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2018 Budget: LCCI lauds 30.8% capital allocation

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has commended the Federal Government for allocating 30.8 per cent of the 2018 Federal Budget to capital projects.

The Director-General of LCCI, Mr Muda Yusuf, gave the commendation in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

President Muhammadu Buhari presented the N8.6 trillion 2018 Federal Budget to the National Assembly on Nov. 7.

The N8.6 trillion 2018 Budget represents a 16 per cent increase in nominal term over the 2017 Budget of N7.44 trillion.

“We welcome the priority accorded to infrastructure in the budget proposal focusing on roads, railways, power projects, water projects and second Niger bridge.

“Reference was made to the embarrassing state of the access to the ports and the public private initiative to fix it.

“We welcome the decision to connect the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge to the Apapa and the Tin-Can Island port.

“But time is of the essence.

“There is an urgent need to save the private sector and investors from the agony of persistent gridlock at the Apapa and Tin-Can ports which accounts for over 70 per cent of import and export cargo in the country,” he said.

Yusuf said that it was imperative to formulate policies to mobilise private sector capital into the infrastructure space.

He said that consideration should be given to further reduction in cost of governance and scaling up remittances of surplus from MDAs to the coffers of government.

The LCCI boss also said there was the need to refocus government’s tax drive from direct to indirect taxes in line with the National Tax Policy.

“A disproportionate focus on direct taxation is detrimental to investment and hard work.

“There is also need to curb the growing incidence of multiplicity of taxes and levies on businesses at all levels of government,” he said.

According to him, as the budget appropriation process progresses, there is need for clarifications on the status of budgetary appropriation for petroleum subsidy both for the current fiscal year and 2018.

“It is also necessary to throw some light on the status of the estimated N800 billion debt to oil marketers.

“Investors in this sector would like to see a sustainable framework for the management of petrol subsidy,” Yusuf said.

He also called for clarification on the status of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) debts estimated at about N5 trillion within the debt management framework of the government.

Yusuf said that clarification on the framework for payment of contractors’ arrears which cuts across various MDAs should be provided.

“The non-payment of contractor’s arrears has taken a huge toll on many contractors.

“The amount involved has been estimated at over N1 trillion,” he said.

The LCCI boss appealed to the National Assembly to ensure speedy consideration of the appropriation bill toward normalising the budgetary cycle and bringing greater predictability to the economic management process.

NAN

November 9, 2017
Melania Trump visits elementary school in Beijing

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday visited Banchang Elementary School in Beijing, accompanied by Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump and Peng joined the students in their English, astronomy and Peking Opera classes, and watched their singing and dancing performances.

Peng told Trump that Banchang is a public school.

Teaching facilities have been improving in recent years, and the standard of education rising.

The students showed their self-designed Qipao, a kind of traditional Chinese dress, and invited the guests to help finish their wash painting of a little panda.

In a cookery class, Peng and Trump joined the pupils in making a famous Beijing snack and apple pie.

The students also presented their calligraphy and handicraft to the ladies, and gave performances at the school auditorium.

Peng and Trump agreed that Chinese and American children could and should know more about each other and make friends.

Melania Trump is in Beijing with U.S. President Donald Trump for a three-day visit.

Read Also: UK’s Daily Mail to pay Melania Trump damages over modeling claims

November 9, 2017
Court remands man over alleged armed robbery

A Sango- Ota Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ogun, on Thursday ordered the remand of 22-year-old Isamaila Jimoh, in prison over alleged armed robbery.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs B. B. Adebowale, ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison, pending legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions.

Adebowale adjourned the case until Dec. 21 for hearing.

The defendant, whose address was not given, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and army robbery.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Abdulkareem Mustapha, said that the defendant and others still at large, committed the offences on Sept. 8 at about 10.30 p.m. at Arise and Shine Bus-Stop, Itele, Ota.

Mustapha said that the defendant and his accomplices used a local gun to rob one Musa Ali of his Bajaj Motorcycle valued at N205, 000.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections (1) (2) (a) of the Robbery and Fire Arms Act Cap R11, Laws of theFederation, 2004.

Read Also: Court remands man caught with Indian hemp

November 9, 2017
Senate approves $350m World Bank loan for Ogun Development Policy Operation

The Senate at plenary on Thursday approved 350 million dollars World Bank loan for Ogun State Development Policy Operation ( DPO ) as contained in the 2016-2018 Rolling Plan.

The approval followed the presentation of a report on the loan by Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Sen. Shehu Sani.

Presenting the report, Sani said that the committee observed that the Ogun State DPO budget for the loan had been approved by World Bank in 2016.

He added that the loan was further captured in the 2016-2018 borrowing plan as approved by the National Assembly.

Sani noted that the committee also observed that the credit facility had an attractive low financing rate of 125 per cent interest, moratorium of five years and a five-year maturity term.

He said “the facility has already been captured in the 2016-2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

“It also has low and acceptable loan sustainability level, therefore it is eligible to borrow.

“The DPO loan will further help to enhance the capacity of the state government.

“The state has met the various conditions laid by World Bank and as such qualified for the loan.

“It has also put in place institutional framework for transparent and accountable budgetary and financial purpose.”

He explained that the projects to be funded by the facility would engender economic growth, increase revenue generation and create employment opportunities.

“The committee recommends that the Senate should go ahead and approve the loan as contained in the 2016-2018 external borrowing rolling plan of President Muhammadu Buhari,’’ Sani added.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, put the report to voice vote and was adopted by the lawmakers.

NAN

November 9, 2017
NGO distributes condoms, empowers 200 people in Port Harcourt

A Non-Governmental Organisation ( NGO ),Minds Development Initiative, on Thursday, said it trained and empowered more than 200 people in different fields.

Its Director-General, Dr Constance Amad said this in Port Harcourt on Thursday that the organisation focused on assisting underprivileged persons.

The members the eight-year-old organisation, in a roadshow on major roads and streets in Port Harcourt, distributed condoms to residents.

Amadi said that the condoms were worth N1.6 million, adding that the organisation also
bought and distributed wheel chairs to physically challenged persons.

According to her, the distribution of condoms is to save the live of residents who cannot abstain from having sex.

She said the organisation had branches in all states of the federation except Gombe State, where the head was allegedly murdered by Boko Haram terrorists.

The director-general said that the roadshow was to create awareness about the existence of the group and to mark its eighth anniversary.

She added that the organisation had carried out free medical services in local communities in the country.

Read Also: NGO provides shelter to 99 indigent children in Plateau

NAN

November 9, 2017
Pope Francis recognises “heroic virtues” of predecessor, John Paul I

Pope Francis has agreed to recognise the “heroic virtues’’ of his predecessor, John Paul I, bringing the Italian-born pope closer to Catholic sainthood, the Vatican said on Thursday.

A candidate with heroic virtues earns the title of “Venerable’’ and is two steps away from sainthood.

Beatification, which gives a person the right to the “Blessed’’ title, is next in line for John Paul I.

Born Albino Luciani in northern Italy, the late pope led the Catholic Church for only 33 days, died on Sept. 28, 1978, at relatively young age of 65.

The official cause of death was heart attack, but conspiracy theorists suggested that John Paul I was murdered by people afraid of his plans to clean up the Vatican’s murky finances.

Earlier this week, a journalist also involved in John Paul I’s canonisation process published a book, claiming to have found evidence that there was no foul play.

John Paul I suffered chest pains hours before his death but turned down medical assistance, neglecting symptoms of fatal heart trouble, Stefania Falasca wrote, quoting confidential medical report.

Normally, miracles would have to be attributed to John Paul I to justify his beatification and, later, sainthood, but Francis could waive such requirements.

Many popes made it to sainthood, most recently John Paul II and John XXIII in 2014.

NAN

November 9, 2017
Ado Odo/Ota LGA generates N78m in 8 months

Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area in Ogun, said on Thursday that it generated about N78 million as Internally Generated Revenue ( IGR ) between January and August.

Mr Basiru Adeniji, the Executive Chairman of the council, disclosed this while receiving members of Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on an oversight visit to the council.

Adeniji said that the revenue was generated from license fees, fines, rent on land among others.

“The council raked in the sum of N5.4million from license fees, over N3million from fines, while we got N1.5 million from rent on land.

“We also generated revenue from extra ordinary items, repayments, rent on government buildings among others,” he said.

Adeniji lamented that the council was confronted with the problem of refuse management, saying that its finances can’t adequately take care of the problem.

He pleaded with the committee to prevail on the State Government to assist the council by providing refuse trucks to solve the problem.

“The issue of harmonisation of revenue collection by the State Government should be seriously looked into as the local councils are not benefiting from the venture,” he said.

Responding, Mr Olusola Sonuga, the Committee Chairman, reassured that the assembly would continue to support the need for total autonomy for Local Governments in the state.

Sonuga said that the autonomy would engender more development at the grassroots.

The lawmaker advised council to concentrate on executing capital projects, saying that it was the surest way to ensure solid grassroots development.

NAN

November 9, 2017
Take Algeria match very serious, Onigbinde tells Super Eagles

Akinade Onigbinde, the coach of FRSC Football Club of Abuja, on Thursday called on the Super Eagles to see Friday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria as an all-important match.

Onigbinde said this in Abuja that this would help them get a good result which would then elevate the team in the FIFA ranking.

He said the match was capable of either improving or negatively affecting the country’s position in the global football ranking.

“The match should be taken very serious in order not to drop on the FIFA ranking.

“Also, the way we play against Algeria will impact positively or negatively on our friendly with Argentina,” Onigbinde warned.

The coach described the Nigeria/Algeria match as a determinant for Nigeria’s preparations for the World Cup, and urged the players to shun laxity and complacency.

“The Eagles must go all out to crush Algeria with all it has as a formidable team.

“I also believe that the match against Algeria is more important than the one against Argentina, because it is the warm-up against Argentina,’’ he said.

The coach said the team should not succumb to pride or over-confidence, adding that this could result in concession of defeat.

The Super Eagles will face Algeria in Constantine on Friday in their final match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

NAN

November 9, 2017
2019: Ebonyi APC drums support for Buhari

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ebonyi chapter, says it will support the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

“The Ebonyi chapter of APC would throw its full weight behind the President should he declare interest to run again,’’ Acting Chairman of the party, Chief Eze Nwachukwu, said on Thursday.

Nwachukwu said this in Abakaliki that the party took the decision after close assessment of the achievements of the present administration especially in, job creation, economic revitalisation, agricultural revolution and war against corruption.

According to him, it is natural for the party to back Buhari, so as to consolidate on the gains so far achieved.

The chairman said the national leadership of the APC should prevail on the President to go for second term.

“We have assessed the achievements of the present administration and have come to an undeniable truth that Mr President has done so much in areas of physical infrastructure, war against financial graft, job creation, economic repositioning among others.

“It is only natural that the President is given another opportunity to consolidate on the gains so far made in enthroning genuine democracy and putting the nation’s economy on the paths of economic growth.

“We are going to mobilize both party and non party members to support Buhari for second term.

“We are only praying that Mr President will listen to the popular voices calling on him to throw himself in for re-election in order complete the good work that his administration has started, ” Nwachukwu said.

He claimed that the APC was `robbed’ of electoral victory in 2015, but assured that it would have a “clean sweep at the governorship and presidential polls in the state come 2019.

“We are set to take over the Government House in Abakaliki by 2019 and APC will have 100 per cent votes cast in both the governorship and presidential elections.

“Ebonyi belongs to APC and I am saying that APC will take 100 per cent of votes cast for the Presidential and governorship polls and we are going to prove this fact in 2019.”

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November 9, 2017
Gov. Ugwuanyi visits 478 communities in 2 years

Dr Eric Oluedo, the Head, Visit Every Community ( VEC ) Directorate, Office of the Governor Enugu State, say Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has visited 478 communities and some special communities within two years.

Oluedo disclosed this in Enugu on Thursday.

“The visit, an interactive session between the government and people of each of the communities, is meant to get community-needs assessment from the people to drive the ongoing bottom-up approach of development adopted by the state government.’’

He said that the visits had afforded the governor the opportunities to meet with his people one-on-one and felt their pains and gains while living within their communities.

The governor’s aide said that the visits had given the people the voice to say their most pressing needs or challenges and how they could be tackled with collaborative efforts of the people and government.

“Visit Every Community (VEC) Initiative, has led Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to sit down one-on-one with community members to chart realistic and inclusive community development programmes for them.

“You can see that we have hundreds of community-based developmental projects ongoing in Enugu State through the instrumentality of the VEC.

“And now, the community members are part of the projects since they monitor and report to the VEC office on how their projects are being executed.

“In some communities, we handed over the entire project to a formidable and trusted committee to execute, while the state government releases money in phases as each phase of the project is completed.

“In all, we have micro-community projects or projects that will be between five million naira and N12 million as well as those that will gulp up to N20 million.

“So, with this, basic community needs like Primary Health care centre, boreholes, electrification and construction of town halls, markets, primary schools are done to solve communities’ immediate and pressing needs,’’ he said.

Oluedo, former Enugu State Commissioner for Rural Development, urged other state governments to adopt the bottom-up approach to fast-track development in the country.

He said that part of the problem of development in Africa had been the up-to-down approach to development which had left no room for people in the communities to contribute and participate in developments meant for them.

According to him, the ongoing bottom-up approach to development in Enugu State has given every community and group in the state a sense of belonging and allow holistic development to get to rural communities.

Special community categories, include conglomerate of motherless babies homes, orphanages, old people’s home, schools for the deaf and dumb, schools for the blind and schools for children with special needs, among others.

NAN

November 9, 2017