The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fed Govt

  • Fed Govt needs to execute MoU signed with Niger Delta, says PETAN

    The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has advised the Federal Government to fulfill its Memoranda of Understanding on the Niger Delta to stem the insecurity in the region.

    PETAN Chairman, Bank Anthony Okoroafor, told The Nation that implementing such agreements would help ensure peace in the region. It would help to guarantee stable operations in the oil and gas industry and supply of gas to thermal power plants, he added.

    Okoroafor, who gave recipe for a smooth 2018 oil industry operation, said: “We shouldn’t lose sight of the security issues in the Niger Delta. We plead with the government and all the stakeholders to make sure that they keep faith with those MoUs they signed on the Delta region.

    Okoroafor noted the importance of putting development projects in the Niger Delta.

    “I would like the govern-ment to create an energy corridor in the Niger Delta with at least four modular refineries to empower and integrate the people into the oil and gas.

    “Let’s have big time operators in the oil and gas from the Niger Delta region. Let’s change the face of Niger Delta. Let them have 24-hour electricity supply, which is tied to the production system so that any time the production system shuts down, the power supply shuts down,” he added.

    On how the cash call exit would impact the operations of PETAN members, Okoroafor said in the past, when one executed a job for an IOC and go for payment, they (IOCs) would say the Federal Government had not paid its part of the Joint Venture (JV) cash call.

    “If the JVs become self-funding, the issue of waiting for money to pay for the work done will not arise. We think the difficulty of them (self-funding JVs) accessing funds to carry out the projects will be a thing of the past,’’ he said.

    He continued: ‘’The cash call exit is yielding fruit.Chevron recently secured some big funding for projects.The challenges of focusing only on the Federal Government have been reduced. Most of the IOCs can easily secure funding to execute their projects and that will create activity in the industry. Projects will no longer be deferred because of lack of funding.

    “I must tell you that our members are positioned to take advantage of this anticipated increase in activities because most of our members have the equipment and capabilities and the contracts. It’s a matter of calling on the particular firm you want to hire.’’

  • Fed Govt demolishes Don Waney’s mansion

    Fed Govt demolishes Don Waney’s mansion

    •Cars, other valuables crushed

    President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the demolition of the mansion of slain terrorist Chief Igwedibia Johnson, aka ‘General’ Don Waney, 34, in Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers, to deter criminals.

    The mansion was demolished on Tuesday. The demolition was supervised by soldiers and policemen. No property or car was allowed to be taken out of the expansive premises prior to the demolition. Everything  in the house, said the military, crushed in order not to be reminding the peace-loving people of the evils perpetrated by Waney and his gang members.

    Governor Nyesom Wike, in his broadcast on Monday, stated that Johnson’s mansion would be taken over by the Rivers government, but the property was demolished by the Federal Government the next day.

    A security chief earlier said in an exclusive interview: “The massive terror infrastructure of Don Waney had a detention facility, an armoury, a shrine and a warehouse for keeping of ransom from victims of kidnappings. The manhunt for Don Waney was abruptly halted when Wike’s administration notified security agencies that he had been given amnesty.

    “Shortly after the amnesty offer, Don Waney and his militants returned to criminal activities, which led to the November 20, 2017 raid of his mansion, camp and shrines. Wike’s government should have allowed his (Johnson’s) infrastructure of terror to be brought down, which is the standard practice worldwide, to serve as a deterrent to other criminals.”

    Johnson was killed in Enugu, Enugu State capital last Saturday, along with two of his lieutenants: Ikechukwu Adiele and Lucky Ode, by soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) from Rivers state, while their bodies were displayed to reporters on Sunday at the 6 Division of Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt .

    The late Johnson masterminded the killing of 17 worshippers after crossover service on New Year’s Day in Omoku.

    The outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 division, Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, revealed that Johnson, from his Enugu’s new base, along with his gang members, were already planning another mayhem in Omoku.

    The planned attack was to affect churches, schools, army and police.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of 6 division, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, yesterday in a telephone interview, revealed that since the November 20, 2017 operation, soldiers had been guarding Johnson’s mansion, for the valuable property in the building not to be stolen or vandalised by locals.

    Iliyasu also disclosed that no property or car was allowed to be taken out of the expansive premises by relatives of Johnson, prior to the demolition, with everything crushed, in order not to be reminding the peace-loving people of the evils perpetrated and atrocities committed by the terrorist and his gang members.

    Deputy director, army public relations of 6 division, said: “From the day Don Waney ran from justice, he had forfeited all his property.”

  • Fed Govt to rehabilitate Libya returnees

    Fed Govt to rehabilitate Libya returnees

    The Federal Government has promised to foot the bills of expenses incurred by over 1,000 Nigerians brought back from war-torn Libya.

    The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, spoke when he visited the Hajj Camp at Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State, where the returnees are temporarily being taken care of.

    Adewole, who described the returnees as ‘Buhari boys and girls’, urged officials to make their stay as comfortable as possible, promising that the Federal Government would foot the bills of their reintegration.

    The minister, who noted that food, water, medical care and sanitation must be provided for the returnees, said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would make the returnees as comfortable as possible.

    He said: “They have had a turbulent time in Libya and we must do all within our power to make their return to their fatherland as comfortable as possible.

    “It is unfortunate that they lost hope in the country in the first instance, hence their decision to travel out to seek greener pasture, but they should not have ventured into a war-torn country.

    “Libya has been in turmoil since the death of Muammar Gaddafi and I see no reason why many of them should have ventured into that country. Eighty per cent of those I have interacted with left between six months and three years ago.

    “By then, Libya was a war zone, but after making that mistake, we are going to do all within our power to make their return easy for them.”

    Prof. Adewole directed the camp commandant and other security agents to maintain law and order and prevent crisis.

    He advised governors to assist in rehabilitating the indigenes.

    The minister also visited University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital where 11 of the returnees with serious medical conditions are being treated.

    He enjoined the medical workers to ensure the patients get the best medical care.

    Some agents at the camp include officials of NAPTIP, Immigration, Refugee Foundation, DSS, Police, Port Health, health workers, among others.

    Over 5,000 Nigerians are expected to be repatriated in an operation being coordinated by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama.

     

  • Ex-Perm Sec forfeits N664m, $137,680 to Fed Govt

    Ex-Perm Sec forfeits N664m, $137,680 to Fed Govt

    The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the forfeiture of N664,475,246.6 and $137,680.11 allegedly recovered from a retired Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr Clement Illoh Onubuogo.

    He is on trial for allegedly failing to declare N97,300,613.44, $139,575.50 and £10,121.52 found in three of his bank accounts while in office.

    Onubuogo pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    He was re-arrested over an alleged diversion of Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P) fund.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said Onubuogo converted the forfeited funds from N10billion released by the Federal Government during his supervision of SURE-P.

    The court, based on an August 15, 2016 motion ex-parte by the EFCC, also ordered the interim forfeiture of properties described as “Clement Illoh’s Mansion” at Ikom Quarters, Issala-Azegba in Delta State and a hotel on 19, Madue Nwafor Street, off Achala Ibuzo Road, Asaba, Delta State.

    Onubuogo’s lawyer, Tom Awhana, filed a counter-affidavit challenging the interim forfeiture, adding that the court lacked jurisdiction to make the order because all the alleged transactions leading to the suit were done in Abuja.

    Yesterday, Awhana told Justice Saliu Saidu that his client was in talks with the EFCC to resolve the matter out of court.

    He withdrew his pending applications challenging the court’s jurisdiction and seeking to discharge the interim order.

    Prosecuting counsel Mr Rotimi Oyedepo confirmed that plea bargain talks were ongoing with the defendant.

    He urged the court to discharge the interim order with regard to the properties and moved his motion for the final forfeiture of the monies.

    He said the application was based on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act of 2014.

    Awhana did not oppose the application for monies’ final forfeiture.

    Justice Saidu consequently granted the application, ordering the defendant to forfeit N437,348,181.16 found in Onubuogo’s possession, which EFCC said is reasonably suspected to be  proceeds of unlawful activity.

    The court also ordered the final forfeiture of another N97,300.613.44 found by the commission in the defendant’s account, as well as N129,826,452.00.

    Onubuogo was also ordered to forfeit of $137, 680.11 to the Federal Government.

  • Fed Govt votes N280m as car allowances for Obasanjo, Gowon, IBB, Jonathan, others

    Fed Govt votes N280m as car allowances for Obasanjo, Gowon, IBB, Jonathan, others

    Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Shehu Shagari, Goodluck Jonathan, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, Abubakar Abdulsalam and Chief Ernest Shonekan have been paid N40 million as monetisation. The money is part of a proposed N280 million for vehicle procurement, documents from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation have shown.

    The allocation, which was meant for the 2017 fiscal year, was in the documents showing procurements totaling N2.492 billion in the 2017 capital expenditure and earmarked for seven former Presidents and Heads of State.

    For this year, N2.492 billion capital expenditure is proposed, according to the report submitted  by the SGF during the 2017/2018 budget defence session held by the Hon. Husseini Suleiman Kanagiwa-headed House Committee on Governmental Affairs.

    The N240 million balance for the procurement of vehicles remains outstanding and is meant to be cash-backed before the budget year runs out in March. An additional  N96 million is proposed for procurement of vehicles in the 2018 budget estimates.

    About N120 million was proposed for purchase of vehicles for former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo and the late Alex Ekwueme and had been released in 2017.

    Mustapha also told the lawmakers that N65 million was earmarked for building a website in the 2018 estimates.

    The committee members were not happy with some aspects of the presentation, especially the proposed N18.360 million for purchase of 27 laptop computer (Mac Book) in 2018; N,995,190,118 for purchase of security equipment.

    Also, the N64 million for purchase of monitoring trucks also got a knock, as well as the N316 million for purchase of motor vehicles; N124 million for four of 18-seater buses and two 30-seater buses.

    Estimates in the document show that N130 million was also proposed for procurement of two Land Cruiser Prado Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs); N65.551 million for ambulance and clinic equipment while N170 million was proposed for Independence/Democracy Day celebrations same as in 2017.

    The SGF told the lawmakers that the Mac Book computers were meant for Council Chamber because of the high volume of work they do.

    Other proposed expenditures for 2018 include: N1.734 billion for political officers and standing committee; N760.277 million honorarium and sitting allowance; N133.421 million for welfare packages.

    Similarly, N88.65 million is for the purchase of office furniture and fittings; N18.36 million for purchase of computers and N456.64 million for computer software acquisition while N106.834 is for cleaning & fumigation services for the SGF headquarters.

    N116.64 million is meant for support/maintenance of e-Council document management; N60 million for upgrade and turn around maintenance of Council Chambers Conference system; N30 million radio frequency identification device system (RFIC); N35 million for expansion of local area network/OSGF website upgrade and N40 million for socio-economic impact studies challenges/solutions.

    However, the 2017 budget document showed that out of the total sum of N20.800 million proposed for the 52No of Mac Book procured in 2017, the sum of N20.790 million (99.52%) has been released while from the total sum of N170 million proposed for Independence/Democracy Day celebration, the sum of N138 million was released.

    From the sum of N35 million proposed for 1 Xerox D125 Heavy Duty Photocopy Machine to enhance timely production of Council memoranda, the sum of N34,938,750 was released (99.83%) leaving a balance of N61,250 only.

    Also, out of the total sum of N55 million proposed for upgrading and turn around maintenance of Council Chambers System, the sum of N54,400,500 has been released leaving the balance of N599,500 only (98.91%).

  • ‘Fed Govt committed to universal health coverage’

    ‘Fed Govt committed to universal health coverage’

    The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to achieving universal health coverage in the country in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.

    Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole stated this while delivering a lecture in honour of Emeritus Prof. Kelsey Atangamuerimo Harrison at the University of Port Harcourt yesterday.

    The minister, who paid glowing tribute to Harrison for his immense contributions to the development of the nation’s health sector, noted that one of the priority objectives of the SDG–UHC is to engender equity in access to health.

    He pointed out that lessons learned over the years have shown that countries that attained UHC, strategically focused on covering financing and service provision gaps.

    Adewole said: “Improvements in health outcomes have been slow over the last decade and two-thirds of the burden of disease remains illnesses affecting mothers and children.

    “Nigeria has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world at 576 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the global average.  This is almost the same as in the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) (545 deaths per 100,000).”

  • N100b leakage: Fed Govt orders contractors to show TIN before payment

    N100b leakage: Fed Govt orders contractors to show TIN before payment

    The Federal Government has ordered vendors of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to display their Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) on their invoices before payments are effected by the MDAs.

    The  Government’s directive was handed down on yesterday in Abuja by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun to the Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris.

    A statement signed by Oluyinka Akintunde, Special Adviser, Media & Communications to the Minister, said the order was part of efforts by the Government to block revenue leakages.

    He said about N100 billion has been discovered as tax revenue shortfall by contractors between 2012 and 2017.

    Mrs. Adeosun, in a memo titled, “Compliance with Tax Payments by Federal Government Vendors”, said persistent leakages in revenue remittances by vendors had been uncovered by the Government’s Project Lighthouse, a systemwide revenue intelligence data-warehouse.

    The leakages, she said, “were due to lack of TIN particularly on Value Added Tax (VAT), Withholding Tax (WHT) and other related inflows into the government coffers.

    She said:“In order to address these lapses in the implementation of the 2017 Budget, as well as boost the revenue accruable to the Government, all MDAs should be directed to insist that invoices submitted by vendors for payments must clearly state the TIN.

    “This is to confirm tax compliance by relevant government vendors before payments are effected.”

    Mrs. Adeosun said the directive to the vendors, was in compliance with the provisions of both the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Procurement Acts of 2007 respectively, pointing out that spot checks would be undertaken on MDAs to confirm compliance with the directive.

  • ‘Fed Govt must vet Libya returnees’

    ‘Fed Govt must vet Libya returnees’

    Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON) President Dr. Ona Ekhomu has advised the Federal Government to returnees from Libya.

    In a statement in Lagos on yesterday, Ekhomu said given the threat of infiltration into Nigeria of ISIS fighters, the identity of each of the returnees must be known.

    “Some of these people might have pledged Bayat to ISIS.  They need to be separated out from those who migrated for economic reasons”, he added.

    Ekhomu said there was no way of knowing a Nigerian by face. He said: “And it is presumed that most of the returnees do not have travel documents.  It is therefore, merely assumed that they are Nigerians.

    “A questionnaire must be quickly drawn up to enable the returnees prove their national identity.  These should include questions about their date of birth, place of birth, LGA, name of  own traditional ruler, primary and secondary school attended, ethnic nationality, native language spoken. etc.  In order to discern their purpose for migration, they should be questioned about the source of funds for their trip to Libya,

    “All information provided must be quickly investigated (verified) and each individual cleared to enter society.”

    Ekhomu praised President Muhammadu Buhari for ordering the repatriation of the Nigerians.  He said as a responsible government, the Federal Government did the right thing by bringing back “fellow Nigerians”. “However, the government must again do the responsible thing of ascertaining the true identity of these returnees as there is a high probability that a few of them may be ISIS fighters escaping from Libya, or coming to Nigeria to execute a possible terrorist plot. Nigeria has too many active killing fields right now, and does not need the threat of ISIS infiltration”.

  • How Fed Govt is resolving power supply problem

    How Fed Govt is resolving power supply problem

    After a holistic examination of the power sector problems, the Federal Government is taking gradual but aggressive measures in short and long-terms.

    The incremental power policy initiated by the Minister of Power, Works & Housing,  Babatunde Fashola is the short-term solution. The mega projects, such as the Mambilla project expected to generate over 3000 megawatts (mw) is the long-term solution.

    To Fashola, it makes no economic sense to concentrate on building new power projects and abandon the idle completed but faulty power plants as well as those on the verge of completion but abandoned for one reason or the other. He said the country has over 12,000mw idle capacity.

    Fashola said: “Let’s get these idle megawatts on stream by making rehabilitation of the power a priority. Let’s make use of what we have first before looking for new ones, he said. It is this conviction that led to embarking on the incremental power policy.

    “We cannot have 12,000Mw installed and be concentrating on new ones without optimizing the existing ones  – Egbema and Gbarain power plants are not finished, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, and Geregu are not optimised because there is not enough gas.

    “In some places there are transmission problem. This is what the ministry is now tackling. The Federal Government’s focus now is on what will help on immediate contribution to increased power, whether it is on generation, transmission or distribution segment of the value chain. It is this priority that will determine the project government will award the contract.”

    “If it is transmission project, we will award the contract. It is the one that goes to a power plant that is ready to deliver power? Some have gas and the power is there, but they cannot evacuate. So, let’s build the transmission line. Some have the transmission facility but don’t have gas. So, let’s build the gas pipeline.

    “That is what is happening in places like Omoku plant in Rivers State. We will complete Omoku by March this year and it will give us about 270mw. We will finish Gbarain any time from now and it will give us over 115mw, Alaoji by June this year.”

    The minister went further: “We will get more power from Kaduna, 215mw.  We will get 10mw from wind plant in Katsina State this year. Zungeru project would have given us 700mw but was locked up in court for three years before we came on board. We have got the parties out of court but have lost three years. It will deliver by early next year another 700mw. Azura in Edo State, they refused to sign the partial risk guarantee but the Buhari administration has signed it.

    “Azura project is on track and will be finished in June this year and will give us 450mw. So, we have to prepare to evacuate Azura and I have submitted the memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to approve the funding. We have to quickly build a 14-km 330kv line so we can evacuate power produced there to the grid.

    “We are also trying to complete some rural electrification projects using Rural Electrification Agency (REA). There are many rural electrification projects from 1999 including various constituency projects. All of that will translate to more power.”

    At the last all-stakeholders’ monthly meeting in Kogi State last month, it was reported at the meeting that Geregu Power Plant owners whose majority shareholder is Forte Oil Plc, invested $94 million and raised the generation capacity from 414mw to 434mw.

    Stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged significant improvement on generation capability from what it was in January/March 2017, when it was constrained by gas and debts to GenCos and Gas Suppliers.

    They acknowledged that the N701 billion guarantee programme has helped in securing the production side of the value chain by enabling the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc to pay generating companies and gas suppliers.

    The running of the three turbines in Gergu I is part of the successes recorded by the intervention on generation. Only one out of turbines in Geregu I and II were running when the minister visited in 2016. The new challenge is that the turbine output is curtailed due to insufficient distribution infrastructure to take the power from the power plants.

    They said: “Available nationwide generation capacity has reached over 7000mw, which cannot be evacuated due to the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN’s) efforts to improve and complete transmission facilities with the support of state governments such as Kogi State. Distribution Companies have pledged to match the transmission capacity in order to deliver the additional 2000mw to consumers.

    “On Friday December 8, 2017, a peak generation of 5155mw to the grid was reached, surpassing the previous peak of 5074mw in February 2016, which was the product of team work from the Presidency, TCN, and all government agencies, as well as private generation and distribution companies and the support of the various communities, such as Ajaokuta, which plays host to our vital power infrastructure.”

    Fashola also held discussions with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and various chambers of commerce and industries in the states on how to deliver the unutilised 2000mw generated power.

    The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) is also providing assistance to improving generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. For instance, its intervention has brought tremendous improvement in power supply in Okene, Idah, Confluence Beach, Ankpa, Felele, Ohunene, and Ayingba areas of the state, among others.

    NDPHC noted that construction on Okija and Omotosho community connection project is complete and was planned for energization by December 31, 2017

    The Benin Electricity Distribution Company noted that all 36 communities in Ondo North are now connected after signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the DisCo, and that connection in Ode-Aiye in Benin DisCo in Ondo South will be completed early this year.

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company also confirmed that the 60MVA substation at Aba has been restored while TCN noted progress of projects in Obajana, Egbe, Kabba and Okene to improve supply in Kogi State. TCN is also proposing a 330kV line from Makurdi to Ayingba to ensure Kogi State benefits from the upcoming Mambilla Hydro project

    The GenCos, DisCos and TCN restated committed to improving customer service in the power sector by informing customers at least seven days in advance of any planned repair or maintenance outage of infrastructure to the affected communities.

    According to Fashola, the DisCos are behind other segments of the value chain – generation and transmission, even as he noted the government’s  effort  at boosting DisCos’ capacity.

    Fashola said: “The problem is that DisCos don’t have capacity to expand the way it is expected. We have talked about their challenges – exchange rate, liquidity and population growth, among others. The meter roll out that was expected has not happened in the way we expected it. Some have happened. The second problem is that most of the equipment they bought were old enough, nobody can dispute that. So, they must expand, that is the problem. But we will be able to know what each DisCo needs and what it costs. When get FEC’s approval, they (DisCos) will inject the idle 2000mw into the grid.

    The World Bank Group also acknowledged the efforts and improvements in the power sector.  The World Bank Group and the Federal Government after a two-day high-level consultation on the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP), reached some agreements. The PSRP is a comprehensive programme of policy, legal, regulatory, operational and financial interventions that will restore service efficiency and long-term power sector viability.

    The measures that will be implemented through 2021, are aimed at improving transparency, service delivery and re-establishing investor confidence, and hence, investment in the sector. Accelerating electricity access including through off-grid public private partnerships is an important component of the PSRP.

    They assessed progress in implementing the programme and followed on similar high-level talks that took place in Abuja in December 2016 and in Washington during the World Bank/ IMF Spring meetings.

    The Federal Government has prepared a financing plan to ensure financial sustainability of the power sector and included it in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper submitted to the National Assembly in October last year. The plan will be monitored regularly and incorporate contingencies should the sector shortfall deviate from the base case assumptions until retail tariffs are adjusted in line with improved service delivery to attain cost recovery by 2021.

    The PSRP envisages measures to contain costs and carefully manage contingent liabilities to ensure cost-reflective and affordable tariffs. In this context, it was agreed that existing generation infrastructure assets will need to be optimised before the sector assumes new financial obligations that could not be supported.

    The World Bank is committed to assisting the Federal Government with programme implementation, working closely with the PSRP Implementation Monitoring Team, which reports directly to the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

    The World Bank will continue the preparation of the proposed $1 billion Performance Based Loan (PBL) to support the programme. The Federal Government and the World Bank Group agreed on the necessary steps to present the PBL to the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors for consideration.

     

  • Fed Govt’s plan to fight unemployment, by Ngige

    Fed Govt’s plan to fight unemployment, by Ngige

    Minister of Labour and Employment Dr Chris Ngige has said the Federal Government will use certificated skill acquisition to fight unemployment and idleness among Nigerian youths.

    Ngige spoke yesterday at the palace of Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu Community of Anambra.

    Ngige was in the palace to receive documents for 3,000 quare metres land for building a Specialised Skill Acquisition in the community.

    He said the edifice for the scheme to be built by the Federal Government would have hostels and would offer skill courses with certification in levels one, two and three.

    He said the project was a replica of the London City and Guild Academy.

    The minister noted that the project would be established in each state under the same model.

    Ngige said the first phase of the project, which included skill laboratories, auditorium, water and security facilities, would be delivered in three months.

    He also said the second phase of the programme would commence immediately, since the project had been captured in 2018 appropriation bill.

    Ngige said: “The Federal Government is looking inward by encouraging specialisation on jobs such as carpentry, bricklaying, tiling, fashion designing, make-up and bead making and interior decoration among others.

    “This is to help redeem our youths from joblessness, occasioned by lack of white collar jobs. There are no white collar jobs any longer. If you are waiting for one, you will wait for a long time.

    “People are now finding employment in the blue collar jobs, and it is even more profitable. How many of you are aware that the daily pays for carpenters and other artisans have increased?

    “In Abuja they collect as high as N10, 000 per day’s job. If they get these per day jobs even if it is only five times in a month, do you know how much that is? How many white collar jobs pay that much in a month.’’

    He also urged religious and traditional leaders as well as parents to strengthen the moral capacity of the young ones.

    According to him, such steps will ensure that the youths are not idle and bereft of positive idea.

    Anambra State Deputy Governor Dr Nkem Okeke expressed delight at the Federal Government decision to use the community as a pilot site for such a laudable programme.

    Okeke assured the minister that the state was prepared to assist in any other way to ensure that the project was completed as planned.

    “Anambra State government will give its maximum co-operation to this project in order for the residents of the state to reap its benefits,’’ he said.

    Ilouno thanked the delegation for siting the project meant to uplift the socio-economic status of the youth and women of the state in his community.

    The monarch promised to galvanise the community to support the contractor selected to handle the project.

    “As we donated the land without rancour and asking for compensation, we will also co-operate with the contractor on site to facilitate the speedy completion of the structure without rancour,’’ he said.

    The consultant to the project, Mr Mike Nwafor, also promised to ensure that the contractor delivered quality work within scheduled period.