Category: Politics

Grants

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Abuja, June, 8, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government, through the Unlock Training Programme for unemployed youths, has given N500,000 grant each, to 120 persons to start-up their businesses.

Ms Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, who announced this on Saturday in Abuja, said that the grants were given to those that presented the best business proposals.

She spoke at the official closing of the Unlock Training Programme and the award of grants and Solar Kiosks, as well as certificates of completion to deserving participants.

Arogundade explained that the programme was the outcome of a six-week campaign initiated by her office, during which Nigerian youths were asked to record and submit a one-minute video on their current technical, vocational and entrepreneurship skills.

She said that the youths were also asked to drop a video of what their plans were, for the future on such skills and how they wanted government to assist them achieve their goals.

Arogundade said the purpose of the programme was to boost the potentials of youths for economic development.

“At the end of that campaign, we trained about 10,000 participants in a 10-day intensive training session on how to write and execute business plans.

“During the programme, both online and physical participants were trained on the components of a good business plan, including executive summary and business overview.

“We also trained them on marketing strategies, pricing, money and risks management, among others.

“After the course, participants were asked to write and submit business plans.

“Today, we are giving out N500,000 grants each to 120 winners with the best business plans,” she said.

She added that her office was also giving out honourary awards to 80 persons seen to be doing well in their technical, vocational and entrepreneurship skills, but needed support to upscale their businesses.

She, therefore, expressed optimism that the grants would serve as incentive for progress in their businesses going forward.

“We will like to also say that this is one of our many programmes in supporting skills and enterprise and we intend to continue to do so in our office.

“So, if you are not a winner today, please continue to apply to participate in our future programmes,” the presidential aide said.

She expressed appreciation to all the ministers and other stakeholders, who in one way or the other, encouraged technical, vocational and entrepreneurship education across Nigeria.

Arogundade congratulated the participants for their successful completion of the programmes and the honourary winners for their dedication to the development of technical and vocational skills in the country.

“We have no doubt that you learnt very valuable lessons on how to conduct businesses henceforth and, to that extent, we celebrate you today; you are all winners,” she said.

NAN reports that Providus Bank was also on ground to issue incorporation certificates and credit the winners with their N500,000 grants.

Four solar kiosks designed for hair dressing, catering and food vending and for general purposes, were also given to some of the winners to support their business growth.

The kiosks were also equipped with sockets for phone charging and spaces for POS and other businesses.

Arogundade said the kiosks were among the job creation projects designed as part of contributions to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking at the event, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, congratulated Arogundade for the programme, and  appealed to winners of the grants and other facilities to effectively utilise them.

He also encouraged youths to embrace skills acquisition, saying that it was the way to go to make ends meet.

Some of the winners, who spoke to NAN, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, saying the initiative was a life saver.

“We thank the President for this great opportunity and for giving hope to our youths, it shows that with him, there is indeed hope for youths in the country,” Ms Oluwaseun Kekere-ekun, one of them, said.

Kekere-ekun, who was one of the resources persons, said the programme was a fantastic opportunity to ignite the entrepreneurial skills of youths in the country.

She advised that in going into businesses, youths should start small, dream big, stay consistent and remain focused.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

EEM/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

I’m not opposed to LG autonomy- Gov. Buni

Autonomy
By Ahmed Abba
Buni Gari (Yobe), June 8, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has said that his stance has showned he was not opposed to the idea on local government autonomy across the country.

Buni disclosed this after casting his vote in the local government election at his polling unit in Buni Gari on Saturday.

He said that his administration’s collaborative approach to local government councils was aimed at complementing their efforts.

“In 2019, I envisioned granting autonomy to local government councils but unfortunately six out of 17 LGs struggled to pay salaries.

“Our joint local government account initiative aims to support the LGs and work together with the state government,” he explained.

The governor also expressed optimism about the future of local government autonomy in Nigeria.

“Our democracy is growing and this issue will be addressed seamlessly and democratically without hitches,” Buni said.

The governor commended the impressive turnout of voters at the local government election.

“That is the beauty of democracy; giving people the right to cast their votes and that is what we have just witnessed,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AIA/OJI/IS
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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka

Reward

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Abuja, June 8, 2024(NAN) Renewed Hope Unity Movement, a support group of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has advised the party to establish a better reward system for its loyalists.

The Initiator and Co-Convener of the group, Iretidola Ojekhoa, gave the advice at an award night organised by the group on Friday in Abuja.

Ojekhoa said that 2014 marked the beginning of a political revolution and a watershed in party politics in Nigeria–when APC, a newly formed party, defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which thought it would rule for at least 60 years.

She, however, said that most of those who worked for the party had yet to be rewarded; even when there were very experienced and professional patriots among them.

“The nation, of course, needs people who not only want to be appointed but who are passionate about the APC government succeeding against all odds, considering the many ulcers plaguing the nation.

“The last ten years have proven one thing–the APC seems not interested in molding and maintaining an organic membership.

“In fact, it has spawned a mercenary mentality among members as the party has been abysmal in recognising and rewarding loyalty.

“The APC of today is so unconcerned or unaware about the neglect of its core supporters; that commitment ebbs so fast among members; even the worst of the PDP days, recognised its loyal members.’’

Ojekhoa said unfortunately many who worked and still working daily were never recognised but watch others who they fought against at one point or another over party matter took up prominent places.

“We see that their resilience is being tested and hope deferred has begun to make the heart weary; and so, we are standing in the gap and doing a little of what the party should have long done as a start in the journey of desired unity of purpose.

“As stated above, we have never promoted the idea of exclusivity in governance.’’

Ojekhoa said that the event was to celebrate 10 years of loyalty of certain groups and individuals in APC who had never been celebrated, recognised or honoured, yet remained unwavering.

She said that some of those to be honoured were foot soldiers who canvassed the nooks and crannies of the nation 10 years ago, dispensing hope and mobilising support for the APC.

“We are here to celebrate those who have labored for the party for these 10 years but never got a pat on the back.

“It is also to remind those who have conveniently forgotten their labour of love that our loyal members are still around though neglected,” she said.

Ojekhoa said that though every members of the party who worked for it victory could not be appointed but they deserved to be recognised and celebrated.

Mr Ateli Emmanuel, the President, Amalgamated Nigerians, and a Chieftain of the party in FCT, commended the group for recognising him as one of those that deserved the award.

Emmanuel, who expressed confidence in the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, advised him to engage more youth and technocrats in his government.

Another awardee, Mr Aja Aja, a lawyer, said it was unfortunate that the party had failed to recognise loyal members, adding that the award ceremony would serve as succour to many.

Aja expressed the willingness of some of the committed party members to partner with government to move the country forward and achieve the Renew Hope Agenda of the present administration.

On one year of the present government in office, Aja urged Tinubu to prioritise people’s welfare and implement his core policies that would make people to begin to see evidence of good governance going forward.

He also advised government to harness all the potential at its disposal and look beyond what he currently has.

“There are so many talents in Nigeria, both political talents and professional talents; get them on board and see that the Renewed Hope agenda is not an aborted dream,” he said.

Dr Adewale Adeogun, Founder/National Coordinator, Asiwaju Progressive Forum, advised Tinubu’s supporters not to lose hope but continue to support him and his administration to succeed.

“Yes, there are people who feel they should be appointed but we should be more concerned about how this country is governed,” Adeogun advised.

Other recipients of the group award in recognition of a decade of service to APC and Nigeria included Taminu Kabir, Edo Bartholomeus, Obi Kenneth, Hussain Badaki and Hawal Kabir.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OBE/CJ/

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Institute

By EricJames Ochigbo

Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio says Nigerians no longer require legislative trainings abroad given the standard of facilities and professionals at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

Akpabio who said this when he visited the institute on Friday in Abuja, described the institute as “Nigeria’s Cambridge and Harvard Universities.”

“With this infrastructure, Nigerians no longer need to travel overseas for legislative training; this is our own Cambridge and Harvard,” Akpabio said.

Accompanied by the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele and Sen. Osita Ngwu, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Sen. Abiru Adetokunbo, Akpabio commended the efforts of the management of the institution.

The Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, unveiled NILDS’ latest publication titled ,”25 Years of Democracy and Development in Nigeria.”

The publication which features a foreword by Akpabio, chronicles Nigeria’s democratic journey and development since 1999.

In a similar development, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mr Maimounatou Ibrahima sought NILDS’ assistance in the area of capacity development of parliamentarians and their support staff.

Sulaiman assured the Institute’s readiness to provide its services to the ECOWAS Parliament, emphasising the institute’s commitment to advancing the overall well-being of the sub-region. (NAN)

EOO/MNA 

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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Sympathy

By Nefishetu Yakubu
Benin, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Edo State Government has sympathised with the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Mr Olumide Akpata, over the removal of his campaign billboards.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Chris Nehikhare, said this in a statement on Friday in Benin.
Nehikhare said the government condemned any form of vandalism and urged all parties involved to address such issues through proper channels.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by Mr Olumide Akpata regarding the removal of his campaign billboards.
“The Edo State Government condemns any form of vandalism and urges all parties involved to address such issues through proper channels.
“While we understand Mr Akpata’s frustration, we encourage him to engage with the relevant agencies responsible for the management of signage, to settle any outstanding bills or disputes.
“Threats of violence or disobedience have no place in our democratic process, and all parties should conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the law.
“It is essential that we focus on constructive dialogue and peaceful engagement, rather than resorting to tactics that may incite division or unrest,” Nehikhare said.
He said that the government remained committed to upholding the rule of law and would address any disruptive behaviour, regardless of one’s status or affiliation.
The commissioner urged Akpata to prioritise addressing the internal challenges within his party and work toward fostering unity and stability.
He urged all to strive to promote a peaceful and inclusive electoral process, for the benefit of all citizens.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akpata had earlier at a press conference accused the Edo State Government of being responsible for the vandalised campaign billboards. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
NY/FON/JNC
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Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

N60,000 minimum wage not sustainable – NGF

Wage
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) says though a new minimum wage is due, the proposed N60,000 is not sustainable.

NGF’s Acting Director on Media and Public Affairs, Hajiya Halima Ahmed, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, sympathised with the labour unions in their push for higher wages.

Ahmed, however, urged all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involved consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners.

“The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.

“All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and cannot fly.

“It will simply mean that many states will spend all their Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations on just paying salaries, with nothing left for development purposes.

“In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers,’’ she said.

Ahmed, on behalf of the governors appealed to all parties involved, especially the labour unions, to consider all the socio-economic variables.

She urged the stakeholders to settle for an agreement that was sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of the society, who had legitimate claim to public resources. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OBE/FON/IKU
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Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Tayo Ikujuni

APC forum seeks return to regional government

Region

By Polycarp Auta

Jos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Forum of Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for the return of Nigeria to a regional system of government.

The North-Central chairman of the forum, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, made the call in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Jos.

According to him, a regional system would enable the government to address the needs of the people using the natural endowments, political prowess and agricultural resources in the regions.

He said that the regional system of government would address the  marginalisation of the north-central region, adding that the current system was not taking care of the people’s needs.

Zazzaga said  that the north-central, in spite of its huge contributions to the nation, has suffered marginalisation on many fronts.

”Since the return of democracy in 1999, the region has contributed to the emergence of many national leaders as well as presidents, but it has been marginalised in terms of political appointments, among others.

“After careful consideration the north-central APC forum is calling for the adoption of a regional system of government,“he said.

He said that the regional system of government is a political framework where power is divided among constituent political units, such as regions or states.

”This will give the regions the opportunity to use their endowments to develop themselves without any fear of marginalization,“he said.

He said the federal government will still be responsible for national security, foreign affairs and the regulation of inter-state or inter-region commerce.

Zazzaga urges party leaders in other regions to support the move for the return to regional system of government in the country.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AZA/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh