FG Declares May 29 Work-Free Day.

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May 26, 2023

The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 29, 2023, as a work-free day for all workers in the country.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Shuaib Belgore, said this is to commemorate the inauguration of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu.

He enjoined Nigerians to continue to support and promote democracy through adherence to the rule of law.

The statement partly read, “The Minister felicitates with all Nigerians on the momentous occasion, commending them for their faith in democracy as expressed in the nationwide election that produced the President and his Deputy being inaugurated and indeed in all elections across the nation.

Aregbesola urged Nigerians also to continue to promote ideals of peaceful coexistence and love for our neighbours, noting that we can only practice democracy and enjoy its dividends in a peaceful environment.”

The Minister, however, commended all Nigerians for their efforts at achieving an unbroken civilian rule and successful change of governments since 1999.

He urged them to support and cooperate with the coming administration, arguing that the unbounded energy of the people is the nation’s greatest strength and will take the nation to its greatest height when it is positively deployed in its service.

The Minister, however, charged Nigerians to shun any form of violence and other untoward acts, assuring them that with all hands on deck, the future is very bright when the nation will attain greatness in all facets of human development.

New AGF Assumes Office, Vows to Fully Digitize Treasury activities.

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May 26, 2023

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The new Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) Dr Sekirat Madein has vowed to fully digitize Treasury activities especially the Integrated Payroll and Personnel information system (IPPIS) and Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

Madein who is the first female Accountant-General of the Federation said this in Abuja when she took over from the outgoing substantive AGF, Sylva Okolieaboh.

She also said she will pay particular attention to training, staff welfare and capacity building.

Embarrassed by allegations of corruption rocking the Treasury, has warned that she will not tolerate corruption under her watch as the Accountant General of the Federation.

“The Treasury has suffered some turmoil in the recent past and it will move from strength to strength even after recent allegations of corruption rocked the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.” Madein lamented.

According to her, we should have zero tolerance for corruption, be committed to service, and generate revenue for the federal government.

“Treasury House will comply with existing laws and regulations so that when next they discuss Treasury House, it is for the better” – She said

We will move back to the glorious days of our forefathers but I need your cooperation.

“We must be guided by the general principles of zero-tolerance to corruption in discharging our statutory responsibilities so that we can diligently redeem the image of this great office.”

Sylva Okolieaboh was appointed Acting AGF in June, 2022. He acted for 11 months. He is due to leave the service of the federation on Sunday 28th May, 2023 when he will be 60 years old.

Already the Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI) have been removed from the Treasury.

BREAKING NEWS: Supreme Court dismisses PDP’s case against Shettima’s double nomination

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May 26, 2023

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The Supreme Court has struck out a suit seeking the disqualification of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu and the vice president-elect, Kashim Shettima, over alleged double nomination.

The appeal was brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through their counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), alleging that Shettima had double nomination as senatorial candidate for Borno Central Senatorial District and vice-presidential candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

But the apex court held that the PDP lacked the locus standi to bring the action, since the party was not a member of the APC.

The appeal was earlier dismissed by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal for lack of locus standi and a cost of N5 million against the PDP. Dissatisfied, the party approached the apex court.

The PDP had asked the apex court to hear the matter on its merit and determine the grounds set out for the suit.

In the suit filed on July 28, 2022, the PDP claimed that the double nomination breached the provisions of sections 29(1), 33, 35, and 84(1)(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

PDP submitted that Shettima was still the nominated senatorial candidate on July 14, 2022 having emerged in the May primary of the APC, when he was again nominated the vice presidential candidate.

The party submitted that he withdrew his senatorial nomination on July 15, 2022, and was by then in breach of Section 33 on multiple nominations.

However, on January 13, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja dismissed the suit on the grounds that the PDP lacked the locus standi.

Tinubu Promises to tackle insecurity, power crisis as he Recieves Transition Reports.

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May 26, 2023

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The newly elected president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to tackle the insecurity and power crises bedeviling the Nation.

Tinubu said this while being handed the transition report by the President, Muhammadu Buhari.

He said this shortly after his investiture with the country’s highest national honour of Grand Commander of Federal Republic alongside the Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima who was honoured with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger by the President.

The investiture ceremony took place at the State House Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of the lineup of events for the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony slated for Monday.

The ex-Lagos State governor said he understood the honour conferred upon him and his VP-elect and the magnitude of the task ahead.

He appealed to Buhari to entertain “knocks” on his doors whether he retires to Daura or the Niger Republic.

He said, “I am a simple man who is the beneficiary of the support and goodwill of the people of Nigeria. The people have put their trust in us. You have done your part, Mr President.

ECOWAS Country Reports Do Not Reflect The True Situation of Things – Njai

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May 26, 2023

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A honourable member of the Gambia and ECOWAS Parliament, Hon Fatoumata Njai has raised an alarm over the country reports being presented to the ECOWAS parliament.

According to her, the reports do not reflect the true situation of things in the region.

She highlighted an example of her country report, in the Gambia, stating that at the moment, there is Acute Kidney Infection leading to the death of some 70 children but this was not stated in their country report.

“We come to the Community Parliament read and adopt reports that do not reflect the plight of our citizens”

“So are we here enjoying at the expense of our citizens or we should rather go to the grounds and see what is happening rather than sitting here talking about reports that do not have true reflections of the situation on the ground?” – she said

Madam Njai made the observations at the closing ceremony of the 2023 first Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja Nigeria.

This was when the joint Committees of Political Affairs, Peace, Security & APRM / Legal Affairs and Human Rights report was being presented for adoption at the plenary.

Hon Njai told the plenary that she does not see her colleagues speaking in the interest of their citizens on the floor.

Again she supports the idea of sending fact-finding missions to member states when there are issues to be addressed.

But was quick to point out that, when they go for these missions, they seat with the ruling government and tell them what they want them to know instead of going to the citizens to verify what is on the ground.

According to her the Authority of Heads of States has become a fifteen (15) member club that only seeks to protect the interest of ruling governments and to entrench themselves in power at the expense of ordinary community citizens.

Speaking on the rising political situation in Senegal, she said Governments and the sub-regional bloc are ignoring early warning signs that may lead toanother coup.

She argued that currently, three member states that have experience coups – Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso are in transition to constitutional rule, but the way things are going, as a sub-regional bloc, we might have more.

Additionally, she pointed out that her home Country just came out of a local-level election and the amount of disrespect that government officials with the security have inflicted on civilians if they had reacted there would have been chaos.

She called on the Authority of Heads of States to do more to protect the interest of the citizens and not just entrench themselves in the interest of the ruling governments.

UN Commends Nigeria’s Military Role In Peacekeeping Operations.

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May 24, 2023

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The United Nations has commended the Nigerian military for its remarkable contributions to global peace over the past 63 years.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mathias Schmale gave the commendation during the Commemoration of 75years of UN Peacekeeping Operations in Abuja.

Schmale said in Africa, Nigeria has taken on leadership roles, operating as a force for regional stability.

The Nigerian Military has been actively involved in leading the mission in Liberia, Protecting citizens in Mali, monitoring the ceasefire in Mozambique amongst other operations.

Despite the insecurity challenges ravaging the Nation, the Nigerian Military and the police have continued to contribute troops to sustain commitments to the UN.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Leo Irabor stated that Nigeria has significantly contributed to 41 peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Ever since over 200,000 Nigerian troops have served in UN Peacekeeping Missions worldwide.

“The Federal Government will continue to provide the necessary support required to discharge our statutory roles professionally” he said

He further appreciated the UN for their humanitarian interventions to victims of conflict across the nation.

Since 1948, more than two million peacekeepers have served in seventy one missions, helping countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace.

But more than four thousand two hundred peacekeepers have lost their life yet more are still committed to the onerous task.

FG To Secure N5BN Loan Facility For Livestock Farmers

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May 24, 2023

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Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, has announced that the Federal Government provided N5Billion to Bank of Agriculture to encourage livestock farming in the country.

The announcement which was made during a media briefing highlighted that
with notable initiatives such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) and Livestock Productivity Resilience and Support Plan (LPRESP), would reform the livestock sector.

Dr. Abubakar stated that the N5 billion in the Bank of Agriculture was part of recapitalization to be given to livestock herders.

“The bank is being recapitalized, so more money will be coming in.” He explained.

The Minister assured that the scheme is expected to bring more stability to develop the livestock sector, improve security and harmonious existence between farmers and herders.

The Loan Facility would also ensure more access at reasonable interest rates for farmers to expand their business and attract potential Investors into the Livestock Value Chain.

The Minister pointed out that crop sub sector has always gotten more attention because it comes with food security.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, BoA, Alwan Ali Hassan, explained that, “The Federal Government has recapitalized the Bank of Agriculture, we have received some funds and one of the mandates of the bank is financing the agric value chain completely’’.

Alhaji Hassan pointed out that the modality in giving out the loan is going to be exactly as enshrined in loan conditions.

We have set rules for giving out loans which is governed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, regulations and also regulated by the bank and financial institutions body’’.

He added that “the rates start from nine per cent up to 15 per cent depending on which value chain you are taking.

That means it depends on the risk factor of the business you are going into’’.

On whether individuals farmers, who are not registered members of associations could apply for the loan, the Managing Director answered in the affirmative stating:
“In fact, we do not intend to give loan to the association, we are giving their members”.

“All that the association has to do is to introduce their members”.

Reacting to this development, the National President, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Baba Usman Ngelzarma lauded Federal Government for the loan facility as an important intervention for the livestock Value Chain.

KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT

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May 23, 2023

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PRESS RELEASE

Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, has officially announced the immediate reappointment of several key officials in the state. The following individuals have been approved to resume their previous positions:

Jibrin Momoh: Former State’s Accountant General
Pharm. Jamiu Abdulkarim Asuku: Former Chief of Staff to the Governor
Yakubu Okala: Former State Auditor-General
Idris Asiwaju Asiru: Former Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning
Barr Momodu Ozigi Deedat: Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The reappointment of the Auditor-General and the commissioners is subject to the scrutiny and confirmation of the House of Assembly before they can resume their duties.

Note that these individuals had previously submitted their resignation letters in March. Their reappointment has been carefully considered and approved by the State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

We trust that the reappointment of these officials will further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the state government in delivering its mandate to the people of Kogi State.

ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Kogi State
22/05/2023

MAY DAY: GOV BELLO SALUTES KOGI WORKERS, SAYS THEIR SACRIFICES WON’T GO IN VAIN

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May 1, 2023

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The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has commended the efforts of Kogi workers and workers across Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s International Workers’ Day. This day provides an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made by workers who form the backbone of our economy.

Bello is proud of Kogi’s workforce, which he considers second to none, and recognizes their significant contribution to the development of the state and the nation. He acknowledges the critical role of workers in the growth of the country and assures them that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

The governor’s administration recognizes the substantial contribution of workers in various sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing, and credits their tireless efforts for the success of the state.

Despite the challenges of the past year, workers have remained committed to their work, and Bello pledges his administration’s commitment to continue supporting them, creating an enabling environment for them to thrive, and improving their working conditions and welfare.

On this Workers’ Day celebration, Bello once again expresses his heartfelt appreciation to all workers in Kogi State, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and sacrifices for the state.

You’ll Be Victorious, Asiwaju Assures Ododo

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April 29, 2023

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The President-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has bestowed his blessings upon Hon. Ododo Ahmed Usman, OAU, the APC Gubernatorial candidate for Kogi 2023, while assuring him of victory at the November polls.

During Ododo’s visit to his residence in Abuja on Saturday, Asiwaju urged party members in the state to work towards the party’s victory at the polls. He stated that Kogi has been an APC stronghold with consistent electoral victories since 2015 and expressed no doubt that Ododo would emerge victorious in November. The President-elect also commended the party leadership and supporters for their overwhelming victory in the last election.

Earlier, the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who led Ododo on the visit, said that party members chose Ododo as the candidate based on his capacity, competence, and ability to lead effectively. He assured Asiwaju that the people of Kogi State would vote for consolidation, which Ododo’s candidacy represents, having witnessed the progress made in the state in the last seven years.

On April 14, 2023, the Kogi State APC Primary Election Committee declared Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo as the winner of the Kogi APC Governorship Primary Election, having garnered 78,704 votes to defeat other contestants in the race.

ONOGWU Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
April 29, 2023