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Foreign Scouts Pour Encomium On Bayelsa Govt

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Foreign Scouts Pour Encomium On Bayelsa Govt

***as Gov Douye Diri International Scouting program ends in Yenagoa

Foreign Scouts from Finland, Lithuania, Malta, Turkey and Norway have hailed the Bayelsa State Government for its steadfast commitment to the discovery and development of budding football talents across the State.

The scouts made the commendation, while exchanging views with sports writers at the end of the 6th Governor Douye Diri international scouting program in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Leader of the international scouts, Azodo Hillary, said the international scouting exercise was yielding positive results with the encouraging number of players who are on the verge of traveling out the country for greener pastures, stating that Bayelsa is blessed with abundant talents that are capable of representing the nation.

According to him, the number of players jetting out for trials with European teams testifies to the credibility of the exercise over the years, pointing out that the players have received their invitations along with their Visas for the January transfer window.

He explained that the players would have traveled in the summer transfer window, but the window had already closed before they arrived,

The former Enugu Rangers player, appreciated governor Douye Diri and his Deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the commissioner for sports development, Dr. Daniel Igali and Prosperity Cup DG, Mr. Ono Akpe for creating the platform for the youths in the state to express their talents.

Also speaking Kelvin Etemike a FIFA Agent and CEO Sports Management Agency as well as Sporting Director Sakaryarspor and Uyammis Hakan, Agent and CEO and Sporting Director Sakaryarspor all in Turkey, noted that Bayelsa State was blessed with abundant talents, maintaining that they are pleased with the scouting program.

The duo commended the Bayelsa State government and the organizers of the Prosperity Cup for the initiative to catch them young, noting that the policy is capable of producing the next generation of footballers in the state and the country.

On his part, Naujot Singh of X-One Agency of Norway, who described Bayelsa as the best in the nation in terms of discovering and nurturing talents, also hailed the players for their show of dexterity, commitment and dedication throughout the exercise.

Earlier, Director General of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament tagged the Prosperity Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe noted that he feels fulfilled seeing products of the Prosperity Cup travel abroad to showcase their talents, stressing that sports remains a vehicle and a tool to take away the youths off the street.

Mr. Akpe asserted that the success recorded in the international scouting exercise and the prosperity cup was incomplete without Governor Douye Diri and his Deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as well as the commissioner for sports development Dr Daniel Igali for giving sports the premium attention it currently enjoys in the State.

We Are Building Roads To Open Up The FCT – Wike

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We Are Building Roads To Open Up The FCT – Wike

… AS HE FLAGS OFF THE CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROAD IN GIRI DISTRICT

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to developing the FCT through the provision of access roads.

2. Barr. Wike said this while flagging off the construction of the access road, leading to the site of the new Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) academy in Giri District, Abuja on Thursday, December 5, 2024.

3. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Minister said the provision of access roads would encourage the development of the real estate sector, enhance access to the markets for agricultural produce, and also decongest the Abuja city center.

4. He observed that some parts of the FCT were undeveloped due to the lack of access roads, sayiing, “With the access road, everybody will come and develop, and that is what we are looking for so that we will decongest the city.”

5. The Minister clarified that the road was not being constructed specifically for the EFCC but to open up a part of the FCT where the EFCC’s new academy is also located, thereby making them a beneficiary of the road project.

6. He said, “The community is also going to benefit. People will now build houses, and farmers will bring their produce to the city. That is the whole essence of opening up everywhere.

7. “So, let it not be said that we are building roads for the EFCC. We are not building roads for the EFCC. We are building roads to open up access and develop areas and of course, they are one of the beneficiaries”.

8. The FCT Minister thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to contribute to the FCT’s infrastructural development and for providing the necessary funding and support for the FCT Administration.

9. He also assured the contractor of the availability of funds and urged them to ensure the project’s timely completion. He said it would be commissioned by May next year to mark the President’s second anniversary in office.

Chinese National, 5 Others Arrested Over Illegal Mining In Anambra

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Chinese National, 5 Others Arrested Over Illegal Mining In Anambra

A 47-year-old Chinese National, simply identified as Babajeje, has been arrested alongside five other persons over suspected illegal mining in Anambra State.

The Spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, SC Okadigbo Edwin disclosed this in a statement to newsmen on Thursday in Awka, in which he also revealed that the suspects were arrested by the NSCDC operatives, in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer, Anambra State, Henry Bolarinwa.

SC Edwin gave the names of the other five suspects as Udoka Nwankwo (male, aged 25), Amaka Samuel (female, aged 18), Onyi Ijeoma (female, aged 45), Chimezie Aniefuna (male, aged 25), and Chinaza Omrba (female, aged 18).

He noted that the suspect who were arrested following a tip-off on their operations at an illegal mining site at Odele Aguleri, in Anambra East Local Government Area, were paraded on Thursday at the State’s NSCDC Command Headquarters in Awka by the State’s Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Maku Olatunde.

SC Edwin, in the statement, further quoted the State Commandant as saying: “In our resolute and determination to discharge our statutory mandate in sanitizing the mining sector in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, we cracked down on these illegal miners siphoning the nation’s resources, causing revenue losses to the Federal Government.

“These suspected illegal miners were apprehended on Thursday 5th of December, 2024 at about 11:40 hours for not obtaining licence that permits them to operate, mining without paying surface rents and haulage fees to the State Government, and royalties to the coffers of the Federal Government, contrary to section 33 of Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act 2027.”

Continuing, the NSCDC Spokesman quoted Commandant Maku as saying that the suspects are presently undergoing investigation, and upon its conclusion, will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to face possible prosecution.

SC Edwin also noted that, while speaking during the parading of the suspects, the Federal Mines Officer of the State, Bolarinwa highlighted the importance of synergy between the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and emphasized that obtaining a valid license from the Ministry and seeking proper guidance are crucial for anyone interested in mining.

According to SC Edwin, “Bolarinwa warned the public to request evidence of licenses from mining site owners and proof of royalty payments to the government. He stressed that this warning is necessary to prevent revenue losses and environmental hazards associated with illegal mining activities.”

https://punchng.com/nscdc-arrests-chinese-five-others-for-illegal-mining-in-anambra/

South-South Senators Back Tax Reform Bills

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South-South Senators Back Tax Reform Bills

Senators from the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria have expressed support for the Tax Reform Bills presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

The bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024- SB.584; and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024- SB. 585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.

The four tax reform bills passed second reading at the Senate on Thursday and were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Niger East senator Sani Musa, for further legislative action, including holding a public hearing.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), the lawmakers highlighted their commitment to conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the bills to ensure they align with national interests, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.

They also called on South-South governors to work collaboratively with lawmakers to refine the bills for mutual benefit.

The Senators, representing Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States, passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, praising his leadership in advancing the Senate’s constitutional mandate.

The Forum urged stakeholders to avoid introducing regional, ethnic, or tribal sentiments into the national dialogue, advocating for robust interactions and consultations in the legislative process.

The communiqué was signed by 15 other Senators, including:

—Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) – Secretary of the Forum

—Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South East)

—Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North)

—Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South)

—Senator Munir Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North)

—Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (APC, Delta South)

—Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)

—Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South)

—Senator Allwell Onyeso (PDP, Rivers East)

—Senator Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers West)

—Senator Benson Agadaga (PDP, Bayelsa East)

—Senator Konbowei Benson (PDP, Bayelsa Central)

—Senator Eteng Jonah Williams (APC, Cross River Central)

—Senator Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)

—Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central)

The Senators reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a legislative agenda that ensures the peace, prosperity, and progress of the nation while addressing the unique needs of the South-South region.

Governor Sanwo-Olu Meets With Promoters Of The Lagos Medi-Park Village Project

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Governor Sanwo-Olu Meets With Promoters Of The Lagos Medi-Park Village Project

At the Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco, I met with the promoters of the Lagos Medi-Park Village Project.

This partnership with the IASO Consortium will deliver a 120-bed tertiary healthcare facility on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi. The Medi-Park will feature state-of-the-art diagnostic and specialized healthcare services, aiming to minimize medical tourism and provide Lagosians with access to world-class medical care in their own city.

Jubril A. Gawat @Mr_JAGs

THIS IS THE PLAN: The Lagos Medi-Park will be situated at the site of the former School of Nursing by Awolowo road on the way linking 3rd Mainland Bridge.

#GreaterLagosRISING @jidesanwoolu ⭐️

Discos Have Failed – Senate

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Discos Have Failed – Senate

The Senate had expressed displeasure at the performance of Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies, otherwise known as DisCos, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, since the privatisation of the power sector.

This is as the Red Chamber of the National Assembly described the privatisation of the power sector as a failure, while threatening to initiate legislative measures to reverse the policy.

The Senate said this when the chairman of the Committee on Power, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, submitted his report for consideration.

Abaribe explained that the DisCos have largely failed to deliver reliable electricity to Nigerians.

This triggered concerns about the effectiveness of the 2013 privatisation program, which aimed to improve power supply through private sector involvement.

In his report presentation, the lawmaker highlighted the financial losses incurred each time the grid collapses.

According to him, restarting a power plant costs approximately $7.5 million. With three plants in operation, the total cost per grid collapse amounts to $25 million.

The Senate engaged in an intense debate over the persistent collapse of the national grid and inefficiencies in Nigeria’s power sector, with senators expressing deep frustration over the state of the country’s electricity distribution and privatisation policies.

On his part, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, criticised the privatisation of the power sector, questioning its efficiency.

He noted that despite privatisation, distribution companies are unable to meet consumer demands, leading to deteriorating service quality.

“Why do governors and individuals have to buy transformers and then hand over to DisCos and still pay for installation,” Akpabio queried.

Speaking, Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) expressed regret over his earlier support for privatisation, describing the process as ill-conceived and ill-executed.

He lamented the fact that consumers are forced to pay for services not rendered.

The motion was subsequently withdrawn to allow for actionable and comprehensive recommendations.

The Senate Committee on Power was thereafter given six weeks to develop improved recommendations concerning the non-functionality of DisCos and TCN.

Weightlifting: Igali Lauds Team Bayelsa’s Remarkable Performance

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Weightlifting: Igali Lauds Team Bayelsa’s Remarkable Performance

The commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, honourable Daniel Igali, has lauded the exceptional display of Bayelsa contingents at the maiden Engr Habu Gumel Weightlifting Open Championship in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, honourable Igali expressed satisfaction with the performance of the athletes

Team Bayelsa amassed a total of 30 medals comprising 17 gold, 11 silver, and 2 bronze to finish top of the final medal table.

“I salute our gallant sportsmen and women who have performed exceptionally well in this championship.”

“Our athletes have showcased remarkable talent and resilience. These achievements exemplify the spirit of excellence currently in Bayelsa, and I applaud their dedication.” Igali said.

Honourable Daniel Igali, who is a world and Olympic champion, expressed the state government’s commitment under the stewardship of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri in providing the needed support and facilities for all to thrive.

“This display is a reflection of His Excellency, Governor Douye Diri’s drive to see that there is adequate provision and conducive environment for our sports men and women to thrive and he is ever committed.” Igali concluded.

Meanwhile, as Team Bayelsa emerged overall winner, Oyo came second with 9 gold and 3 bronze while Delta finished third cumulating 6 gold, 9 silver, and 6 bronze.

FG Bars MDAs From Including New Projects In 2025 Budget

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FG Bars MDAs From Including New Projects In 2025 Budget

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to exclude new projects from their budget submissions for 2025 unless these can be linked to the completion of ongoing initiatives. This is according to the 2024 Federal Government Budget Call Circular document obtained by The PUNCH.

The 2024 Budget Call Circular clearly states that no new projects will be admitted into the 2025 capital budget unless MDAs can demonstrate that sufficient resources have been allocated for the completion of ongoing projects.

The document read, “Again, the thrust of the FGN’s capital expenditure programme in 2025 will be the completion of as many cardinal ongoing projects as possible, rather than starting new projects. Thus, MDAs are hereby advised that new projects will not be admitted into the capital budget for 2025 unless adequate provision has been made for the completion/work programme of all ongoing projects.”

MDAs are required to review their existing project portfolios and submit updated lists of both ongoing and new capital projects using the Budget Office’s Capital Project Status Template.

Also, MDAs have been instructed to carefully scrutinise and justify their proposed projects and programmes,ensuring that these align with the country’s immediate needs and the government’s key development priorities. These priorities, as set out in the circular, include national security, economy, education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, power and energy, as well as social safety nets, with a focus on women and youth empowerment. In addition, all projects must be aligned with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2021–2025.

This includes building a strong, diversified economy, investing in critical infrastructure, strengthening security and governance, and fostering a vibrant, healthy, and educated population. The Federal Government’s 2025 expenditure has been projected at N47.90tn, an increase of 36.6 per cent from the 2024 budget.

The budget also includes provisions for the newly established South-East, South- West, and North-West Development Commissions. Debt servicing remains a significant portion of the expenditure, with N15.81tn set aside for this purpose, including N430.27bn for maturing bonds. Personnel and pension costs are estimated at N9.64tn, reflecting a 58.7 per cent increase from 2024, largely due to the implementation of the new minimum wage. A total of N16.48tn has been earmarked for capital expenditure in 2025, accounting for 34.4 per cent of the overall budget.

This allocation marks an 11.2 per cent increase from the 2024 capital budget and is intended to focus primarily on completing ongoing projects rather than initiating new ones. MDAs have been urged to prioritise projects that are nearing completion, particularly those in line with the government’s current priorities.

The document noted, “In allocating capital budget resources, MDAs are enjoined to accord priority to ongoing projects, especially those nearing completion that fit into government’s current priorities. As a general rule, MDAs will not be allowed to initiate new projects/programmes unless they can demonstrate that adequate provisions have been made for ongoing projects.

“In addition to alignment with the objectives of the NDP, the likelihood of completion within the medium-term, i.e, not later than 2025, should be considered in prioritising capital projects.”

Also, for projects valued over N150m, MDAs must provide GPS coordinates to aid geotagging, enabling the use of technology for monitoring and evaluation.

1 PDP, 4 Labour Party Rep Members Defect To APC

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1 PDP, 4 Labour Party Rep Members Defect To APC

Four members of the house of representatives have defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, announced the lawmakers’ defection on the floor of the green chamber on Thursday.

The lawmakers are Chinedu Okere (Owerri municipal/Owerri north/Owerri west federal constituency), Mathew Donatus (Kaura federal constituency of Kaduna), Akiba Bassey (Calabar municipal/Odukpani federal constituency of Cross River), and Esosa Iyawe (Oredo federal constituency of Edo).

The lawmakers attributed their defection to an alleged crisis in the LP.

Abbas congratulated the legislators, saying they had “taken the right decision”.

Erhriatake Ibori-Suenu, who represents Ethiope federal constituency of Delta, also defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

Ibori-Suenu is the daughter of James Ibori, former Delta governor and chieftain of the PDP.

Ali Isa, minority whip, and George Ozodinobi, deputy minority whip, protested the defections.

Ozodinobi, an LP chieftain, said his colleagues had no ideology.

“When people enter a political party without ideology, you see such level of defection,” he said.

Ozodinobi said the APC has “brought hunger to Nigerians” and lawmakers should not be joining the party.

The LP and PDP have lost some legislators to the APC in recent weeks.

In July, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, senator representing Imo east, defected from LP to the APC.

In October, Chris Nkwonta and Sulaiman Abubakar left the PDP for APC.

Over 100 Passengers Including Borno Deputy Gov Escape Max Air Mishap

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Over 100 Passengers Including Borno Deputy Gov Escape Max Air Mishap

Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers narrowly escaped a tragic incident when a Max Air aircraft experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport, News360 Nigeria reports.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday when the aircraft, en route to Abuja, suffered engine failure caused by a bird strike about 10 minutes into the flight. The pilot and crew managed to execute an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, averting disaster.

A Max Air staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident on Thursday morning.

The staff member explained: “Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck a bird mid-air, which caused one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers.”

Following the emergency landing, passengers were reportedly in a state of panic, with many opting to collect their luggage and return home rather than board another flight. However, Max Air management promptly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to transport resilient passengers, including the Deputy Governor, safely to Abuja.

The ill-fated aircraft remains grounded at Maiduguri International Airport, undergoing extensive repairs. Investigations into the incident are currently underway.

The airport authorities have reassured passengers of their commitment to safety and thanked the crew for their professionalism in managing the situation.

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