Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) headquarters, Abuja (File Photo)
The Central Bank of Nigeria says it will now sanction banks involved in delaying disbursement of Anchor Borrower’s Program funds to farmers.
The apex bank gave the threat when the Director of Development Finance, Mr. Yusuf Yila spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting involving Anchor, Processors, Commodity Associations and Banks.
Yila disclosed that the CBN has been receiving complaints on late disbursement despite having released the funds to the participating banks, thereby threatening the success of the Federal Government’s Anchor Borrower’s Programme.
He noted that the CBN will be more involved in the selection of input suppliers, to ensure that only reliable ones are engaged.
He added that suppliers will be put on stand-by to replace those that were found wanting.
Mr. Yila described the 2020 dry season as the biggest yet since the commencement of the Anchor Borrowers’ Program in 2015 and sought the co-operation of all stakeholders to make it a success, to save the country from a food crisis.
File photo: A health worker takes a swab from a woman during a community COVID-19 coronavirus testing campaign in Abuja on April 15, 2020. Kola Sulaimon / AFP
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on the general public to adhere strictly to the NCDC protocols on COVID-19 with a view to preventing the spread of the pandemic in the country.
The Director General of the Institute Dr. Bakut T. Bakut made the call on Monday 21st September, 2020 in Awka, Anambra State at the occasion to mark 2020 World Peace Day celebration.
The Director General who was represented by Grace Awodu, Chairlady, local Organizing Committee, World Peace Day, said that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, celebration of the 2020 World Peace Day was low-key.
He said the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution through South-East Zonal Office is collaborating with people and Anambra State Government to organize “Peace Summit” in Awka, Anambra State to mark the Day.
Dr. Bakut further observed that COVID-19 is still present in the country, the danger of community spread still looms large and as such all efforts must be in place to resist further spread through adhering to the preventive measures prescribed by Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC).
The IPCR Boss enthused “I appeal to all to embrace the advice on physical distancing, wearing of facemask, sanitizing or washing of hands and caution in social gatherings.”
Dr. Bakut further explained that conflict is a major distraction of efforts being made at combating the COVID-19 Pandemic and other diseases in Nigeria. He said resources, energy and time are wasted in quelling conflicts at the expense of facing the COVID-19 and other health related diseases.
The Director General call for an end to all forms of violence, armed banditry and criminality in Nigeria. He advocated for the use of dialogue in the management of conflict.
While speaking on the theme of the event “Shaping Peace Together” Dr. Bakut called on State Government and non- governmental organization to mark the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic.
He urged Nigerians to stand against any attempt to use the virus to promote stigmatization, conflict and criminality in Nigeria.
File Photo: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (File Photo)
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday reiterates that fairness and justice is the foundation for peace, stability, growth and development.
This was said by Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his wife, First Lady Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at a church service marking the New Legal Year Service of the Lagos State Judiciary held at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.
Lagos State First Lady Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at a church service marking the New Legal Year Service of the Lagos State Judiciary, September 22, 2020.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu in a statement said: “Mr Governor seized the opportunity of the service to congratulate His Lordship, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba and the entire member of the Judicial arm on the successful completion of the 2019/2020 legal year inspite of challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Governor recognises that fairness and justice is the foundation for peace, stability, growth and development, and this is why he reiterated the commitment of his administration towards providing the right atmosphere for quick dispensation of justice”, First Lady Sanwo-Olu said.
Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi on Monday September 22, 2020, at the inauguration of the steering committee of Open Government Partnership (OGP).
Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi on Monday further demonstrated his administration’s commitment to open governance, transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement with the inauguration of the steering committee of Open Government Partnership (OGP).
Dr. Fayemi, who inaugurated the Committee at the Governor’s Office, Ado- Ekiti, said the OGP initiative was in consonance with his restoration agenda as clearly spelt out in the Five Pillars of his administration.
The OGP is an international multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at promoting open governance, citizen’s empowerment, fight corruption, and harness new technology to strengthen governance in member states.
The steering committee which is to be coordinated by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Femi Ajayi, had the Director-General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD), Prof. Mobolaji Aluko; Special Adviser, Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. O’Seun Odewale; Permanent Secretary (Finance) Mr. Folorunso; Permanent Secretary (Budget) Mr. Adeleke Adefolaju; Accountant General, Mrs. Titilayo Olayinka and Special Adviser (CSO), Mr. Biodun Oluleye.
Others include Prof. Oluwadare CT, Olafunsho Olajide from Disability Not a Barrier Initiative; President Ekiti Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Chief Kola Akosile; and Representative of the Institution of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Mrs. Agbaje.
Members of the steering committee, according to the Governor, were selected from civil society organizations, professional bodies, youth parliaments, public service, and other interest groups in order to ensure more commitment from government to promote open governance, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technology to strengthen governance in Ekiti State.
The Governor explained that his administration has always prioritised inclusion of the needs and aspirations of towns and communities in the State’s annual budgets, adding that the OGP initiative would increase collaboration between government and other stakeholders to improve the standard of living of the people in the state.
He said: “The Open Government Partnership initiative will also promote more collaboration work within government by promoting mutual accountability, information sharing, and coordination among MDAs. This will promote efficiency in government and delivery of the goals of the five pillars.”
Fayemi explained that OGP would further strengthen his administration’s reforms in open budget, open contracting, revenue transparency, beneficial ownership transparency, assets disclosure, access to information, citizens’ engagement, and empowerment.
Noting that Ekiti was the first State to join OGP in South-western Nigeria, Governor Fayemi expressed delight that his administration’s efforts at deepening good governance and embracing inclusive participation are gaining recognition not only in the country but at the international level.
He said; “As a responsible government, we have always insisted that all government functionaries demonstrate the understanding of accountability and transparency in their various activities. The policy areas are the right to information, gender and inclusion, digital governance and rights, protection of civic space and natural resources, and fight against corruption.
“The OGP was launched in 2011 with eight (8) founding member government. In July 2016 Nigeria, through the efforts of Open Alliance, joined the partnership as a 70th member country. To deepen on-going institutional and policy reforms in Ekiti State, we applied for membership of Open Government Partnership in October 2019, the application was graciously approved.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Femi Ajayi stated that the initiative involves engaging citizens in issues of government adding that the benefits of the partnership were enormous.
Ajayi said that such a partnership if well-coordinated would cement the already cordial relationship between the government and the civil society.
Senator Representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun (L); Olofin of Isẹri, His Royal Highness (HRH), Oba Nurudeen Adebowale (R).
The passing of the Olofin of Isẹri, His Royal Highness (HRH), Oba Nurudeen Adebowale, has been said to have created a vacuum in the Egba Traditional Council.
Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun expressed this regret in a statement by his media aide, Bola Adeyemi.
Amosun, the senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, while commiserating with the Egba Traditional Council, the people of Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, and in particular the entire people of Iseri Olofin described Oba Nurudeen Adebowale as a royal father with dignity and a fearless defender of the interest of his subjects and the people in general.
“Kabiyesi supported government’s the developmental efforts through useful advice on government programmes throughout his reign. He was frank in his submissions at various fora and highly committed to the welfare of the people in his domain”
Further in his condolence, Senator Amosun prayed that the Almighty God grant the late monarch eternal rest and give his people the fortitude to bear the demise.
Relying on the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, an Ogun State indigene, Mr. Adetilewa Adetomiwa, has given the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration a seven-day ultimatum to disclose detailed information about the concession of Ijebu-Ode-Epe Expressway or legal proceedings would be initiated against the state government.
Adetomiwa, in two separate letters signed by his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong Esq., sought to know the detailed information about the concession and subsequently applied for a copy of the 2020 Ogun State Budget to know budgetary provisions, if any, for the road.
It would be recalled that Abiodun had earlier this year flagged off the construction of the 14-kilometre Ijebu-Ode-Ikoto to Epe in Lagos State.
Images of the FOI Letter written to the Federal Ministry of Works and Ogun State Government
The road was awarded to Craneburg Construction by the Abiodun administration under a public-private partnership arrangement – Build, Operate and Transfer programme, with an inclusion of toll plazas indicating that tolls would be collected for the maintenance of the road.
“We are Solicitors and Counsel to Mr. Adetilewa Adetomiwa, an indigene
of Ogun State whose address is GRA Ijebu-Ode (hereinafter referred to as
“Our Client”).
“Our Client is a good governance advocate and a human rights activist on whose behalf and instructions we write to you.
“Pursuant to Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, we hereby apply for a detailed information and records on the concession of Ijebu-Ode-Epe Expressway.
“TAKE NOTICE that if you fail, refuse or neglect to furnish us with the said
information and records as requested by Our Client within Seven (7) days of
receipt of this application, we have the instructions of Our Client to
commence legal proceedings against you to compel you to comply,” read Adetomiwa’s letter to Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure was dated September 17, 2020.
His second letter to Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning dated September 17, 2020 read thus: “We are Solicitors to Mr. Adetilewa Adetomiwa, an indigene of Ogun State whose address is GRA Ijebu-Ode (hereinafter referred to as “Our Client”) on whose behalf and instructions we write to you.
“Our Client is a good governance advocate and a human rights activist.
“Pursuant to Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, we hereby apply for a copy of the 2020 Ogun State Budget.
“TAKE NOTICE that if you fail, refuse or neglect to furnish us with the said 2020 Budget as requested by Our Client within Seven (7) days of receipt of this application, we have the instructions of Our Client to commence legal
proceedings against you to compel you to comply.”
The construction of Ijebu-Ode-Epe Expressway, which had since commenced, would be a dual-carriage road with 10 lanes – four lanes on each side with one pull-out section, while the toll plaza consists of 14 lanes for easy payment of tolls.
Abiodun, while speaking at the flag-off, had said the construction, which was meant to connect Epe-Ajah-Victoria Island in Lagos State, would provide a perfect alternative to ever busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Meanwhile, in a chat with Echotitbits, Mr. Adetilewa Adetomiwa reiterated that he was prompted to take this action based on some unconfirmed rumors of contract inflation trailing the concession which says the cost of the road is 3.6B per KM.
Colonel D.C. Bako killed in an ambush staged by Boko Haram terrorists on Sunday September 20 at about 10 a.m
Boko Haram terrorists have killed a commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State, Nigeria’s North East.
According to the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division, Ado Isa, the murdered officer of the Nigerian Army, Colonel D.C. Bako, was killed on Sunday 20 September at about 10 a.m.
Bako was killed as he led a patrol to clear Boko Haram terrorists from Sabon Gari-Wajiroko axis near Damboa.
His patrol team was trapped in an ambush set by the terrorists.
Ado Isa described Bako as a gallant and fine war hero.
Until his death Bako was the commander of Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole
A security consultant and ex-armoured crewman of the Nigerian army, by the Twitter name of Mazi Okay, described Bako as an Iroko.
“Iroko has fallen, a very big blow to Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram insurgency.
“Col Bako until his death this morning was the greatest of all time since the beginning of the war against boko haram.
“A man who crushed and destroyed all Boko Haram cells and networks around Yobe”.
His death re-ignited social media calls for the removal of service chiefs, who have overstayed in office.
President Muhammadu Buhari Monday urged Kaduna State indigenes to cooperate with government and security agencies to secure peace and harmony, stressing that development will only take place when energies are collectively channelled to building, instead of destruction of lives and property.
In a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari, while giving an address at a virtual opening of the Fifth Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit, with the theme KADInvest 5.0, Infrastructure, Industrialisation and Innovation said: “We must live together as brothers and sisters because without peace, development cannot take place.
“I wish to commend the efforts of the Kaduna State Government to establish its credentials as one of the new investment destinations of choice in Nigeria. These efforts have received just recognition in the response of the business community which has put in new investments in the state.
“This is a further affirmation of the ranking of the state as Number One for Ease of Doing Business by the World Bank’s Doing Business Report 2018. I call on the Kaduna State Government to keep up these laudable efforts and surpass the impressive results already attained,’’ President Buhari said.
He noted that the success of state governments in attracting investments, creating jobs and increasing their internally generated revenues would be critical to the development of the entire country.
“Therefore, I am impressed that the Kaduna State Government has from inception used KADInvest as a serious platform for showcasing its investment potentials. The state’s commitment to consistent implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Charter is exemplary, including its ability to increase its Internally Generated Revenue to N44bn in 2019 from N13bn in 2015 without hiking tax rates. This is very laudable.’’
The President congratulated the Kaduna State government for making KADInvest a regular fixture on the investment calendar, held annually since 2016.
“It is a fitting statement of the resilience of the Kaduna State Government that it is able to host the 2020 edition amidst the severe disruptions to the normal order caused by Covid-19. This is the sort of determined focus that can help the country to navigate the challenging consequences of the pandemic.
“It was my pleasure to commission the Olam Hatchery and Feed Mill project in 2017, about 18 months after the ground-breaking was done at the first edition of KADInvest in 2016. It is commendable that investors like Tomato Jos are creating jobs in the agribusiness sector, taking advantage of Kaduna State’s prioritisation of agriculture.
“I also note with delight the success of new investments in renewable energy like Blue Camel and tractor assembly and the revitalisation of poultry farms across the state. The ongoing development of iron mining and steel processing capacity in the state through investments by African Natural Resources and Mines Limited is especially commendable.’’
President Buhari said the Federal Government will continue to support efforts to attract job-creating investments.
“We believe that much can be done at the sub-national level to drive human capital development and expand economic opportunity. I note with delight the massive investments in infrastructure upgrade Kaduna State is executing through the urban renewal programmes in Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria.
“Given the track record since 2015, I have no doubt that the Kaduna State Government and its private sector partners will take full advantage of the economic windows that are being opened by Federal Government investments such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline.
“The state government should afford full cooperation and support to cross-border federal projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway.’’
President Muhammadu Buhari, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, have felicitated with a lawmaker, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Oluremi Tinubu, on her 60th birthday anniversary.
Oluremi Tinubu, a former First Lady of Lagos State, turns 60 today (September 21).
Buhari, in his warm felicitations, joined family, friends and political associates “to celebrate the milestone, adorned by many years of service to the nation and humanity.”
The President saluted the senator, who has been re-elected three times to represent Lagos Central Senatorial District, “for her courage and tenacity in many daunting situations, and remaining consistent in her passion for inclusivity, particularly as it relates to women and children, who constitute majority of the population, yet rank high on vulnerability.”
Buhari noted “with gratitude, the loyalty and dedication of Senator Tinubu to the growth of the governing party, All Progressives Congress, and her contributions to strengthening leadership structures at various levels, always providing wise counsels and advocating middle ground reconciliation in favour of greater good for greater majority.”
As the senator turns 60, the President believed “the stage for better and more rewarding service has been set, with all the experiences gathered over the years from Lagos State Government House, and as a ranking member the National Assembly.”
Buhari, in his statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, prayed for “strength, good health and wisdom for the graceful matriarch of the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu family.”
Also celebrating his darling wife, Asiwaju Tinubu described her as his strongest ally and supporter through the most difficult moments.
According to him, “You have been my strongest ally and supporter through even the harshest and most difficult times, which is a separate chapter in itself, reflecting your perseverance, endurance and independent character.
“The darkest days of my political exile were made easier by your presence by my side, even though very difficult for our children, as we struggled together for the return of democracy to our land and the hope of a better Nigeria…”
On his part, Sanwo-Olu on behalf of the good people of Lagos State and his wife, Ibijoke, heartily congratulated Senator Tinubu on the occasion of her 60th birthday.
He described the senator as an amazing amazon, whose name is synonymous to social justice and a voice of the voiceless.
“Our Dear Amazon, attaining the age of 60 years in grace and elegance is worth celebrating.
“Over the years, you have emblazoned your name as an advocate of social justice, a philanthropist and a voice of the voiceless.
“As the lawmaker representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, your input to national growth is a pragmatic testament of visionary leadership.
“Through your pet projects, Spelling Bee and the New Era Foundation, you became a reference point in women and youth development in the country.
“On this landmark 60th birthday, I pray for continued God’s guidance and more of your service to humanity, Lagos and our country.
“Happy 60th Birthday to an Amazing Amazon,” Sanwo-Olu said.
To Ogun State Governor, attaining 60 is a huge milestone for anyone, saying he’s proud of the legacies of former First Lady of Lagos State in statecraft as a ranking senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Abiodun said: “I heartily felicitate you on the auspicious occasion of your Diamond Jubilee Birthday. This is, no doubt, an important landmark in your very eventful life.
“Turning 60 is a huge milestone for anyone. You have many things to be grateful for after living your life for six decades and justified that you are an Ogun State icon of excellence as educationist, administrator, entrepreneur, philanthropist and political icon.
“As First Lady in Lagos State, your New Era Foundation remains a reference for others on youth development, girl child education, women empowerment and for inspiring young persons to excellence.
“We are also proud of your legacies in statecraft as a ranking Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We pray that as you join the Diamond League, God Almighty will grant you grace of many more years in the service of humanity, in good health and with renewed vigour to hold the banner of excellence in progressive politics.”
A former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, and a former senate president, Bukola Saraki, have congratulated Godwin Obaseki over his re-election as Edo State Governor.
Jonathan, in his congratulatory message, tasked the re-elected governor to rise above partisan politics and govern for the good people of Edo State, irrespective of party leaning.
The former president also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for overseeing a process that allowed the votes of the good people of Edo to count.
“I congratulate His Excellency Godwin Obaseki on his re-election as Edo State Governor and the INEC Nigeria for overseeing a process that allowed the votes of the good people of Edo to count.
“Democracy can only be consolidated to promote good governance in our nation and continent when our elections become credible, transparent and truly represent the wish of the voters.
“Democracy is about the good of all the people and not for winners and losers.
“As the election has been contested and won, I urge His excellency to rise above partisan politics and govern for the good of Edo people, irrespective of party leaning.
“This is the way to deepen our democracy and bring development to the people,” Jonathan said.
Saraki, on his part, congratulated Obaseki who he described as “friend and brother” on his re-election as Edo State Governor.
The former senate president called on Obaseki to see his re-election as an opportunity to deliver on his campaign promises and to continually work to actualise the wishes and aspirations of Edo people.
“The result of Edo gubernatorial election represents the true wish of the people who stood firmly behind their governor against power mongers who were determined to foist their choice on the people. It represents the will of the people to vote in free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.
“The people of Edo State who had sleepless nights in order to protect their votes, those who rejected the cash being thrown around to buy their votes and the intimidation to force them to compromise their belief, deserve our praise. Therefore, my congratulations go to all the people of Edo State.
“Let me give kudos to the leaders and governors in our party, PDP, for working together to achieve this victory. PDP leaders and members in Edo State who whole-heartedly accepted Governor Obaseki since he joined the party and co-operated with him to bring about this victory deserve to be appreciated.
“The result of the just concluded election also represents the fact that our people actually desire to be governed by a truly democratic government headed by those they genuinely voted for. It represents the fact that our security and electoral officials can conduct free and fair elections if they have the right atmosphere. We are happy that throughout this election we did not see the military brutalising the people or security officials supervising the snatching of ballot boxes and vandalisation of votes. Thus, the military and other security agencies deserve commendation for this successful poll.
“We also saw how INEC officials maturely handled the complaints of APC agent who sought to create confusion at the state collation centre when Orihomwon Local Government result was about to be declared. INEC and its officials deserve to be commended for their neutrality in this election.
“We can see that the result represents realistic figures from one local government area to the other. No case of outlandish figures being reeled out. That is also a sign of some level of credibility in the process. It is for the above reasons that I have to commend President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping the military out of this election and for giving the instructions that led to the apparent neutrality of members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security officials in the entire process.
“Edo election result is a victory for our country, her people and democracy. We have shown that the glory of the country is more valuable to the citizens than the wish of a tiny power clique,” he said.
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