Author: Shepherd Maihankali

  • Potable Water: Oyo Govt. Solicits World Bank’s Support

    Potable Water: Oyo Govt. Solicits World Bank’s Support

    The Oyo State Government has called for the World Bank’s investment in its bid to achieve universal access to safe drinking water and mitigate the effects of climate change.

    The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Water Corporation, Hon. Elias Adeojo recently made the call during a meeting with some officials of the Bank at the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP), Ikolaba, Ibadan.

    He said the Oyo State government is investing strategically in building safe drinking water systems by not only increasing funding, but also putting in capacities to plan, coordinate, and regulate service provision.

    Adeojo further revealed that provision of potable water is capital intensive but not profit oriented as the Corporation cannot charge the consumers for production cost.

    Hon. Adeojo said, “the Oyo State Government has invested heavily on water facilities across the State but still require external support like grants from the World Bank”.

    He equally stressed that power being a major factor that drives the Corporation’s facilities has been at lower ebbs and needs to be alternated with hydropower.

    The Chairman said a new technology known as hydrogen power which can also be sold for the sustainability of the Corporation will be introduced.

    Adeojo said the new policy will aid the Corporation especially as the delisting of power generation from the exclusive list of the Federal Government is in the pipeline.

    In their separate response, Mr. Francis Nkoka, the Task Team leader for IUFMP World Bank office, Malawi and Mr. Tochi Sinoda, World Bank Office, Washington DC, promised to assess the requests of the State Government on potable water but added that the issue of tackling flood in the State is germane to the residents of the State.

    The duo then called on the Management of the Corporation on the need to form a synergy between the State Ministry of Environment and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to make a success the fight against the scourge of flood in the State.

    Present in the meeting were top officials of the Corporation, officials from IUFMP and World Bank officials.

  • Kogi guber: We’ll ensure overwhelming victory for APC’s Candidate, Ododo — Abiodun

    Kogi guber: We’ll ensure overwhelming victory for APC’s Candidate, Ododo — Abiodun

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Chairman of the National Campaign Council for Kogi State Governorship Election, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, on Saturday in Lokoja assured APC supporters that the national leaders of the party across the country would work together towards the victory of the APC’s candidate in Kogi state.

    Gov. Abiodun who spoke at the inauguration of the Kogi State National Gubernatorial Campaign Council held in Lokoja on Saturday described Kogi as an APC state and there is no vacancy for any other party in Lugard House.

    He commended the resilience and hardwork of Governor Yahaya Bello, which he said had led to the restoration of peace and security in the State.

    “Governor Yahaya Bello’s outstanding achievements in virtually all the critical sectors of the state are visible for all to see and I assure you the next APC Governor will build on these achievements in the interest of the good people of Kogi State,” he added.

    The National Campaign Council Chairman said, with the result of the last general election held in the State, it was certain that the APC would beat any opposition party in the governorship poll.

    He urged all APC members to join hands in securing victory for the party, stressing that the election was for the party to win with the palpable absence of opposition in the state.

    Governor Abiodun expressed satisfaction with the caliber of people nominated into the Campaign Council, describing the election as the first test for President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

    Also speaking, Co- Chairman of the Campaign Council and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged the opposition political parties to look elsewhere for votes, insisting that Kogi was a no-go area for opposition parties in the November governorship election.

    The Lagos State governor urged the people of Kogi State not to be deceived by the rantings of opposition parties, saying there was no alternative to APC, “a party that has the interest of the people at heart.

    On his part, the Chairman of the APC Governor’s Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, said the people of Kogi State had resolved to stay with the APC.

    He said Kogi State had fared better under the APC-led administration, adding that the opposition parties were being driven by those who did not mean well for the State.

    In his remarks, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State appreciated President Bola Tinubu for leading the way in the sustenance of the nation’s democracy and promised not to disappoint him in the provision of gains of democracy to the people of Kogi.

    He assured that the Party would deliver for the APC, landslide, in the November governorship poll, saying the election “is a done deal”.

    He described the APC flagbearer in the State, Usman Ododo as one “who is coming with a whole lot of experience to consolidate on the unity and achievements recorded in the State under our administration.”

    Governor Bello urged supporters to campaign based on issues and shun violence, stressing that Kogi State would remain united before, during and after the election.

  • Oyo Gov Approves Selection of New Soun

    Oyo Gov Approves Selection of New Soun

    The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun-elect of Ogbomosoland.

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola said in a statement on Saturday that the announcement followed the long-drawn processes specified under the law.

    “His Excellency congratulates the new Soun-elect on his ascension to the throne of his forebears,” the statement said.

    The Commissioner said the exalted position has placed the monarch-elect in the position to facilitate harmony, understanding and tolerance amongst his people.

    The Commissioner also urged all sons and daughters of the ancient city of Ogbomoso to work with the monarch to consolidate the successes of his forefathers.

  • Education ministry, UNICEF lauds 500,000 Nigeria Learning Passport users for reaching the milestone

    Education ministry, UNICEF lauds 500,000 Nigeria Learning Passport users for reaching the milestone

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Ministry of Education and the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has lauded the 500,000 users of the Nigeria Learning Passport for reaching the milestone.

    According to UNICEF, the achievement stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to modernizing the educational landscape, ensuring every Nigerian child can access quality education tailored to their needs.

    UNICEF Representative in Nigeria,Ms. Cristian Munduate said, “Reaching 500,000 users isn’t just a reflection of a successful platform, but of the government’s visionary leadership and dedication to its citizens.”

    ” As we set our sights on 1.5 million NLP users by 2024, the continued strategic guidance and involvement of FME will be invaluable.”

    A beneficiary, fourteen years old Bolanle Ayomide of Government Senior College, Agege, Lagos said , “I stay on top of my class work at home or school, and I like that they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the NLP platform”. “I was impressed at the selection of courses available on the NLP platform– everything from biology to mathematics to entrepreneurial and secretarial studies.”

    Teachers, too, benefit immensely from the platform, accessing invaluable resources for professional development, ensuring that they are adequately equipped to provide dynamic, interactive learning experiences.

    Parents and caregivers are not left out, as they can support their child’s learning trajectory, starting from an early age, with the platform’s playful learning courses.

    Digital learning has emerged as the future of education, and by investing in the Nigeria Learning Passport, Nigeria is paving the way for children and young adults to thrive in a digital economy.

    The NLP offers interactive simulations and cutting-edge courses in fields such as computer and agricultural science, empowering the younger generation with the requisite skills for the future.

    NLP launched in March 2022 by FME and UNICEF, and powered by Microsoft, the NLP now operates actively across 18 states. With over 15,000 curriculum-aligned resources available in English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, the platform boasts a versatile offering. Users can also track their progress and achievements via the platform’s personal learning record.

    With the support of Airtel Africa, the NLP is accessible at no cost on all Airtel devices. IHS Towers is also providing support to ensure that schools are connected to the internet. These public-private partnerships have ensured that the digital learning divide is being bridged, and every child, regardless of connectivity access, has an opportunity to learn.

    Munduate stated, “In our journey to democratize digital education, the role of the private sector, especially partners like Airtel Africa and IHS Towers, has been nothing short of transformative.”
    “Their commitment not only amplifies our efforts but ensures that we bridge the digital learning divide effectively. With such strong public-private collaboration, we are confidently advancing towards a future where every Nigerian child, irrespective of connectivity challenges, receives quality education.”

    UNICEF and partners are investing in necessary infrastructure, like data, computers, smart devices, internet access, and teacher capacity development, to bring digital learning to every child and young person in Nigeria. Join us on this journey.
    End

  • FinRel Pharmacy: Oyo Govt. Condemns Owner’s Action, Vows to Continue Fight Against Zoonotic Diseases

    FinRel Pharmacy: Oyo Govt. Condemns Owner’s Action, Vows to Continue Fight Against Zoonotic Diseases

    The Oyo State Government has condemned the action of the owner of FinRel Pharmacy, who broke the seal on his business premises, after he was found guilty of violating the veterinary premises law.

    A statement jointly signed by the Commissioners of Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade and his counterpart from Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye said surveillance agents of the Ministry confirmed the incident.

    The statement said reasons for sealing FinRel Pharmacy Store at Asolo, Olorunsogo area, in Ibadan is not cast in stone, adding that it will take appropriate legal actions against the management of the Pharmacy, within the ambit of the law.

    The statement confirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s action was premised on its efforts to curtail any outbreak of any animals to humans’ disease (zoonotic).

    After receiving an intel that a Vet Doctor with FinRel Pharmacy, Dr. Ayorinde Benjamin with VC RG No 10257 was treating dogs at a barbecue spot of the Pharmacy and Veterinary Store, the Ministry promptly visited the said premises.

    While reacting to a statement by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, the Commissioners placed on record that the Oyo State Government is not interested in who sells human and veterinary medicine.

    “The present government in the state would not allow any person or group of persons’ selfish interest and unprofessional acts to put the health of the general public at risk”, the statement said.

    They affirmed that the Oyo State would not fold its arms on any unprofessional act that is liable to put the entire state in jeopardy and enhance an outbreak of diseases.

    The statement further stated the following reports that indicted FinRel Pharmacy:

    1. The Officers from the Ministry were denied access to the FinRel Pharmacy vaccine storage.

    2. FinRel Pharmacy did not register as a veterinary pharmacy as captured by the Oyo State Veterinary Premises Law, 2017 and has not equally registered as Veterinary clinic as required by section 3 subsections 1 of the Private Veterinary Premises and Veterinary Establishment law of Oyo State, 2017.

    3. The FinRel Pharmacy Manager, named Pharmacist Rachel confirmed that they sell, treat and administer vaccines on animals at the Pharmacy.

    4. The Officers were equally denied access to the pharmacy veterinary log book that is expected to contain all the veterinary activities of the pharmacy.

    Also, the same pharmacy, FinRel advertised free anti- rabies vaccine promo for dogs if goods bought were worth #10,000 between 1st and 30th August, 2023.

    Sequel to the above, FinRel Pharmacy Veterinary Doctor was invited for investigation by the Oyo State Committee on Regulations of Veterinary Premises and Veterinary Establishment on 16th of August, 2023 at the Office of Director, Veterinary Services of the Ministry.

    During the investigation, the FinRel Pharmacy Veterinary Doctor, Dr. Ayorinde Benjamin with VC RG No 10257 agreed that he was still in the employment of FinRel Pharmacy and that he was the same person in the said viral video treating Dog at FinRel barbecue spot, which is a public health risks to the people of the State.

    The said Dr. Ayorinde however, apologized for his unethical and unprofessional conduct saying it was at the directive of his employer.

    As part of the ongoing aggressive campaign and awareness by the state government to sensitize the general public, most especially the stakeholders in veterinary activities to prevent outbreak of Anthrax and other zoonotic diseases, the Oyo State Government on Monday 29th August, 2023, ordered the sealing of the said FinRel Pharmacy and Veterinary Store at Asolo, Olorunsogo area, Ibadan accompanied with men of the Nigerian Police from the Police Headquarters, Eleyele.

    The Oyo State Government therefore urged the general public and law abiding citizens to support efforts of the State Government to protect lives and properties.

  • N1B needed to reactivate water stations in A’Ibom- Etuk

    N1B needed to reactivate water stations in A’Ibom- Etuk

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Atleast one billion naira is needed to reactivate the 29 the water stations across Akwa Ibom, General Manager, Akwa Ibom Water Company, Mr Edoho Etuk has said.

    Etuk who disclosed this recently while interacting with Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Media members in Uyo said however that the state government has approved funds to reactivate five out of the 29 stations scattered over 15 Local Councils of the state.

    The GM regretted that the five stations were epileptically working at the moment and expressed confidence that the remaining 24 stations would also recieve attention with the coming on board of the ministry of water and sanitation.

    The water company boss said the decision by government to reactivate the five stations was part of the measures to strengthen water infrastructure in the state

    “I believe very strongly that we cannot leave a 15 billion naira investment or should I say assets and allow it to rut. We need to revive those stations.”

    He opined that with the water law in place and the creation of the new ministry, the water sector will receive a boost adding that,”we have a high level of prospect on the water industry.”

  • How CBN Can Strengthen Naira, Increase Foreign Reserve

    How CBN Can Strengthen Naira, Increase Foreign Reserve

    By Adefolarin A. Olamilekan

    As a matter of economic protectionism, the CBN must prioritize the best monetary policy to avoid mismanagement of the nation’s reserves, because, it is very strategic to the nation’s economic wellbeing.

    The practice of administering monetary policies that are injuries to the economy should be discouraged.

    The revelation about the CBN taking loans from international banks to defend the naira is not healthy for an economy like ours with loan debt standings at above $15billion.

    It makes one ask, why our economy managers think borrowing could solve our naira depreciation when they know, in fact, that our economy has so much dependency on importation which needs to be reversed.

    Just some weeks back in this same light of the borrowing spree, the NNPCL went cap in hand to take a $3billon loan from AFREXIM Bank with the goal of strengthening the naira through a crude oil swap repayment deals.

    The same writer (myself) raised concerns over this kind of retrogressive and retarding action of NNPCL taking up a monetary action meant for the CBN, while a critical look into it avail us it is going to boomerang after its six months implementations.

    For the CBN, it went into securities lending agreements with two American leading investment banks, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.

    The deals in securities with these two banks afford CBN to receive cash in dollars to the sum of $500million from Goldman Sachs and $7billion from JP Morgan in exchange for using its securities as collateral for the loans.

    Shocking, the moment the CBN got the money, it pumped it into the I&E Window foreign exchange market of “Willing Buyer and Willing Sellers” of Dollar for Naira or Naira for Dollar.
    And, all this excess still could salvage Naira free fall of N780 to $1 at the I&E Window foreign exchange market and N900 at the parallel market and black market at N1000 to $1.

    For us, we can’t tackle our currency problems with proclivities for loans all the time, as it is going to worsen the naira situation and disarticulate our economy.

    Particularly, that of the CBN is painful because the recent loan is tied to our foreign reserve which is very critical to trading in goods and services importation, as a precursor to balance of trade deficit corrections.

    Regrettably, the same CBN has been borrowing to defend the naira to the detriment of decreasing the nation’s foreign reserves.

    For instance, figures indicate that between January and July 2021, the CBN spent $2.1bn propping up the local currency over the same period in 2019, and the amount spent defending the local currency was $1.43bn.

    In the two months of December 2021 and January 2022, the bank spent a total of $3.36bn supporting the naira, as follows: $1.71bn and $1.65bn, for the two months respectively.

    However, this amount spent defending the naira at each point always depends on the tempo of the market, without achieving any meaningful goal of making the naira stronger in value.

    Meaning while having observed the recent development within the nation’s foreign exchange market, essentially the Forex Unification and CBN’s I&E Window policy, the Apex bank has not been able to achieve the set goals of eliminating multiple forex markets and mitigate currency speculation, round tripping and insider abuses that has put undue pressure on the naira.

    With the recent JP Morgan’s report which we have carefully interrogated, it portends a great danger with the current status of the nation’s foreign reserves which JP Morgan puts at $3.7 billion as against the quoted CBN’s figure of $37.08 billion.

    Although the Apex bank has faulted JP Morgan’s report as not being correct, that it lacked the understanding of the workings of the nation’s foreign reserves’ management, the import of the report is not ambiguous but a reminder of where we are coming from, since 1999 when the nation enjoyed a robust and steady increase of about $60 billion standing in 2008.”

    Sadly, things turned downward for the nation’s foreign reserves when successive governments between 2009 and 2012 deflated it to $43.43billion, and again things became worse from 2012 to 2014 as it went downhill to $41.96 billion, and between 2015 to 2018, it dropped drastically to $35billion, and another drop to $29 billion occurred in 2020, but received a boost just after the post COVID-19 period to rise to $35 billion in 2021.

    Interestingly, it gradually increased to $38 billion but dropped sharply to $15billion in 2022.

    We acknowledge the fact that the CBN Act of 2007, section 24, specifically mandates the monetary authority to maintain external reserve, primarily as a formal backup for the domestic currency and safeguard the value of the naira; to provide a fallback in case of a fall in revenue, to provide buffer against external shock or unforeseen emergencies and natural disasters; and timely meeting-up of international payment obligations such as to finance international trade which gives rise to demand for liquid reserve that can readily be used to settle trade obligations, amongst others.

    However, we need not remind the CBN that the same CBN Act 2007 eulogized the importance of external reserves to an economy as a measure to demonstrate the strength of the economy and that it expected the monetary authority to be mindful of the consequence of a decreased foreign reserves’ negative impact and risk foreign exchange rate on the economy.

    What needs to be done differently?

    As a matter of national priority, we call on President Bola Tinubu and the CBN to build our external reserve on prudential macroeconomic management that would create buffers against shock as well as invest in a critical sector of the economy that would strategically lead to an export-oriented economy.

    As a stakeholder in the Nigerian economy and development project, we believe that the CBN must explore avenues to rectify this situation by taking appropriate measures to reduce external and internal vulnerabilities, and debt imbalances that could make worse the status of our reserve.

    In addition, the magnitude of such imbalance debt either in the short term or long term could erode investors’ confidence in the economy, and at the same time defeat the CBN’s intervention in the foreign exchange market to stabilise the naira.

  • HAJJ REPORTERS Annual Lecture And Awards Holds September 21st

    HAJJ REPORTERS Annual Lecture And Awards Holds September 21st

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    The annual public lecture and awards ceremony by Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) is billed to hold On September 21, 2023 in Abuja. The event is expected to hold at the auditorium of the National Mosque.

    A statement Monday by the National Coordinator of IHR, Ibrahim Mohammed said the event, which holds between 10am to 1pm will have the immediate past Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada as the chairman of the occasion.

    According to Alhaji Mohammed, this year’s lecture will dwell on Hajj and Umrah policies and its impact on successful Hajj operations. The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikirullah Kunle Hassan is the Chief Host of the event.

    “IHR will also be honouring Hajj institutions, officials and Tour operators who stood out in terms of hajj activities throughout the 2023 hajj season. Such services include effective education and enlightenment of intending pilgrims as well as service provision to the pilgrims during this year’s Hajj exercise,”the statement said.

    Professor Ismaila Shehu of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria will deliver the public lecture. The speaker, who was a veteran journalist, academic and an administrator of repute with vast experience in Hajj matters spanning over three decades will look at how the existing policies around Hajj administration Vis a Vis the roles of officials and how they impact on successive Hajj operations.

    The event will also give special recognition to some governors who did extremely well for their States Muslim Pilgrims Boards and hajj pilgrims. Highlight of the event will be the award for Hajj Governor of the year.

  • Rejoice Iwueze welcomes first child

    Rejoice Iwueze welcomes first child

    Religious critics have taken to the comment section of gospel singer Rejoice Iwueze to address her regarding the birth of her first child.

    Rejoice Iwueze, a former member of Destiny Kids, who tied the knot in November, recently shared the news of her child’s birth on her Instagram page. She also posted photos from her maternity shoot, joyfully declaring that she and her husband had transitioned from being a couple to becoming parents. However, she did not reveal the gender of their child.

    In response to her announcement, some religious critics criticized her for welcoming a child less than a year after her marriage. These critics, unaware of her wedding date, mistakenly assumed that she was already pregnant before getting married.

    One individual named Raymond Shola commented, “So you were pregnant when you got married, wow, my Christian sister.” Another user remarked, “This story isn’t clear. You were a month pregnant before your wedding. Congratulations to you, though.”

    Nevertheless, many others came to the defense of the gospel singer, pointing out that it had been nearly ten months since she got married.

    Rejoice Iwueze had announced her engagement to Oladapo Temitayo Samuel in September 2022 and subsequently shared her proposal photos on Instagram. Just two months after their engagement, she had a traditional wedding, where she knelt before her father in accordance with Igbo tradition. This was followed by her white wedding. She expressed her pride in calling him her husband and looked forward to this new chapter in her life with excitement.