President Tinubu To Present N26.01 Trillion 2024 Budget To NASS Before End Of 2023

October 17, 2023

President Bola Tinubu will present to the joint sessions of the Senate and House of Representatives, the nation’s 2024 budget of N26.01 trillion before the end of 2023.
The budget, according to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, who spoke to newsmen at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday, October 16, is based on oil price benchmark of $73.96 and 21 per cent interest rate.
He said that the budget would be presented to the National assembly before the end of the year since President Bola Tinubu is already engaging with the legislative arm towards getting their buy-in.
He said that the budget is expected to consolidate on the various economic reforms initiated by the present administration aimed at improving the standard of living of Nigerians and attracting investors.
Bagudu said that assumption of the budget is based on the various diplomatic engagements by the president and other government functionaries that are expected to improve inflow and boost exchange rate.
This was even as the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi said that FEC approved the use of concrete for road projects across the country, including those of new ones, depending on the level of completion.
“FEC was also informed on the on-going projects and to mitigate so much inflation and variation of the projects, to have some of the projects that have attended completion to be redesigned on concrete and going forward for new projects to be done on concrete.
‘’FEC approved that concept that most of the on-going projects should be designed on concrete pavements depending on the level of completion and if you’re doing Asphalt there are also conditions for that.
‘’FEC also approved the coastal road running from Phase 1 which runs from Lagos to Port Harcourt to Calabar. Phase 2 runs from S4 tearing off from this stretch to Sokoto and to Ogoja.
“It was approved to be done on Engineering, Procurement and Construction plus Financing.
‘’Eight roads that were started in the past administration for concessioning that have gone through all the processes were also approved and that the financial closure should be reached November.’’
Umahi said that a 24-hour approval would be given to any state interested in taking over road projects in their domain, while particular conditions must be met for the agreement to take effect.
He said that the project by the states must conform to the standard of the Federal Ministry of Works as well as meet the tolling system through which they would recoup their investment.
The minister said that FEC approved the NNPC and FIRS road projects, which they oversee and fund across the country.
Source: NAN

Nigeria Launches Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme

Greenbarge Reporters

October 17, 2023

The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy has launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Scheme.
The scheme is aimed at funding 45 consortia of startups and researchers that will allow them explore further opportunities to deepen their work and build a sustainable AI ecosystem in Nigeria.
The Ministry, in a statement today, October 17, said that it is inviting researchers and startups working in AI to apply for up to N5 million grant.
“The initiative is aimed at fostering a vibrant and sustainable AI ecosystem in Nigeria by providing financial support, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration among individuals and organisations in the AI industry.
It advised interested people or groups to apply via airg.nitda.gov.ng/#
The statement said that application closes on 15th November, 2023.

Senate President’s Aide, Eyiboh, Tongue Lashes Dethroned Senator Abbo For Attacking His Principal

Greenbarge Reporters

October 17, 2023

Honourable Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and the official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has vent his anger on Senator Elisha Abbo for accusing his principal of being responsible for the judgment of the Court of Appeal that sacked him from the Senate.
Eyiboh, in a statement today, October 17, “strongly rejected” the claims of the dethroned Senator, even as he expressed shock at the assertions of the former Adamawa North senator.
The Senate President’s spokesman described the claims by the dethroned Senator as “delinquent, provocative and unbecoming of a Distinguished Senator.
“It is only a diseased and uninformed mind that will not believe that the outcome of any court proceeding is a function of the evaluation of facts and evidence within the province of the rule of law.
“It is uncharitable for Senator Abbo to pour his frustrations on Senator Akpabio or anyone else and his action betrays the bile he has for Senator Akpabio.
“Democracy is founded in the rule of law, so for anybody to accuse one of the strong agents of democracy and governance in the mould of Senator Godswill Akpabio, such an individual must be a monument of self-pity and his swansong a discordant escape from reality.”
Eyiboh stressed that Senator Akpabio has no ill-will towards any of his colleagues and had said in the past that the embers of the leadership election have been buried and replaced by the fraternal bond of nation building he shares with the overwhelming majority of senators.

Ex President Buhari Sympathizes With Ex Senate President Lawan, Over Mum’s Death

Editorial staff

October 16, 2023

Former Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his sympathy to the immediate past Senate President, Ahmed Lawan over the death of his mother, Hajiya Halima Ibrahim.

In a telephone conversation with Senator Ahmed Lawan today, October 16, Buhari recalled the simplicity and warmth of the deceased Hajiya Halima.

“I’am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of your mother. “My heartfelt condolences are with you in this intense period of grief.”

Nigerian Govt Is Set To Borrow $1.5 Billion From World Bank: $80 Million From AfDB

Editorial staff

October 16, 2023

The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded an arrangement to borrow $1.5 Billion from the World Bank and $80 Million from the African Development Bank.

The Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the economy,

Olawale Edun announced this today, October 16 at a news briefing shortly after the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the presidential villa in Abuja.

He said: “We also approved today, the application for financing from the World Bank. And in particular, the International Development Association which is really the virtually free or zero interest lending arm or financing arm of the World Bank.

“The total is $1.5 billion. And the background is just as you heard from the Minister of planning and budget. The world today is one of high interest rates, as the developed world looks to fight inflation. They do it by restricting money, keeping interest rates high so that you can get inflation down.

“What that means is that interest rates for everybody else, become not just high but very painful, if not on affordable within that context.”

The minister said that

Nigeria has been able to make the kind of macro economic moves and take the tough decisions to restore balance in the economy in the government’s finances that has warranted support and gender and has elicited even support from the multilateral development bank.

He said that it is on the basis of that, that “the world bank is willing to consider and to process on our behalf, $1.5 billion of concessional financing, relatively cheap financing and financing that will be dispersed relatively quickly.

“And that was what was presented to the Federal Executive Council and the members approved that we go ahead with that financing even that it is affordable.

“Secondly, an $80 million financing from the African Development Bank was also approved by the Federal Executive Council. This financing is for a project in Ekiti called the Ekiti knowledge zone Project EKZ.

“An EKZ that is basically to support young people and their quest to take on technology to use it to be employed to be trained and to benefit from being part of the knowledge economy, being part of the technological wave that is present very much in Nigeria, which is becoming a bigger and bigger share of the economy.

“So it’s $80 million to help the young people in the sector of Knowledge Economy technology and communications generally.”

The Trajectory Of Robust 10Th Nigerian Senate, By Aminu Ebon

Editorial staff

October 16, 2023

A Frontline American (Wisconsin) Republican, a Senator named Joseph R. McCarthy once posited: “Sustainable parliamentary goals aimed at enhancing accelerated development of the State can easily be achieved when conducted under a peaceful, mutual and dynamic system.”

It has generally been acknowledged that the trajectory of the robust 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the leadership of Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, is undoubtedly in agreement with Senator Joseph R. McCarthy’s assertion.

The robust legislations initiated by the leadership of the 10th Senate are generally seen as the right steps in the right direction. This refreshing development is anchored on the composition of the 10th Senate.

Unlike past Senate Assemblies, the 10th Senate has 8 different political parties disposing them to view matters in all shades and perspectives. Therefore, the best roadmap for the 10th Senate to accomplish its desired legislative goals is by conducting its affairs in an exceptionally harmonious and exceedingly dynamic way. This is the path distinguished Senate President Akpabio’s leadership is towing.

This is evident in the conduct of well coordinated, peaceful and understanding Senate plenaries through motions, bills and rancour free debates.

To say that the 10th Senate under the leadership of Senate President Godswil Akpabio is not only working hard towards the realization of legislative goals but is aiming at enhancing the development agenda of President Tinubu’s renewed hope for greater Nigeria is stating the obvious in a rather modest way. Akpabio is an embodiment of nationalistic fervour and the undercurrents of his conviction are eloquent in the manner he is steering the 10th Senate.

It is therefore important to advise some unpatriotic elements who take passion in distracting the 10th Senate through some misleading stories to refrain from such unproductive venture. Events of recent times, even from the inauguration of the 10th Senate shows that the current Senate means well for Nigerians. All I can sue for is patience and understanding among Nigerians; conditions that provide an atmosphere for accelerated development.

AIhaji Aminu Ebong wrote in from Abuja.

Senate President, Akpabio, On Condolence Visit To Senator Lawan

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2023

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, October 15, paid a condolence visit on his predecessor, ex-Senate President Ahmed Lawan in Gashua, Yobe State, over the death of Lawan’s mother.

Speaking during the visit, Akpabio said that the Senate mourns with Senator Lawan and the people of Yobe State, as the Senate had lost a mother.
“We are here with this large contingent to pay homage and respect to our departed mother, she was a mother of the Senate because Senator Ahmed Lawan has been in the National Assembly courtesy of your votes for the last 24 years, where he served us as a Senator for many years and also as the number three citizen of the country.

“The Senate will tomorrow, observe a minute of silence in honour of the departed and as I speak now if I had not seen the sign of Federal Government presence in Gashau, at least the gate is very impressive, that’s the first thing, the second one is that we landed in an airport, eventually you don’t know what that airport will become.”
In his response, Senator Lawan thanked the Senate President and his colleagues for the show of love and solidarity and prayed for their safe journey back to their destination.

Yobe Gov Flies To UK To Seek Help For His Educational Reforms In The State

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2023

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, flew to the United Kingdom at the weekend, to seek for the help of some educational institutions for the educational reforms he has embarked in.
The institutions include University of Sussex, University of York and Crick Institute.
A statement by Mamman Mohammed, Director General, Press and Media Affairs to the State Governor, said that the governor, while in the UK, would have critical discussions with these three renowned in particular.
He said that the visit is meant to attract educational support to institutions in the state.
“It would be recalled that some of the institutions had in the past supported the Yobe State University with equipment and pledged to establish a research centre at the university. “Governor Buni would also take advantage of the visit to explore other areas of support to the ongoing reforms in education through the emergency declared on the sector.
“There is no doubt that the visit to these institutions would facilitate the state government’s drive to improve education in Yobe State.”

Nov 11 Guber Poll: Let Us Disappoint Opponents Who Think We’ll Be Violent, Kogi Gov Cautions

Greenbarge Reporters

October 15, 2023

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has called on the supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Governorship candidate in the November 11 election, Ahmed Usman Ododo to avoid any form of violence throughout the exercise.
“Let us disappoint our enemies and opponents by our calmness and maturity which will also neutralise their hostility against us.”
Governor Yahaya Bello, who addressed the party supporters in a campaign rally in Kabba today, October 15, assured that the party has a good candidate in Usman Ododo for the election.
“Don’t abuse anybody in this race because we have a good gubernatorial candidate in Usman Ododo, who by God’s grace shall win the Nov. 11 election.
“All that matters to us as APC members and supporters is how to market Ododo and his running mate for victory at the poll.
“We’re entrusting the future of Kogi in the hands of Ododo and his running mate and so we should be very ready to deliver them on the day of election.
“We are after the growth and development of Kogi and will ensure that APC wins the election for continuity and consolidation on my achievements.’’
The Governor stressed that violence and crisis would not do anyone any good and enjoined APC members and supporters to be peaceful in their conduct for a successful election.
Governor Yahaya Bello asked security agencies to be professional in the performance of their duties to keep the peace in Kogi before, during and after the governorship election.
Chairman of the Ododo Campaign Council, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar-Audu, addressed the rally by asking the people of Kabba and the entire Kogi West Senatorial District to turn out en-masse and vote for Ododo for continuity.
The rally witnessed the receipt of defectors from opposition parties, including those of African Democratic Party (ADC)
Source: NAN.

House Of Reps Spokesman Confirms Move To Procure “Official” Vehicles For Members

Greenbarge Reporters

October 15, 2023

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, Jr. has confirmed that the National Assembly bureaucracy is in the phased process of procuring and distributing operational vehicles to members over the coming weeks and months.
In a statement today, 15, reacting to series of comments on the social Media on the matter, Akin Rotimi said that this development is in accordance with extant procurement laws and has been the practice in previous assemblies.
“It is also not peculiar to the Legislature, as un-elected government officials in the Executive arm of government from Director level and above, in most cases, have official vehicles attached to their offices.
He said that the vehicles to be allocated to the offices of members are utility operational vehicles tied to their oversight functions in the discharge of their duties in the standing committees, adding that they are not personal vehicles gifted to members.
“For the duration of the 10th assembly (2023 – 2027), the vehicles shall remain the property of the National Assembly. “At the expiration of the tenure of the 10th Assembly in 2027, should the extant assets deboarding policy of government still be in place, honourable members may have the option of making payment for the outstanding value of the vehicles to government coffers before they can become theirs, otherwise it remains the property of the National Assembly.”
Akin Rotimi said that as part of the 10th Assembly’s objective to ensure integrity and independence, members of the Green Chamber have resolved to maintain a respectable distance from the Executive arm of government, especially in issues relating to logistical aspects of oversight functions, including reaching difficult terrains in the country.
“No matter how remote the location is, as long as there are Nigerian citizens living there, they deserve highly mobile representatives who can see first-hand what they are going through, and ensure government interventions, programmes, and policies are carried out effectively. This can only be possible with functional and reliable off-road vehicles.
“Also, the House would like to inform the public that we remain committed to reducing the cost of governance in line with present realities.
“Those willing to research further would find a significant body of work with evidence that the percentage of the component of the Legislature’s budget as part of our national budget has been on a downward trend over the past decade, despite inflation and the expanding role and relevance of honourable members in the lives of citizens. It currently stands at 0.5% of the Federal budget.
“Accordingly, as all stakeholders continue to advance the conversation about reducing the cost of governance, we encourage looking in the right direction, and not cause disaffection for honourable members who want to discharge their duties effectively and above board, without being susceptible to inducement when the enablement to function is impaired.
“The vehicles are work tools, and not status symbols – Honourable Members are diligent and patriotic elected representatives and not entitled. The anticipated allocation of vehicles will contribute to improved representation, constituency outreach and oversight functions.”

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