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Osun State Government Shuts Down State Polytechnic and Freezes Accounts
By Daniel Edu
The Osun State government has taken the decision to temporarily close the State Polytechnic in Iree for a period of two weeks. In addition to this, the government has also ordered the freezing of the institution’s financial accounts, effective immediately. These directives were communicated through a statement issued by the Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole.
This development follows the suspension of the institution’s Rector, Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo, by the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in July. The suspension was prompted by allegations of corruption against the Rector, including financial misconduct, misappropriation of funds, and abuse of office, as outlined in a July 11, 2023 memo from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Muritala Jimoh, addressed to the Acting Registrar of the polytechnic.
Subsequently, Governor Adeleke appointed Mr. Alabi Kehinde Adeyemi as the acting Rector, effective immediately, pending the proper investigation of the allegations leveled against Dr. Odetayo by relevant authorities.
However, in a recent turn of events, the suspended Rector resumed his duties with an interim injunction that halted the execution of his suspension until the matter could be fully adjudicated in court.
In light of these circumstances, the Osun State government has deemed it necessary to close the institution temporarily, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and order in the institution. The statement further noted that the school’s financial accounts have been frozen with immediate effect, and it urged all stakeholders, including staff and students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, to fully cooperate and adhere to these directives.
September 8, 2023
Oyo Commences Operation At New Model Smart School, As UBEC Hands Over Structure
The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, on Thursday said all is set for the commencement of operation in the newly constructed model smart school, Sogunro, Akinyele, Ibadan.
The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Jacob Dairo, said this during a handover of the structure to the Board by the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC.
During the handover, Dairo applauded UBEC on its commitment to technical and digital education in the State.
He equally said the Oyo State Government, through the Board has not relented in its bid to equip the younger generation with the requisite skills to remain competitive in the global economy.
Mr. Dairo added that the place of education in the attainment of national development and transformation cannot be relegated to the background.
The federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission and the Oyo State Government constructed the Model smart school at Sogunro area, Akinyele Local Government.
Mr. Dairo, who was recently appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Board by Governor Seyi Makinde, said the goal is to prioritize digital and technical education towards attaining socioeconomic development in the younger generation and make them competitive.
The Executive Secretary said officials are ready for full academic activities, which will commence in September.
Mr. Dairo said the school will accommodate pre-basic class; Special Education; Basic 1-3 and Junior Secondary School 1-2 pupils.
“All is set for the school’s take-off in the new school calendar. The school will enhance the quality of teaching, learning and the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) of our pupils”, he said.
“We commend the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, for its support in uplifting basic education in the State, as well as moves to eliminate out-of-school syndrome”.
“Equally, we appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde in the implementation of qualitative basic education in the State. The visit was meant to assess the level of the project in readiness for the next session”, he added.
Also speaking, a representative of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mrs. Sherifat Lawal, reiterated the commitment of the federal government to Basic Education in Oyo State.
She also said the objectives of the Commission is to assist all States in the development of smart schools projects, and to improve the access of teachers and pupils to quality teaching and learning materials.
The Zonal consultant, UBEC, Arc. Sanya Akindele said the school has classrooms for pupils with special needs, Pre-basic, Primary and JSS classes.
He added that the school is equipped with a Robotic laboratory, vocational laboratories, Clinic, ICT room and an e-library.
Arc. Akindele also eulogized Governor Seyi Makinde, for his commitment to the project.
Arc. Akindele added that the project is an opportunity to open up e-learning and expose pupils to computers at an early age, saying the school is fully computerised by UBEC/SUBEB.
“The way forward is ICT and this will give them a jump-start in life”, he said.
The Chairman, Sogunro community, Mr. Jimoh Wasiu who applauded Governor Seyi Makinde and the OYOSUBEB, said the project will contribute to the development of the community.
Recently, the Desk officer, Oyo state Smart School, Mrs. Olaide Ladipo led a monitoring team, including officials of the Ministry of Energy and the host local government round facilities at the model smart school.
She disclosed that registration has commenced online through www.oyostatesmartschool.com for admission, adding that the entrance examination will come up on Monday, September 11, 2023.
September 8, 2023
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Calls on Atiku and Obi to Accept Election Verdict
By Milcah Tanimu
In response to the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal’s recent ruling upholding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 election, Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has urged Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to forgo any appeals and accept defeat.
Both Atiku and Obi have expressed their intentions to challenge the tribunal’s judgment.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Governor Bello suggested that Atiku and Obi should move forward and support President Tinubu’s administration instead of pursuing further legal action.
“I don’t think there’s any ground for appeal as far as I’m concerned,” Bello stated, adding that they should “save the resources, save the trouble, advise their supporters, admonish them that we should accept the judgment. No flaw.”
Bello emphasized that Nigerians, both at home and abroad, are pleased with the tribunal’s verdict, and he called for unity and support for President Tinubu’s leadership.
“It is time to settle down and face governance,” he urged, highlighting the need to come together to address the challenges facing Nigeria. He acknowledged that the country’s current hardships are the result of past actions but noted that President Tinubu is making efforts to improve the situation through international engagements.
Governor Bello’s comments reflect his belief that pursuing further legal action may not be in the best interest of the nation and that it’s time for all stakeholders to work together for the betterment of Nigeria.
September 8, 2023
Nigeria’s Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) Generate N263 Billion in Q2 2023
By Milcah Tanimu
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in the electricity supply sector reported a total revenue of N263 billion in the second quarter of 2023. The NBS released this information in its Nigeria electricity report, which provides details on energy billed, revenue generated, and customer statistics by DisCos for Q2 2023.
In Q2 2023, the DisCos collected N263.08 billion in revenue, up from N247.33 billion in the previous quarter (Q1 2023). On a year-on-year basis, this represents a significant increase of 39.63 percent compared to N188.41 billion generated in Q2 2022.
The report also highlighted customer statistics for the same period. The total number of customers in Q2 2023 reached 11.47 million, up from 11.27 million in Q1 2023, indicating a 1.84 percent increase. Year-on-year, customer numbers in Q2 2023 grew by 6.17 percent compared to 10.81 million in Q2 2022.
Metered customers in Q2 2023 numbered 5.47 million, which represents a 3.10 percent growth compared to 5.31 million in the previous quarter. On a year-on-year basis, this figure increased by 10.40 percent from 4.96 million in Q2 2022.
Additionally, estimated customers for the quarter were reported at 6.00 million, showing a 0.72 percent increase from 5.96 million in Q1 2023. Year-on-year, estimated customers in Q2 2023 grew by 2.58 percent compared to 5.85 million in Q2 2022.
Regarding electricity supply, the report noted that in Q2 2023, it reached 5,909.83 Gigawatt hours (Gwh), up from 5,851.87 Gwh in the previous quarter. On a year-on-year basis, this represents a substantial increase of 13.06 percent compared to 5,226.97 Gwh reported in Q2 2022.
September 8, 2023
Musawa Urged to Suspend Ministerial Responsibilities and Complete NYSC
By Milcah Tanimu
The Director of Press and Public Relations at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Eddy Megwa, has called for Hannatu Musawa, a government minister, to defer her ministerial duties and complete her compulsory national service. This marks the second time Musawa has been mobilized for national youth service, having absconded during her first attempt. She is currently eight months into her second national service period.
Musawa’s initial mobilization for the NYSC was in 2001 when she was posted to Ebonyi State for her orientation program. However, she later relocated to Kaduna State and failed to complete the service, leading to her absconding from the program.
The Nigerian Senate’s approval of Musawa as a ministerial nominee raised concerns regarding the lack of diligence by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Senate. In 2020, her nomination as a commissioner on the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) was rejected due to her failure to provide evidence of participation or exemption from the NYSC scheme. Despite this rejection in the 9th assembly, she was subsequently confirmed by the 10th Senate without addressing these concerns.
Participation in the year-long national service provided by the NYSC is mandatory for Nigerian graduates under the age of 30. It is a statutory requirement for government and private sector employment in the country. The NYSC Act prescribes penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for those who fail to participate, abscond from service, or forge NYSC discharge certificates.
Eddy Megwa, speaking on behalf of the NYSC, emphasized that Musawa’s appointment as a minister violates the NYSC Act, as no corps member is allowed to accept a government appointment until completing the one-year service. Legal expert Femi Falana (SAN) also argued that it is unlawful for someone still serving in the NYSC to accept a ministerial appointment.
The Supreme Court’s judgment in Modibbo v. Usman underscored that it is inappropriate for a serving corps member to combine national service with full-time activities such as being a member of the House of Representatives. The ruling confirmed that the NYSC scheme cannot be combined with other employment.
The handling of this issue has implications for the perception of the NYSC and the consistent application of the law. Actions should be taken to preserve the integrity of the program, including Musawa temporarily suspending her ministerial duties and completing her national youth service. An apology to Nigerians for accepting a ministerial appointment as a serving corps member is also requested from Musawa.
September 8, 2023
Governor Bassey Otu Vows Transparent and Complete Implementation of 2024 Budget
By Milcah Tanimu
Cross River State’s Governor, Bassey Otu, has pledged that the state’s 2024 budget will undergo thorough and transparent supervision to ensure its full implementation.
Governor Otu made this commitment during the opening of a one-day stakeholders’ budget consultative forum in Calabar on Friday. He was represented at the event by his Deputy, Peter Odey.
Otu emphasized that once the budget is passed, his administration will ensure a high level of transparency in executing its provisions. He stressed the importance of proper budget implementation in alleviating poverty, addressing hunger, enhancing healthcare, and improving the state’s infrastructure, education, and transportation sectors.
He also highlighted the significance of budget adequacy in creating wealth and facilitating government employment initiatives, as a well-structured budget provides a clear framework for resource allocation.
In his keynote address, State Commissioner for Finance, Mike Odere, underscored the importance of efficient resource allocation and utilization due to resource scarcity. He emphasized that proper management of both human and material resources is essential for the successful and timely completion of projects, preventing staff underperformance, and reducing the risk of oversight.
Mr. Cyril Omini, Chairman of the State Assembly House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, echoed the sentiment that the budget should align with the needs of the people. He urged all stakeholders to actively participate in the budgetary process, emphasizing the collective goal of improving the lives of the state’s citizens over individual interests.
Omini encouraged collaboration among stakeholders to work towards a budget that serves the greater good of the state and its residents.
September 8, 2023
Lagos Chapel Prepares to Tackle Drug Abuse as Press Week Kicks Off
By Milcah Tanimu
Lagos, Nigeria -Lagos Chapel, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), is gearing up to confront the pressing issue of drug abuse as it launches its annual Press Week on Monday, September 25.
This year’s edition of the week-long event, scheduled from September 25 to September 29, will revolve around the theme: “Drug Abuse and Nigerian Youths; Effects and the Path Forward.”
Mrs. Vivian Ihechu, Chairperson of the Press Week Organizing Committee, revealed that an array of informative and engaging activities has been planned for this second edition of the event.
Highlights of the event include a road walkout, medical outreach programs, games, competitions, and visits to orphanages and homes for the elderly, among other activities.
The NUJ NAN Lagos Chapel Press Week will culminate in a Cultural Day on Tuesday, September 26, and a Lecture/Symposium on Thursday, September 28, both to be held at the NAN Multipurpose Media Centre, National Theatre Annex in Iganmu, Lagos.
Notably, the Lecture/Symposium will feature retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), as the keynote speaker, alongside other distinguished figures. This event aligns with the media’s role in setting agendas and addressing the prevailing issue of drug abuse among Nigerian youth as part of national restoration efforts.
The Lecture/Symposium will delve into crucial topics related to drug abuse and offer potential solutions to this pervasive challenge.
September 8, 2023
Dan Modi’s 100 Days In Office-A Taste Of Good Leadership – Mai Unguwa Jaga
By Jabiru Hassan, Dutse.
“Governor Umar Namadi’s 100 days in office is a taste of good leadership that proven that Jigawa state would continue to become an exemplary domain in a democratic dispensation”.
This was expressed by the Jigawa state AFAN chairman, Alhaji Idris Yau Mai Unguwa Jaga in a chat with newsmen in Dutse, where he reiterated that governor Dan Modi is making excellent efforts to ensure that Jigawa state remained one of the best among the rest.
” From what we have seen in his first 109 days in office as our governor, his Excellency Malam Umar Namadi has proven that he is working for the progress of our state which was created 32 years ago, and we are certain that his blueprint that made his 12 points agenda would bring rapid development to the state in every sector without bias”. He emphasized.
Alhaji Idris Yau Mai Unguwa Jaga disclosed that agriculture is given good consideration in so many factors and Jigawa state is now set to climb the ladder of successful implementation of all aspects of good production with maximum profit as contained in the governor’s 12 point agenda with agriculture in the first list.
“On behalf of AFAN state executives, the local governments and wards leadership, I congratulate governor Umar Namadi on his 100 days in office where we actually agreed that his leadership style would take our dear state to greater heights before his first tenure, and we are always ready to gives our maximum supports and cooperation to actualizing his dream”. He concluded.
September 8, 2023
Nigeria’s Telecom Contribution to GDP Hits 16% – Danbatta
Says broadband penetration to hit 50% by year-end
The telecommunications sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased significantly to 16 per cent in the second quarter of 2023, according to the data reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) based on the computation by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, stated this in a keynote address delivered at the annual Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF) hosted by the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos on Thursday (today).
According to Danbatta, from a 14.13 per cent contribution in the first quarter of 2023, and up from the hitherto 15 per cent all-time-high record contributed in the second quarter of 2022, the telecommunications sector added 16 per cent to the national GDP in the second quarter of 2023 to set a new record.
Danbatta, while speaking on the theme: “Success Factors and Barriers to National Broadband and Digital Economy Aspirations”, took the audience, promising executives of telecom companies and other industry stakeholders, through the giant strides being made by the Commission.
From about 8 per cent contribution to GDP in 2015, when Danbatta came on board as the EVC of NCC, he said quarterly GDP has increased significantly to reach its current threshold of 16 per cent and that this has continued to positively impact all aspects of the economy.
“Through sustained regulatory excellence and operational efficiency by the Commission, the industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades and this has impacted on all other sectors of the economy. The effective regulatory regime emplaced by the NCC and with the support from all stakeholders has been our major success factor as an industry,” Danbatta said.
The EVC stated that while there are barriers to broadband deployment in the country, ranging from the issue of right of way (RoW), fibre cuts, high capital requirement for deployment, multiple taxations and regulations, among other challenges, the NCC is navigating regulatory complexities, digital divide and literacy, security concerns with firmness and increased collaborations with necessary stakeholders such as ATCON to create measures towards tackling the challenges.
On the RoW challenge, the EVC said there are about 46 different taxes directed at the telecom sector at the moment. Such charges and levels, coming in various names, are imposed on telecom operators by some agencies and tiers of government, especially at the state and local levels. Danbatta said the challenge translates into greater economic burdens on telecom subscribers in the country.
Speaking about connectivity, Danbatta said, “Over the years, we have identified some clusters of access gaps all over the country but we have recorded a significant drop in the number of access gaps, as we continue to drive initiatives that boost access to telecommunications services.”
He stated that the Commission does this by enlisting government commitment to a digital economy with robust policy frameworks, promotion of investment and funding, stimulation of infrastructure development, digital inclusion and literacy, promotion of competition and market liberalization, effective allocation of spectrum, as well as driving the e-government ecosystem.
Danbatta said with various ongoing regulatory efforts, “The NCC is confident that we are going to reach 50 per cent broadband penetration threshold by the end of 2023 and by 2025, we would have met and possibly surpassed the 70 per cent broadband penetration target, as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025.”
The EVC particularly commended ATCON and its members for being partners in progress and for constantly engaging the Commission in constructive ways towards finding solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the industry. The EVC said a national broadband network and a thriving digital economy are not without their challenges.
“However, these challenges can be overcome through determination, innovation, and strategic planning. By focusing on the success factors and addressing the barriers, we can create a future where every Nigerian have access to the opportunities that the digital world offers,” he added.
Danbatta also stated that the success of the nation’s digital aspirations is beyond technological advancements but also about transforming lives, driving economic growth, and ensuring that a nation remains competitive on the global stage.
“As we work together to navigate this path, I enjoin all our stakeholders in the public and private sectors to remain committed to building a brighter and more connected future for our country,” he said.
September 8, 2023
A’Ibom bemoans low workers’ benefit from NHF Contribution
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has expressed concern over the lack of benefits for Akwa Ibom workers from the National Housing Fund despite their contributions to the Fund over time.
But he has commended the Federal Mortgage Bank, FMB, for partnering the state government in the building of the 250 units Arise City Housing Estate project and promised that his administration would continue to partner the Bank towards addressing the housing deficit in the state
Eno attributed the state government’s intervention to narrow the housing deficit in the state to the establishmnt of the ARISE City estate, low cost housing estate project for Civil Servants in Ibiono Ibom and the Housing Estate for Doctors in Nsit Ibom Local Councils.
“I met a team from the Federal Mortgage Bank led by their Executive Director, so we spoke and I told them I will like Akwa Ibom workers to benefit from the fund and they promised that if we give them land they will finance the project. I like to thank them for keeping to their words. I want to also thank them for promising to finance even the buyers at a single digit interest rate loan.” He said.
The Governor pointed out that siting various housing projects in the outskirts of Uyo was a strategic plan to open up local government areas close to the state capital to decongest traffic in Uyo urban, explaining that as people come to live in those suburbs, population would build up and attract development to those areas.
He paid glowing tributes to the former governor and elder statesman from the area, Obong Victor Attah, whose fight for resource control birthed the 13% derivation revenue the state is currently enjoying.
General Manager of FMB in charge of Southern Nigeria, Mr. Simeon Agada, described Eno’s commitment to the housing project as exemplary, explaining that with provision of land and other support by the state government, the cost of getting a house in the estate would be reduced by 40%.
Agada said the bank would finance the building and provide funding for acquisition of property in the estate with interest as low as 7%, adding that with such government gesture, the bank would be willing to undertake more of such projects in the state.
Over viewing the project, the Commissioner for Housing, Mr Raphael Bassey, said that the project comprised of 100 units of one bedroom expandable terrace bungalows, 78 units of semi-detached expandable bungalows, 72 units of 3 bedroom terrace duplexes, seated on 20 hectares of land, assuring that with the able hands in the Ministry the project would be supervised to ensure compliance with standards and timely completion.
September 8, 2023