Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has inaugurated a seven man local government Autonomy Advisory Committee.
The committee which was inaugurated on Monday, in Jalingo, the state capital, was assigned with the responsibility of guiding the government on the implementation of the local government autonomy.
The move was necessitated by the recent Supreme Court judgement declaring full autonomy for the 774 local government councils spread across the country.
Kefas described the formation of the committee as a significant milestone in the journey of the state towards a more democratic, accountable and efficient governance system.
The judgement, as made known by the governor, aligned with his administration’s commitment to centralization and local empowerment and further sets a clear path for the full autonomy of local government councils.
Emphasizing that the judgement reaffirmed his earlier decision to conduct local government elections on the 18th of November 2023 and swear in the chairmen on the 23rd of November 2023, the steps, as opined by him, were to ensure that local government councils are equipped with the mandate and legitimacy to serve their communities effectively.
Recalling how he had earlier communicated to the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional, and Chieftaincy Affairs to allow council chairmen to take full responsibility for the management of the Joint Account and all administrative affairs, he reiterated his administration’s commitment and dedication to service, transparency and accountability.
The committee’s terms of reference as revealed by the governor, includes implementation of oversight functions, capacity building, financial autonomy, administrative reforms, security coordination, community engagements, evaluation and feedback, among others.
Responding, the committee chairman, Abel Peter Diah, said, the financial autonomy of the local government councils has been on the front burner, adding that the Supreme Court verdict was a victory for democracy and good governance.
Taraba: Gov Kefas inaugurates committee on local government autonomy
Taraba: Gov Kefas inaugurates committee on local government autonomy
FG, World Bank set $10m for skills acquisition
The World Bank in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday expressed readiness to spend 10 million dollars for Nigerian youths to acquire the critical skills needed for employment.
The World Bank Education Specialist, Dr Mistura Rufai,, made this known at a two-day workshop for grantees of the Innovation Grant Facility in Abuja on Monday.
The workshop was organised by the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills project of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Rufai said the country needed youths to be empowered and trained in building its economic fortunes, adding that the current scheme had about 78 grantees to empower over 50,000 youths across the country.
She said, “This facility was designed to support complementing agencies that are promoting innovations in the training of digital skills.
“It aims at supporting critical intervention projects in the skills development ecosystem such that we develop digital skills across the country.
“The training is expected to have beginners, intermediate to advanced level. As we speak at the national level, we have about 10,000 youths currently being trained.
She noted that they have about 78 grantees and hopes that in about a year, they will have over 50,000 grantees being trained.
“This project has several components and the innovation ground is just a component covering about 10 million dollars.
“The selection process is very competitive and we start the process of asking potential trainees to submit expressions of interest, when this is done, we evaluate and ask them to submit a proposal and then we bring in both the private sector, experts in the field to access those proposals and then the potential grantees are ranked based on their proposals,” she added.
On her part, the National Project Coordinator, IDEAS, Blessing Ogwu, said the programme was created to give every Nigerian child the opportunity to learn and acquire skills.
Ogwu said that with the increasing number of out-of-school children in the country, there was a need to remove them from the street. She charged the grantees to be committed to the initiative to reduce the number of unemployed youths in the country.
“The essence of this project is focusing on the skill acquisition to reduce unemployment in Nigeria. We don’t need anyone to tell us that we have so many youths who are unemployed.
“Most of our youths are unemployed and the only way is for the youth to acquire our skills,” she said.
Also, the IGF Consultant, Prof. Ndem Ayara, explained that the project, scheduled to be implemented within one year, was a Public/Private Partnership arrangement.
“In the partnership, the public sector will support the consortium to implement the project up to 80 per cent, the private sector partner will provide 20 per cent.
“Of the 20 per cent by the private sector, they will contribute 10 per cent in kind and the other 10 per cent in cash.
“It is the cash component of the private sector contribution that is expected to be the counterpart funding by the private sector,” Ayara said.
Tinubu: Ndume’s voice can’t be suppressed – Arewa youths tackle Northern elders
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, on Monday condemned the remark by the Coalition of North-East Elders Forum, CNEF, against the Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
AYCF accused the CNEF of attempting to “suppress dissent and freedom of expression”.
Ndume had claimed that Tinubu’s administration is composed of “kleptocrats”.
He noted that the current administration is being led by the least competent and most corrupt individuals primarily focused on embezzling resources.
Ndume’s remark drew condemnation from the CNEF.
Reacting, the National President of AYCF, Yerima Shettima emphasized that while the remarks represent Ndume’s personal opinions, his right to express them is protected and should be respected.
In a statement he signed, Shettima said: “The attack from CNEF against Senator Ndume is vindictive, unwarranted, and an unacceptable affront to democratic principles of freedom and fair play.
“It is a brutal encroachment on his right to freedom of expression, safeguarded by various international treaties and conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.”
The AYCF also voiced concerns over growing speculations that Ndume might be relieved of his position as Chief Whip of the Senate.
The group warned that any further attempt to breach Ndume’s fundamental right to hold differing views will be vigorously resisted and vehemently challenged.
“Any government that cannot be criticized is a liability,” stated Shettima, while urging the North-East elders to desist from their “indiscriminate attacks on Senator Ndume,” whom they referred to as an “eminent hero of the Northern youth.”
While the AYCF clarified that it does not currently favor protests, it stressed that Ndume’s observations regarding the current harsh realities faced by Nigerians are apt and timely.
The group urged the government to heed the senator’s observations for the benefit of all citizens and warned North-East elders against manipulating and politicizing security issues for their own gain.
“The observations raised by Senator Ndume should be heeded by the government, as they reflect the collective concerns of many Nigerians facing hardships,” the statement concluded.
The AYCF further expressed its commitment towards upholding democratic values and the right to freedom of expression, calling on all stakeholders to adopt a more tolerant and constructive approach to differing viewpoints.
Tinubu: Ndume’s voice can’t be suppressed – Arewa youths tackle Northern elders
Nigeria losing $9bn yearly to illegal mining- Reps C’ttee
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi, on Monday disclosed that illegal mining activities in Nigeria are costing the country about $9bn annually.
This is just as the lawmaker lamented that only 3 per cent royalty gets paid into government coffers by the few miners licenced to operate legally across the country.
At the investigative hearing organised by the committee in Abuja, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa shocked lawmakers and industry stakeholders with his claim that illegal miners are highly connected and often boast of the same everywhere they go.
The CDS added that men of the Nigerian Army have so far, arrested 387 individuals linked with illegal mining.
Speaking at the event, Gbefwi stated that illegal miners have worked against the economy of the country, preventing her from making the most of its mineral resources.
He said, ” The parliament is deeply worried about the loss of revenue through unregulated and illicit mining operations with the Federal Government disclosing that unlawful mining costs the country $9bn each year, with the only money coming from a 3 per cent royalty paid by the few licensed miners.
“This public hearing is aimed at investigating illegal mining activities, under-reporting wins (extract e-Products) by mining and quarry license operators, utilisation of financial interventions in the Nigerian solid minerals sector amounting to trillions of naira within the solid mineral sector and also the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment Bill) and Nigeria solid Minerals Development Company (establishment bill) respectively.
Gbefwi, a member of the Social Democratic Party representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, also noted that “The unregulated exploitation of our natural resources jeopardises the sustainability of the mineral sector, leading to environmental degradation and revenue loss that could otherwise benefit our communities and nation as a whole.
“It is imperative that we take as a matter of urgency, decisive steps and necessary action to address this issue and ensure that our solid mineral sector operates within the framework of the law, protecting our natural resources for future generations.”
On why illegal mining continues to thrive, Air Vice Marshal, Nnaemeka Ilo who represented the CDS said, “The involvement of the elites in it, we can’t tell, but we know that most of the time when we catch these foreigners, they will tell us that they have connections. I don’t want to say some things, but sometimes you hand these people over and the next thing they’re released.
“Talking of illegal mining, I’m going to talk about how the military sees it. There are so many other stakeholders that I want to talk about. From our various operations and the statistics that we have, we notice that, first of all, the framework guiding mining in Nigeria is very, very good. It needs to be strengthened. Why do I say so, sir?
“In 2018 or so, during the last administration, there was a ban on illegal mining in South Africa, South Africa and Nigeria, which even established a gold mine zone. Despite that ban, mining licenses were being issued to people to mine in that zone. So the strengthening of the institutional framework is very key.”
He further called for tough sanctions on those involved in the act, saying, “Anybody caught in this illegal mining must be dealt with decisively and examples should be made for others to know publicly. The third aspect we noted is poverty. In these areas where this illegal mining takes place, the people are poor. Virtually, lack of education is also part of it. Most of them that we get, have no formal education.”
Also at the hearing, the representative of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Tajudeen Lamidi said that the Nigerian Army has arrested 387 individuals in connection with illegal mining.
At the investigative hearing, Tajudeen Abbas who was represented by the House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere described illegal mining as a growing socio-economic challenge in Nigeria, adding that it has led to the loss of ecosystems and increased poverty levels, especially among peasant farmers.
“A disturbing issue, which makes this investigative hearing very critical is the fact that various mining communities in Nigeria live in agonising conditions, economically and socially, arising from years of neglect, and various deprivations and severe environmental degradation, air and water pollution, arising from unsafe mining practices by illegal miners.
“The impact of the unprecedented illegal mining across Nigeria has been devastating as farmlands, crops and economic trees are not only destroyed by mining activities but reduce their benefit and values to the residents,” he said.
FG declares Nigerian passport holders now free to obtain UAE visas
After a protracted diplomatic row, Nigerians can now apply and obtain visas to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) effective Monday.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Monday.in Abuja.
He said the Federal Government has reached an agreement with the UAE to allow Nigerian passport holders to obtain visas for trip to the Gulf State starting today (Monday).
Idris said: “Following successful talks and extensive, mutually beneficial negotiations between the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria @NigeriaGov, an agreement was reached allowing for the resumption of travel to the UAE for Nigerian passport holders.
“This agreement includes updated controls and conditions to facilitate obtaining a UAE visa.
“The resumption of visas will be effective from July 15, 2024.
“Nigerians wishing to learn more about the updated visa conditions from the UAE can visit for any additional information. ”
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post FG declares Nigerian passport holders now free to obtain UAE visas appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
We handed over 387 arrested illegal miners for prosecution – Nigerian Army
The military says it has arrested 387 individuals in connection with illegal mining but has handed them over to agencies with prosecutorial power.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Chris Musa, disclosed this on Monday while appearing before the House Committee on Solid Mineral.
Musa, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius, said the military is only supporting other security agencies in curbing illegal mining.
“The involvement of the elites in it, we can’t tell, but we know that most of the time when we catch these foreigners, they will tell us that they have connections. I don’t want to say some things, but sometimes you hand these people over and the next thing you see, they’re released,” the Chief of Defence Staff said.
He also disclosed that some illegal miners come from Burkina Faso to operate in Nigeria, adding that the military would back the call for the suspension of mining for a short period.
“We have people from Burkina Faso coming to mine in Nigeria. So the strength of our borders, too, is a factor. Why I’m saying all this is that there’s a need for the government to properly equip those involved to checkmate most of this illegal mining,” he said.
In his remarks, the chairman of the Committee, Jonathan Gwefi, said the government loses over $9 billion to illegal mining activities.
We handed over 387 arrested illegal miners for prosecution – Nigerian Army
Kwara court reserves judgment in Offa robbery case
Justice Haleema Salman of the Kwara State High Court has reserved judgment in the April 5, 2018 bank robbery recorded in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of the state.
Justice Salman reserved judgment in the six-year trial of six suspects in the bloody bank robbery till August 2, 2024.
Thirty-three people, including nine policemen, were killed in the incident which involved five commercial banks while an undisclosed sum of money was stolen from the banks.
The presiding judge on Monday adopted final written addresses which contained arguments of the two lead counsel in the matter, Rotimi Jacob (SAN) for the state and Mathias Emeribe, the defence counsel.
During the Monday trial, the prosecution and defence teams adopted their written addresses one after the other on point of law which were placed before the court.
However, the presiding judge said that the August 2, 2024 date for judgment is tentative.
It is recalled that six suspects: a policeman, Michael Adikwu (deceased), Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham were arrested in connection with the bloody armed robbery incident.
Ayoade Akinnibosun and four others are currently standing trial in the case which began on November 11, 2018.
The five suspects, Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham and two others were charged to court by the Police for criminal conspiracy to rob the banks, murder of nine policemen and other citizens, and illegal possession of firearms.
Michael Adikwu died in police custody while the remaining five pleaded not guilty.
Court adjourns suit against Oba of Benin to Oct 17
A Benin High Court on Monday adjourned the case brought against the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II by two suspended Benin Enigie (Dukes) until October 17.
The two suspended Enigie of Evbuobanosa and Egbaen Siluko Dukedoms in Benin Kingdom, Prof Gregory Akenzua and Chief Edomwonyi Ogiegbaen, filed the suit through their counsel, Dr Osagie Obayuwana.
The other parties in the suit are Edo State Government, represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi.
Prof Edoba Omoregie (SAN), Kingsley Obamogie (SAN) and Mr Samson Osagie stood in for the Oba of Benin.
The Enigie had, on behalf of others, sued Oba Ewuare, challenging their suspension from office in 2023 following allegation of spearheading rebellion against the Oba.
It would be recalled that on May 9, 2024, Justice Peter Akhihiero had also admitted the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) as a party in the suit and adjourned the case until July 15.
The BTC is represented by Mrs P.O. Okoduwa.
When the case came up for hearing on Monday, a new judge handling the case, Justice Mary Asamota, adjourned the suit until October 17, citing the forthcoming annual judicial vacation year as reason for the long adjournment.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Edo residents, including members of the Benin Royal family, Palace Chiefs, Priests and Priestesses defied the heavy rainfall to witness the outcome of the court case.
They stood around the court premises because security agents had denied persons who had no business being in the court, access to the courtroom during the sitting.
Some groups rendered songs in solidarity with the Oba of Benin.
Court adjourns suit against Oba of Benin to Oct 17
FG distributes 44,400 bags of rice to 36 states, FCT
The Federal Government says it has dispatched 20 trucks of rice to each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
It said the new move is part of measures to ease the economic burden of Nigerians.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Monday.
Idris said each state has received truckloads of rice, each containing 1,200 bags of 25kg rice for onward distribution to the most vulnerable persons and families.
He said the consignment is the first step by the federal government to provide support to all the sub-nationals.
The Minister noted that state governments are expected to distribute the commodity to bring down the current hardship in the country.
Details later…
With three years of experience, Stephen, The According correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons
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BAUC International London Unveils Real Estate Vetting Company In Nigeria
In the quest to restore trust, confidence and create safe investment haven in the real estate market in Nigeria, BAUC International London has launched a real estate vetting company dedicated to scrutinizing and listing credible and trustworthy property developers in Nigeria and Africa thus reducing the risk associated with property investment in Africa.
This is against the backdrop of many Nigerians in the Diaspora being defrauded of their hard-earned money by their relatives or family members while trying to invest in the Real Estate market in Nigeria. The company will avail Nigerians in the diaspora an opportunity to surf through real estate developers and vetted investment portfolios listed on the company website. They will also organize the Nigeria Property Show Europe 2024 to showcase the diverse and lucrative real estate options in Nigeria. This event will serve to bring well-scrutinized property developers, real estate agencies, designs, and architectural firms from Nigeria to showcase in London, Manchester, Rome, and Frankfurt come October 2024. Thus making real estate investment in Nigeria and Africa much easier.
To achieve this, BAUC International will do all due diligence associated with acquiring property in Nigeria on behalf of the client. The real estate vetting company will thoroughly vet and scrutinize all investment portfolios and advise the client accordingly and will always act in favor of the investor ensuring full implementation of the investment contract. BAUC International will also provide unbiased, up-to-date full-stack information to the investors as well as allow them to make informed decisions based on facts available to them.
Therefore, there won’t be any need for investors to travel to Nigeria as BAUC International will be their eyes in-country. Because the team is in-country based, they understand the complexity and intricacies associated with real estate in the country; an invaluable knowledge most diaspora property buyers lack. This reduces the risk of an investor losing their earned money to deceitful elements in
The sector.
Speaking at the event in London, Mr Onyeaji who is the Co-founder of the company assured Nigerians and Africans in the Diaspora that BAUC International will ensure that the real estate market in Nigeria and Africa get rid of unscrupulous unethical individuals and companies who hid under the sector to carry out their nefarious activities.
“BAUC International will ensure that your dream of owning your own home in Nigeria becomes a reality. We will not only ensure you buy/invest with credible and genuine developers, but we will also ensure that you get a very affordable and stress-free investment option from the developers. The era of owning your dream home and real estate investment portfolio is now. Therefore, why send monies to your relatives and family members whom you can’t hold accountable for your building projects/property investment portfolio? Why lose your hard-earned money to one individual or company that survives on ripping off hard-working individuals of their hard-earned money? BAUC International is set up to give you peace of mind with your property investment quest in Nigeria and Africa. Our team is made up of highly qualified lawyers, certified engineers, chartered accountants, and a technical team to be your eye in-country and provide you with unbiased information on any real estate investment in Nigeria” he added.
Vitalis Nwaogu who doubles as the Group Chairperson of the company enjoins Nigerians and Africans in the Diaspora to take advantage of this initiative and the growing purchasing power of the foreign currency to diversify their income portfolio through investing in Nigeria’s High Returns on investment Real estate sector.
“We are keen to make your dream come true. You have toiled and worked so hard for every penny you own today. It’s unfair that the savory landscape inherent in the Nigeria Real Estate sector has stifled the motivation of actualizing your dream of owning a home in Nigeria. But a new dawn has come! It’s now safer to venture into any property investment project in Nigeria and Africa with the supervisory support of BAUC International. It’s now easier to own a home or invest in a real estate portfolio in Nigeria as you are now sure of whatever you are getting into,” he said.
Acknowledging the support of many Nigerians in the Diaspora towards the launch of the project, Collins Onyeaji thanked participants of the event and expressed optimism about the initiative.
Mr Onyeaji is a multi-talented and astute entrepreneur who grew up in the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja FCT and because of his keen passion and interest in real estate and the environment, he first bagged a Diploma Certificate in Environmental and Real Estate Management from the prestigious University of Abuja, Nigeria. He then proceeded to study BSc Economics as he tends to grow his knowledge and understanding of capital and the real estate market dynamics. Collins Onyeaji also has a postgraduate degree in Business administration from the University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom where he was honored with the prestigious scholarly award by the university.
Collins’ great passion and penchant for business development played a fundamental role in his successful set up of many businesses in Nigeria and Abroad. He is the Co-founder of MEGAMAN Nigeria, a lighting company dedicated to the distribution of high-quality lighting products to real estate developers in Nigeria and Africa. He also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of British AUC, a renowned education firm dedicated to providing international education opportunities to international students across Africa. He has also served on the boards of many UK firms and Nigerian companies among whom are, British Light and Electrical Ltd, England, United Kingdom, The Castle Realty Ltd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Chairman thanked everyone present for their time and unrelenting support of the project and pledged utmost support to each and everyone who beckons on the company’s service. Mr Nwaogu also reiterated the company’s commitment to the initiative and envisioned a Nigeria Real Estate investment market devoid of ignoble individuals and companies.
Vitalis is the group chairperson with extensive experience in business development, sales, and marketing, business negotiation certifications spanning over 35 years in the business world. His penchant for business and sales led him to bag a Diploma Certificate in Salesmanship from the prestigious National School of Salesmanship, Manchester, United Kingdom making him a qualified salesman with over 30 years of experience in the industry. This wealth of experience he deploys to BAUC International to drive and promote a vetted real estate portfolio in Africa to our esteemed diaspora clientele.
Mr Nwaogu’s vibrance and work ethic showed great determination working his way up as a salesman to being the Executive Manager at Longman Nigeria, Plc in Nigeria between the years 1998 to 2011. His love for human capital development and Pan-Africanism led him to hash an idea geared towards sanitizing the African Capital and Real Estate market making it safe for investors.
As someone who has been delegated with several responsibilities of the translational corporation across Africa by multinationals as well as the management of human and capital resources of these companies, he has earned a reputation of trust and integrity in the capital market and real estate sector, Vitalis pours this long age reservoir of skill and expertise to the Real Estate space to provide exceptional lead to the group helping the company provide a cutting edge customer experience.
BAUC International London Unveils Real Estate Vetting Company In Nigeria