Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Category: News

You can add some category description here.

  • Wike Urge Daewoo To Invest in FCT Tourism Sector

    Wike Urge Daewoo To Invest in FCT Tourism Sector

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has urged the Chairman, Daewoo Engineering and Construction, Jung Won-ju, to invest in the tourism sector and development of the territory, by constructing a five-star hotel in the city, to compete with other luxury hotels.

    Wike made the appeal when the Daewoo Chairman and the Managing Director , Daewoo E&C Nigeria, Tarwon Jung paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Thursday.

    The Minister who noted the relationship between the Republic of South Korea and Nigeria, said his interest was to ensure the development of Abuja, and to make it an attractive tourist centre, adding that it was important to concretize discussions on development.

    “We are talking about FCT. One of the best things you can do is tourism. And in that case, the only star hotel we can talk about here is Transcorp Hilton. So, there is no competition, nothing. Like I said, it is important that we discuss, and people know that something will come out of that discussion. For me as the FCT Minister, my interest is to develop Abuja, to make it more attractive as a tourist centre.”

    “So, if you say that ‘okay, we want to invest in tourism, we want to build a five-star hotel, what role can you play’? We can say look, to assure you we are ready, we are not going to give you land to sell or whatever, we will give you land.”

    ” What expanse of land do you need? And then we will ask you, how many years do you think you will be able to develop this five-star hotel? So, these are the things we like to do.”

    The minister added that he would liaise with the Korean Ambassador, to schedule a visit to the country and the construction company, to finalize details and “finetune” the project for immediate action, while assuring the Chairman that there would be no impediments to the project.

    “All those will be taken care of by us. Everything internal; the land, the approvals, everything, you can be sure the moment we sign the memorandum of understanding, and we agree, we will hand it over to you. Any impediment is from you, no impediment will come from us.”

    “We are also going to write to you so that we can concretize. We will make sure that before the end of the year, we should be able to visit Korea, particularly Daewoo. So, we will write the Ambassador of Korea to let him know, and then write to you as the Managing Director, so we will be able to finetune it. That’s the way I will be happy that there is something we can take home.”

    Responding, the Chairman, Won-Ju thanked the Minister for the warm reception, adding that he would ensure that challenges between both countries are promptly addressed, to expedite actions on the partnership between Daewoo and the FCT.

    “Even though there will be a lot of challenges for doing business between you and us, somehow, we are ready to overcome every challenge, and our MD of Nigeria here, will fully support the procedure to be realized as soon as possible. We are willing to comply with your demands and your guidance, he said.

  • 31 Retired FCDA Directors Earned Outstanding Service Honour

    31 Retired FCDA Directors Earned Outstanding Service Honour

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has honoured at least 31 retired Directors from 1st April to 30th June 2023, for their outstanding contributions to the Administration.

    The retired Directors are from the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority, respectively.

    The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, during the ceremony stated that their dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on the Administration in particular and the territory in general.

    The minister called on those who are still in service to emulate the legacy of excellence they have left behind, just as she prayed that their well-earned retirement be filled with joy, relaxation, and new adventures.

    Dr. Mahoud said, “I have been informed that throughout their tenure, these Directors steered our ship through challenges, inspired teams, and played a pivotal role in our success.”

    “Their wisdom and experience have been the guiding force behind many achievements recorded today. These Directors have been mentors, friends, and pillars of support to many of us who are still in service.”

    “I can boldly say that their impact extends beyond boardrooms, as these persons we celebrate today have helped in shaping the very fabric of the FCT Administration and beyond.”

    While expressing gratitude for their unwavering commitments and commendable leadership, Mahmoud assured that the FCT Administration would continue to call on them for professional guidance.

    “Though they may be retiring from official roles, their influence will endure,” she affirmed.

    The FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, commended them for bowing out of service unblemished, noting that their conduct would be emulated by those still in service.

    Adesola said, “For us to end like them, it is incumbent on us to continue discharging our duties in line with the extant laws and in accordance with the dictates of the Civil Service Rules, the ethics of the Service, as well as global best practices.”

    He, therefore, charged those in service to make hard work, integrity, honesty, loyalty, incorruptibility and professionalism be their watch word as they continue in the delivery of excellent service and infrastructure to the public.

    The Ag. Director Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, who spoke on behalf of the planning committee, noted that the retired Directors have devoted themselves to upholding the values and mission of the Administration, demonstrating unwavering commitment and leadership throughout their distinguished careers. 

    She further noted that their hard work and guidance have undeniably left an indelible mark and have helped shape the Administration into what it is today.

    The high point of the event was the presentation of gift items to deserving directors for their outstanding performance by the FCT Minister of State.

  • Clerics/CSOs hold Interdenominational solidarity prayer rally For 10TH NASS

    Clerics/CSOs hold Interdenominational solidarity prayer rally For 10TH NASS

    ….Sues for Support prayers for leaders

    The College of Bishops Imams and Clergy Councils have joined Nigerians in applauding the leadership direction of the 10th National Assembly and called for sustained prayers and moral support for the legislative arm of government to succeed.

    In a statement by Bishop Abel king, the group said it believes in the transparent approach of the 10th national assembly under the president of the Senate and with the clerk of the national assembly leading the bureaucracy to it’s highest point in recent times.
    .
    The group equally commended senate president , His Excellency Sen Goodwill Akpabio ,the speaker of the house, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas and the clerk Mr Sani Tambuwal for their leadership direction assuring them of prayers and solidarity of Nigerians at all times.

    “We have been partners in progress and believe our moral support as religious leaders would go a long way in the success of the legislature and the country at large”

    To this very important end, Bishop Abel king called on all Civil society organizations and religious groups to mobilize for a prayer/ solidarity rally in honor of the 10th national assembly on Sunday November 19, 2023 at the Unity Fountain Abuja by 2pm. The event which is a joint interdenominational session would feature over 15 Muslim and christian clerics. It would also feature candle light procession in solidarity with the 10th national assembly.

    “The 10th NASS has begun well, thry deserve our prayers and we are mobilizing Nigerians to come out and demonstrate support to the leadership so as to bring desired stability”

    Ibrahim Ali while responding for the Muslim clergy maintained that coming together from all denominations to pray for the success of the 10th national assembly is a demonstration of the commitment of the people to the success of our leaders and urge leaders to justify the confidence by putting more efforts in the interest of the nation.

    Bishop Abel also admonished all Patriots to mobilize at the venue of the Joint International prayer/solidarity rally to show support to our nations legislative branch of government.

    “It is part of our national service and we are enjoined to come all en masse to pray for our leaders .

  • Group Distance Self from Allegations against NASS Clerk

    Group Distance Self from Allegations against NASS Clerk

    …Pass Vote of Confidence On Sani Tambuwal

    To hold one day public lecture in Honor of Clerk

    The convener of Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) Rev Solomon Semaka has distanced the organization from publications on allegations of corruption against the clerk of the National Assembly for whatever reasons, “the clerk has been recently adjudged and celebrated by both media and Civil society organizations and therefore no attempt should be made to use the platform to misinform the masses.”

    Sani Tambuwal has Upon assumption of office as ag clerk demonstrated immense capacity for success which he has brought to bear on the affairs of the National Assembly bureaucracy, this earned him a deserve substantive position.

    “Rev Semaka advised those who are envious of the office of the clerk to understand that public office is a call to duty and only ordained by God almighty. Mr Sani Tambuwal has indeed brought his experience and humility to bear on the job, he must be supported by all without distractions”

    While proposing a one day public lecture in honor of the clerk, the group said it would provide an opportunity to interact with CSOs and Mass Media for better collaboration

    The save Nigeria Movement SNM Upon further investigation as published by premium times report is satisfied that no infraction has been recorded under Mr Sani watch and consequently express our absolute confidence in the leadership capacity and transparent approach of the clerk.

    “He is indeed a shining light to the bureaucracy and a gift to the current National Assembly as a whole ” he must be supported by all to succeed for the overall interest of the people. A humble and transparent servant of the people must be protected by all Patriots. This is our duty,” the statement added.

    ” Our organization is by this calling on all Nigerians to disregard any such allegations against the Clerk of the National Assembly as they are unfounded and mere speculation.

    “It is our strong advice to civil society organizations and Media houses to support public officials rather than heat up the polity baseless allegations.

    “May we round up by assuring the clerk of the organisation’s total support as he is positioned to reform the business of the nation assembly”.

  • Kaduna LG Crisis: 8 Councilors drag KDSG, State Assembly, others to court

    *Want Ag chairman swear- in

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    As crises persists and escalates, the Legislative Council of the Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State has instituted a legal action against the State Ministry of Local government, State House of Assembly, State Attorney General and the impeached LG Chairman, Nasara Auza Rabo, claiming meddling in its legislative functions.

    In the suit filed at the State High Court on Tuesday, the plaintiffs and eight (8) of the Ten (10) legislative council members claimed that the recalled of the council chairman, Auza Rabo by the State House of Assembly from suspension does not affect the legislative exercise of impeachment conducted by them, saying that the exercise of the House of Assembly was distinct from that of the LG legislative council.

    The plaintiffs are also asking the court to declare among others: that the Ministry of Local government is an appendage of the Executive Arm of Kaduna State Government and does not have the vires to alter the decision of the plaintiffs being elected legislators or determine the legality or otherwise of the impeachment of Rabo, except by the pronouncement of a court of competent jurisdiction in line with the principle of separation of powers stipulated in the Nigerian constitution.

    “A declaration that the impeachment of Auza Rabo by the plaintiffs pressured by the constituents of the respective eight political Wards out of the ten, was an exercise legally allowed by the extant laws governing the operations of the plaintiffs and as such, remains valid and subsisting.

    “That the invitation of the plaintiffs by the Commissioner for LGs to attend a meeting over the recall of Rabo, the flashing of a suspension letter in a conference hall, threat of suspension of the duly elected plaintiffs by the Commissioner over the Legislative exercise of impeachment of Rabo, was an abuse of power, illegal, crude, unwarranted, uncivilized, unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

    “Referring to the plaintiffs as illiterate villagers and walking out the duly elected Speaker, the plaintiffs from uttering a word, and denying any of the plaintiffs from uttering a word or directing the plaintiffs to reverse the impeachment, was also an abuse of power, illegal, crude, unwarranted, uncivilized, unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

    “That the impeachment exercise conducted by the plaintiffs, being constitutional and legal function of the plaintiffs, superseded the suspension and subsequent recall of Rabo by the Kaduna House of Assembly which suspension and recall is not within the bonds of the Commissioner and the House of Assembly.

    “An order directing the Ministry and Rabo’s Principal, Gov. Uba Sani to swear-in the Acting Chairman, Hon. Mustapha Gidado as the substantive Chairman, Kagarko Local Government Area within 24 hrs.

    “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants inclusive of their assigns, privies, agents and whosoever acting on their behalves from further threatening the plaintiffs over the impeachment exercise conducted, parading Rabo as Chairman of Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State”, it stated.

    The Motion to that effect comes up on 22nd November 2023 at the State High court, for mentioning.

  • Bandits kidnap Hakimi, 2 others, demand N50million in Kaduna

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    Suspected rampaging bandits have demanded for N50 million ransom after kidnapping an Hakimi Kujama known as Mr. Stephen and two others.

    Hakimi Stephen was reported kidnapped with a man and a woman along Kujama in Chikun LGA of Kaduna suburb township on a Sunday from a location yet to be full identified.
    But the bandits, on Wednesday allegedly called back on a victim’s family, demanding for N50 million ransom, a restless relative of Hakimi has confirmed to our correspondent on Thursday.

    Contacted on phone, the Kaduna state police command spokesman, Mansur Hassan could not respond.

  • 300 participants for 2nd Nigeria agribusiness roundtable

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    At least 300 participants are expected to attend the second agribusiness roundtable conference taking place in Uyo this month with the challenge of food insecurity and value chain development in the country in the front burner.

    Conference Cordinator, Mr Howard Usen who is the South South coordinator of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-industry Development Initiative(NAADI) and chairman, central planning committee told newsmen in Uyo that the conference would also focus on harnessing opportunities in the agriculture and allied businesses towards global exports as well as equip leaders in the food sector with knowledge of international standards.

    According to Usen, the conference would feature the ground breaking of the Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture (CISA) to be supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in addition to other partners adding that a fully established CISA would be the leading seat of innovative solutions in value addition to locally produced goods in the south south and south east parts of the country.

    Other partners the coordinator said would include the federal ministry of industry, trade and investment and the National Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture as well as the Akwa Ibom State ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

    “The 3-day conference will bring together leading experts who through their presentations will develop new skill-sets, new approaches, address specific knowledge gaps that will provide a framework for harnessing varied opportunities in agriculture and allied businesses towards global exports, thereby enhancing the export potentials of the non-oil sector.

    “The Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture (CISA) is envisioned to be the leading facility providing innovative solutions in value addition to locally produced goods as well as serving as a major export hub in the region. It will drive value chain development of key commodities and equip leaders in the food sector with the required knowledge.” He explained.

    Usen said the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is expected to present a paper on “diversificationof the Nigerian Economy through the development of agribusiness value chain,’’ during the conference which will take place at Ibom Icon hotel scheduled for Sunday 26th to Tuesday 28th November, 2023.”

    The conference would have the minister of industry, trade and investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite as the keynote speaker alongside other top personalities.

  • Hajj Cost: CSO Advises NAHCON To Reduce Number Of Saudi-based Service Providers, Sign Long-term Contracts.

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    Given the short time available for pre-hajj preparations and the rising cost of the pilgrimage, Independent Hajj Reporters, a faith-based civil society organization that monitors and reports hajj activities has advised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies (SMPWBAs)to commence the signing of long-term contracts with Saudi Arabia based hajj services providers to bring down the rising cost of hajj occasioned by the high foreign exchange rate of the dollar to the Naira.

    The CSO also called on NAHCON to consider reducing the number of Saudi-based service providers to create room for effective coordination and impactful supervision by both the commission and the States.

    These recommendations were given by IHR in a statement on Wednesday signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed. “Liaising with over 20 or more service providers during hajj creates multiple operational challenges for the apex hajj regulatory body and inhibits the smooth process of systematisation,” IHR said.

    IHR also said Hajj services to Nigerian pilgrims like accommodation, feeding and Car syndicates should have some elements of uniformity and standard across the board.

    “For example, one or two accommodation and catering service providers can serve the entire Northern pilgrims given that they share common culture and traditions, especially in the areas of menu and tastes.

    “One or two others can provide similar service for southern pilgrims using the same parameters”. It added that “countries with a higher number of pilgrims such as Indonesia, Bangladesh and India utilised fewer service providers and it is the reason why they have efficient crises management control system during hajj operations”.

    IHR also said the yearly signing of contractual agreements with Hajj service providers is no longer tenable given the new Hajj calendar issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

    “The new Hajj calendar has shortened the pre-hajj preparation period thereby giving hajj participating countries little or no time to be travelling twice or more to negotiate for yearly hajj services with service providers.

    “More importantly, signing long-term agreements with service providers such as accommodation, catering, and car syndicate providers will create stability in hajj fare templates and also allow such service providers to map out long-term planning which will result in efficient service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.

    “For example, Malaysian Tambung Hajj last week signed a long-term contract with Saudi companies as a way of reducing costs of hajj fare which allows Tambung hajj to deliver good services to pilgrims at reduced costs.

    Signing the contracts, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said it included contracts involving accommodation, flights and food to ensure prices could be fixed for a period of time.

    According to him “The increase in the cost of hajj is inevitable because it is exposed to factors beyond the control of Tabung Haji including the rate of inflation and taxation in Saudi Arabia, the exchange rate of the Malaysian ringgit against the Saudi riyal and the US dollar”.

    The signing of long-term contracts with Saudi-based service providers will lessen the number of pre-hajj trips undertaken by NAHCON and States since they will only need to travel once for physical inspection of accommodation and catering facilities before the airlift of pilgrims.

    IHR added that the ongoing expansion projects in the Misfalah area of Makkah that has seen many buildings previously used by Nigerian pilgrims demolished will add more pressure on the pilgrim’s accommodation rental price market, hence the need to sign long-term contracts and reduce the numbers of service providers.

    “Such will also reduce the number of activities in the hajj calendar”. IHR said. The CSO said yearly requests for applications, screening and selection of hajj service providers connote more expenses and time-consuming constraints – the two critical challenges currently facing 2024 hajj.

    Criteria to select such service providers could include their experiences in serving Nigerian pilgrims, record of service delivery, ratio of number of Nigerian pilgrims they have served in the past and their capacity to handle large numbers of pilgrims.

    IHR said NAHCON can embed its taxes and commissions in the long-term contracts to help keep the Nigerian Hajj industry in a self-sustaining mode and reduce the bureaucracy of hajj operations.

    NAHCON can also provide a caveat that such long-term contracts can be terminated once the service providers fail to meet the required standard of service delivery set and agreed upon.

  • A’Ibom partners firm, FRSC to mitigate accidents

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom yesterday commissioned the Ibom Computerized Vehicle Inspection Services (IBCVIS) with a call on motorist to take advantage of the diagnostic facility to prioritize maintenance checks and other precautionary measures on their vehicles to ensure safety on roads.

    At the occasion in Uyo, Eno explained that the IBCVIS concept was a Public Private Partnership between the State Government, Vehicle inspection units of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Temple Group Limited, to provide a one-stop-shop vehicle diagnosis centre for residents of the state to minimize the rate of vehicular accidents due to faulty vehicles.

    “Your life is important to us, and we are commissioning this at this time because you know what the season holds. Now, more vehicles travel very far, it is good you test and check your vehicle which 8s why we are partnering with the Temple Group Limited to commission this centre.

    “We are also partnering with the vehicle inspection unit of the Federal Road Safety Corps so that they can also check and approve this facility. We want to be sure that your vehicle is road-worthy. If you have your vehicle inspected here and approved, you won’t be scared of driving on the road.” The Governor said.

    He urged the investors to take advantage of the business-friendly atmosphere in the state to expand their investment to provide all-round automobile solution services by setting digital workshops in the state, adding that this would increase job opportunities and training of young Akwa Ibomites.

    “If you have a diagnostic Centre, then you should have a workshop. So I am inviting the management of Temple Group to go beyond just providing diagnostics services. It is good to move from diagnosis to treatment and to cure. So let’s move on to provide a digital workshop that will complete the cycle.

    “We are friendly and hospitable people. Apart from that, the State is peaceful and you can always do your business here and succeed. The Government will always play it’s part, to provide the land, conducive environment and security for people who want to invest in Akwa Ibom State.” Eno advised.

    Earlier in a remark, Group Managing Director of Temple Group Limited, Mr Segun Obayendo, expressed the delight of his company over the business-friendly environment in the state and the hospitable disposition of the people, revealing that the Uyo centre has capacity to analyze 150 vehicles per day.

    He added that plans were underway for establishment of three other centres in Ikot Ekpene, Eket and Oron, as the company was already considering channeling more investments to the State on account of the excellent cooperation it has enjoyed from government and residents.

  • UNICEF In Collaboration With Agency For Mass Education Organized Train The Trainer Workshop In Sokoto

    UNICEF In Collaboration With Agency For Mass Education Organized Train The Trainer Workshop In Sokoto

    By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    A three day training of trainers with center based management committees operational manual organized by Unicef in collaboration with the sokoto State Agency for Mass education open at sokoto guests inn.

    The resource person’s for the training program were drawn from national, commission for mass education adults and non formal education master trainers from state and local government areas.

    Speaking the special adviser state agency for mass education Alh Umar Mohammed Masari represented by Director planning Hajiya Aisha Zaid urged the master trainers to concentrate on what they would be taught for effective step dawn training in ten selected local government areas.of Unicef intervention.

    The special adviser expressed confidence that the training would ensure efficiency and quality teaching and learning outcome in the non formal centers for sustainability on literacy activities in the state.

    The opening ceremony was attended by the permanent secretary of the agency malam Abdullahi S.Danko and Directors of the agency.