollars in grants and it is projected that the MSMEs will generate over 2 billion naira in revenue in 18 months.

    He also disclosed that there had been interest from potential partners from Africa, Europe, and America, but the invitation would soon be extended to new potential franchisees and distributors in a few weeks so as not to miss out on a proven investment with guaranteed returns, especially in 2024.

  • Ekiti residents urged to embrace real estate

    Ekiti residents urged to embrace real estate

    T-Pumpy Concept boss, Akintayo Adaralegbe, has advised Ekiti people and indeed Nigerians to embrace the real estate business in the coming year, as a means of reducing crime and unemployment.

    Adaralegbe, who, in his end-of-year message, described his firm as “a progressive property developer that has over the years prided itself on proven track records laced with passion and commitment to deliver superior value in design, good quality, and best services to its customers,” urged young people to join the real estate fray and overcome idleness.

    Tracing its inception back to 2009, Adaralegbe said, “Our Estates are constructed in a factory environment where the T-Pumpy Concept for decades has been providing industry-acclaimed off-site home designs and constructions. Whether the members of the public are interested in a manufactured home or an innovative modular design, the T-Pumpy Concept team will continue to deliver what home buyers are looking for in their new homes in the New Year 2024, along with the quality construction they expect and deserve”.

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    He recalled how in the outgoing year, the company made numerous strides following suggestions and recommendations from its subscribers, to make many inroads into other towns and villages, thereby creating opportunities for the less privileged to own land and build their own houses.

    He appealed to the FG and Ekiti State governor, not to introduce or impose any stringent measures that would make it difficult for the masses to own their homes in the New Year.

  • OGIRS advises employers of Labour against payment of penalty

    OGIRS advises employers of Labour against payment of penalty

    Employers of labour with employees resident in Ogun State have been warned to file their Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Tax Returns for year 2023 on or before January 31, 2024 to avoid payment of penalty.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Chairman of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS), Mr Olugbenga Olaleye at his office in Abeokuta.

    According to him, employers of labour with employees resident in the state are statutorily obliged to file their 2023 PAYE tax returns on or before the 31st day of the first month in the new year, failure to do so would attract a penalty of five hundred thousand naira.

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    “In line with the provision of section 81(1-3) of Personal Income Tax Act, 2011 as amended and paragraph 10 of 2002 PAYE Regulations, all employers of labour with employees resident in Ogun State both corporate and private organisations are statutorily obliged to file their PAYE Tax Returns for 2023 on or before 31st January 2024; failure to do so will attract penalty upon conviction,” he said

    The Chairman enjoined them to do the needful by logging in with their login credentials as existing Tax Agents on the Agency’s website, www.ogirs.ogunstate.gov.ng. At the same time, Tax Agents who are yet to register are expected to register on the website by supplying the required information in order to obtain login details in their registered email.

  • Epe community petitions Lagos Assembly, requests youth monarch 

    Epe community petitions Lagos Assembly, requests youth monarch 

    Youths of the Odoragunshin community, Epe, Lagos State, are seeking a youth to be installed as the traditional ruler of the town.

    They had earlier staged a peaceful protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly where they requested that the eight-year vacant traditional stool of the town be filled.

    In a letter submitted to the Office of Political Legislative and Civic Engagement, they emphasised the need to have a king who had the interest of the people at heart.

    The youths carried placards with various inscriptions such as: ‘Gov Sanwo-Olu save us, ‘We need a better monarch in our dear town,’  ‘What is progressive community without a monarch,’ ‘We need a vibrant, youthful resourceful and energetic traditional ruler in Odoragunshin,’ ‘We say no to community violence, dictatorship and autocracy,’ ‘Rt Mudashiru Obasa save our soul from impunity and tyranny,’ ‘Let the community breath… we need fresh air,’ among others. 

    The Youth Leader of Odoragunshin, Ahmed Odutayo said, “We have been in the dark for over 8 years without a traditional head/ruler since the demise of the late king, Oba Julius Ogunsanya. “We are here to express our feelings over the lack of a monarch in our dear community and to seek government intervention in community affairs on chieftaincy matters that we are craving.

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    “It may interest you to know that, two candidates contesting for the seat of the traditional head have taken the matter to court, whereas, the community leaders and youths have called on the two candidates to settle out of court but to no avail.

    “We, the concerned youths and leaders in the community hereby request for a new king outside of the two earlier contested candidates.”

    Addressing the protesters, Chairman,  House Committee on Local Government Administration and Community Development in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Sanni Okanlawon, representing Kosofe Constituency 1, assured that the matter would be addressed and given speedy attention in due course. “Your petition would be looked into and resolved amicably. The House is always ready to give attention to such matters as your peace and peaceful coexistence matter to us.”

  • Osun residents charged to take ownership of development projects in communities

    Osun residents charged to take ownership of development projects in communities

    Residents of Osun State have been charged to take ownership of development projects in their various communities so as to ensure maintenance and sustainability.

    The State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke gave the charge in Osogbo at 2023 Community Development Day and Community Fair facilitated by Osun Community and Social Development Agency (Osun CSDA) under the Osun Care programme.

    The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi warned residents against ‘I don’t care’ attitude towards Infrastructure facility provided for them to make their lives better.

    He said: “When we provide boreholes for you in your communities, if you don’t maintain it, it will spoil. Same with roads and school projects or health centers. I beg you in the name of God, ensure that you maintain all development projects in your Communities so that they would serve you adequately”.

    The General Manager of Osun CSDA, Mrs Aderonke Funmi Abokede said the community fair was aimed at showcasing the remarkable achievement of Osun State government in ensuring good quality of life for residents through Osun CSDA under the Osun COVID 19 Action Recovery and Economie Stimulus Program (Osun CARES), a World Bank intervention programme.

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    Abokede said “Our Governor is walking his talk on his 5 Point Development Agenda with the provision of democracy dividend to the people as electoral promises are translated into needed social amenities and development, through Osun CSDA, a change agent, Agency.”

    She said part of the projects are provision of classrooms, science laboratories in schools and skills acquisition centres for persons with disabilities.

    “The education projects are providing good learning environment for the students come rain, come sunshine; this will not only encourage increase in enrolment, but retention and more importantly very good performance of the pupils in their examinations.”

    Abokede also appealed to residents to ensure proper maintenance of development projects in their various communities.