President Bola Tinubu has ordered the approval of a N150,000 grant for each business owner in Jigawa State.
This was made known in a release by the State House, Abuja, and shared by Vice President Kashim Shettima on his official X handle on Tuesday.
Shettima said the grant was part of Nigeria’s strategy for digital transformation and leadership in Africa.
According to the statement, the Vice President spoke at the launch of the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse.
Shettima said that Nigeria was not just catching up with the rest of the world, but is poised to overtake them in terms of economy and technology.
He had earlier launched the 4th edition of the Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic, announcing that Tinubu had ordered that a grant of N150,000 be given to each of the business owners in the state, as the Federal Government’s support to MSMEs across the country.
He noted that the N150,000 grant is an outright grant that does not require beneficiaries to repay.
Tinubu orders approval of N150,000 grants for each Jigawa business owners
Tinubu orders approval of N150,000 grants for each Jigawa business owners
Prices of beans, yam others keep rising in June -NBS
The National Bureau of Statistics, says prices of Beans, Tomatoes, Irish potatoes, Garri, Yam and other food items witnessed significant price increases in June 2024.
The NBS said this in its Selected Food Prices Watch report for June 2024 released in Abuja on Tuesday.
The report said that the average price of 1kg of brown beans increased by 252.13 per cent from N651.12 recorded in June 2023 N2,292.76 in June 2024.
“On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of brown beans increased by 14.11 per cent in June from the N2,009.23 recorded in May 2024,” the report stated.
It said that the average price of 1kg of tomatoes increased by 320.67 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N547.28 recorded in June 2023 to N2,302.26 in June 2024.
“On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of tomatoes increased by 55.97 per cent from the N1,479.69 recorded in May 2024,” it added.
The report said that the average price of Irish potatoes increased by 288.50 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N623.75 in June 2023 to N2,423.27 in June 2024.
The NBS said that the average price of 1kg of white Garri rose by 181.66 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N403.15 in June 2023 to N1,135.51 in June 2024.
“On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of white Garri increased by 1.86 per cent from N1,114.72 recorded in May 2024.
In addition, the average price of 1kg of yam tuber rose by 295.79 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N510.77 recorded in June 2023 to N2,2021.55 in June 2024.
On state profile analysis, the report showed that in June 2024, the highest average price of 1kg of brown beans was recorded in Kogi at N 3,006.43, while the lowest was recorded in Adamawa at N 1,336.11.
It said that Abuja recorded the highest average price of 1kg of tomato at N3,992.61, while the lowest was recorded in Kebbi at N1,200.
The NBS said that the highest average price of 1kg of yam tuber was recorded in Lagos at N3,376.54, while the lowest price was recorded in Adamawa at N1,100.
According to the report, Gombe recorded the highest average price of 1kg of white garri at N1,619.27, while the lowest was reported in Taraba at N900.
Analysis by zone showed that the average price of 1kg of brown beans was highest in the North-Central at N 2,923.45, followed by the South-South at N 2,630.03.
The South-West and South-East recorded the highest average price of 1kg of tomatoes at N3,261.84 and N2,852.59, respectively, while the lowest price was in the North-West at N1,411.16.
The report said that the South-West recorded the highest average price of 1kg of yam tuber a tN2,745.80, followed by the North-Central at N 2,440.35, while the North-West recorded the lowest price at N1,238.49.
The NBS said also that the South-West and the North-East recorded the highest average price of 1kg of white Garri at N1,199.62 and N1,155.63, respectively.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Federal Government in a bid to address the incessant increase in food prices and ensure food security recently granted a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities.
The suspended duty tariffs and taxes will be on the importation of certain food items across the land and sea borders which include maize, cowpeas, wheat, and husked brown rice.
However, experts have suggested more sustainable measures such as addressing the issue of insecurity, foreign exchange and transportation costs to address the soaring food prices and ensure food security.
(NAN)
Ex-commissioner denies hand in attack on dep gov Shaibu, Okpebholo’s convoy
The former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in Edo State, Efe Stewart, on Tuesday, denied involvement in the attack on the convoy of the reinstated Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the September 21 election, Senator Monday Okpebholo,
Shaibu and Okpebholo’s convoy was attacked by gunmen, leading to the death of a police officer, Inspector Akor Onuh.
The incident ignited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the APC, as both called for a probe.
Stewart, who dumped the PDP for the APC, was one of those the PDP and Edo State government accused of being behind the shooting.
In response to the violence, Stewart told Journalists in Benin, the state capital, that the allegation by the Edo State government in its petition to the Inspector General of Police over the July 18, 2024 breakdown of law and order in the state was targeted at tarnishing his rising political profile and reputation.
READ ALSO: Edo Assembly opposes court order reinstating Shaibu as dep gov, files appeal
He said he returned to the APC due to irreconcilable differences, after putting in resources and energy in his capacity as a chieftain of the ruling party in the state.
He asserted that he remains committed to enthroning good governance and leadership in the state, having served the Obaseki-led government as a commissioner
He said: “This is to let Edo residents know that I was not involved in last Thursday’s political violence which claimed the life of a police officer.
“I left the PDP when it became obvious that I could not work with a political nitwit spearheading the PDP activities in my local government in Egor. I am too enlightened to be controlled by an illiterate and a motor park leader.”
He encouraged the public to disregard the falsehood in the statement by the government, which allegedly dragged him into the violence.
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Disregard proposed protest – Arewa stakeholders warn Nigerians
The Arewa Stakeholders Forum has warned Nigerians against embarking on nationwide strike, slated for August 1, 2024.
Instead, the forum suggested a continuous dialogue with the Federal Government and other stakeholders with a view to resolving the hardship bedeviling the country
In a statement issued by Prof. Shuiabu Aliyu, after a closed door meeting with stakeholders at the Arewa House Center for Research and Historical Documentation, Kaduna, it urged Nigerians to seek dialogue in settling problems.
“We know the social challenges of hyper inflation, unemployment and hunger currently bedeviling the masses of this country, but after our deliberations, we are urging Nigerians to please explore alternatives to protests,” it said.
According to Aliyu, Nigerians should learn from the Venezuela, Yemen, Syria and Sudanese cases, adding that the negative impact of the planned protest might leave many dead and millions displaced as in the case of Sudan.
“Civil strikes are often hijacked by mischief makers bent on bringing down the ruling government either by opposition parties or foreign adversaries of the government in power.
“These strikes breed unrest which leads to death (loss of lives), destruction of economic activities and natural resources. In the Sudan story over 150,000 died, while over two million were displaced,” he said.
Disregard proposed protest – Arewa stakeholders warn Nigerians
IGP, Egbetokun, claims crime rate dropped as police strategies yield results
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reported significant decline in crime rates across Nigeria attributing the development to effective strategies deployed by the police force.
According to Egbetokun, major crimes have decreased substantially, with a notable drop from 734 in May to 416 in the last month.
Addressing Commissioners of Police in Abuja on Tuesday, Egbetokun praised the dedication and passion of police personnel, stating that their commitment has led to remarkable results, contributing to the country’s internal security stability.
He said, “It is gratifying to note that the strategies deployed and duly executed by our officers and their undiluted passion and commitment have yielded significant results across the length and breadth of our nation. Undoubtedly, the results achieved by our men and officers within the past months have accentuated the stability of the internal security order of the country. This is clearly evident by the steady decline in crime rates over the past few months.
Read Also: Reps order reversal of electricity tariff hike for Band A customers
“A review of the monthly major crimes returns table revealed a significantly positive outlook. A drop in the major crimes reported in the last month, which stood at 416, compared with 734 and 530 for May and June, respectively.”
The data reveals a steady decline in crime rates over the past few months, with a notable reduction in major crimes.
According to the police boss, the police have also achieved significant successes in combating criminal activities, resulting in the arrest of 1,284 suspects, recovery of 284 firearms, 6,702 ammunition rounds, 107 vehicles, and the rescue of 97 kidnapped victims.
Egbetokun’s remarks suggest a positive trend in the country’s crime landscape, but it remains to be seen if this downward trajectory will persist.
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Ubah commends Tinubu for assenting to Southeast Development Commission Bill
The senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the Southeast Development Commission Bill into law.
Ubah in a press statement praised Tinubu for his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the development of the South East.
The statement, which was signed on Ubah’s behalf by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communications, Mr Kamen Chuks Ogbonna, said the bill would foster rapid development and unity in the region.
He said: “The passage of this bill marks the culmination of the Southeast’s tireless efforts to establish a development commission that will address the region’s critical needs.
“The bill’s signing (into law) reverses the disappointment caused by former President Mohammad Buhari’s denial of assent, which had reinforced feelings of injustice and hindered APC’s progress in the region.
“He commended President Tinubu for paving the way for meaningful collaboration between the Southeast and the federal government, ensuring the region’s growth and prosperity.”
Ubah said the bill aimed to establish a commission responsible for managing funds allocated from the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructural damage suffered by the region due to the civil war.
He said the commission would also tackle ecological problems and related environmental or developmental challenges in Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi States.
Ubah commends Tinubu for assenting to Southeast Development Commission Bill
SDP dissolves Kogi working committee
The Social Democratic Party has dissolved the Kogi State working committee and appointed a caretaker committee to run the party’s affairs for the next 90 days.
The party announced the composition of the caretaker committee in a letter signed by the Chairman and National Secretary of the party, Ibrahim Gabam and Dr Olu Agunloye respectively addressed to the Independent Electoral Commission.
Members of the committee are, Chief Sam Ranti Abenemi Chairman; Alhaji Jimoh Mohammed -Secretary; Mrs Rabi Emaiku-member; Alhaji Abubakar Karmar-member; Alhaji Sheik Ibrahim Jubril-member and Mr Fehinti Dada-member.
The letter sighted by our correspondent in the early hours of Wednesday read, “This is to officially notify you that the national working committee of SDP has received and considered the report of the activities of the Kogi state working committee of the Social Democratic party, and has accordingly dissolved the state working committee in line with the 2022 Constitution of the party as amended.”
The statement added, “Consequently, the NWC has therefore approved the Constitution of a caretaker committee for the Kogi state.
“The tenure of the caretaker committee shall be 90 days or as may be deemed fit by the NWC. This appointment shall take immediate effect.
“The INEC chairman is hereby formally informed that the Kogi state working committee has been dissolved and replaced by a caretaker committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Sam Ranti Abenemi as per the provision of the SDP Constitution.”
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FG slashes stranded foreign scholars’ allowances
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has announced a slash in allowances of foreign scholars who are currently stranded in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, among others by 12.7%.
The ministry attributed the development to economic crises.
The According had earlier reported that Nigerian students studying in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, Hungary, and other countries, on the Federal Government’s scholarship lamented their unpaid stipends for eight months running.
The students are studying under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship.
The BEA scholarship is for the purpose of education exchange between Nigeria and the partnering countries.
The Federal Scholarship Board is supervising the scholarship under the Federal Ministry of Education.
The government’s decision to slash the scholars’ allowances was contained in a memo signed by the Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, Ndajiwo H.A., on behalf of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
“After due consultations, the Federal Scholarship Board has come up with adjustments in line with budgetary provisions in the payment of BEA scholar’s supplementation allowances for the 2024 academic year,” the memo, dated July 23, 2024, and addressed to the scholars’ association, read.
According to the memo, the monthly allowances were slashed from $500 to $220; the graduation allowance from $2500 to $2000; and the PG research allowance was slashed from $1,000 to $500, among others.
The total for the payments initially paid was $5,650 per student but will now be $4,370
“The Scholars’ Association is hereby notified that due to the prevailing economic situation, the payment mandate for the BEA scholars’ allowances will be as per the new adjustment.
“The balances for the years 2023 and 2024 owed to scholars will be paid as soon as the funds are made available,” the ministry said.
Recently, the President of the Union of Nigerian Students under the Federal Government-controlled Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship, Ayuba Anas, said the scholars had not been paid for close to eight months.
Anas said, “For the past six to eight months, scholars enrolled in various institutions abroad have endured financial strain due to the delay in receiving their stipends.
“In addition, from the last payments we received (March-August), there was a shortfall of practically two and a half months’ payment. Moreover, some students in China have not received any stipends since they arrived in April and May 2023.“
Naira slumps again, trades N1,590/$1 at black market
The Nigerian currency, the naira, slumped again on the second day of trading this week against the American dollar on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
The domestic currency shed N48 to trade at N1,548/$1, data from the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) has shown.
This is against the rate of N1,500/$1 it traded on Monday July 22, 2024.
The intra-day high and low recorded during the day were N1,610/$1 and N1,470/$1 respectively, representing a lean spread of N140$1.
READ ALSO:Naira sheds N30 to trade N1,596/$1 at official window
The naira also slumped against the dollar at the parallel section of the FX market as the local currency shed N20 against the dollar to trade N1,590|$1, as against the rate of N1,570/$1 it traded the previous trading day.
The naira also shed N10 against the British Pound to trade at N2,060£1 as against the previous trading day’s rate of N2,050£1 representing a loss of N10 for the local currency.
The Canadian dollar continues to close flat against the naira to trade at N1,200| CA$1 same as the previous trading day rate of N1,200| CA$1.
The naira also lost N50 against the Euro to trade at ₦1,700/€1 as against the previous trading day’s rate of ₦1,650/€1.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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Come and invest in Gabon, President Nguema tells Dangote
The President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has been invited by President Brice Nguema of Gabon to invest in cement and fertiliser production in the country.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the media office of Dangote Group, the billionaire was invited to explore investment opportunities in cement and fertiliser, at a time the Nigerian government is accusing him of plans to monopolise the oil sector in the country.
“President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon has invited the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, to invest in cement and fertiliser production in Gabon.
“The president urged Dangote to explore potential investment opportunities in the country’s cement and fertiliser sectors, specifically urea and phosphate production,” the Dangote Group stated
According to the statement, Dangote had talks with Nguema and other top government officials during the visit.
“The talks focused on how Dangote Industries could contribute to Gabon’s economic growth by establishing cement and fertiliser plants, which are vital for the country’s infrastructure development and agricultural productivity.
“President Nguema expressed enthusiasm about the potential partnership, highlighting Gabon’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign investments.
“He noted that the collaboration with Dangote Industries would bring significant benefits, including job creation, technology transfer, and enhanced industrial capacity,” the statement added.
Dangote had underscored his company’s dedication to fostering economic development in the continent.
He emphasised that investing in Gabon’s cement and fertiliser sectors aligns with Dangote Industries’ strategic vision of expanding its footprint and supporting sustainable development across Africa.
We expressed excitement about the opportunity to invest in Gabon, saying the goal was to contribute to the country’s economic diversification and industrialisation efforts.
“By leveraging our expertise in cement and fertiliser production, we aim to support Gabon’s infrastructure and agricultural sectors,” the richest man in Africa noted.
Dangote Group said the visit signifies a significant step towards deepening economic ties between Nigeria and Gabon.
The company said as Dangote Industries continues to explore and finalise investment opportunities, both nations anticipate mutual benefits that would propel economic progress and regional integration.
The statement added, “The potential investment by Dangote Industries in Gabon is expected to bolster the country’s industrial landscape, ensuring a steady supply of essential materials for construction and agriculture.
“This development aligns with President Nguema’s vision of transforming Gabon into a diversified and self-sustaining economy.
“In the coming months, further discussions and assessments will be conducted to finalise the investment plans. The collaboration between Dangote Industries and the Gabonese government holds promise for a robust partnership that will significantly impact Gabon’s economic landscape.”
Recall that Dangote recently said the company would no longer invest in steel to avoid being tagged a monopolists.
This came after the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, that the diesel produced by the Dangote refinery had higher sulphur content than imported ones, a claim Dangote described as an attempt to demarket his refinery.
Ahmed also said the country would continue to import fuel to stop the Dangote monopoly.