Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, has lamented that shortage of gas shortage has been frustrating government’s effort in the power sector.
He explained that the inability to accomplish the 5,000 megawatts he promised the nation by July 1 this year is a function of gas supply and contract.
The minister, who briefed news men yesterday, August 17, shortly after the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential villa, Abuja, said that in spite of federal government’s contract with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc for gas to power supply, power generation had remained at about 4,000 megawatts.
“Regarding the drop of electricity, yes the supply has so many players, gas, the cost that drop, issues of gas to some power plants. They cannot switch on their plant and if they do you will experience some drop once they switch on.
“There may be drop due to fault of generator and it is mostly generation. I have been watching since yesterday (Tuesday) evening, we had a generation of around 4600 megawatts.
“We told you since 1st July that we will be able to raise it up to 5,000 megawatts when we activated the contract and we have not been able to do so due to some issues around gas contracts and gas to power which we are trying to take care of.
“We have gone very far with that and I believe, it is for that reason that we are able to reach up to 4600 as of yesterday.
“This morning (Wednesday), it dropped to 4100. So, this is what is happening, you will be experiencing this fluctuation due to all these issues around gas to power because gas is not something that we control directly.
“They will not give you gas until you pay. So, we are looking at ways to solve that issue. We are working around the clock to ensure that we raise the capacity to the required level.’’
On the 700 megawatts Zungaro Hydro electric power project, the minister said that FEC approved N2.740 billion as revised estimates for the building of structure at the facility, compensation and resettlement of the communities affected by the project.
An elite group, De Noble Club 10, Kogi Central, has risen to mobilize stakeholders to change the negative narrative about Egbira land being a breeding ground for terrorists and criminals. Members of the group, who are mainly concentrated in Abuja, the nation’s capital, at an emergency meeting at the weekend, expressed shock at the security report on the Owo Church attack that brought out names of some Egbira youths as the masterminds, and also being part of the terrorist in the Kuje, FCT prison escapees. De Noble Club 10 resolved to embark on rallying stakeholders, including traditional institutions, Non-Governmental Organization and sponsorship of radio programme to reverse the negative narratives which the few incidences have brought on the tribe. It argued that Egbira people, spread across the country, have been peaceful, hardworking, loyal and friendly, adding that the bad ones, as they are found in other ethnic groups, should not be used to judge the entire people that make up the entity.
Nigerian government has taken steps to stop farmers from selling agric commodities to foreigners directly. The Federal Executive Council (FEC), headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, had approved the measure at its meeting recently.
The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, moved to implement the FEC approval by inaugurating an inter-ministerial standing committee in Abuja today, August 16.
According to the minister, the document has been jointly presented by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on March 9, 2022 for approval by the Federal Executive Council.
Adebayo said that the move was part of government’s efforts to provide the enabling environment for the commodity subsector to thrive.
The minister said that the memo is “aimed at addressing the challenges impeding the development of the agricultural commodity subsector of the economy, curtailing unfair trade malpractices and exploitation of Nigerian farmers by foreigners and promoting competitive premium pricing as impetus for increased productivity in the commodity subsector amongst others.”
He decried the exploitation of farmers by foreigners who come to Nigeria to mop up agricultural commodities at the farm gates and in turn offer farmers prices below market value.
“This situation has indeed led to the failure of many contractual agreements between farmers and indigenous off-takers. It has also affected the production capacity of our local factories due to the fact that foreigners buy off supplies and deprive the factories of required stocks.
“The current practice of direct purchases of agricultural commodities at unfair prices by foreigners at our farm-gates poses serious dangers which include: reduction in farmers’ income, declining productivity in the agricultural sector, unemployment and insecurity.”
The Minister said that a number of activities have been outlined for implementation, adding that the committee is expected to ensure that they are properly articulated and implemented for the growth and development of our economy.
He charged the committee to come up with appropriate implementation mechanism and guidelines for implementing the approved FEC memo as well as liaise with States, Local Governments and other relevant stakeholders nation-wide to enforce the ban and compliance.
Other terms of reference for the committee include facilitating the establishment of enforcement organs in the States and Local Governments; to facilitate signing of Executive Order by the President, specifying penalties and fines for violators.
The Committee is also expected to liaise with the State Governments for establishment of commodity aggregation centres for export in some strategic locations nation-wide and carry out periodic assessment (quarterly) on the implementation.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Evelyn Ngige, represented by the Director, Human Resource Management in the Ministry, Yisau Adepoju, said the committee is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring 100 per cent implementation of the approved memo.
Ngige noted that part of the mandate of the ministry is to formulate and implement policies and programmes to attract investment, boost industrialization, increase trade and export, and develop enterprises with a view to promoting economic growth, create jobs and generate wealth.
“As you are aware, the Ministry is passionate about the promotion and development of the non-oil sector having realized the enormous potentials of the sector and its contributions to the national economy.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that wealth from crude oil is not sustainable given the fact that the oil wells will certainly dry up someday. Nigeria is naturally endowed with vast and fertile arable lands suitable for production of many commodities.
“The production, processing and marketing of these commodities not only provide food security but also jobs, income and foreign exchange, amongst others,” she said.
Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Suleman Audu, expressed the readiness and willingness of the committee to provide the required leadership and coordination to ensure efficient implementation of its mandate.
Audu, who appreciated the government for the confidence reposed in them, pledged on behalf of the committee members not to disappoint the government on the important assignment.
The founder and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been picked by President Muhammadu Buhari to head a 16-member End Malaria Council (NEMC).
Other members of the Council are Permanent Secretary, Office of the Vice President on Political and Economic Affairs, Shehu Ibrahim; Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Yahaya Oloriegbe; Chairman of the House of Reps Committee on AIDS, TB and Malaria, Hon. Abubakar Dahiru; Federal Minister of Health, Dr. Ehanire; Hon. Ekumankama, Mahmuda Mamman, Permanent Secretary.
Others include Chairman, Board of Directors of UBA, Tony Elumelu; CEO, Rose of Sharon Group, Folurunsho Alakija; CEO, Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe; CEO Forte Oil, Femi Otedola; President, National Council of Women Societies, Hajiya Lami Lau; Emertius Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; National Amira, Federation of Muslim Women Nigeria (FOWAN), Alhaja Rafiyat Sanni, and NEMC Secretariat/National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr. Perpetua Uhomoibhi,
Inaugurating the Council today, August 16 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Buhari projected that the successful implementation of the Council’s agenda and savings from the estimated economic burden of the disease would save Nigeria about N687 billion in 2022 and N2 trillion by 2030.
He said that beyond improving the quality of life, health and well-being of Nigerians, the concerted strategy to tackle malaria has both public health as well as socio-economic benefits for Nigeria.
“Our inauguration today will therefore ensure that malaria elimination remains a priority on our agenda, with strong political commitment from leaders at all levels.
“Additionally, the End Malaria Council will provide a platform to advocate for more funding to protect and sustain progress made so far by our country, and put us on a pathway to ending malaria for good.”
Buhari expressed concern that the age-long disease has remained a major public health challenge in Nigeria, even as he cited the World Health Organisation (WHO) report of 2021, which showed that Nigeria alone accounts for 27 per cent of all cases of malaria and 32 per cent of deaths globally.
“Malaria infection can cause severe disease and complication in pregnant women and lead to high rates of miscarriage.
“It is also responsible for a considerable proportion of deaths in infants and young children, with children under 5 years being the most vulnerable group affected. These are reasons we must not relent in fighting malaria.”
President Buhari said that he chose Dangote to chair the Council in recognition of the track record and passion of Africa’s richest man in supporting initiatives on various health issues such as polio and primary health care system strengthening.
He expressed confidence that Dangote would bring his outstanding achievements to help the country achieve its goal of malaria elimination, adding that a group of eminent personalities, who have also made their mark across all walks of life, have been selected to work in the Council.
He added that the membership of the Council reflects Government’s commitment to significantly reducing the malaria burden in Nigeria, to a level where it is no longer a public health issue.
“I have been informed that the End Malaria Council (EMC) has already been established in other African countries, in line with the African Union Assembly Declaration for Establishment of EMC’s in Africa.
“EMCs have provided leadership, new funding and innovation to enable these countries stay on track to meet malaria burden reduction targets, and I am optimistic that the setting up of the Nigeria End Malaria Council will do the same for Nigeria.
“I must add that with the additional advocacy and funding the Council will bring to the malaria control drive, we can anticipate a reduction in malaria burden that ensures that our children, pregnant women, indeed, all Nigerians are shielded from the disease.
“We must work together to reduce the unnecessary deaths attributable to malaria and ultimately improve the well-being of citizens. I implore the Council to ensure best practices and innovative strategies in achieving its mandate.”
President Buhari used the occasion to thank the Chairman of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, the Executive Secretary of ALMA, RBM Partnership in Nigeria for their continuous support to the Federal Ministry of Health and the malaria programme, in particular.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Global Fund, the United States Agency for International Development, the President’s Malaria Initiative, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO , UNICEF, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, other implementing partners, and the private sector.
In separate remarks, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, and the Minister of State for Health, Joseph Ekumankama Nkama, said that since 2010, Nigeria has been recording a continuous decline in malaria from 42 per cent in 2010, 27 per cent in 2015 to 23 per cent in 2018.
Quoting figures from the 2010 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey and the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, they attributed the decline to the thorough implementation of the National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP).
Both ministers, however, admitted that funding gap has impacted the implementation of the malaria programmes in Nigeria, adding that the country needs N1.89 trillion to reduce malaria prevalence and mortality by 2025. .
Ekumankama said: “The biggest challenge confronting us, which prevents the elimination of malaria, to ensure a malaria-free nation in the shortest possible time is inadequate finances to fund the NMSP.
“We are currently implementing NMSP of 2021 to 2025, with the intent to achieve a parasitic prevalence of less than 10 per cent and reduce mortality attributable to malaria to less than 50 deaths per 1000 live births by the year 2025. It will take about N1.89 trillion to implement this plan.
“However, in the first year of its implementation we had an estimated deficit of over N150 billion and in 2022, we already have a deficit of over N170 billion.”
In his acceptance speech, Dangote thanked the President and all members of the Council for entrusting him with the enormous responsibility, pledging to work hard to achieve the mandate.
“I must confess that this resonates with my current role as the Nigerian Ambassador for Malaria, my role on the Global End Malaria Council and with the work that my Foundation is doing to mobilise the private sector to support malaria control in Nigeria and Africa at large.”
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has moved to investigate the Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, based on the recommendation of a visitation panel report over unremitted pensions of staff to the tune of N352 million.
Several other recommendations in the panel’s draft White Paper Report, including that asking the state government to investigate the financial standing of the university, have since been adopted by the government.
The state commissioner for information, Malam Muhammad Garba, in a statement today, August 16, said that the inter-agency investigative panel set up by the governor would look into the entire outstanding liabilities audited accounts and recover the amount lost in the university.
He said that the will be chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Office of the Head of Civil Service while Permanent Secretary, REPA, Office of the Secretary to the State Government; Permanent Secretary, Pension Trust Fund; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance; State Auditor General, Local Government Auditor; Chairman, Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; would serve as members. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice will serve as member/secretary of the committee.
He said that the governor will inaugurate the committee at a date to be announced.
Former Military President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has predicted that those who are behind the lingering insecurity in the country will soon regret their action nd face the consequences.
Babangida, who turned 81 tomorrow, August 17, told news men at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State today, August 16 that there is urgent need for such people to embrace peace and unity of the country.
He asked Nigerians to be hopeful, determined, faithful and pray for the end to the current insecurity challenges.
“Those behind it (insecurity) will soon regret their action and will realize the consequences and impact of their actions.”
The former President stressed the need for the media in the country to ignore those who are preaching disunity and give priority to those making efforts to ensure peace and unity.
He asked Nigerians to remain resolute and believe in the unity of Nigeria, charging them to be patient and prayed to overcome the current challenges bedeviling the country.
This was coming as President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated Babangida for turning 81 year, saying that it is a thing of joy that he is celebrating another year, heralded by God’s benevolence and mercies.
The President acknowledged the historical role of the former military President in shaping the political and economic development of the country, “and his counsels to upcoming political leaders.”
He prayed for longer life, good health and strength for the octogenarian.
“To those who have done many things against us, I want to tell them there’s nothing to fear. There will be no vengeance. We do not have the luxury to look back.”
These were the words of William Ruto, who was declared winner of the Kenyan Presidential election by the Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) today, August 15.
The electoral body had said: “In accordance with the Constitution and the law, I, chairperson of the IEBC, hereby declare that Ruto William Samoei has been duly elected as the President of the Republic of Kenya under the provision of Article 138 of the Constitution of the Presidential election held on August 9, 2022,” Wafula Chebukati, Chairman of the IEBC, said.
Ruto polled 7,176,141 votes in the last Tuesday’s election, representing 50.07 per cent of the total votes cast to beat his rival, Raila Odinga. Ruto secured the minimum 25 per cent of votes in 39 counties.
In his speech, President-elect, Ruto thanked the electoral commission for overseeing the election, saying: “it is a wonderful evening… all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya”, Ruto said, calling Mr Chebukati a “hero.”
“To those who have done many things against us, I want to tell them there’s nothing to fear. There will be no vengeance. We do not have the luxury to look back.
“There are no losers. The people of Kenya have won because we raised the political bar. There is no looking back. We are looking to the future. We need all hands on deck to move forward.”
However, four of the seven members of the electoral commission had refused to endorse the result, saying it was “opaque.”
“We cannot take ownership of the result that is going to be announced because of the opaque nature of this last phase of the general election.
“We are going to give a comprehensive statement… and again we urge Kenyans to keep calm. There is an open door that people can go to court and the rule of law will prevail”, said Juliana Cherera, the Vice-Chairman of IEBC.
Chebukati said he had done his duty despite receiving threats.
“I took an oath of office to serve this country and I have done my duty in accordance with the constitution and the laws of the land. We have walked the journey of ensuring that Kenyans get a free fair and credible election. It has not been an easy journey – right now two of my commissioners and the CEO are injured,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Ruto over the electoral victory, praising the people of Kenya for the peaceful and transparent outcome of the elections.
In a statement today, August 15 by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari said that the election demonstrated that the democratic process, values and principles remained the best way for the people to select their leaders and hold them accountable.
President Buhari said that Nigeria valued Kenya as a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism and violence extremism, buoyed by a long history of friendship, economic and trade ties, and effective collaboration through international organisations such as the African Union, the United Nations and the Commonwealth.
The President wished Ruto a successful inauguration and tenure in office, adding that he expects fruitful and robust engagements between the two countries on shared priorities such as enhancing peace and security on the continent, democracy, greater economic prosperity and social development.
He also saluted President Uhuru Kenyatta for his statesmanship and exemplary leadership to the people of Kenya in the past nine years and the profound legacies of his administration on infrastructure, education, healthcare reforms and tourism as well as strong influence and support on regional security.
Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari (in the middle), today, August 15, hosted the State Chief of Protocol (SCOP), Ambassador Lawal Kazaure (second left), Senior Special Assistant to the President on Domestic and Social Event, Mallam Mohammed Sarki Abba (second right) and Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Ade Ipaye (far right), in honour of the two Principal Officers of the President (Kazaure and Abba) that were Conferred with Republic of Niger National Honours by that country’s President, Bazoum, recently.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has emerged the “Man Of The Year” for the 2022 Leadership Excellence Awards.
He won the award in a 14-day Leadership Excellence voting by Nigerians, both home and in the Diaspora via online platforms and was organized by the Igbere TV, a foremost community TV in Nigeria.
Obi defeated three other nominees to emerge winner in the online voting that took place from August 1st to August 14, 2022 via online platforms.
Peter Obi polled 2, 428, 403 votes to defeat the Chairman and Founder of BUA Group, Abdul Rabiu who polled 1, 124, 172 and popular Nigerian Singer, David Adeleke, a.k.a Davido who polled 881, 766.
The award, endorsed by the African Union, African Film Institute, will be presented in November 2022 in Abuja.
The awar,d which is the fourth in a row, is an annual event that promotes outstanding leaders and personalities whose impacts have been felt in Nigeria’s political, social and economic spheres.
Obi is a Nigerian businessman and politician who served as governor of Anambra State from March to November 2006 to February to May 2007, and from June 2007 to March 2014.
Born in Onitsha in 1961, Obi graduated from the University of Nigeria in 1984, entered business and banking and held several high-ranking executive positions in the banking sector.
In the year 2000, Obi was the Chairman of Fidelity Bank before leaving the position to go into politics.
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The Naira has continued to depreciate against the dollar at the Investors and Exporters window, exchanging at N430.67.
Nigerian government has taken steps to stop farmers from selling agric commodities to foreigners directly. The Federal Executive Council (FEC), headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, had approved the measure at its meeting recently.
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has moved to investigate the Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST), Wudil, based on the recommendation of a visitation panel report over unremitted pensions of staff to the tune of N352 million.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has emerged the “Man Of The Year” for the 2022 Leadership Excellence Awards.