All Posts in "Day: January 8, 2022"

Abuja Disco To Partner NAPTIN On Improved Service Delivery 

ABUJA ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION PLCPREQUALIFICATION NOTICE: 2022 AEDC VENDOR PREQUALIFICATION | Public Procurement NG
Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc,has hinted of partnering the National Training Power Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) to raise the competency profile of its workers in order to improve service delivery to the customers by taking advantage of the training opportunities that the Institute offers.
Its Managing Director,Engr. Akin Bada gave the hint when he received the Director General of the Institute – Alhaji Bolaji Nagode  in his office in Abuja.
 He NAPTIN has transformed itself into a international brand such that it has become the first port of call for utilities seeking to train its personnel in the electricity industry across the African continent.
He said: “I am happy that NAPTIN, which was established by the federal government of Nigeria to offer a wide range of manpower development programmes consistent with the needs of the industry has shown itself to be able to respond to these needs of the training needs of the power sector. With your mandate and your pedigree as the foremost power training institute in Nigeria and the African continent therefore, AEDC will take good advantage of this opportunity to build the capacity of its workers.”
In his remarks, the DG of NAPTIN, Alhaji Bolaji Nagode congratulated Engr. Bada and the Interim Management team on their appointment.
He said the appointment of Engr. Bada,a veteran of the industry,was indicative of the need to reposition AEDC for optimal service delivery to its customers.
He added:“In this regard, we are prepared to work with your management for the repositioning of AEDC as a critical asset in the country through training”. Alhaji Nagode said the Institute not only offers a wide range of human capacity training programs which is apt for the industry, the Institute has also started its E-Learning program in response to the safety protocols of the COVID 19 pandemic and its different variants. “Since this pandemic is not about to leave us anytime soon, as a training Institute, we adopted e-Learning in order to ensure that the capacity of the workers in the sector is continually enhanced.”
Online Editor by — January 8, 2022 in Power 0
Tax On Carbonated Drinks:Labour Kicks,Urges Amendment Of Finance Act

The Nigerian Labour Congress,(NLC),has picked holes in the introduction of tax on carbonated tax by the Federal Government.
Its national president,Comrade Ayuba Wabba,in a statement,pleaded with the National Assembly  to urgently  amend the sections of the Finance Act 2022 that re-introduced excise duties on non-alcoholic and carbonated drinks.
He emphasized the need for the government   to extend COVID-19 palliatives and support incentives to the Food and Beverages industry to cushion the shock and haemorrhage that the industry is trying to recover from.
He added:” Finally, we demand that Government should engage Employers in the sub-sector and Organized Labour in sincere discussions on other options that can deliver a mutually satisfying win-win solution on this issue.We hope that the current situation will not be allowed to degenerate into a breakdown in industrial relations in the sector and generally in the country.
He recalled that the Congress had last November appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari,and the leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly to  suspend the re-introduction of excise duties on locally produced non-alcoholic carbonated drinks.
According to him,the Congress provided a number of very cogent reasons why government should not go ahead with the decision to impose fresh taxes on soft drinks.
He added:”One of the reasons we advanced was that the re-introduction of excise duties on non-alcoholic, carbonated and sugary drinks will impose immense hardship on ordinary Nigerians who easily keep hunger at bay with a bottle of soft drink and maybe a loaf of bread. Our concern is the mass hunger that would result from the slightest increase in the retail price of soft drinks owing to imposition of excise duties as the product would be priced beyond the reach of millions of ordinary and poor Nigerians.
“Congress was also alerted by the complaint of manufacturers of soft drinks in Nigeria that the re-introduction of excise duties on their products would lead to very sharp decline in sales, forced reduction in production, and a sure roll back in investments with the certainty of job losses and possibly shut down of their manufacturing plants.
“Nigerians would recall that this was also the complaint of tyre manufacturing companies such as Dunlop and Michelin which was overlooked by government until the two companies relocated to neighbouring Ghana. A similar situation is playing out with the soft drinks manufacturing sub-sector. Government should pay attention”
He said with 38% of the entire manufacturing output in Nigeria and 22.5% share representation of the entire manufacturing sector in Nigeria, the food and beverage industry is the largest industrial sub sector in our country.
He  disclosed that the  food and beverage sub-sector has generated to the coffers of government N202 billion as VAT in the past five years, N7.3 billion as Corporate Social Responsibility and has created 1.5 million decent jobs both directly and indirectly.
The health reason proffered by government as reason for the re-introduction of the excise duties seems altruistic,he said,adding the the Congress was worried why the government did not place the excise duties on sugar itself as a commodity rather than on carbonated drinks.
He emphasized  additional increase in the retail price of carbonated drinks would put more Nigerians at risk of serious health challenges as many people would resort to consuming sub-standard and unhygienic drinks as substitutes for carbonated drinks.
He said the appeal to rescind the re-introduction of excise duties on non-alcoholic drinks becomes even more compelling when the projected immediate revenue expected from the policy is weighed against the potential long-term loss to both manufacturers and government.
He said  the beverage sub-sector will lose 40% of its current sales revenue. This translates to a loss of N1.9 trillion.
He added:”While the government will only make a total projected receipts of N81 billion from the proposed re-introduction of the excise duties. Government also stands to lose N197 billion in VAT, Company Income Tax and Tertiary Education Tax as a consequence of expected downturn in overall industry performance should the excise duties be effected as being planned”
Online Editor by — January 8, 2022 in Labour/Human Resources 0
How 228 People Died In Ogun Road Accidents In 2021

228 die in Ogun road accidents in 2021 – Agency | Premium Times Nigeria
No fewer than 228 persons have died in various road accidents across the state in 2021,according to the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps in Ogun State
Its  spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, who disclosed this to newsmen in Abeokuta,explained that 831 crashes were recorded during the period under review.
He said 713 motor vehicles and 118 motorcycles were involved in the accidents.
He added that 1,311 people were injured in the various accidents comprising of 931 male and 380 female victims.
According to him, out of the 228 death recorded, 179 were male while 49 were female.
He added that 74 persons were killed in a motorcycle accident while 240 got injured.
He maintained  that most of the accidents were caused by excessive speed, wrongful overtaking, dangerous driving among others.
He promised  that TRACE would continue to sensitise motorists on safe driving, saying that there was a need for them to obey traffic rules and regulations.
Online Editor by — January 8, 2022 in Crime/Metro 0
Nigeria’s Food Imports Gulp $1.68bn In Nine Months-CBN

Nigeria spent $1.68bn on food importation from January to September last year.
The Central Bank of Nigeria  confirmed the spend in a report on sectoral utilisation of foreign exchange for the third quarter of 2021.
The apex bank said  the government spent $163.60m, $197.73m, and $171.05m in January, February and March, respectively, while $156.30m, $135.72m and $213.58m were spent in April May and June, respectively.
The report disclosed  that $184.69m, 188.88m and 271.59m were spent in July, August and September, respectively.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, had recently said Nigeria could produce enough to feed its citizens.
He said the government was ensuring the diversification of the economy.
Emefiele said, “We believe that Nigeria can feed itself; Nigeria can produce what to eat. Everything needs to be done for us to move away from a situation where everything is imported.
“We need to get to a stage where we bring our manufacturing industries back to life again. For us to say that there is sustainable, inclusive growth in the country, we, as banks, working with government must do everything possible to diversify the Nigerian economy.
“We have to do everything possible to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country. We will do everything possible to reduce the rate of poverty in our country.”
According to him, if the country is able to diversify the economy, reduce unemployment and poverty, the level of insecurity in the country will reduce.
Emefiele said the banks had done a lot to support the economy and would still do more to catalyse the economy for growth.
He said the banks would increase credit to the economy.
The CBN governor noted that there were companies that were ready to conduct credible business but did not have the capital.
“We will help in providing jobs and employment for Nigeria,” he said.
Emefiele said the CBN recently unveiled the ‘100 for 100’ policy on production and productivity to engender growth and employment.
According to him, under the programme, targeted credit of up to N5bn will be provided to 100 firms every 100 days, provided the firms are investing in greenfield projects.
He said the projects would be assessed based on their ability to generate significant employment opportunities in critical sectors for the economy, adding that eligible firms would be made to show evidence of their efforts to harness available local raw materials towards the realisation of their intended investment.
The CBN governor said the bank remained committed to supporting eligible firms with foreign exchange to import machinery and equipment.
Online Editor by — January 8, 2022 in Agriculture 0
APSAN Assesses Benefit Of CBN Loan Intervention’

 The Agricultural Produce Sellers Association of Nigeria (APSAN )  has assessed the import  of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) loan intervention scheme in the agricultural sector,saying over 20,000 of its members have benefitted from same hitherto.
This is part of the 503.3 billion naira loan already disbursed to farmers by NIRSAL Micro Finance Bank.
The group’s national president, Comrade Aloys Akortsaha,who disclosed this in Abuja,urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the fund to address their financial challenges.
He said “This is the first time a programme is impacting positively on the lives of ordinary Nigerians especially the grassroots without any interference from the powers that be, it is worthy of commendation and recommendation and i want to use this opportunity and call on other agricultural related MDAs particularly the federal ministry of agriculture and rural development to adopt the NIRSAL MFB methodology in reaching out to farmers directly without passing through states and local governments.”
“ In view of the above therefore, APSAN hereby supports the programmes  and will continue to encourage businesses and households to make use of the opportunity to better their lives and enhance their businesses”, he added.
Online Editor by — January 8, 2022 in Agriculture 0
Community Commends  Chevron Nigeria Staff on donation to indigent widows

Enugu community applauds Chevron Nigeria staff on donation to widows – Dateline Nigeria
The people of Enugu Akwu Achi in Oji River Local Government area of Enugu State have commended the kind gesture by one of their illustrious sons, Mr. Victor Anyaegbudike, a staff of Chevron Nigeria Limited, who last Thursday donated bags of rice and cartons of noodles to over 150 indigent widows from the four components of the community.
Speaking,the Town Union President, Mr. Christian Iloma extoled the humanitarian attributes of the donor and thanked him for consistently supporting the socio-economic development of the community through the various programmes he had sponsored in recent past.
He recalled that in December 2020, to early 2021, the donor initiated and implemented the grading of a hitherto abandoned 5-kilometer road from Obodo ukwu, Enugu Akwu community to the neighbouring Inyi community, both in Oji River Local Government Area. “That the people can commute from our village to Nkwo Inyi market through that road is because of the donor, Mr. Anyaegbudike,” he stated.
“That is in addition to several other activities he had supported in the town including the Obodo ukwu electricity project, the furnishing of the Enugu Akwu health centre, water project, donations to sick people, educational grants, among others,” he added.
Besides,the Councilor in charge of Enugu Akwu Ward 2 in the Oji River Local Government Council, Hon. Nonso Chijioke thanked the donor for the kind gesture.
 He confirmed that the road project, which he helped oversee, was initiated, and funded by the donor adding that the community is eagerly waiting for government’s intervention in terms of tarring the road and implementing erosion control on the road.
He described the donor as an unassuming  man with undoubted passion for community development, high leadership propensity and altruism, adding that the gesture to the widows showcases his humane disposition.
He implored others to emulate the kind gestures of Mr. Anyaegbudike and contribute to societal development to leave an enduring legacy in the sands of time.
Most of the recipients of the donation thanked the donor for what they refereed to as “his large heart and golden spirit.” They emphasized that the donation would go a long way to ameliorate the suffering of the indigent widows and their children.
They said Mr. Anyaegbudike has always stepped in to help the community when the need arises in different ways including in health, education, economic empowerment, and social infrastructure development.
In his remarks,Mr. Anyaegbudike  explained  that the gesture was to assist the widows in his little way and wish them a blissful new year.
He affirmed his passion for sustainable development in his community and beyond stating that he always wishes for a society where individuals and organizations could partner with relevant bodies to sponsor community development.
He emphasized that his passion emanated from his company Chevron, whose vision is to be the global energy company most admired for its people, partnership, and performance. He says, “like organization, like employees,” the company, which has a “Tradition of Care” for communities in which they operate around the world, teaches its workers to give back to the society in any way they can. He thanked God for enabling him to put smiles on peoples’ faces and promised to do more within available resources and opportunities.
Online Editor by — January 8, 2022 in News 0
Nasarawa To Electrify Rural Communities With   N2.23bn

Daniel Agyeno: Nasarawa govt to spend N31.9bn on education in 2022 – The Informant247
Nasarawa State government said it has earmarked the sum of N N2.23billion naira out of the 2022 budget  for the electrification of rural communities across the state.
Hon. Daniel Agyeno, the state Commissioner of Finance, Budget and Planning Commission,   disclosed this during presentation of budget breakdown at the Ministry in Lafia.
He said this year’s budget was based on the collective purpose to sustain the pace of development in the state.
The commissioner also explained that the government also earmarks N2.8bn for construction of Urban, Rural roads.
He noted that the amount set aside for the roads construction was captured in the state’s 2022 budget which was recently signed into law by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
He said, “The state government will embark on the construction of some Urban roads in Obi Local Government Area, Karu LGA, Keana LGA, Toto LGA, Keffi LGA, Akwanga LGA, Wamba LGA, Doma LGA and Garaku town in Kokona LGA.
“We are also going to construct and rehabilitate some rural roads across the 13 LGAs of the state. The construction of the urban roads would gulp the sum of N700 million while that of the rural roads would gulp the sum of N2.1 billion and these monies were captured the 2022 budget of N110.8 billion tagged Budget of Sustainable Transformation”.
Online Editor by — January 8, 2022 in News 0
Nigerians Must Avoid War-Sanwo-Olu

Nigerians Should Do Everything Possible To Prevent War – Sanwo-Olu – Independent Newspaper Nigeria
 Lagos State Governor,Babajide Sanwo-Olu,has advised Nigerians  to work together and do everything  possible to prevent the outbreak of war in the country.
He maintained that  the nation can only strive in the atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
He gave the admonition at the year 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Dedicated Jumat Service at the Secretariat mosque, Alausa Ikeja on Friday
The governor,who was represented by his deputy,Dr.Obafemi Hamzat, advised those clamouring for  war in the country to desist from such and thread on the path of peace for the good of all Nigerians.
Admonishing the citizens to be positive in their mind set, the governor emphasized that the fall of the Nation will affect everyone and “we all will suffer for it”. He said by calling for war, there would be no justification for the death of those people that fought for the country.”
He advised that Nigerians should stop criticizing the Armed Forces as they are making a lot of sacrifices for the unity of the country by protecting the citizens and fighting for her peace and unity.
In his goodwill message,Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Lagos State Head of Service,said the true essence of the celebration was to recognize and appreciate the immense contribution of the Armed Forces to the peace and unity of the country.
Online Editor by — January 8, 2022 in News 0
EFCC Secures Highest Convictions Since Inception

 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, secured a total of 2220 (Two Thousand Two Hundred and Twenty) convictions across all its command last year.
It was the highest  convictions by the agency since its creation,a  statement by Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media & Publicity of the commission,said
The figure ,he said emerged from a review of the Commission’s performance in the outgone year.
According to him, Lagos Command of the agency recorded the most convictions-481,Ibadan 324,while the Port Harcourt Zonal Command  got 230 .
Before last year, the highest record of conviction by the Commission was secured in 2019 with 1280 convictions.
The 2220 record of 2021 is a 127.5 % improvement over the 2019 record,the spokesman said,adding the figure represents a 98.49% success rate in prosecution
He said  as the commission lost only 34 cases during the period in view
Speaking on the performance of the agency, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, commended the personnel of the Commission for their industry and dedication despite the challenges of criminal prosecution in court.
He promised  that the EFCC will continue to motivate all categories of staff for greater efficiency through capacity development and other incentives.
Online Editor by — January 8, 2022 in News 0
Families Of Nigeria’s Fallen Heroes Need Our Help,Says  Makinde

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde,has advised Nigerians  to  always remember  the families of the fallen heroes and heroines.
Governor Makinde, who stated this on Friday at the special Juma’at Service to commemorate the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Oja’ba Central Mosque, Ibadan.
He expressed  that those left behind by the fallen heroes need help to meet some of their basic needs.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor was represented at the event  by the Deputy Chief of Staff in his office, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola.
He emphasized  the importance of the Remembrance Day, adding that the sacrifice made by the fallen heroes was worth celebrating.
 He added : “Armed Forces Remembrance  Day must be a constant reminder of the great sacrifices that our ex-servicemen and gallant fallen heroes made to secure our nation.For us in Oyo State, we  will continually place priority on the welfare of the families of fallen heroes.
“It is actually a privilege to witness the second Jumat service in the year. So, I am using this as  a platform to actually say congratulations to those of us who are alive and the families of the fallen heroes.”
He  assured that the present administration in Oyo State would continue to improve the welfare of relatives of deceased ex-servicemen, their widows, orphans and other loved ones.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdul-Ganiy Abubakr Agbotomokekere,in his sermon, emphasized the need for  Nigerians  to always come to the aid of the families, widows and children of those who laid down their lives for the country considering that the fallen heroes lost their lives for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
He urged the people to fear God  by coming to the aid of the families of the
dead soldiers, adding that the efforts of the armed forces in ensuring security in the state and the country in general, cannot be underated.
Online Editor by — January 8, 2022 in News 0