The Nation News

Category: News

  • Bauchi: Gov, Bala approves #70,000 as minimum wage for workers

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

    The governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir has approved the payment of seventy (70,000) naria as minimum wage for workers in the state..

    He announced that his administration will commence the payment of the new national minimum wage starting at the end of the month of November.

    Works Minister, Umahi, FG vow to boost Nigeria’s transportation Ecosystem

    The governor, senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir said this during the executive council meeting held at the exco chamber of the state government house.

    According to the governor, said that “I must express my concern over a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics, which listed Bauchi State among those with high poverty levels”

    “This report serves as a wake-up call for us all, underscoring the urgent need to redouble our efforts in delivering meaningful and impactful projects to our people”

    The governor said that he remains fully committed to addressing the backlog of gratuities owed to the retired civil servants in the state.

    He appealed for their continued patience and understanding as they work diligently towards resolving the longstanding issue.

  • Works Minister, Umahi, FG vow to boost Nigeria’s transportation Ecosystem

    Works Minister, Umahi, FG vow to boost Nigeria’s transportation Ecosystem

    By, Daniel Usman

    The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Ministry of Works has signed a contract with Infiouest International Limited for the construction of Section I of the third Renewed Hope legacy Project from a point on the Enugu/Abakaliki/Ogoja Highway (Africa Trans-Sahara route) cutting across Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa States and terminating at Apo in Abuja. 

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the awarded project consists of the reconstruction of the existing jointed, asphalt concrete and laterite surfaced road pavements from Ndibe beach, traversing through Eke Market, Abaomege, Onueke, Achiagu, Umuoghara/Onu Nwafor, Ukwuachi, Ishieke, Odomoke before terminating at Mbeke in Ebonyi State.

    It was gathered that, section 1 of the third Renewed Hope Legacy Project is spanning 118.85km and it is to be constructed on Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP).

    The Minister of works, David Umahi who made this known during the ceremony marking the contract execution held at the Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters Mabushi, Abuja, applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his inclusive leadership and for considerations of diverse perspective in the distribution of the dividends of democracy to the people.

    He stated that the Renewed Hope Legacy Project was strategic for boosting transportation ecosystem along the economic corridors of the South East and North Central, noting that it would stimulate trade and agricultural development along the corridor and foster inter-regional cohesion, cooperation and collaboration, and create seamless movement of goods and services between the South East and Northern routes of the road.

    Umahi however, assured that the four (4) Renewed Hope Legacy Projects are not just transformational projects, but are critical investments that would turn around the socio-economic fortunes of the country, stimulate economic diversification and enhance a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.

    He said:, “Mr. President has engaged in four critical investments, which we call for Renewed Hope Legacy Projects. Lagos – Calabar 750 kilometers sections 1 and 2, construction already going on, going on very well. 

    Gov. Mbah orders tertiary institutions to deliver experiential learning in Enugu 

    “This is the third legacy project, and this one is passing through the South East extending to Cross River, and then comes to Benue,  Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja. We also have a project we inherited from the past administration, which is Makurdi to the 9th mile. And this one is crisscrossing it. 

    “And so this is very good for the country and this is what Mr. President is doing in every part of the country. The fourth legacy project is the 439 km Akwanga-Jos- Bauchi, Gombe road. This project was awarded before now to CGC under the funding of China Exim Bank, but nothing could happen” he stated.

    Responding, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Yakubu Adam Korfamata, expressed his pleasure on the approval of the President of Nigeria for the award of Section I of the project noting that it was a proof of Mr. President’s commitment to the democratic ideals and inclusive governance. 

    Also, the Managing Director/CEO of the company handling the project, Mr. Joseph Abou Jaounde promised to justify the confidence reposed on them, “I know this trust in Infiouest is a load on our shoulders. We have to carry on with this goal, and we have to prove that we trust in the right place.” he stated.

  • Gov Mbah to present 2025 appropriate estimate, November 26

    Gov Mbah to present 2025 appropriate estimate, November 26

    By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

    The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, will on Thursday, November 26, 2024 present the Enugu State 2025 budget proposal to the Enugu State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

    Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu made this known before a plenary held on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

    Ugwu said the governor wrote the House through the SSG, Chidiebere Onyia, indicating his intention to visit the House as required by the law for such ritual.

    “The request by the Governor to visit the Honourable House on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, is hereby accepted,” the Speaker announced.

    In another development, the Local Government 3rd Amendment Bill, House Bill no. 19 was read for the first time.

    Consequently, the House received the members of the Enugu State Children’s Parliament who were at the House to witness proceedings and to intimate them about the 2024 World Children’s Day to be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. 

  • Ebonyi govt, ready to combat poverty, not doing audio empowerment – Aligwe insists

    Ebonyi govt, ready to combat poverty, not doing audio empowerment – Aligwe insists

    By Uchenna Okeh 

    The Ebonyi state government on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to reduce poverty and sufferings amongst the citizens, saying that it’s not doing audio empowerment.

    The commissioner for human capital development and monitoring, Mrs. Ann Aligwe made this known while speaking with newsmen shortly after the disbursement of N25,000 cash transfer to over 5000 indignant citizens of the state, at the old government house Abakaliki.

    She revealed the committed efforts of governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration to uplift the poor standard of living of citizens, through agric training and cash empowerments, with the aim of reducing poverty and sufferings to the barest minimum in the state.

    She said: “The Ebonyi State government through the wife of the governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, recently flagged off the cast transfer empowerment to over five thousand women and youths in the state.

    “And during the flag off, there was a distribution of cards and cash, where two persons from each local government area in the state were selected. 

    Your plans for us to abandon Airport competition has failed – Nwifuru tells PDP

    “Each person received Twenty Five thousand naira cash to show that what Ebonyi State government is doing, is not an audio empowerment. 

    “This is the renewed Hope cash transfer, where the president of the federal republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the former minister of humanitarian affairs promised Nigerians that they were going to pay them twenty five thousand naira.

    “All of you knew how the ministry of humanitarian affairs had issues, and all these things came to a close, because nobody could anchor it. And lucky this time around, we have been remembered, and the wife of the governor, Mary-Maudlin Nwifuru did the flag off.

    “The distribution started fully today, and for security reasons, we had to invite the beneficiaries from the 13 local government areas of the state to come to this place (Old government house Abakaliki) for the cash transfer distribution” she stated.

    Responding, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Egbe Roseline that hail from Ohaukwu LGA, said this is the first time she is receiving palliatives from government, and however applauded the state government for showing transparency and prudence in the distribution of the federal government cash transfer in the state.

  • ‘Govs must work with FG to ensure accountability, growth in Nigeria – Gov Bala insists

    By: AJIYA AYUBA, Bauchi 

    The governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir  has tasked governors in the various states of the federation to work harmoniously with president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to ensure accountability and drive rapid socioeconomic growth in Nigeria.

    Bala made this known during the visit of the federal Minister of Finance and Coordinating minister of the Economy, Wale Edun in Bauchi state.

    He said: “I am honored to welcome the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and distinguished delegates to the National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) 2024 conference, hosted here in Bauchi”

    Governor Bala said that partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders is essential and will assist the government at levels to achieve its targeted goals.

    “Our administration remains committed to transparency, equity, and justice in all our dealings”

    “I deeply appreciate the Federal Government’s decision to host this prestigious event in Bauchi. Such gatherings not only enrich our understanding of economic issues but also showcase our state as a hub for investment and collaboration. 

    “I applaud Edun’s efforts in addressing Nigeria’s macroeconomic challenges, particularly those that affect the lives of ordinary Nigerians”

    He emphasized the paradox of Nigeria’s abundant oil wealth coexisting with widespread hardship among people.

     He urged the Federal Government to implement more effective strategies to optimize the oil and gas sector for the benefit of the masses.

    “The NACOFED 2024 conference offers us an invaluable opportunity to deliberate on Nigeria’s financial future and strengthen cooperation between all tiers of government.

    Teachers tasked to teach peace in schools as insecurity persists in Nigeria

    “I am confident that actionable insights from this event will advance our shared vision of a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria” he stated.

    Responding, the minister of Finance and Economic, Wale Edun commended the administration of governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir for transforming Bauchi into a business-friendly environment through various developmental projects in the state.

    Edun highlighted the significance of the conference, noting that the presence of top financial experts in Bauchi creates a unique platform to address pressing financial and macroeconomic challenges facing the nation. 

    The Finance Minister, Wale Edun assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication will tackle Nigeria’s economic difficulties.

  • Your plans for us to abandon Airport competition has failed – Nwifuru tells PDP

    Your plans for us to abandon Airport competition has failed – Nwifuru tells PDP

    By Uchenna Okeh

    Governor, Francis Nwifuru’s administration has said that the people’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi state has failed in their plans, wanting the state government to abandon the completion of Chuba Okadigbo international Airport runway.

    Recall that, the spokesperson of the former governorship candidate of PDP, in the last general election, Moses Idika had in a statement signed and issued to newsmen, accused governor Francis Nwifuru of wasting over N20 billion to rehabilitate the Chuba Okadigbo’s airport runway.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the Chuba Okadigbo airport runway was recently inaugurated by the wife of president, sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

    The statement reads in part: “The State Government wishes to place on record once again that as a state that is blessed with enormous natural resources, the idea of beating whatever structural impediments that hindered the commencement of flight operations in the said Airport prior to the inauguration of the present administration is a far better and progressive option than abandoning same.

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    “His Excellency had in several fora assured Ebonyi people that his administration will not only perfect the project from the stage he met it but finally put it to use in other to open up the state to the outside/global community towards welcoming already waiting business opportunities and other numerous global investments, hence the need for the  administration of His Excellency to sustain the project to fruition.

    “The Commissioning of the runway by Her Excellency, the wife of the President, Her Excellency Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, which is queried by the author is therefore, not only befitting, but a right step in the right direction. 

    “We are aware that the writer is one of the enemies of the state who had expected the enormous investment of the state on the Airport to lay waste, but we will continue to disappoint them. In no distant time, when the State Government unveils their plan in the aviation sector, their nightmare will surely nosedive”, Okpor said.

    The Commissioner described the data of the PDP on the debt profile of the state as unverifiable and urged the public to disregard it.

    He argued that governor Francis Nwifuru has refused to borrow any loan facility since he came on board and has been criticized for refusing to bow to all forms of enticing loan offers. 

    FG donates relief materials to Borno flood victims 

    “Without giving credence to the author’s “unverified” data and source, particularly as it relates to the debt profile of the state, it is pertinent to state that the present Administration since inauguration, had kept aloof of all forms of borrowing, and is rather criticized for refusing to bow to all forms of enticing loan offers. 

    “It  therefore smacks of bitter incoherence on the side of the author for attributing the state’s current debt status to the Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s Administration. 

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the business of governance is fundamentally anchored on effective and transparent budget implementation. As we had severally made Ebonyi people to know, the unbroken and encouraging statistical reports in favour of Ebonyi State which was released by BudgiT, a globally recognized budget tracking organization, in 2023, few months after the inauguration of His Excellency”, he submitted.

  • Tackle rubber sub-sector, if Nigeria must be self sufficient on food security – Dongo tells FG 

    Tackle rubber sub-sector, if Nigeria must be self sufficient on food security – Dongo tells FG 

    From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

    The executive Director, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), Lelia Nkechinyere Dongo has called on the Federal Government to prioritize the natural rubber sub-sector, if food sufficiency must be realized.

    She made the call in Calabar recently when she spoke to journalists after the just concluded 46th National Council on Agriculture and Food Security, stressing that the country does not need  to import all necessary irrigation facilities required for all year farming if the needed attention is given to the rubber sector. 

    Dongo said she felt saddened   by the neglect of rubber, even as she called on policy makers in the agric sector to support research on the development of rubber to attract more investors to the industry to enhance foreign exchange earnings of the country. 

    “We’ve presented a memorandum on the development of early maturing rubber cultivars which is a major challenge to the sustainability of the rubber sector to the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security, that met in Calabar this week. The paper has been approved by the Council”. 

    She stated further that the long gestation period of rubber which is about 7 years has deterred many farmers from cultivating rubber, stressing on the importance of reducing the gestation period to three years to encourage many more farmers to go into rubber cultivation to increase productivity. 

    Failure to do this she said will impact negatively on the present Administration’s efforts to increase rubber cultivation at a growth rate of 5.7% annually. This she said is achievable through molecular breeding as was done in cocoa. 

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    “Nigeria should tap into the huge potentials of natural rubber.  It is the only commodity that has over 50 products in more than 400,000 applications. There is virtually no sector of life that does not require rubber be it in automobile, medical, clothing etc. It is time we develop a rubber policy to drive the sector like other countries”. 

    “Ivory Coast produces over 1.8m tons of rubber annually and currently ranks number three in the world whereas Nigeria which was a leading nation in Africa before the discovery of crude oil now ranks a distant 13th,  producing a mere 167,000 tons annually.  In 2018, the exchange earnings from rubber was US$42.8m which significantly increased to US$102.5m in 2023”.

     “This is even as the country has not paid the desired attention to rubber and its allied products in the value chain”. 

    “Another memorandum which was presented to the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security is the establishment of 30,000 of rubber based agroforestry plantations to empower youths through job creation and enhance food security in the nation. This was again approved by the council for financial intervention”, she stated.

  • FG donates relief materials to Borno flood victims 

    By Daniel Usman 

    The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs has donated essential relief materials to the affected flood victims in various communities of Borno State.

    Keshinro expressed condolences to the people of Borno State and highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to supporting those affected.

    According to Keshinro; “As part of its mandate, the Ministry in solidarity with the  Government and good people of Borno State, deemed it right to visit, sympathise with you and give you our widow’s might,” she said.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the items donated to the flood victims include:

    – Food Supplies: 300 bags of 25kg rice and 300 bags of 25kg maize
    – Personal Care Essentials: 100 packets of diapers and 100 packets of sanitary towels

    The Permanent Secretary, emphasized the importance of distributing these items to the most vulnerable individuals, praising Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum’s leadership and swift response to the disaster.

    Gov Mbah, Soludo vow to support, partner Unizik’s VC, Odoh

    She also commended the resilience of the Borno people, recalling a similar incident in 1994 during her time as a medical student at the University of Maiduguri and prayed that such incident does not happen again.

    Responding, Umar Kadafur acknowledged the Ministry’s support, stressing that it is a spirit gesture, rather than its quantity that truly matters. He assured that the relief materials would reach those in greatest need.

    The Permanent Secretary also led the delegation to the palace of the Shehu of Borno, HRH Abubakar El-Kanemi to Commiserate with over the losses occasioned by the flood.

  • Gov Mbah, Soludo vow to support, partner Unizik’s VC, Odoh

    Gov Mbah, Soludo vow to support, partner Unizik’s VC, Odoh

    By Uchenna Okeh 

    The Governors of Anambra and Enugu States, Charles Chukwuma soludo and Peter Mbah have at the weekend vowed to partner and support the vision of the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Benard Odoh.

    The governors, Mbah and Soludo made this known in a courtesy call to the vice chancellor, Bernard Odoh at the occasion of the 13th edition of Annual Zik Lecture Series, that took place at Awka campus of the University, Anambra State.

    In their separate reactions, the governor of Anambra State, Charles Chukwuma soludo who was represented by his Deputy, Gilbert Ibezim expressed optimism that the new Vice-Chancellor will fulfill his plans for the institution.

    Responding, Peter Mbah also commended the new Vice-Chancellor for his farsightedness, promising the readiness of his government to partner with the institution to ensure a successful era.

    Gov Mbah, Soludo vow to support, partner Unizik’s VC, Odoh

    He said he has no doubt in the capacity of the Vice-Chancellor to put the institution on a global map.

    Earlier in a remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Bernard Odoh applauded both governors for their support and provision of governance to the people.

  • Mbah charges contractors on speedy completion of smart school, PHC projects

    Mbah charges contractors on speedy completion of smart school, PHC projects

    By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

    Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, has enjoined contractors executing the ongoing 260 Smart Green Schools as well as the 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state to double down in their efforts in order to deliver within the timelines given to them for the completion of the projects. 

    The governor, who assured that his administration was already setting up mechanisms for the rewards and recognition of contractors who have distinguished themselves in terms of quality and speedy delivery of their projects, also promised that more contracts will be awarded to them for their capacity and commitment.

    Governor Mbah made the call and disclosed the reward arrangement on Thursday in Enugu during a stakeholder’s engagement with all the contractors handling the projects, saying the state government would not condone delay or lateness in the delivery timelines of all the projects. 

    While speaking with the contractors who attended the meeting in their numbers, the governor said the delivery timelines were sacrosanct as the government was not owing any of the contractors handling the projects.

    He expressed dissatisfaction with some of the contractors who blamed the rainy season, rough topography, shortage of manpower and logistics constraints as some of the challenges that resulted in their delays, directing them to source for more hands in order to meet the delivery dates.

    According to him, the state government had already earmarked enough funds for all the projects, assuring that payments will continue to be made at the right time to contractors. 

    “Let me once again reiterate that you have our support and we’ll continue to make funds available to you. Once you are able to raise your certificate, you will be paid within five days because we’ve no reason to hold onto your money. So, for us money is not a problem. We gave you these projects because you have the capacity to deliver,” he said. 

    Mbah explained that his administration had previously intervened in areas of variation of costs because of inflation, stressing that such intervention was designed to serve as motivation for quality jobs and speedy delivery. 

    He, however, warned that the administration would not entertain sabotage, cost overruns and time overruns as all contractors were fully mobilized except those having issues with their advance payment guarantee who were paid as soon as they rectified it.

    The governor further maintained that the most important focus of the administration was to ensure that all children in the state, including those living in remote and rural areas have access to the type of education any child could be exposed to in the world that would equip them for the future challenges. 

    He added that the PHCs, which should be delivered before the end of December 2024, were carefully conceived to eliminate infant and maternal as well as under-five mortalities which he described as unacceptable. 

    On their parts, contractors working across the senatorial districts commended the governor for promoting local contents, saying that the initiative had created thousands of both skilled and unskilled jobs in the private sector. 

    Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Chukwudi Nwankwo and Mr. Steve Oruruo, pledged that they would deliver in time, even as they underscored that some of them were already at completion stage.