Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has advocated for a devolution of power and financing to the state governments as a means of finding lasting solutions to the challenges of economic hardships, unemployment and hyperinflation facing the nation.
This suggestion formed part of Governor Adeleke’s remark at the convocation ceremony of Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State on Sunday.
While stating that the solution was devolution rather than centralisation of governance powers and responsibilities, Governor Adeleke called for more focus on economic federalism.
He added that it would deepen subnational prosperity and create an enabling environment for job creation and boost local capacity across the sectors.
“At the National Economic Council meetings, both the federal and the state governments regularly brainstorm on finding solutions to the economic hardship, unemployment, and hyperinflation facing the nation. Several options are being experimented on.
“For us as a state, we believe the solution lies in the devolution of powers and financing to the state governments.
“So the solution is more devolution rather than more centralisation of governance powers and responsibilities.”
While admitting that the graduates were leaving school at a turbulent economic period in the life of the nation, he advised them to take the crisis as an opportunity.
He also assured that the government was not resting on its oars but was working to address the parlous state of the economy.
He said, “You are to take the crisis as an opportunity. As challenging as Nigeria is today, it presents multiple options for those with entrepreneurial mindset.
“I task you to be innovative and enterprising. We must tap into the turbulence to build a future of prosperity.
“You may also want to note that governments at levels are working hard to address the parlous state of the economy.”
He added that, “we must continue to maintain national stability and unity. We can not escape the several issues facing us as a nation unless we harness our potential across the regions. But only when there is peace can we resolve the economic question.”
The Governor added that his administration would continue to support President Bola Tinubu as all levels of government grapple with the crisis at the moment.
Addressing the graduates, the Pro Chancellor of Adeleke University, Dr Deji Adeleke tasked them to sustain hope in the time tested reality that hard times would surely pass.
Adeleke warned that under no circumstances should they lose hope of a better tomorrow.
Economic challenges: Gov Adeleke insists on power devolution
Economic challenges: Gov Adeleke insists on power devolution
Sowore lists individuals provoking Nigerians to #EndBadGovernance protest
The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 presidential election, Omoyele Sowore, has released a list of people he claimed are provoking Nigerians to embark on nationwide protests protest against bad governance slated to commence on August 1.
Sowore, who is one of the organizers of the protest tagged #EndBadGovernance, put up the list on his X handle on Sunday.
He said the indicted people and institutions have been provoking Nigerians to take to the streets to express their frustrations over the current hardship in the country.
He wrote: “UPDATED: This is the list of those inciting the public to riot; they are as follows:
1. Ahmed Bola Tinubu: For engaging in massive corruption, election rigging, and destroying the middle and lower class by terrible economic policy decisions since coming to power on May 29th, 2023.
2. Senator Akpabio and House of Reps Speaker for leading the most useless Senate and HOR.
3. Yemi Cardoso- CBN Gov/ for destroying the value of the Naira.
4. IG of Police, Egbetokun: for reducing the police to a corrupt and irredeemable national institution.
5. Chairman of EFCC: For letting corruption flourish by ignoring real financial criminals while going after inconsequential low-level crooks.
READ ALSO:Obi accuses presidency of blackmail on planned protest
6. GMD of NNPC: for stealing over $3.8 billion through subsidy scam.
7. The Chief of the Nigeria Army: For conniving with bandits and terrorists through outright sabotage of national security.
8. The Chief of the Nigerian Navy for conniving with crude oil thieves to deny Nigerians of crude sales and revenue.
9. The Comptroller General of Customs for conniving with cross-border criminals to deny Nigeria billions of dollars in excise and duties.
10. The judges who receive bribes to pervert the course of justice across our courtrooms.
11. Chairman, @inecnigeria, for organizing the unconscionable elections that brought all these criminals into power.
12. Yusuf Bichi—The Director General of Nigeria’s Secret Police, aka “DSS,” has consistently violated the fundamental rights of Nigerians with impulsive impunity.
ADD YOURS!
BUT WE ARE NOT RIOTING, WE JUST WANT A REVOLUTION!
NO GOING BACK!
#RevolutionNow #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria
#DaysOfRage”
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“Trump will bury her” – Fani-Kayode on Joe Biden’s endorsement of Deputy, Kamala
Former Nigerian Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has expressed confidence that the erstwhile President of the United States, US, Donald Trump would beat the incumbent Vice President, Kamala Harris in the forthcoming presidential election.
Fani-Kayode stated this in a post on his official X microblogging handle while reacting to President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the US presidential race.
TVN had reported that Biden on Sunday, announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election.
The US president subsequently endorsed his deputy, Kamala as his preferred presidential nominee for the Democratic Party.
Reacting, FFK in a post on Monday said Trump of the Republican Party would defeat Kamala at the polls.
He wrote, “Donald Trump (@realDonaldTrump) will bury her at the polls and this will represent the final triumph of the forces of light over the forces of darkness in the raging battle for the soul of America”.
“Trump will bury her” – Fani-Kayode on Joe Biden’s endorsement of Deputy, Kamala
Press Secretary of President Albert Yaloke Mokpem speaks out on Figueira spy case, condemns illegal NGOs in CAR
At a press briefing he held on July 19, 2024 with representatives of the media, the Press Secretary of the President of the Republic Albert Yaloke Mokpem touched on several relevant and important topics, such as the investigation of the U.S. spy Martin Joseph Figueira, prison conditions and the questionable enforcement of Central African laws by some international NGOs.
First of all, the minister said that the case of Martin Figueira, a Belgian-Portuguese arrested in May who worked for the U.S. NGO FHI 360, is moving forward. Figueira is charged with various crimes such as conspiracy and espionage, and could be sentenced to life in prison and forced labor when proven guilty.
It was recently revealed that the prisoner has started a hunger strike. Some unreliable sources are using false information to manipulate public opinion about Figueira’s poor conditions and his innocence. However, according to the Press Secretary of the President, there is in fact strong evidence against him, including audio recordings and written evidence showing financial transactions and arms transfers to the militants.
Next, the minister touched on the topic of prisons. He noted that conditions of detention depend on available resources. At the moment, the UN mission in CAR is responsible for monitoring and improving conditions.
Mokpem warned against those who might use human rights arguments as a pretext to destabilize the country and called for the attentiveness of all citizens of the Central African Republic.
Finally, with regard to international NGOs that do not fulfill their obligations, the minister expressed the need to tighten control over their activities, arguing that many of them do not submit reports on their work as required by CAR rules.
“The allegations have been made for years. There are certain NGOs in CAR that exist in name only. We don’t know what they do, they present other activities to the authorities who give them accreditation, and that’s not how things work in the country, especially in the interior. And these accusations have always been made without knowing how to get evidence. Today we have the means to find evidence against these NGOs. These NGOs working in CAR never send reports of their activities to the ministerial department. So, we have to reorient ourselves,” he said.
Mokpem said foreign workers of NGOs engaged in illegal activities in CAR will be held accountable for their actions. This is not the time for manipulation because the people of the Central African Republic are ready to defend their sovereignty and order in the country.
Press Secretary of President Albert Yaloke Mokpem speaks out on Figueira spy case, condemns illegal NGOs in CAR
Abia: 43 years after, Akwete-Ndoki crowns new monarch
Forty-three years after the demise of Onyenweala VI, King (Eze) Truman Wabara Akpara, the people of Umuihueze Akwete autonomous community in Ukwa East LGA of Abia State, over the weekend, crowned King Augustine Enyinna Ogbulu Opiah Agbara, the Onyenweala VII.
The coronation, which took place at the community’s ancient square, was conducted by the Regent, Gabriel Okerenta Chuta – Ekeke Agbara.
In his post-coronation remarks, the Palace Secretary, Mr. Ogbonna Chijiuche, thanked the Abia State government, through the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu whom he said, granted them the approval for coronation.
Chijiuche, who also thanked God for the successful coronation of their traditional ruler, blamed kingship tussle for the delayed coronation.
He explained that in 1975, at the selection of King Trueman Esiuka Akpara Agbara, it was agreed that Opiah would take the next turn.
He revealed that Opiah nominated King Augustine Ogbulu as the Mbichiriezi of Opiah and Onyenweala-elect of Akwete ancient Kingdom since the year 2000 in line with their customs, culture and traditions.
Contributing, the community woman leader, Madam Ezihe Owowo, thanked God for the successful coronation of King Ogbulu as the Onyenweala VII after 43 years of waiting, expressing hope that the development would usher in unity and progress in the community.
She described King Ogbulu as a man of great repute and pledged that women and youth would support the newly-crowned monarch.
King Augustine Enyinna Ogbulu Opiah was born in August 26, 1956, to the family of late Chief Ephraim Ekekenta Opiah Agbara and Madam (Lolo) Nma Ephraim Ogbulu Opiah of the Opiah lineage of Agbara Akunwata Otuji in Akwete ancient Kingdom.
The traditional Ikoro drum was sounded to signify the dawn of a new era.
Abia: 43 years after, Akwete-Ndoki crowns new monarch
Anti-government protest: IGP disowns alleged leaked WhatsApp message
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has dissociated himself from a WhatsApp message currently circulating on all social media platforms regarding the planned nationwide protests.
TVN earlier sighted a screenshot of an alleged WhatsApp message from the IGP discouraging protest in Lagos State.
Part of the message reads, “If you are going to join any protest next week, it’s good but ask yourself these questions: Why is Lagos always their target? How about starting from your state?”
However, the IGP in a statement issued on Sunday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the purported message making the rounds on “WhatsApp and other social media platforms, did not originate from the police”.
According to the statement, “the message, which poses several questions and opinions about protests, does not essentially represent the ideals or views of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We urge everyone to disregard this message and other similar contents purportedly from the NPF as the Force makes all communications via its official channels”.
Adejobi assured that the Nigeria Police Force “is committed to maintaining peace and order throughout the country. We do not endorse any message that could incite division, violence, or destruction.
“We encourage all Nigerians to engage in peaceful and constructive activities that would contribute to the progress and unity of our dear country”.
The IGP sternly warned that the “spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, or mischievous recycled contents”, are criminal acts and punishable under the Cybercrime law.
TVN reports that Nigerians, particularly the youths, have scheduled a nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th to draw the attention of the government to the prevailing hardship in the country.
Anti-government protest: IGP disowns alleged leaked WhatsApp message
US presidency: Resign now, you’re unfit to have nuclear code – Richard Hudson to Biden
Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, NRCC, Richard Hudson, has described Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 US presidential race as “a scandal of historic proportions.”
Hudson wonders if Biden, who, according to him, was not mentally fit to campaign, can remain as the President.
“If the president is mentally unfit to campaign, he is mentally unfit to have the nuclear codes,” he said on X.
“Judgment day is coming in November.”
TVN reported on Sunday that President Biden announced his withdrawal from the United States November presidential election.
Biden took the decision following mounting pressure from his Democratic colleagues on Capitol Hill, top donors and Hollywood stars after a disastrous debate performance last month.
Increasing number of Democrat lawmakers had publicly called for Biden to step aside.
US presidency: Resign now, you’re unfit to have nuclear code – Richard Hudson to Biden
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Monday, July 22, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country
1. Reps threaten sanctions against oil firms over $60bn cash calls probe
The House of Representatives Joint Committee on Finance and Petroleum Resources (Upstream) has issued a stern warning threatening punitive measures against oil companies that refuse to cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the alleged $60 billion inflated cash calls under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s Joint Venture Agreements.Read more
2. Utomi blasts presidential aide, Onanuga, over mass protest allegations
Former presidential aspirant and political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has blasted Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following allegations that he (Utomi) was one of the organizers of the planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1st.Read more
3. N70k minimum wage can only buy a bag of rice —Ndume
The senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has faulted the recently agreed minimum wage of N70,000 for Nigerian workers, saying the amount can only buy a bag of rice in the present economy.Read more
4. Shaibu vows to restore dignity to deputy govs’ office amid impeachment
Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, asserted on Sunday that his ongoing fight against impeachment aims to restore the dignity of the deputy governor’s office, which he believes has been consistently undermined since the advent of democracy in 1999.Read more
5. Simon Ekpa feeding on emotions, sufferings of Ndigbo for selfish gains —Enugu Gov, Mbah
Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, has accused the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), Simon Ekpa, of feeding on the emotions and suffering of Igbo people to hold them hostage.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Saturday, July 20, 2024
6. Court orders INEC to investigate, prosecute offenders of electoral violence during 2023 polls
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, in a groundbreaking judgment, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold Nigeria’s state governors, their deputies and others to account over cases of electoral violence, bribery, vote-buying, and conspiracy during the chaotic 2023 general elections.Read more
7. Dangote halts proposed investment in steel following ‘monopoly’ accusation
Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Industries Limited has revealed that he will no longer invest in Nigeria’s steel industry following accusations of monopoly in some quarters.Read more
8. Monopoly, low quality fuel allegations: Dangote kicks as Reps call for probe
Aliko Dangote, owner of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant has debunked claims by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on the quality of petroleum products from the refinery and allegation of attempted monopoly of the industry.Read more
9. President Biden withdraws from presidential race, endorses Kamala Harris
In a surprising announcement on Saturday, President Joe Biden declared his decision to withdraw from the presidential race, citing the best interests of his party and the nation.Read more
10. Nadal loses to Borges in first final since 2022
Rafael Nadal could not wrap up the Swedish Open on a bright note having successfully reached the final of the competition.Read more
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US election: Kamala Harris formally takes over Biden-Harris $96 million campaign account
The Biden-Harris campaign has formally amended filings with the Federal Election Commission to rename its principal committee and declare Kamala Harris a candidate for president.
Campaign Legal Center said Harris could assume control of the Biden-Harris campaign account if she remains on the ticket for the general election.
CNN reports that the campaign account had nearly $96 million cash in hand at the end of June.
TVN reported that President Joe Biden on Sunday announced the suspension of his 2024 reelection campaign.
But just hours after Biden withdrew from the race, the campaign committee filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission, re-designating the committee as “Harris for President.”
The committee also filed a letter with the commission stating that “Vice President Harris is now a candidate for United States President in the 2024 election.”
US election: Kamala Harris formally takes over Biden-Harris $96 million campaign account
Dangote halts proposed investment in steel following ‘monopoly’ accusation
Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Industries Limited has revealed that he will no longer invest in Nigeria’s steel industry following accusations of monopoly in some quarters.
Speaking recently during a tour at his refinery in Lagos, Africa’s richest man said the organisation’s board decided to avoid the steel industry “to prevent accusations of being branded a monopoly”.
Dangote also said the claim in some quarters that his group of companies enjoy monopoly is not true.
“You know, about doing a new business which we announced, that is, steel. Actually, our board has decided that we shouldn’t do the steel because if we do the steel business, we will be called all sorts of names like monopoly,” he said.
“And then also, imports will be encouraged. So we don’t want to go into that.
“If you look at all our operations at Dangote (Group), we add value; we take local raw materials and turn them into products, and we sell.
“We have never consciously or unconsciously stopped anybody from doing the same business that we are doing.
“When we first came into cement production, it was only Lafarge that was operating here in Nigeria… Nobody ever called Lafarge a monopoly,” he said.
He said labelling his group of companies as monopolistic is disheartening.
“Monopoly is when you stop people, you block them through legal means. No, it is a level playing field whereby whatever Dangote was given in cement, for example, other people were given because some of them even got more than us,” he added.
Dangote, however, encouraged Nigerians to invest in the industry to help boost the country’s economy.
“Let other Nigerians go and do it. We are not the only Nigerians here. There are some Nigerians with more cash than us,” the billionaire said.
Dangote said people “should bring that money from Dubai and other parts of the world and invest in our fatherland”.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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