Ms. Grace Ike of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) has made history as the first female Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, 43 years after its establishment.

Grace was elected and sworn in on Wednesday alongside other executive members: Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo of Voice of Nigeria (VON) as Vice Chairman, Comrade Jide Oyekunle of Independent Newspaper as Secretary, and Sandra Udeike of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) as Treasurer.

The unopposed election was conducted under tight security by officials from the NUJ National Secretariat, drawing a significant turnout of journalists from various media organizations and chapels in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The newly elected officials will lead the council for the next three years, while the vacant positions are expected to be filled through a by-election.

Barr. Ehidiamen Isibor administered the oath of office in the presence of the Credentials Committee, led by Mr. Henry Umoru and other committee members.

Grace Ike’s Vision for NUJ FCT Council

In her inauguration speech, Grace described her election as a “new dawn” for journalists in the nation’s capital. She pledged to revitalize the NUJ FCT Council through innovative projects aimed at enhancing members’ welfare.

“With immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility, I stand before you today as your elected Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council,” she said.

“This moment is both humbling and inspiring, and I thank you sincerely for the trust and confidence you have placed in me. As we begin this journey together, I congratulate the newly elected NUJ National President, Alhaji Yahya Alhassan, his Deputy, and other members of the National Executive Council on their well-deserved victory. Your emergence symbolizes a new chapter, and I pledge the unwavering support of the FCT Council as we work collaboratively to strengthen the ideals of our profession.”

Grace also expressed gratitude to the women of the council for their support, resilience, and encouragement during her campaign, saying:

“Your courage, determination, and strength were pivotal to this victory. Together, we will continue to inspire and empower one another. As I assume this noble office, I am reminded of the words of John C. Maxwell: ‘A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.’ Guided by these principles, we shall chart a course toward unity, progress, and excellence for our union.”

Past Achievements and Future Goals

Grace Ike, the immediate past Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps and Vice Chairman of the FCT Correspondents Chapel, brings extensive experience to her new role. She has held various positions at Independent Television (ITV) and Silverbird Television.

Adeiza Momohjimoh, Vice President of Zone D, presented certificates of return to the newly elected executives and congratulated them on their unopposed victories.

Grace’s leadership marks a significant milestone for the NUJ FCT Council, as she aims to set a transformative agenda that uplifts the union and its members.

Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, today, inaugurated a Technical Committee for the establishment of Youth Bank. The Committee comprised representatives from the Bank of Industry, Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, as well as nominated officials of the Ministry of Youth Development.

While giving the opening remarks at a brief inauguration ceremony held in the conference room of the Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya spoke extensively on the importance of the committee. He observed that despite the remarkable potential of Nigerian youth, many young people lack the resources, networks, and financial support needed to fully realize their ambitions. He noted that the planned Youth Bank was intended to fill this void.

Mr. Boneventure Okhaimo, a representative from the Bank of Industry, expressed the readiness of the bank to work with the Ministry and other stakeholders to actualize the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, while outlining the significance of the committee and its relevance to the success of the Youth Bank.

BREAKING: Former Central Bank Governor Emefiele Is Nigerian ‘Top Brass’ Who Owns 753 Duplexes In Abuja Estate Forfeited To EFCC

A former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, [b]Godwin Emefiele, owns the large estate in Abuja with 753 duplexes forfeited to the Nigerian government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a court ruling on Monday.

Human rights activist and convener of #RevolutionNow Movement, Omoyele Sowore, confirmed the development in a post on social media.

Emefiele is standing trial on several charges bordering on corruption, including in the new naira redesign before the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court in Maitama, Abuja.

Justice Maryann Anenih had adjourned the matter till December 4, 2024, and January 21, 2025 for continuation of trial.

Sowore had earlier blasted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for refusing to name the former Nigerian “top brass” who owned the large estate in Abuja with 753 duplexes.

Sowore, former presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, had noted on Monday that the EFFC is now afraid of big thieves and has become their public relations officer.

In an update, the human rights activist said, “I just heard from the grapevine that the 753 duplexes forfeited by an FCT court in Apo belong to Muhammadu Buhari’s CBN gov, Godwin Emefiele.”

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, on Monday, ordered the final forfeiture of an estate in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, measuring 150,500 square metres and containing 753 Units of duplexes and other apartments.

The EFCC said in a release that this was the single largest asset recovery by the Commission since its inception in 2003.

The estate rests on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

According to Sowore, the same EFCC which deliberately refused to name the seized 753 duplexes Abuja estate boldly and without commencement of court trial, published names and photos of yahoo boys with proud display of laptops and small Nokia phones.

Sowore, who said this in a post on his verified social media account wrote, “What is the name of the “former top brass” with 753 duplexes seized by the EFCC in Abuja?

“The @officialEFCC is now doing PR for thieves. They seized this large estate with 753 duplexes from a single individual in Abuja but can’t mention his or her name.

“If it is Yahoo boys, they will line laptops and Nokia phones in front of them and send their photos globally even before their trial is commenced. The same EFCC is now AFRAID of BIG Thieves!”

In another post, Sowore wrote, “They have told you every day since the days of the Structural Adjustment Program of IBB and Co. that the government has no business building houses for citizens, but a “TOP Brass” stole from citizens and built 753 duplexes for himself.”

“The forfeiture of the property to the federal government by a former top brass of the government was pursuant to EFCC’s mandate and policy directive of ensuring that the corrupt and fraudulent do not enjoy the proceeds of their unlawful activities.

“In this instance, the Commission relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud And Other Fraud Related Offences Act No 14, 2006 and Section 44 (2) B of the Constitution of the 199 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to push its case,” the EFCC had said.

Ruling on the Commission’s application for the final forfeiture of the property, Justice Onwuegbuzie held that the respondent have not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, “which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, the property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government.”

The Kano State House of Assembly on Monday rejected the Tax Reform bills currently under consideration at the National Assembly.

At a plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Isma’il Falgore, the lawmakers kicked against the bills after extensive deliberation.

The Majority Leader, Lawan Husseini (ANPP-Dala) introduced a motion of ‘urgent public importance,’ emphasising the need for northern lawmakers and the Conference of Speakers to prevent the passage of the bills.

Mr Husseini argued that if passed into law, the bills would not benefit the Northern States.

He condemned the Senate’s decision to approve the bills, saying, “We view it as a deliberate effort to sabotage the economy, increase hardship and further impoverishing the region.”

Mr Husseini expressed concern over the proposed VAT allocation system, noting that states like Lagos, where major corporations such as Nigerian banks, telecommunications companies, and multinational companies were headquartered, would receive the largest share of the VAT.

“Lagos and its environs would account for 80 percent of the VAT collected in Nigeria, leaving northern states with a minimal share,” he said.

He warned that if allowed to scale through, the bill would further weaken northern states, potentially rendering some unable to pay salaries and worsening poverty and hardship.

Mr Husseini expressed concern over the proposed VAT allocation system, noting that states like Lagos, where major corporations such as Nigerian banks, telecommunications companies, and multinational companies were headquartered, would receive the largest share of the VAT.

“Lagos and its environs would account for 80 percent of the VAT collected in Nigeria, leaving northern states with a minimal share,” he said.

He warned that if allowed to scale through, the bill would further weaken northern states, potentially rendering some unable to pay salaries and worsening poverty and hardship.

Supporting the motion, Salisu Mohammed (APC-Doguwa) urged the upper legislative house to focus on more pressing national issues, such as attention insecurity and unemployment, instead of rushing the tax reform bills through the legislative process.

Similarly, Murtala Kadage (ANPP-Garko) called for unity among lawmakers to prevent the bills from passing, for the benefit of the region.

The house called on northern members of the Senate and House of Representatives, along with the Conference of Speakers, to take a swift and decisive action to block the passage of the bills.

Nigeria secures $2.2bn Eurobonds to finance 2024 budget deficitThe Debt Management Office (DMO) says Nigeria has successfully priced $2.2bn in Eurobonds that will mature in 2031 (6.5 years) and 2034 (10 years) in the international capital markets.

In a statement on Monday, the DMO said the bond has $700m and $1.5bn placed in the 2031 and 2034 maturities, respectively.It said the proceeds from bond issuance would be used to finance the 2024 fiscal deficit and support the government’s budgetary needs.It said the notes were priced at a Coupon and Re-offer Yield of 9.625 per cent and 10.375 percent, respectively.

“Nigeria is pleased to have attracted a wide range of investors from multiple jurisdictions including the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and participation from Nigerian investors, which it views as an expression of continued investor confidence in the country’s sound macro-economic policy framework and prudent fiscal and monetary management,” it said.

The statement further said the transaction attracted a peak order book of more than $9bn. This underscores the strong support for the transaction across geography and investor class.

“With respect to investor class, demand came from a combination of Fund Managers, Insurance and Pension Funds, Hedge Funds, Banks and other Financial Institutions,” it added.Commenting on the successful pricing, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, said: “Today’s successful issuance signposts increasing confidence in ongoing efforts of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, administration to stabilize the Nigerian economy and position it on the path of sustainable and inclusive growth for the benefit of all Nigerians. The broad range of investor appetite to invest in our Eurobonds is encouraging as we continue to diversify our funding sources and deepen our engagement with the international capital markets.”

According to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, its outcome underscores the growing confidence of investors and the resilience of the Nigeria credit, and evidence of our improved liquidity position and continued access to international markets to support the financing needs of the government.UK Listing Authority and available to trade on the London Stock Exchange’s regulated market, the FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited and the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

“The proceeds from this Eurobond issuance will be used to finance the 2024 fiscal deficit and support the government’s budgetary needs. Nigeria mandated Chapel Hill Denham, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Standard Chartered Bank as Joint Bookrunners. FSDH Merchant Bank Limited acted as Financial Adviser on the issuance,” she added

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an investigation into allegations of salary deductions affecting paramilitary officers in the country.

According to an online report, some officers expressed concerns over deductions from their salaries by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.

They equally complained about delays in the payment of promotion arrears.

In a statement on Sunday, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board, Ahmed Ja’afaru, assured the affected officers that an investigation had been initiated to uncover the circumstances surrounding the alleged deductions.

He also appealed for patience as the matter was being addressed.

Ja’afaru said, “The attention of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has been drawn to to an online publication of complaints from officers of the paramilitary services under its purview, alleging deductions from their salaries by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, as well as delays in the payment of promotion arrears.

“Consequently, the Minister/Chairman of the Board, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed that a comprehensive investigation be carried out forthwith by the board on the matter while calling on officers of the paramilitary services to remain calm.

“The board wishes to assure our dedicated officers of its commitment to achieving a swift and positive resolution to these matters.”

The North’s resentment of the proposed Tax Reform Bills currently at the National Assembly, NASS, has expanded as northern youths attacked Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin yesterday, accusing him of being insensitive to the region.

They described the bills as anti-North, saying it would further relegate the region economically.

The youths, representing 19 northern states, said the lawmaker representing Kano North Senatorial District knows the bills would not serve the region’s interest.

Ever since the proposed laws were sent by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly, lawmakers of northern extraction have been expressing worries.

The executive arm of government had said the bills would ensure uniformity in tax revenue administration across Nigeria, eliminate double taxation, use taxation to encourage private sector investment in critical industries and boost disposable incomes through targeted tax exemptions.

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

Last week, the bills passed Second Reading in the Senate despite notable objections from some lawmakers.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, described the proposed fiscal laws as “a significant move to overhaul the country’s tax system.”

However, the North is united in its opposition as all sections of its leadership consider the bills as being against the region’s socio-economic development.

The latest in the opposition by the North is the attack on Senate number two man, Senator Jibrin, by Northern Youth Assembly.

They were particularly angry over the fact that the Deputy Senate President presided over the sitting where the bills passed Second Reading.

The plenary was disrupted by anger and a shouting match over the bills, which came up for debate despite not being listed as an item for the day’s business.

In an open letter signed by Ali Mohammed Idris and Abdulhafiz Garba, President and Secretary respectively of Northern Youth Assembly, the youths said, yesterday, that Jibrin’s position on the bills doesn’t represent the interest of the North.

The letter reads: “The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), on behalf of the 19 northern states leadership of the assembly, wishes to express our unequivocal disappointment and dismay in you, following your action towards the scaling for the second reading, of an evil tax reform bill, which would certainly undermine the North, and further relegate the region economically and commercially.

‘’Your support for the passage of the proposed evil tax reform bill put forth by the Tinubu administration is the highest order of your insensitivity to the economic and commercial plight of your constituency, Kano State and the entire Northern Nigeria.

“As representatives of the Northern Nigerian youths, we believe the proposed tax reform bill, in its current form, would surely disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, and it is of course without taking into cognizance of the current economic reality in the country.

Disappointment

“Our disappointment is more on your attitude at the Senate plenary to impose your opinion and interest. Even though you are quite aware that this bill is anti-North and has the tendency of further impoverishing the people in the North, and would further cripple economic and commercial activities in the region, and yet you are hell-bent on making it a reality. While it is obvious that the proposed tax reform is of so much interest to the people at the centre, however, your unwavering enthusiasm to champion the bill, which is anti-North, exposes your misguided commitment to the course of protecting the interest of those you represent. Practically, the North faces a barrage of critical issues such as shortage of electricity supply, rampant insecurity across the region, naked poverty, unemployment and a dismal state of infrastructure, to name just a few, but you have yet resolved to lead the war of further destroying the little prospects left of the North.

“Let us remind you that the purpose of your election was to fundamentally champion the course to address the development challenges facing your region, through effective legislative engagement, rather than dedicating your energy to serve an anti-northern Nigeria agenda, which would further marginalize the Northern Nigerian people, the region where you come from. It would be wiser and more beneficial for you to prioritize your focus towards championing the course of alleviating the pressing socio-economic challenges ravaging the people in the North.

“This tax reform, in its current form, threatens to exacerbate the burdens of businesses and families in Northern Nigeria—that are already struggling to survive due to inconsistent power supply and un-friendly government policies which have been crippling the economy and growth of Northern Nigeria.

Lobbyists

“Northern Nigeria requires only the leaders who could speak in the interest of the region, not hired lobbyists and agents of destruction, who would do everything to misguide and deceive their people for some cheap political gains.

“We wish to inform you that the Northern Youth Assembly is highly disappointed in you and your cohorts for accepting to be engaged to destroy the north and its future.

“We are committed to fighting this course with our last drop of blood and to expose you and your likes, who are ready to auction the North and its future, as we could no longer trust and surrender our destiny into the hands of political merchants, betrayers and political hypocrites.

“The proposed Tinubu Tax Reform Bill is evil and that was the reason the National Economic Advisory Council and Northern governors rejected the bill in the first place, while people like you are trying to justify what is wrong in its totality to cash on the situation for some cheap political gain.

“We wish to finally advise you to change your ways before the entire people in the North, old and young, children and women are mobilised to place their curse on you.’’

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has revealed that certain individuals are benefiting from the ongoing insurgency in the state.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, Zulum disclosed that the sponsors of insurgency have no interest in seeing the crisis come to an end.

The governor further explained that these beneficiaries are not just limited to Borno State but are spread across different parts of the country, cutting across all levels of society, from civilians to military personnel.

“Among the population. I cannot say who; we still have some people who don’t want to see the end of this crisis. They are benefiting from it, not only civilians; it cuts across all strata.

“Many times informants were arrested within the community; many times military personnel were arrested for trying to provide ammunition to the insurgents” he said.

Zulum added that there is a high level of foreign intrusion in the state, which aids the activities of insurgents.

“The porosity of our borders, the fringes of Lake Chad, the Sambisa game reserve, make safe havens for terrorists,” he said.