The Head of the Federal Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, has noted that there is always improved performance when civil servants are well taken care of.
The HoS stated this when she paid an unscheduled visit to the Federal Ministry of Justice, alongside her team of Transformative Permanent Secretaries in the Office and a few from other Ministries.
The surprise visit was to have an on-the-spot assessment of the status of implementation of the reform initiatives encapsulated in the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025.
Yemi-Esan reiterated the need to take good care of Civil Servants, insisting that “when they are well taken care of, the Service reaps the result of their increased productivity.”
Earlier in her Opening Remarks, the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of the Federation expressed gladness that her Ministry was the first to be visited for the FCSSIP25 implementation status’ review exercise.
According to her, FCSSIP25 is an excellent reform programme, which provides a roadmap that drives change and improvement in service delivery.
Jedy-Agba assured of the Ministry’s readiness and commitment towards implementing the reform agenda for informed decision-making and repositioning the Service for increased productivity.
She presented the Ministry’s scorecard on the implementation of FCSSIP25, touching on virtually all the pillars namely, capability building and talent management, Performance Management System, IPPIS – Human Resource, Innovation, Digitalisation of Content Services and Enhance Value Proposition for Civil Servants.
Civil Service will improve if workers are taken care of – HoS Yemi-Esan
Civil Service will improve if workers are taken care of – HoS Yemi-Esan
LG Autonomy: Katsina Gov seeks legal implication of Supreme Court judgment
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State said he has directed the state Attorney General to give him a full report on the legal implications of the Supreme Court’s judgement on local government autonomy.
In a statement released Saturday in Abuja by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, the Governor said the local governments in Katsina State already enjoy a significant level of autonomy, reaffirming the state’s commitment to upholding the constitution.
Radda assured that Katsina State is a law-abiding state and would operate under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said: “I did not call you all today to interpret the judgment. Katsina State is a law-abiding state and will operate under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have asked the state Attorney General to give me a full report on the legal implications of the Supreme Court’s decision.”
“As you know, I was once the chairman of Charanchi Local Government during the administration of our beloved President Umaru Musa Yar’adua. I was involved in the day-to-day administration of my local government, and I am fully aware of the challenges and pains most of you are facing.
He acknowledged the potential challenges ahead but expressed optimism about the state’s preparedness: “We are facing various socio-economic challenges coupled with insecurity in our frontline local governments. When I took office in 2023, over 20 local governments were ravaged by insecurity. Our concerted efforts have reduced insecurity to the fringes of the frontline local governments.”
While highlighting his administration’s forward-thinking approach to local government administration, Radda noted that the state plans to conduct elections for new local government chairmen at the expiration of the tenure of incumbent chairmen.
“We have already carried out party primaries in line with electoral best practices, and some current chairmen will return through a democratic process. In this dispensation, we are most likely the only state to transition from one democratically elected local government council to another,” he said.
LG Autonomy: Katsina Gov seeks legal implication of Supreme Court judgment
MFM’s Mountain Top Chorale Wins Gold in World Choir Games in Aukland, New Zealand
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Worldwide has done it again. This time, one of the the Church’s choir groups – MFM Mountain Top Chorale, has won a gold medal at the 2024 World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand.
The World Choir Games is a prestigious international competition that celebrates the rich tapestry of choral music from around the globe.
According to WCG’s website, this year’s event had more than 11,000 singers from over 30 countries in Auckland for “the largest choral competition and festival on the planet.”
Reacting to the development, an elated General Overseer of MFM, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, expressed delight on Facebook on Thursday, highlighting the opportunity for the choir to represent Nigeria and showcase both indigenous music and his own compositions.
“The World Choir Games, often dubbed the ‘Olympics of chorale music,’ is a renowned international competition that celebrates the diversity of choral music and fosters global harmony through song.”
The World Choir Games is a prestigious international competition that celebrates the rich tapestry of choral music from around the globe that fosters global harmony through song.”
It’s fantastic to see the MFM MountainTop Chorale compete in category
C22 – Spiritual and earned 83.38 points, awarding a GOLD MEDA, the organisers said.
Create line item for TB in 2025 budget – CSO to Akwa Ibom govt
A Civil Society Organisation, Policy Alert, has called for the creation of a separate line for Tuberculosis in the 2025 budget of Akwa Ibom State.
The Programme Director of Policy Alert, Koko Udo, made the call during an advocacy visit to the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the State Ministry of Health, Dr Iboro Udo, for the implementation of the FundTB Project.
The programme held in partnership with Palladium Group and supported by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, is one of the many advocacy programmes calling for the introduction of Tuberculosis as a stand-alone item in the budget.
Udo described Tuberculosis as a major public health concern in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State and harped on the need to secure adequate resources to prevent and treat the disease effectively.
Udo, while admitting that some international donor agencies may be doing intervention programmes for TB in the state, queried the fate of the patients if the organisations withdrew their support.
He stressed that the state government should be proactive enough to include TB in the budget to bridge the yawning 70 percent funding gap required to manage tuberculosis interventions and ensure enhanced as well as sustainable funding even if the international donors pull out.
He decried the current practice of lumping TB with other infectious diseases, saying that such makes it ineffective to manage, difficult to track progress, leads to poor health outcomes for TB patients, and the likelihood of increasing multiple drug resistance (MDR) among those not properly treated.
“Our visit is to specifically ask for the creation of a stand-alone budget line item for TB intervention in the state, instead of the current practice where TB is lumped with other infectious diseases, making it ineffective to manage and difficult to track progress, worst off poor health outcomes for TB patient and the likelihood of increasing multiple drug resistant (MDR) among those not properly treated.
“Available data from the Akwa Ibom State 2024 approved budget and the last two quarterly budget performance reports show no line-item budget for TB intervention and no releases within the reported period, respectively. Furthermore, the State Health Insurance is yet to extend coverage to TB patients in health insurance schemes to ameliorate their healthcare burden.” He said
Responding, the Director, Iboro Udo who was represented by Dr George Ekanem described the visit as timely as the 2025 annual operation plan was ongoing promising that TB would be included in the 2025 budget of the state.
He, however, encouraged them to take the advocacy further to the Budget and Economic Planning, House of Assembly, and the State Executive Council among others for greater impact saying that without the buy-in of those stakeholders mentioned, the input of TB in the budget may not even see the light of the day.
Create line item for TB in 2025 budget – CSO to Akwa Ibom govt
Group accuses ex-Imo LG administrator, Mbarie of Illegal possession of council properties
An Imo group under the aegis of Orlu Patriots Vanguard, OPA, has accused former Sole Administrator of Orlu Local Government Council, Chris Mbarie of illegally acquiring some properties belonging to the Council and financial transactions unaccounted for even as he refused to properly hand over to his successor.
The accusation followed the alleged disappearance of the said properties.
The group condemned the action of the former SOLAD for not doing a proper handover to his successor as it was done by his predecessor, Nneoma Ifeoma Ndukwu when he assumed office.
In its press release jointly signed by the Coordinator Ifeanyi Nndiekwe and Secretary, Nze Jude Ibebuogu stated,
“We are deeply concerned about some of the activities and shenanigans of Pastor Mbarie during and after his tenure as the Sole Administrator of Orlu LGA. For instance, while in office, he claimed that the Ford Hilux official vehicle that was handed over to him by his predecessor, Nneoma Ifeoma Ndukwu was snatched from him by unknown gunmen on his way to Owerri in the company of three others who were with him in the vehicle”
They stated that they did not understand the story as told by Mbarie, describing it as a fairy tale that has raised a lot of questions that are yet to be answered.
In the statement, the group revealed that following the alleged robbery incident which the former SOLAD reported to Government House, a brand new Toyota Hilux was given to him in the name of Orlu Local Government Council and also a brand new Toyota Sienna for the Ebubeagu security outfit but that it was later learnt that he refurbished an old rickety vehicle which has been abandoned and gave it to the security outfit while withholding the branded new one for his personal use.
They further accused him of repairing a white Nissan bus belonging to the Council for his personal use and went ahead to sell all abandoned vehicles in the Council Headquarters without the knowledge of the Director of Administration and General Services, DAGS, and the Treasury, observing that all the properties mentioned were not captured in his hand over note.
The release further stated, “As concerned and patriotic citizens in line with our passionate commitment to the political and Socio-economic development of Orlu Local Government Area and Imo State at large, we urge the State Government and relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate Mbarie’s claim during an address of some leaders shortly after Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma’s inauguration for a second tenure that the second Toyota Hilux Vehicle that was given to him by the State Government was vandalized where he parked it in a hotel at Owerri”
The group also in the press statement questioned the veracity of his claim asking if he was on official engagement at the hotel where the said incident took place, whether it was only his car that was vandalized and what was the reaction of the hotel management.
”They also asked if the incident was reported to the Police and what was their response.
“There is a need to verify all these with the view to getting to the root of the matter. When the current SOLAD assumed office, he promptly invited the Department of State Security Service, DSS, who swung into action and subsequently recovered the new Toyota Hilux Vehicle that was not handed over to DAGS as directed by the State Government,” the release further stated.
The group further alleged that the former SOLAD deprived women and youths of the council opportunity to acquire skills by selling materials that were brought for the programme by an illustrious son of the area.
Reacting to the reports when contacted, Mbarie denied all the allegations levelled against him describing them as false and fabricated.
He claimed they were stories cooked up by political enemies scared of his rising profile and the love he enjoys from the people of the area who have vowed to cast their votes for him.
He narrated how he was attacked on the road where the vehicle was snatched from him.
On the hotel incident, he claimed he immediately reported the matter to the Police and security personnel of the hotel were arrested after which the hotel management paid him the sum of N700,000 to assist in the repair of the vehicle.
In the issue of the said Nissan bus, he said it was bought by a pensioner from a registered government auctioneer maintaining that all the records are there for public scrutiny.
“All these false reports are politically motivated,” he said.
Group accuses ex-Imo LG administrator, Mbarie of Illegal possession of council properties
Ndume spoke truth to power, fought for Nigerians – Adeyanju
Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju on Saturday said former Senate’s Chief Whip, Ali Ndume spoke truth to the Nigerian government.
Adeyanju noted that Ndume stepped up and fought for Nigerians.
Recall that Ndume had accused President Bola Tinubu of shutting his doors against Ministers and some lawmakers trying to gain access to him over the hardship Nigerians are experiencing.
Ndume also claimed that Tinubu’s administration is being run by kleptocrats who are only interested in looting the treasury.
Amid his criticisms against Tinubu’s government, the Senate removed him as its Chief Whip despite being a ranking senator.
Reacting, Adeyanju said Ndume should be commended for taking the uncharted path of drawing the government’s attention to its failures.
Chatting with TVN, Adeyanju wrote: “In recent times, Senator Ali Ndume has taken the uncharted path of drawing the government’s attention to its failings. Despite being of the same party as the ruling government, Senator Ndume has demonstrated the rare courage to side with the Nigerian People who are increasingly being impoverished by harsh government policies.
“I commend Senator Ndume for his forthrightness and urge him to continue to stand by his conviction by speaking truth to power. At a time when praise singers have taken over the corridors of power, it is commendable to see Senator Ndume stepping up to fight for Nigerians.
“I urge the government of the day and political leaders across board not to see Senator Ndume as the enemy, but to be wary of praise singers and sycophants whose will rather mask the true state of the nation than tell their principals the truth.
“Thank you Senator Ndume. When the historical account of this period is being recalled, posterity will hold firmly that you did not capitulate to partisan fellowship but broke ranks when it was not fanciful to do so.”
Ndume spoke truth to power, fought for Nigerians – Adeyanju
When did Oba Balogun begin review of Ibadan chieftaincy – Ogundipe to Oyo govt
A former President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Prince Lanre Ogundipe has challenged the Oyo State government to provide the public with the details of how the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun set up a committee to review 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy declaration.
Ogundipe made this request in a statement made available to TVN on Saturday.
TVN recalls that some pages of Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration 2023 were distributed during the coronation of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1 on Friday 12th July 2024.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, claimed that it was the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun who set up the committee to review the law.
But, Ogundipe in his reaction, challenged the commissioner to tell the public when the committee was set up.
Ogundipe in the statement, also challenged the commissioner to mention the names of the members of the committee.
He noted that he is challenging the commissioner as a journalist under the Freedom of Information Act to disclose when and where the convocation of the panel was held and to produce the records of the panel proceedings.
The former NUJ President asked the state government not to cause a crisis in Ibadan over the implementation of the new law and appealed to elders in the ancient city to rise and do the needful.
Ogundipe said “The question we shall continue to ask and which requires clarifications is when was this committee instituted, who and who were members, chairman and secretary, of the panel and the terms of reference for the assignment?
“Mr. Commissioner as a journalist, I challenge you under the Freedom of Information Act to disclose when and where the convocation of the panel was held and to produce the records of the panel proceedings. Disclose the terms of reference and the names of the Chairman and Secretary including the members.
“He who goes to equity not only goes with clean hands but a clear conscience. In this case, the government, its agents and privies’ hands are badly soiled and no serious individuals or group of persons would align with such, which now calls for caution. The man died in you when you keep mute in the face of tyranny.
“Our appeal now to the government is that, please please – don’t set Ibadan on fire, as it stands, no one except the governor had resolved to look on the new Oba’s shoulder.
“Meanwhile, let me appeal to our fathers in Ibadanland, the Oba, High Chiefs and sheath swords for the progress of Ibadan, we have no other place we can call our place of birth than Ibadan we should not allow the trivial issue to polarise and divide us – Ejeki oogun o simi, Let’s bury the hatchet and rise together, hold hands and put the enemy of progress to shame”.
When did Oba Balogun begin review of Ibadan chieftaincy – Ogundipe to Oyo govt
PROTEST: Presidency accuses Peter Obi supporters of plotting mayhem
The Presidency, on Saturday, alleged that supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, are planning a nationwide protests aimed at destabilizing the country.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the protesters are the same individuals who instigated the destructive ENDSARS protest in 2020 and were now using hashtags like “EndBadGovernance” and “Tinubu Must Go” to spread propaganda.
Onanuga claimed that the protesters were not democrats but anarchists seeking to overthrow the elected government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He warned that their actions could lead to high treason and urged security agents to interrogate the protest planners.
“REVEALED: Peter Obi’s supporters are the people planning mayhem in Nigeria: Obi should be held responsible for anarchy
“Don’t be fooled: the malcontents planning to stage nationwide protests are supporters of Peter Obi, the failed presidential candidate of the Labour Party. And he should be held responsible for whatever crisis emanates from the action.
“The protest planners are also the same people who were instigated by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to launch the destructive ENDSARS protest in Nigeria in October 2020. ENDSARS began as a genuine protest by youths against the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad, notorious for its high-handedness. IPOB members planning to extricate the South East region from Nigeria infiltrated the protest and hijacked it for their own agenda. Lagos still bears the scar of the malicious destruction by IPOB elements until today,” Onanuga claimed.
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The Presidency also highlighted the government’s efforts to address economic challenges, including increasing the minimum wage, providing loans to students, and promoting consumption credit.
Onanuga advised Nigerians to consider the government’s efforts before joining the protests, which he believes are aimed at causing mayhem.
He noted, “They are the people spreading the hashtags ‘EndBadGovernance’, ‘Tinubu Must Go,’ and ‘Revolution2024’. They are not democrats but anarchists. They are attempting to call out our people via propaganda because their Messiah, Peter Obi, failed to win the Presidency in the 2023 election. As bad losers, they don’t have the patience to wait for another election in 2027; they would rather destabilise Nigeria by staging a civilian coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“If they understand the meaning of their hashtags, they will realise they are clarion calls for treason. Wanting to end an elected government is high treason. Wanting revolution is a call for a coup d’etat, which is also high treason.”
This development comes as tensions rise in the country, with some groups calling for protests against the government. The Presidency’s allegations have sparked a heated debate, with some supporting the government’s stance and others defending the right to peaceful protest.
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Rights group demands probe as politician is brutalized by security agents for allegedly criticizing Kaduna Gov, Sani (Video)
The United Nigerians Against Crimes (UNAC), a prominent civil society organization, has strongly condemned the alleged brutalization of a politician Alh. Abdulmajid Danbilki Komanda as captures in a viral video.
The video, which has sparked outrage online, reportedly shows individuals claiming to be security agents subjecting Komanda to severe physical abuse. UNAC believes these individuals may be affiliated with the Nigeria Police Force or the Department of State Services.
UNAC in a statement released on Friday, said it was “appalled” by the video’s content, which it said was a “flagrant violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.” UNAC emphasized that Komanda was exercising his right to criticize Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and that no citizen should face retribution for such expression.
The group demanded immediate investigations by both the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services. UNAC also urged Governor Sani to ensure that the alleged perpetrators present themselves for investigation within seven days. Failure to do so will prompt further action from UNAC, the nature of which remains unspecified.
“In the disturbing video, the victim is seen handcuffed, made to kneel down, and subjected to inhumane treatment. This deplorable act is a flagrant violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
READ ALSO:El-Rufai absent as Kaduna APC passes vote of confidence on Gov Sani
“We are shocked that security agents could descend to such lows, using their authority to perpetrate heinous crimes. The Governor of Kaduna State is not above the law and cannot be shielded from criticism. Every citizen has the right to express their opinions and beliefs without fear of retribution.
“We demand an immediate investigation into this matter by the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of Department of State Services. We also urge the Governor of Kaduna State to produce those people or direct those involved to present themselves to security agents for investigation within seven days of this press release or face possible further actions to be taken by this organisation that he might not find palatable,” the statement reads.
Dr. Abdullahi Yunusa Bayawo, Director General of UNAC, emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to protecting citizens from such acts.
He declared that, “UNAC will not stand idly by while citizens are brutalised and intimidated by those who claim to uphold the law.”
The statement concludes with a call to action for all Nigerians to condemn the violence and demand justice for Komanda. UNAC further reiterated its dedication to combating impunity and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their position or affiliation.
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Nigeria unveils strategy to lead Africa’s digital trade charge
Nigeria on Friday took a bold step towards becoming the digital trade leader of Africa.
This is as the Federal Government launched a comprehensive strategy aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) framework. This initiative aims to spearhead a digital trade revolution across the continent.
The strategy, unveiled by Vice President Kashim Shettima, is a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” This agenda emphasizes trade as a catalyst for economic growth and continental unity, reflecting the goals of the AfCFTA.
He stated this while delivering a keynote address during a stakeholders summit with the theme “Digital Trade in Africa: The Renewed Hope Strategy,” at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“Nigeria is in a unique position to spearhead the continent’s technological transformation,” Vice President Kashim Shettima said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s unique position to lead this transformation. The specifics of the strategy include:
• Implementing the AfCFTA’s Digital Trade Protocol: This protocol aims to eliminate barriers to digital trade within Africa, such as electronic customs procedures and harmonized digital regulations.
READ ALSO:EU doubles down on Meta, says its ‘Pay or Consent’ model violates Digital Markets Act
• Developing Technical Talent Hubs: Building a strong workforce with the skills needed for the digital economy is crucial. These hubs will likely focus on areas like software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
• Enhancing Digital Infrastructure Investments: This includes improving internet access, expanding broadband coverage, and investing in data centers. Robust infrastructure is essential for facilitating a thriving digital trade ecosystem.
• Promoting Disruptive Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encouraging creativity and fostering a supportive environment for startups will be vital in driving digital trade growth.
The success of this strategy hinges on strong public-private sector collaboration. Shettima emphasized the need for synergy between these groups, particularly in implementing the AfCFTA’s Digital Trade Protocol.
This move by Nigeria is a significant development for Africa’s digital future. Whether Nigeria can truly become the digital trade leader of the continent will depend on the effective implementation of this strategy and its ability to foster a vibrant digital trade environment across Africa.
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