WordPress

Blog

  • Tanzania woos Nigerian investors to explore abundant resources

    Investment

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Tanzanian Government has urged Nigerians with attractive business opportunities to tap abundant economic resources in her country.

    Dr Binilith Mahenge, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Tanzania Investment Centre, said the visit to Enugu was to present business opportunities to Nigerian investors that would be mutually beneficial to both Nigeria and Tanzania.

    He spoke at an event on Thursday in Enugu, tagged  “Tanzania Investment Forum” with members of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), in attendance.

    The theme of the event was : “Strategic Investment Form For Prospective Investors in Enugu, Nigeria”.

    Although Mahenge  acknowledged that there were Nigerian investors in Tanzania, but noted that the number was infinitesimal compared with the avalanche of business opportunities yet to be harnessed in the East African nation.

    He said: “We are encouraging and advocating for more investments as there are many entrepreneurs in Nigeria whom we want to capture more of the available business opportunities.

    “Presently, investment is being done by every country of the world including developing countries because through investment, jobs can be created, currencies of other countries can be attracted and influx of new technologies.

    “So, everyone wants investment in his country.

    “Tanzania is a peaceful country and from 1961 when we got independence with six successive governments, the country has always been in peace.

    “We have abundant natural resources which Nigerians can invest in and our economic growth will make their investment very comfortable,” he assured.

    He, however, urged Nigerians to invest in agriculture, tourism and other areas, adding with that Africans could invest, exchange their technologies and businesses.”

    Mahenge extolled the inquisitiveness and willingness of the investors in Enugu on the procedures on how to invest in Tanzania noting that they demonstrated willingness especially with the questions they asked.

    He, nonetheless, expressed displeasure by the way Africans were doing  in business, stressing that more needed to be done given the continent’s rich natural resources.

    “Each country has what they produce. It is better for us to exchange our products within the African continent as we have the capabilities,” he said.

    Earlier, the Acting Tanzania High Commission in Nigeria, Mrs Judica Nagunwa, explained that the country’s main goal was to inform Nigerians especially, investors in Enugu to bring their businesses, explore the potential opportunities in Tanzania and invest in them .

    Nagunwa represented by Mr Philbert Peter, the First Secretary-Economic Affairs, Tanzania High Commission, Abuja, said the Commission covered 15 West Africa countries with Nigeria inclusive and was responsible for the country’s economic diplomats to promote investment and ease of trade.

    “I came here in April to explore the possibility of the embassy’s participation in 2024 Enugu Trade Fair.

    “When we visited Enugu, we presented the potential we had in Tanzania to ECCIMA President, Odeiga Jideonwo.

    “But he said that he wanted members of ECCIMA to be informed about these opportunities and we spoke to Tanzania Government who sent Mahenge to come and speak to investors in Enugu,” he said.

    Presenting the opportunities, the Senior Investment Officer, Tanzania, Gaudence Mmassy, said Nigerians could invest in Tanzania given its economic stability, labour force, rich natural resources, peace and political stability as well as access to market.

    He explained that the investors could invest in Agriculture and agro processing, pharmaceutical, tourism, real estate, clean energy, mining and metals and oil and gas sectors.

    “There are $800 million to $1 billion value opportunities in medicine and medical devices with government’s goal of reducing import bills.

    “Nigeria with less than 28 companies in Tanzania created 1,990 jobs with $1,358.42 investment value,” he said.

    In a welcome address, ECCIMA’s President, Jideonwo, said the meeting would lead the people expanding their business empires to Tanzania while Tanzania people would also find Enugu as the most suitable for investment destination inNigeria.

    Jideonwo noted that the programme was one of their efforts towards building a lasting and profitable bilateral trade and business relation starting with the African countries.

    “It is our hope that those of us in Agriculture, ICT, Health, Construction, Manufacturing of consumer goods, financial services, environmentand energy, real estate, will after this programme further plan a trip to Tanzania to sign MOU for bilateral investment,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/KOO/MNA

    ===========

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Maureen Atuonwu

  • FG urges investment in gas sector to create jobs, boost energy supply

     

    FG urges investment in gas sector to create jobs, boost energy supply

    Investment
    By Ifeanyi Olannye
    Kwale (Delta), June 6, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government  said that  increased investments in the gas sector would create employment, boost energy supply and grow Nigeria’s economy.
    The Minster of State for Petroleum Resources -Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated this while inaugurating Nedogas Development Company Limited (NDCL) and its 300mmscfd Kwale Gas Gathering (KGG) facility on Thursday in Kwale, Delta.
    He said that President Bola Tinubu had directed  them to enforce the growth of investment in oil and gas sector, to ensure availability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for domestic consumption and  export.
    Ekpo lauded the management of Nedogas limited for the initiative to invest in gas gathering to reposition the economy.
    He said  that theb
     company would provide energy sufficiency, economic expansion, direct and indirect employment in the country, particularly in the immediate community.
    The minister urged  investors to venture into gas gathering to stop gas flaring, adding that with concerted efforts,  gas resources could be utilised to achieve economic development of the country.
    “We are gathered here in Kwale, Delta to commemorate the official commissioning of the Kwale Gas Gathering (KGG) Facility and the Nedogas Plant.
    “These initiatives are a result of a strategic collaboration between Nedogas Limited and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
    “It represents a significant advancement in the country’s efforts to promote sustainability, energy efficiency, and economic expansion.
    ” The occasion today marks not just a turning point for Delta , but also a major turning point in Nigeria’s continuous quest to use its abundant natural gas resources for the country’s development,” he said.
    According to the minister, Nedogas plant is part of the larger plan to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage sustainable practices in the oil and gas sector.
    “It emphasises how dedicated the federal government is to increasing gas usage, broadening our energy sources and lessening our influence on the environment.
    “We will be able to process natural gas more efficiently at the Nedogas Plant, which will increase both our domestic supply and export potential.
    “This establishment promises to significantly boost our economy by generating jobs, fostering industrial expansion and ensuring energy security. It is a symbol of advancement”.
    In his goodwill message, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta,  represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, lauded the management of Nedogas limited and  its partners for the investment.
    “One can feel the pains of every Nigerian when it comes to the issue of energy  availability and affordability.
    “Even more worrisome is the World Bank report that due to poor power supply in the country, businesses spend about $29 billion yearly on power.
    ” It is also  quite unfortunate that the country is  ranked as the lowest in terms of access to electricity globally,”he said.
    Oborevwori said that the projects would no  doubt benefit Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta in many ways.
    According to him, Nigeria boasts of a reserve base of 208.83 trillion cubic feet of gas which represents 33 per cent of Africa’s total gas reserves.
    “This places Nigeria as the ninth among countries with high concentration of natural gas in the world.
    “With these projects, the energy needs of Nigerians will get a boost,especially in the critical area of supply.
    “It is heartwarming too that this facility will have gas supplied to it by other oil companies  operating in this area, which will greatly reduce the effects of gas flaring on our people.
    “We are all aware that the level of gas flaring is very high in this part of the world, in spite its  acknowledged adverse effects on the climate,”he said.
    Also speaking, the Chairman, Nedogas Limited, Emeka Ene  thanked the government, strategic partners and the community for  providing the needed support and enabling environment to achieve the project.
    “The KGG Facility with its impressive capacity of 300 million standard cubic feets per day (mmscfd) is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, determination and strategic partnerships converge.
    “No doubt, these projects will lead to the creation of a lot of direct and indirect job opportunities too, thereby, boosting the economy of our state.
    “I call for the replication of this project in other parts of our state where gas flaring is taking place to reduce its effects on our people.
    “I also urge Nedogas Limited and its partner, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to enhance the use of local contents,”he said.
    He urged the company to meet up with its social responsibilities and above all, ensure conducive and peaceful relationship with the host communities.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other strategic partners of the company pledged their continued support to enhance sustainability, growth and development of the sector.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IO/JPE
    =====
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • FG woos foreign investors, pledges to overcome insecurity

    FG woos foreign investors, pledges to overcome insecurity
    Insecurity
    By Yahaya Isah
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improve the security situation in the country for the better.
    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, said this when the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Annika Hahn-Englund, led a delegation to pay him a courtesy visit on Thursday in Abuja.
    “We are gradually winning the war against terrorism and violent extremism going by the various measures put in place so far to tackle the menace headlong.
    “Nigeria is the best-kept secret on global investment hence your investment is safe and secured in Nigeria.
    “We look forward to more mutually beneficial collaborations in areas such as economics, business and migration control”, the minister told his guests.
    Tunji-Ojo commended the historic relationship between both countries, saying Nigeria’s trade volume with Sweden was now valued at $183 million.
    He said that Sweden was one of Nigeria’s important trade partners.
    “We value our relationship with Sweden. Trade relationship from 1995 has been on the increase from $29.6million. At the moment it is US $183m which is a 6.7% annual increase in terms of trade volume.
    “This shows that the collaboration and partnership are working because when your growth rate goes to about 6.97 per cent which is almost 7 per cent per annum, it shows that the relationship is working well”, he said.
    The minister emphasised that the Federal Government was making a efforts to ensure that the security situation of the country improved tremendously to stimulate for more foreign investment and co-operation
    Earlier, Hahn-Englund said the purpose of her visit was to know more about the priorities of the Ministry of Interior, get updates on the security situation in Nigeria and discuss Swedish investments in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    YI/MAM/KUA
    ==========
    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Uche Anunne

  • Chrisland: Whitney visited hospital before  inter-house sports – Witness

    Chrisland
    By Adenike Ayodele
    Ikeja June 6, 2024 (NAN) A Deputy Director with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr Jubril Yakubu, told the Ikeja High Court that the late Whitney Adeniran visited the hospital on Jan. 20, 2023 before the inter-house sports.
    Yakubu also told  the court on Thursday that the deceased was in school on Feb.1, 7 and 9, 2023 to participate in the inter-house sports.
    The witness, however, said the deceased opted out of activities on the day of the inter-house sports.
    Under cross examination, the counsel to Chrisland Schools, Mr Ademola Animasaun, asked the witness if he was aware that Whitney did not participate in the inter-house sports.
    “Are you aware that she did not participate in activities on the inter-house sports day,”?
    “Yes and she was not forced by the school to participate,” the witness said.
    The social worker noted that matters concerning emergency measures were not within his purview.
    According to him, the provision of nurses at the inter-house sports should be part of emergency preparedness and not just for emergency.
    He, however, said that he had the competence and authority at the fact-finding meeting with the school to speak on emergency signals.
    The witness, however, said he did not know the actual number of schools in district six as at Dec. 31, 2023.
    He confirmed to the court that he was responsible for  over 1,722 schools approved by the Ministry of Education.
    The witness, however, was unable to tell the actual number of schools within district six and referred this to the Ministry of Education.
    The social worker said: “Mine has to do with social services and I have the competence to speak about district six.
    “I also do not know off heart how many students are subject to social risk exposure in district six
    “But in each of the school, the school should have designated safeguarding and child protection officer appointed among the staff of the school that take lead.
    “Mrs Tawa Sodiq, a school social officer, in District six reports to me.”
    The witness insisted that  Chrisland Schools failed to comply with the Safety and Child Protection Policy for schools in Lagos state.
    The third prosecution witness said the late Whitney Adeniran visited the hospital on Jan. 20, 2023.
    The witness added that Whitney was in school on Feb.1, 7 and 9 to participate in the inter-house sports.
    He, however, noted that the deceased opted out of the activities on the day of the inter-house sports.
    Justice Oyindamola Ogala discharged the witness and adjourned the case until June 13 for continuation of trial.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Government on March 31, 2023, charged Chrisland Schools Ltd. Opebi, its principal and vice principal and two others with the killing of Whitney.
    Those charged alongside the school are Ademoye Adewale (a cotton candy vendor), Kuku Fatai, Belinda Amao (Principal) and Victoria Nwatu.
    The defendants are standing trial for allegedly causing the death of  a 12-year-old student, Whitney Adediran, during the school inter-house sports.
    According to the prosecution, the alleged offences violate Sections 224 and 251 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    OAR/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • 2026 WC qualifier: Sports minister charges Super Eagles to whip Bafana Bafana 

    2026 WC qualifier: Sports minister charges Super Eagles to whip Bafana Bafana
    Qualifier
    By Muhyideen Jimoh
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh has charged the Super Eagles to defeat their South African counterparts on Friday to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    The Super Eagles will take on the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo in a matchday three of the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
     The minister stressed the need for the Eagles to approach the tie as a make-or-break one, as victory will put the team back on track for qualification.
    “The FIFA World Cup is the biggest showpiece in football.We cannot afford to miss out on the World Cup again.
    “The disappointment of missing the last tournament, especially after the disappointing home match against the Black Stars, must drive us to ensure we qualify this time,” he said.
    Enoh urged all stakeholders, including players, coaches and support staff, to be fully committed to the qualification campaign.
     “All hands must be on deck to ensure the team qualifies for the World Cup.
    “I urge the players to get the job done in the first half of the game by scoring early goals, so they will  not be under pressure in the second half.
    “The upcoming match against South Africa is critical, the players need to put the AFCON glory behind them and concentrate fully on this task.
    “Early goals will be key to taking control of the game and ensuring a less pressured second half,” he said.
    The minister expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion and secure a much-needed victory.
     “We have the talent, the passion, and the support of millions of Nigerians. Let’s channel that into a winning performance and take a significant step towards World Cup qualification,” he added.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match will kick off at 8 p.m. on Friday, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
    Nigeria currently has two points from two games and sits third in their group of six teams. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MUYI/JPE
    ========
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • SGF inaugurates 1.2km flood control drainage in Benue

     

    Inauguration

     

    By Emmanuel Antswen

     

    Makurdi, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume, has inaugurated the 1.2 kilometers Idye Flood Control/Dyke Project in Makurdi, Benue.

     

    Akume, while performing the ceremony on Thursday in Makurdi, said President Bola Tinubu was committed to a healthy and green environment for the country.

     

    He said the country was faced with numerous challenges, and the environmental destruction consistently caused by floods and gully erosion was a significant one.

     

    Represented by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Akume admitted that even before the establishment of N-HYPPADEC in 2021, environmental problems had been prevalent in most communities.

     

    He said N-HYPPADEC was tasked with environmental conservation in the country and had put in place the necessary infrastructure to reverse environmental degradation caused by floods and erosion.

     

    “The task of reversing environmental damages caused by floods and erosion over the years is definitely not an easy one. It requires meticulous and long-term planning that should be executed in stages.

     

    “This flood control project, which we are here to inaugurate today, is only one of the early steps taken by the commission to reverse ecological degradation and promote sustainable developments in riverine communities.

     

    “Thus, the completion of this project is a significant milestone in the efforts by N-HYPPADEC to mitigate the devastating effects of floods and erosion in Benue,” he said

     

    Akume said the 1.2 kilometer flood control drainage would not only protect the environment and infrastructure, but would also safeguard the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals within the state capital.

     

    “This Flood Control/Dyke Project, spanning a distance of 1.2 kilometers, is a shining example of what can be achieved when government agencies, private sector partners and local communities come together with a shared purpose.

     

    “The project will not only protect the environment and infrastructure, but will also safeguard the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals who call this region home,” he assured.

     

    In his goodwill message, Gov. Hyacinth Alia commended the Federal Government for constructing the drainage system, saying that it would go a long way to mitigate the impact of flood on Makurdi residents.

     

    Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, Alia said the project was a vital solution to the persistent problems of flooding and erosion within Makurdi metropolis.

     

    Earlier, the Managing Director (MD), National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Mr Abubakar Yelwa, had said that the project cost N1.2 billion.

     

    Yelwa disclosed that the Federal Government had, before now, spent about N700 million on the Idye Basin flood control project in Makurdi.

     

    He said that for years, Makurdi residents and other parts of Benue had endured annual flooding that consumed thousands of homes and farmlands, displacing numerous families.

     

    “The 2022 Benue floods were even more tragic. In 2022, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency reported that the floods consumed about 18,349 houses and farmlands, displacing a total of 134,797 people.

     

    “This staggering impact shows the urgent need to take decisive action to safeguard the communities and the livelihoods of people in the state.

     

    “Today, we stand to celebrate the completion of one of the contributions of the Federal Government through the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), by inaugurating the Idye Flood Control/Dyke Project, which spans an impressive 1.2 kilometers.

     

    “This project, supplemented by an additional excavation of 2.5 kilometers to salvage the lower basin of the community, is a significant investment of approximately N1.2 billion,’’ he said.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that flood has become an annual ritual in Benue, displacing hundreds of thousands and causing untold hardship and damage to lives and property. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    AEB/OIF/YGA/ETS

    ===============
    Edited Ifeanyi Okoronko/Gabriel Yough

     

     

     

     

  • APGA ready for Ebonyi LG election – Chairman

    APGA ready for Ebonyi LG election – Chairman

    Poll

    By Christian Ogbonna

    Abakaliki, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), in Ebonyi says it is prepared to participate in the Local Government Council elections slated to hold July 20.

    Its Chairman, Mr Chukwudi Nwankwor, told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Thursday in Abakaliki that nomination forms had been sold to aspirants with the primary elections soon to hold.

    He urged the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission to ensure a fair exercise that would be credible and acceptable.

    “Transparency and credibility in the conduct of the exercise will ease the process of electing the right persons to run the local government councils.

    “Our candidates are ready. With a fair exercise, we shall win many chairmanship and councillorship sests,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OOC/AYO/ETS

    ============

    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi and Ephraims Sheyin

  • PDP demands arrest, prosecute of suspended Adamawa REC

    PDP demands arrest, prosecute of suspended Adamawa REC

    Persecution

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The People Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mr  Olukayode Egbetokun, to expiate efforts towards the arrest of and prosecution of Malam Hudu Yunusa -Ari, the suspended INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa.

    The opposition party said arresting and prosecting Yunusa-Yari would be in obedience to an earlier court order.

    The party ‘s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, made the call during a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

    Yunusa -Ari was suspended over attempt to usurp the powers of the state returning officer when he declared the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Governorship Candidate, Aishatu Binani, winner of the April 15, 2023 Adamawa governorship election.

    At the point of the declaration the collation of the election results was incomplete.

    Ologunagba described the action as civilian coup and attempt to subvert Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

    The High Court of Justice of Adamawa State, No. 9, Yola Division has issued a Warrant of Arrest of Yunusa -Ari dated May 21, 2024.

    The court ordered the IGP to apprehend and produce Yunusa-Ari before it to answer to the charges preferred against him.

    The order of the court was received by the office of the IGP on May 23.

    He said that since the removal of Yunusa-Ari, he has been on the run, forgotten the saying that “time they say, does not run against the×× State in criminal matters.”

    He said the delay in the prosecution of Yunusa-Ari constituted a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.

    “The failure of the Nigerian police so far to apprehend and bring Yunusa-Ari to justice is capable of creating a bad precedence and encourage other public officers to act with impunity.

    “There is tendency for them to behave as if there are no consequences for acts contrary to law and their Oath of Office’’, he said.

    The PDP, therefore, charged the IGP to, in compliance with the order of court, immediately locate, arrest and bring Yunusa-Ari before the court for prosecution.

    “This is especially as there are allegations and apprehension in the public space that Yunusa-Ari has perfected plans to escape from the country and evade trial.

    “The PDP insists that Yunusa-Ari must be made to face the full wrath of the law for his assault against our democracy,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OBE/KUA

    =======

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Ex-Gabon president seeks Nigerian govt’s support for telecoms sector 

    Ex-Gabon president seeks Nigerian govt’s support for telecoms sector

    By Stellamaris Ashinze

    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) A former President of Gabon, Prof. Ali Bongo, on Thursday emphasised the need for government’s support and deregulation to ensure the survival of the Nigerian telecoms sector.

    Bongo made the observation at the Lagos Business School Breakfast Session which had the theme, “Telecom Sector: The Fulcrum for Economic Dynamism in Nigeria.”

    He highlighted the sector’s growth potential, citing its 8 per cent outperformance of Gross Domestic  Product (GDP) growth rate between 2019 and 2023 in Nigeria.

    While examining the telecom sector’s critical role in Nigeria’s economic growth and development, the former president urged the government to provide support and create an enabling environment for the sector’s growth.

    He warned that as the sector continued to face numerous challenges, its decline could have far-reaching consequences on Nigeria’s economic dynamism

    Also, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Financial Derivatives, Bismarck Rewane,  in his keynote address, said that the sector’s decline could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s economic growth and development.

    Rewane highlighted the telecom sector’s critical role in driving economic growth, innovation, and productivity across various industries.

    The CEO, in his presentation titled, “Nigerian Economy on the Brink, Adapt or Collapse?” highlighted the sector’s challenges which included rising inflation, high operating costs and limited access to foreign exchange.

    He also listed regulatory burdens, multiple taxation, and state and local government extortion as challenges in the sector.

    Rewane said that these challenges were threatening the sector’s growth and development, citing MTN’s reported loss in the 2023 financial year.

    According to him, the telecom operators’ push for cost-reflective tariffs is deemed necessary due to adverse economic hardships.

    ‘’The current situation is having a detrimental impact on the sector’s growth and development, such that the revenue potential from telecoms may start falling, leading to a ripple effect on other sectors.

    “The Big Push Theory posits that growth in one sector can stimulate growth in others through backward and forward linkages.

    “The telecoms sector has both forward and backward linkages to various sectors.

    “These linkages to other sectors are vital for economic growth, innovation, and productivity across various industries making it a key enabler and driver of development in modern economies.

    “If the telecom industry collapses, all other sectors will follow,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SKA/COF

    ==========

    Edited by Christiana Fadare

     

     

     

     

  • Shettima opens MSME clinic, inaugurates projects in Ekiti

    Visit

    Idowu Ariwodola/Bolanle Lawal

    Ado-Ekiti, June 6, 2024(NAN) Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Thursday said the Federal Government is committed to partnering and assisting Ekiti and other states, in their agenda for development and growth.

    Shettima stated this in Ado-Ekiti, when he declared open, the 3rd Expanded National MSME Clinic, Ekiti 2024.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  the vice president also inaugurated projects in the state, including, the 9.2 km Omisanjana/ Deeper Life/ Ajebamidele road, the Adire Hub, at Ado-Iworoko.

    The Vice President called on people of the state to align themselves with Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, in working for the greater good of Ekiti.

    He described President Bola Tinubu, as “a man who has shown zeal, commitment, knowledge and passion, towards improving the quality of governance in all tates of Nigeria and making life more meaningful for the entire citizenry.”

    Shettima said the MSME clinic brought together, the regulators in the sector, alongside business owners and investors from various business classes across the length and breath of the nation.

    “We are honoured to be joined by government partners and agencies such as SMEDAN, NEXIM,ITF, NAFDAC and others.

    “They are here to offer guidance and provide the necessary services for the smooth operation of businesses.

    “Our private sector partners, including, MAN, NACCIMA, and many others, are equally mobilised to collaborate with you in transforming your entrepreneurial dreams to reality.

    ” Our other MSME clinic is a fully equipped ICT hub in Eriinmope. Ekiti, which the President has granted the governor to commission, at a later date”, he said.

    Shettima recalled that the governor, during his visit to presidential villa in Abuja, on the MSME clinics, demanded for the establishment of another modern ICT facility in the state capital.

    “I have already conveyed his request to President Tinubu , who has consequently approved the creation of an additional ICT Hub, in Ado Ekiti. This project will be completed within 90 days”

    “Mr president has also directed that all at the MSMSE clinic today receive a N150,000 grant each”.

    ” This is an outright grant, and the beneficiaries will not need to repay it . We thank our partners for this,” he said

    In his address, Gov. Oyebanji, commended the President for the continued support to his administration.

    He urged Ekiti citizens to put politics aside, as election was over, saying it was time for governance to take its full effect.

    ” Development can only take place in a peaceful society”, he said

    Oyebanji, noted that the increase in revenue allocation to states, had allowed government to do so many things in the state.

    Also speaking, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the Federal Government under President Tinubu, had Ekiti, ‘right inside its heart’.

    ” Today, we are lucky to have a level headed governor, who is cool and has forged convergent of interests in the state”.

    He called on Nigerians not to be disillusioned by the current trends, saying the country was going through economic re-structuring, for the good of the nation.

    The Senate Leader, Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who is also from the state, described the governor as a bridge builder.

    Bamidele commended the governor for providing a home for everyone adding that his partnership with the federal government was yielding results.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ARIS/FFB/ROT
    ============

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi