The Nation Newspaper

Category: Abuja Review

  • 36 in psychiatric test for traffic violation

    Thirty-six drivers in Abuja have been subjected to psychiatric evaluation for beating traffic light.

    All the drivers taken to the hospital in ambulances were made to undergo psychiatric test, with doctors certifying their level of mental fitness.

    Deputy Director /Chief Press Secretary FCT, Muhammad Sule made this known in a press statement, he stated.

    “The FCT Police Command in collaboration with officers of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services have so far arrested 36 motorists for beating traffic lights in the Federal Capital Territory and have subjected them to psychiatric evaluation at the Karu Psychiatric Hospital.

    “This is sequel to the directive of the FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, for the Nigeria Police Force, FCT Command to arrest any motorist that beats traffic lights in the Federal Capital Territory and be taken to psychiatric hospital for immediate test.

    “All the motorists so far arrested and conveyed in ambulances to the hospital have undergone psychiatric tests at the hospital but were certified by the doctor to be medically fit.

    “Those arrested have been made to face the consequences of their actions as they have been made to pay fine to serve as a deterrent after bearing the cost of the psychiatric test.

    “Meanwhile, the culprits have also been made to attend a compulsory three-day lecture at the headquarters of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services on the importance of complying with traffics signs and road markings.

    “The exercise that commenced about 5 days ago (5/10/16) by the Police on the directive of the Minister is a continuous one as it has entered week two.

    “It would be recalled that the Nigeria Police Force recently deployed very senior officers within the ranks of Assistant Superintendent of Police and Inspectors to man the speed bikes to ensure high level of discipline from them to curb impunity and work in disciplined, efficient and effective manner.”

  • Council chief seeks transparency in government

    It was a night of many awards as serving and retired staff members of the FCT Administration, and others stepped forward, one after another, to collect awards for service to their fatherland. The Gala and award night, held at the Abuja Sheraton and Towers, was the grand finale of the press week organized by the FCTA NUJ Chapel, last week.

    By seven o’clock in the evening last week the hotel’s Ladi Kwali Hall was filled to capacity with top government functionaries from the FCT Administration, as well as the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chair, Hon. Adamu Abdullahi Candido with his entourage, among several others.

    First on the list of the awardees was a former Director of Information and an erudite speech writer, Mr. Ezeako Odi, who bagged the Most Outstanding Pioneer award for his effectiveness in the management of information in the Administration, as well as engineering the employment of many staffs in the department.

    While Hon. Adamu Candido was enviably given the Outstanding Leadership award for his wonderful performance in office so far, Alhaji Ibrahim Biu was awarded for his meritorious service to the country.

    Mrs. Victoria Umana, Director of the FCT department of Science and Technology grabbed the Most Innovative Director award. It was revealed during her citation that Umana initiated numerous innovative programmes, bothering on modern agriculture and production of household items, among others.

    Another retired Deputy Director of Information who served with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Ikokwu Okonkwo also received an award for his commendable service during his days in charge of FCDA information.

    Others who were also awarded on the event include the General Manager, Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Alhaji Muhammed Tukur Arabi, who got Community Service award and Mrs. Helen Odika of the FCTA Permanent Secretary’s office –the youngest of the awardees who was commended for commitment to duties.

    Mrs. Umana while responding on behalf of the awardees expresses gratitude to the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and the Permanent Secretary for permitting the Chapel to elaborately organize the event. She therefore prayed God to guide the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), especially at such a time when the truth was not only lacking but was also difficult to identify in the society.

    Representative of the Permanent Secretary who is Director of Information, Mrs. Stella Ojeme noted that the three-day event provided the opportunity for the Information Officers to learn a lot, urging them to put in practice what they learnt for the betterment of the FCT Administration and the entire territory.

    The Permanent Secretary therefore urged the audience to have a nice time during the gala night.

    NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Mr. Paul Ella who also spoke at the event pledged the continued support of his colleagues to the FCT Administration, even as he commended the efforts of Malam Muhammad Musa Bello “who has been doing wonderfully well” and the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye for his efforts.

    In an interview with journalists after the event, the AMAC Chairman stated that the award was a “call for further service to the citizens of Nigeria” and called for “transparency, truthfulness” and the maintenance of the mandate of public office, but not to abuse it.  He also tasked public servants to imbibe “the spirit of humility in service.”

    Earlier, Chairman of the FCTA NUJ Chapel, Comrade Nnachi Okafor in his welcome address said that the event provided an opportunity for reflection on the challenges of the journalism profession and commended his colleagues for laboring so hard to fight corruption in the society and wielding through economic challenges.

    The event was also attended by Mrs. Joy Okoye who represented the Director of FCT Treasury, Acting Secretary, Agriculture Secretariat, Alhaji Musa A. Aliyu, among others.

     

  • Buhari and book publications

    Just like past leaders at the helm of affairs, President Muhammadu Buhari has begun to receive book publications in his honour.

    The first major book at an elaborate function at the old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja on Thursday 29th September 2016 was a pictorial book titled ‘Buhari: A New Beginning.’

    The book was authored by President Buhari’s Personal Photographer, Bayo Omoboriowo.

    The second major book was presented to the public four days later at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

    The book titled ‘Muhammadu Buhari – The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria,’ was authored by Professor John Paden.

    It did not only attracted the presence of the high and mighty in the Nigeria society, but was also attended by Presidents of Niger, Chad, and Benin Republic.

    The Presidents of Cameroon and Equitorial Guinea also sent representatives to the book launch.

    Before the two books, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has also been receiving books written on Buhari on his behalf.

    The Leadership Scorecard Magazine, in collaboration with Arewa-Kebbi Investments Nigeria Limited, on Tuesday, 28 June 2016 visited State House, Abuja to present Adesina with some books on Buhari.

    Adesina also got an award from them for his contributions towards nation building.

    The group had maintained that the recognition was in commemoration of President Buhari’s one year in office, and Adesina’s role as Agent of Change.

    The two last major book presentations will definitely not be the last as more will come in the coming months.

  • Dalong’s metamorphosis

    The Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalong stunned his colleagues when he turned up for the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House a fortnight ago.Most of his colleagues did not recognise him from the distance until they came close to him and saw his face while he was busy chatting away with other cabinet members before the commencement of the meeting.

    They could not recognise Dalong because he was dressed differently from his traditional attire.

    Right from when the cabinet was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari in November, 2015, Dalong’s dressing had always been unique to the extent that none of the cabinet members could mistakeDalong for anyone else even in the dark.

    Whenever Dalong appeared in public since the cabinet inauguration, he more than 99.9 % appeared dressed as a comrade.He always cut the appearance of a military man, clad mostly in brown khaki safari, red beret, black bootsand dark eyeglasses to match.He never failed to stand at attention like a military man during the rendition of the national anthem in the Council Chamber.

    By his posture and unique dressing, he was, most often, the only Minister competing with Buhari’s Aide-De-Camp (ADC), Lawal Abubakar, during rendition of the national anthem.

    But he was more relaxed as the national anthem was rendered a fortnight ago as if his transformed dressing had an influence on him.

    Dalong attended the FEC meeting clad in a black caftan, black cap, black shoes and a white shirt under the caftan. His new dress code made the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu to jokingly refer to him as the latest capitalist in town.

    Among his colleagues who were impressed by his appearance and came to greet him where he was standing included Minister of State for Agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri, FCT Minister, Muhammadu Bello, Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal also shook hands with Dalong before calling the house to order in preparation for President Buhari’s entry to the chamber.

    As if Dalong’s new dressing code has come to stay, the Minister again represented Vice President YemiOsinbajo two days later at the National Central Mosque, Abuja dressed in the same manner.

    Dalong at the Public Lecture in the mosque was dressed in ‘Babanriga’. The occasion was part of events marking the 56th independence anniversary of Nigeria.

    But Dalong, a week later, reverted to his customary comradeship dress code.

    He met with President Buhari last week Tuesday dressed in brown kaki safari, red beret, black boot and dark eye glasses.

    Dalong was also dressed in his traditional attire when he attended FEC last Wednesday.

    He was the only Minister in kaki safari in the hall standing at attention and with his right hand on his chest pushed forward during rendition of the National Anthem.

    Another person like him in the hall was Buhari’s ADC who stood still at attention and taking salute behind the President through the duration of the national anthem.

  • Anti-malaria campaign hits schools

    The fight to eradicate malaria received a boost in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as ExxonMobil took the campaign to secondary schools.

    Working alongside its partners, National Basketball Association (NBA) and Africare, students for days were fought on how disease burden in the country could be drastically reduced through effective engagement of needed resources, habits and personnel.

    The groups use sports (basketball) and other learning skills to train students across the nation’s capital on how various strategies could be used not only to sensitise, but defeat ailments that have snuffed lives out of many citizens, and currently constitute threats to the lives of others.

    Malaria was highlighted at the event as one of the ailments receiving attention for elimination. The project is being funded by ExxonMobil, while NBA offers the sports component.

    Africare, a partner that works on health component of the project, has contributed through distribution of “thousands” of mosquito nets and conducted malaria tests for many people across the country, said Country Director, Africare Nigeria Dr. Orode Doherty.

    Doherty said the project was yielding desired results third year after it was launched, and that it would be expanded to all parts of the country.

    “Africare is working in 15 states in Nigeria. So, as an organization, scalability is not an issue for us. We are already working in multi-million dollar opportunities. So, scaling is not an issue. We are ready to go. We are working with the ministry. We’ve shown them what we are doing. this is an opportunity for them to come in and see what we do with this children so that we can expand it to other schools in the country, target children who are out-of-school, targeting children who are in IDP camps, children who do not have opportunity to be educated among others,” she stated.

    Director of malaria project, Africare, Dr Patrick Adah, said the organization implements different malaria projects in the country and helps to coordinate those projects in various locations in the country.

    “Malaria is endemic. What that means is that the disease is with us here. Over the years, the disease has been ravaging, killing so many children, and even adults in a very large proportion. The Federal Ministry of Health under the auspices of the National Malaria Programme, with all the malaria partners in the country are putting efforts together to ensure that we burden of malaria, and even to eliminate malaria in the country. But, because the disease is endemic, it takes a long time and serious efforts to ensure that malaria is completely eliminated. But, over the years, efforts are being made to control malaria, and we are making progress,” he said.

    The event featured former NBA player, KelennaAzubuike and other notable figures in basketball in the country.

  • FCT to build special infectious diseases centre

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration plans to construct a special infectious disease centre in Abuja.When completed, patients with highly infectious diseases in the FCT will be quarantined in the centre and given adequate treatment.

    Minister of the FCT Mallam Muhammad Bello made the revelation when members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), FCT Chapter, paid him a courtesy call.

    Chief Press Secretary, FCT, Muhammad Sulemade this known in a statement.

    The statement read,”The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has announced plans to build a specialised centre where patients with highly infectious diseases in the Federal Capital Territory will be quarantined and given adequate treatment.

    “According to him, ‘“plans are underway by the FCT Administration to build a modern specialised health facility where patients with highly infectious diseases could be kept and given special attention.”

    “I have discussed also with some of your colleagues on the need to have a specialized centre for infectious diseases especially during the Lassa fever saga some months ago; I was surprised that patients that were suspected to have had the virus were kept initially at the National Hospital. I asked why we didn’t have a specialised centre in the territory for cases of such nature, where we will be able to quarantine affected people,” he stressed.

    “The Minister emphasised that such centre is on the front burner of his administration; noting, “We are working assiduously, believing that at some point, we should be able to have such facility in the city to serve the whole Territory”.

    “Malam Bello disclosed that the FCT Administration is currently partnering with some private individuals to set up new hospitals in the FCT in order to shore up the shortage in the number of hospital bed spaces noticed in the Territory; adding that government cannot do it alone.

    “His words: “For a long time, the issue of inadequate bed spaces in the FCT has really been something of great concern to me. Based on the briefings I got from the Health & Human Services Secretariat when I assumed office, I was amazed by the numbers I saw in terms of available bed spaces and since then, we have encouraged many private sector people that want to set up a hospital to come over and do it because government alone will not be able to bridge this huge gap”.

    “The Minister added, “Also, I have impressed upon owners of one or two of the hospital projects that you have seen on ground to try to get them completed because the more they are the better the services to humanity”.

    “Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, FCT Chapter, Dr. Chiedozie Jude Achonwa remarked that the Chapter intends to resuscitate its existing rural health programme to further serve the rural dwellers and contribute to the sustainable goals of the Federal Capital Territory.

    “While assuring the government of industrial harmony, Dr. Achonwa called for increased health infrastructure in the Territory considering the ever influx of people.”

  • Air Force: Another fight for girl-child

    Air Force: Another fight for girl-child

     The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) played a major role in crippling the terrorist group Boko Haram by building schools designed for the girl-child. It has also launched a major campaign for a disadvantaged segment of the population, reports SEUN AKIOYE

    Inside the headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Abuja, the vision statement of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar was boldly written. The statement reads:  “To re-position the NAF into a highly professional and disciplined force through capacity building initiatives for effective, efficient and timely employment of air power in response to Nigeria’s national security imperatives.”

    On the surface, it may look like one of those well-crafted mission statements which usually end up as empty statements, but for the man who is referred to simply as “chief”, the vision is worth every weight.

    One of the ways which the CAS is hoping to re-write history and fulfil his vision is through education not only of Air Force personnel-which is done through training- but also providing for the needs of the dependents of his men through provision of world-class educational facilities.

    One of such is the Air Force Girls’ Comprehensive School located at the NAF Base Abuja.  The NAF was not the original initiator of the school, but the Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) led by Hajia Hafsat  Abubakar, wife of the CAS. But the NAF took over the construction of the school after NAFOWA ran out of resources to complete it in 2013.

    In December 2015, the CAS directed that work should resume and in eight months, a world class infrastructure stood in the ruins of the abandoned structure. What was built was described by the Minister for Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan as a “21st century school.”  The sparkling new school boasts a mini stadium, dining hall, hostel, tennis court, fully equipped classrooms, a library and a clinic. There is a standby generator to provide electricity while the science, art and agriculture laboratories and four other classrooms are equipped with interactive white boards which enables the students to experience the three ways of learning: hear, see, feel.

    Educating the girl child

    The CAS did not bite his lips when he enumerated the importance of educating the girl child and why the NAF view it as one of its cardinal focus.” Our experience in fighting insurgency in the Northeast indicates the exploitation of the girl-child by insurgents due to low literacy level. At present, birth rate statistics show that 65 percent of births are girls. It is documented by most state Ministries of Education that the enrolment of girls in secondary schools is below 45 percent.

    “This statistic is further supported by the results of the West African Examination Council. For instance in 2011out of a total of 688,516 girls that sat for the examination, only 226,804 got 5 credits. Similarly in 2012, about 747,553 girls sat for the examination and only 310,822 were successful.”

    The CAS said this NAF resolved to establish the school as “our modest contribution to Mr. President’s efforts at enhancing girl-child education in Nigeria.” With the new school, the NAF now has two secondary schools dedicated to girl-child education with one in Jos and Abuja respectively. He added that the school will educate the hearts and minds of the girls that would pass through its gates.

    For the Minister of Education, the construction of the school was “humbling” also stressing that the ratio of girl child education to boys is 1:3 in some states. This is also reinforced by the extremism of Boko Haram and the risks associated with girl child education kept the female educational attainment perpetually low.

    After commissioning the school and a tour of the facilities was conducted, Dr. Yemi Esan said: “ I came here with some uncertainties but I am impressed, this school is directed towards the underprivileged to curt out of school syndrome, we encourage other arms of government to follow suit, this is a 21st century school.”

    Yemi- Esan would not be the only one to be impressed, the next day at the Air Force Base Kaduna where NAFOWA had rehabilitated a nursery school and added the NAFOWA Little Angels Primary School, the CAS was also left impressed.

    “I am overwhelmed,” he said when he was called to make a remark after the school had been commissioned by Hajia Aisha Buhari, the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the wife of Kaduna State Governor, Hajia Hadiza El-rufai.

    “Four years ago, I brought my daughter to the crèche here, but I am sure she cannot recognize her school again because of the transformation,” he said. Like the girls school, the NAFOWA Primary school was built to world standard with ample playing room for the children, a fully equipped library and computer centre, spacious and conducive atmosphere for learning, white black boards, fully equipped home economics room and a crèche with modern facilities.

    While the CAS may have focused on education for the dependents of personnel, the real driver of these projects is adding value to the society.” Adding value to the society is our core mandate, I strongly belief that adding value to the society is the best legacy we can bequeath to our children,” he said.

    But there is also a greater vision: thinking ahead.

    “We have recruited 2,400 personnel and with the increase, you must start thinking of infrastructure. Our actions are driven by the desire to add value to society and that is the right direction to go,” he said.

    There are many worries that come with such projects, will the infrastructure not a pointer to an exorbitant school fees.  Will the school be opened to children of civilians and how would the NAF maintain such a high standard facility, how much was expended into the project?

    The CAS has answers for all. The school will follow the usual NAF fees schedule without adding anything on, the school will be opened to civilians, the NAF has maintenance structure put in place and the schools are of high standard so will stand the test of time and the schools are built using direct labour from the NAF, thereby cutting costs and enhancing the skills of Air Force engineers.

     

  • End of road for ‘beggar merchants’

    End of road for ‘beggar merchants’

    Three persons suspected of recruiting and shipping off fake beggars to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been arrested, reports GBENGA OMOKHUNU  

    The heat is on street beggars and the destitute but in the course of keeping them off the streets, the FCT Special Task Team on Abuja Environmental Protection has chanced upon some unscrupulous persons who apparently profit from a syndicate of fake beggars.

    The chairman of the Special Task Team, Squadron Leader Abdullahi Monjel (Retd.) disclosed this while parading the suspects.

    Monjel revealed that the feat was achieved as a result of the useful information received from Good Samaritans who reported the activities of this notorious syndicate to security operatives.

    The two suspected leaders of the syndicate, Mrs. Onyeachi and Mrs. Ogechi, are based in Keffi, Nasarawa State, but allegedly send their agents into the FCT on a daily basis wearing very dark glasses pretending to be blind and led by little kids, to beg for alms, after which the proceeds are remitted to their benefactors.

    Squadron Leader Monjel further disclosed that they ran out of luck when they were arrested by the task team and taken to Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre, Kuchiko in Bwari Area Council.

    According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director/Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Sule, those arrested were Nnenna Nwehiwe (female) from Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State age 39; Christiana Akame, female, from Isu Local Government of Imo State age 40; and Ifeanyi Nwehiwe, male, from Imo State age 12.

    “On reaching the centre, they were put together with the blind beggars and destitute awaiting repatriation to their states of origin and the trio opened up, saying that they were not blind as claimed, and removed their dark glasses, so they should be released,” the chairman added.

    Monjel disclosed that after further interrogation the “blind women beggars” mentioned the two women that recruited them and others now at large from their villages.

    The chairman stated that the suspects have provided valuable information and would soon be handed over to the police for further investigation and subsequent prosecution.

    Monjel further revealed that the areas of security breach would definitely be intensively investigated as the suspects have cooperated by giving useful information.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will be creating a database for all beggars and destitute arrested in Abuja.

    The beggars and the destitute will be taken to the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Kuchiko.

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mallam Muhammed Bello stated that the database would avail the administration adequate information on those arrested.

    He also said that it will also afford the government the opportunity to make adequate arrangement for repatriation.

    Bello stated this when Bello paid an unscheduled visit to the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre.

    He stated, “The FCT Administration is to create a database for all the arrested beggars and destitute taken to the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre, Kuchiko, in Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

    “The FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Bello dropped this hint when he and the FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye, paid an unscheduled visit to the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre.

    “The Minister said that the establishment of the database would avail the Administration adequate information on those arrested as well as affording the government the opportunity to make adequate arrangement for repatriation.

    “Bello directed that FCT Social Development Secretariat to ensure that all those arrested be captured in the database for easy reference.

    ”He instructed that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and the FCT Task Team on Environment to after the arrest of beggars and destitute, be assembled and registered before taken to the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre where the Social Development staff will officially receive and hand them over to the management of the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre.

    “The Minister also directed the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre to commence the process of repatriation of the beggars and destitute in earnest in line with the extant rules to their various states of origin where the social welfare officials in such states are to receive them officially.

    “Malam Bello seized the opportunity to inspect the new borehole dug for the Centre by the FCT Administration and further directed that overhead tanks be provided and installed for immediate use by the inmates.

    “He asked the Social Development Secretariat to ensure that the pumped water is well reticulated; in addition the Secretariat should also fix all the street lighting points to illuminate the whole environment at nights.

    “The Principal of the Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre, Comrade Bala Tsoho told that the Minister that 145 new beggars and destitute were just brought into the Centre.

    “He reiterated that the welfare of the inmates especially regular feeding has drastically improved since Malam Bello came on board.”

  • ‘We must rid councils, satellite towns of waste’

    The FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Bello has directed that a comprehensive waste evacuation exercise be undertaken in all the council areas as well as satellite communities of the territory.

    The operation is scheduled to last seven days.

    The Acting Director of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) Mrs. Victoria Imande disclosed this, saying that the STDD has concluded arrangements to commence the seven-day exercise.

    Mrs. Imande stated that the FCT Administration is poised to clean up all the nooks and cranny of the satellite towns.

    She solicited for the cooperation and understanding of all the residents of the Federal Capital Territory particularly those resident in the Satellite Towns, by keying into the exercise to make it a success.

    The Director urged the residents to take personal interest in the exercise by owning the initiative and making personal hygiene part of their daily personal lives.

  • Reflating the economy

    One constant issue on the lips of participants at the inaugural Presidential Quarterly Business Forum with the Organized Private Sector (OPS) at the State House, Abuja last week Monday was the recession in the country.

    The Forum, which was part of the Federal Government’s initiative to maintain a robust engagement with the private sector, was held with representatives of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), National Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (NACCIMA) and other businesses in the country at the old Banquet Hall.

    The business leaders, during the question and answer session, wasted no time in re-echoing the various problems their businesses are now facing mainly caused by the recession. The challenges they listed included lack of access to finance, high interest rate and high energy cost, lack of access to foreign exchange, transport and infrastructure deficit. Others are weak export support, inconsistent government policies and ease of doing business challenges, including approval delay bottlenecks, low support for domestic manufacturing, delays from Custom officials and security issues.

    Towards finding solution, they were asked to fill a feedback form naming their sector and listing top five challenges they are having with the Nigerian economy and doing business in Nigeria.

    President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Micheal Cole, in particular advised the government to show consistency in its policies if it really hopes to reflate the economy and place it on the path of sustainable growth.

    On his part, President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Frank Udemba, said the Forum has given them opportunity to air their views and concerns about the policies and how the government aim to get the country out of the current recession.

    “Already government has promised to sell off some assets to beef up the foreign reserve, that is key. We have a lot of challenges of doing business but basically they have to pump in a lot of money into infrastructure because that is a quick way to reflate the economy,” he said

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who is the head of the Economic Management Team, did not fail to point out that the recession in Nigeria is peculiar to the country and cannot be compared to what other countries have gone through or going through.

    Besides heaping the cause of the recession on the militancy in the Niger Delta, Osinbajo said the Federal Government is devising home grown strategies to steer the nation out of the recession.

    The Forum had kicked off with other members of the EMT including the Minister of Budget & National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; and Minister of State for Industry, Trade & Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar and the representative of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, making presentations and proffering solutions to the problems.

    Udoma, in his presentation titled ‘State of the Economy’, traced how Nigeria got into recession and measures for economic revitalization.

    He was confident that the crisis could be turned into an opportunity to restructure and reset the Nigerian economy.

    To reflate the economy, he suggested fiscal stimulus and implementing the Strategic Implementation Plan.

    In her presentation titled ‘Economic Strategy and Outlooka’, Adeosun maintained that Nigeria’s economy is rebuilding from a trough which includes declining Gross Domestic Products (GDP) growth and increasing levels of unproductive debt.

    The reform strategy being adopted, she said, will solve both the historic and current challenges facing the nation.

    Besides diversification, she said she believed that reduction in the cost and composition of government financing will drive incremental savings.

    Represented by Senior Technical Adviser of the Ministry, Mr Johnson Awoyemi, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, said that the Petroleum Industry will be reposition by implementing seven big wins.

    The key focus areas, he said, included Niger Delta and security, Policy and Regulation, Business Environment and Investment drive, Transparency and Efficiency.

    He listed others as Stakeholders Management and International Coordination, Gas Revolution and Refineries and Local Production Capacity.

    Despite calls for sacking of Udoma and Adeosun, the National Economic Council last Thursday commended the duo for the way they are handling the economy and their plans to steer the nation out of recession.

    Just as it was noted that the recession is a blessing in disguise, it is hoped that the recession will really give Nigeria a chance of restructuring and rebirth of her economy.

     

    Man of the moment

    Before last Thursday, the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello mostly enters the Council Chamber for the National Economic Council meeting unnoticed. He will only locate his seat and exchange pleasantries with governors close to his seat and sit down.

    But Thursday’s NEC meeting was a different one for Yahaya Bello. He instantly became the centre of attention as soon as he stepped into the Council Chamber around 10:45 a.m.

    The only reason for this was that Yahaya Bello had his election as governor of the state upheld two days earlier by the highest judicial body in the land, the Supreme Court.

    As the man of the moment, Yahaya Bello, clad in white ‘Babanriga’ and brown-coloured designed cap to match, did not fail to seize the opportunity that came his way that day.

    He didn’t go straight to his seat when he came into the Council Chamber as he continued to receive handshake and commendation from his colleagues including Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, deputy governors of Katsina and Nasarawa states.

    After chatting for few minutes with them, Yahaya Bello decided not to sit down as he made his way to see other governors seated at the other side of the hall.

    On his way to the other side of the hall, he met and stopped to exchange pleasantries with Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, who also congratulated him for his victory.

    When he got to his destination, he was also greeted by Delta State Governor, Ifianyi Okowa and Anambra State Governor, Willy Obiano for achieving the feat.

    On his way back to his seat, he met Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, who also congratulated him.

    While talking to el-Rufai, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal and Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi also joined them to congratulate the man of the moment.

    Yahaya Bello, definitely, won’t forget last Thursday in a hurry.