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Category: Metro

  • FG offers Labour  N62,000 as new national minimum wage

    FG offers Labour  N62, 000 as new national minimum wage

    Wage

    Abuja, June 7, (NAN) The Federal Government said it has offered organised labour N62, 000 as the new national minimum wage for workers in the country.

    Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo state said this while addressing journalists at at end Tripartite Committee negotiation meeting on Friday in Abuja.

    Uzodimma who is also the Chairman of Governor Forum, spoke on behalf of the governors that there was progress in the negotiation of the new minimum wage.

    According to him,we are almost there because are just about to sign the dot and there will be a complete closure. Every other thing will follow.

    “The committee has worked so hard and the committee has reach an agreement. The tripartite committee is made up of three parties -the government, the Organised Private Sector(OPS) and the organised labour.

    “In the wisdom of the committee, it has put together a recommendation that will be forwarded to Mr President for further action

     

    “The organised private sector and the Federal Government have agreed on N62, 000 while the organised labour is asking for N250, 000.

    “At the end of the day what is important is that we are talking. There is no hostility anymore. And the national anxiety is going to be relaxed as soon as this is made public,”he said.

    Also, Festus Osifo, President, Trade Union Congress (TUC) noted that the OPS and Federal Government have recommended N62, 000 as the minimum wage.

    “But for us we felt that with the current economic hardship and the difficulty in the land the sum of N250, 000 should be what will be okay for the minimum wage.

    “We are going to sign a report and forward this position to Mr President. This committee is to make recommendation to him.

    ” So we will forward it to him and Mr President will forward it to the National Assembly.

    “We will keep pushing to ensure that we have a wage that stands the test of time in Nigeria,”he said.

    Speaking, Mr Goni Aji, Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage, said the recommendation that they had was as a result of a deep dialogue and consensus reached at the Tripartite level.

    According yo him, the situation that we are recommending to Mr President, some how, is repeating itself because it happened in the 2018 exercise.

    “In 2018, it was the other way. The organised private sector and the organised labour recommended N30, 000 as minimum wage while the government side recommended N24, 000.

    “Two figures were recommended to the then President for his consideration and onward transmission to the National Assembly for it to become a law. That is exactly where we are.,”he said.
    He added thst the mandate of the tripartite committee is to recommend. It has no powers to approve but to recommend.

    He said that the recommendation reached came as a result of deeper understanding and studies of all the economic indices and current inflation, state of the economy

    He noted that the organised private sector and the government have aggressive on a figure which N62,000 while the organised law is asking for N250.000.

    “At the end of the day what is important is that we are still talking ,”he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAN

     

     

  • 11-year old student urges effective use of natural resources

    Miss Oluwateniola Olowoporoku addressing participants at the event.

     

    Resources

    By Okon Okon

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Miss Oluwateniola Olowoporoku, an 11-year old pupil  on Friday urged concerted efforts towards effective management of the nation’s natural resources.

    She made the call in Abuja during sensitisation tagged ‘Head Girl Initiative Capacity Building’ which she organised in partnership with Springhall British Primary School Abuja.

    An initiative with the theme: ‘Natural Resources Governance’, is meant to educate students on importance of protecting the nation’s natural resources.

    “Our school has always been a beacon of knowledge and leadership, and today we embark on a journey that reinforces our commitment to sustainability and responsible stewardship of our environment.

    “Nigeria is blessed with so many natural resources like trees, water, minerals, and even fresh air. They’re super important because they help us live our lives every day.

    “We use trees to make paper for our books, water to drink and grow food, and minerals to make things like cars and phones.

    “But here’s the thing, these resources aren’t endless, that means we have to be careful about how we use them. And that’s where natural resource governance comes in’’, she said.

    Olowoporoku said the Head Girl initiative was aimed encouraging young persons’ participation in protecting God-given natural resources

    Some participants at the event.

    Mrs Juliet Ukanwosu, Executive Director Extractive 360 in a presentation on, ‘All about Natural Resources in Nigeria’, urged more sensitisation of young persons on effective use of resources.

    Ukanwosu explained that the knowledge the children had received in the course of the programme would go a long way to shape their adulthood and prepare them for desired leadership roles in the future.

    “The amount of values and knowledge that we impact on them is what will shape the adult and the leaders that they will become tomorrow

    “So it’s important that we begin to catch them young and to imbibe in them the right values and the right knowledge as they grow,” she said.

    Mrs Etareri Dekpe, Olowoporoku’s mother, expressed gladness over daughter’s passion to share her knowledge with her peers and school mates.

    “Anything natural resources is my sector However, she is inquisitive about natural resources; their uses, among others.

    “She came up with the idea to also extend the knowledge to her school mates and I said why not, she created the whole road map for the initiative.

    “I just had to help her as her mother by sponsoring it,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MZM/KUA

    =========

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  •  Tinubu inaugurates N21bn VP’s residence, abandoned since 2015

    Residence

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Friday in Abuja inaugurated the N21 billion official residence of the Vice President, abandoned since 2015.

    Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the event,, reaffirmed the unwavering dedication of his administration to the principles of accountability, transparency and efficient utilisation of resources for the betterment of the country.

    He stated that a provision of suitable residence for the Vice President was not merely a matter of convenience, but a symbol of respect for the office and the individuals occupying it.

    Tinubu added that the completion of the project was a testimony to the respect and affection that the President had for the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    ” President Bola Tinubu deserves special commendations. We have seen how Vice President were treated in the past.

    ” However, with the present dispensation, it is a different ball game,” he said

    The President said that the decision to complete the project after going through the required due process was highly commendable.

    According to him, “it is not a secret that the project has faced numerous challenges over the years, including delayed and abandonment by the previous administration.

    ” However, rather than dwell on past shortcomings, we have chosen to take this opportunity to demonstrate our resolve to confront obstacles, head on.

    “We also resolved to deliver on the promises made to the Nigerians, in line with our Renewed Hope Agenda which has, completion of inherited projects, as one of its cardinal objectives.

    ” As we commission this state-of-the-art edifice,  we are fulfilling a long standing commitment and reaffirming our unwavering dedication to accountability, transparency and efficient utilisation of resources for the betterment of the our nation.

    “I hold a very strong opinion that abandoning projects after substantial expenditures has been incurred is inherently wasteful.

    ” It is in the best interest of the government and the public, to see them through to completion,” he said

    Tinubu expressed gratitude to the FCT Administration for taking up the responsibility  to complete the project to avoid wastage of taxpayers’ money.

    Earlier, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said that the project was awarded in 2010 at the cost of N7 billion, but was abandoned in 2015.

    ” It was in January this year (2024), that we had to review the project to N21 billion, from N7 billion, that means additional N14 billion.

    ” For a Vice-President residence to take 14 good years and then Mr President, within a year, made it a reality; this is what is called, renewed hope,” he said.

    Wike recalled that when he came on board in August 2023, the project site was a bush.

    “I, therefore, went to the  President and told him criminals had taken over the place and the President directed that I should make sure that the project is completed,” he said.

    The Minister thanked the President for supporting the completion of the project and ensuring his Vice lived in a comfortable environment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ngr)

    SSI/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Borders crucial for peace, security across Africa – AU

    Border
    By Busayo Onijala
    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The African Union (AU) has described borders as instruments of opportunity, playing crucial role in the pursuit of peace and security across the continent.
    Dr Sarjoh Bah, Director, Conflict Management Directorate at the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department of the AU, said this in a statement on Friday in commemoration of the 14th Africa Border Day.
    Africa Border Day is celebrated annually on June 7, to promote peace, cross-border cooperation and regional integration in Africa.
    The day was initiated by the African Ministers in Charge of Borders on May 25, 2010 and also shines a spotlight on the African Union Border Programme (AUBP).
    Bah said since 2007, the AUBP had been the cornerstone of Africa’s collective endeavour to transform borders from barriers into bridges of solidarity.
    This transformation, he said, is not just pivotal, but also crucial in pre-empting conflicts, fostering regional cohesion, and propelling continental integration forward.
    “We should leverage our Member States and Regional Economic Communities, to transform our borders into arenas of peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement.
    “Our borders should not be subjects of contention but rather bedrocks for policy implementation, as encapsulated in the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation (Niamey Convention) and the African Union Strategy for Border Governance,” he said.
    Bah said the AUBP’s mission extended beyond conflict prevention, adding that it was a tool for resolving border disputes that have resurfaced, spurred by the allure of newfound natural resources.
    According to him, security challenges are predominantly concentrated along border areas which were once overlooked but are now at the forefront of the battle against cross-border crime and terrorism.
    “It is imperative that we concentrate our efforts in these regions to cultivate peace, security, and sustainable development.
    “The resilience we foster in border communities, fuelled by cross-border cooperation, equips us to combat transnational crime and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Bah said.
    On his part, by embracing cooperative strategies, Africa can ensure effective management of forced displacements, food shortages, humanitarian crises, and resource-related conflicts.
    He said while international arbitration remained an option, its protracted and costly nature often strained the camaraderie between nations.
    Bah urged member states to prioritise dialogue and cooperation as alternative dispute-resolution methods.
    “When necessary, the AU encourages the invocation of the political, diplomatic, and technical resources to secure enduring resolutions to border disputes.
    “As we celebrate this year’s Africa Day, let us amplify our efforts to embed our borders at the core of Agenda 2063’s objectives.
    “We must unite to forge an integrated Africa characterised by peaceful, open, and prosperous borders that are a testament to our shared vision and collective strength,” he said. (NAN)
    OMB/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Lagos bus services transported over 52m in 5 years – MD

    Up: LBSL staff checking their vital signs

    Down: 3rd left, Managing Director of LBSL Mr Idowu Oguntona, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and LBSL staff

     

     

     

     

     

    Bus

    By Chiazo Ogbolu

    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos Bus Services Ltd. (LBSL) has trasported  more than 52 million people in the past  five years.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LBSL, Mr Idowu Oguntona, made the disclosure on Friday in Lagos during a fitness walk organised by the organisation.

    The walk was part of activities to mark the organisation’s  five years of operation.

    Oguntona said that, on a daily basis, the company provided mobility for 60,000 Lagos residents, adding that it had  covered over 27 million kilometers.

    “We started in 2019 with just five routes, and under the five years, with the commitment of the governor, those five routes have since turned to 19 routes, giving people options across the whole of Lagos State.

    “In addition to that, we started with about 50 buses, but the governor, keeping his promises to Lagos residents, has scaled the buses to 300.

    “What the governor promised in terms of providing reliable, efficient and safe public transportation has happened, and that is why we feel that there is need to celebrate the achievements of this company,” he said.

    The LBSL boss added that the organisation’s   academy had trained 2,000 Lagos residents and equipped them with skills to be able to secure jobs.

    The managing director said that the company had committed workers.

    “As early as 5.00 a.m., buses leave the post.  The captains that will man the buses leave their homes as early as 4.00 a.m. to get to the station to provide transportation for early risers in Lagos.

    “The last bus does not come in until past eleven in the night.

    “This is not also the end of the service because, as people are sleeping, that is the time mechanical work happens on the buses. The buses are washed and fueled to be ready for the next day,” he said.

    He said that workers  could get so soaked in in their jobs that they might not pay attention to their health.

    “We decided to promote the wellness, a health walk, and beyond that, we are checking their vitals  – blood pressure, sugar level –  to ensure they are sound,” he said.

    He said that being a socially-responsible organisation, LBSL carried out corporate social responsibilities within communities  and recognised efforts of hardworking staff.

    “All of these achievements are because of the policy of the government in ensuring that there is a sustainable and well-integrated public transportation which we keyed into.

    “Going forward, there is much to expect, and in keeping in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu on blue economy, it means that public transportation will be running on clean energy, leveraging the huge gas possibility that we have to power our locomotive.

    “We will de-carbonise our fleets so that we will be environment-friendly. Lagos residents will see buses with compressed natural gas and electric engines.

    “We have started a pilot with the private sector under the leadership of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority to see how the buses can adapt to our environment,” he said.

    The managing director said that Lagos residents should  expect wider coverage.

     

    “Currently, we have about 33 routes, we want all Lagosians to have these options, to have a feel of what government is doing to ensure full social inclusion,” he said.

     

    He regretted that the company lost about 55 buses to  the Endsars protest of October  2020.

    He, however, said that the company had recovered through commitment, doggedness and resilience of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The state Commissioner of Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that movement of goods and services was  an integral part of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of  the state government.

     

    “We have an ever-growing number in Lagos when it comes to population.

    “Seven or eight years ago, we were talking about seven million people. Today, we have about 24 million, and this gave birth to our intermodal transportation system.

    “In land, we are intentional in moving people, and over time, we will be doing a lot of re-routing in high capacity routes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CANI/GO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Cargo transport: Nigeria lost about N7bn to strike – Agents

     

     

    Cargo

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Domestic Airports Cargo Agents Association (DACAA) has estimated that Nigeria lost about N7 billion during the two-day workers’ nationwide strike.

     

    The strike was embarked on by Nigerian workers under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress on Monday and Tuesday.

     

    The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DACAA,  Mr Ikpe Nkanang, made the disclosure in an interview wiith the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

     

    Nkanang said that about 30 tonnes of cargoes were lifted across the country’s domestic airports daily.

     

    According to him, the volume of cargoes dumped during the two-day strike could only be imagined.

    He told NAN that a lot of cargoes had been gathered and made ready for freight on Monday morning before the commencement of the strike.

     

    “For those two days, the airlines were not working,  and once the airlines are not working, cargo cannot move, and it is a great loss to all of us.

     

    “You needed to see the volume of cargo that was dumped over those two days; of course, you know we gathered cargoes during the weekend hoping that by Monday and Tuesday we would be able to send them out.

     

    “It was a colossal loss to us in the cargo world, it affected our income and, of course, the economy of the country.

     

    “For those few hours of the strike, the country lost about N7 billion across all local airports,” he said.

     

    According to him, transporting  a kilogramme of cargo costs N300.

    Nkanang urged the Federal Government to reach an agreement with the organised labour in time to avert resumption of the strike.

    NAN reports that labour unions suspended the strike on Tuesday afternoon to enable continued negotiations on a new minimum wage.

    Airport operations were grounded during the strike  as aviation unions blocked all access points to  domestic terminals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ITM/EBI/IGO

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    Edited by Benson Iziama/IjeomaPopoola

     

  • Tinubu working to improve Nigeria’s economy – SGF

    Tinubu working to improve Nigeria’s economy – SGF

    Economy

    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has urged Nigerians to remain calm in spite of the current economic challenges.

    “Nigerians must remain calm. President Bola Tinubu is working to improve the economy,” Akume said in Abuja on Thursday, while addressing the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    He said that the current administration took over power when the economy was in a turbulent state, noting, however, that massive reforms were being undertaken.

    “One of them, which appears to be a little bit tough for people to understand, is the removal of subsidy on fuel. People should stop shouting; they need to know the actual truth,” Akume stated.

    He said that government had taken several measures to address current hardships, including swift actions in implementing palliatives to cushion the effects of the reforms.

    “We are all aware of the N35,000 wage award for workers, which means a N30,000 minimum wage with 35,000 on top of that.

    “Additionally, 100 billion naira for CNG fuel buses will help reduce transportation costs and food prices,” he added.

    He said that government also took some measures to support various sectors.

    “These include the allocation of N125 billion in conditional grants and financial inclusion for medium and small enterprises, and 150 billion naira in palliative loans to states to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

    “We are providing 200 billion naira to support the cultivation of hectares of land, which is even more now,” Akume said.

    He added that there were buses ready to be distributed soon, while rice and other essentials would also be made available.

    On the recent industrial strike by labour union leaders, Akume condemned the shutdown of the national grid, describing it as a “treasonable offense”.

    He said that there was nowhere in the world where labour ever interrupted the national grid, and advised labour against actions that could jeopardise government efforts.

    “It is treason! Treasonable felony is economic sabotage, you don’t do that.

    “We are trying to rebuild the economy. The nation is picking up, and they want to destroy it. Of what use is that to all of us? That is not the way,” he said.

    Akume said that the federal government was not only committed to paying new minimum wage, stressing that it was also focusing on productivity and economic stability.

    “Our people must rise up and have something in their pockets. It is not about demanding N100,000 without productivity.

    “We are looking at controlling inflation and ensuring a balanced economy,” he asserted.

    Akume urged religious institutions to provide essential services.

    “The Church must collaborate with the government in providing facilities for people whether it is on education, health or agriculture.

    “We don’t separate; we combine. There is a symbiotic relationship that can never be destroyed,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    APA/ETS
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  • Suspension of $300 Helicopter Landing Levy right step — AON

    Suspension of $300 Helicopter Landing Levy right step —  AON

     

    Operators

     

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

     

    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on Thursday applauded the federal government’s suspension of the 300 dollars helicopter landing and take-off levy as a step in the right direction.

     

    The AON made this known in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, in Lagos.

     

    Okonkwo commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) on the suspension, saying it would support growth and sustainability of operators in the industry.

     

    He said that AON and other stakeholders’ stance on the matter was not ignored, as the minister listened and acted appropriately.

     

    According to him, the controversial landing and take-off fee to be collected by Messrs. Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited, started in 2018, with the company demanding the levies to be paid in dollars, contrary to the provision of section 15 of the CBN Act.

     

    The fees were to be paid for helicopter landings and take-offs on and from oil rig platforms and private helipads, among others.

     

    Okonkwo said that the company had proposed to the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who wrote to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), for comments.

     

    He said that the NCAA, however, said there was no legal justification for the introduction of the levy.

     

    Okonkwo said that the NCAA had stated that aside certification of helipads, most of which are privately-owned, and for which it charged certification fee, it did not provide any service to helicopter operators that would justify the imposition of such fee.

     

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) which manages airports also had neither legal framework nor justification to impose such a charge, other than at its airports, which helicopter operators pay just like other aircraft operators in Nigeria.

     

    According to him, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has as one of its functions, under its Act, provision of navigation services necessary for the operation of aircraft taking off or landing, and to integrating them into the overall air traffic within the Nigerian airspace.

     

    He said that NAMA did not charge helicopter landing and take-off fee on or from oil rig platforms, Field Support Programme Officers (FSPOs) and private helipads, because it did not provide any service in respect thereto, to the operators.

     

    He said that Section 7(1) (r) of the NAMA Act which was in force at the time was clear that NAMA should charge fees only for the services provided by the Agency, and helicopter operators pay the air navigation charges as generated on monthly basis just like every other aircraft operator in Nigeria.

     

    Okonkwo said that AON rejected the imposition of the suspended Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee for several reasons.

     

    He said that NAMA does not provide any additional service to helicopter operators to justify the imposition of the fee at all helipads, oil rig platforms, FSPOs, FSOs among others.

     

    Okonkwo said that when no service is provided at those locations to the helicopter operators by NAMA, such levy is contrary to the provision of section 7 (1) (r) of the then applicable NAMA Act as well as to section 1, paragraph 2 (1) of ICAO Document 9082 for such impositions.

     

    He said that NAMA did not adhere to the policies, principles and guidelines contained in ICAO Documents 9082 (ICAO’s Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services) and 9161 (Manual on Air Navigation Services Economics).

     

    Before imposing the Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee. Part 18, section 18.8.1.1 (e) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations requires NAMA to adhere to the policies, principles and guidelines contained in those documents.

     

    He said NAMA did not obtain the approval of NCAA before imposing the new charge.

     

    Part 18, section 18.8.1.1 (b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations require NAMA to obtain the approval of NCAA before imposing any new charges and fees for its services.

     

    NCAA has the statutory power to regulate the charges that may be made in respect of air traffic control and for the use of aerodromes and for services provided at such aerodromes.

     

    He said that NAMA did not consult the helicopter operators and other stakeholders before imposing the Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee.

     

    Okonkwo said Part 18, section 18.8.1.1 (d) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations requires NAMA to adhere to the principles and procedures of consultation with users, cost-relatedness, non-discrimination and transparency in the application of charges and fees.

     

    He noted that contrary to the Ministry’s Press Release of May 13, neither NCAA nor FAAN was a party to the MoU between NAMA and Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    ITM/SOA

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    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • Tinubu approves N150,000 grant for each MSMEs clinics participants

    Grant

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Ado-Ekiti, June 6, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has directed the disbursement of N150,000 grant to each participant of the Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Thursday while declaring open the third edition of the MSMEs Clinic at the Trade Fair Complex, Old Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the expanded National MSME Clinics is one of federal government’s strategies for ease of doing business in Nigeria.

    It is a series of business forum organised in different cities across the country to proffer on-the-spot solutions to challenges confronting MSMEs.

    NAN reports the first and second editions of the clinics were launched in Benue and Ogun states respectively earlier in the year.

    The Vice-President explained that the N150,000 was an outright grant that does not require beneficiaries to repay.

    ” I am pleased to share that Mr President has directed me to ensure that all outstanding exhibiting MSMEs at the Clinic today receive a grant of N150,000 each.

    ” This is an outright grant, and the beneficiaries will not need to repay it. We extend our gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support,” he said.

    Shettima disclosed that the same clinics would be launched in Borno and Enugu States ” before culminating in the National MSME Awards in FCT on June 27, to commemorate the United Nations World MSME Day.

    He noted that small businesses “are the lifelines of communities across the nation and a strong pillar of stability during this critical phase of our economic transition”.

    ” We cannot claim to have excelled in our interventions unless they remain our top priority.

    ” Our commitment to revitalising the MSME sector ensures that these businesses continue to serve their essential buffering function,” he explained.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports earlier on his arrival in the state, Shettima, who was received by Gov. Biodun Oyebanji and other top government officials, commissioned the Ekiti State Ultra-Modern Fashion and Garment Hub at Odua Textile Complex, Basiri, Ado Ekiti.

    The Vice-President and his entourage also inspected the Adire Ekiti Hub, a pet project of the first lady of the state.

    Shettima said while it competes ideally with others globally, the hub has the potential of creating an estimated 48,000 jobs annually.

    He described the hub as a significant milestone by the Tinubu’s administration to empower local industries.

    ” It boasts the capacity to produce a wide range of fashion gear, including military uniforms, and rivals any facility in the world.

    ” Equipped with modern-day machinery and technology, this hub holds immense potential for job creation, with projections estimating an average of 48,000 jobs annually.

    ” We anticipate that this facility will be managed by a competent private sector entity, while both federal and state governments will maintain vigilant oversight over its operations.

    ” With over 300 pieces of cutting-edge equipment, this hub represents a significant milestone in our efforts to empower local industries,” he said

    In his remarks, Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the Vice-president for his wise counsel and support for his administration in the state.

    He noted that President Tinubu had, indeed, been a father, who has fulfilled all of his campaign promises.

    He called on the political class in Ekiti to support his administration, noting that “it is only in unity that we can attract so much for the good of the our people.”

    Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele commended the effective collaboration between the federal and state governments, culminating in the execution of the MSME focused projects.

    He disclosed plans by his office to devote a portion of his constituency project funds in the coming year to support the development of MSMEs in the state.

    The Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, assured the people of the state that their welfare and wellbeing were being prioritised by the Tinubu administration.

    He urged Ekiti people to support the federal government regardless of the prevailing conditions, assuring that “the future is bright, as Nigeria is going through the challenges of economic restructuring and socio-economic re-engineering.” (NAN)

    SSI/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Support fight against graft, EFCC chief charges youths

    Support fight against graft, EFCC chief charges youths

    Corruption

    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday in Abuja urged the nation’s youths to support anti-corruption drives of the Federal Government.

    He said this at the 2024 Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) National Conference in Abuja on Thursday.

    He said youths were critical stakeholders in the fight against graft in the nation.

    Olukoyede was represented by the Head of Publicity and Enlightenment, EFCC, Ms Aisha Mohammed, expressed optimism about the potential of youths to drive significant change in the society.

    “As we stand here, corruption continues to undermine our society, economy and democracy. But amidst this challenge, I see hope.

    “I see a generation of young people who are determined, passionate, and committed to creating a better future,” he said.

    Olukoyede said there had been deliberate use of public resources for private gains which, according to him has led to stunted national progress.

    The EFCC Boss proposed a comprehensive strategy to empower youth to become more involved in the fight against sleaze.

    This according to him this should include educating and raising awareness among young people about the forms and impact of corruption, encouraging them to take on leadership roles in anti-corruption efforts.

    “Youth-led initiatives and organisations will receive support, promoting active community engagement and participation in local governance,” he said.

    According to him, establishing safe and confidential channels for reporting corruption is crucial, along with providing internships and job opportunities in anti-corruption organisations and government agencies.

    He affirmed that youth-led campaigns and awareness programmes would target corruption, while policy involvement would also encourage youth to participate in policy-making and advocacy.

    He then called for collective efforts to build a corruption-free Nigeria, emphasising the importance of harness youths energy, creativity and idealism for this cause.

    “By supporting and enabling youth, we can create a corruption-free world,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had as its` theme: Promotion of Peaceful Coexistence, Ethnic and Religious Cohesion in our Nation.

    It brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organisations, and young leaders to brainstorm on the fight against fraud. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    APA/KUA
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    Edited by Uche Anunne