Dons EzePRESIDENCY HOLDS TECHNICAL WORKSHOP, ECONOMIC REVIEW IN ABUJA
PRESIDENCY HOLDS TECHNICAL WORKSHOP, ECONOMIC REVIEW IN ABUJA In a bid to reposition the country’s economy in the upcoming, Nigeria’s presidency has to organised a very crucial technical workshop and a review of the economy in the outgoing year,. The event had in attendance policy makers, the academia, business world and technocrats. It had as the topic, “Achieving Faster Economic Growth in Year 2025 and Beyond” and was an opportunity to also x-ray the high points of the economy, shortfalls in the 2024, then make a projection into the 2025 and beyond. The Special Adviser to the President, office of the Vice President on Economy, Sadiq Jambo who in collaboration with his colleagues spearheaded the technical workshop and review noted that it was aimed at encouraging and inspiring economic agents in the private and public sector towards achieving enhanced growth and economic development. According to him, the robust and far-reaching discussions held at the economic review will form the basis of economic direction of the government in the new year. He expressed happiness that President Bola Tinubu has put mechanism in place to increase oil production capacity per day, which at the moment is at 1.8m bpd. He said the new gas utilization will not only fight inflation but reduce unemployment rate and get young Nigerians meaningfully engaged. “The richness of our country in gas has visibly brought a renewed hope to our countrymen and women, transforming their livelihoods and living standards. “Our roads today are dotted by gas-powered vehicles, which is attributable to the well thought out policies of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu. “The values chain, beyond reduction of cost of transportation will also translate to availability of food in the city as more farmers will be able to bring out their produce to the market”, he stated. “Our refining capacity is undergoing a renaissance, with the Dangote refinery completed and the Port Harcourt refinery refurbished, Nigeria is on the verge of achieving what seemed like a distant dream, reducing our dependence on imported fuel. “While we must acknowledge these historic reforms by, of course, untold droves within the larger population, but dare say it’s a temporary and even necessary”, he said. He applauded the federal government for critical steps taken towards rebuilding the economy for enhanced performance that will impact the lives of every citizen of the country. ABUJAPRESS understands that hose who spoke at the event include, Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, the Technical Adviser to the President on Financial Inclusion – OVP, Dr. Mariam Masha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Regional Development Programmes -OVP, Fegho Umunubo Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy -OVP Panelists include, Sadiq Wanka Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure – OVP, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agricbusiness and Productivity -OVP, Dr. Ibrahim Natagwandu Technical Adviser to the President on Debt Management- OVP, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion -OVP, Marion Moon Technical Adviser to the President on Agric -OVP and others. The Handbook, “The Nigerian Economy in 2025 And Beyond: Overcoming Challenges, Optimizing Opportunities for Accelerated Growth and Development” was also unveiled at the event.
WIKE IS A GOOD MAN, I DOFF MY HAT FOR HIM – TINUBU
WIKE IS A GOOD MAN, I DOFF MY HAT FOR HIM – TINUBU President Bola Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his performance in the nation’s capital since assuming office, saying his quest to make things right was commendable. The president gave the commendation during his first presidential presidential media chat with select senior journalists in Lagos on Monday night. When asked about the controversies surrounding Wike given his governance style in the FCT, particularly regarding ongoing demolitions of illegal structures, allegations of land grabbing against the Minister and revocation of land titles, Tinubu responded, saying Wike “is a good man” and a “performing minister,” highlighting the FCT Minister’s commitment to ensuring compliance with regulations in the FCT, a trait he said Nigerians often lacked. “Nyesom Wike is a good man, he is a performing minister. Nigerians lack compliance, period!” Tinubu said. “We don’t pay our ground rents on time. We see compliance as inconveniences. I doff my hat for him.” Recall that President Tinubu nominated Wike and thereafter assigned FCT Ministry on August 16, 2023, following his screening, and confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, was among 28 ministerial nominees sent to the 10th Senate by the president on July 27, 2023. During his screening on July 31, 2023, Wike assured the Senate and Nigerians that Tinubu would not regret nominating him for a ministerial role. “Mr. President will not regret nominating me as a minister in his cabinet,” Wike said during his Senate screening. Since his assumption of office, Wike has implemented policies aimed at addressing infrastructural development and urban renewal in the FCT. His actions have received both praise and criticism.
I’LL REJECT ANY LAW OPPOSING NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION – GOVERNOR MAKINDE ON MOVES TO ESTABLISH SHARIA IN OYO
I’LL REJECT ANY LAW OPPOSING NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION – GOV MAKINDE ON MOVES TO ESTABLISH SHARIAH IN OYO Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the Nigerian Constitution, stating that it will take precedence over Shariah court amid plans by a group to establish one in the state. Speaking in a video seen by SaharaReporters on X, Governor Makinde said his government will never allow any actions that breach the provision of secularism enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. He stressed that although there may be calls for a Shariah court, his primary duty is to uphold the Nigerian Constitution, the highest law of the land. As a public official, he is sworn to protect and defend the constitution, which outlines the fundamental principles and rules governing the country. The governor’s stance comes amid reports that the Oyo state chapter of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria had announced plans to establish a Shariah court in the state and its environs. In a flier that circulated widely today (Tuesday), the religious group invited Nigerians nationwide for the court’s inauguration ceremony. The event was initially slated to take place on January 11, 2025, at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje area, Oyo town. However, the group later postponed the inauguration of the court indefinitely. Speaking on these developments, the state governor maintained that he will ensure that the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution are strictly followed on the matter. He said: “They have brought up the issue of Shariah in Oyo, they demanded the establishment of a Shariah court. I say that people may try but for me, in Oyo State, our law is the constitution of Nigeria, which is what I swore to uphold. “And if they are within the law, fine. But if they are not, they should expect that I will insist the law is being followed.”
LAWYERS’ DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE REJECTS AFE BABALOLA REQUEST TO DEBAR DELE FAROTIMI
LAWYERS’ DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE REJECTS AFE BABALOLA’S REQUEST TO DEBAR DELE FAROTIMI The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has dismissed a request by Chief Afe Babalola’s law firm, Emmanuel Chambers, to revoke the law practicing license of lawyer and author Tomilola Farotimi, popularly known as Dele Farotimi, over allegations of criminal defamation and professional misconduct. The petition, submitted by Ola Faro, a lawyer with Emmanuel Chambers, accused Farotimi of making defamatory statements about the Supreme Court and the legal profession in his book Nigeria and Criminal Justice System. In its findings, the LPDC concluded that the alleged offences occurred in Farotimi’s capacity as an author rather than in his role as a legal practitioner. Consequently, the committee ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the matter and advised aggrieved parties to pursue their grievances in regular courts. LPDC Chairman, Justice Isaq Usman Bello, stated, “The publication is an intellectual property and not a conduct or action committed while practicing as a Legal Practitioner. All aggrieved parties who find the publication ‘defamatory’ should ventilate their grievances through the regular courts.” Farotimi’s book reportedly referenced suit number SC/146/2006, involving Major Muritala Gbadamosi Eletu and HRH Oba Tijani Akinloye and others, alleging corruption, bribery, and unethical practices within the judiciary and the legal community. Emmanuel Chambers claimed the book distorted case facts, disrespected fellow lawyers, and obstructed justice for personal gain. The Chambers also cited violations of multiple sections of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 and requested that Farotimi’s name be struck off the Roll of Legal Practitioners. However, the LPDC’s jurisdictional limitations ultimately prevented the petition from succeeding.
I’VE NEVER LIED AGAINST ANYBODY – DELE FAROTIMI INSISTS ON ALLEGATIONS AGAINST AFE BABALOLA
I’VE NEVER LIED AGAINST ANYBODY – FAROTIMI INSISTS ON ALLEGATIONS AGAINST AFE BABALOLA Activist lawyer, Dele Farotimi, on Tuesday insisted on the allegations he made against a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Afe Babalola, in his controversial book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’. Farotimi said he has never lied against anybody in his life, stressing that whatever he said about anybody is the truth. He spoke while addressing journalists after regaining his freedom from the Ekiti State Correctional Centre. The lawyer was freed after meeting his bail conditions. Farotimi said, “It is not ever an easy journey when you are fighting evil, but some years back, before I started this work, God told me that the truth is enough. “It is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria, which is the truth. “In my war against the evil empire that we all live in, I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know.” Last week Friday, a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti granted Farotimi bail in the sum of N30 million. In addition to the N30 million bond, the court said Farotimi must produce two sureties, one of whom must be a property owner. He was also ordered to submit his passport and prohibited from granting media interviews once released. The lawyer was arrested earlier in the month for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD.
IFEPED FELICITATES WITH ENUGU GOVERNOR, PETER MBAH, AT CHRISTMAS
IFEPED FELICITATES WITH ENUGU GOVERNOR, PETER MBAH, AT CHRISTMAS The Initiative for Eradication of Poverty and Empowerment of the Disabled (IFEPED) has felicitated with the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah on the occasion of this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations. In a release signed by the President of the group, Ugwu Victor Clifford, and Acting Secretary, Gab Ogbe, IFEPED appreciated the landmark achievements of Governor Mbah “on all sectors of the state economy especially in the areas of education, security, infrastructure and wellbeing of the citizens”. “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we want to thank you specially for Identifying with the IFEPED programmes and financial support more than your predecessors”, the group wrote.. IFEPED then prayed for the Governor’s good health and urged him to continue with his good works for the betterment of the people of Enugu State .
IT TOOK THE PRESIDENT 18 MONTHS TO TALK TO NIGERIANS – RUFAI OSENI FIRES TINUBU
‘IT TOOK THE PRESIDENT 18 MONTHS TO TALK TO NIGERIANS – RUFAI OSENI FIRES TINUBU.Popular journalist, Rufai Oseni, has expressed disappointment with the submissions by President Bola Tinubu during the first presidential media chat by his administration on Monday. Though Oseni acknowledged that the chat in itself was a welcome development, he lamented that it took President Tinubu such a long time to address Nigerians after his two economic policies had far-reaching negative effects on the lives of the people. He pointed out the two major policies as fuel subsidy removal and floating of the naira. The journalist said President Tinubu does not have a total grasp of issues, as confirmed in his responses to questions asked him during the chat. Speaking on Tuesday during the Morning Show on Arise News, Oseni submitted that the chat has left him more scared about what’s in store for Nigeria. “It took the president 18 months to be able to talk to Nigerians, when he had two policies that destroyed the prospects of Nigerians, and after that media chat, I’m more scared for Nigeria. President Tinubu fell my hand 100%, not a total grasp of the issues,” he said. Oseni, while criticizing Tinubu for gloating over many of the questions asked during the chat, particularly called out the President for failing to use the opportunity to sell the controversial Tax Reform Bills to the people. Rufai observed that the president didn’t provide answers to most of the questions, no clear depth and clarity when asked on subsidy the president failed to say the paid subsidy till early this year and the government kept on lying they were not subsiding. The president couldn’t articulate how inflation will come down, he just said more production in Agriculture with no clear plan. He didn’t articulate his view on the forex market and the inhibitions of the devaluation. He contradicted himself by talking about reducing the cost of government but defended running a bloated cabinet and said we should mention ministers that aren’t doing well, but also said we can do more in solid minerals so why is the minster not delivering, what’s happening in the marine economy,the minster of power hasn’t ensured power,the band A system has collapsed as they hardly get power. Apart from some ministers ( a few) most are not doing well. The president also didn’t expatriate on the tax bill and sell it properly to the people when asked about VAT. The chat was low on policy and details. I repeat hope is not an empirical proposition, the president must show action and intended policy. Till date, nothing is said about the import waiver on food that failed, also the president once promised 10m hectares cultivation. He also said he will give loans to farmers, how will these policies be executed?
HOW I’M FIGHTING CORRUPTION BY TINUBU
HOW I’M FIGHTING CORRUPTION, BY TINUBU President Bola Tinubu said on Monday that his government is committed to fighting corruption, and one way it is doing that is by implementing mechanisms to prevent it from happening. Tinubu mentioned the student loan scheme, an increase in the minimum wage, and the removal of petrol subsidies as efforts to prevent corruption. The president spoke in his first Presidential Media Chat in Lagos. “Pay them good and living wages,” President Tinubu said, referencing the recent increase in the minimum wage from N35,000 to N70,000. “To me, that is anti-corruption. If I can add more, giving more money to the states and local governments level, we are addressing corruption directly.” President Tinubu mentioned that he has been transparent with his earnings by adopting the practice of publishing monthly revenue figures. Meeting people needs will reduce corruption President Tinubu defended his controversial removal of the fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary step to reduce corruption and stabilize the economy. “Meet the people’s needs, help the people with their education of their children,” President Tinubu said, noting that over 60 per cent of Nigerians are now benefiting from tuition fee allowances through the student loan scheme. The president argued that fuel subsidies had long enabled smuggling and rent-seeking, with Nigeria inadvertently subsidising fuel consumption in neighbouring countries. President said that by removing the subsidies, the government has closed loopholes that were draining the nation’s resources. “The Nigerian economy had remained anaemic for decades because of many misalignments,” he explained. “We made the painful decision to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems, which blocked the greed and profits of smugglers and rent-seekers.” Though President Tinubu said fuel subsidy removal was a necessity, many Nigerians are still grappling with reality of high prices of food, transportation and other goods and services. Also, labour unions, civil society organisations, and opposition parties have criticised the policy by demanding a reduction in pump prices, a review of electricity tariffs, and stronger action against corruption in the oil sector. In response to the criticism, President Tinubu said his administration has introduced palliative measures to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal. “The society is moving forward by making many gains since its removal through palliative measures,” he said. EFCC’s recovery of estate The president also praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its recovery of an Abuja estate with more than 700 houses acquired with proceeds of corruption. He said his administration’s resolve to block funds leakages in the public sector. “Block all loopholes where anybody can just get what they want,” he said.
ENUGU FLAGS OFF TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR FARMERS ON LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
ENUGU FLAGS OFF TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR FARMERS ON LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION In its effort to ensure food security in the state, the Enugu State government, weekend, flagged of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support, L-PRES, programme on the training of farmers in the state on livestock production. Performing the ceremony at the Master Skills Development and Service Ltd, im Agbani. Nkanu West LGA of the state, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Hon. Patrick Ubru who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Victor Ngwu said the programme was in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s promise to eradicate hunger, unemployment and ensure zero headcount poverty index in the state. According to him, the workshop would expose the participants to knowledge on how to maximize production, deal with any challenges that may arise in the course of operating their farms, ensuring proper management and production of sufficient protein for the state. “It is the desire of Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah that the state records zero hunger and zero poverty head count index. It was on this note that he had graciously approved this training and doing his part to ensuring that farmers in Enugu State produce enough for the people to consume and equally export. “The state is already constructing a lot of rural roads to open up the economy of rural areas, making it easy for the farmers to have easy access to the cities. He is equally building Smart Green Schools and healthcare facilities to ensure that we and our children are healthy and educated. Thousands of Enugu farmers had already undergone different trainings and the Ministry of Agriculture under his watch shall continue to support the farmers and prioritize their welfare”, Ngwu said. Speaking earlier, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze described L-PRES as a project aimed at developing objectives to improve livestock productivity, resilience and commercialization of selected value chains, while ensuring economic diversification. According to her, L-PRES, is a body sponsored by the World Bank, federal and state governments to ensure food sufficiency, while remaining resilient in the fight against food insecurity. She further extoled the Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah for the support his administration has been giving to the farmers, especially those in the livestock space who often undertake trainings and workshops, noting that Mbah’s vision to grow the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, eradicate hunger and poverty in the state cannot be realized without being intentional about agriculture. “It’s good to seize this opportunity and acquire much knowledge about the value chain you are operating under livestock. L-PRES has enjoyed the support of the Enugu State government under Governor Peter Mbah who is intentional in ensuring that our state produces sufficient foods for consumption and exports to other states and beyond the country. His partnership with the World Bank and federal government is aimed at assisting the livestock farmers with the knowledge and skills which they will utilize in scaling up production,” the coordinator said. Dr. Nnajieze recalled that the Enugu State Government in collaboration with the National Animal Production Research Institute, NAPRI had recently sponsored the training of 30 persons, most of which were the lecturers from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) to Zaria, Kaduna State, for a two-weeks training on artificial insemination and the use of modern AI equipment to enhance animal productivity.
DELE FAROTIMI REGAINS FREEDOM AFTER MEETING BAIL CONDITIONS
DELE FAROTIMI REGAINS FREEDOM AFTER MEETING BAIL CONDITIONS Embattled activist lawyer, Dele Farotimi has regained his freedom after meeting his bail conditions. Disclosing this, activist politician, Omoyele Sowore, said Farotimi is returning to his home in Lagos. Posting on X, Sowore said the embattled activist lawyer was no longer at the prison yards in Ekiti State. He wrote: “I am pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti state and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues!” A few days ago, a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti had granted Farotimi N30 million bail. The lawyer was arrested earlier in the month for allegedly defaming Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, ABUAD. Farotimi, who was remanded in a correctional centre in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, arrived at the Magistrate Court premises around 9:45 am on Friday amid heavy security presence.