Category: News

By Gariel Udeh

Says radical transformation of governance crucial

The Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has laid down the gauntlet for directors within the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to sparehead the development of new initiatives in the ministry.

The Minister, while noting that the responsibility for shaping the future of labour initiatives falls squarely on the shoulders of the directors, maintained that a complete overhaul of the ministry’s approach to work was essential.

Onyejeocha stated this on Tuesday during a roundtable meeting with directors of the various departments under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The meeting, which was convened by the Minister, aimed to gather updates from department heads and mentally equip them for implementation of the performance bond mandated by President Tinubu.

Addressing them, the minister emphasised the commitment of the Tinubu administration to deliver on its campaign promises. She noted that “the president has mandated us to be bold to take decisions that would enable us deliver on our mandates. “Nobody will come do this job for us. We can’t afford to wait”.

According to her: “This Ministry has the core mandate of creating employment and relieving the country of poverty. We are not here only to settle disagreement between or among unions.

“There is the need to close the gaps of inefficiency and be functional. Taking responsibility and ensuring that the Ministry is meeting up with expectations and duties.

“We do not have any option than to deliver the mandate of the President. We have a collective responsibility of ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda is successful, and Nigerians must see our performance.

“There is urgent need for team work and collaboration. Your job is to impact on the lives of the citizens.
We must put our strength in working to change the narrative, she noted. Our duty is to create jobs and reduce poverty in the country”.

She urged them not to look at the size of the ministry budget but must focus on measurable outcomes. Achieving our objectives is what will elevate the ministry’s role in governing.”

“We must establish regular management meetings for evaluation purposes. We must put our strength in changing the narratives. We must also work on our data. If we don’t understand the primary objective of our mandate, we cannot deliver.

While she noted that, “the task ahead was going to be tough because of the standard she has set, she urged the directors “to come up with ideas to make the work easy for all.

She said: “Put your best in whatever you do no matter your position. Wherever we see ourselves, we should understand that life matters, and negligence can cost a life if not lives. When we do not do our work, it affects not just somebody but the society.

Recognizing the need for updated regulations, the minister vowed to prioritise revising outdated labour laws, starting with the Occupational Safety and Health department of the ministry.

She said the meeting was more than just a call for new initiatives. It was a call for ownership, accountability, and a shared vision for a transformed Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) has strongly criticized the BBC documentary on its late founder, Temitope Babatunde Joshua (TB Joshua). The church disapproved of the documentary, describing it as unfounded and distancing itself from the individuals interviewed in the report.

In a statement signed by the Public Affairs Director, Dare Adejumo, SCOAN aimed to clarify public perceptions influenced by the documentary. The BBC documentary accused TB Joshua of various crimes, including rape, based on interviews with certain individuals.

The statement emphasized that the characters interviewed were unknown to the church, dismissing the report as a deviation from ethical journalism. SCOAN argued that while investigative reporting is a journalistic core, straying from professional ethics results in misinformation.

The church accused the BBC of compromising journalistic principles, engaging in fictional narratives and propaganda. It claimed that the broadcaster had become a tool for a destructive agenda, deviating from fairness, balancing, and objectivity.

SCOAN criticized the BBC for disregarding TB Joshua’s impactful legacy and questioned the credibility of the interviewed individuals. The statement called the documentary insulting to professional and public intelligence, claiming that TB Joshua’s positive influence couldn’t be undermined by BBC’s biased reporting.

The church suggested that BBC could have gained a more accurate perspective by directly experiencing the church’s activities rather than relying on manipulated individuals. SCOAN labeled some interviewees as relics of unrelated associations and questioned the credibility of the claims made in the documentary.

The statement concluded by expressing SCOAN’s view that the BBC’s documentary was an attempt to tarnish the church’s reputation due to envy for its continued growth. It criticized the perceived bias in the investigative work and denounced the alleged malicious intent behind the report.

Benue State Governor has congratulated the people of Benue State over the victory at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which affirmed their mandate.

Reacting to the judgement which dismissed the appeal by the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate Titus Uba, the Governor noted that the Supreme Court’s decision only reaffirmed the overwhelming mandate people of the state gave him at the polls.

Rev Fr Alia, assured the masses of the state that the mandate they willingly gave to him would be judiciously used to improve their wellbeing as he promised during campaigns.

The Governor who applauded the the judiciary for proven to be the last hope of the common man, dedicated the victory to people on the streets, market women, prisoners, youths, farmers, civil servants, Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, among others.

While affirming the victory of the Governor, the Apex Court described the appeal filed by the PDP, and its candidate Titus Uba, as frivolous, of no effect and abuse of court process.

The Supreme Court asked the Counsel to the PDP, S.T Hon, SAN, to withdraw the case or risk the wrath of the court by the award of substantial cost, the order he immediately complied with and withrew the matter accordingly.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the financial affairs of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The directive follows the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, over a scandal involving the transfer of N585m to a private account.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced the suspension and the EFCC investigation in a statement on Monday. The former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, is also under investigation for an alleged N37.1bn money laundering during her tenure.

In compliance with Tinubu’s directive, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has summoned Edu for questioning on Tuesday. The President has further established a panel, led by Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance Wale Edun, to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic of the financial architecture of social investment programs.

Edu’s suspension is linked to a leaked memo revealing her directive to transfer N585m to a private account. The funds were claimed to be for vulnerable groups in specific states. Various groups and individuals, including the PDP, SERAP, Femi Falana, and civil society groups, had called for Edu’s suspension and an impartial investigation.

The total budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation from 2020 to 2024 is N2.38tn, according to data from the budget office. The investigation aims to reform relevant institutions and programs, eliminating institutional frailties for the benefit of disadvantaged households.

Umar-Farouq, Edu’s predecessor, has been questioned by EFCC investigators over the alleged money laundering. She cited health challenges and sought an extension to provide clarifications about the monumental fraud investigation.

Meanwhile, Edu’s attempt to meet with Tinubu after her suspension was denied, as her convoy was turned back at the Presidential Villa. Additionally, there were reports that the ICPC intercepted N32bn in July-August 2023, preventing it from being stolen from the humanitarian affairs ministry. The funds were handed over to the Federal Government.

By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

The national president, APC Initiative For Good Governance (APC-IGG) Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken has opined that the fight against corruption by the Tinubu administration would be successful especially when the commission is given full mandate to discharge duties effectively.

He stated this in a press statement he signed and issued to newsmen, where he announced that ” I am of the opinion that the present administration is making advancement in the war against corruption in Nigeria by giving all the required chance to the economic and financial crimes commission to ensure sanity in our governance, and from our own knowledge, Nigeria would be an exemplary domain with corruption free record”. He added.

He reassured that the APC Initiative For Good Governance will continue to promote good governance especially at present when Nigeria is getting more recognition in a democratic process, where he commended the Secretary to the government of the federation, Dr. George Akume for his efforts towards the successful implementation of the Tinubu administration’s policies.

In conclusion, Musa Tsoken tasked Nigerians to be more courageous with the present situation as in the near future, Nigeria would become an exemplary domain with better economic system.

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna has issued a notice to residents of Mando, Tsamiya, Kauya, and Afaka general areas, assuring them not to be alarmed about an upcoming shooting exercise. The exercise is part of the training for the Army cadets of the 71 Regular Course at the nation’s premier military university.

In a statement released by the Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. Mohammed Maidawa, residents were urged not to panic, emphasizing that the shooting exercise, scheduled to take place between January 9 and February 2, 2024, is a routine part of the cadets’ training.

While providing this reassurance, the statement also cautioned the public against trespassing into the shooting range designated for the exercise. The NDA stressed that safety measures have been diligently implemented to ensure the successful conduct of the exercise.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Defence Academy wishes to inform the general public, especially inhabitants of Mando, Tsamiya, Kauyd, and Afaka general area, that it will be conducting a Range Management Package for Army Cadets of 71 Regular Course. The NDA assures the general public that all necessary safety measures have been put in place for the successful conduct of the exercise. However, we advise the general public to avoid trespassing in the general area throughout the period of the exercise.”

*Calls for Citizen-Led Reforms

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Amidst the ongoing EFCC investigation into alleged financial irregularities within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the immediate suspension of Dr. Betta Edu, ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, has urged President Bola Tinubu to extend investigation to NNPC, CBN and Ministry of finance.

Disclosing this at a press statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Kaduna the ActionAid Nigeria stated that its takes a firm stance against corruption and any form of financial mismanagement.

“We are closely monitoring the ongoing investigation and if proven true, these allegations would signify a severe violation of public trust and a betrayal of the essence of humanitarian efforts.

“ActionAid Nigeria underscores the importance of due process, and while we also acknowledge the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty, we commend the President’s decision to suspend Dr. Edu pending the conclusion of the investigation.

“This step prevents potential interference and upholds the integrity of the process. It is crucial for the legal process to be diligently followed, ensuring individuals found guilty of financial misconduct face the full consequences of the law.”

“Andrew Mamedu also highlighted the need for a comprehensive investigation beyond a single ministry, stating that, ‘’Corruption, as evident in the deeply rooted issues in CBN and NNPC, demands a broader inquiry across all government sectors.

“The investigation must be expanded to include the NNPC, CBN, and the Ministry of Finance”, according to the Social justice non-governmental organization working to eradicate poverty and all forms of injustice in Nigeria.

It further advised that “President Bola Tinubu should demonstrate commitment to anti-corruption by initiating forensic audits across these MDAs, ensuring systemic accountability, and making information accessible to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

Mamedu emphasised that now is the time for the implementation of citizen-led reforms and the effective establishment of a social register of beneficiaries with real-time updates as funds are disbursed, saying this will ensure transparency and enable public monitoring of resource allocation.

The Country Director expressed ActionAid’s willingness to collaborate with the government on a citizen-led process as evident in ActionAid’s past involvement and track record in leading and coordinating citizen pro-poor initiatives and social welfare programmes that align with the needs and priorities of the people.

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

The FCT Administration has recorded an impressive turnout by both students and teachers in public and private schools on the first day of school resumption for second term of the 2023/2024 academic session, after the 2023 yuletide holidays.

The FCT Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo disclosed this yesterday when he led the Education Secretariat management team for the 2024 second term academic session visitation and inspection to some schools across the territory.

The team’s first visited the Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Area 3, followed by Government Secondary School,Tundun- Wada and
Glisten Group of Schools, Jahi respectively.

Hayyo, told newsman that the team observed that almost all the students and teachers are back and ready for learning.

“From all indications, the teachers resumed for work and are ready to work and the students are also ready for learning.”

“Meaning that teaching and learning is taking place, that’s the essence of our coming here to make sure school resumes properly. Lessons plans, lesson notes are all ready and from all indications teachers are anxious to work.”

“Turnout for the first day of resumption is encouraging. I expected to see a low attendance rate considering the Christmas and New Year break, since a lot of students traveled with their families out of Abuja. But, fortunately for us, almost all the students are back and are ready for learning, Hayyo said.

He stated that part of the aims of the inspection is to identify some challenges of the schools, in order to effectively address them.

“We have seen, and taken note of all information on problems facing schools, we are going to take back to the honorable Minister, as education is one of the key priority areas of this administration.”

“The minister promised that the sector will be given special consideration. That’s why in the 2023 budget, the sum of 13.1 billion Naira was approved to be spent on renovations, construction, and provision of chairs and furnitures for schools in FCT, which is very encouraging”, he said.

The Secretary further called on the teachers to continue with their dedication to duty, adding that the Secretariat is not leave any stone unturned.

” When we discover a school whereby teachers are ready but students are not present or the turn out of the students is low, definitely we are going to change the administration of the school.”

“We are going to bring someone capable hands that can lead, because like I said earlier, one of the priorities of the minister is education. We can’t wait until the minister see something bad before we take action, definitely we are going to cub the problem.”

Also speaking, Mr. Akor Joseph, principal of Government Secondary School, Tudun-Wada, Mr
Akor Joseph, also speaking said, “We are just back from the Christmas holidays, and most of these students traveled with their parents, that’s why you see this number of students.”

…To introduce CNG buses to alleviate mass transit transportation problems

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA) has disclosed plans to unveil the Unified Standard Transportation System in Abuja

The Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services ( DRTS), Dr Abdulateef Bello on Monday disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting.

Bello also the DRTS would soon commence the recovery of taxi ranks earlier issued quit notice within the capital city as it aims to begin reorganizing of licensed operators.

He revealed that it has become imperative to standardize the transportation system in Abuja, had become very necessary, as the city was fast evolving and no aspect of it should be ignored.

According to Bello , Abuja cannot be left without an organized transportation system that will meet the needs of all citizens.

Meanwhile, he revealed that the administration has perfected plans with consultants to bring in buses that use Compressed Natural Gas ( CNG), to solve the problems of mass transit in Abuja.

He explained that when the buses are acquired and deployed to different routes, it will take care of the rickety vehicles and taxis that have been constituting nuisances on Abuja roads.

One of the stakeholders, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq, the Chairman, RTEIN Mass Transit, said the new policies by the administration was a welcome development, but critical players in the transportation sector must be given adequate consideration.

Also, Okorie Victor, the Chairman of Self Employed Commercial Drivers Association ( SECDAN) urged the administration to embark on aggressive sensitization to ensure that all stakeholders properly understand the evolving policies of the administration in the transportation sector.