By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

The Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Mohammed Auwal Jatau has said that taxation is the backbone of the government’s ability to provide essential services, infrastructure, and support for citizens.

He noted further that it is through the revenue generated from taxes that the government can fund education, healthcare, and development projects that benefit all citizens in the country.

Jatau made this known during an interaction with FIRS officials from Bauchi office of the service who paid him an advocacy visit as part of the celebration of the 2024 FIRS Customer Service Week.

He noted that the advocacy visit is not only timely, but also crucial “as we work together to enhance tax compliance in our state,”

“We appreciate the efforts of the FIRS in improving customer service and simplifying tax processes. These initiatives not only ease the burden on taxpayers but also promote a sense of trust and accountability between the government and the governed. I assure you that the Bauchi State Government is prepared to support these initiatives and provide any necessary support to enhance tax compliance.”

He applauded the Federal Inland Revenue Service for initiating the Customer Service Week, saying it would serve as a reminder of the vital role that effective communication and customer service play in tax administration and, by extension, in the socio-economic development of Bauchi State.

Jatau assured the visitors that Governor Bala Mohammed is fully committed to fostering a culture of tax compliance among the citizens through working closely with the FIRS to ensure that citizens understand the importance of their contributions and the positive impact it has on the state’s economic growth.

The deputy governor of the state, Mohammed Auwal Jatau said that “As we celebrate Customer Service Week, let us remember that our mutual goal is to create a fair and efficient tax system that serves the interests of our citizens. I encourage us to engage with our communities, listen to their concerns, and to educate them on their rights and responsibilities regarding tax payments.”

In his part, Sani Dahiru who is the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) incharge of Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states expressed his appreciation to the state government for supporting the service to deliver on its assigned responsibilities effectively in the state.

By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

The Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has tasked stakeholders and customers in emergency management on technological-driven improvement on disaster mapping and response.

Umar, represented by the acting Zonal Coordinator NEMA South-East, Mrs Ngozi Echeazu, said this during a Meeting at NEMA South East Zonal Office in Enugu as part of activities to mark the commemoration of NEMA’s Customer Service Week.  

The Customer Service Week which started on Oct. 7 continues till Oct. 11, 2024 with the aim of  celebrating service in the organisation and the people who provide those services.

The event is with a theme: “Above and Beyond” was organised  by the Agency to appreciate teamwork, service delivery and further brainstorm with stakeholders/customers on ways to improve service delivery to Nigerians in emergency/disaster situations. 

Umar appreciated the numerous contributions of stakeholders/customers in areas of collaboration, swift response,  information gathering, team work, selfless services etc.

She called on stakeholders to embrace innovation and continuously improve our existing systems and processes to better serve the public and ensure optimal service delivery to the people.

The Director-General noted that “teamwork remains one of NEMA’s strongest assets’, adding that the complexity of emergency situations required collaboration/synergy,  across different tiers of government, sectors,  departments, NGOs, private sectors and external partners.

She said, “By working together, sharing resources/knowledge and supporting each other, we can achieve even greater success in fulfilling our mission.

“As we celebrate Customer Service Week, let us reaffirm our commitment to working above and beyond in achieving excellence in service delivery, innovation and teamwork in all that we do.

“Together, we will continue to build a stronger and more responsive agency that stands ready to serve the people of this nation in their times of greatest need above and beyond their expectations.”

On the theme, the Director-General urged emergency managers/stakeholders to remember that the quality of the services delivered could often be the difference between life and death and are above and beyond always.

“Our customers, whether they are victims of natural disasters, displaced persons or communities impacted by disasters rely on us to provide timely, efficient and compassionate assistance,” she added.

Corroborating, Mrs Chinasa Mbah, acting Head, Enugu State Emergency Management Agency ( SEMA), called on the emergency management stakeholders to serve with diligence and commitment “knowing that there is a reward for selfless and humanitarian service. 

“We should be focused on delivering the service and delivering it with humanitarian touch as it is clear that the risk you take to respond to a disaster is above the enumeration you get,” Mbah said.

The Traditional Ruler of Ugwogo Nike Community in Enugu, Igwe Emeka Ugwu, commended NEMA, SEMA and LEMC for their works in bringing succour and relief to victims of disasters in the state.

Ugwu, however, urged the Enugu State Government to check impending road disasters by stopping activities of traders trading along major roads within Enugu metropolis.

Mr Emeka Okoh, the Coordinator of Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), Enugu State, commended the enormous services of NEMA, which is aimed at reducing the burden of distress on persons/communities.

Mrs Eucheria Onwuegbuna, representing Nigeria Red Cross Society, Enugu State Chapter, lauded NEMA for organising the customer week and assured that Red Cross would continue to partner with NEMA, SEMA and LEMC in order to reduce the disaster risks.

By, Mark Akudu Kogi 

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, (CNPP) has applauded Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for approving N72,500 as minimum wage for workers in the State.

The Kogi State CNPP Chairman Comrade Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi gave the commendations in a statement on Tuesday.

He described the action of Governor Ododo as historic in the State adding that workers will forever be grateful for making them smile home amidst the current economic hardship.

Abdullahi pledged the unflinching support of CNPP for the present administration to succeed, stressing that Governor Ododo is doing well since he assumed office.

“Let the truth be told, Governor Ododo is writing his name in gold. Approving N72, 500 as minimum wage is a welcome development and very commendable. It shows that this administration has the interest of workers in mind. 

“We have had it before  in Kogi State,where workers both at the State and Local Government level were collecting percentages of salaries. Since his administration came on board, things have changed. 

“Workers from my own findings are receiving their wages on the 25th of every month. Approving the new minimum wage for workers will further reduce the hardship of the people in the present economic quagmire. CNPP Kogi under my leadership will continue to support the policies of this administration that will move Kogi State to the next level” he stated.

Abdullahi called on workers to double their efforts by ensuring that they put in their best in the State Civil service.

Continuing, Abdullahi said :”Let me also commend workers in Kogi State who over the years have been steadfast for our State to develop. Now that our Governor has continued to change the negative narrative of the past, it is expected of them to rededicate themselves in the services they are rendering in Kogi State. Let all join hands with Governor Ododo to achieve all his campaign promises for the people” he stressed.

By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

An Enugu-based real estate entrepreneur and hospitality chief executive, Chidera Nwodo, has commended teachers in Nigeria, particularly in Enugu State, for their sacrifices and selfless role in nation-building and for serving as invaluable agents of shaping the future of children in the society. 

Chidera, who is the chief executive officer of a luxury guest house and entertainment spot in the state, Colliery Guest House and Garden, as well as a blossoming real estate company, Glorious Properties Ltd, also extolled the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for prioritising education and contributing to the welfare of teachers in the state. 

In a press statement signed by him over the weekend, Nwodo described teachers as thorough bred professionals who have shown “selflessness, dedication and resilience in shaping the minds of future generations through their impactful teaching and exemplary leadership in education.”

While reflecting on this year’s theme, “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” the entrepreneur lauded the teaching profession as not only a profession but also a calling which requires passion, patience, resilience and affection in the classroom. 

“Teaching is not just a profession; it is a noble calling that demands passion, patience, and resilience. From the first day a child steps into the classroom, teachers become guides, mentors, and often, second parents. They mold our thoughts, inspire creativity, and challenge us to reach our full potential.

“To every teacher, past and present, I say thank you. Your hard work, often unrecognized, is the foundation upon which societies are built. In our journey of life, your lessons stay with us, guiding our decisions and helping us become better individuals,” the statement reads in part.

According to him, as the world continues to evolve, also the role of teachers demands they adjust and adapt to the changing environment. 

He acknowledges the challenges confronting teachers in Nigeria, urging them to be innovative and open to new ideas through self-development, research and advanced training. 

Hon Nwodo, who noted that Mbah’s educational policies were already impacting positively on the lives of educators in the state, insisted that the over 33% budgetary allocation committed to education was the largest in the country. 

He underscored the significant role of the ongoing 260 Smart Schools across the state as a revolution that would reshape the face of education in Nigeria and Africa at large. 

He pledged to continue to invest in the education of younger generations through his scholarship scheme which serves as part of his corporate social responsibility.

By Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

Twenty four inmates of the Enugu Correctional Centre have graduated with different degrees from different disciplines from the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre, for the 2023/2024 academic session.

In the same breathe, 24 others did their matriculation to study for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Speaking at the graduation/matriculation ceremony at the Enugu Custodial centre t the weekend, the Desk Officer in charge of the study centre, ASC1 Arinzechukwu Onovo expressed joy that the graduands were leaving the Centre reformed and re-oriented and implored employers of labour to engage them.

“You have overcome sickness, setbacks and other personal struggles to achieve this level of success.  When I look at you, my esteemed scholars, I see employers and promising prospects,” he said and urged other inmates and the matriculating students to be of good behaviour and shun negative tendencies such as “drug abuse, cultism, theft, kidnapping, fraud and other malicious activities.”

Onovo said that at the inception of the special study centre, only 12 inmates were admitted for the 2011/2012 academic but that today, the Centre boasts of 261 students.

Urging other inmates to enroll in the programme to enhance their living when they leave the custodial centre, Onovo said that a former inmate who studied at the Study Centre now has a doctorate degree and is lecturing in one the Nigerian universities.

He pointed out that since inception, a total of 1,139 inmates registered for NECO, noting that, “this is the explanation for the exponential growth in our NOUN admission.”

The Enugu Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Ncos, Mr. Nicholas Obiakor, in his address stressed the importance of education which he said was central to development.

Obiakor said that part of their mandate is to re-orient and re-integrate the inmates to become useful citizens when they leave the centre and urged other inmates to enroll for the programme.

“Our mandate is to re-orient and re-integrate the people and we can do this through education because without education, there will be no development. We cannot do with education.”

Stressing on the importance of education, he disclosed that they have produced doctorate degree holders since the study centre commenced and expressed joy that the Federal Government has abolished discrimination against certificates.

One of the graduands, Mr. Elvis who spoke on behalf of others, expressed joy that after 17 years in the Correctional Centre, he is now free and a proud graduate.

“I’ll never stop thanking the Controller for making it possible that those who the society rejected, today have been made good.  Joy is flowing in my soul that 17 years of my life was not wasted but has become a glorious opportunity,” he said.