Osogbo , June 9, 2024 ( NAN) The Amotekun Corps Commander in Osun, Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewunmbi (rtd), has called for the upgrading of the outfit to a state policing system across the South-West region of the country.
Adewunmbi made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Osogbo.
According to him, such development will further strengthen the security architecture of the region and ensure safety of lives and property.
The corps commander said that upgrading Amotekun to state a police outfit would enhance effective community policing in the region.
“It will foster closer ties between the people and security agencies, and enhance intelligence sharing for more effective fight against crime,” he said.
Adewunmbi further said such upgrading should grant the outfit access to sophisticated arms and ammunition for optimal performance.
“It will also empower them to prosecute criminals in courts, this will be a step in the right direction,” he said.
He said that Amotekun had demonstrated the capacity to perform better if upgraded, saying,” it has shown rare bravery in fighting crime”
“I am in full support of the call for state police. It will help to complement the effort of other security agencies.
“We need security personnel that understand the terrain to be part of the system,” he said.( NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Play on Gen. Gowon to be staged in Lagos Aug. 24-25
Gowon
By Folasade Adeniran
Lagos, June 9, 2024 (NAN) A play, “GOWON”, which depicts the life of retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Nigeria’s military head of state, is to be staged in Lagos, from Aug. 24 to Aug.25.
A statement by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, producers of the play, said on Sunday in Lagos that the play would focus on Gowon’s service to Nigeria and also take a “deep and cursory look at his tribe – Angas, in Plateau”.
“It will run with the theme of unity and lean heavily on the Gowon era policy of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reorientation put in place at the end of the civil war to heal wounds,” the statement said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement was signed by Mrs Mofoluwake Edgar, Managing Director, Duke of Shomolu Foundation.
“The play will seek to celebrate the ‘No Victor, No Vanguished’ proponent,” the statement added.
It said that the play was written by Prof. Ahmed Yerima, who would also direct the stage proceedings.
Yerima had written equally strong historical plays on Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
All the plays were produced by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation.
The statement indicated that the play had been in the drawing board in the last two years “waiting for the most auspicious time”.
“For the first time ever on a Nigerian stage, a play will feature accomplished British actress – Tayo Elesin – who will play the role of Victoria, Gowon’s wife.
“Tayo, who was HID Awolowo in the play “Awo”, staged in London, had featured in many western stage plays and many critically acclaimed movies on Netflix.
“She will bring to bear on the production her international clout and experience,” the statement said.
The statement disclosed that the play is being sponsored by First Bank of Nigeria, Unified Payments, Orangeline and Sonora Capital.
“The showing will be at the Agip Recital Hall of The Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos,” it said.
NAN reports that Gowon, who became the nation’s head of state at 32, ruled Nigeria from 1966 to 1975.
His regime was terminated by a military coup with the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed taking his place. (NAN) (nannews.ng.com)
Councillor sponsors 120 out-of-school children’s education in Kano
Education
By Aminu Garko
Wudil (Kano State), June 9, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Bashir Aliyu, Councillor representing Achika ward in Wudil Local Government Area of Kano State, has sponsored 120 out-of-school children to further studies.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Aliyu, while presenting the educational materials to the beneficiaries at Achika on Sunday, said the beneficiaries were orphans.
He said the gesture was meant to improve their educational standard and secure their future.
Bashir said the beneficiaries would be enrolled at the Government Junior Secondary School, Achika, and Government Arabic Junior Secondary School, Achika.
He promised that the beneficiaries would be sponsored to study from junior secondary school level up to the senior level.
“This will be continued even after I am no longer in office,” he said.
The councillor said that the gesture was part of his contribution toward the development of the state.
“I am focusing on empowering the vulnerable and the downtrodden,” he said.
According to him, the initiative will secure the future of the children, especially orphans, who nowadays find it difficult to realise their educational dreams.
Bashir said the beneficiaries included 65 girls and 54 boys, adding that about 50 of them were drop-outs.
“I will continue to look after these children until they graduate from secondary school. Empowering children like these, all of them orphans, is a great service to humanity.
“They need the society’s support in order to be good and productive members of the society. Abandoning them would be dangerous.
“That is why I decided to sponsor their education from junior up to senior secondary school level even if I am no longer holding a political appointment,” he said.
Items distributed to the beneficiaries included 1,200 exercise books, 120 school bags, 240 sets of uniform and 120 pairs of shoes.
Others included 120 socks, 240 pens and 240 pieces of pencils.( NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Gusau, June 9, 2024 (NAN) IQRAA Foundation, a group based in Zamfara, on Sunday inaugurated a project tagged: “Path to Peace” to promote sustainable peace in various communities in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration of the project in Gusau, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Umar Mahmud, said it was floated in collaboration with LEAP Africa and the Nigerian Youth Future Fund.
“We believe that peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, equality and opportunity for all.
“We noticed that Zamfara, like other parts of the country, is also experiencing various conflicts and other security challenges.
“However, we believe that applying the right strategies through direct engagement with most affected victims in our communities can overcome the challenges,” he explained.
Mahmud said that the theme of the project “Path to Peace”, was geared toward creating an environment where every individual could contribute to the peace process.
“The project aims to empower communities affected by conflicts due to insecurity through the capacity-building of strategies for resolving conflicts in a peaceful manner.
“We plan to equip community leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, elders and farmers’ associations with the skills and knowledge in conflict resolution.
“We will initiate dialogue forums that bring together host communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration,” he added.
Mahmud disclosed that one of the major activities to be implemented under the project was encouraging local peace building initiatives.
“I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team, our partners, and the community leaders who have pledged their support for the successes of this project.”
Mahmud appealed to stakeholders, members of the community and partners to be dedicated to promoting peace, education and community development.
“We should act as ambassadors of peace, advocates of dialogue, and champions of a brighter future in society,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Devaluation
By Raji Rasak/Aisha Cole
Badagry (Lagos State), June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, on Sunday said devalued Naira had positively impacted on exportation of Nigeria’s local products to neighbouring countries in West Africa.
Bomodi said this is an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Seme, near Badagry.
According to the controller, imports and exports are usually affected by market forces and by this we mean both the demand and supply.
“The exchange rate plays a big role in determining the demand or the purchasing power of the people.
“We are talking about the exchange rate of Naira vis a vis its impact on exports. Now as the value of Naira begins to decline, you find out that Nigerian-made goods are considered cheap within the region.
“This encourages people from neighbouring countries to want to purchase goods from Nigeria but while we complain that the exchange rate has a negative impact on imports, it has a positive impact on exports.
“Yes, we couldn’t buy goods because the dollar was high but people saw a cheap Naira as an opportunity to get goods from Nigeria.
“For the first time, you have a net export gain for Nigeria vis a vis her neighbouring countries, because you find out that what makes Nigerians go to their neighbours is now making them come to Nigeria,” he said.
Bomodi said that devaluation of Naira had increased the growing local economy.
“Even, a devalued Naira is an advantage for export, So it’s not such a negative thing but in trade, you have to balance both ends.
“Here at Seme-Krake border post, we have our primary responsibility as Customs which is facilitation of legitimate trade.
“We deal with a lot of imports and exports and enforce fiscal policies of the government, particularly in area of prohibition.
“In Seme-Krake, the Lagos-Abidjan corridor is considered as the most viable trade corridor in West Africa and indeed the whole of Africa.
“So viable, so strategic to the economic development of Africa that the European Union and other international agencies are ready to cough out a humongous amount of money to develop infrastructure around this axis,” the controller said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ROR/AIC/CHOM/AJA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Adeleye Ajayi
Debt
By Simon Akoje
Lagos, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Some financial experts have expressed optimism that there is no cause for alarm over the country’s current debt profile.
They said this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, while reacting to the country’s rising public debt stock.
Details from the Debt Management Office show that the country’s total public debt stock has surged to N97.34 trillion as of first quarter of 2023.
The total debt stock comprises domestic and external debts of the Federal Government, the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory.
However, the Bola Tinubu government has borrowed N20.1 trillion from domestic investors in its first year, representing a year-on-year increase of 117 per cent from the previous year.
Nigeria is among the 10 countries on the continent burdened with the highest debt of 2.6 billion dollars owed to the International Monetary Fund, amid its economic challenges.
The multilateral body has projected Nigeria’s public debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio to reach 46.6 per cent in 2024, and 46.8 per cent in 2025.
Mr Samuel Agbelaye, the President Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, said Nigerians should not despair over the recent loans obtained by the Federal Government.
Agbelaye said there was nothing wrong with obtaining loans if they would be used judiciously for developmental projects.
“Despite the rising debt, the country is yet a going concern and the indices and outlook of the economy are not as bad as people claim.
“The loans are not to be used for overhead but for developmental purposes that will add value to the economy,” Agbelaye said.
He said that Nigerians should not be too perturbed about the country’s public debt stock, or proposal to incur more loans.
“They should rather be concerned about ways the government plans to increase its cash flow to meet the projected revenue,” Agbelaye said.
Also, Dr Muda Yusuf, the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Private Enterprises, said in spite of the huge debt, it was almost impossible for the country not to borrow.
“The current loan expected to be secured by the government is part of the foreign borrowing plan of the 2024 deficit budget to bridge the financing gap.
“The foreign loan is usually more concessionary, the rates are low and it’s tied to specific projects,” Yusuf said.
He, however, noted that the Federal Government could reduce the need to borrow by raising its oil and gas output.
“Addressing the challenge of oil theft in the Niger Delta region is crucial in attaining the international oil quota,” Yusuf said.
Also, Mr Okechukwu Unegbu, former President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, said the government should be more innovative in order not to further raise the country’s public debt stock.
“The government should explore more private equity financing to fix key infrastructure, so as not to borrow for every capital project.
“Countries in other climes utilise this model in addressing many developmental projects without approaching international developmental partners,” Unegbu said.
He added that the three tiers of government should cut down their ostentatious lifestyle.
“This will free funds for more developmental purposes so that the need to source foreign loans may reduce.
“Most foreign loans earmarked for developing countries come with a blueprint which is not the best for us as an emerging economy,” Unegbu said.
NAN reports that the Federal Government is proposing to incur more loans from international developmental partners.
The World Bank is poised to give the Nigerian government a loan of $2.5 billion for economic stabilisation and resource mobilisation reform programmes.(NAN)
STA/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Agency trains 18 mechanics on water facility maintenance in Kano
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Kano State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has trained 18 mechanics and water supply officers on the operation and maintenance of water facilities across seven local governments.
Malam Shamwilu Abdulkadir, Managing Director of the agency, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday that this became necessary to prevent the breakdown of water supply facilities.
According to him, this initiative is part of the ‘Village Level Operation and Maintenance (VLOM)’ strategy, which engages local artisans to manage water facilities in rural areas.
Abdulkadir added that the agency had organised a workshop to review the quality of state rural water and develop a surveillance and implementation strategy.
He said, “We have initiated and executed a number of water supply projects in various communities and institutions where potable water was seriously needed.
“These include the construction of an 8000- litre solar borehole at Babawa General Hospital. In addition to this, the agency also repaired 8 hand pump boreholes in the community.
“It also constructed a 12,000-litre solar powered borehole and reticulation of 500 metres at Kano State School of Health Technology and constructed 4 hand pump boreholes for Sitti communities in Sumaila Local Government.
“We have also rehabilitated many nonfunctional boreholes at Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital overhead tank, handpump boreholes, and the Ministry of Information water facilities at Audu Bako Secretariat.
“We rehabilitated the Office of the Head of Civil Service facilities at Audu Bako Secretariat; Rehabilitation and upgrade of motorised solar-powered boreholes at Hugungumai village in Tsanyawa Local Government , among others.”
Abdulkadir said the agency had recorded 11 open defecation-free local government areas within the last ten months.
He said that the feat was part of the sustained plausible efforts to deliver on the mandate to end open defecation practices.
The managing director said the initiative also aimed to promote hygiene in the state, following the 2025 national road-map.
Abdulkadir said this had added to the eight local governments already declared open defecation-free.
He mentioned that a support mechanism had been established to ensure sustainability.
According to him, upon assuming office, he continued with ongoing programmes related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), the specialised operational focus of the agency with support from the United Nations.
He added, “We have also set up a mechanism to support the eight validated local governments declared open defecation-free for sustainability.
“RUWASSA also embarked on training 24 WASH officials on community WASH facilities management within these local governments.”
The managing director added that various capacity-building workshops had been organised for better service delivery, including the WASH Framework on Measurement and Evaluation in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Prof. Olatokunbo Onabanjo, Chairman, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce
How African countries can achieve sustainable development – PAAC chairman
PAAC
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Olatokunbo Onabanjo, the Chairman of the Pan African American Chamber of Commerce(PAAC), says African countries must prioritise sustainable development practices that promote environmental conservation, social inclusivity, and economic viability.
Onabanjo stated this an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos, while speaking on the forthcoming trade and investment conference with the theme “Hope for Africa”.
The Hope for Africa conference being organised by the Pan African American Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Sept. 9 to Sept. 13 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
He said these priorities include adopting green technologies, promoting renewable energy sources and implementing sustainable agriculture practices.
He explained that one of the aims of the conference is to allow for engagement with the African-American community and Africa countries towards fostering sustainable growth in Africa.
“Sustainable development can lead to long-term economic growth, poverty reduction, and improved quality of life for African citizens,” he said.
Onabanjo, who was the Director of Computer Services during Tinubu’s administration as governor of Lagos State, said that Africa economies were expected to foster inclusive and sustainable growth, reducing poverty and unlocking the continent’s immense economic potential.
He said that Africa must collaborate in areas such as infrastructure development, technology transfer and knowledge sharing.
The PAAC chairman said that this would lead to economies of scale, increased trade, and improved competitiveness.
“There is a growing recognition of the importance of innovation in driving economic growth and development.
“African countries are expected to prioritise innovation by investing in research and development, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, and supporting technological advancements.
“This can result in the creation of new industries, job opportunities, and the development of innovative solutions to address local challenges,” Onabanjo stated.
According to him, African countries, including Nigeria, are expected to attract increased investment both domestically and internationally.
He said that this required creating a conducive business environment, implementing investor-friendly policies and addressing challenges.
Onabanjo, a seasoned project manager and member of Certified Project Management Professionals, listed the challenges to include infrastructure gaps, regulatory barriers, and corruption.
“Investment in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, and technology can stimulate economic growth, create employment, and enhance productivity.
“There is an expectation for African countries to invest in their human capital by improving education and skills development.
“This includes promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, vocational training and entrepreneurship programmes.
“Investing in human capital can enhance the workforce’s productivity, foster innovation, and attract more investment in high-value sectors,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AYO/IKU
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni
Expert hails plans to set up consumers” protection unit
Consumers
By Constance Athekame
Abuja, June 9, 2024(NAN) A power expert, Mr Princewill Okorie, has commended the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, on plans to set up a consumers’ protection unit in the Ministry.
Okorie, the Executive Director, Electricity Consumers Protection Advocacy Centre, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.
He said, ”I am glad that the minister plans to set up consumers’ protection unit in the ministry of power.
”Today, you have a department overseeing transmission, generation and distribution, none overseeing consumer protection.
“ And consumers are the ones paying money for electricity, so there is a need to have that unit and he has promised that it will be set up under the distribution department of the ministry.
“That will be good, if he will do that, when set up; the first thing that should be done is adequate electricity consumer enlightenment. ‘”
According to him, the Electricity Act 2023 section 119 is on consumer protection and licensee performance standards but most consumers don’t know about it.
He said that the section deals with re-connection, disconnection and complete handling service performance standards of the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).
“There should be adequate enlightenment because it is only consumers that understand the sector and what their rights are
“For instance, how many consumers are aware that when they pay for a meter under the Mass Meter Access Provider (MAP) they are supposed to get a refund for the money they paid through credit tokens?
“Most consumers do not know, so DisCos deal with them.
”How many of them are aware of network expansion investment policy which entails that when you invest in infrastructure you recover your money, ‘’ he said.
Okorie said that the stakeholders in the power sector kept talking about investment, adding, ”nobody can say this is what the consumers have invested.
”Or how many transformers have the DisCos bought and how many have the communities bought.
“Unfortunately, consumers’ investments in the sector are not refunded. This is not fair to the consumers.
“Is there punishment for the DisCos for not remitting the money that they collect from unmetered consumers because we have not seen much action on that? ‘’(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
APC chieftain advocates merger of House of Reps, Senate
Merger
By Adekunle Williams
Lagos, June 9,2024(NAN)A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC),Mr Abiodun Salami , has called for the adoption of unicameral legislative system to reduce cost of governance.
Salami ,a former Assistant Publicity Secretary of the party in Lagos ,made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)on Sunday.
He was reacting to calls in some quarters that the country should jettison its current two-chamber National Assembly and adopt unicameral legislature in order to reduce cost of governance.
NAN reports that unicameral legislature is a system with one chamber or house, unlike a bicameral legislature which has two chambers(Senate and House of Representatives).
Some countries with unicameral legislatures include:- China (National People’s Congress) Sweden (Riksdag) Norway (Storting) Denmark (Folketing)and Portugal (Assembly of the Republic).
Salami said the Senate and House of Representatives should be merged ,then the number of legislators pruned, to have a single -chamber legislature.
He said operating the House of Representatives and the Senate together is a burden on the country’s resources.
“Bi-cameral legislature is wasteful.We can merge the Senate and the House of Representatives to have a single house to ease the business of lawmaking and reduce the huge funds spent to maintain the two chambers that we have now.
“We can merge the two chambers and then reduce the number of lawmakers .The country spends a lot maintaining the 109 Senators and 360 members of House of Representatives
“We are having challenges with the economy right now.We should be ready to make sacrifices and take bold steps.The bicameral legislature we are having ,to me,is frivolity”,he said.
Salami said those who argue that unicameral legislature is not suited for the presidential system of government that Nigeria operates have limited knowledge of how things work in other countries.
“Those who argue that Nigeria,as a presidential system,cannot adopt unicameral legislature are wrong .They need to check well as there are some countries running the same presidential system as ours and still run unicameral legislature.
“Liberia and South Sudan both run the presidential system of government ,but do not have the Senate and the House of Representatives as we have;They run one-chamber legislature.
“Unicameral legislature is less expensive.You do not need to buy many SUVs for the too many lawmakers. You do not to spend too much money on allowances.If we really care about improving governance ,then we should adopt it”,he said.
The APC chieftain also said the country would save cost by selecting ministers from the legislature.
“I think we should also jettison the idea of picking ministers outside of the legislature.It will save us a lot of money.
“The legislators are experienced people.Some of them are experts and some ex-governors and ministers,so they are experienced in governance.We can pick among them and make them ministers while still serving as lawmakers.
“I represented a ward in Kosofe LG as a councillor under the defunct UNCP in the 90s.While serving as councillor,I was also made the Supervisor for Agriculture ,which is an executive position .So ,we can adopt this too at the national level .It will save us a lot”, he said. (NAN)
