Category: General News

Award

By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has been conferred with a National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, (MSMEs) award by the Office of the Vice President on the World MSME Day for his outstanding contributions to the sub-sector in his state.

Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, in a statement on Friday, said Mbah had impressed with his leadership capacity.

According to the statement, the award was presented to Mbah on Thursday on behalf of the Vice President during this year’s National MSME Awards held at the Aso Presidential Villa.

“The recipient is someone my principal described as changing the leadership strategy, not only in Enugu State, but in the whole of the South East.

“Dr Peter Mbah is also one of the most IT-savvy individuals I have ever met and he is putting a lot of that experience and knowledge into governance in Enugu State.

“And he also recognises the impact that MSMEs have, not just on the labour market, but on productivity and increase in economic activities in his state.

“On behalf of the Vice President, I have the honour to present you with the MSME Award for 2024,” said Hadejia.

Mbah said the award was an elixir to do more, describing MSMEs as the lifeblood of any economic development.

He described Kashim Shettima as a champion of MSMEs, commending his tireless commitment to the Light-Up Nigeria Project, which he said would help to ramp up power supply to industrial clusters in the South East.

“Let me, on behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, express our profound gratitude to the Office of the Vice President for recognising our modest effort in supporting the growth of MSMEs in our state.

“MSMEs are the lifeblood of economic development. But as desirous as they may be, their success is no chance occurrence. They thrive only through painstaking policies that enhance the ease-of-doing-business climate.

“We believe that governments thrive when MSMEs are in good shape. So, starting a business does not have to seem like a leap of faith. Neither is it a zero-sum game, because small businesses create jobs, thus reducing the social burden typically created by huge unemployment rate,” he said.

He said from the outset, his government recognised that its goal to substantially grow Enugu State’s economy from 4.4 billion dollars to 30 billion dollars in the next four to eight years was closely-tied to the viability of MSMEs.

“These, roughly summarise the context behind the various incentives and projects we have implemented to aid the growth of small businesses through the Enugu SME Centre and Office of Digital Economy, fuelled by the commitment to upskill 40,000 youth annually in digital and vocational skills,” Mbah said.

He said his administration had equally provided one billion naira in Venture Capital Funds under the auspices of the soon to be launched  Enugu State and SMEDAN Joint Matching Funds for Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to boost MSMEs growth in the state.

“Our other efforts to boost MSMEs in the state include the creation of the Enugu State Fashion and Garment Hub and training of 5,000 youths on fashion skills in three years, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President and private sector partners.

“The Enugu Skill Acquisition Masterclass, an intensive training module that provides essential resources and insights to digital entrepreneurs and startups.

“Training of MSMEs and Startups in tech skills from software engineering, product design. Web 3 amongst others to imbue them with skills consistent with demands of the 21st century,” said the governor.

He explained that the creation of a world-class innovation and entrepreneurship hub focused on supporting entrepreneurs who tackled societal challenges.

“The Enugu NG-CARES Programme has supported over 4,000 MSMEs with operational and IT Equipment grants worth over one billion naira.

“Transforming Nigeria Youth Programme, an initiative that has supported over 7,000 women-led microenterprises with enhanced entrepreneurial skills and cash grants for business expansion.

“We are also in the process of transforming Enugu into a premier outsourcing destination, leveraging untapped infrastructure and skilled talent to emulate India’s Business Process Outsourcing and IT-Enabled Outsourcing success,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Tinubu makes new appointments

Appointment

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of eight new Federal Permanent Secretaries to fill existing and impending vacancies of some states and geo-political zones in the Civil Service.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Friday that the new Permanent Secretaries were appointed after a diligent selection process by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The are: Dr Emanso Umobong Okop – Akwa-Ibom, Mr Obi Emeka Vitalis – Anambra, Mahmood Fatima Sugra Tabi’a – Bauchi, Danjuma Mohammed Sanusi – Jigawa, Olusanya Olubunmi – Ondo, Dr Keshinro Maryam Ismaila – Zamfara, Akujobi Chinyere Ijeoma (South-East) and Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanmwen (South-South).

“The President anticipates that the new Federal Permanent Secretaries will exercise absolute dedication, diligence and fidelity to the nation in the discharge of their functions and ensure optimum service delivery to the Nigerian people,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/FAA

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Centre trains 140 CSOs on disability-inclusive programmes in Benin

Training

By Nefishetu Yakubu (08035625662)

Benin, June, 28,2024(NAN)The Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) on Friday concluded a four-day training  of 140 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Public Institutions officers on disability-inclusive programmes and practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training for the officers from Edo and Abia took place in Benin.

It was done in collaboration with Project Enable Africa with support from the US – Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund.

The theme of the training was: Promoting inclusive economic opportunities and community resilience for Persons with Disabilities.

The training, which was broken into two parts, also had Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) trained on Rights Advocacy and Advocacy Action Plan.

Speaking during the training, Mr David Anyaele, the Special Adviser to Abia State Governor on PWDs, said the centre had picked 70 CSOs each in Edo and Abia.

Anyaele, who is also the Director and Founder of CCD, said the capacity building for CSOs would help them know the key issues affecting persons with disabilities in their states.

“We recognized that Edo has passed disability law and for it to be implemented, the civil society must be in tune  with the rules and how to go about helping the PWDs advocate for their rights.

“The disability community is made up of people who cannot walk, hear and see, therefore we are involving CSOs to appreciate the key issues concern in our efforts to promote inclusive economic opportunity and a community that is all inclusive.

“And to do this, we need to build the capacity of the CSOs.

“The response we have gotten from here shows that the civil society are really committed in ensuring that the vulnerable group are not left behind.

Speaking on the topic, Inclusive budgeting, Anyaele said government at all levels must take proactive measures to ensure that their budgeting process recognized the needs of vulnerable groups in the society.

“When we say inclusive budgeting, we are talking about a process of generating, interpreting, programming and designing budget that takes the critical importance of physical responsibility in government .

“What we are doing here today is to build the capacity of CSOs to champion inclusiveness of PWDs in budgetary allocations, ” he said.

Also speaking, Ms Florence Attah, the Programme officer of CCD, disclosed that over 29 million Nigerians live with one form of disability or the other.

The CCD Programme Officer, who quoted the 2018 World Bank statistics, noted that the figure might have increased.

She, however, lamented that the lack of comprehensive database of PWDs had made it impossible to get the accurate data of PWDs in the country.

The Acting Director of CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri took participants through policy analysis and engagement with a charge to the CSOs to ensure policies of government were all inclusive.

Comrade Bartholomew Okoudo, President, Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations CONGOS and Aliu Akokhia, Executive Director, Sustainable Health Family and Maternal Support Initiative commended the centre for the capacity building workshop.

They noted that the training was not just only a refresher course but impacted on them those things they were not conversant with, especially the Inclusive-budgeting for PWDs.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NY/JI

Edited by Joe Idika

35 Artillery Brigade wins 2024 Inter-Brigade competition

Competition

By Joy Akinsanya

Abeokuta, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army on Friday emerged winner in the Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-commissioned Officers Competition 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long competition was held at Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta, Ogun, among four formations under 81 Division Nigerian Army.

The 81 Division Garrison of Nigerian Army came second, followed by 45 Engineering Brigade while 9 Brigade came fourth.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Usman, commended the participants for their performances, urging them to maintain their physical fitness and improve their skills.

Usman, represented by the Division Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. Oluwole Davies,  noted that the competition was aimed to promote junior leadership traits, organisational ability, and initiative among the officers.

He hinted that the winners would represent the division at the Nigerian Army-level competitions.

He also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff , Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for his support toward the success of the competition.

“Please note that those of you that performed well in this competition will be privileged to represent our Division at Nigerian Army level organised competitions.

“It is, therefore, important that your level of physical fitness is maintained and improved at all times.

“I have watched with great admiration the combat proficiency, endurance and team spirit exhibited by the obstacle crossing teams of the various formations. This indeed exemplifies our comradeship and togetherness.

“It is also necessary to mention that the participants have also shown greater skills in weapon handling and map reading during the competition.

The four events of the competition included Map Reading, Weapon Handling, Combat Swimming and Obstacle Crossing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IOJ/FAA

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Business

By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, on Friday said a business environment that fostered innovation, creativity, and productivity must be built on the pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point agenda.

Shettima implored members of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to be driven by the dreams of all Nigerians aspiring to grow their businesses and looking up to the government for direction toward a future of prosperity.

Shettima gave the charge during the PEBEC town hall meeting held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting followed the successful completion of the 90-day Regulatory Reform Accelerator Action Plan.

He noted that no matter the depth of the reforms introduced, government would fail to achieve its goals unless MDAs functioned at their best and aligned seamlessly with the agenda of the Tinubu administration.

He described the PEBEC town hall meeting as a rescue mission for a country that had saddled its citizens with “the critical role of creating an environment where every idea can germinate into an enduring business.

“Our success is not merely a matter of policy but is measured by its impact, from the small-time trader in Kafanchan to the large corporation on Lagos Island.

“Today, I feel the pulse of our collective desire to make this objective a reality.”

He urged all stakeholders, especially the MDAs, to build on the gains of the past 120 days with a sense of urgency and purpose, as they reflected on the measurable outcomes of the Regulatory Reform Accelerator.

He urged them to improve Nigeria’s business environment through timely feedback, rigorous monitoring, and shared responsibility.

“We are the vehicles of the promises made by His Excellency, President Tinubu. The Regulatory Reform Accelerator is an avenue to inject life into our economy and renew the hope of our nation.

“The quality of your ideas and the intensity of your energy today are the very sparks we need to stay on track and to always remind ourselves of the burden of expectations upon us.

“We must align with the vision of President Tinubu, and ensure that our pursuit of a business environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and productivity is built upon the pillars of the eight-point agenda.

“Today, we stand on a robust foundation, recognising that achieving PEBEC’s mandate directly contributes to our shared economic prosperity as a nation.”

Shettima disclosed that the PEBEC’s public sector reforms had achieved a collective score of over 80 per cent at the beginning of the 90-day Regulatory Reform Accelerator.

He added that, “despite a slow start, the collective commitment and actions of every Minister, Head of Agency, Reform Champion, and BFA Committee Member have significantly increased reform implementation during the 30-Day extension.”

He described PEBEC as an enabler for the MDAs in government whose role required a unified and collaborative effort across the council and MDAs.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the long-term success of PEBEC hinges on our ability to institutionalise reform capabilities, foster deep collaboration across government, and maintain a commitment to continuous improvements.

“These reforms must become ingrained in the fabric of our public institutions. By doing so, we pave the way for sustained progress and lasting impact that will outlive us all, creating a better Nigeria for our children and their children afterward,” he noted.

Earlier in his welcome address, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), said key aspects of the PEBEC initiatives such as the New PEBEC Business Champions, 90-day Regulatory Reform Accelerator, and legislative and judicial reforms were being deployed and implemented across MDAs.

He expressed confidence that the outcome of the town hall would contribute significantly to the overall efforts aimed at improving the business environment in the country.

On her part, the Special Adviser to the President PEBEC and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, while responding to questions posed by some participants, assured that the Tinubu administration had demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring steady improvements in the country’s business environment.

Oduwole attributed the progress made so far in the reform process largely to the personal commitment, unwavering support and overall leadership of Shettima.

She described his approval for a 30-day extension of Regulatory Reform Accelerator as a milestone in the reform efforts.

Oduwole underscored the significance of the town hall in the overall reform process, noting that the feedback would be key to strengthening and making the different initiatives and programmes undertaken by PEBEC more effective.

Present at the event were Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya; Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun.
Also present were: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijanni, and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari.

Others are: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; Chairman, National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency, retired Brigadier Gen. Buba Marwa; representative of the SGF, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, Mr Richard Pheelangwah; other permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Transformer theft: Gombe Govt. suspends Village Head, Councillor

Theft
By Hajara Leman
Gombe, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has approved the immediate suspension of the Village Head of Garin Majidadi in Akko Local Government Area (LGA), Mohammed Majidadi, over his alleged involvement in a transformer theft.

Also, the LGA announced the suspension of the Councillor representing Kumo East Ward, Abdullahi Panda.

The two suspensions are contained in a statement issued by the Director General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Alhaji Ismaila Misili, and made available to newsmen on Friday.

The suspensions came in the wake of their arrest and subsequent parade by the state Police Command as well as their arraignment over allegations of conspiracy in the theft and sale of a community electricity transformer at Garin Majidadi.

Misili stated that the suspension of both officials was a preventive measure to ensure that there was no interference in the legal process.

He quoted the governor to have expressed his administration’s commitment to always uphold the rule of law.

According to him, the governor further expressed confidence that justice would prevail and that the law would take its course, not only against Majidadi and Panda but also against any other individuals found to be complicit in the theft. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

HUL/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

Don tasks FG on revamping Ajaokuta Steel Coy  to boost economy

Economy

By Taiye Agbaje

Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Osita Agbu has urged the Federal Government to revitalise the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited to boost the country’s economy through industrialisation.

Agbu of the the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Baze University Abuja, gave the advice while delivering his inaugural lecture at the institution in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture was titled: “Technology and International Relations: Backward and Forward Linkages In Steel Development and Nigeria’s Foreign Relations.”

According to him, we cannot make progress if we don’t embrace science and technology.

He said coming from Africa where issues of primordialism and spiritualism hold sway, it was high time the country directed its attention to bringing the company back to life.

“Look at other countries of the world that have industrialised and make progress, you see that there is a whole lot of attention on scientific issues that you don’t have to be living in the past.

“Yes, you can preserve your culture but you need to embrace the present and move into the future,” he said.

Agbu said it was against this backdrop that he researched on the topic..

“Almost everything of used value that can make a country to develop or make a person to improve their civilisation comes from the use of iron and steel industry.

“And that is why I took us back to the various industrial revolutions we have had, up to the 5th Industrial Revolution, to show the importance of iron and steel industry in the development of mankind and the things that we use.

“It is people who can conquer their environment by use of technology and it is iron and steel that are able to make such progress and have industrialisation.

“If you are unable to do that, you are going to remain years behind.

“So that is why I focused on what we have on the ground; the Ajaokuta Iron and Steel.Industry.

“What are its various constraints and problems right from Inception, the cold war politics around it, the coming of the company from the Soviet Union and what we have been able to achieve.

“And I have been monitoring that project for three decades, and without that project coming on stream, we cannot be able to lay the foundation for industrialisation in Nigeria.

“Yes, there are mini steel but they are just a few; they can’t even satisfy the domestic market, not to talk of exportation.

“So, we really need to do something very drastic about the country being able to have control over the production of iron and steel.

“If we can do that and allow this to sip into other sectors of our economy, you will see what will happen to our economy .

“People will be engaged, people will be able to produce, the country will have greater influence among the comity of nations, etc,” he said.

The professor said any country that wants to be industrialised must be organised and discipline.

He said it was unfortunate that Ajaokuta Steel Company had gulped about $8 billion dollars to build since its inception and till date without much to show for it.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Kathleen Okafor, in an interview, enumerated some.of the takeaways from the lecture.

“This is telling us to disabuse our minds of political considerations when we are positioning investment institutions.

“We should also be concerned with short and long term benefits to the country.

“We should be aware of the presence of neocolonialism, where the super powers are not relenting in recolonising us in one way or the other; not recolonising us as a country geographically but our minds.

“We should also be able to think and implement,” she said.

Okafor said issues of corruption that had stalled development should be tackled.

According to her, the impact on us is horrendous and it was high time we pursued development with a passion and aggression.

“In terms of technology, we need to upscale, we need people with integrity and those who are prepared to be heroes for industrialisation,” she said.

According to the VC, it is not only about the leaders but individuals are needed who have the right minds to champion development.

“Education or research alone can’t take us there.

“When we researched, we have to look at the future, we need to continue; feeding research outcome to the society, to government for policy making and for implementation,” Okafor concluded.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TOA/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza