GOV ALIA GIVES FULL AUTONOMY TO BENUE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
GOV ALIA GIVES FULL AUTONOMY TO BENUE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS The administration of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has given full blessings to the autonomy of the 23 Local Government Areas in the state, with adequate plans also outlined to open up the rural areas to enable rural economies to thrive. Governor Alia gave his administration’s commitment to ensuring full local government’s autonomy on Monday, at the Royal Choice Inn, Makurdi, while declaring open a Two-Day workshop put together by the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in conjunction with Timarage Nigeria Limited, for chairmen and members of the local government interim Executives in the state. The governor pointed out that his administration has equally mapped out strategic projects and programmes for execution and implementation in all the Local Government Areas, saying by the time the projects and programmes are completed, the chequered history of the rural areas in the state will be completely reversed. “I am happy to State that my administration has given its full blessings to the autonomy of our Local Governments. Funds due to the Local Governments will be promptly. We are therefore, committed to the growth and development of the system and have outlined adequate plans to open up the rural areas to enable rural economies to thrive. Already, I have mapped out strategic projects and programmes which we are due to start execution and implementation in all the Local Government Areas. It is hoped that by the time we complete these projects and programmes, the chequered history of our rural areas will be completely reversed. The economies of our rural areas will witness tremendous growth and this will positively impact on the people,” the governor assured. While stressing the pivotal role the local government system plays in the development process of the Nation, the governor appealed to all Local Government committees to intensify efforts towards increasing their internally generated revenue, so as to boost their capacity to provide for the welfare of their people. “You are to remain closer to the people and to also uphold accountability, integrity and transparency in work, these are central areas to my administration. Embrace synergy and team work to enable a collective achievement to our set goals”, the governor urged. Earlier in his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dennis Akura, said the essence of the workshop is to build the knowledge of the Chairmen and Members of the Local Government Interim Executive Committees, equipping them with a better understanding of their roles for effective service delivery at the Third Tier of Government. He urged the participants to take full advantage of the workshop so that in the end, they will be able to support the efforts of the governor at the grassroots level.The Two Day Workshop with the theme “Responsive Local Government Leadership for Effective Local Government Administration in Benue State,” has been put together for Caretaker Chairmen, their Deputies, Director General Services and Administration (DGSAs) as well as the Local Government Supervisors.
LAGOS-KANO, EASTERN LINES TO BENEFIT FROM RENEWED HOPE INFRASTRUCTURE FUND – ONANUGA
LAGOS-KANO, EASTERN RAIL LINES TO BENEFIT FROM RENEWED HOPE INFRASTRUCTURE FUND – ONANUGA The Federal Government intends to use the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, which was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), to finance the Lagos-Kano and Eastern Rail Lines, along with other key infrastructure projects. This is contained a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, where he explained in detail what the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund entails. According to the statement, Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund which was unanimously approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, is an initiative by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to finance critical national projects that will accelerate infrastructure and economic development in all parts of the country, particularly in road, rail construction, agriculture, aviation, education, health, energy and technology. “Among the projects being targeted are major road networks, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, Lagos-Kano and Eastern Rail Lines. Ports and aviation facilities will be modernized,” the statement read in part. Furthermore, the Fund will focus on enhancing the nation’s agricultural value chain to boost food security, as well help create employment opportunities and promote exports, among other things. The statement said that Nigeria needs $35 billion annually until 2040 to cover its infrastructure expenditure. This necessitated the establishment of the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) by former President Muhammadu Buhari, with the National Wealth Authority playing a vital role, to bridge the infrastructural financing gap during his tenure. While the PIDF contributed to the realization of critical projects, such as the Second Niger Bridge and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, it encountered funding constraints and delays in project execution, leading to increased material costs and bureaucratic and institutional challenges. These challenges faced by the PIDF are what the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF) aims to overcome, according to Onanuga’s statement. The initial capital of the RHIDF is N20 trillion (about $14 billion), with investment capital expected from pension funds, concessionary loans, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, private sector arms of multilateral development institutions, and bilateral private sector investors. Other financing sources include individual investors, such as Diaspora Nigerians, endowments, and equity funds.The RHIDF will be managed by a Director-General and will reside within the Presidency, aiming to streamline the bureaucratic processes that usually delay the implementation of projects.
COURT SAYS CELESTINE OMEHIA NOT ENTITLED TO BENEFIT AS FORMER RIVERS GOVERNOR
COURT SAYS CELESTINE OMEHIA NOT ENTITLED TO BENEFIT AS FORMER RIVERS GOVERNOR A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has delivered judgment on the contentious issue of Celestine Omehia’s entitlement to pension benefits from the state government. The court ruled against the demand by the Rivers State Government and the Rivers State House of Assembly for Omehia to refund over N696m paid to him as pension and other benefits until his derecognition. The court, while acknowledging that Omehia had never officially served as governor of Rivers State, held that proper interpretation of the governor and deputy governor pension and free benefits law precludes him from benefiting from the pension scheme as stipulated under the state’s pension law. Justice Daketima Kio, in his judgment on the suit filed by Omehia against the Rivers State Governor, Attorney General of the State, Speaker, and the State House of Assembly, ruled that Omehia cannot be held liable for the errors of the defendants in the suit. The court emphasized that Omehia never sought recognition from the state government or the House of Assembly, and thus cannot legitimately demand the funds paid to him erroneously. Justice Kio affirmed the Supreme Court’s characterization of Omehia as an imposter and held that he should not be accorded the status of a former governor or benefit from the governor and deputy governor pension law. The court refrained from awarding costs in favour of any party, directing that each party should bear its costs. Counsel to the Rivers State Government and House of Assembly, Success Gibert, expressed satisfaction with the aspect of the judgment favouring his clients. However, he declined to comment on the ruling regarding the repayment of funds by the claimant, stating that the government will address the matter accordingly.Counsel to Omehia declined to comment on the judgment.
UJU ANYA: NIGERIAN-BORN US PROFESSOR ENGAGED WITH LESBIAN PARTNER
UJU ANYA: NIGERIAN-BORN US PROFESSOR ENGAGED WITH LESBIAN PARTNER Uju Anya, a Nigerian professor residing in the United States, has shared the joyful news of her engagement to her partner, Sirry Alang. The couple recently made the announcement on social media, revealing the heartwarming details of the romantic proposal that unfolded at a gathering surrounded by their loved ones. Taking to her social media platform on March 23rd, Uju Anya expressed her elation as she recounted the surprise proposal orchestrated by Sirry Alang. She described the memorable moment when the proposal unfolded amidst the presence of their children and dear friends.In her post, Uju wrote, “Y’all. She said we were heading to Summer Lee’s party. When I arrived to pick her up, I was pleasantly shocked beyond words. She had conspired with our friends, some flew in, and we found ourselves enveloped in love. In front of our children and cherished friends, Sirry Alang asked me to be her wife. And without hesitation, I said yes.”
I’LL CONTINUE TO PAY WAGE AWARD UNTIL MINIMUM WAGE IS CONCLUDED – GOV MBAH
I’LL CONTINUE TO PAY WAGE AWARD UNTIL MINIMUM WAGE IS CONCLUDED – GOV MBAH Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has promised continuous payment of wage awards to state workers until committee on new minimum wage concludes its work. The governor made the pledge during the Town Hall meeting with Enugu people on Saturday at the Old Government House, Enugu. The governor began the payments of the wage award of between N10,000 and N25,000 to state workers last December to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. The town hall meeting was attended by representatives of the Civil Society Organisations, women, students, youth, business owners, traders, transport unions and others. Mr Mbah said his government would prioritise workers’ welfare, adding that he would create values that would help workers to thrive. “Until new minimum wage is concluded, we will continue to pay wage award,” he assured. The governor who added that his administration inherited arrears of pension and gratuity of retired civil servants, explained that he did not waste time in clearing them. “Today we are working seriously to clear that of primary school teachers and Local Government workers. On education, Mr Mbah said his administration identified it as the strongest weapon to fight poverty, saying “this is why we are building SMART Schools across 260 wards which will be operational by September, 2025. “Our children will now be using tablets to study and teachers smart boards to teach while the student would learn about artificial intelligence, robotics and others that will make them technological inclined,” he said. The governor said that the government was building level two Primary Health Centres across the 260 wards to reduce infant and maternal mortality in the state. Mr Mbah said that it had already awarded 30 contracts for the health centres and about to award 100 more. On electricity, the governor disclosed that the state was working to generate and distribute electricity to provide power for homes and businesses in the state. “Electricity being the major infrastructural requirement for private sector to thrive, we took advantage when the Federal Government removed it from exclusive list to concurrent list by establishing Enugu State Electricity Commission. “There shall be no monopoly as people will be allowed to buy and sell electricity”Mr Mbah also pledged to design a programme to ensure students palliative and also sustain the state’s Scholarship Board.
Dons Eze
- Entertainment
- March 26, 2024
- 68 views
NOLLYWOOD ACTOR, ZACK ORJI, DEAD?
NOLLYWOOD VETERAN ACTOR ZACK ORJI DEAD? Social media is currently buzzing with unconfirmed reports of the passing of Nollywood Legend, Zack Orji. Orji who has been suffering from brain issues leading to a brain surgery was said to have died yesterday night. The actor was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Hospital in Abuja on New Year’s Eve. He was said to have had brain surgery the next day. The AGN said the actor was unable to walk or talk upon admission. A footage which surfaced on New Year’s Eve showed Mr Orji being admitted to a hospital in Abuja after collapsing at his house’s toilet. The video also showed the actor lying in bed in pain. The 63-year-old actor struggled with fatigue for weeks, leaving him unable to talk or move. The actor underwent medical tests, and the guild will inform the public of any developments. During the build-up to the general elections in February 2023, the actor made headlines in 2022 when he declared support for President Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He shared his endorsement in a two-minute video on his social media platforms. The actor also served as a director of performing arts for the APC’s presidential campaign council in 2022. Orji, a director and film producer, has starred in movies such as ‘Living in Bondage ‘Iva’ ‘Blood Sisters’ and others. He was featured in 2023 ‘Black Harvest,’ a gripping psychological thriller where he embodied the patriarch of a wealthy family wrestling with dark secrets and buried desires.He also starred in ‘Alerte’, a suspenseful action film alongside Nollywood stalwarts like Rita Edochie and Sani Danja.
- Spirituality
- March 26, 2024
- 68 views
THOMAS OBIATUEGWU: FROM BATTLEFIELD CHAPLAIN TO CATHOLIC BISHOP
THOMAS OBIATUEGWU: FROM BATTLEFIELD CHAPLAIN TO CATHOLIC BISHOP The Orlu Catholic Diocese has welcomed a new Auxiliary Bishop, Monsignor Thomas Ifeanyichukwu Obiatuegwu, in a ceremony that holds significance for the community and for Obiatuegwu, who left religious service in the US Military to take up religious duties as a priest in Orlu, Imo state. In January, Pope Francis appointed him to his new role, and as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Nigerian Episcopal See, Obiatuegwu will assist Bishop Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma, 70, who has led the Nigerian Diocese, accommodating 1.2 million Catholics, since June 2008. Bishop Obiatuegwu was born on January 1, 1966, in Umuaku Uli, Anambra State. He attended the Minor Seminary in Umuowa and Saint Joseph’s Major Seminary Ikot-Ekpene, and subsequently at the Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu. He further pursued higher education, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from the Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, and a Master’s Degree in Public Management and Policy from Indiana University in the United States of America. Obiatuegwu was ordained a Catholic Priest on August 26, 1995, and has since established himself as a religious nomad, serving in various offices in Nigeria and overseas. From 1995 to 1997, he served as the Chaplain of the hospital of Amaigbo, Ebonyi and in the three years after, was the Parish Priest of Saint Theresa’s in Amauju, Isunjaba, Imo. . In 2004, he moved to the United States and served as the Parish Vicar of Saint Patrick’s in Kokoma, Indiana, United States of America from until 2010. In that year, Obiatuegwu joined the U.S. military. He served in the Corps of Army Chaplains until 2017 becoming a U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant. Coming back to Nigeria in 2017, he became the Parish Priest of Holy Rosary in Orlu until 2018 the Parish Priest of Saint Michael’s in Urualla until 2023. In that same period, he was the Dean of the Saint Michael Pastoral Region, and since 2023, was the Parish Priest of Saint Joseph’s in Umuna, Orlu. “The Holy Father is sending me to you in total obedience to him and without any reservation. Here I am, willing and ready to serve just like Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve,” Bishop Ifeanyichukwu said during his ordination. Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state expressed delight at Obiatuegwu’s appointment considering it a forward step in unifying Anambra, his native land and Imo, where his diocese is situated. “This momentous occasion, is fostering greater unity between the sister States of Imo and Anambra, without neglecting the importance of our respective roles each play in the growth and sustainability of peace in our region,” he said. “I was propelled by this unity to emphasize the significance of collaboration between the Church and Government, stressing their complementary nature in addressing societal challenges, particularly the prevalent insecurity issues,” he added. Uzodinma is optimistic about the potential of this collaboration to create a brighter future for the communities involved. Obiatuegwu recognizes his path to the pulpit and embraces collaboration, seeking support from all Bishops, members of the Clergy, and all Catholics.“I solicit your continuous prayers and mentorship on how to be a good and holy Bishop,” he said.
NIGERIAN GOVT INVITES GUMI FOR QUESTIONING
NIGERIAN GOVT INVITES GUMI FOR QUESTIONING The Nigerian Government has invited controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, for questioning. Gumi was invited for questioning over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country. The minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed while addressing journalists at the State House, Abuja, on Monday. The minister said the Islamic cleric was not “above the law”, adding that the government has deemed it necessary to invite him for questioning. A few weeks ago, Gumi had urged the Tinubu-led government to join him in negotiating with bandits. Gumi urged Tinubu not to repeat what he described as the ‘mistake’ made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to dialogue with bandits.He also said that terrorism in Nigeria was not financed by Nigerians but by the terrorists who kidnap people for ransom.
ABACHA: BEST PRESIDENT NIGERIA EVER HAD, DIDN’T LOOT ANY PENNY – BUBA GALADIMA
ABACHA: BEST PRESIDENT NIGERIA EVER HAD, DIDN’T LOOT ANY PENNY – BUBA GALADIMA A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has described former Head of State, General Sani Abacha as Nigeria’s best President. Galadima made this assertion in an interview, noting that the former military head of state was so far the best President Nigeria has had. Galadima said Abacha did well in infrastructural projects, noting that throughout his four years plus reign, the dollar-to-naira rate was N84, and the fuel price never changed. He said, “I have answered this question severally. For me, Abacha was the best President that Nigeria ever had because he held this country like this. And Abacha built the Federal Secretariat, National Assembly, and several others “Throughout Abacha’s four years plus, the dollar was N84, fuel never changed, you can plan for your business. “Which of these leaders can beat his chest to say the dollar remains the same for six months?” When asked about Abacha’s looting, Buba Galadima said Abacha didn’t loot any penny. The interviewer then asked if Abacha stored money abroad. In response, he said, “I was part of the government, and I knew how much I left in the government’s coffers, which were wiped out in two months after Abacha’s regime.” He further explained the several returns from different countries claiming to be looted funds from Abacha. Galadima said, “the so-called Abacha loot, Abacha was advised by Saddam Hussein, to establish dummy companies around the world not linked to you, gather as much money that you can that can serve your country’s import for at least six months, because there were several sanctions by the West. “Abacha followed the advice and deposited the money in different countries for importation purposes, and the money was not recorded in Abacha’s name. “The money was never recorded in Abacha’s name.”.
ATIKU’S AIDE MOCKS TINUBU GOVT OVER ESCAPE OF DETAINED BINANCE DIRECTOR
AKIKU’S AIDE MOCKS TINUBU GOVT OVER ESCAPE OF DETAINED BINANCE DIRECTOR Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has berated President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the reported escape of one of the detained Binance executives. Atiku was also the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections. Shaibu accused President Tinubu’s government of transforming Nigeria’s detention centres into amateur magician training grounds where detainees escape any time they want. It was earlier reported that one of the two executives of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange who were arrested in Nigeria had escaped from the custody in Abuja. Sources privy to the incident disclosed this, identifying the fugitive as Nadeem Anjarwalla. The 38-year-old Mr Anjarwalla reportedly fled from the Abuja guest home where he and his colleague were detained on Friday, March 22, when guards took him to a nearby mosque for prayers because of the ongoing Ramadan fast. According to insiders, there is a likelihood that Anjarwalla, who also has Kenyan citizenship, flew out of Abuja on a Middle East airliner. However, it remains unknown how Mr Anjarwalla got on an international flight even though his British passport, with which he entered Nigeria, is still in the hands of Nigerian authorities. Reacting to the report, Shaibu in a post on his social media handle described Anjarwalla’s escape as another riveting episode of what he called “Nigeria’s Got Escapes,” saying that no one needs security in the country anymore when the government can provide an escape room experience for all detained executives. He said, “Another riveting episode of ‘Nigeria’s Got Escapes,’ brought to you by the @officialABAT administration! Detained Binance executive pulls off a vanishing act right under their noses? “Bravo, @officialABAT, for transforming our detention centers into amateur magician training grounds! Who needs security when you can provide a thrilling escape room experience for all detained executives?“Stay tuned for the next episode: “Escape from Nigeria: The Sequel” or ‘Nigeria’s Got Talent: The Fugitive Edition.’”