Author: Our Correspondent

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani has enjoined the 23 elected local government chairmen to distribute the dividends of democracy equitably, without prejudice to political affiliation, gender, religious beliefs, or ethnic background.

The Governor gave this advice at the swearing-in ceremony of the chairmen at the Council Chambers at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna on Friday. He also urged them to be transparent and accountable in handling public finances.

Senator Uba Sani reminded them that “you are taking charge as captains of local governments when the third tier of government has been granted financial autonomy.”

“Your allocation from the Federation Account will be public knowledge, necessitating transparency and accountability. Be available, accessible, responsive, and fair in your dealings,” he added.

According to him, local government chairmen are grassroots leaders who are closest to the people, so they should be the people’s voices, advocates, and champions.

“Listen to their concerns, address their fears, and harness their potentials. Empower the people to participate in governance and ensure their voices are heard. In the words of Robert W. Flack, ‘Local government is the foundation of democracy; if it fails, democracy will fail,’” he pointed out.

The Governor implored the chairmen to provide “rural infrastructure, boost agriculture, build and upgrade health centres and primary schools, enhance economic and social services, and ensure sustainable natural resource use.”

Governor Uba Sani also enjoined them to align with the state government’s rural transformation agenda and link communities not covered by state roads.

“During your campaigns, you engaged with communities, listened to their concerns, and received feedback on their needs. I charge you to prioritise these needs, guided by the principles of equity, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.

“You are assuming office at a critical time when our people expect a great deal from politicians and leaders. It is your responsibility to restore their faith in politics and local governance,” he reminded.

While congratulating the chairmen, he urged the people of Kaduna State to hold their leaders accountable, demand transparency, participate in the budgeting process, and insist on quality service delivery.

The governor pointed out that the people’s engagement is crucial to ensuring transparency, accountability, and quality service delivery in local governments.

Speaking on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, noted that local governments in the country have been granted full autonomy. He advised them to utilise the monthly allocations given to them for the development of their respective councils.

From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Agency for the Control of AIDS, BYSACA in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA and support from GlobalFund has inaugurated the HIV Gender and Human Rights State Response Team in Yenagoa

Speaking during the event, Director General, BYSACA, Dr Ramoni Temple Iluma charged the State Response Team, SRT to work collectively to address Gender and Human Rights issues in the state particularly for People Living With HIV, PLHIV.

Dr Iluma noted that the State Response Team was set up to work with the state government to establish laws and policies aimed at supporting Gender and Human Rights response programming in the state inorder to promote and protect equal rights for all persons.

“We are here to talk about human rights, how we see people differently especially those living with HIV. How we respect and respond to those living with HIV in the state is very important, we must work against stigmatization and discrimination in the state”

He expressed appreciation to all the stakeholders in the HIV response for attending the event.

Representative of NACA, Mr Emeka Nwankwo who delivered a lecture on Gender Related Concepts and HIV Programming stated that the objectives of the national response for HIV requires consistent and systematic integration of key human rights principles into all stages of legislation, policy, development, programming and planning.

He urged all stakeholders to use their good offices to protect the rights of key population and vulnerable groups.

In a goodwill message, Chairperson, GRIT, Barr Diseye Egberipou gave assurance that they are ready to work with BYSACA to ensure that the rights of all PLHIV are respected in the state.

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer, CEO ENWAF, Lady Eunice Nnachi who is also a member of the State Response Team promised to work harmoniously with others to achieve set goals and objectives.

The HIV Gender and Human Rights State Response Team comprises members of the Gender Response Initiative Team, GRIT, Network of Persons Living With HIV, NEPHWAN, NAWOJ, NUJ, NGOS and HIV Implementing partners.

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator. Douye Diri , on Thursday, presented a N689.44 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly christened ‘
Budget of ASSURED Prosperity, for consideration and approval.

While presenting the details of the proposed budget at the assembly complex in Yenagoa, Diri noted that, implementing the 2025 budget would require some level of efficiency and synergy in government activities across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Diri said the budget is made up of
projected overhead cost ​​​​​​of N79.650 billion representing 11.55% with total recurrent expenditure ​​​at N263,375 billion representing 38.2% and total capital expenditure ​of ​​N426,065 billion representing 61.8%.

The state’s helmsman, who gave the projected revenue breakdown, announced ​​​​statutory allocation of ​​​N17 billion, value added tax N57 billion, 13% derivation including refund ​N138.8 billion, and refund on excess crude N​​​​29.062 billion.

Diri also put exchange gains at N103.073 billion, internally generated revenue N39 billion, grants ​​​​​​​N39.4 billion while other capital receipts such as electronic money transfer, signature bonus, cash calls, loans among other items were projected at N141.4billion, bringing the total receipts to ​​​​​​​₦689,440,348,916.30

According to the governor, the breakdown of total expenditure for 2025 comprises of personnel cost of N​​​91.961 billion, pensions and gratuity including contributory pension of N19.324 billion, CRFC transfers ​​​​​N3,346,460,935 bringing the total personnel cost ​​​to N108.338 billion representing 13.3%.

The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure got the highest allocation of N178.761 billion, followed by education with N47.111billion while sports was allotted N37.850 billion, which included the construction of a new stadium.

The health sector got N19.994 billion, security was allocated N19 billion, agriculture N16 billion, and energy and power got N14.450 billion.

Also, urban and housing development was allotted N13.680 billion while N10 billion was earmarked for the Ministry of Community Development.

Diri said the amount budgeted for the Works and Infrastructure Ministry was to facilitate construction of the Nembe-Brass, Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie, Ogu–Ayama–Okodi, Sabagreia-Polaku, Toru-Orua-Bolou-Orua-Kabeama-Ebeni road projects, internal roads as well as an ultra-modern state secretariat among other projects.

He said, “In tandem with our promise to connect all the local government headquarters by road, we have continued with construction of the senatorial roads.

“The 21km first phase of the Nembe-Brass road with 10 bridges is progressing as planned and has reached an advanced stage. I am pleased to report that the 620m Angiama-Oporoma bridge is over 50% completed. While waiting for the engineering timelines for the bridge, we have gone ahead with the construction work to Otuan and Oporoma communities across the River Nun.

“We have also started the Glory Drive Phase 3 that will link Imgbi Road with a bridge crossing the Epie Creek. Similarly, the Commissioners’ and Legislators’ quarters and connecting roads within the New Yenagoa City are near completion.”

In the education sector, he said it was government’s intention to increase students’ intake into technical, vocational and science-based schools and reduce the over-reliance on paper qualification, which necessitated the continuous building of technical colleges in the local government areas.

“We have ensured that all programmes in our tertiary institutions are fully accredited. We have also increased grants to our tertiary institutions to meet with the existing realities.

“It is worthy of note that the contractor for the NDU (Niger Delta University) 10,000-seat convocation arena has been mobilized to site.

“We have continued to place the welfare of workers as top priority. In this outgoing year, we have also met the welfare obligation for serving and retired civil servants, and we shall not relent on it. A new minimum wage of N80,000 has been approved, effective November 1, 2024. We have also provided the sum of seven billion naira for the payment of outstanding gratuities and also increased the monthly pensions forthwith.”

Earlier, Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, commended the governor for the prompt presentation of the budget proposal and assured that the lawmakers would scrutinize and ensure its speedy passage.

The Speaker equally commended Senator Diri for the transparent handling of the state’s resources and the fair distribution of projects in communities across the state.

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

The South South zonal representative in the board of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, Mr. Ama-ebi Ebikpolade Stow has attributed lack of facilities as the reason behind the slow progress of Table Tennis in the zone.

Mr. Ebikpolade made this known during a live interaction with “Sport Tribe Podcast” at the newly constructed Fortress at Oxbow-Lake in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

He said when he assumed office as chairman of the Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association that he and his vice chairman, Mr. Ranani Igrubia sat and identified key areas of improvement and realized that lack of facility was a major problem bedeviling table tennis in the state.

According to him, the only state in Nigeria that can boast of table tennis facilities was Lagos and Cross River in the South South, stating that table tennis previously was played in NTTF unapproved floor, and that the narrative changed.

NTTF zonal boss stated that the desire to construct the state of the art edifice for table tennis rather than his initial plan of building a mechanic shop was as a result of the passion he has developed for table tennis, saying that he has no regret investing hugely in the youths.

Mr. Ebikpolade explained that prior to his appointment as chairman, that majority of the coaches in the association were yet to secure their National Institute of Sports, NIS certificate which according to him is the only certified certificate of the NTTF for someone to be a gaffer.

The Bayelsa State chairman further explained that the latest coach to benefit from the NIS program was Azibalua Abadi from Ogbia LGA that the association would not condone mediocrity but rather excellence, noting that the state umpires has also gained from training exercise in order to be acquainted with the laws.

He asserted that apart from winning laurels for the state, the association was committed to ensuring that all the athletes combine sports and education, pointing out that all the athletes are currently attending one of the best private universities in the country.

Mr. Ebikpolade remarked that since his emergence as the table tennis boss, Bayelsa has closed the gap between them and other states in the nation, particularly Lagos, stressing that Bayelsa has in the last few years become a force to reckon with in Nigeria.

He opined that the commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Igali and the Director of Sports, Sir. Braveman Wodi has made things easy for the association, pointing out that his priority at the moment is for the athletes to give the state good representation in the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

Also, former Bayelsa State Table Tennis star, Ateh Maiduguri, said the new generation of players are lucky to have Ama-ebi Stow as chairman describing them as privileged.

He hinted that in their playing days, table tennis was almost dropped from going to competition outside the state due to their shambolic outings in tournaments, maintaining that he is elated to see the progress of the sports under Ama-ebi’s watch.

Maiduguri urged the multinational oil companies, financial institutions and well meaning Bayelsans to get involved in the development of sports, saying that the government cannot do it alone.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Nigerian Army said is aware of the vicious insinuations circulating in the media, alleging that insurgents have taken over a Military Training Area in Kontagora, Niger State.

A statement circulated Wednesday by Major General
Director Army Public Relations Onyema Nwachukwu dated
30 October 2024, stated that “We acknowledge the palpable unease this baseless claim may have stirred within the Kontagora and Mariga communities, as well as Niger State as a whole.

“However, we wish to clarify that no credible threat exists in those areas as being peddled, contrary to the information presented by Honourable Abdullahi Isah, representing the Kontagora II Constituency on the floor of the Niger State House of Assembly on 28 October 2024.

“Reports purporting an invasion of the military training area by alleged bandits and the subsequent displacement of residents from 23 communities across Kontagora and Mariga are not only untrue, but are utterly misleading and harmful, as it appears calculated to incite unnecessary panic in the neighbourhood.
“A thorough investigation by our intelligence unit confirmed that the individuals observed in the area were herders seeking grazing grounds for their herds. No malicious intent was detected, and no hostile actions were observed.

“While we appreciate the vigilance of the communities and the honourable member’s commitment to the safety of the people he represents, we strongly urge all concerned parties to approach such matters with caution and verify information through official channels, in this case, the Nigerian Army.
“Undoubtedly, misinformation of this nature has the potential to spread unwarranted fear, engender panic, misdirect valuable resources away from real security priorities, and ultimately aggravate the security situation.

“Our training areas remain secured, fortified, and designed to swiftly neutralize any security threat. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of our host communities and Nigerians in general”, it stated.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has restated its determination to promote the entertainment industry for the stability and advancement of the people of the state.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made the statement in a message when the Igala Performing Gospel Musicians Association (IPGMA) visited him today in his office in Lokoja.

Governor Ododo who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu said music is lively, 0creative and philosophical noting that God loves praises. He called on the artists to remain inspirational in their music production for the edification of people’s souls, and to influence God’s power on the state.

He stressed his determination to render selflessly service and call for prayers and support of the group for the progress of the state. He appealed to the people of the three senatorial districts to see themselves as one entity, noting that his burden is to improve the living conditions of the general populace.

Governor Ododo revealed that the state government resolved to pay hundred percent salaries to all category of workers in the state as well as the implementation of 72,500 Naira minimum wage in other to improve their welfare and contribute their quotas towards the development of the State.

He commended the Patron of the group, Reverend Elijah Abalaka for his ingenuity in Christian music production noting that his efforts through music has transform and revived souls across the world, describing him as a mentor to many Igala rising musicians in the country.

On the appeal of the group, the Governor promised to look into their request, enjoining them to remain united, supportive and prayerful to reap more gains of the current administration.

Earlier in his remark, the President of the Association, Evangelist Joseph Jacob congratulated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu on their election and victory at the supreme court, describing the Governor as a dedicated servant Leader.

According to him, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu are men of high pedigree, stressing that their ascension to the throne is a devine call to serve the people.

Also speaking, Reverend Elijah Balaka noted that the journey of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu to greatness had just begun and appealed to the government to assist the association in providing state-of-the-art instrument for the propagation of the Gospel.

Highlights of the visit was the presentation of songs led by the Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu, while Reverend Elijah Abalaka offered prayers for the success of the present administration.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has blamed manipulation of the market by a ‘cartel in the poultry industry to keep the prices high in the country.’

This is even as stakeholders have blamed rising prices of consumer goods on the inability of relevant government agencies to regulate the activities of business owners and traders.

Mr Tunji Bello, the Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC made this known at a stakeholders meeting in Uyo in continuation of the commission’s nationwide advocacy against exploitative pricing in the market.

According to Bello, who said their findings were based on investigation,,the poultry cartel consisting of big holders dictate the price for the smallholders to sell their products.

Revealing the Commission’s finding in one of the major cities, the FCCPC boss said, “the small poultry owners used to sell a day-old chick for between N480 and N590 and they still made a profit.

“But not after the arrival of two big players in the market. I choose to withhold their names at this point.
They (big players) brought in big money and expanded the market and expectedly they were soon in a position to control 80 to 90 percent of the poultry market in the city.”

Addressing the participants consisting of industry captains, MSMEs, market leaders, farmers, transporters, service providers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), he said two big poultry players, “used their clout and financial muscle to hijack the local poultry farmers association and now dictated that a day-old chick be sold at N1,350 in a curious reversal of the law of the economy of scale which otherwise stipulates that the more you produce, the less the unit price.”

This he said explained why prices of products remained high despite government’s sundry supports to the poultry industry adding that
in the last one year, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has supported poultry farmers with broilers, vitamins, feeds and cash through various interventions across the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

“For instance, starter mash which sold for N11,000 in October 2023 rose to N14,000 in January this year, N16,500 in March, N21,500 in July and N23,500 in October.

Bello also stated that the high prices of drinks in recyclable packs was substantially caused by “unfair pricing”

“The cartel in the packaging sector consists of five big players who are in the business of importing and providing local manufacturers with packaging materials.

“They operate in a mafia-like fashion such that if you choose to leave one of them to check the price of the other, before you would reach the next factory, the first seller would have tipped off the second seller to quote the same price.” He explained.

On why those engaged in such sharp practices have not been sanctioned, Bello stated that FCCPC chose dialogue as the first option “in the spirit of democracy” instead of enforcing the FCCP act which prescribes stiff penalties ranging from heavy fine to jail terms.

He called on the business community in Akwa Ibom to collaborate with FCCPC to curb exploitative pricing as well as sanitize the markets.

To cushion the harsh effects of ongoing economic reforms, he said President Bola Tinubu has introduced a number relief measures like the removal of tariff on food imports, VAT on pharmaceuticals and medical devices, tax waivers for businesses and public transportation as well as providing easy credit for the conversion of vehicles from petrol to CNG.

“It is only fair that our businessmen and businesswomen and traders share such gains with consumers in form of reduced prices,” the FCCPC boss added.

Many of the speakers expressed concern over the high cost of doing business in the country particularly the high interest rates, multiple taxation and the increase in electricity tariff and also called on the FG to abolish illegal road blocks to reduce the price of food commodities.

By Othuke Evro

To strengthen ties in education, the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, in collaboration with the FCT Secondary Education Board on Tuesday, hosted a joint ceremony.

The ceremony which took place at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, marked the “Chinese Corner” 13th Inauguration Ceremony and “Nihao China” Painting Competition Award Ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, stated that over the past 10 years, under the cooperation of the Chinese Embassy and the FCT Secondary School Board, they have built many Chinese Corners around Abuja. And the China Harbour Engineering Company contributed to the building of the latest one.

“After I arrived here, I noticed that this is a wonderful Chinese Corner. It is equipped with computers, with Chinese books and Chinese movies. And I am very happy to learn that over the years, many students have benefited from the Chinese Corner”, he said.

“In this regard, I would like to re-echo what the Principal of this school said; “in a fast changing world, it is important to increase the understanding of diversity”. So I think the Chinese Corner has contributed to cross-culture communication and the students by committing to Chinese Culture and Chinese history, it broadens their vision and in the future, they will become messengers and ambassadors between our two countries”, the Ambassador stated.

Ambassador Yu Dunhai also noted that education holds the key to the development of any country.

“We have learnt from our own experience that China is a developing country. Just like 40 years ago, in 1980, people who took high-level education in China were roughly one hundred thousand per year. By the year 2000, it reached roughly one million per year. Last year, we had roughly ten million per year. And I believe a high level of education has contributed to China’s development over the past forty years. I think for Nigeria; education also holds the key to national economic and social development. So that is why China would very much like to be a great partner with Nigeria in the educational sector. During President Tinubu’s last successful visit to China, the two Presidents reached a very important agreement to elevate our bilateral relations to new heights. And among this very, very important consensus is to increase the high-level education exchanges between our two countries”, he stated and continued.

“So, I would like to assure you that in the future, the Chinese Embassy would like to contribute more to build more Chinese Corners across Abuja and provide more opportunities for teachers and students to visit China and to train in China”, he declared.

Mrs Josephine Ogwu, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, while delivering her welcome remark, stated that China’s friendly relationships with Nigeria date back to 1971 and have been marked by significant economic, political and cultural ties enhanced by the vital role of culture and education in promoting strong and effective relationships between nations.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Muhammed Sani Ladan, Director/Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, posited that the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria inaugurated the first Chinese Corner on the 16th February 2013, at GSS Garki, Area 10, and since then, it has been a success story.

With this inauguration, Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, has become the 12th China Corner in the FCT and its environs and the 13th in Nigeria.

Other dignitries who attended the ceremony imclude, Mrs Josephine Ogwu, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, Dr Muhammed Sani Ladan, Director/Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, Mr Martin Chen, Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company (NIG) LTD, Hajiya Fatima Gambo Babba, Director Co-curricular, FCT Second Education Board, Mr Paul Ejeh, Director Bilateral Relations Office of the Permanent Secretary FCTA, Principals, teachers and students from the thirteen Chinese Corners, among others.