The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of the N200 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to applicants for the purpose of supporting manufacturers and businesses nationwide.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite, who announced this today, April 16, said that some beneficiaries have already received their grants with further disbursements scheduled for April 19.
According to the Minister, the phased disbursement plan is to ensure fairness and transparency, with all verified applicants set to receive their grants eventually.
The minister said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to bolstering the manufacturing sector and job creation through the palliative loans.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has re-scheduled the 2024 National Common Entrance Examination into Federal Unity Colleges and the entrance examination into Federal Government Academy, Suleja. This is contained in a statement today, April 16, by Azeez Sani, acting Director, Information and Digital Communication of the council. Sani said that the common entrance examination earlier scheduled for April 20, 2024, would now hold on June 1, 2024. He said that the entrance examination for Gifted and Talented Children into Federal Government Academy, Suleja, earlier scheduled to hold on May 4, 2024 would now hold on May 25, 2024. According to him, the rescheduling of the two examinations was due to low enrollment of candidates. He enjoined candidates, parents, guardians, schools and relevant stakeholders to take note of the new dates. Sani said that registration of candidates would continue till the new dates of the examinations. Source: NAN.
“You are not sent there to sit in your office and begin to negotiate with contractors. If I find out that, I will not hesitate to take necessary action. “I cannot work in a situation where nobody talks about how to achieve results, or how to make an impact. “Mine is do your work. If you do your work, everybody will see that you are doing your work. “I don’t like praise singers. Your action will speak for itself. So, now that the FCT is seriously involved in the satellite towns, make sure that things are done very well”. These were the notes of warning which the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike made today, April 16, while swearing-in the Coordinator, FCT Satellite Town Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu. The minister, who said that he uncovered a lot of malfeasance in the cleaning contracts for the FCT satellite towns where the government was paying for jobs not done, said that he had directed the Area Council Chairmen to vet the contracts before payment is made. He therefore charged the coordinator to also ensure that the cleaning contracts for the FCT satellite towns are properly executed before any bill is raised for the payment of the contractors. Wike Congratulated the Coordinator STDD over his appointment, saying that it is an opportunity to contribute to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president in the FCT. He urged the Coordinator not to be carried away by the trappings of office but to rather remain committed to carrying out the assignment given to him by the President. “See it as Mr. President finds you worthy to contribute at this point in national development, particularly as regards the Federal Capital Territory Administration.” The minister said that one of priorities of the FCT Administration is to ensure that the impact of governance is felt in the satellite towns where a lot of infrastructure projects are currently ongoing. He advised the coordinator to coordinate, liaise, and brief him at all times. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu was sworn in by the Chief Judge of the FCT, represented by Hon. Justice C. O Agashieze.
Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Nigeria has joined the international community in calling for restraint and de-escalation to prevent further conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and promote global stability.
The appeal comes as Iran launched a wave of missiles and attack drones targeting Israel, heightening fears of a broader confrontation in the region.
Nigeria’s plea for peace underscores the need for dialogue and diplomacy to address underlying grievances and prevent further bloodshed.
“As a proponent of international cooperation and conflict resolution, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to promoting peace and security in the Middle East and beyond, the statement added.
The Kano chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reversed the suspension of its National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, following actions taken by leaders in Ganduje’s ward to suspend him.
In a swift response, the party’s local government officials nullified the suspension and sacked those responsible for initiating it, citing their involvement in anti-party activities.
The State Working Committee of the APC declared Ganduje’s suspension invalid, emphasizing that it cannot stand. Additionally, the committee suspended the ward leaders involved in the suspension of Ganduje for six months, pending further investigation into their conduct.
The developments come amidst legal challenges facing Ganduje, including allegations of bribery and misappropriation of funds, as the Kano State Government prepares to arraign him in court.
Officials of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) have Allegedly diverted the February and March salaries of over 60 civil servants, including nurses, other medical personnel in hospitals and those in education sector in the service of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to suspected syndicating scammers. Our investigation, which was first published on this platform a couple of weeks ago, show that operatives of the IPPIS diverted the workers salaries to a group of suspected scammers, in the name of loans taken by the concerned workers from one man called David Chukwuma, using no fewer than 15 mushroom Micro Financial Institutions as accomplices. It was gathered that the IPPIS, which was not party to the terms of the loan from David Chukwuma and his syndicating scammers, came from no where to empty the salaries of the workers, who were beneficiaries of the loans, to the syndicating group and individuals. It was gathered that the syndicate is made up about 15 mushroom Banks, including Loan Book, Credit Direct, Essential Finance MF, Accello Micro Fnances, Letshego MF, Zedvance MFB, Teago Global, Liquid Crest, Link MFB, Penny Lender MFB and a company called Hi-Breed Consultant Services Limited. The syndicating scammers were said to have given out various forms of loans to the workers based on private arrangements that had nothing to do with the IPPIS. It was learnt that the IPPIS, without consulting with the workers, who are the loan beneficiaries, decided to be giving the salaries of the concerned workers to the syndicate, for the syndicating scammers to be paying the workers after deducting the agreed amount to service the loans. However, luck ran out of the IPPIS and the syndicate when workers could not access their entire February and March salaries, in breech of agreement to deduct the amount for servicing the loan and paying them the balance. It was gathered that the concerned workers were at the Hi-Breed Consultant Services Limited to know what went wrong, but were told that David Chukwuma, who has been the principal actor in the scam was not part of them in Hi-Breed Consultant. It was learnt that efforts by the frightened civil servants to get David Chukwuma on his mobile phone failed because he switched off the line. A lawyer, who claimed to be representing Hi-Breed Consultant, Barrister Monday Ehimare Jeffrey, had begged the aggrieved civil servants to give him time to fish out David Chukwuma with a view to resolve the matter. However, as at today, April 15, the affected civil servants have not heard from Barrister Ehimare Jeffrey. They are wondering why the the IPPIS would be handing over their entire salaries to a third-party like the syndicate, without any written agreement from them. Meanwhile, the civil servants are considering many options to stop IPPIS from handing over their entire monthly salaries to the third party, including hiring a lawyer to take us the case on their behalf.
A Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance has warned the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bashir Ajibola to stop making noise about governance in Osun State being on autopilot. The coalition’s statement, signed by Comrade Olalekan Johnson, said that Bashir Ajibola noise is an attempt to undermine the democratically elected administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke in Osun State. It said that Ajibola’s comments stemmed from his failure to overcome the trauma of his significant defeat in the last senatorial election in Osun State, warning him to stop his mischievous attempts at causing political instability in Osun State. It said that Governor Ademola Adeleke enjoys widespread support and goodwill of the people of the state. The coalition called on President Bola Tinubu and the National leadership of the APC to intervene and rein in Bashir Ajibola. It advised them to compel Ajibola to respect properly constituted authority, particularly the incumbent administration in Osun State that is delivering the dividends of democracy to the people in an unprecedented manner. The coalition said that its stance underscores a growing concern over the potential ramifications of divisive rhetoric on the stability and progress of Osun State, urging all stakeholders to prioritize unity and constructive criticism for the betterment of the state and its citizens. The group urged the people of Osun state to sustain their massive support for the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, in order to ensure that more progress is achieved by the Adeleke administration.
Executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ganduje ward of Dawakin-Tofa local government area of Kano State has announced the suspension of the national Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullah Umar Ganduje over alleged corruption. The legal adviser of the Ganduje ward, Haladu Gwanjo, told newsmen today, April 15, that the former Kano Governor is alleged to have committed gross misconduct and misappropriation of public funds during his administration in Kano State. Gwanjo said that members resolved to suspend Ganduje’s membership after a vote of no confidence passed on him due to his inability to clear his name from a wide range of allegations of corruption, particularly the widely circulated video where he allegedly received dollars as a bribe from a contractor. Details later….
I have taken time to review and examine the proposed cost of doing 700km coastal road by the FGN at N15 trillion ($13 billion). This translates to about N21.42 billion/$17.85 million per kilometre. I have also taken time to review the cost of building similar coastal roads in NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, ASIA AND CHINA (even the ones that included underground tunnels and bridges along the route). I also reviewed the maintenance costs of those roads annually (especially, those that are over 80 years old in the US). The consensus is that to build an average 1km coastal road (just one lane of 6 feet wide, 11 inches thick concrete base, with kerbs, drains, furniture and markings etc), costs between $156,000/N187.5m to $250,000/N300million What is not yet clear, is the number of lanes that the FGN planned to do? We do not also know the overarching reasons, behind the choice of a Hitech to do the road. What global experiences, do they have in coastal roads construction and development, (At other places around the world). In saner climes, where there is accountability, transparency, credibility and respect for the people, in how public funds are spent, there should be out there, the Bill of Quantity (BOQ), developed and used to support this huge road construction contract. We are yet to see the economic impact assessment research and report on this proposed coastal road project; in a country that is home to 197m poor people, 20million out of school kids, 49% illiterates and all manner of bandits, cut throats, terrorists, kidnappers etc. $13bn/N15trillion, is a whole lot of money to spend on just 700km coastal road.. Already, it seems as if a majority of the media groups/operators , and a massive crowd of social media bandits, have already been recruited to ram this down our throats…to accept this, without questions. If I am to be the one interviewing Dave Umahi, based on very factual research findings before me, I will make him sweat in the pants [ to justify, how/ how he and President Tinubu wants to spend $13bn on 700km Road.. Most unfortunately, we do not have an independent national assembly, with the required rigour, integrity, deep knowledge, capacity, faculties, independence, discipline and focus to interrogate this … I also expected the Labour PARTY and PDP, to have strong teams of deeply knowledgeable and experienced professionals in place , dedicated to each key sector of the Nigeria economy. Their assignment will be to interrogate every major decisions of the current government at all levels and arms, and subject to granular interrogations (while proferring superior and better, more cost efficient and economic enhancing alternatives ways of doing it). For your information, $13billion is enough to build a brand new 1600km of double lane standard guage rail project, that runs all the way from Portharcourt, going across the River Niger, Asaba – Benin- Ore- to Lagos to Kano. What is actually the priority of this government? Is it optics, or to build tangible infrastructure projects, that adds more catalytic and incremental values to our national economic development? At this juncture, I feel so sorry for Nigeria and Nigerians … We sincerely and passionately want Nigeria to work, but unfortunately, it seems as if we are in for another long ride.. God have mercy on us all. OBIARAERI Nnaemeka Onyeka wrote in from Abuja and can be reached on WhatsApp: 09090900989.
The biggest threat to the United States of America is not China, but peace. World peace will put an end to the American dollar empire built around war, the war economy, and war trade. When there is peace in the world, Americans will be lost. They will not know what to do, as many of those who are employed simply to incite wars and use their tools will be unemployed. The entire military-industrial complex will be out of business. All US military bases in the world will be redundant, as will all aircraft carriers, military aircraft, intercontinental ballistic missiles, weapons of mass destruction, and all supporting war industries. Employment will become the number one problem in the United States When the American war machine is idle due to inadequacy, all CIA operators will be out of work. All fake news about threats and enemies will become jokes. The military budget of nearly a trillion US dollars would be completely prohibitive without wars and without enemies. When there is peace in the world, Americans will have to create jobs for themselves, to make themselves useful again as responsible people, not warmongers and murderers, not war merchants. There will be no one to buy the expensive war machine, and no need for military bands also known as allies. Americans denounced the recent peace agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia brokered by China, describing it as a threat to American interests. The Americans are all ready to break this peace agreement. This is how evil the Americans are, all ready to make war or not and against peace. Peace is against the interests of Americans, an evil empire that thrives on wars and instability and sells weapons to kill and destroy in wars. The Americans denounced China’s proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine and the start of peace negotiations, and the Americans also said that there can be no ceasefire. The people of the world have woken up to the evil of the Americans. Everyone wants peace except the Americans. Only the blind and foolish still support the evil warmongering Americans and their evil ways. Chua Qinling is a Chinese writer and wrote the article on March 24, 2023.
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A Look At Federal Govt’s $13 Billion Coastal Road, By OBIARAERI Nnaemeka Onyeka
I have taken time to review and examine the proposed cost of doing 700km coastal road by the FGN at N15 trillion ($13 billion). This translates to about N21.42 billion/$17.85 million per kilometre.
I have also taken time to review the cost of building similar coastal roads in NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, ASIA AND CHINA (even the ones that included underground tunnels and bridges along the route).
I also reviewed the maintenance costs of those roads annually (especially, those that are over 80 years old in the US).
The consensus is that to build an average 1km coastal road (just one lane of 6 feet wide, 11 inches thick concrete base, with kerbs, drains, furniture and markings etc), costs between $156,000/N187.5m to $250,000/N300million
What is not yet clear, is the number of lanes that the FGN planned to do?
We do not also know the overarching reasons, behind the choice of a Hitech to do the road. What global experiences, do they have in coastal roads construction and development, (At other places around the world).
In saner climes, where there is accountability, transparency, credibility and respect for the people, in how public funds are spent, there should be out there, the Bill of Quantity (BOQ), developed and used to support this huge road construction contract.
We are yet to see the economic impact assessment research and report on this proposed coastal road project; in a country that is home to 197m poor people, 20million out of school kids, 49% illiterates and all manner of bandits, cut throats, terrorists, kidnappers etc.
$13bn/N15trillion, is a whole lot of money to spend on just 700km coastal road..
Already, it seems as if a majority of the media groups/operators , and a massive crowd of social media bandits, have already been recruited to ram this down our throats…to accept this, without questions.
If I am to be the one interviewing Dave Umahi, based on very factual research findings before me, I will make him sweat in the pants [ to justify, how/ how he and President Tinubu wants to spend $13bn on 700km Road..
Most unfortunately, we do not have an independent national assembly, with the required rigour, integrity, deep knowledge, capacity, faculties, independence, discipline and focus to interrogate this …
I also expected the Labour PARTY and PDP, to have strong teams of deeply knowledgeable and experienced professionals in place , dedicated to each key sector of the Nigeria economy.
Their assignment will be to interrogate every major decisions of the current government at all levels and arms, and subject to granular interrogations (while proferring superior and better, more cost efficient and economic enhancing alternatives ways of doing it).
For your information, $13billion is enough to build a brand new 1600km of double lane standard guage rail project, that runs all the way from Portharcourt, going across the River Niger, Asaba – Benin- Ore- to Lagos to Kano.
What is actually the priority of this government?
Is it optics, or to build tangible infrastructure projects, that adds more catalytic and incremental values to our national economic development?
At this juncture, I feel so sorry for Nigeria and Nigerians …
We sincerely and passionately want Nigeria to work, but unfortunately, it seems as if we are in for another long ride..
God have mercy on us all.
OBIARAERI Nnaemeka Onyeka wrote in from Abuja and can be reached on WhatsApp: 09090900989.