Tag: Bello

  • Gov. Bello flags off distribution of state own palliatives

    Gov. Bello flags off distribution of state own palliatives

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has flagged off the distribution of the state sponsored palliatives across the state in response to concerns of the people, stressing that the ward by ward distribution system was adopted to ensure that every citizen irrespective of their political parties benefitted.

    During the flag off in Lokoja the state capital on Tuesday, Governor Bello directed every state appointees and other stakeholders to take a leave back to their respective wards in a bid to ensure efficiency in the sharing process and warned to expose any leader found culpable of short changing the people in the palliative sharing process.

    He pointed out that the current palliative distribution would upon completion followed by another trench which will take another dimension adding that the state government intends to extend such gesture to the next administration in addition to its physical infrastructural and socio economic development plans for the state and its people.

    He, however, reiterated that the palliative just like the previous one is meant for the entire citizenry hence directing those in charge not to discriminate along political party lines or any other divisive factor.

    While intimating that the exercise will be closely monitored in a bid to ensure fairness, efficiency and effectiveness he pointed out that the APC is a party that portrays compassion, honesty and frowns against liars hence those in charge must show empathy, love and compassion to their people

    He warned that any leader found wanting of short changing the people would be exposed as any leader who engaged in such is not worthy to be in such position.

    Taking a cue on the forth coming election, governor Bello called on the citizens to give their support to the candidate of the APC, Usman Ahmed Ododo noting that the consolidation government of the ruling party have greater plans for the state and its people.

  • Bello Reaffirms His Unwavering Commitment to Security of Lives, Property In Kogi

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting the security agencies in the state, including the vigilantes group, in their efforts to ensure a crime-free society.

    Governor Bello stated this on Friday when the new Commander of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Lokoja, Brigadier General H.I Dasuki, paid him a courtesy visit at government house, Lokoja.

    In a press release signed by Onogwu Muhammed, the
    Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Bello praised Brigadier General Esang Apaumontia, Dasuki’s predecessor, and his colleagues from sister security agencies for their dedication in safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the people in the state.

    The governor assured Brig Gen Dasuki of the people’s cooperation and willingness to provide intelligence and information to assist security personnel.

    In his response, Brigadier General H.I Dasuki commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his proactive efforts in securing the state and acknowledged his administration’s successes in various sectors.

    He pledged the Nigerian Army’s commitment and support in maintaining a safe and secure territory, especially Kogi State, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts with other security agencies to sustain the current peace.

    Brig Gen Dasuki expressed awareness of the achievements made by the Kogi State Government in partnership with security agencies to combat crimes.

    He promised to build upon these successes as the Commander of the Army unit in the state.

    Brigadier General H.I Dasuki recently assumed command from Brigadier General Esang Apaumontia as the new Commander of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja.

  • Bello Inaugurates 13 Man Committee to consolidate revenue drive in FCT

    Bello Inaugurates 13 Man Committee to consolidate revenue drive in FCT

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory, Territory, FCT, has recorded a landmark success in it’s revenue consolidation drive, as the FCT Minister and Chairmen of the six Area Councils join hands to a harmonize and accelerate the strategic streamlining process of revenue collection within a visible time frame.

    To realize this feat, the leaderships of the area councils and FCT Administration on Thursday formed and inaugurated a 13-Man FCT Join Revenue Committee (JRC), after a recent stakeholders Retreat in Akure, Ondo State.

    During the official inauguration of the committee in Abuja under the chairmanship of Mr. Haruna Abdullahi, the FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello said it crucial to modernise the tax system in FCT, with stakeholders engagement in the right manner and way it will enhance overall economic development of the the FCT people and residents.

    According to the minister , the committee comes with a clear mandate and terms of reference that will guide its actions, and objectives, adding that it’s been trusted with people with the critical responsibility to organise tax administration, address various revenue concerns and resolve disputes in the system.

    He noted that with a collaborative effort, the committee will devise strategies to enhance revenue generation through efficient collection process and improved compliance. And also serve as a mechanism of dispute resolution, monitoring, evaluation progress and ensure active stakeholders engagement.

    The minister further emphasized on the need for adequate collaboration within Area Councils chairmen, adding that the six area councils makeup the epicentre of the nation’s unity.

    “What we have seen within the last three years is just the beginning. It is a reality that Nigeria is a large country, and Abuja represents a very important investment hub for people, and you can see the way and manner population is increasing daily.”

    “Over the years opportunities to raise the revenue profile had been missed, but I’m glad that over the last few years a lot dialogue has taken place between the FCTA and Area Council Chairmen, using the FCT-IRS. And I think this collaboration is absolutely essential, and if it is done properly, the FCT will be better for it.”

    I want to advise the chairmen of the Area Councils that it is better that you 10% of a very large prosperous affluent cake than to have 100 % of something that is close to nothing”, the Minister said.

    FCT ALGON Chairman, Danladi Chiya, who is also the Chairman of Kwali Area Council, noted that the effort to streamline revenue collection process and modernise the tax system, shows that ease of doing business has come to stay in the FCT.

    He said, “As the Chairmen of the six Area Councils, we will put our heads to make sure that FCT-IRS succeeds by the grace of God”, as he thanked the outgoing FCT Minister for his good work done to ensure inclusive and rapid development of the Territory.

    Chairman of the committee, Haruna Abdullahi, disclosed that the whole concept has been ongoing for a very long time, and noted that the inauguration of the committee is one step, which will formalise what they are about to do in the FCT.

    Abdullahi, who is also the Acting Executive Chairman, FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS, noted that the harmonisation will continue with one step at a time, even with the support support of the Area Councils and other stakeholders its role continues to drive the whole process.

    According to him, the committee is provided for in the FCT-IRS Act, and there is a term of reference for it, and the whole idea is to harmonise and make sure that all revenues are collected seamlessly, in line with ease of doing business.

    Abdullahi said, “So we are quite excited that this two and half years harmonisation process has cumulated to the committee inauguration. This, will mean additional revenue to FCTA, which certainly will mean everything to us in terms of public utilities and services to the people.”

    Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public-Private Partnership, Hon. Lukman Agboola Dabiri, said the committee’s inauguration marks a significant milestone in the economic development of the FCT, given her unique position in Nigeria as the seat of power and a symbol of the nation’s unity.

    “It is part of the resolutions of the recent stakeholders retreat which brought together key /stakeholders from the FCT Administration, the six Area Councils, the FCT Internal Revenue Service and other critical participants from the organized private sector and civil society organisations.”

    “Its establishment could not have come at a better time than now. I am confident that through the collective efforts of all stakeholders, we will create a vibrant and financially resilient FCT that will serve as a model for
    other states in the country to emulate”, Dabiri said.

  • Bello calls for  harmony of tax collection in FCT

    Bello calls for harmony of tax collection in FCT

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The FCT Minister , Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, has called for harmonization of tax collection process by all revenue generating Secretariats, Departments and Agencies in the Federal Capital Territory to avoid multiplication of tax payable by the residents and corporate entities in the Territory.

    The Minister noted that this would not only end multiple taxation, but would also encourage the establishment and growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in the nation’s capital.

    Bello, who was represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, gave the charge at the Stakeholders Resolution Retreat on Harmonization of Revenue Collection and Ease of Doing Business in FCT, held Thursday, at Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    He said that the FCT Administration has over the years embarked on reform programmes that will encourage the harmonization of the tax system and promote the Ease of Doing Business to allow Small and Medium Scale Enterprises as well as other businesses to strive in a friendly environment created by the government.

    The Minister disclosed that some reforms being implemented include the automated platforms for the issuance of permits, licenses, and approvals known as the FCT business portal, which allows businesses and individuals to apply for and receive all necessary permits and licenses in Real Time without physical contact with any government officials.

    He revealed that the FCTA is assiduously working on streamlining and simplifying the regulations and procedure for Business Registration, Property Registration and Land Use planning.

    He said that these reforms will assist to create a more transparent and efficient regulatory environment for businesses in the FCT to encourage growth and rapid development of the city.

    He said, “We need the active participation and engagement of businesses, investors and civil society organizations to ensure that our reforms are effective, inclusive and perhaps, above all, sustainable.”

    While declaring the event open, the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, said the event is significant because it will equip the participants with the knowledge and skills required for effective tax administration and would also enable them to know about the tax regime being implemented by the Ondo State Government.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa, commended the FCT Administration for the choice of Ondo State as the venue for the Retreat.

    FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola in his welcome address disclosed that FCT Administration chose Akure, the Ondo State capital as the venue for the Retreat considering the historical nature of Akure, which is known for permanently resolving critical and strategic issues.

    According to him, the ancient city is synonymous successfully in bringing to a permanent end a difficult challenge, which is traceable to the history of Asodeboyede, the grandson of Oduduwa, who finally settled at Akure after killing an elephant as prophesied by the Ifa oracle.

    He also noted that the choice of Akure was to avoid distraction for participants, and challenged them to bring out a workable blueprint that will harmonize revenue collection for efficiency.

    Adesola commended the Ondo State Governor for the cordial relationship that has existed between the FCT Administration and the people of Ondo State.

    Meanwhile, in a paper presentation during the technical session “tagged agenda setting”, the Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, said that the current state of revenue collection in the FCT is a critical topic for discussion at this Retreat because it will provide the foundation for any efforts aimed at harmonizing revenue collection.

    Adesola bemoaned the present method of revenue collection in the FCT which is being carried out by different revenue generating agencies within the FCTA, the six Area Councils, and FCT-IRS.

  • 2023 Census: Bello urges media to be professional in dissemination of information

    2023 Census: Bello urges media to be professional in dissemination of information

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, has urged members of the FCT Publicity Committee of the 2023 National Population and Housing Census to exhibit professionalism in it’s discharge duty for proper information dissemination to the residents of the Territory.

    Bello gave the charge on Wednesday while inaugurating members of the FCT Publicity Committee on the 2023 National Population and Housing Census at the Merit House, Maitama District, Abuja.

    According the minister, Census is an essential element for National development and urged the Committee to ensure adequate information dissemination to all the nooks and crannies of the FCT.

    The Minister, represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, said the importance of the National Population and Housing Census for the socio-economic development of the nation can not be overemphasized.

    Adesola explained that the Census is an essential tool for both the FCT Administration and the Federal Government in planning for the provision of basic social amenities such as Schools, Hospitals, and Markets among others for the benefit of the residents.

    He said, “The successful conduct of the exercise will help the FCT Administration to sufficiently plan for the Agricultural sector, Education, and Health and will also assist in creating more jobs opportunity for the increasing population, especially for young people.”

    He however expressed dissatisfaction with the low turnout of residents in the just concluded 2023 general elections in the FCT, and challenged the Committee to adopt strategic models of communication to break the barrier of residents’ insensitivity to government programmes.

    He noted that adequate publicity of the activities leading to the National headcount will ensure the full participation of citizens, thereby, eliminating religious and cultural beliefs that could inhibit the success of the exercise.

    The Permanent Secretary stated that the forthcoming Census will enable the incoming Administration to plan for the provision of infrastructural needs of the populace.

    He, therefore, urged the Committee to see the assignment as a national duty
    assured that the FCT Administration will continue to partner with the National Population Commission to achieve its mandate.

    State Director of National Population Commission for FCT, Zakari Madiu, said the FCT Office of the Commission is determined to ensure a credible and acceptable Head Count, promising
    that no stone will be left unturned in its efforts toward a successful Census in the Territory.

    He urged the members of the Publicity Committee to fashion out ways of reaching hard-to-reach communities across the FCT.

  • Bello Not Behind Political Billboard Charges In Kogi – KSIRS

    Bello Not Behind Political Billboard Charges In Kogi – KSIRS

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Acting Chairman of Kogi State Internal Revenue Service KGIRS, Sule Salihu Enehi on Wednesday in Lokoja said that Kogi state governor,  Alhaji Yahaya Bello has no business in the Tax clearance and advertisement of political parties Billboard charges in the state.

    Enehi made the clarification  at a press briefing while refuting some social media insinuations of an allegation that governor Yahaya Bello sent his revenue men to intimidate other political parties in the state.

    The Chairman pointed out that any action of the revenue service  has a constitutional backing, saying “Section 85 (2) of Personal Income Tax, 2021 as amended, vest the power to verify tax clearance certificate in the issuing tax authority”.

    He disclosed that obtaining a tax clearance through misrepresentation, forgery, falsification, according to the law is guilty of an offence and such offender is  liable for prosecution.

    “The Kogi state government through the state house of assembly passed the law tagged “Kogi state of Nigeria a law to provide for the regulation of outdoor structures for the display of signage , hoarding and advertisements in Kogi state and for other matters connected therewith 2022”

    The acting chairman who stated that the law was assented to by Governor Yahaya Bello in September, 2022, noted that the law empowered KGIRS to enforce it.

    “Therefore for any body or organization to come out  now and claim that Kogi state governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello brought the law to witch-hunt opposition parties in the state is Void and far from truth” he said. 

  • Bello congratulates Osun APC Chairman on his Inauguration.

    Bello congratulates Osun APC Chairman on his Inauguration.

    By Richard Ayinde, Osogbo.

    The Osun State Focal Person on National Social Investment Program-NSIP, Lukman Abimbola Bello has congratulated the Osun State Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Prince Adegboyega Famodun on his inauguration today in Abuja.

    This congratulatory message was contained in a press statement issued and made available to journalists in Osogbo on Thursday.

    Bello who expressed his joy over the successful and well conducted Congress that produced Prince Gboyega Famodun described it as a deserve honour.

    According to Bello, the Osun APC Chairman, has demonstrated his passion for good governance in the progressives party, adding that his emergence has contributed to the development of the party.

    The politician added further “am highly elated to share the inestimable joy the ceremony showered on our great party as well as our amiable governor, Alh Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, the Deputy Governor, Mr Benedict Adegboyega Alabi and good people of the state.

    “I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to uphold you sir Mr Chairman for you to take our party to the greater height most especially in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state which In-Sha-Allah would usher in Governor Gboyega Oyetola for his second term in office”.

  • FCT Minister Charges AEPB, Others To Maintain High Level Of Sanitation Along Airport Road

    FCT Minister Charges AEPB, Others To Maintain High Level Of Sanitation Along Airport Road

    The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has charged the Abuja Environmental Protection Board and other relevant agencies of the FCT Administration to ensure that the Umaru Musa Yar’adua way (Airport road) is kept clean at all times.

    The Minister gave the charge over the weekend when he led a team of heads of relevant agencies to inspect and assess the level of sanitation on the road.

    His Chief Press Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    The statement read, “The visit with relevant agencies was to enable me to see progress on the instruction that pedestrian bridges are not to be used as markets and trading points.

    “So far, I am pleased with the progress made and support from the communities along the Umar Yaradua (Airport) Express Way.”

    The Minister also advised the relevant agencies to sustain their efforts and called for the cooperation of the local communities along the airport road.

    Meanwhile, in line with the Minister’s directive, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board ( AEPB) has instructed its personnel handling the road corridor to redouble their efforts in cleaning all the drainages as well as vegetation control.

    The AEPB assured that the cleaning of all the pedestrian bridges and interchanges, as well as removal of waste in villages along the airport road, would be sustained.

    The Minister’s assessment tour took him through the entire length of the airport road, where he physically inspected the pedestrian bridges

  • No mercy for criminals, Bello charge newly sworn in elected LGA officials

    No mercy for criminals, Bello charge newly sworn in elected LGA officials

    Governor Bello has charged newly sworn in Chairmen and Vice Chairperson of the 21 Local Government of the State to deal mercilessly with criminals in the state noting that the security of their respective Local Government Area must be guaranteed under their watch.

    The Governor gave this charge while speaking on Monday at the swearing in of the Executive Chairman and Vice Chairmen after the just concluded December 12 LG polls in the state

    No mercy for criminals, Gov. Bello charge newly sworn in elected LGA  officials | GCFRNG - NIGERIA BREAKING NEWS TODAY | Breaking News

    He reminded that when his administration came on board, it met an already disbanded Local Government Council which his administration re instated following court order which his predecessor refused to acknowledge

    He noted that although his administration believed that the people at the grass root deserved leadership, his government was hindered by lack of fund and could not conduct a Local Government Election at that time

    Governor Bello mentioned that as a government, they were able to pull resources together to conduct the recently concluded polls and with the cooperation of the people of the state the polls held freely, fairly and peacefully without hiccups before, during and after.

    He asserted that similar event in the old kwara state degenerated into serious chaos because of poor leadership but under his watch similar event went easily without a sound of gun shot.

    The Governor expressed that the swearing in event was another demonstration of Unity and Oneness and that leaders across the world were witnessing a practical display of good leadership

    He noted that the newly elected persons have gone through the blast furnace and have become fire brand leaders who were competent as they have been tested  enough to deliver.

    Speaking in his opening address, Commissioner Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Barrister Salami Momodu Ozigi noted that the overwhelming victory of the All Progressive Congress at the just concluded LG polls was an attestation to Governor Bello’s good leadership.

    He added that Governor Bello’s dogged commitment to leadership  has birthed a peaceful Kogi State which translated to the peaceful conduct of the Local Government in an unprecedented manner

    The Commissioner urged the newly sworn in Local Government Executives and others to replicate the New Direction development template in their various Local areas while they also do their best to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorates

    He similarly urged them to key in and replicate the already existing peace and security template of the Governor which he noted has earned the state several accolades locally and internationally adding that they should ensure to carry all stakeholders along

  • Bello Declares Two – Day Mourning Over Tanker Explosion  In Kogi

    Bello Declares Two – Day Mourning Over Tanker Explosion In Kogi

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Government of Kogi State on Thursday declared a two-day state mourning in honor of the victims of the Felele tanker accident on Wednesday.

    In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo stressed that the Governor and the people of Kogi State are saddened by the unfortunate incident that claimed many lives.

    “As a result of the importance placed on the safety and well-being of our people, Government has declared a two-day state mourning to honor the departed souls.”

    “In this time of grief, we urged the people to be deep in sober reflection and stand together for one another to pull out of the agonizing loss.”

    The statement called on road users to act responsibly and caution in order to avert such unfortunate situations adding that full investigations will be carried out to determine the causes of the painful incident.

    The Kogi State Government assured the  families that loss their loved ones and those whose houses were affected of government”s support.