YPP Guber Candidate, Omale, Vows Economic Growth, Ehanced Security, Amongst Others in Kogi State.

July 26, 2023

Dr. Samson Agada Omale, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate for Kogi State Governorship elections, has unveiled a promising manifesto during a presentation to the people of Kogi State on July 26, 2023.

The manifesto outlines a comprehensive plan focusing on economic growth, infrastructure development, security enhancement, good governance, and human capital development.

If elected as governor, Dr. Omale pledges to establish a close relationship with the private sector, aiming to create job opportunities, boost the state’s revenue, and harness Kogi State’s abundant human and natural resources.

“We seek a close relationship with the private sector aimed at creating jobs, increasing the state’s revenue receipts, and harnessing Kogi state’s massive human and natural resources.”

“On our part, we shall adopt world-class policies that promote efficiency, remove bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure a stable and predictable political environment for investors and entrepreneurs.” He said.

Dr. Omale has sets ambitious targets of achieving at least 7-10% annual GDP growth and a 20% annual increase in internally generated revenue (IGR) through robust inflows and key policy reforms.

Key priority sectors for development include:

Mining: Large-scale development of key resources such as Iron Ore, Gold, Coal, Limestone, and Lithium.

Agriculture: Focusing on investments and export opportunities in value chains like cassava-to-ethanol, processed cashew, oil palm, and fruits processing.

Tourism: Attracting investments to historical/cultural sites and ecotourism destinations, encouraging large-scale integrated resort development.

Digital Economy: Building Kogi State as a leading technology hub by attracting investments in food technology, climate technology, e-government services, and precision agriculture.

Industrialisation: Attracting investments into new and existing industries, with a particular focus on steel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel production.

Marine Economy: Harnessing water resources for economic growth in areas such as mini hydropower production, irrigation, transportation, research, and leisure.

Recognizing that a secure environment is essential for progress, Dr. Omale’s manifesto prioritizes effective control over the state’s security situation in close collaboration with federal security and intelligence agencies.

The candidate proposes a strategy that combines local knowledge with cutting-edge technology to detect, prevent, and respond to security challenges in real time.

Key actions include surveillance using advanced tools like highway CCTVs and UAVs, implementing a state emergency management system, funding essential facilities and equipment for security agencies, and establishing local vigilante and intelligence networks in vulnerable communities.

Infrastructure development is crucial for economic growth, security, and an improved quality of life. Dr. Omale plans to collaborate with local and international investors to pursue a robust transport, energy, and environmental infrastructure drive across the state.

Key targets include renewable energy projects, trackless tram development, state and local road construction, clean water provision, and flood control measures.

The manifesto emphasizes operating an efficient, transparent, and predictable justice system to protect people’s freedoms and provide easy access to justice.

The candidate promises absolute accountability across the public sector, starting with the governor’s office, to curb corruption and improve governance. Initiatives include enacting and enforcing a bill of rights to protect citizens’ fundamental human rights, ensuring transparency and accountability in government bodies, repositioning the judiciary for greater efficiency, and undertaking civil service reforms.

Recognizing the importance of education and healthcare for the state’s growth, the manifesto aims to make ample investments in these sectors. The candidate proposes health financing through the Kogi Health System (KHS) and select private insurers to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all residents.

Additionally, education financing, welfare improvement for healthcare and education workers, and infrastructure development for healthcare and education facilities are among the key initiatives to be undertaken.

Dr. Samson Agada Omale’s comprehensive manifesto outlines a vision for a prosperous, secure, and well-governed Kogi State, with a focus on the welfare and development of its people.

As the gubernatorial election approaches, the people of Kogi State now have a clear picture of the candidate’s priorities and aspirations for their state’s future.

ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Coup in Niger; President Buzoum Held Hostage.

Favour Bassey Otu

July 26, 2023

In a concerning turn of events, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strong condemnation of the attempted coup in the Republic of Niger.

Read:

The nation is facing a perilous situation as a coup d’état is currently underway, sparking widespread concern and uncertainty in the region.

At the heart of the coup, President Bazoum Mohamed finds himself held hostage by the presidential guard.

The situation is tense and volatile, with the guard adamantly refusing to retreat, leading to heightened security measures being put in place.

Both the Army and National Guard have been deployed around the Presidential Palace to assert control and protect against further escalation.

Sources close to the situation report that the Presidential Guard initially sought the support of the military for their mutiny.

However, it appears that the military has chosen not to endorse the coup, refusing to be part of the attempt to overthrow the government.

This refusal from the military has created divisions within the ranks of the coup plotters, further complicating the already fragile situation.

As events continue to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring the developments in Niger.

The attempted coup poses a significant threat to peace and stability in the region, and ECOWAS’s swift condemnation underscores the gravity of the situation.

The people of Niger are anxiously awaiting further updates, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The future political landscape of the country remains uncertain as the standoff between the coup plotters and government loyalists continues.

ECOWAS, along with other regional and international bodies, is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to mediate and find a resolution to the crisis.

The immediate priority is to ensure the safety of President Bazoum Mohamed and prevent any further violence that could escalate the situation into full-scale instability.

The international community is united in its stance against any attempts to undermine democratic processes and the rule of law.

Calls for restraint and peaceful dialogue have been echoed from around the world, urging all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

As the situation remains fluid, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to the attempted coup in Niger.

The stability of the country and the broader West African region hinges on a peaceful and democratic outcome to this crisis.

Fuel subsidy: NLC issues seven-day nationwide strike notice

Favour Bassey Otu

July 26, 2023

The Nigeria Labour Congress has put plans in place for a nationwide strike scheduled to begin August 2,2023, The PUNCH has reliably gathered.

Though a court order which barred the congress from going on strike in June still stands, our correspondent learnt that the congress noted that it could not fold its arms while Nigerians continued to suffer the effects of subsidy removal which has led to untold hardship.

The PUNCH reports that the Tinubu administration dragged the organised labour to court earlier in June to prevent a nationwide strike following the initial removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit popularly known as petrol.

Though the government set up a committee to liaise with the organised labour, officials of the Trade Union Congress and the NLC said the committee had failed to engage labour in a dialogue.

Speaking with our correspondent, the national treasurer of the NLC, Hakeem Ambali, said, “Yes. We issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to conclude all negotiations with labour or face industrial action yesterday by the Central Working Committee.”

Earlier, an NLC official who spoke to The PUNCH on Tuesday noted that the congress would meet on Tuesday and deliberate on the ways forward.

Failure of the government to meet the ultimatum would lead to a nationwide strike.
The national president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero has yet to issue an official statement on the matter nor respond to inquiries by our correspondent on the matter.

Another national official noted that the public would be intimated on other plans shortly.

Suspended CBN Gov Emefiele Arrives Court For Trial.

Favour Bassey Otu

July 25, 2023

The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has arrived at the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State

The embattled CBN boss arrived at the court premises around 9:20 am for his alleged gun possession trial.

He is to stand trial on two counts of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license.

The PUNCH reports that the Department of State Services had on July 13, 2023, filed a two-count of illegal processions of firearm and ammunition against the suspended CBN governor.

The DSS in the charge sheet accused Emefiele of possessing a single-barrelled shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a license.

In the second count, the service charged him with illegally possessing 23 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a license. The offense is also said to be contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms Act and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.

NITDA Seeks Support/Collaboration From Global Tech Giants to Boost Startup Ecosystem.

Favour Bassey Otu

July 25, 2023

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commenced engagements with international bodies in ensuring that a formidable startup ecosystem is built in the country through resources that are harnessed from global tech giants for the sustenance of the country’s digital economy.

In achieving the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration towards rejuvenating the country’s tech startup ecosystem with a million tech jobs, NITDA has been proactively socialising with global tech giants by creating platforms for startups where ideas, programs and expertise can be shared.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE made this known when he received a delegation from the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) led by its Executive Vice President, Trixie Lohmirman to the corporate headquarters of the agency in Abuja.

Welcoming the visitors to Nigeria, the NITDA boss stated that collaboration is highly essential in creating a vibrant tech ecosystem globally. He further noted that big techs in the world need the talents in Africa to survive and thrive.

“When you talk about innovation and talent in the digital economy, Africa is the next frontier in terms of our youthful population. Even the big techs are coming to Nigeria and Africa to open their engineering departments because they need talents to survive”, he averred.

While applauding the visitors for organising the yearly Gulf Information Technology Exhibition in Dubai, Inuwa emphatically called on the Dubai World Trade Centre to consider the hosting of GITEX Africa in Nigeria as was done in Marrakech Morocco 2023.

“Apparently, we are moving towards having strong conferences in Nigeria and we also need your participation. You should also come to Nigeria”, he added.

Laying more emphasis, he disclosed that the country would be organising 2 conferences in the year and he thinks it is an opportunity for the visitors to leverage their existing relationship and become core partners at the event.

Asides from the annual Digital Nigeria Conference being organised by NITDA in October, the DG stated that the agency is partnering with the USA consulate general to bring all the USA companies to Nigeria for a Pan-African conference in the country which is the Global Tech Africa in November.

“The doors are still open to partner with us because we already have Business Sweden, the German government and other European countries on board for the summit. So, you can also be a sponsor”, he urged.

Conclusively, while expressing the agency’s enthusiasm in understudying how GITEX was being organised, Inuwa said that “I think we can learn from you and explore how we can build this kind of conference in Africa. If we have it in Nigeria, it is not only for Nigerians but all of Africa”.

In her earlier remark, the Executive Vice President of the DWTC thanked NITDA for their usual support towards the GITEX, Dubai. She stated that Nigeria’s support has remained one of the reasons the conference has recorded tremendous success.

“On the back of your support and the global community, GITEX is now the largest tech show in the world”, she stated.

Giving assurances of their support to Nigeria which she says has the biggest market for startups, Lohmirman sought further collaboration with the agency by providing access to funding for startups in the country.

“This is why we are here to meet up with you as a strategic stakeholder in the Nigerian digital transformation strategy and see how we can extend our collaboration together to give bigger opportunities and visibility to Nigerians to increase exportation as well as foreign direct investments”, she concluded.

While addressing a team of startups at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, she declared that “Nigeria possess the secret army that will rule the world’s global tech ecosystem.”

Stunned by the passion of the young people she met at the centre, the Executive Vice President of the DWTC commended the effort of the Centre and pushed for a startup exchange programme between Nigeria and other countries including UAE.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the startup to interact with the highest body that manages GITEX Global with a view of taking advantage of the opportunity provided by the world’s largest tech expo.

The highly elated team from DWTC also called for more collaboration and partnership especially in the area of AI, as the centre is poised to make Nigeria the AI Centre of Africa.

Reps Investigate Annual $9.5 Billion Losses Attributed To Gas Flaring.

Favour Bassey Otu

July 25, 2023

Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has formally established an Ad hoc Committee with the sole purpose of investigating the alleged $9.05 billion revenue loss resulting from gas flaring in Nigeria over the past decade.

During the inauguration of the House ad hoc committee on Gas Flaring, which took place on Monday, Abbas urged the committee members to delve into the root causes of gas flaring and present recommendations to put an end to this detrimental practice.

He emphasized that the investigation signifies a pressing recognition of the imperative to comprehend and mitigate the environmental, social, and economic ramifications associated with gas flaring.

“The task bestowed upon this ad hoc committee is of utmost importance, as it directly impacts the well-being of our citizens and the economic prosperity of our nation,” stated the Speaker.

“You have been charged with the responsibility of investigating, perhaps, one of the most harmful practices in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

“Gas flaring and venting have been a significant environmental, economic, health and social concern in our country for many years.

“The flared gas represents lost revenue that could have been generated through its sale or utilization. Official records indicate that we lose about 2.5 billion dollars annually to gas flaring,” he said.

He said that as a major contributor to climate change and environmental degradation, gas flaring has direct and indirect impacts on soil, water, and wildlife.

According to him, gas flaring represents a tremendous waste of valuable resources; it is a precious energy source that could be utilized for various purposes, such as electricity generation, heating, or industrial processes.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Babba Munir (APC-Kaduna State), said that the members were representing the interests of all Nigerians.

He said that the issue of gas flaring had lingered for decades despite several undertakings by oil companies to stop it.

“We are here to give everyone a fair hearing, to know where the loopholes are, where we need to tweak our laws to ensure we get optimal results.

“We do not have to revisit how important it is to our revenue drive needed for infrastructure, security, education, and health.

“It is a win-win situation for even the oil companies because if revenues are generated, it is spent on securing our nation, on infrastructure that will better their operations.

“We are insisting and putting our feet down that all agencies of government and oil companies

“Once you are invited, we expect you to come with your full submissions and with the highest representation of your organization,” he said.

The committee invited Total/Mobil V Domestic wing, Total/Oando JV, Total Energies, African Petroleum Pic., now Ardova PLC, to appear before or on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Others are Azman Oil and Gas Limited, Matrix Oil And Gas Shata Ltd, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, National Council on Climate Change and Nigerian Petroleum Development Company.

Also to appear are Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company (Aje Oil Field-Offshore), Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy, and Belemaoil Producing Limited.

Walter Smith Petroman Oil Limited, Green Energy International Limited, Millenium Oil and Gas Company Limited, Folawiyo Energy Eroton Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Ltd.

NAN reports that the Nigerian Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency said Nigeria lost N891 billion to gas flaring in 18 months.

According to data from NOSDRA on August 8, 2022, Nigeria lost a total of N707bn in 2021 and N184bn in the first half of 2022, totaling N891bn.

According to the NOSDRA report, oil and gas companies operating in the country flared a total of 126 billion standard cubic feet of gas in the first half of 2022, leading to a loss of $441.2 million, (about N183.54 billion) in the six-month period.

On the other hand, the agency said, in 2021, about 23,862.271 barrels of oil (3,770,238.864 litres/119 tanker trucks) were spilled.

Giving a breakdown of the gas flared in the country in the first six months of 2022, the agency disclosed that while companies operating in the offshore oilfields flared 62.2 billion SCF of gas, companies operating onshore flared 63.9 billion SCF of gas, valued at $223.6 million.

In 2021, there were around 382 publicly available oil spill records. Out of the 382 occurrences, a total of 33 of these oil spill sites were not visited by a joint investigation team, and 122 of these had no estimated quantity of oil spilled provided by the companies involved.

Two major oil spills were recorded in 2021, with over 250 barrels spilled into inland waters and over 2,500 barrels spilled on land, swamps, shorelines, and the open sea, the report said.

A total of seven medium oil spill incidents were recorded in 2021, with 25-250 barrels spilled into inland waters, or 250-2,500 barrels spilled on land, swamps, shorelines, and the open sea.

In terms of minor oil spills, about 239 cases were recorded with up to 25 barrels spilled into inland waters or 250 barrels on land, swamps, shorelines, and the open sea.

(NAN)

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT: ECOWAS Parliament, EALA to Sign MoU With NILDS to Train Legislators.

Favour Bassey Otu

July 24, 2023

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has revealed its plan to enter into a significant collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

The purpose of this MoU is to enhance capacity building for their respective staff members on legislative matters.

During a recent visit to the Director General of NILDS, Prof Abubakar Sulaiman in Abuja, the Speakers of EALA, Honourable Joseph Ntakirutimana, and his ECOWAS counterpart, Honourable Sidie Mohammed Tunis, expressed their support for this partnership.

Honourable Tunis emphasized the importance of such cooperation, stating that it will bolster the capacity of ECOWAS member states and the entire African continent. He underscored the significance of regional bodies like ECOWAS and EALA taking charge of their affairs rather than relying on the African Union’s centralized decision-making process in Addis Ababa.

Honourable Ntakirutimana praised NILDS, likening it to the American Democratic Institute (NDI) in terms of its ideas and intellectual resources. He expressed delight that NILDS is based in Nigeria and stressed the need for the institute to maintain autonomy from external influences. He welcomed the idea of capacity building and called for sufficient funding from the Nigerian government to enable NILDS to effectively serve Nigeria and Africa without external interference.

Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman, the Director General of NILDS, reiterated the institute’s commitment to serving Africa in various capacities. He highlighted the initial support received by the institute from the Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) when it operated under the National Assembly, after which the Nigerian government took over funding responsibilities.

The collaborative efforts between NILDS, ECOWAS Parliament, and EALA aim to bolster legislative knowledge and skills among staff members, leading to more effective governance and representation. The MoU will further solidify this partnership and foster mutual growth and development.

The meeting also saw the presence of esteemed figures, including NILDS lead consultant, Prof Attahiru Jega, Chairman of NILDS Academic Advisory Board, Prof Nuhu Yaqub, Secretary General of ECOWAS, Dr John Azumah, delegation to ECOWAS Parliament, Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante, and a member of Tanzania House of Representatives, Hon. Dr Mlozi Shogo.

NDPC Tasks Data Controllers and Processors on Data Protection Compliance, Registration.

Social Plus Africa

July 24, 2023

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is tasked with ensuring data protection compliance and registration for all organizations that collect and process data in Nigeria.

This requirement is in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act, which mandates data controllers and data processors to register with the Commission within six months of the enactment of the law.

The Act covers organizations such as banks, telecom operators, educational institutions, government parastatals, insurance companies, and others that handle people’s personal data.

The registration process is set to take place between the date of the law’s enactment and December 31, 2023. Registered organizations are also required to submit their annual audit reports to the Commission between January and March each year.

The primary goal of the NDPC is to protect the rights of individuals to control and safeguard their personal information in an interconnected world. It is responsible for creating awareness, conducting investigations, and imposing penalties on data protection violators.

The implementation of the Data Protection Act is also expected to increase foreign direct investment in Nigeria, as investors will have confidence in the country’s legal framework for data protection.

Data subjects, which include all Nigerians who have their data with government or private organizations, have certain rights under the Data Protection Act. These rights include giving or withholding consent for data collection, the right to rectify incorrect data, data portability, erasure, and the right to refuse data processing, among others.

Data controllers and data processors are obligated to take measures to ensure the security of the data they hold. This involves implementing technological and organizational measures to protect the data from unauthorized access or breaches.

The signing of the Data Protection Bill into law on June 12 has transformed the National Data Protection Bureau into a Commission, which will be responsible for driving the implementation of the data protection law in Nigeria. The Commission’s work is essential for safeguarding individuals’ data and promoting trust in the economy, thereby attracting foreign direct investments to the country.

Gov. Bello Extends Heartfelt Congratulations To Akeredolu, SAN, On His 67th Birthday.

Social Plus Africa

July 21, 2023

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State sends his warmest congratulations to his esteemed colleague and legal luminary, Arakunri Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on the occasion of his 67th birthday.

Governor Bello acknowledges Akeredolu not only as a senior colleague but also as a statesman whose wise counsel and kind guidance have significantly enhanced the leadership of the Governors Forum over the past six years.
He commends the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association as one of the eminent figures in Africa’s legal profession, applauding his relentless efforts in advancing the cause of justice, upholding the rule of law, and strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.

Governor Bello praises Akeredolu for his exemplary leadership, which has resulted in remarkable progress and the delivery of democracy dividends to the people of Ondo State, including notable achievements in infrastructure development, security, and various other vital sectors of the state’s affairs.

The governor takes this opportunity to extend his heartfelt prayers for Akeredolu’s good health and long life, while also wishing him many happy returns on this special day.

Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, CON, born on 21 July 1956 in Owo, became President of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2008, and he is the current Governor of Ondo State, also serving as the chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum.

82 Salutes to Major General Jemibewon: Kogi State Governor Extends Warm Congratulations

Social Plus Africa

July 21, 2023

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, sends heartfelt congratulations to Major General David Medayese Jemibewon (Rtd), the esteemed elder statesman and former military governor of Oyo State, as he celebrates his 82nd birthday. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, ONOGWU Muhammed, Governor Yahaya Bello expresses admiration for Major General Jemibewon’s significant contributions to the nation-building process.

The governor acknowledges the profound impact that Major General Jemibewon has made on various aspects of Nigeria’s governance and development. Throughout his military career, Major General Jemibewon demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the betterment of society, inspiring both current and future generations of leaders with his patriotic and selfless service.

Governor Bello states, “As we honor Major General Jemibewon with 82 salutes, we celebrate a remarkable individual whose dedication to the nation leaves an enduring legacy. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to him for his numerous achievements and milestones in service to Nigeria. His exemplary leadership and selfless devotion continue to inspire us all. May his wisdom and contributions continue to guide and shape the future of our great nation.”

Furthermore, Governor Bello deeply appreciates General Jemibewon’s tireless contributions to the development of Okunland and Kogi State in general. He sends his prayers and well-wishes, hoping for God’s continuous blessings of good health and long life for the elder statesman.

Born on 20 July 1940, Major General Jemibewon served as the military governor of the now-defunct Western State between August 1975 and March 1976 during the military regime of General Murtala Muhammed. Subsequently, he governed Oyo State after its creation from part of the old Western State between March 1976 and July 1978 during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo. Later, Jemibewon served as the Minister of Police Affairs in the cabinet of President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2000 after the return to democracy.

Governor Yahaya Bello’s message stands as a testament to Major General Jemibewon’s remarkable journey of service and his enduring impact on Nigeria’s progress and development.

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