ECOWAS Director General, Edwin Harris Jr. To Deliver Realnews Anniversary Lecture In Lagos Nov 7

October 17, 2023

The Director General of the ECOWAS Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Senegal, Edwin W. Harris Jr. is scheduled to deliver the Realnews 11th Anniversary Lecture in Lagos on November 7.
This year’s lecture will be on “Threats of Illict Funds Flow to the African Economy.”
A statement today, October 17 by the management of Realnews Magazine and Publications Limited, publishers of Realnews Magazine Online said that the ECOWAS Director General accepted to deliver the anniversary lecture because of his interest in the theme.
The statement quoted Edwin W. Harris Jr. as saying in the acceptance letter: “With the immense interest I have generated in illicit financial flow from Africa and its negative impact on the governance, economies and other social facets of the African people, I am pleased to confirm my participation and graciously accept your invitation.”
It said that Harris Jr. has over 16 years of progressive experience in the public sector and in non-profit structures with in-depth knowledge and skills in governance, transparency and financial crimes.
“He has relevant skills on issues relating to governance, in the fight against money laundering, in the formulation of policies and the implementation of anti-corruption strategies.
“From November 2019 to July 2022, he was director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Liberia. Under his tenure and to his credit, he, among other things, successfully coordinated the validation and publication of Liberia’s National Risk Assessment (NRA) report.
“Until his assumption of duty at GIABA, Harris Jr. was a Lecturer at the University of Liberia.”
The statement said that the lecture will be chaired by Mohammed Bello-Koko, managing director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and that he will also moderate the panel session.

The statement recalled that the 10th Anniversary lecture in 2022 on “Drug Abuse among Youths in Africa: Implication for Nigerian Economy and 2023 Elections” was delivered by Brigadier General Buba Marwa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while the 9th Anniversary Lecture was delivered by Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board on “Nigeria in the Unfolding Integration of the African Market: The Oil and Gas Perspective.”
It added that the 2020 Eighth Anniversary Lecture was delivered by Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 on Managing COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa: The Nigeria Experience while former President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana gave the 2019 Lecture on Beyond Politics: An Economic Narrative for West Africa even as Professor Mahmood Yakubu spoke on Political Transitions and Africa’s Economic Development: Preparations for Nigeria’s 2019 General Elections at the 2018 Lecture.
“The 2017 Fifth Anniversary Lecture on African Leadership in a Turbulent Era was delivered by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former minister of Education and former World Bank Vice President.
“The 2016 Fourth Anniversary Lecture on Security and National Development in Plural Democratic Society was delivered by Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative to West Africa and Sahel; the 2015 Realnews Third Anniversary Lecture was delivered by Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on November 19, 2015, under the theme: It’s The Nigerian Economy, Stupid?
“The Second Realnews Anniversary Lecture on Nigerian Democracy: Getting it Right in 2014 was delivered by Professor Maurice Iwu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The statement said that Realnews is a general interest magazine and is an online publication that thrives on investigative journalism.

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

Greenbarge Reporters

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

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

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.

1...248249250...2,506 Page 249 of 2,506