The federal government will raise bonds to refund billions states spent on rehabilitating federal roads in their domains, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola declared yesterday.
He spoke in Enugu during a courtesy call on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who appealed to the federal government to refund over N25 billion Enugu State expended in rehabilitating the federal roads.
Fashola, who was in Enugu to inspect some federal roads, stated the federal government had carefully assessed the various claims by affected states and has concluded arrangement to refund the money through bonds.
He said: “The plan of the federal government is to issue bonds to pay those monies and then we pay the bonds back overtime.”
He urged the state to assist the contractors handling federal roads to secure the right of way, informing that they have been re mobilised to sites.
Ugwuanyi, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, regretted the neglect of the federal roads in the South East.
This, he said, necessitated the intervention of the State government in rehabilitating some of the federal roads in her domain.
He said the hardship suffered by road users leaves much to be desired and requested the federal government to hasten actions in fixing the remaining roads.
The governor said the refund of over N25billion the state spent on rehabilitating federal roads will assist in other critical areas of needs.
Tag: FG
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FG to raise bonds to settle states on federal roads
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College provost advises FG on recession
The Provost of Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu; a former World Bank Consultant and former Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Philip Ntoh, has asked the federal government to conduct a more in-depth study of the Nigerian environment and look inwardsin order to apply the best economic strategy needed to bail the economy from recession.
He also advised the government to engage more experts in order to tackle the nation’s present economic woes.
Ntoh used the occasion of the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the school’s Students Union Government (SUG) on Wednesday, led by Comrade Mba Kelechi Mathew, to warn that the institution will not hesitate to expel any student who engages in any anti-social behavior such as cultism, examination malpractice and rape.
He explained that the school adopted the policy of zero –tolerance for cultism and examination malpractice so as to turn out graduates who will be the true leaders of the state and Nigeria in the future.
He also noted that a conducive learning environment has been created for the students to excel, especially with the engagement of quality lecturers, newly renovated hostels and other facilities.
Ntoh noted that when he assumed office a year ago, the school was without public power supply while the hostels and the entire environment were rundown, but expressed happiness that the situation had changed for the better.
According to him, through the deliberate and sustained innovation policy of developmental framework, evolved by the new management, ASCETA was now attracting more students’ enrolment.
He told them that with the affiliation of the college to Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, students can now do a straight four year degree courses, including the acquisition of relevant skills.
Dr. Nto disclosed that for the first time since the inception of the college, the present management has started the issuance of certificates to graduates of ASCETA.
He urged the students to take advantage of those positive changes and work towards excelling in their academics with the assurance that their certificates will be issued to them upon graduation.
He thanked the state governor, OkezieIkpeazu, for his commitment to the massive development of the school, pledging that the institution would continue to maintain enviable learning standard.
Earlier, while swearing the students in, the Deputy Provost, Dr. Sam Iheonunekwu, enjoined them to respect the rules of the school and protect the interest of students.In his remark, the SUG President, Mba Kelechi Mathew, pledged the loyalty of the students to the management and promised that they will work hard to justify the confidence reposed on them by the students.
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Ogun, FG identify three LGs for women development
THREE local governments which include Yewa South, Ijebu-ode and Odeda Local Government Areas of Ogun State have been identified for the pilot scheme on women development to be undertaken by the State and Federal Governments towards effectively catering for the needs of women in the state. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko, stated this when the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Biola Kufile- Okonji led delegates from the National Centre for Women Development on a courtesy call to the Ministry’s headquarters in Oke-mosan, Abeokuta.
The Commissioner while receiving the delegation assured that the Senator Ibikunle Amosunled administration was ready to support the team towards repositioning the existing Women Development Centres across the State to effectively meet the demands and yearnings of women in the society. Ojuko appreciated the Federal Government for identifying Yewa South, Ijebu-Ode and Odeda local government areas for the pilot scheme, promising that the State government would leave no stone unturned towards ensuring the success of the programme. ‘’Let me assure you on behalf of the Governor of our support towards the programme.
We want to appreciate the efforts and consideration of Mr. President for giving us this opportunity in Ogun State to be a part of the pilot scheme out of the six States that have been picked. ‘’The issue of Women Development Centres (WDC) is very important to us like that of youths and other stakeholders in the society. With your presence in Ogun, you will help the State government identify issues at the centres and also ensure that the centres are moved forward’’ Ojuko remarked. In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Biola Kufile-Okonji, said the visit was to inspect and monitor the activities of selected WDC in the State so as to identify their challenges, find ways of improving them as well as undertaking retraining programme for members of staff at the various centres.
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FG responds to 2Baba’s protest call
Since the idea for the nation-wide protest became the talk of town, singer Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba, who brought Nigerians’ plight to the government in a new video has stated that he is just a musician, with a point of view and the ear of his fans.
The protest which is scheduled to hold on February 6, 2017 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, is targeted at some of the policies of government he perceived are not favourable to the people.
2Baba said: “I stand with Nigeria. There is enough in Nigeria for all of us to ‘chop belleful’. Enough is enough. We must put Nigeria first and keep all the greedy and selfish people away from leadership.”
Reacting to the proposed protest, Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, while speaking in an interview with Lagos Talk 91.3FM, said those who are calling for the protest are people who supported the last government and are still pained that they lost the last election.
”This is a country of about 180 million people,” he said.
“It is impossible for 180 million people to think the same way. Yoruba has a saying that if you all sleep and put your heads in the same direction, and then you are all foolish because you would be breathing in one another’s mouth and lungs.
“Don’t forget the last election and how it went. Somebody scored 12.5 million votes; another scored about 15 million votes. There are some people who are still in that election mode. They have not gotten out of it and till today, they are still living and ‘romanticising’ about the past. What they don’t know is that that past is gone and gone forever. Majority of those calling for the protest are still in election mode. Majority of them are people that have resolved not to see anything good in this administration simply because the man they wanted lost at the polls.”
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FG partners Lagos State on National Theatre
There are indications that the National Theatre, which used to be the premium entertainment hub will return to its glory, as the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government have agreed to give the edifice a facelift.
Minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who is midwiving the process said the partnership between the two governments on the renovation of the National Theatre will breathe life into the national edifice.
Speaking after an inspection tour of the theatre in Lagos on Saturday, ahead of the renovation, Alhaji Mohammed described the facility as a valuable national asset that cannot be allowed to become derelict.
‘’We are here today to take physical stock of what the Lagos State Government has offered to help us with – that is the rehabilitation of the National Theatre.
‘’I want to use the opportunity to express my gratitude and that of the Federal Government to the Governor, the Government and the people of Lagos state, who have graciously offered to assist to renovate the main bowl of the National Theatre, two cinema halls, the exhibition lobby and the banquet hall as part of the collaboration between the Federal Government and the State, especially as the state turns 50 this year,’’ he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said ‘’with the hand of friendship that the Lagos Government has extended to us, we are very hopeful that we are going to get the main bowl, two cinema halls, the exhibition lobby and the banquet hall renovated and ready for the Lagos at 50 celebration.
‘’The National Theatre is an asset we can boast of, and what we need to do is to bring it back to a working condition,’’ he said.
The minister promised that after the renovation, the national edifice will not be allowed to go into a state of disrepair again.
‘’I know that the question on the lips of many people is that what happens after the renovation. But I want to assure Nigerians that it cannot be business as usual. The National Theatre now has a new management that is in tune with reality and we will simply not allow the National Theatre to degenerate to the level we met it today,’’ he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said Lagos State will benefit massively from the renovation of the theatre, ‘’because it is going to give the necessary impetus to the creative industry’’. -
FG cautions clerics on hate speeches
The Federal Government (FG) through the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has cautioned clerics against hate and insightful speeches.
The institute in a statement said it is concerned about the ugly and reprehensible trend of inciting preaching and hate speech, it adds that the negative potential which these practices portend for the peace, social cohesion and good governance in the country.
Media Assistant to the Director General, Abu Michael in a press statement Monday, added that the Institute has observed with deep regret the inciting sermons by some preachers in places of worship across the country.
He added that the emerging phenomenon of irresponsible preaching and unwarranted utterances by some clerics is one which every responsible Nigerian must work hard to discourage.
He stated, “The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), the apex research agency and think-tank of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), on peace, conflict prevention, and management is concerned about the ugly and reprehensible trend of inciting preaching, hate speech and irresponsible use of the social media going on in the country.
“The IPCR is worried about the negative potential which these practices portend for the peace, social cohesion and good governance of our great country. The Institute is particularly disturbed that religion as an important institution and age-long guarantor of peace is being deployed by some preachers to undermine the peace and stability of the country. This is a total negation of the sacred books, which propagate peace and good neighbourliness. The Institute is urging Nigerians to resent actions and utterances that could jeopardize the demonstrated commitment of the Federal Government to secure the lives and properties of the citizenry. While government continues to do everything to ensure citizens’ security, winning the peace in our communities remains a collective responsibility of all Nigerians.
“The Institute has observed with deep regret the inciting sermons by some preachers in places of worship across the country. The emerging phenomenon of irresponsible preaching and unwarranted utterances by some clerics is one which every responsible Nigerian must work hard to discourage. History has shown that the spinning of hate speeches by people who should be leaders and custodians of peace in the society is a recipe for social catastrophe that does no one good.
“All religions, and especially Christianity and Islam are founded on the principles of peace, love and charity. Therefore, any preacher who incites his or her congregation to violence negates the principles of religion. Religion emphasizes peace, love, tolerance and respect for the sanctity of human lives. The Institute appeals to all leaders, temporal and spiritual, to be cautious in their pronouncements at all times.
“In exercising our constitutional rights to the freedom of speech we all owe the larger society the duty of restraint by abhorring the use of inflammatory expressions capable of undermining public safety and the security of lives and properties. The Institute enjoins Nigerians to appreciate the significant progress made by the Government despite being confronted with challenges associated with insurgency, terrorism and other conflict disorders. The economic recession, notwithstanding, the Federal Government continues to confront insurgency and the resultant humanitarian crisis in the Northeast with uncommon courage and determination. The IPCR commends the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices, which led to the restoration of the territorial integrity of the country.
“While acknowledging the positive role of the media in sustaining democracy in Nigeria, the Institute advises against the publication of provocative information capable of fuelling centrifugal tendencies in the society. IPCR thus calls for the media to embrace the constructive path of peace journalism and conflict-sensitive reportage. It also advises social media practitioners and users to promote harmonious living and positive mobilization of the masses. Consequently, IPCR calls on all Nigerians to think and act responsibly in order to strengthen and consolidate the peaceful relations in communities across the country. It is only under conditions of Peace and tranquillity that the economy can grow jobs for the teeming youths of Nigeria for sustainable development.”
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FG, make old national IDs useful
SIR: I write on the value of the old National ID card. It has been three months since I have been battling with linking my Ecobank account to the account holding my BVN, First Bank. Ecobank made a mistake on my date of birth and that perhaps is why the date of birth on both accounts did not tally. During my immediate past birthday, Ecobank sent me two different birthday wishes. How is it possible that I should have two birthdays?
Just within the same month, a friend of mine sent me money through that account but I couldn’t withdraw it. I have been asked to swear to an affidavit for the correction of my date of birth, together with a valid ID card to rectify my date of birth. I have done all of that.
The problem is that for most of us with this problem, the banks are not accepting our old national IDs. They say they have instructions from the CBN. And so I did apply for a new National Identity Card and a week later I got the temporary (NIMS) ID card. The most frustrating and annoying part of the drama was when I got back to the bank, I was told again that the temporary (NIMS) ID card cannot be used because it carries no date of birth on it. So, my question to federal government and CBN is: Why is it necessary to give instruction that banks should not accept the old National ID card whereas the temporary one can equally not be used?
It takes almost a year to get the plastic ‘approved’ National ID card. How then can citizens who don’t have a permanent voters card (PVC), Driver’s license or an International passport identify themselves when the need arises?
- Assurance Ovie,
Benin City.
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FG to BBOG: Stick to your advocacy role
The Federal Government on Monday advised the Bring Back Our Girls Group to stick to its advocacy role.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also urged the group to see the government as a partner rather than an adversary in its quest to secure the release of the Chibok girls.
The minister in a statement signed by one of his aides, Mr. Segun Adeyemi, said the incessant attack of the current government is counter- productive.
He said, “The BBOG’s continued portrayal of the government as an adversary and the needless firing of darts at the President, who is doing his utmost best to bring the girls back home safely, could be ultimately counter-productive.
”The Federal Government has bent over backwards to carry the BBOG along and to show transparency in the conduct of the search for the girls.
“The recent invitation extended to the group to witness first-hand the search for the girls by the Nigerian Air Force is a clear indication of this.
”However, it came to us as a surprise that despite its initial positive report on the tour, the BBOG has too quickly reverted to its adversarial role.
“BBOG should stick to its role as an advocacy group rather than pretending to be an opposition party. The synonyms of the word ‘advocacy’ do not include ‘antagonism’, ‘opposition’ or ‘attack.
“In fact, those words are the antonyms of advocacy.”
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FG procures surveillance gadgets to track kidnappers
•DSS to read suspects’ deleted texts, mails
There would soon be no hiding place for terrorists, kidnappers, criminals and others deemed to constitute security risk to the nation.
The Directorate of State Security Service (DSS) is about to roll out one of the world’s latest tracking and digital evidence recovery technologies, The Nation can reveal.
With Athena Forensic Solution for which the DSS got an allocation of N648,000,000 in the 2017 national budget proposals, it will become easier to do real-time tracking in addition to revealing erased information, including deleted text messages, photographs, video, contact lists on devices like mobile phones, computers and cell sites belonging to suspects.
In 2013, the Goodluck Jonathan administration signed a pact with an Israeli firm, Elbit, for a multi-million dollar internet surveillance system, Wise Intelligent Technology (WIT).
On its website, http://www.athenaforensics.co.uk/forensic-data-recovery, the firm that produces the Athena Forensic Solution equipment talks about its strong capabilities for intelligence-gathering, including capabilities to identify past geographical locations visited with digital devices.
In addition to its mobile device data acquisition capabilities, ATHENA, according to experts, is also equipped with an integrated camera to capture still images and motion videos.
Besides, the system’s internal GPS system can also capture and record positional information to deliver complete intelligence package.
A source said: “Data extraction from mobile phones, digital devices, SIM and media cards have become very important for intelligence and security agencies, because terrorists and insurgents are increasingly deploying mobile digital devices to detonate attacks and communicate between different cells; while criminals are also using mobile technology for hostile and criminal activities to access, store and share information as well as for navigation.
“Globally, intelligence and security agencies are focusing on data extraction from mobile devices and the ATHENA solution places this capability in the hands of frontline military agencies.”
Sources said yesterday that as part of federal government’s efforts to upgrade technological capabilities for intelligence-gathering, a significant chunk of the N31,820,417,558 budget for the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA)’s and the DSS’ N40,419,118,044 2017 budget will be spent on acquisition of high-grade digital intelligence-gathering technologies.
The ONSA’s digital technology projects for intelligence-gathering and defence as listed under the 2017 budget are provision of defence equipment (N7,721,364,000), Stravisky Project 1 for Security Equipment Systems (N5,470,995,994), Stravisky Project 2 (N8,400,000,000) and ‘Construct Operation Defence Equipment’ billed to cost N7,721,364,000.
The DSS’ 2017 budget includes Security Vote (Including Operations N2,400,000,000, Purchase of Security Equipment N7,251,408,235, construction and renovation works on existing structures in DSS Model Secondary School at Musawa, Katsina N212,466,505, lining of DSS database to all formations, N102,500,000 and the purchase of Athena Forensic Solution at N648,000,000. -
FG urged to approve amnesty programme for militants
The federal government has been urged to take necessary action to end the crisis rocking Niger Delta region by approving Amnesty program for the militants.
In a statement by Ondo State Chapter of the Niger Delta Youth Militancy Vanguard signed by its President, General Akintoye Olatunji (Ebie) the group urged the federal government to urgently approve the Amnesty program without delay
The group expressed its readiness to be of law abiding and ensure security Surveillance and protection of oil and gas infrastructure in each of their environment.
“Ondo State is the most and only peaceful state in Niger Delta States. Ondo State has 220 Oil wells, six feet onshore and offshore.
“Where the government missed everything before now was that, it was the youths destroying properties that met the government, and the previous Amnesty program for the Niger Delta Militants was not extended to all the youths in the nine States, especially Ondo State.
“The government who should have made the leadership of the youths as security of the properties and listen to their worries was instead politicizsing the region and making wrong selection. Now we are happy to inform the federal government that they have realized their inability to fix capabilities to where capabilities are.
” We appeal to the government to fast track the Amnesty program in the Niger Delta States in order to curb the youths,” Akintoye Olatunji said.