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Northern Youths body, JACOM sets agenda for ACF new Executives
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The umbrella body of all Northern Youths, Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Associations (JACOM), has urged the new national executive committee of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), to approach its responsibilities with renewed vigour and pragmatism.
JACOM gave the advise on Wednesday, in a statement signed by its Convener and Secretary, Murtala Abubakar and Israel Musa, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
“JACOM is pleased with the smooth transition and change of leadership baton by ACF; the apex Northern Nigeria socio-cultural organisation culminating to last week inauguration of the new national executive committee to pilot the affairs of the organisation for the next three years after the expiration of the tenure of the former minister of agriculture Elder Audu Ogbe.
“The smooth and peaceful transition following the painstaking efforts of the selection committee that produced the current executive team under the chairmanship of Mr. Mamman Mike Osman SAN, is a clear testimony to the commitment of ACF to approach its responsibilities with renewed vigour and pragmatism more than ever before.
“The Joint Action Committee of Northern youth Associations is convinced that going by the profiles of the people that constitute the newly inaugurated executive team, the idea behind the formation of the ACF among other things, to promote peace and unity and engender prosperity in the entire landscape of Arewa on a consultative basis, will be realised”, it stated.
It added that while they look forward to the current leadership vision for the north, the association assured ACF of its total commitment, and that of entire people of the north of our willingness to join hands with ACF’s new executive committee for closer synergy.
According to the association, its commitment would not only to ensure closer synergy that will bring about convergence of energy of the youth and wisdom of our fathers to face our challenges, but also to bring back security, peace, unity and prosperity to our region for hope and better tomorrow, especially in this trying times.
JAMCO therefore called on all Northerners irrespective of tongue, faith, political lineage to unite and give the ACF the needed supports it required to discharge its responsibilities.
December 21, 2023
Oborevwori assents Delta 2024 Appropriation bill of N724 billion
By Anne Azuka
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday assented to the state’s 2024 Appropriation Bill of N724,979,313,867 billion.
The approved budget is made up of N316,624,462,711 recurrent expenditure while the sum of N408,354,851,156 is for capital expenditure.
While signing the budget tagged “Budget of Hope and Optimism”, Governor Oborevwori said the 2024 budget is geared towards putting the economy of the state on the path of sustainable growth.
He remarked that the budget would boost both domestic and direct foreign investments and productivity and enhance the ease of doing business in the state.
He underscored the significance of the budget, adding that “the law provides a veritable foundation for the sustainable delivery of our social and economic pact – the MORE Agenda to the good people of Delta State.
“We have allocated 44% and 56% of the budget to recurrent and capital expenditure amounting to N724,979,313,867 billion total budget size.
“The budget is very key to the developmental programme of the state and the budget we signed today is less by 12 percent compared to that of 2023.
“In preparing these estimates, we were very mindful of the current economic realities thus the evident 12% reduction in the size of this budget when compared to that of 2023.
“We are cutting down on recurring expenditure to free up much needed funds for the sustainable financing of our critical infrastructure and human capital.
“These would allow for the ease of doing business, attract domestic & direct foreign investments, and improve productivity thus sustaining the growth of our domestic economy.
He commended the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for their support and cooperation in the interest of the state.
“The Objectives of the 2024 budget include: To control the effects of inflation through fiscal discipline and judicious allocation of resources, accelerated infrastructural development; stimulate growth of the non-oil sector and make the economy more resilient to external shocks.
“The budget will further enhance the business competitiveness of the state by nurturing and promoting the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises; create employment for the state’s teeming youth population and raise the productivity of the state’s land, labour, and capital assets.
“Let me assure our people of faithful implementation of the 2024 Budget. This administration is focused, process driven, and result-oriented in its governance style.
“The progress that we have made in the last six months should give hope to our people that the goals we have set in this budget will be pursued with similar zeal and dedication”.
Presenting the Appropriation Bill, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said that the Bill was presented to the House on November 29 and passed on December 14 after passing through all legislative processes.
Guwor said the Budget as passed by the House aligned with the state’s policy direction of fiscal discipline, sustainable growth, investment and productivity, transparency, accountability, and efficient and effective service delivery.
He added that the report of the Finance and Appropriation’s Committee on the Appropriation Bill, 2024 encapsulated consensus view points of the MDAs and the Standing Committees of the House.
END.
December 21, 2023
Oborevwori presents 2024 Budget proposal of N714.4 billion to Delta Assembly
By Anne Azuka
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Wednesday, presented N714.4 billion budget proposal for the 2024 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
Governor Oborevwori said the budget christened, ‘Budget of Hope and Optimism,’ was made up of recurrent expenditure of N316.6 billion representing 44 per cent and capital expenditure of N397.9 billion representing 56 per cent of the total budget.
He said that the 2024 budget proposal, his first since coming to office was envisioned to put the economy on the path of sustainable growth, boost investments and productivity, enhance the ease of doing business, and provide ample opportunities for the average citizen to participate in the economy.
The Governor added that the personnel cost of N150 billion provided in the budget was in anticipation of domestication of a likely salary increase by the Federal Government sometime in 2024 while the overhead cost mirrors the inflationary trend in the country.
Oborevwori said: “This administration will embark on the construction of more critical road infrastructure in the 2024 fiscal year because we are irrevocably committed to advancing urban-rural integration.
“In 2024, we propose to spend N150 billion on Road Infrastructure for the Ministry of Works; N46.55 billion on Education; Health will gulp N18.65 billion; Agriculture, N7 billion and Urban Renewal N7.5 billion.
“Environment will gulp N2.1 billion and Youth Development, N1.7 billion. These key sectors are very essential in our 2024 budget.
“This administration is focused, process driven, and result-oriented in its governance style. The progress that we have made in the last five months should give hope to our people that the goals we have set in this budget will be pursued with similar zeal and dedication.
“Rest assured, this administration is determined to see our people through the hard times, doing all that we can to assist the poor and vulnerable”.
He appealed for the speedy passage of the appropriation bill by the lawmakers.
Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, said the budget presentation was historic as it was the first budget being presented by the governor who was immediate past Speaker of the House.
Guwor said the House would ensure that the Budget substantially complies with the International Public Sector Accounting Standard, which is aimed at providing efficient internal control and result-based financial management in the public sector of the State.
December 21, 2023
FCT-IRS Generates 63% increase of N203.1bn in 2023, targets N250bn for 2024
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service has revealed that it generated an increase of 63%, about N203.1 billion for the year 2023, from the N124 billion it generated in 2022.
Acting Chairman of the FCT-IRS, Haruna Abdullahi made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, as he said that the Service projects to generate about N250billion in 2024 with the support of staff of the FCTA, the National Assembly, and other key stakeholders.
The Service stated that it has generated N98.5bn in 7 months between January and July 2023, more than the N65.7bn generated in 2022 within the same period.
According to Abdullahi, the revenue tax collection of the FCT had grown from barely N46bn Naira in 2017, to N124 billion in 2022, representing an over 270% increase.
“The Tax Revenue Collection of the FCT-IRS grew from barely N46 billion in 2017 to over N124 billion in 2022, indicating over 270% growth. At this point, I would like to inform the public that, as of December 19, 2023, the FCT-IRS, for the first time since its inception in 2015, has exceeded the N200 billion mark by generating the sum of N203,147,090,410.5 annual revenue for the year 2023. This is a huge milestone for the service, and it represents about a 63.34% increase in collection from the preceding year.”
“For the year 2024, FCT-IRS has a target of N250 billion (Two-hundred and Fifty Billion Naira), we are determined and optimistic that we will realize and surpass that, with the committed and dedicated staff of the service, support from the FCT Administration, the National Assembly, and other key stakeholders, including our esteemed taxpayers, it is achievable, and the task ahead is surmountable.”
The Acting Chairman explained that the taxpayer base of the FCT, had grown from 543,969 individuals, and 284,746 non-individuals in 2015 to 1,108,162 individuals, and 389,981 non-individuals in 2023.
The FCT-IRS would begin the enforcement of Section 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act, 2011 (as amended) and Section 31 of the FCT IRS Act 2015, which required Secretariats, Departments and Agencies, commercial banks, and other corporate bodies to demand and verify Tax Compliance Certificates as preconditions for rendering services in the FCT, he explained.
“As part of our efforts to ensure compliance with filing of returns, the Service will, in accordance with the tax laws, apply a penalty for non-filing of annual returns by 31st January of every year for employers and 31st March of every year for individuals.”
“A comprehensive reassessment of returns will be intensified, which will be followed by constant monitoring and compliance exercises.”
For the avoidance of doubt, section 32 of the FCT-IRS Act, 2015 empowers the Chairman of the Service to authorize any Officer of the Service to have free access to properties and records of taxpayers for the purpose of compliance with the tax laws.
Furthermore, Abdullahi warned that the Service will not only hesitate to prosecute tax offenders through the instrumentality of the law, but will ensure that all taxes due to FCT are recovered.
December 21, 2023
Runsewe, Commissions call for merger of Arts, Culture for best results
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The
Director General of National Council of Arts & Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe and States Commissioners of Arts, Culture and Tourism, have called for the merging of Arts, and Culture ministries for best functional results.
Runsewe emphasized that both cannot function independently from each other.
In a joint demand, Otunba Runsewe and over fifteen commissioners made this known at the just concluded conference held in Abuja recently to review the National Festival of Arts of Culture ,NAFEST, for the first time since its establishment in 1970.
According to the DG, NCAC and other tourism agencies have been at the forefront of the fight to separate culture and tourism from other ministries, not as individual ministries but one ministry.
“We want government to return the two ministries (arts, culture and tourism) together as one.”
“Tourism sells culture.
We started the campaign to separate culture and tourism from other ministries.”
“Tourism in Nigeria has two parastatals, culture has eleven parastatals.”
“It is only in Nigeria that you have so many parastatals. In foreign climes, most of these parastatals are departments. The money we should use in moving around should have been put in one place.”
“In Dubai, you don’t have all that. It is one department that takes care of others and there is no competition. In Nigeria, there is so much competition, said Runsewe.
December 21, 2023
FCTA Arrests 19 vehicles, 1 Motorcycle For Causing Traffic Congestion In Abuja
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, early on Monday morning, arrested 19 commercial vehicles and 1 commercial motorcycle for causing traffic congestion at Banex road corridor in Abuja.
The vehicles that were arrested by the FCT Minister joint taskforce team, were illegally picking and dropping off passengers at the Banex road corridor, therefore obstructing free flow of traffic on the road.
The FCT Minister taskforce team which consists of the Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, and Directorate of Road Traffic Services , FCT VIO, all worked together to get rid of illegal motor parks that were created by illegal taxi drivers at the popular Banex road, Wuse II, in ABUJA.
Deborah Osho, Head of Operations in FCT VIO, while fielding questions from journalists, decried the traffic congestion on the road that was caused by illegal commercial taxi drivers.
“This the taskforce team that was constituted by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, what you are seeing now is clearing the road corridor on the popular Banex road, Wuse II, that was taken over by illegal commercial taxis. The illegal commercial taxis took over 50% of the road corridor picking and dropping passengers.
Meanwhile, there is an approved park where they can pick and drop their passengers, but they don’t use it, most of them prefer to use the road corridor, therefore blocking the free flow of traffic on Banex road, Osho said.
She said, “This exercise is continuous, once we enforce, we clear and then we pin down. And the pin down is continuous.
“This will curb the challenges of one chance in this area, will also address the issue of illegal commercial taxis, this will also clean the city and make Abuja safe, especially during this Yuletide period”.
Furthermore, Secretary of Command and Control, Peter Olumiji, said the exercise will help to get rid of one chance menace in Abuja.
He said, “This joint exercise that we commenced today has two faces, number 1 to clear illegal parks of criminal elements that run these one chance taxis, and to also clear the parks of sales and trafficking of illegal drugs, they use the opportunity of illegal parks to transact their businesses.”
One chance is done at illegal parks, and they use unpainted vehicles, Olujimi added.
December 20, 2023
Demolition: FCDA Arrest 19 Protesters Over Disrupt Of AMMC Activities
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Joint Task Force Team of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on City Sanitation, on Monday arrested 19 angry protesters who stormed the premises of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, in Wuse, Abuja to disrupt demolition exercise of the Mechanic Village in Kubwa.
The Director of the department, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, disclosed to journalists that the workers in the building were going about their official assignments when the protesters besieged the premises.
Galadima said that 19 of the protesters were arrested for the violent disruption of peace in the area.
He said, “We were having a meeting in a conference hall when we heard some noises. We decided to come and see what was happening and I saw some people with protest placards.”
“Some people were angry that Kubwa mechanic village where they owned shops were demolished by Federal Capital Development Control.”
“But what proof do they have that they have allocations inside the area,” Galadima questioned.
According to him, some of the sponsors of the protest built what they called a mechanic village inside someone’s property, adding that Development Control ordered the demolition of the village.
The director who described the protest as thuggery noted that beyond building on illegal property, the action became necessary following a series of complaints of encroachment in the particular space by the rightful owners.
“This is a breach of peace, and they should be prosecuted.”
“We are also going to find out who among our officers gave out the area for the development of a mechanic village. The officers involved must be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control, Dr Peter Olumuji, said that the task force was out on enforcement duty when the distress call came in from development control over the protest.
“We abandoned what we were doing and dash to the scene immediately and on getting here, we saw the protesters attempting to vandalise the premises, vehicles, and assault development control officers.”
“We have been able to arrest 19 of them and will be taken to Utako Police Division for proper investigation and possible prosecution,” he added.
December 20, 2023
Nasarawa Assembly officially approves the 2024 Appropriation Bill, amounting to N199.9, as it becomes law.
“… confirms Aboki as member LGSC, as House proceeds on recess till February 12th…”
Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N199.9 as presented by Gov. Abdullahi Sule into law .
Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the House announced the passage of the bill into law during the House proceedings today in Lafia.
The Speaker said that the passed budget, if assented to by Gov. Sule would promote economic growth and development in the state.
” A Bill for a Law to Authorize the Issue Out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State (Appropriation) of the Sum of N199, 879, 370,709.43 only for the Services of Nasarawa State Government for the period of 12 months commencing from 1st January 2024 and Ending 31st December, 2024.
” The total sum of N117, 138, 350, 954.18 as Recurrent Expenditure while the sum of N82,741, 019, 755.25 as Capital Expenditure.
” The 2024 Appropriation bill is read for the third term and passed ,” the Speaker said.
Jatau appreciated members for their determination and commitments in ensuring the speedy passage of the 2024 Appropriation Bill into law.
” I want to appreciate you for your efforts in ensuring speedy passage of the bill.
” This shows sign of unity and synergy with the executive and judicial arms of government as we will always work in synergy with the state government for the overall development of the state,” he said.
Jatau urged the state government to ensure full implementation of the budget, if assented to by the Governor.
” We have done the needful, I hope that the executive will also do the needful,” he said.
He, then directed the Clerk of the House to produce a clean copy of the bill for Gov. Sule’s assent.
Earlier, Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Majority Leader of the House moved a motion for the passage of the bill into law.
Hon Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House seconded the motion.
The House unanimously passed the 2024 budget into law.
In a related development, A Bill for a Law to make Provision for Right of Way in Nasarawa State and For Other Matters Connected Therewith passed first reading at the floor of the House.
Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Majority Leader of the House moved a motion for the bill to scale first reading which was seconded by Hon Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House.
The House unanimously passed the bill into first reading.
In a related development, the House screened and confirmed Hassan Aboki Zanwa as member Local Government Service Commission.
Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Majority Leader of the House moved a motion for the screening and confirmation of the nominee which was seconded by Hon Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House after Hon Solomon Akwashiki SDP Lafia Central and Hon. Esson Mairiga PDP Lafia North spoke in favour of the nominee who is from Lafia LG.
It would be recalled that on Dec 12, 2023, the Speaker of the House, has received the nomination of Mr Hassan Aboki Zanwa from Gov. Sule for re-appointment as member of the Local Government Service Commission.
The House also proceeded on recess from today to February 12th, 2024.
December 20, 2023
Oborevwori assures Deltans of adequate cooking gas with FLNG project
Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has assured Nigerians, particularly Deltans of adequate supply of cooking gas to the domestic market after completion of the first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, FLNG, in Nigeria.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, Governor Oborevwori said the state government has 8% equity in the floating LNG project. He noted that the project is of strategic importance to the national economy, adding that with 40% of Nigeria’s proven gas reserves in Delta State, it was a worthy investment.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, Igho Akeregha, Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Media said the State Government, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the UTM Offshore Limited signed the historic Shareholders Agreement for the development of the first ever Floating Liquefied Natural Gas, FLNG marking a major breakthrough for domestic cooking gas supply in the country.
The statement noted that UTM FLNG Project was the first of its kind to be developed by an indigenous private company in Nigeria.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu and Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe signed for the Delta State Government, while the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari and Group Managing Director Julius Rone signed for NNPC Limited and UTM Offshore, respectively.
With the agreement Delta State Government will own eight percent share of the project, NNPC Limited 20 percent and UTM Offshore 72 percent.
The statement quoted Oborevwori as saying the deal marked a significant milestone in the development of the project, expressing hope that construction will begin next year.
Oborevwori noted that of particular interest to Delta State Government, “is the dividend that the UTM FLNG will generate, thus advancing the socio-economic development of our great state. It is expected that over 300,000 metric tonnes of LPG (cooking gas) will be produced and dedicated to the domestic market”.
“This project will also help to mitigate the environmental hazards in the Niger Delta by reducing gas flaring. Of course, our women folk will also benefit from the fuel switch from kerosene and firewood to cleaner energy, thus improving their health and general wellbeing.
Another benefit we envisage with this project is that it will create job opportunities for our youths, which is one of the four pillars of our MORE agenda”.
While commending the immediate past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for his foresight in investing in the venture, Oborevwori expressed appreciation to other stakeholders “like regulators and Afreximbank for helping to arrange financing, the dedicated staff of Delta State Investment and Development Agency (DIDA) for their resourcefulness.
In his remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC, Mr Mele Kyari commended the Delta State Governor for not just being a promoter of gas development in the country but for also investing in gas projects.
Kyari said “we are happy to collaborate with the Delta State Government in this venture. The State Government is here in two capacities, one as a supporter of growing gas utilization in the country and also now as an investor in this necessary industry but potentially a valuable industry for all of us”.
Also speaking, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekprikpe Ekpo noted that it was time for the country to begin the monetisation of its huge gas reserves for the development of the economy.
Group Managing Director of UTM, Mr. Julius Rone, in his remarks said the signing ceremony marks another significant milestone in actualizing Nigeria’s first indigenous FLNG.
“I want to thank the Delta State Government for taking an equity on this laudable project which will create other sources of revenue for the state to develop their infrastructure that is highly needed and create employment for the teeming youths of Delta State”, Rone said.
While commending the stakeholders for their support, especially the Delta State Government for investing in the project, Mr. Rone said he expects the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the project to be taken before the end of the first quarter of 2024.
December 20, 2023
CESADA/FAUSADAT Conduct Sensitisation To Enlighten Youths
By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The two organisations, CESADAT and FAUSADAT SUPPORT GROUP has recently organized sensitisation and enlightenment campaign at Sokoto Remand Home,Central Motor Park and some selected Secondary Schools in the metropolis.
The Chairman of CESADA/CEO, Amb. Abdulrazak Shehu in his speech said the aim was to enlighten the youths on the importance of service to humanity and the gains in doing so.
Similarly the two organisations resolved to organize the sensitization activities “to activitively teach and involve youths in the activities of service to humanity and what it takes to be an active member”, said Abdulrazak who further lamented of none involvement of youths in many activities either from the government or none governmental organizations adding that there are many educated youths in the state who lack little amount ro start handiwork or establish small scale businesses.
Other members present during the sensitization are Amb Haj Fatima A Maigari CEO FAUSADAT Support Fondation and rest of the exco members of the two organisations.
December 20, 2023