Policy Makers To Brainstorm In Abuja On Future Of Digital Economy In W/Africa

January 23, 2023

Policy makers and stakeholders in the digital economy ecosystem in the West African sub-region are set to brainstorm in Abuja, Nigeria, from January 31 to February 1^st on the future of digital economy and intensify regional public private partnerships for the region.

The Digital Economy Regional Conference, according to a statement today, January 23, by the Director of Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Reuben Muoka, is being hosted by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank.

He said that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, will deliver the keynote address at the event and will be joined by his Federal Capital Territory (FCT) counterpart, Muhammad Musa Bello, to welcome top government officials from the sub-region.

Muoka said that the Conference, with the theme: “Positioning West Africa’s Digital Economy for the Future,” will provide a platform for countries in the region to discuss issues that will strengthen the digital economies in West Africa and by extension the continent.

He quoted the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy as having said that the conference will also create an avenue for peer review to accelerate digital transformation and increase collaboration to secure partnerships within the region to strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem while intensifying regional public-private partnerships for digital economy funding, research, and development.

Muoka said that the gathering will also provide an opportunity to showcase the progress made in the development of digital economy in the West African sub-region, identify winning strategies, discuss challenges, and prepare for the future in addition to creating awareness of the region’s needs in the areas of policies and framework for the digital economy and attracting private sponsors for digital transformation in the region.

Buhari Inaugurates $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port, Joint Venture With China, Others

Editorial staff

January 23, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has officially inaugurated the Lekki Deep Sea Port, with an investment in excess of $1.5 billion.

It is a Joint Venture between the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Ports Authority, Lagos State Government, the Tolarams Group (the owner of the Lagos Free Zone), and China Harbour Engineering Company

The project is located in Itoke village, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

President Buhari also inaugurated the Imota Rice Mill, conceptualized and completed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State as well as the Bestaf Lubricant at MRS Holdings Company Limited.

The 200m litre lubricant plant, which covers the whole value chain of lubricants, is the first of its kind in West Africa.

A statement by a Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina said that the President will inaugurate the first Phase of the Blue Line of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit in Marina and the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History at Onikan roundabout tomorrow, January 24.

At the commissioning today, January 23, the President led Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, the Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ciu Jianchun, top government officials and traditional rulers, to witness the overloading from the Container Ship, sailing under the flag of Malta.

Speaking at the occasion, the Lagos Governor expressed happiness that the commissioning of Lekki Deep Sea Port is happening in his time.

“It all started in your time and it’s been completed in your time.

”We are excited that the size of the vessels that will berth at the port would be four times the size of vessels that currently berth at Apapa and Tin Can Island Port.

”We are excited that in your own time, something fresh has been birthed in this country and it is going to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs.”

The Minister of Transportation said that the commissioning of the project was made possible by the expedited manner the President handled all requests made by the Federal Ministry of Transportation concerning Lekki Deep Seaport.

”The very fact that the letter of intent between the proponents of Lekki Deep Seaport and its financial partners was signed as recently as April 2019 and by January 2023 the wide-ranging impact project is already being commissioned is a testament to the tenacity of purpose of the Federal Ministry of Transportation through the Nigerian Ports Authority.”

He thanked the President for approving the Ministry’s extraordinary request to designate Lekki Deep Seaport as Customs Port and approved Wharf and its publication in the Federal Government Official Gazette in record time.

”With Seaports being under the exclusive legislative list, the Nigerian Ports Authority’s provision of a sinking fund for Lekki Deep Seaport Federal Government’s equity contribution gave this project the necessary statutory cover and financial guarantee in line with the law.

”Completing a project of the magnitude and impact of a deep seaport in a record time of 45 months shows the effectiveness of tenacious ministerial supervision, strict regulatory oversight and strong presidential backing.”

Sambo, who described the project as one of the major legacies of this administration, added that over 170,000 jobs would be created as operations commence.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, in his goodwill message, said the landmark gateway project jointly built by five parties from four countries is a fitting example of a good business model.

”This project is a joint venture between China, Nigeria and Singapore, and is run by a French company. The model of ‘five parties from four countries’ is a way of taking advantage of the wisdom and strength of all parties.”

He pledged that China would promote this business model to pursue the Win-Win outcome, particularly to the growth, development and progress of Nigeria.

Using the analogy of three initial ‘E words’, the Ambassador said the project is Engine of the Economy, Equity of Investment and Example of Model Business.

On Engine of Economy, Jianchun explained that the Port is the number one deep sea port in West Africa and one of the most modern and efficient ports in sub-Saharan Africa.

”It is estimated that the overall economic benefits will reach more than 360 billion USD, becoming a new engine of economic development that will empower the southwest region and the whole country.”

As an equity investment, the Ambassador described the port as a valuable practice for Chinese companies to move from the role of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor to a strategic investor in building major infrastructure projects in Nigeria.

”The government doesn’t need to worry about the existence of guarantees or debt risks. It also shows that the investment climate in Nigeria can be trusted. We have every reason to be confident in Nigeria’s future development.”

The Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, recalled when the construction of the port began in June, 2020, with the flag-off by Mr. President, very few Nigerians believed that it would become a reality, especially with the challenges of COVID 19 ravaging the country and the entire world at that period.

”Therefore, we should all be proud as Nigerians that this has not only become a reality, but a Free Zone has built and completed the largest sea port within four years which will reposition Nigeria as a regional hub globally for maritime business.”

He pledged that NEPZA would continue to give Lagos Free Zone, and indeed, all free zones licensed under it, the institutional support required to sustain this project and all other projects being conceptualized in the free zones.

”We are ready to lead in partnering with agencies at National and Sub-National levels, and the private sector to provide the needed support for this investment to thrive.

”Particularly, we will partner with the Nigeria Custom Service to perform its role effectively in order to achieve the objective of making this project stand as a testament to the legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari.

”We must not allow the momentum generated by the commissioning today to wane. All hands must be on deck to sustain this reality, ” the head of Nigeria’s free zone regulatory authority said.

At the Bestaf Lubricant plant owned by Sayyu Dantata, the founder and CEO of MRS Holdings Limited said the plant, which has the capacity of producing 1,700 different products, will contribute to foreign exchange generation for the country, through products export, as well as meet the needs of other neighbouring countries.

I Have Not Disappointed Nigerians, President Buhari Pronounces

Editorial staff

January 23, 2023

“I made a promise and pledge that I will serve Nigeria and Nigerians to the best of my ability and so far, I have not disappointed anybody.”

These were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari, when he was in Bauchi State today, January 23, to lead the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign rallies.

He insisted that he has served Nigeria and Nigerians to the best of his ability, declaring that he had not disappointed anyone.

On a courtesy call to the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu before he moved to the campaign arena, Buhari said: “I like to mention that between 2003 and 2011, I visited all the local governments, and in 2019, when I was seeking my re-election for a second term, I visited all the States of the Federation and the people that turned out to see me were more than what anyone could buy or force.”

He said that because of such show of love by Nigerians, he vowed to serve them to the best of his ability, stressing that he couldn’t have done better than he had done in the last seven years and some months.

The President acknowledged the warm reception accorded him and the continued show of love by Nigerians.

According to him, the huge crowd that welcomed him wherever he went, was a demonstration of genuine love and loyalty.

“I normally call on Emirs and Chiefs, whether on political or personal tours to States to show my gratitude.

This was even as the Emir expressed delight in the visit of the President, saying that it is refreshing to see political leaders in modern state system honouring the traditional institutions with a courtesy call.

He said that such honour is a practical demonstration of love and respect to the traditional institutions, thanking President Buhari for the landmark developments which his administration had brought to Bauchi State.

He said that the Kolmani Integrated Project remained a legacy for which Bauchi State and the North East would remain grateful.

“We cannot thank you enough and we follow the example of our Governor to express our greatest gratitude. We are also pleased that you have kept your promise of reforming the electoral processes through continuous and progressive reforms and by ensuring the independence of the electoral body, of which our son, Professor Mahmood Yakubu is the current head.

“Your determination in this and other areas of governance has been an inspiration to all right-thinking people across the country.”

Apostle Suleman Proposed To Marry Me 7 Times, Got Me Pregnant, Abort 3 Times– Halima

Editorial staff

January 22, 2023

Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar has said that the general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman proposed to marry her on seven occasions, made her to be pregnant and abort the pregnancies on three occasions.

In a new Instagram live video with Comedian Princess, the film star claimed that the pair dated for “six years.”

“I did not know he was married. He told me he was separated. I used to beg him to go and settle with his wife but he said No. He proposed to me more than seven times. He involved my parents and met them for introduction,” she alleged.

The actress said that when rumours of their alleged affair first started making the rounds, she sought the cleric’s advice on what to say but “he told me to go and die.”

In a now-viral clip of the interview, Halima was asked if she was ever pregnant for Suleman.

“Yes, I was once pregnant for him,” she said.

When further asked why she did not keep the pregnancy, she said: “When I lost the baby, he was crying, you would think it’s real because he was shedding tears that I lost his child.

“It’s crazy. I got pregnant three times for him. The last one got me bleeding…I had to take tablets to stop it…”

On how long it took the bleeding to stop, she replied “for four years, I actually just came out since I have been in a long spiritual battle…the blood just stopped rushing, you won’t believe it.”

In another clip from the interview, Halima alleged that the cleric slept with her while she was bleeding.

“He was sleeping with me even while I was bleeding. That’s the dangerous part of it, and he was telling me he couldn’t sleep with any other person, that’s why,” she added.

“The whole thing took me unaware because I was naive and not a spiritual person. Even when I’m on my period, he does that (sleeps with me).”

Halima said she is ready to go to court to prove that the pair had an affair.

It would be recalled that in September 2022, while reacting to the series of allegations, Suleman sued Halima in court before a high court sitting in Abuja, demanding, among other things, the sum of one billion naira as damages.

“A declaration that the statements published by the defendant against the claimant on her Instagram handle @Halmabubakar, falsely and maliciously written and published to the general public, are defamatory of the person of the claimant.”

Where APC, PDP, NNPP, May Win Elections In 5 States With Highest Registered Voters

Editorial staff

January 22, 2023

File photo: Electoral commission officers and voters discuss while votes are counted at Shagari Primary School polling station in Yola, Adamawa State on February 23, 2019 | PHOTO: AFP

Permutations are already being made in the political circle as to which of the top political parties; the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) will win elections in the five states with highest number of registered voters in the February Presidential elections.

The five top states with the highest registered voters, known as swing states, are Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers and Katsina:

Lagos State:

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over seven million people have registered to vote in Lagos State in the forthcoming poll. The APC is likely to win the state due to the fact that it won the state in the last 2 general elections (2015 and 2019). PDP may get enough vote to make up for the two-third constitutional requirement. The presidential candidate of the party is also a former governor of the state.

Kano State:

Kano state is the second-highest registered voter in the 2023 poll: over five million people have registered to vote in the state based on INEC statistics. APC is likely to win the state as well because the party has been controlling the state since 2015 and secured the highest votes for President Buhari in the last two elections. Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP may get at least their two-third constitutional requirement too.

Kaduna State:

The state has over four million registered voters. Bola Tinubu of the APC may win the state as the the governor, Nasiru el-Rufai has consistently said that the ruling party has the highest chance in the February 25 presidential election.

Rivers State:

The State has one of the toughest registered voters with over 3.5 million of them. Atiku Abubakar of the PDP is likely to win the state despite the crisis rocking the party which is the rift between Governor Nyesom Wike and the party’s presidential candidate. Peter Obi of the LP, Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu may get their two-third requirements.

Katsina State:

The state is the fifth state with the highest number of registered voters in the 2023 election. Currently, more than 3.5 million people have registered to vote in the forthcoming poll.

Irrespective of the insecurity challenges in the state, the fact that President Buhari is from the state still gave the APC upper have above other political parties in the state.

File Your Annual Tax Returns Before January 31, Lagos Tells Employers of Labour

Editorial staff

January 22, 2023

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has advised employers of Labour to file their Annual Tax Returns (ATR) before or on January 31, and that the deadline will not be changed.

The LIRS Executive Chairman, Ayodele Subair, who made this known in a statement issued today, January 22, by the Head of the Corporate Communications, Monsurat Amasa, said that failure to comply with the directive would attract penalties as well as other statutory sanctions as stipulated in section 81 (2) of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) Cap P8 LFN 2004 (as amended).

The Act stipulates January 31st as the deadline for filing of annual income tax returns, failing which a penalty accrues.

“For filing the annual income tax returns in Lagos State, the only available platform is the LIRS e-Tax portal: https://etax.lirs.net.

“The e-Tax portal is built for the convenience of taxpayers and is easy, convenient and safe. All businesses and employers of labour are advised to use the e-Tax portal to file their returns.

“With the eTax system, corporate bodies are expected to find it more convenient to carry out tax transactions in the comfort of their homes and offices.”

He asked corporate bodies which want to be on the eTax platform to visit https://etax.lirs.net, input the company payer ID, password and click login, and to generate the bill thereafter and make your payment.

‘’Taxpayer ID of all employees is compulsory for the annual income tax returns to be successfully filed on the e-Tax portal. Therefore, all employees and taxable persons within the State are advised to generate a taxpayer ID (where applicable) and file their individual annual income tax returns on the e-Tax portal.”

Gov Wike Dares PDP To Suspend Him, G-5 Governors And See The Consequences

Editorial staff

January 22, 2023

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has dared the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu “and his cohorts to extend the despotic tendencies” of suspending the G-5 governors and see if the party would be able to withstand the repercussion.

Speaking today, January 21, at the campaign flag-off rally of the State PDP Campaign Council in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of the State, Governor Wike boasted that the G-5 Governors are above the threat of suspension.

“We are above that level that you think you can threaten anybody; intimidate anybody with whatever illegal decision you have taken.”

“So, we are waiting for you to announce my own and any other of my friend. Like I have said, when a man says you will not sleep, he too, will he sleep? Will Ayu sleep? Will those his cohorts sleep? So don’t worry, we have the capacity to pay back. We have the capacity to tell you that enough is enough.”

Reacting to the dissolution of the Ekiti State executive committee of the Iyorchia Ayu-led National Working Committee (NWC), Wike described it as an act of tyranny that would be challenged in court.

He warned that the resort to despotism by the PDP National Working Committee would not do the party any good in the forthcoming general elections.

Governor Wike said that the reason why the dissolution of the Ekiti State working committee would be challenged in court was that there were still members of the PDP who believed in the rule of law and that the party should respect its constitution.

“Let me also use this opportunity to say to Iyorchia Ayu and his team, your dissolving Ekiti State Exco will not help you in anyway.

“Your suspending people will not help you in anyway. The battle line has been fully drawn. As I speak to you, we will do everything legally possible to challenge any decision we know is illegal.

“So, don’t think you can threaten people by saying so, so persons have been suspended. Rubbish! Completely rubbish.”

He stressed that the Ayu-led NWC resort to tyranny would do more damage to the PDP as far as the coming general election is concerned.

How I Will Defeat Terrorists, Bandits, Other Criminals – Tinubu

Editorial staff

January 21, 2023

Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has told the people of Jigawa State that one of his priorities would be to eliminate terrorists, bandits and other criminals in the country.

Addressing party supporters who thronged the APC presidential campaign rally held at Mallam Aminu Kano Triangle in Dutse, capital of Jigawa State, Tinubu stressed the importance of securing the nation for economic growth even as he promised to provide all critical security agencies with all they require to secure the nation and make it habitable for Nigerians.

“Most importantly of all, we will secure our nation and defeat the menace posed by evil criminals, kidnappers, bandits and terrorists. We will sweep them away. Broom!

“We will do so by recruiting and deploying more security personnel across the various agencies, improving their equipment and training and deploying top shelf technology to improve ground and aerial surveillance in key and dangerous areas.”

The APC flag bearer promised to revamp the agricultural sector, while also giving great attention to developing infrastructure across the country.

“The vast arable land in Jigawa will be activated to make this state a place to reckon with in agro-business and agro-allied industries.

“We will build upon the gains already recorded in agriculture in this state. We will invest in the expansion of irrigation and water management systems to increase productivity and reduce the impact of extreme weather, drought and flood cycles on crop yields.

“Our initiatives will ensure Jigawa farmers can cultivate their lands all year round.

“If you elect me, I will consolidate the ongoing infrastructural revolution by networking our entire country with good roads that would spur development. We will use the road network to connect our major agricultural and industrial hubs.”

Present at the rally were Senate President Ahmed Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, the party’s Vice Presidential Candidate Kashim Shettima, and the Director-General of the campaign and Governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong.

Also at the rally were Chairman, Progressive Governors’ Forum and Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu and Governors Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Umara Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe) and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) as well as the two Deputy National Chairmen of the party, Senator Abubakar Kyari (North) and Barrister Emma Enekwu (South).

Jigawa State Governor Badaru Abubakar thanked the people of the state for turning out in their large numbers to receive Asíwájú Tinubu and APC leaders.

He described Tinubu as his dear father who would soon be the “father of the nation.

“You know me, I know you. You know what did before and what we are doing at present. You know right from President Buhari and me your governor, we are doing well for you. Baba Asíwájú will take over from there and double our party’s delivery for you.”

Cholera Kills 60 In Cross River Community

Editorial staff

January 21, 2023

A cholera outbreak has claimed over 60 lives in Obubura community of Cross River State. The outbreak was reported to have affected more than 200 persons.

Reports said that the Obubura community depends on a river as the only source of water for cooking, bathing, washing, drinking and defecation.

The community’s traditional ruler, Ohorodo I of Okum Kingdom, Ovan Robert, lamentedd the epidemic and called on the government to intercede by providing them with potable drinking water to avoid another outbreak.

This was even as the State Commissioner for Health, Janet Ekpenyong, promised that the state government would provide the community with adequate potable water to replace the river source.

The government assured that health personnel would be sent to sensitize residents of the community on health issues.

Senator Nnamani Protests His Suspension By PDP

Editorial staff

January 21, 2023

Former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, has protested his suspension by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for alleged anti-party activity, accusing the party of violating his right to fair hearing.

In a statement today, January 21, reacting to his suspension, Senator Nnamani, representing Enugu East in the National Assembly, complained that he was neither informed of any petition against him nor the basis of the decision of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to sanction him.

“I was never at any time notified of any petition or complaint against me or informed of the grounds that formed the decision of the NWC of the PDP to suspend me from the party.

“I was also not invited to any meeting, proceeding or hearing of the NWC of the party where my supposed offence (s) was/were discussed. I was, therefore, not afforded the opportunity to make representations on my behalf at any meeting where the proposal and decision to suspend me from the party was made.

“My right to fair hearing was consequently violated against the clear provisions of the constitution of the party, especially in disciplinary proceedings. More importantly, the superior constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.

“I, therefore, appeal to all of you to remain calm and law-abiding, while we continue our campaign to a hopefully victorious conclusion.

“I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and solidarity to me across the length and breadth of Nigeria and even across the political divide since the suspension was announced.

“I’m grateful. It is reassuring that my political career is alive. It is not threatened. We are going into the forthcoming elections very confident. We will win at all the levels of elections in Enugu state. Our people know where we are; Ebeano.”

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP had, yesterday, January 20, suspended Nnamani and eight other members of the party for anti-party activities.

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