The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria newspaper

  • Edo 2020: ‘Captain Okunbo not interested in partisan politics’

    The election for the Edo State governorship seat would not hold until 2020.

    However, the sustained peddling of the name of billionaire philanthropist and businessman, Captain Hosa Okunbo, as a potential candidate, is reverberating across the country with seismic proportions.

    The reactions are understandable. A kingmaker of sort and relentless advocate of good governance for the betterment of humanity, Captain Okunbo has his hands in diverse sectors of the economy spanning petroleum, marine, construction engineering and agriculture.

    However, he has never been involved in partisan politics.

    His media consultant, Mr Femi Ajayi, said he received the news with incredulity as did other indigenes of Edo State particularly.

    Though eminently qualified given his pedigree and business successes, at no time whether publicly or privately as he inferred that he would be joining the fray.

    Ajayi said: “There is nothing farther from the truth. Captain Hosa, like you know, is a quiet businessman who is happy with his contribution to the polity and national development and becoming governor is certainly not on his agenda.

    “To all intents and purposes, ‘Cappy’, as he is fondly called by friends, associates and admirers is one serious-minded business personality who has been committed to growing his business empire within the shores of Nigeria and beyond.”

    He added that in their engagements and interactions, Captain Okunbo has not at any occasion expressed an interest or desire to contest the governorship seat of Edo State, as he has consistently maintained that his major focus is to expand the frontiers of his business empire.

    Read Also: Edo Exco members commit to deliver on mandates

    While saying Captain Okunbo is a straightforward individual who does not shy away from taking responsibility for his actions or intentions, the source averred further, “If he is interested in contesting for the Edo governorship, by now, he would have appropriately put the issue in the public domain without having to cut corners.”

    However, should the seasoned investor decide to throw his hat into the ring, the source said that Edo State people would hear directly from him, not from a third party, adding, “As it stands, all the speculations and rumour in the public domain are mere wishes and imaginations of their authors to distract Captain Hosa from his uncommon focus of contributing his quota to towards the economic growth of Nigeria through his numerous business ventures.”

  • Xenophobic attacks: Tiwa Savage cancels concert in South Africa

    Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage has cancelled her performance in South Africa saying that she would no longer be performing at a festival scheduled to hold in Johannesburg later this month.

    Tiwa made this known on Wednesday via Twitter. She described the attacks on Nigerians and other nationals in South Africa as “sick” and said that was the reason, she would not be participating in the festival sponsored by South Africa-owned firm, DSTV.

    Read Also: Xenophobia: Nigerians retaliate attacks on countrymen in South Africa

    She tweeted, “I refuse to watch the barbaric butchering of my people in SA. This is SICK. For this reason, I will NOT be performing at the upcoming DSTV delicious Festival in Johannesburg on the 21st of September. My prayers are with all the victims and families affected by this.”

  • Osinbajo hails Ganduje for education revolution in the north

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has declared that the introduction of free and compulsory education by Kano State Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is triggering educational Revolution not only in the northern region but in the entire country.

    Speaking during the opening ceremony of a two-day stakeholders summit on free and compulsory basic and secondary education in Kano, Osinbajo said: “Kano is eminently positioning to trigger educational revolution around the northern region and Nigeria in general and the Federal Government must steam the tide to make it workable.”

    According to him, the administration of Muhammadu Buhari has made heavy commitment to invest in human capital that is why any support to educational development is being viewed with all seriousness.

    He said the Buhari administration is currently feeding 9.8 million children daily during school hours, noting that this clearly shows full commitment of the government in ensuring basic educational development.

    He added that very soon the Federal Government will soon meet its target of feeding 15 million school children daily.

    He said that Buhari’s administration is continuously working in tandem with state governments to equip primary and secondary schools across the country with needed infrastructures so as to provide conducive environment for learning.

    Ganduje said the objective of the summit was to discuss, analyze, and generate ideas towards the implementation of the vision for free and compulsory basic and secondary education in the state.

    Ganduje recalled:”On the assumption of office for second term on the 29th of May, 2019, we made a policy statement and commitment to provide free and compulsory education from primary up to senior secondary level. This is in recognition of the pivotal role of education as the primary agent of change in our society.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, ministers, others meet over $9.6 billion judgement

    ” It is disturbing to note from available statistics that Nigeria has over 10.5 million out-of-school children, it is also more alarming to note that 60 per cent of that figure represent the girl-child.

    “Also, eight million of those out-of-school children are in 10 northern states of Nigeria with Kano having the lion share. Regrettably, available figures indicate that over three million of these out-of-school children are in Kano.

    “However, a recent survey revealed that most of these children are Almajiris from other northern states and children from the Republic of Niger, Chad and northern part of Cameron.”

    Ganduje further called for regional coordination and legislation that will enable the control of the influx of Almajiris from neighbouring countries and also from state to state.

    He added to tackle the challenge, “this government has set up a committee to conduct a census of all out-of-school children with a view to update the available data and ensure adequate planning in preparation for the implementation of this all important education policy.

    ” This will further consolidate the commitment of government to the ‘Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA), a UNICEF programme which aims at ensuring equitable access to basic education for out-of-school children. ”

    Ganduje also revealed that plans are on the way to streamline about 13, 619 Ouaranic schools with 2.5 million pupils across the state and integrate them into the free and compulsory education programme, adding that already, government has set up Quaranic and Islamiyyah Schools Management Board.

    He further stated that in line with the free and compulsory basic and secondary school education, his administration has commenced direct funding of primary and secondary schools numbering 1180 with a total students population of 834, 366 at a total cost of about N200 million per month or N2.4 billion per annum.

    He added that, “similarly, government has provided school uniforms to 779, 522 newly enrolled pupils (boys and girls) at the total cost of N381 million. In a bid to reduce teaching deficiency in the sector, government is in the process of engaging 3000 volunteer teachers to teach in the various public and Quaranic schools across the state.

    ” Other challenges inherent in this policy include massive rehabilitation and construction of new classrooms, provision of instructional materials, training and restraining of teachers, provision of instructional materials, provision of water, toilets, and electricity in schools and strengthening of our Institutions quality assurance.”

    Dignitaries who graced the occasion include representatives of the US Ambassador to Nigeria, the British High Commission, French Ambassador to Nigeria, DFID, World Bank, United Arab Emirate Ambassador to Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Nigeria, UNICEF, among others who all pledged their support to the project.

  • Lagos to youths: take advantage of World Bank’s N200m cash

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal has urged youths to take advantage of the World Bank – assisted N200 million agro processing, productivity enhancement and livelihood improvement support (APPEALS) project to create jobs and  ensure food and nutrition security.

    He spoke at the screening of shortlisted applicants for the project in Lagos on Tuesday.

    Lawal said agriculture and agribusiness have an invaluable and untapped potential to address youth unemployment.

    According to him, Lagos has been involved in the last 20 years in several initiatives to accelerate youth employment in agriculture and agribusiness.

    Read Also: Harness your potential, JCI urges youths

    The main focus of the government, he explained, is to provide technical assistance, capacity development and knowledge exchange to youth enterprises by prioritising agricultural value chains.

    He said integrating youth in agriculture and agribusiness is a key priority for the state government, adding that as such, the government is promoting youth employment and self-employment as part of the development momentum.

    On APPEALS, he said the goal of the project is to increase productivity and improve processing and marketing of targeted value chains, which included rice, poultry and aquaculture for Lagos.

    He explained that of 10,000 applications, 2000 people were shortlisted, including the  physically challenged.

    He assured that the beneficiaries will be supported to contribute to the restoration of agricultural livelihoods in the state.

    The State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Oluranti Oviebo said the project is meant to improve food security and nutrition and increase the incomes of households.

    According to her, the project is designed to promote poverty reduction amongst producers to enable inclusive economic growth and sustainable livelihoods development.

    The National Programme Officer, Dr Salisu Garba said the APPEALS are implemented in six states of the federation.

    Aside Lagos, others are Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Enugu and Cross Rivers states.

  • NNPC redeploys NPDC staff to meet reserve target

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has clarified the redeployment of 12 management staff of its flagship upstream subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).

    It said it was aimed at repositioning the company to meet its production and reserve targets.

    Its Chief Operating Officer, Upstream, Mr. Rowland Ewubare, said the reorganisation became imperative following the urgent need of the current management to grow the NPDC into a big time exploration and production player in the country.

    Ewubare spoke at the NNPC Towers.

    Read Also: NNPC management signs performance bonds

    Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

    Ewubare said for the NPDC to measure up to its peers, it needed a team of professionals that were fit-for-purpose and could deliver on project timelines and budgets.

  • Gbajabiamila: ICT tool to fight poverty in Africa

    House Speaker Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has said effective deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools in rural communities would help empower rural dwellers and stimulate increased economic activities in Africa.

    He said by having access to adequate and right information, the poverty level in rural communities in Africa could greatly be reduced.

    In a paper titled: ‘Enhancing Information Communication Technology (ICT) Use in Providing Life-Changing Solutions in Rural Communities’ at the ongoing 50th Regional Conference and the Annual General Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Africa Region, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Gbajabiamila, who led the Nigerian delegation to the conference, moved a motion for the commencement of proceedings and debate on the second day of the conference. He said  policymakers must, through the policy-making and legislative process, ensure that opportunities created by technological advancements are available to the people.

    “Everywhere, from Africa to Europe, Asia to the Americas, policymakers are still trying to figure out this brave new world. It often feels as if the moment we reach an understanding of one paradigm, it changes again to reveal new vistas, new challenges, and opportunities. We cannot, and we do not seek to halt the march of technological progress.

    Read Also: Why judicial officers must embrace ICT, by Industrial Court judge

    “In fact, we embrace it because we have seen how technology properly used can improve the circumstances of human life in every sector from education to health care, security, and commerce,” he said.

    On how ICT could address poverty, he said:  “It can play a major role in addressing rural poverty and improving the economic well-being of the people through access to adequate and right information.

    “Rural communities in Nigeria and Africa as a whole are faced with the challenges of infrastructural deficit that would help stimulate development. This affects access to adequate and right information by the rural communities. The challenge is how to leverage the bountiful opportunities in the sector to improve service delivery in rural communities.”

    He said the deployment of ICT in agriculture would increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of small-scale farms.

    “The agricultural sector will be strengthened with the application of ICT as it opens up access to information. ICT increases the knowledge base and choices of farmers in terms of quality of soils, seedlings, management of drought and erosion as well as pest and disease control. It also provides farmers with useful and timely information on crops, animal husbandry, fertilizer and market prices. The corollary effect of all these is increased productivity and high income.

    “The use of ICT in a dedicated manner within the education sector in the rural areas would help increase the literacy level of the rural population. There is a need to embark on an aggressive sensitisation drive to educate the rural communities on the importance of ICT,” he said.

    He added that ICT could help connect rural areas to the outside world, which would make them enjoy access to information sharing for greater economic activities.

    “The contact with the outside world would no doubt increase the volume of economic activities in the rural areas as the rural population becomes more aware of untapped opportunities and new ways of doing business. ICTs can increase access and mobilisation of financial assets, particularly through the instrumentality of mobile banking and mobile finance. This would ultimately increase general economic activities in rural communities.”

    “The use of ICT to deliver healthcare will enable healthcare professionals and institutions to address the critical medical needs of rural communities. This will bring about improvement in the health of rural dwellers and their economic well-being,” he said.

    Similarly, proper use of ICT, the Speaker said, would address rural-urban migration as well as make the rural populace politically active by sensitising and mobilising them on activities of the government.

  • NEPC harmonises trade, information on goods

    The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) said it is simplifying trade procedures by harmonising the electronic business standards and  the automation of information flow of goods and services along the supply chain.

    It also said it is using the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UNCEFACT) to help businesses, trade and administrative organisations from countries at all levels of development to exchange products and services effectively.

    Its Executive Director/CEO Olusegun Awolowo spoke during a roundtable meeting on the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation in Abuja.

    Read Also: Oil dips on U.S, China tariffs trade war

    Represented by the Director Product Development, William Ezeagu, he said the UN, CEFACT focuses on simplifying national and international transactions.

    Awolowo said: “It will also enhance the processes, procedures and information flows by rendering them more efficient and streamlined, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the growth of global commerce.

    “It is time to redefine our nation’s economy by accelerating its diversification agenda. This is the thrust of the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari which is economic diversification and inclusive growth.

    “It is imperative to recognise and utilise all inter-linkages required for achieving the government economic mandate. We are committed to a collective national shared economic vision. This we can achieve through an articulated trade facilitation plan which involves the simplification of trade procedures.”

  • AfCFTA: Afreximbank okays $500m for manufacturers

    The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has approved a $500 million facility to enable Nigerian manufacturers take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

    Its President & Chairman of Board of Directors, Prof. Benedict Oramah, made the announcement during the “2019 Manufacturers Annual Lecture/Presidential Luncheon” of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

    The lecture’s theme was: “Improving the Value Chain in the Manufacturing Sector for Competitiveness & Job Creation” was organised by MAN, and was part of its 3-day Made-in-Nigeria Products Exhibition, which ends today as well as its forthcoming AGM.

    Oramah, who was Guest Lecturer at forum said the $500 million facility was aimed at providing financing to Nigerian manufacturers and companies engaged in intra-African trade under the AfCFTA, which implementation begins in 2020.

    AfCFTA seeks to create a continental trade bloc of 1.2 billion people, with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of about $3 trillion.

    Read Also: How AfCFTA agreement will boost Nigeria’s economy – Expert

    The agreement also seeks to promote Africa’s regional integration and help increase intra-African trade by committing countries to liberalising services and trade and removing tariffs on 90 per cent of goods.

    Apart from its inherent capacity to promote economic growth and development, reduce poverty in the partnering countries, the trade liberalisation deal was also expected to help expand and diversify trade and increase domestic and foreign investments.

    Oramah in his presentation titled “From Commodities to a Global Manufacturing Hub: The Road Ahead for Nigeria,” said with AfCFTA coming into force, the benefits Nigeria will derive therein will depend on how prepared the country is, for instance, in participating actively in the negotiations such as the rule of origin.

    He said other areas that should be addressed to allow Nigeria benefit include fixing the nation’s micro-economic policies and addressing issues of quality infrastructure, access to market and finance.

    The Afreximbank chief, therefore, said the $500 million facility for manufacturers will help support and retool their operations with a view to improving their competitiveness in Africa and globally.

    Earlier in his welcome address, MAN President Engr. Mansur Ahmed said the theme:   “Improving the Value Chain in the Manufacturing Sector for Competitiveness and Job Creation,” was intended to direct manufacturers’ attention to the need for a robust manufacturing production agenda.

    “It  is  our  view  that  for  Africa – and  certainly  Nigeria to achieve  beneficial free  trade, we must  significantly  improve  the  value-chain  in  our manufacturing  sector.  This is the most assured route to achieving competitiveness, enhancing job creation and lifting the vast majority of our people out of poverty,” he said.

    Mansur also said MAN believes there is an urgent need for a comprehensive industrialisation strategy  that  incorporates  and  builds  on  all  the  impactful  policies  and initiatives President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration  has implemented  over the past four years.

    “We are of the view that Nigeria must put in place a comprehensive and robust strategy that seeks to address all critical constraints to economic growth and sustainable development, including the huge deficits in infrastructure especially energy and transport services,” he said.

  • Supreme Court sacks Ondo lawmaker

    The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the removal of a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, representing Okitipupa constituency 11, Mr. Sina Akinwumi.

    The apex court, therefore, upheld the judgment of the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure that set aside the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker.

    The Supreme Court panel, which was presided over by Justice Mary Peter-Odili, unanimously validated the issuance of the certificate of return to James Ololade-Gbegudu by INEC as the authentic lawmaker representing the constituency, for winning the APC primary.

    Read Also: Supreme Court strikes out perjury suit against Buhari

    Ololade-Gbegudu had approached the court through his counsel, Mr. Femi Emodamori, to seek an order to compel the party and INEC to recognise him as the authentic APC candidate for the constituency and not the lawmaker-elect, Mr. Sina Akinwunmi, having won the party’s primary conducted on October 5, last year.

    The apex court ordered the Speaker of the Assembly and the Clerk to immediately swear-in Gbegudu as the new lawmaker for the constituency.

    The Ondo State High Court had on May 15, this year declared Gbegudu as the winner of the party’s primary conducted on October 5, last year.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC had withdrawn the certificate of return issued to Akinwunmi and issued fresh certificate to Gbegudu in line with the court’s judgment.

  • Oyo contractor to deliver 10,000 metric silo project in January

    Oyo State Government has directed that the 10,000 metric tonnes of silo project at Aawe in Oyo to be completed and delivered by the contractor, Rahvet International Limited, by January.

    The contract had been a subject of litigation when the last administration revoked it.

    The contractor claimed it was at 68% completion stage and the contractor headed for the law court to seek redress.

    Commissioner for Agriculture Muyiwa Ojekunle explained that the present government met the project at the stage of incompletion and subject of litigation despite the disbursement of over 98% of total contract sum of by the immediate past administration and the work done till date was adjudged to be 67.8%.

    Read Also: Oyo is ready for business prosperity, Makinde tells investors

    He said the Governor Seyi Makinde administration entered into dialogue with all stakeholders to settle the issue amicably out of court as it was in the interest of the state to have value for the huge amount of money already expended on the project.

    Ojekunle said: “The present administration met the contract at 68% completion and a lawsuit which we immediately entered into and settle amicably out of court. The result is what you are witnessing today.

    “We have successfully resolved the issue and the contractor is back to site today as documents relating to the contract have been perfected and he is to complete it to avoid waste of scarce resources.”

    The commissioner urged the contractor to reciprocate Makinde’s kind gesture by swinging into action as soon as fund is released to ensure the project is of good quality and completed and delivered within the shortest period stipulated.

    Executive Chairman, Rahvet International Limited Dr. Mufutau Raheem appreciated Makinde for the opportunity given to his company to complete the project.