Home Blog Page 351

Shehu Sani urges Lawmakers to avoid being executive’s rubber stamp

coic
-
0
Shehu Sani urges Lawmakers to avoid being executive’s rubber stamp

Shehu Sani, a former member who served in the Kaduna Central senatorial constituency, has cautioned the National Assembly from letting its actions weaken its power.

Speaking at the commencement of the National Assembly Legislative Aides’ Forum, or NASSLAF, Week on Tuesday in Abuja, Sani offered the counsel.

For the benefit of the nation, the pro-democracy activist also exhorted the lawmakers to charitably do their duties.
He asserts that the legislature’s submissive stance is detrimental to the nation and warns that it can sabotage democracy and good government.

Sani praised the Eighth Assembly, which is led by Sen. Bukola Saraki, for resisting the executive’s overreach and contrasted it to the present National Assembly.

He noted with dismay that the National Assembly’s authority seemed to be eroding with time.

“It was unimaginable in our day for MDA chiefs to disregard our call. They recognized the seriousness of our supervisory duties,” he stated.

Sani cautioned that the present Assembly ran the risk of losing its independence and eroding democratic checks and balances by acting as a “rubber stamp” for the executive.

Therefore, he warned the MPs not to put their own interests before of their constitutional obligations.

“Respect is required for this institution. You will no longer be respected if you become stooges. Legislative independence was protected during our time, but it came at a price, he noted.

The former senator added that their commitment on doing the right thing led to strained ties with the government and delayed the passage of bills. He cautioned that too much cooperation was risky because it may lead to dictatorship.

Read Also: Bayelsa govt calls for NCDMB engagement with grassroots stakeholders

Sani mentioned cases in which MDA leaders publicly questioned parliamentarians while performing oversight duties, a practice that he claimed earlier assemblies would not have accepted.

“The Senate President is responsible for making sure that executive initiatives and appointment candidates are thoroughly examined. “Automated approval is not appropriate here,” he said.

Sani reminded the MPs that serving Nigerians, not the president, was their top priority.

Sani also recognized the crucial but frequently disregarded contributions of legislative assistants, characterizing them as the backbone of the legislature and their role in creating laws and policies that govern the nation.

Bayelsa govt calls for NCDMB engagement with grassroots stakeholders

coic
-
0
Bayelsa govt calls for NCDMB engagement with grassroots stakeholders

The Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has been urged by Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the acting governor of Bayelsa State, to involve grassroots stakeholders by embracing a range of viewpoints in order to make sure that their plans were inclusive and representative of the goals of all Nigerians.

This was said by Ewhrudjakpo as he opened the 13th Practical Nigerian Content Forum, which was hosted at the Local Content Towers in the state capital of Yenagoa. Speaking on the topic of “Deepening The Next Frontier For Nigerian Content Implementation,” the Acting Governor encouraged Forum attendees to go beyond discussion to action in order to make sure that the conference’s conclusions lead to significant and lasting change.

According to Ewhrudjakpo, the topic was forward-looking and encouraged active participation with an emphasis on turning concepts into workable plans that would have long-term effects.

He asserts that “a vibrant ecosystem that fosters creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development will be created by leveraging technology and empowering local talent.”

The NCDMB’s leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian content that has set a standard for quality and creativity were praised by the Acting Governor.

In line with the state’s ASSURED Prosperity Agenda, he promised that Bayelsa would continue to work with the NCDMB and other reliable partners in a variety of industries, including energy, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism.

“Let’s concentrate on creating robust and sustainable structures that allow communities to take an active role in developing industries, especially the digital economy. This will guarantee a future in which no one is left behind and shared prosperity. By working together, we can change the way Nigerian content is implemented. We can open up new avenues for growth and sustainable development by encouraging creativity, diversity, and smart alliances.

Read Also: NiMet to enhance flight operations with new Meteorological Bulletin

In his keynote speech, NCDMB Executive Secretary Engr. Felix Ogbe listed some of the accomplishments over the past seven years, such as the commissioning of the new library at Niger Delta University in Amassoma, which was made possible by collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company and other partners.

Other notable accomplishments include the opening of a gas leak monitoring facility in Abuja, the commissioning of 150 LPG in Kaduna State, and the KwaleGas Gathering and Injection plant in Delta State.

Regarding workforce development, Engr. Ogbe stated that the board was dedicated to setting up more appropriate zonal offices in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Delta states, and that the NCDMB Academy had begun educating young people on many facets of the oil and gas sector.

NiMet to enhance flight operations with new Meteorological Bulletin

coic
-
0
NiMet to enhance flight operations with new Meteorological Bulletin

With the inauguration of the Aeronautical Meteorological Bulletin in Abuja, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) plans to significantly improve aircraft services in Nigeria.

The bulletin, which is crucial for flight planning and operations, will assist airlines, pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground services in anticipating and managing weather-related difficulties, according to a statement from NiMet.

Read Also: NGO advocates inclusion of PWDs in policy decisions

According to the release, the bulletin was delivered to Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, at his Abuja office by Prof. Charles Anosike, Director-General, NiMet.

According to NiMet, the aerometeorological bulletin covers topics such as weather alerts and warnings, weather reports from aerodromes, flight path forecasts, meteorological conditions unique to aviation, wind and temperature data, and the effects of weather on operations.

Why The North should not be afraid of tax reforms

coic
-
0
Why The North should not be afraid of tax reforms

The tax reform plans have remained controversial, with some northerners mistakenly asserting that the region would become impoverished if the bills were approved in their current form.

This has been strongly refuted by the Presidency, which claims that the reforms are intended to remove multiple taxation, relieve the burden on the poor, and simplify the tax system for easier administration.

It has been noted that the majority of influential people who are speaking out about the tax reform legislation haven’t even read them. Please refrain from responding to other people’s remarks. There is a lot of misinformation and disinformation regarding these well-written bills out there, so get the bills and read them with an open mind before making any judgments.

The tax reform plans have many favorable features for businesspeople and the impoverished.

People who make less than one million naira a year, for example, will no longer be required to pay income tax.

Unlike the existing threshold of three point two million naira, only individuals earning over fifty million naira will be subject to a twenty-five percent income tax rate.

Companies that make less than fifty million naira a year are exempt from income tax. Currently, 25 million naira is the cutoff.

By 2026, corporation taxes for medium-sized and big businesses will decrease from 30% to 25%.

Read Also: NGO advocates inclusion of PWDs in policy decisions

The statutory one percent gross earnings tax will no longer be paid by businesses that do not report profits.

Starting in 2030, student loans will be directly funded by a new two percent development levy, which would replace the existing three and a half percent supplementary tax.

To keep costs low for the underprivileged, there will be no VAT applied to food, power, school fees, or medical services.

The provision for a derivation-based distribution scheme for the VAT proceeds is the main aspect of the proposals that certain northern leaders are criticizing.

Lack of knowledge about the clause, which could eventually favor the north, is the source of the concerns.

Promotion
As an alternative to the present fifteen percent (15%), the bills suggest that the states adopt a new VAT sharing formula of fifty-five percent (55%) instead.

The local governments’ part will increase to thirty-five percent (35%), while the federal government’s contribution will decrease from fifteen percent (15%) to ten percent (10%).

It is stipulated that sixty percent of the total sum owed by municipal and state governments must be disbursed based on derivation.

Compared to the present sharing method, which favors Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) because these areas are home to corporate headquarters, this model of distribution is more egalitarian and is based on consumption among the states.

For example, even though neighboring states have millions of users, the SA prevalent model assumes that a telecom company’s VAT payments are credited to Lagos once they are made from its corporate office in Lagos.

In order to distribute the VAT earnings, the telecom operator is required to provide the tax authorities with information about the subscriber allocations around the country under the proposed model. With millions of telecom users, the northern region will gain from this. There are 11.9 million subscribers on Kano alone.

The FCT, Lagos, and Rivers should be the ones to voice their displeasure with the new sharing arrangement, not the north.

Whatever is included in the tax reform bills is still only a suggestion, regardless. Amendments may be made to them.

Rather than advocating for the complete rejection of the well-written tax reform proposals, the North should carefully document all of its objections to the bills and submit them to the National Assembly through its representatives for a thorough discussion.

The north should also inquire as to how it should be paid for the food products it manufactures that are VAT-exempt.

During discussions on the tax reform measures, experts, state governors, traditional leaders, and other interested parties would be invited, according to a pledge made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. After hearing what Nigerians had to say, he said that the Senate will give them what they wanted. What more could we possibly desire?

Fourteen months after it started, the tax reform process is still ongoing. Nothing is set in stone. It is still possible to add new inputs. No suggestions have been rejected. Thus, there is nothing to be concerned about in the north.

The tax reform process shouldn’t be halted by disagreements over specific measures.

Reforms are needed for the impoverished. Businesspeople who are upset about many taxes are clamoring for reforms, and Nigeria, which needs to develop economically quickly, is in dire need of tax reforms.

NGO advocates inclusion of PWDs in policy decisions

coic
-
0
NGO advocates inclusion of PWDs in policy decisions

In order to guarantee that the programs are responsive to the needs and priorities of the PWD community, Georgetown Global Health, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has urged governments at all levels to include PWDs in policy-making processes at all levels, from program design to implementation and evaluation.

As part of the 16-day activism on gender-based violence, Georgetown Global Health USAID Nigeria, in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Bauchi and the Stat­e2Stste Bauchi Field office, organized a training for stakeholders in Bauchi State. During the training, Georgetown Global Health USAID Nigeria’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Officer, MaryAnn Emmanuel, made this statement.

Read Also: BOI grants N22.89bn support to 29 manufacturing Firms

According to a 2020 report by the Network of Women with Disabilities in Nigeria, 68% of women with disabilities have experienced some form of gender-based violence, including physical, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse. She said that PWDs are more likely to be victims of violence, exploitation, and abuse in both their families and communities.

BOI grants N22.89bn support to 29 manufacturing Firms

coic
-
0
BOI grants N22.89bn support to 29 manufacturing Firms

According to the Bank of Industry (BOI), 29 manufacturers have received N22.89 billion. The funds come from a N75 billion fund for the manufacturing sector.

During the first BOI interactive session with the Organized Private Sector in Abuja, which was virtually observed, its Managing Director, Olasupo Olusi, announced this on Monday.

According to Mr. Olusi, 20 additional projects totaling N6.3 billion were in various stages of disbursement out of the N75 billion manufacturing sector budget.

According to him, the interactive session was a milestone in collaboration and a manifestation of the common goal of building a prosperous industrial sector.

With your prestigious associations, we just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

This agreement emphasizes the obvious fact that we cannot change Nigeria’s industrial landscape on our own.

In order to achieve sustained economic growth, he stated that cooperation, creativity, and a common determination to tackle systemic issues must be the driving forces.

According to the agreed agreement, the bank has already started to make progress through collaborative efforts on the federal government’s lending program, according to the BOI MD.
According to him, the event’s subject, “Driving SME Development through Strategic Partnerships,” pushed everyone to think differently about how we collaborate.

According to Mr. Olusi, this actually meant shared responsibility because the bank’s job was to support an atmosphere that allowed firms to flourish in addition to providing funding.

This entails tackling legislative obstacles, market accessibility, and infrastructure deficiencies.

But your knowledge and perceptions are crucial to guiding these initiatives.

The introduction of technology, sustainability, and skill development as fundamental pillars of SME success requires our joint efforts in collaborative innovation.

“We care about your operations, your most important problems, how we can better match our programs to your needs, and the creative solutions we can work on together to boost growth,” he stated.

In accordance with President Bola Tinubu’s updated Hope Agenda, Mr. Olusi advised the organized private sector to remember the six thematic areas of impact that BOI was concentrating on.

FG to establish national youth development bank

coic
-
0
FG to establish national youth development bank

According to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the federal government is attempting to create a youth data bank and a national youth development bank.
He made this statement during the National Youth Council of Nigeria’s (NYCN) 60th anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.

The youth development and data bank would guarantee that young Nigerians have the tools, knowledge, and access they need to thrive, according to Mr. Shettima, who was represented by Hauwa Liman, his technical adviser on women and youth engagement.

According to him, the event served as a time to consider the opportunities that lie ahead for young people and to reaffirm a dedication to a Nigeria where young people are actively involved in a shared destiny rather than just spectators along the way.

In order to create a wealthy and inclusive country, he stated that “this celebration is a privilege and, more importantly, a responsibility to harness the energy, creativity, and talents of the youths.”

According to Mr. Shettima, President Bola Tinubu brought together some of the best young people to form the core of his administration because he believed that without the youth at the table, decisions could not be made for the future.

According to him, the Tinubu administration’s strategy of young inclusion is a fundamental component of its vision for Nigeria.

For the first time in our political history, the leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress is a true representative of the younger generation, and many of the ministers are young people.

“Programs that enable young Nigerians to succeed in education, entrepreneurship, and the creative and digital industries have been prioritized by the current administration,” he stated.

Mr. Shettima said that in order to assist young entrepreneurs in the fields of agriculture, technology, and industry, the administration has put in place revolutionary programs like the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, which is supported with N110 billion.

“Every Nigerian student has the chance to follow their dreams thanks to the student loan program and the Nigeria education loan fund, which are removing financial barriers to higher education,” he stated.

He exhorted young people to take use of the enormous potential to change the world and rule the creative sector, digital economy, and entrepreneurial area.

Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated in a speech that his administration is funding initiatives, projects, and policies aimed at showcasing the undeveloped abilities of Rivers youths and providing them with significant empowerment.

Read Also: Police apprehend ATM fraud syndicate in Yobe, recover 48 cards

According to Mr. Fubara, who was accompanied by Edison Ehie, his chief of staff, the state government continues to fund education at all postsecondary institutions through a scholarship program.

Additionally, the state government is funding skill-building initiatives in each of the 23 local government districts, including worthwhile projects that directly benefit the Rivers people.

According to Mr. Fubara, the state government’s youth strategies and initiatives have significantly reduced the state’s crime rate.

In order to present youth-friendly legislation that would benefit Nigerian young, he counseled the NYCN to persistently and amicably engage the National Assembly, international organizations, and all tiers of government.

Sara-Igbe Sukubo, the council’s president, urged the National Assembly and the federal government to enact laws and policies that would hasten the nation’s economic expansion.

Police apprehend ATM fraud syndicate in Yobe, recover 48 cards

coic
-
0
Police apprehend ATM fraud syndicate in Yobe, recover 48 cards

A criminal ring that was scamming ATM users throughout the state has been successfully smashed by the Yobe State Police Command.
Three suspects were arrested by State Intelligence Department personnel on Friday: Sani Kasim, 35; Nura Umaru, 24; and Umar Suleman, 22.
The suspects, who admitted to their role, worked by seeming to be helpful in order to trick ATM consumers into disclosing their PINs.
After that, they would stealthily change the victims’ ATM cards and take money out of their accounts.

DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests in a press release on Saturday. The release also detailed the recovery of a Mercedes-Benz vehicles, four cell phones, and 47 ATM cards from the suspects.

The culprits have been identified by six victims, including a visually handicapped person who lost N181,550.

Garba Ahmed, the commissioner of police for Yobe State, has responded to the operation by giving detectives instructions to keep trying to capture more of the syndicate’s fugitive members.

In addition to stressing the state’s zero-tolerance attitude for illegal activity, he asked citizens to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and to report it.

Read Also: LP Lawmaker calls for Reps who joined APC to vacate Assembly seats

The police released a number of safety guidelines for ATM users to help them avoid becoming victims of similar scams in an effort to protect the public:

Be Aware: When using an ATM, stay vigilant at all times and keep an eye out for anyone acting strangely nearby.
Select Secure Locations: Make use of ATMs in places that are well-lit and secure, like inside bank branches or reputable business establishments.

Cover Your PIN: To keep others from seeing your PIN, cover the keypad with your hand or a piece of paper as you enter it.

Protect Your Card: Keep your card in your possession at all times and don’t let anybody else handle it.

Users can greatly lower their risk of being victims of ATM fraud by taking these easy safeguards.

Breaking: Nigerian govt warns hospitals about emerging XEC COVID-19 variant

coic
-
0
Breaking: Nigerian govt warns hospitals about emerging XEC COVID-19 variant

The recently discovered XEC COVID-19 strain, which has spread to 29 nations worldwide, has prompted a warning from the Nigerian government.

Concerns over this variant’s possible effects on public health have been raised because it was initially discovered in Australia and has demonstrated a growth advantage over other strains that are now in circulation.

Being a recombinant strain, the XEC variant is a cross between two pre-existing COVID subvariants. It has changes that could alter the virus’s behavior or possible effects on human health.

The Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals has received a letter from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare addressing this issue, encouraging hospitals to activate their alarm systems and remain vigilant for patients exhibiting symptoms similar to those of COVID-19.

Dr. O. N. Anuma, Head, Teaching Hospital Division for the Permanent Secretary, signed the document titled “Letter of conveyance in respect of the newly detected xec covid-19 strain” with DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated December 5, 2024.

The group was given a mandate by the government to work with all pertinent parties in order to exchange key information about this strain and put improved monitoring procedures into place, which it stated would be essential for successful response plans.

“I am directed to inform you of a newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has been reported in Australia and has already spread to 29 countries worldwide,” the letter, which was partially retrieved on Saturday, said. (See the enclosed letter.) Concerns regarding this variant’s possible effects on public health have been raised because it has demonstrated a growth advantage over other strains that are currently in circulation.

“Alert systems should be turned on right away in all of our hospitals when a patient exhibits symptoms similar to COVID-19.

“We ask that your Committee work with all pertinent parties to exchange vital information on this strain and put improved monitoring procedures in place. Effective response tactics will depend on timely information sharing among pertinent stakeholders, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health.

“Please accept, as always, the assurances of the Permanent Secretary’s warm regards.”

Read Also: Ologbondiyan: ‘PDP in coma, not dead’

Here are some important details regarding the XEC variant in the interim:

Transmission: The XEC variety has spread to numerous nations and is extremely contagious.

“Symptoms: Cough, congestion, diarrhea, fever, and shortness of breath are all common symptoms of the XEC variation, just like those of other COVID-19 strains.

“Vaccination: Although efficacy may vary, it is anticipated that the revised COVID-19 vaccinations will offer protection against the XEC variant.

“Prevention: The usual precautions to prevent COVID-19 infection apply, including staying away from people who are sick, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and following other recommendations provided by the CDC.”

Ologbondiyan: ‘PDP in coma, not dead’

coic
-
0
Ologbondiyan: ‘PDP in coma, not dead’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in a coma, according to Kola Ologbondiyan, a former national publicity secretary.
However, Ologbondiyan asserted in an interview with Vanguard that despite the party’s leadership turmoil, the PDP is still alive.
“No,” the PDP chieftain responded when asked if the party was dead. As of right now, the party has fallen into a coma, but it is still alive. Therefore, there is no need for a requiem mass, as some observers have suggested.However, I must say that the party has been permitted to become ineffectual and become chilly in its role as the main opposition party, which was supposed to put this trial by error administration on its toes.

“Those in our party’s current leadership will tell you that, oh, they have held congresses, conveniently ignoring the fact that the results of most of these congresses are currently being litigated in different courts.”

Read Also: LP Lawmaker calls for Reps who joined APC to vacate Assembly seats

Additionally, they will claim that they are selling forms for zonal congresses, but many party members have lost interest in these games due to the way these individuals are leading the party.

Therefore, if someone claims that our party is no longer relevant, I will respond by telling them that it is still relevant but that it needs to be adjusted. It must be brought out of the coma it is now in.

1...350351352...2,807Page 351 of 2,807
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv