New Era In Kogi Begins, Gov Ododo Promises As He Swears-In Commissioners, Others

January 31, 2024

Ahmed Usman Ododo, who formally took over from Yahaya Bello as Governor of Kogi State on Saturday, January 27, has promised that his government signalled a new era in the state
Swearing-in the new commissioners and other aides whom he appointed on the same day he became Governor, Ododo charged them to be exemplary in the discharge of their duties and to prioritize loyalty and dedication to the state.
He acknowledged support of the people of the state even as he promised not to disappoint them going forward.
The commissioners who were sworn-in today are as follows:
Kingsley OlorunFemi Fanwo (Commissioner for Information and Communication)
Wemi Jones (Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology)
Asiwaju Asiru Idris (Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning)
Muzi Yinusa Abdullahi (Athony-General and Commissioner for Justice)
Salami Ozigi-Deedat (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftacy Affairs)
Basiru Abubakar Gegu (Solid Minerals and Natural Resources)
Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen (Commissioner for Environmental Affairs)
Rabiatu Okute (Commissioner for Women Affairs)
Fatima Momoh
Mohammed Yusuf, Timothy Ojoma (Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs)
Sunday Faleke (Commissioner for Special Duties)
Mohammed Abdulmutalib (Commissioner for Rural Development).
Other appointed aides are:
Ali Bello (Chief of Staff to the Governor)
Hilary Ojoma (Deputy Chief of Staff)
Elijah Evinemi (Head of service)
Jerry Omodara (State Security Adviser)
Isah Ismail +Special Adviser on Media)
Sulaiman Ibrahim (Director General, Protocol)
Oladele John Nihi (Chief Press Secretary)
Shaibu Oricha (Director General, Government House Administration)
Femi Adegboyega (State Legal Adviser)
Governor Ododo said that the commissioners were carefully selected based on their track records and contributions to the victory of the new government in the last governorship polls.

The Acting Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Falilat Musa, administered the oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy on the commissioners.

The Governor had earlier retained Yahaya Bello’s Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade.

Nigeria’s Population Hits 216.8 Million, As Active Voice Subscription Increases – NCC

Greenbarge Reporters

January 31, 2024

Nigeria’s population has climbed to 216,783,381, as of 2022, from the 2017 projection of 190 million people.
Quoting the Nigerian Population Commission (NPC) projection, in a statement today, January 31, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said that there has been equally a steady increase in the active voice and internet subscriptions, including a drop in teledensity.
The information is contained in the latest telecommunications statistical indicators, released by the NCC, adjusted to reflect the latest population growth figures and align with international best practices.
A statement today, by the Director of Public Affairs of the NCC, Reuben Muoka, said that the adjustment which is reflected in the telecom industry statistical reports of September, October and November 2023 was published on the Commission’s website.
“With the consequential adjustment, which is in line with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s calculation of teledensity, the nation’s teledensity dropped from 115.63% to 102.30% in September, while Broadband penetration witnessed a similar drop from 45.47% to 40.85% in the same month. However, the active voice subscription statistics witnessed a marginal growth from 220,361,186 to 221,769,883 as of September 2023. In addition, Internet subscriptions also enjoyed a marginal growth, from 159,034,717 in August 2023 to 160,171,757 in September 2023.”
The statement said that in October 2023, the industry also experienced a 0.19% growth in Active Voice subscriptions while teledensity stood at 102.49% with Internet subscriptions increasing by 0.60% compared to September 2023.
“In November of the same year, the industry also experienced a 0.46% growth in Active Voice subscriptions. Teledensity stood at 102.97% with a 0.57% increase in Internet subscriptions when compared to October 2023.
“Teledensity is an index prescribed by the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, for the measurement of telephone penetration in a population by a factor of one line per 100 individuals in the population.
“The adjustment by the Commission is consistent with Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003), in which the Commission is mandated to monitor and report on the state of the Nigerian telecommunications industry, provide statistical analysis and identify industry trends concerning services, tariffs, operators, technology, subscribers, and issues of competition.”
The statement quoted the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, as affirming the nation’s telecom statistical adjustment process as an appropriate step to maintain the integrity of data about the Nigerian telecom industry as collected, collated, and published by the Commission. He noted that this will also ensure the accurate measurement of the Commission’s progress towards attaining increased broadband penetration rates, improved quality of service, and increased population coverage, among other targets set out in the Strategic Plan for the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
He said that such data provides information for both the International Telecommunications Union to which Nigeria belongs, and other development agencies as well as the operators, investors, multilateral agencies, and the public.

CBN Identifies 1,500 Staff, Some Departments For Relocation To Lagos

Greenbarge Reporters

January 31, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has finally identified 1,500 staff members and some departments to be relocated to Lagos office from its Abuja headquarters.
The departments for relocation to Lagos, according to the apex bank, including Banking Supervision, Other Financial Institutions Supervision, Consumer Protection Department, Payment System Management Department and Financial Policy Regulations Department.
According to the apex bank, the development is aimed at enhancing productivity, safety and compliance with building regulations.
In an internal memo, the apex bank said that the restructuring is also aimed at achieving an even geographical spread of talent and to reduce the headquarters’ occupancy level to 2,733 personnel from 4,233.
The memo reads: “This is to notify all staff members at the CBN Head Office that we have initiated a decongestion action plan designed to optimize the operational environment of the bank.
“This initiative aims to ensure compliance with building safety standards and enhance the efficient utilization of our office space.”
An official of the bank confirmed that the plan for relocation is still on, and that the transfered staff will resume work by February 2.

CBN Spends Additional $64.44 Million To Clear Debts To Airlines

Greenbarge Reporters

January 30, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has cleared all the debts to foreign airlines in the country with additional $64.44 million.
This is in fulfilment of its pledge to clear the backlog of foreign exchange owed foreign airlines in the country.
The Acting Director of Corporate Communications in the CBN, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, confirmed the development today, January 30, in a statement in Abuja.
According to her, the latest amount paid to the airlines brought the total verified amount paid to that sector to $136.73 million.
She said that all the verified airline claims have now been cleared, saying that the apex bank’s Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and his team has expressed the bank’s commitment to ensure that the verified backlog of payments across all other sectors is cleared.
Mrs. Sidi Ali quoted the CBN governor as saying that he would restore confidence in the Nigerian foreign exchange market.
She assured that the CBN is working with stakeholders to ensure that liquidity improves within the forex market, thereby reducing pressure on Naira.
While expressing optimism that the market would respond positively with the latest injection of over $64 million, she cautioned actors in the foreign exchange market to guard against speculation as such actions could hurt the Naira.
Sidi Ali called on the public to support the reforms in the foreign exchange market, saying that CBN would continue to promote orderliness and professional conduct by all participants in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market to ensure that market forces determine exchange rates.

Kogi Gov, Ahmed Ododo Describes “Office Of Immediate Past Governor” As Fake

Greenbarge Reporters

January 30, 2024

The Kogi state Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has described the news making the rounds in social media on the approval of “Office Of the immediate past Governor” as fake news.
“The fake news should be disregarded as the handiwork of psychotic mischief makers, who have been thrown into confusion by the unprecedented achievements of our former Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, and the realisation that the good people of Kogi State sincerely appreciate this.”
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Oladele John Nihi said that the report was concocted to create disaffection and mislead the people.
“The attention of the Kogi State Government has been drawn to a mischievous report that the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the establishment of the “Office of the Immediate Past Governor” to be domiciled in the Government House.
The statement said that the “laughable report was concocted to create disaffection and mislead the public but the authors failed woefully to confuse intelligent Nigerians.
“We thank the media for exercising restraint and detecting, on their own, that the report was fake.
“We, however, urge the general public to always fact-check before spreading fake news.”
Ahmed Usman Ododo was sworn into office as fifth executive Governor of the State on Saturday, January 27. He took over from Alhaji Yahaya Bello who served two terms of eight years.

ICPC Goes On Retreat To Strategize On War Against Corruption In Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

January 29, 2024

The management and leadership of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), have embarked on a retreat in Kano to strategize on how to tackle the endemic corruption in Nigeria.
The 3-day retreat, which began today, January 29, would feature paper presentations by the Management team as well as Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioners.
A statement by the spokesperson of the ICPC, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, said that lined up for the retreat are also lectures by the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega; Justice H.A.O Abiru and Dr. Ibrahim Sule, as well as robust strategy and interactive sessions.
She said that the retreat is expected to come up with resolutions that will form a part of ICPC’s 2024 – 2028 Strategic Plan and priorities.
She quoted the chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, as reaffirming the ICPC’S Commitment to Integrity, Accountability and Excellence, even as he reiterated the commitment of the Commission under his watch to integrity, accountability, and excellence in building a Nigeria where corruption has no place, and the rule of law prevails.
At the retreat where also Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioners (RACCs) from the 21 state offices of the Commission where in attendance, the Chairman said that the retreat provided a unique opportunity to the Commission to reflect on past achievements, assess current challenges and strategize for the future.
The ICPC boss used the occasion to unveil his vision and policy thrust which will be validated during the retreat.
“CARE, an acronym for Culture, Accountability, Responsibility, and Efficiency, encapsulates the core values and principles that will guide our actions and decisions moving forward.”
The Chairman expressed the hope that the outcome of the deliberations will help shape the future of the Commission and make a lasting impact on the socio-economic development of the nation.
“I urge each and every one of you to actively participate, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute your valuable insights and perspectives. Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of ICPC and make a lasting impact on the socio-economic development of our nation.”

CBN Announces Release Of $500 Million To Various Sectors

Greenbarge Reporters

January 29, 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the release of the sum of $500 million to various sectors to address the backlog of verified foreign exchange transactions.
This release of the funds is coming barely a week after the Bank paid approximately $2 billion to settle outstanding commitments across manufacturing, aviation, and petroleum sectors.
The Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department of the apex, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, in a statement today, January 29, said that the Management of the bank is committed to settling all legitimate foreign exchange backlogs within a short time frame.
Hakama Sidi Ali stressed the assurances of the apex bank’s boss, Olayemi Cardoso, Sidi Ali on steady development of workable policies and continued implementation of comprehensive strategy to improve liquidity in the nation’s foreign exchange markets in the short, medium and long term.
“As the Governor said, the CBN’s focus is on addressing fundamental issues that have hindered the effective operation of the Nigerian FX markets over the years.”
She she said that the forex market reforms have been designed to streamline and unify multiple exchange rates, foster transparency, and reduce arbitrage opportunities, even as she expressed confidence that a stable exchange rate would boost investor confidence and attract foreign investment.
She advised all participants in the market to play by the rules, stressing that transparency in the market would enable the fair determination of exchange rates and guarantee stability for businesses and individuals alike.
It will be recalled that the CBN, over the past few months, has released various sums in its effort to clear the backlog of foreign exchange liabilities.

Naira Sinks Deeper, Exchanges At N1,399 To Dollar

Greenbarge Reporters

January 28, 2024

The Nigerian foreign exchange (FX) market witnessed a great drop in the value of the naira, reaching an unprecedented intraday rate of N1,399 to a dollar at the official market yesterday, January 27.
Data sourced from the Financial Markets Dealers’ Quotations (FMDQ) revealed a substantial 6.15 percent depreciation, compared to the N1,313 rate observed during intraday trading just a day earlier. The lower segment of intraday trading also experienced a notable 11.28 percent decline, with the dollar being quoted at N789 on yesterday, in contrast to N700 on Wednesday.
As the trading day concluded, the naira continued its slide, marking a 2.08 percent loss against the dollar. The closing rate stood at N900.96, down from the N882.24 recorded on Wednesday at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM).
These developments underscore growing concerns about the stability of the naira in the face of persistent challenges in the foreign exchange market, with implications for various sectors of the economy. In a concerning development, Nigeria’s currency witnessed a historic decline, plunging to a record low of N1,416 per dollar in the parallel market.
This drastic drop can be attributed to robust demand coupled with a shortage of available dollars, as traders opt to hoard the limited currency.

This Rotten Apple About Senator Akpabio Coming Late To Plenaries Won’t Sell, By Eseme Eyiboh

Greenbarge Reporters

January 28, 2024

For sometime, a false narrative has been woven round the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, all in an attempt to give it a semblance of truth.

Although, we had ignored the misinformation, it has become necessary to enlighten and educate the reading public so that these stories do not gain traction.
First, as opposed to what has been bandied in the media that Akpabio is known for lateness to Plenary, being an intellectual politician and leader, he believes in Benjamin Franklin’s philosophy of “Time is money”. To him, “Time is of the essence”. And this is exemplified in his sterling achievements in private and public life. Without good time management skills, he could not have attained these feats.
Secondly, Senator Akpabio as Senate President has absolute respect and regard for his distinguished colleagues and indeed all Nigerians. As the Senate President, he is not oblivious of the fact that he is just one among equals and has no cause whatsoever to undermine the elevated status of Distiguished Senators by always keeping them waiting in Plenary.
However, we want the public to know that as Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio and the his colleagues are very experienced and conversant with the legislative dynamics and are aware of the enormous legislative and administrative responsibilities of the office of the President of the Senate.
Disruptions or lateness to any schedule of the heads of arms of government, particularly the National Assembly are usually priotised not compromised.
As the Presiding Officer, Akpabio meets with the Principal Officers before every Plenary and emergency issues do spring up, which deserve urgent attention. Again, at every other plenary, there are always motions of urgent public/national importance from distinguished senators.
By the provisions of the Standing Orders and Rules of the Senate, Senators with such motions are required to meet with the Presiding Officer before Plenary. Some of these issues are so urgent and cannot be kept in view and the President of the Senate is expected to attend to them expeditiously before commencement of Plenary. These circumstances most times creep into the commencement time
The lateness of the President of the Senate to the plenary at any insignificant number of times has never affected the industry of the Senate or deliberately intended to deconstruct the core mandate of the Senate President’s parliamentary core mandate.
Any insinuation suggesting that Senator Akpabio is “habitually late” and it dates back to when he was Akwa Ibom State governor is but selling a rotten apple, which no discerning mind will buy.
We can say without equivocation that Senator Godswill Akpabio’s penchant for beating the clock is never in doubt both in appointed and elected positions he has held.
We, therefore, advise those spreading the gospel of Akpabio’s purported lateness to Plenary to apply brakes and allow the Uncommon Senate President concentrate on doing what he knows best- giving his all to the service of the nation and humanity.

Eyiboh is the chief spokesman of the Senate President and wrote in from Abuja

Ebira Youths Rally Support For New King, Dr. Ahmed Anaje

Editorial staff

January 28, 2024

Ebira Youths, under the umbrella of Ebira Youth Congress (EYC) has risen to rally support for the newly installed King, the paramount ruler of Ebiraland in Kogi State, Alhaji Dr. AhmedTijani Muhammed Anaje.
In a statement, the President-General, of the Congress, Obiyo Ateiza Aliyu, commended the orderliness with which the King was selected by the kingmakers and eventual appointment by Governor Yahaya Bello.
He said that the coming of Dr. Ahmed Anaje as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland signalled peace, love and prosperity for the land.
“As a matter of fact, Ebira people shall stand to reckon with the extended peace bond of the King and shall be appreciative of a sustained relative peace, which is the hallmark of all developments, and which has existed in the recent time.
“Since the Ohinoyi rules the land of people, Ebira people are therefore charged to cooperate and respect the system and the socio-cultural aspects of the stool of our forefathers.”
The youth leader also appealed to the people to cooperate with the king for the advancement of the kingdom, even as he advised Ohinoyi Ahmed Anaje to rule with compassion.
He asked the people to remove all forms of negative elements, such as clannish, religious, regional and related affiliations from the body of the throne to ensure rapid development of Ebiraland.
“We pray for sound health and long life for the new King and sincerely wish that his reign will be a blessing and fruitful to the entire Ebira nation.

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