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Tag: commissioner

  • Firms not quitting State, says commissioner

    Firms not quitting State, says commissioner

    Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications Chief Emma Okah has stated that there is no failure of governance in the state.

    He insisted in a telephone interview yesterday evening that people, companies and businesses were not leaving Rivers State, as alleged by the Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

    Okah said: “Peterside is not correct. Part of the problems we have in Rivers State is lack of adequate infrastructure, caused by the Federal Government. The Port Harcourt International Airport has been described as the worst in the world. The two seaports in Rivers State (at Onne and Port Harcourt) are not functioning, due to the deliberate policy of the Federal Government to kill the Rivers ports.

    “On insecurity in Rivers State, Peterside is indirectly blaming the Federal Government that has the constitutional duty to secure lives and property. The focused administration of Governor Nyesom Wike has been providing logistics to support all the security agencies in Rivers State.

    “Posting of heads of security agencies is the duty of the Federal Government. Peterside and his cohorts are always influencing the posting of heads of the security agencies. They are politicising security in Rivers State and are not allowing the security agents to do their jobs professionally.

    “Peterside and other APC leaders in Rivers State are planning to use the security agencies to rig the 2019 elections. Any head of the security agencies that does not allow APC leaders to rig elections will not last in Rivers State. They are continuously destroying the security architecture of Rivers State, but investors are trooping into Rivers State on a daily basis.”

  • Ex-Kano commissioner for trial March 8

    Ex-Kano commissioner for trial March 8

    The trial of ex-Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has been fixed for March 8, at a Kano State High Court.

    Yusuf will face charges for alleged misappropriation of over N47 million.

    According to a writ of summons, a three-count charge of breach of trust and corrupt practice has been slammed on Yusuf.

    In the summons, evidence and confessional statements showed that Yusuf diverted $94,800, equivalent of N15,168,000, meant for utility bills and allowances of students studying at the Mansura University in Cairo, Egypt.

    It said: “Yusuf, who was also a member of the committee on foreign scholarship, was entrusted with $294,800.00, equivalent to N47,168,000.00, for the upkeep and other allowances of students who are on foreign scholarship in Mansoura University in Egypt.

    “Of this money, investigation and confessional statement obtained from witnesses and other sources clearly indicated that Yusuf diverted $94,800.00 equivalent to N15,168,000.00.

    “The first offence is thereby committed and punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code. Secondly, the accused person has violated the Code of Conduct for public officers and Kano State civil service rule, as stipulated under Section 123(a) of the Penal Code.

    “The offence also contradicts Section 24 (a) (1) of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission Law 2008 as amended.

  • Embedded power: Lagos won’t fail, says commissioner

    Embedded power: Lagos won’t fail, says commissioner

    Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Olawale Oluwo, has said the state government will achieve outstanding success in its quest to provide a 24-hour power supply to residents of urban and rural areas.

    Oluwo spoke at a meeting with officials of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at the conference room of the ministry in Ikeja, the state capital.

    The commissioner said there was a high-level preparedness by the state government involving the signing into law of embedded power bill by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the proposed Power Commission and Power Council to generate, regulate and ensure adequate and effective distribution of the targeted 3,000 megawatts (MW).

    He said: “Lagos already has sufficient gas as back-up, just as foreign countries, like the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), are ready to support the government with their cash, equipment and resources in a formidable public and private sector partnership for the sake of success.”

    Oluwo hailed a 10-member team from LCCI, led by the Chairman of its Power Sector Group, Effiom Edet.

    The commissioner said power generation of 3,000MW was key to the state government.

    According to him, machineries have been set in motion to ensure a successful take-off and implementation of the programme.

    Oluwo said areas, like Ikoyi, Lekki and Ikeja, would be provided with the first set of 1,000MW to keep businesses running for 24 hours.

    He added: “For now, government will power the distribution through the national grid, since enacting separate distribution lines by the state government will be cumbersome and overly expensive for the state to bear.”

    Edet said the body believed in the power generating project as conceptualised by government, adding that it would give necessary support to government to provide Lagosians with 24-hour power supply.

     

  • Kano’s grazing reserve‘ll take care of five million cattle, says commissioner

    Kano’s grazing reserve‘ll take care of five million cattle, says commissioner

    The Kano State Government’s proposed grazing reserve in Falgore game reserve has the capacity to cater for over five million cattle, it was learnt yesterday.

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr Yusuf Gawuna, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano.

    He said that the reserve would accommodate the herdsmen and their cattle, thereby discouraging them from moving to other states in search of pasture.

    The commissioner said, ‘‘Falgore Game Reserve can take care of millions of herdsmen and their cattle.

    ‘‘The location has been designed to accommodate markets, recreational centres, ultra-modern abattoir, tourism centre and factoriesý that would make herdsmen transact their businesses without any hindrance.’’

    The commissioner said the state government had engaged the services of consultants and that a document had been submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari on the need to convert the forest to a grazing reserve.

    He said from the assessment of the consultant the modern grazing reserve would cost about $30 million to develop.

    ‘‘The place is too big, we are in talks with private organisations that are coming in ýto invest and see how we can develop the forest.

    ‘‘We are also in talks with professional partners from South Africa ýfor Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. They will also assess the forest and submit their report to the governor,’’ Gawuna said.

  • Ambode receptive to tourism innovation, says Commissioner

    Ambode receptive to tourism innovation, says Commissioner

    Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said the state is set to put together a 15-year tourism master plan alongside other innovations in the creative industry, hospitality management and the entire tourism value-chain development as well as drive up revenue.

    This was disclosed on Tuesday by Mr Steve Ayorinde, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture when the promoters of Tourism Innovation Development Advantage (TIDA) paid a courtesy call to his office to seek the support of the ministry for its forthcoming conference on virtual tourism marketing.

    The Commissioner affirmed the support of the Lagos State Government for the hosting of the 2018 ‘tida’ conference and the launch of virtual tourism device for tourism promotion in the State. The endorsement according to Mr Ayorinde is purely hinged on the fact that the innovation aligns with the administration of Governor Ambode in the use of technology to drive business and leisure visitors to Lagos State and further expand the market for the consumption of made in Lagos creative ideas, products and services.

    Speaking through its leader, Mr. Femi Lawson, the ‘tida team said the  choice of Lagos State for the launch of the device was borne out of recognition for the position Lagos State occupy as the emerging tourism hub of the nation and the large tourism market available for exploration in the State. He says ‘tida’ is set for development of ideas that will add value to tourism promotion through Tourism Insurance,   Infrastructural tourism and the virtual tourism device that will help to market Nigeria  tourism potentials domestically and help to increase traffic of international tourists into the country.

    In his welcome remark, Mr. Ayorinde said that the 2016 hospitality income index reflect a gross increase as a result of the various entertainment events and show especially the eight day One Lagos Fiesta (OLF) of which the economic benefits cut across institutions in the creative and entertainment sector. He said the State is aligning with the virtual tourism technology to communicate to Lagosians the experience and the fun available locally rather than go overseas.

    On the proposed release of Lagos Tourism Event Calendar, Mr. Ayorinde said the idea is to help tourists plan their movement around the major tourism events that will happen in Lagos in 2018. Business and leisure travelers with the aid of the event calendar can explore the beauty of Lagos and take away something memorable during their visits.

    He said prior to the release of the Lagos State Tourism Master Plan, the ministry will convey a tourism summit for operators in   the tourism space to share ideas and collaborate to achieve a private driven Lagos master plan which will provide the template for any government to work with. As part of the reengineering to be introduced in the new plan the State government is looking at the possibility of setting up a Tourism Promotion Council to regulate and drive tourism affairs in the State.

    Present at the meeting are the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Culture, Mrs. Aramide Giwanson, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Fola Adeyemi and the Director, Tourism Promotion, Mrs. Oni Adama.

  • Be creative, commissioner urges workers

    The new Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Fahm, has urged workers of the Ministry to explore new ideas and innovations that would help to position the state in the science and technology global market.

    The commissioner, who gave the advice while meeting with the management workers of the ministry immediately after assuming duty, noted that for Science and Technology to strive, and for the state to compete favourably in the global economy, there is need for transformation.

    He said the main focus of the Ministry include e-governance, establishing globally competitive research facilities for the promotion of innovation, research and development (R&D)  in science and ICT and also to promote science technology, engineering and Mathematics [STEM] education.

    Fahm said there is need to collaborate with other ministries, academic institutions and other relevant bodies to drive our vision.

    The commissioner urged the workers to cooperate with him so as to achieve the purpose for which the ministry was established.

    While soliciting for support from the workers, he reiterated his total commitment to move the ministry forward.

  • Bayelsa saves N300m from council reforms, says commissioner

    Reforms at the local government tier have reduced the monthly wage bill of eight councils in Bayelsa State by N300 million, Commissioner for Local Government Administration Dr. Agatha Goma has said.

    She spoke at the weekend at the inter-ministerial briefing to mark the sixth anniversary of the Governor Seriake Dickson administration.

    Goma noted that the present administration has introduced fiscal discipline and set up procedures on the prudent management of public funds at the councils

    She said the reforms were tackling wastage and would be pursued.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ministries, Departments and Agencies had been showcasing their scorecards as part of the six-year anniversary of the Dickson administration,

  • LASTMA’ll ensure free traffic on airport road, says commissioner

    LASTMA’ll ensure free traffic on airport road, says commissioner

    Lagos Stare Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials have been drafted to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) road to ensure seamless traffic, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Rotimi Ogunleye said yesterday.

    In a statement, the commissioner said the government had begun  removin structures on the right of way (RoW) for the  road’s expansion.

    “As part of the measures put in place by the government to address the inconvenience the project may pose to motorists and commuters during the construction, the government has created alternative routes and diversions which would be manned by LASTMA officials. This is basically to ensure seamless traffic and assist motorists and commuters get to their destinations on time.”

    On the issue of payment of compensation, Ogunleye said : “Government is sincere about payment of compensation to all those affected.  We have paid more than 90 per cent in Mosafejo Oshodi, Abule Egba and Epe 1. We are presently paying Epe 2 and as for other areas such as Irede, Isawo, Igbogbo-Bayeku, Agege Pen Cinema, Oyingbo and the MMIA road, we have started the compilation and very soon payments would made.”

    He urged all thjose affected to submit the certified registered title  of properties within the  RoW, approved building plan permit for the affected structures and any other relevant documents as proof of ownership to his office to ensure ease of processing payments.

    The commissioner appealed to the people to bear with the government during reconstruction, explaining that on completion, a world class  road would be delivered.

    According to him, the road which is an entry point into the country would project a reputable image for the state and the country and attract investors and tourists .

  • Okorocha appoints commissioner for Happiness, Couples Fulfilment, others

    Okorocha appoints commissioner for Happiness, Couples Fulfilment, others

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday swore in 28 commissioners and 27 transition committee chairmen for the 27 local government areas.

    The governor, who announced the appointment of Mrs. Ogechi Ololo as commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfilment, urged the appointees to prove their mettle in his administration’s determination to render effective service to the people.

    The ceremony was held at Imo International Convention Centre (IICC) in Owerri, the capital.

    Okorocha said his administration completed more than 1,000 projects and promised to complete the rest before end of his tenure.

    The governor advised the appointees to work as if they have only a few weeks to deliver and leave their marks in their areas of work.

    He urged them to see themselves as men and women on a rescue mission, who will be part of the administration’s success story by contributing their quota to good governance.

    Okorocha said: “You are the privileged group that has the opportunity to make names for yourselves and put your signatures in the sands of time. I want to remind all of you that your appointments are not business as usual. We shall not tolerate any sharp practice or corruption of any type. Neither shall we accept indolence or laziness. You have been called to duty to help us achieve our vision in the Rescue Mission Project.

    “At this moment, I charge you all to be good ambassadors of the Rescue Mission wherever you find yourselves.

    “To the transition committee chairman, you must ensure that ongoing projects must be completed, especially the schools, chapels, among others.”

    The governor noted that his administration achieved more than all previous administrations.

    According to him, anybody with a contrary claim should make it public.

    The commissioners, who took their oaths yesterday, are: Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri (Information), Lady Ugochi Nnana-Okoro (Agriculture and Food Security), Gertrude Oduka (Primary and Secondary Education), Dr. Jones Uzoka (Niger Delta Affairs), Uchendu Chijioke Mark (Public Utilities), Gerald C. Okolie (Rural Development), Dr. Cyril Okafor (Tourism), Emmanuel Umunnakwe Ojinere (Trade and Investment), Chief Lasbery Anyanwu (Transport) and Onwueyiagwu Valentine (Youth Development).

    Others are: Mrs. Ngozi Njoku (Gender and Social Development), Mrs Josephine Udoji (Works), Achilike Nwawuike (Internal Resources and Pension Matters), Prof. Emenalo Chizoba (Tertiary Education), Nwamerenini Chukwuka (Labour), Dr. Iyke Njoku (Planning, Budget and Statistics), Emma Ibediro (Local Government), Obinna Mbata (Finance), Dr. Martin Ohiri (Sports) and Mgbeanulu Obinna (Environment and Natural Resources).

    Also sworn in are: Emma Buka Iwuanyanwu (Science and Technology and Vocational Education), Dr. Angela Uwakwem (Health), Lady Joy Mbawuike (Informal Sector and Market Development), Chief Tony Umezuruike (Housing), Prince Chidi Nwaturuocha (Public Safety), Dr. Ernest Nwigbo (Inter-Government Affairs and Donor Agencies), Duru Okechukwu (CGC and Traditional Affairs), Emeka Benjamin (Special Duties).

    The governor announced Chief Kingsley Uju as the supervisory commissioner for the Ministry of Land and Chairman of the Bureau for Land, and Mrs. Ogechi Ololo as the commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfilment.

     

  • ‘Give kids better upbringing’

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuff has urged parents to give their children better upbringing through exemplary attitude.

    Akinbile-Yusuff gave the advice yesterday during a one-day town hall meeting on better parenting held at the Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa, Ikeja.

    She said the programme was designed to inculcate the right attitude in parents with a view to empowering parents with the right skills to manage their children.

    She said: ‘’ This Town Hall Meeting is intended to bring about a behavioural change in the way we handle these precious jewels (children) bestowed in our care by God. As parents, teachers, caregivers, everyone coming in contact with children and having parental responsibility over them, it becomes very necessary that we develop the proper understanding attitudes and skills to manage children over various developmental stages.  We also encourage you (parents) to share your new knowledge and experience with as many people as possible in your communities.

    ‘’It is important to note that it takes more than love to raise a child well. Most parents  and guardians see parenting as a natural occurrence and just live by the day bring children up to the best of their knowledge, ability and mentality  of ‘’that’s the way I was raised’, most times abusing them seriously, causing permanent emotional and physical damage.

    The commissioner urged parents to establish stronger bond with their children in order to give them right tutelage for adult life.