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  • FG Set To Improve Welfare Of Railway Workers, Says Alkali

    FG Set To Improve Welfare Of Railway Workers, Says Alkali

    The Federal Government has revealed plans to improve the welfare of staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), to foster better working conditions.

    The Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Alkali, who made the disclosure recently during a familiarisation visit to the NRC’s Headquarters in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, affirmed that he would give priority attention to the implementation of the Presidential approval for the upward review of special allowance for Nigerian railway workers.

    According to him, “The visit was to access and evaluate the performance of the Corporation in relation to Managerial coordination and implementation of existing rail infrastructure and ongoing projects with particular reference to Lagos-Ibadan and Kano-Maradi Railway modernisation”.

    The Minister assured the NRC’s Management of the Ministry’s support towards realizing its statutory functions in all ramifications.

    “The Federal Ministry of Transportation would take advantage of bilateral and multilateral agreements between Nigeria and several countries on trade and transfer of technology,” added.

    Speaking further, Alkali pointed out that transportation constitutes a major organ in promoting economic growth across countries world wide. As such, the Ministry according to him, would ensure completion of Bola Tinubu Station of the Standard Gauge rail in a very short while

    In a similar vein, he said the Ministry was working towards fixing the single-track carrying containers from Lagos to Kano within three months.

    Alkali added that the Ministry was also working towards expansion of the Operational Scope of Kajola Rail Wagon Assembly Plant.

    He however, affirmed that ” The familiarization tour of railway facilities and projects within Lagos was interesting, despite a number of discoveries that required urgent Executive action”.

    Earlier, the Managing Director, NRC, Fidet Okhiria, who congratulated the Minister on behalf of the entire staff on his appointment and that

     the NRC had faced challenges, which includes security threats and vandalism of critical infrastructure.

    “We must commend the efforts of various security agencies for securing the NRC facilities for safety of our valued passengers and other stakeholders by arresting and prosecuting offenders”, he added.

    He pleaded with the Minister to use his legislative experience to achieve his mandate of railway modernisation projects in the country.

  • 78th UNGA: Tinubu Jets Out To New York On Sunday

    78th UNGA: Tinubu Jets Out To New York On Sunday

    President Bola Tinubu will on Sunday leave Abuja for New York to attend the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA) holding from September 19 to 23.

    Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this via a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    The trip will be Tinubu’s first UNGA outing.

    Ngelale said that the theme of the UNGA is: “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all.”

    Ngelale said that the President would on the first day of the High-Level General Debate of the 78th UNGA Session, deliver his inaugural National Statement.

    Before engaging in the General Debate, the President will join other world leaders to participate in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (UN 2023 Summit on SDGs).

    Tinubu’s address will encompass several issues, such as sustainable development, climate change, global cooperation, and the imperative to address inequalities and global humanitarian crises.

    He is slated to participate in the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development; High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response.

    He will also participate in the UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit; High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage; High-Level Panel on Reform of the Global Financial Architecture, among others.

    In New York, Tinubu is also scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders, including the Presidents of the European Union Commission, Brazil, and South Africa, among others.

    The President will also advance his economic development agenda for aggressive investment attraction in meetings with the global leadership of transnational firms, such as Microsoft, Meta Technologies, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, and others.

    On the margins of the UNGA, the President will detail emerging cross-sectoral investment opportunities in Nigeria in his address to American business leaders at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

    At the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) Headquarters in New York, Tinubu will conduct its closing ceremony during its trading session.

    This will make the Nigerian leader the first African President to do this.

    The President will also address the Nigerian SMEs Business Summit, where he will seek to highlight the increasingly important role of Nigerian enterprises in global trade.

    Tinubu will be accompanied by governors, ministers, and other top government functionaries connected with the various programmes of the UNGA agenda for the 78th Summit. 

  • $2bn Kano-Maradi Rail Project Excites Transport Minister

    $2bn Kano-Maradi Rail Project Excites Transport Minister

    The Minister of Transport, Sen. Ahmed Alkali, expressed his delight at the progress of the $2 billion Kano-Maradi standard gauge rail project connecting Niger Republic.

    Speaking to reporters in Dadin Kowa, Jigawa State, after inspecting the project, Alkali emphasized the project’s significance in boosting the economies of both Nigeria and Niger Republic.

    He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the Kano-Jigawa-Maradi rail line project.

    Alkali acknowledged the necessity of making sacrifices, including concessions from the contractors, to meet the project’s financial requirements.

    The minister, who traveled by road from Kano to Daura, expressed satisfaction with the work accomplished thus far and was optimistic that the project would meet its target completion date of 2025.

    The standard gauge rail project, which commenced in Kano and passes through Jigawa and Katsina States before terminating in Maradi, Niger Republic, holds great promise for regional trade and development.

    Alkali revealed that the earthwork for the project had reached an impressive 80% completion stage, with rail line construction set to commence soon. He praised the contractors for adhering to the job’s specifications and expressed confidence that the project would stay on course.

    Regarding potential cost adjustments due to rising production expenses, the minister encouraged the contractor to make necessary contributions to support the nation’s development under the Tinubu-led administration.

    Lead Contractor, Mr. Vladislav Bystrenko, clarified that the contract was valued at $1.95 billion, with contractual obligations signed in 2021. Despite funding delays, they proactively initiated key tasks like design, land survey, and site supervision to expedite the project’s progress.

    Bystrenko expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to the project’s timely completion by 2025.

    Meanwhile, during the visit, the minister also inspected the Muhammadu Buhari University of Transportation in Daura, where the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adam Umar, announced plans to commence admissions in October.

  • Just In: Tinubu Nominates Olayemi Cardoso New CBN Gov; Announces 4 Dep Govs

    Just In: Tinubu Nominates Olayemi Cardoso New CBN Gov; Announces 4 Dep Govs

    In a momentous development, President Bola Tinubu has put forth the name of Dr. Olayemi Cardoso as his nominee for the position of Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). If confirmed by the Senate, Dr. Cardoso will undertake a five-year term in this pivotal role.

    This nomination adheres to the stipulations of Section 8 (1) of the CBN Act, 2007, which empowers the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to appoint the CBN Governor along with four Deputy Governors.

    Concurrent with the nomination of Dr. Cardoso, President Tinubu has also granted approval to the nominations of Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro, Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, and Dr. Bala M. Bello as Deputy Governors of the CBN, all slated for five-year terms, pending Senate confirmation.

    The President also impressed upon the nominees the critical importance of initiating substantive reforms within the apex bank.

    These reforms are designed to instil confidence not only among the Nigerian populace but also among international partners as Nigeria continues its journey of economic restructuring.

    The Senate confirmation process will play a pivotal role in shaping the leadership of the CBN for the foreseeable future. It marks a significant step in the evolution of Nigeria’s economic policies and financial stability.

    Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, if confirmed, will shoulder the responsibility of overseeing monetary policy and financial regulation in Nigeria, which includes managing inflation, exchange rates, and fostering economic growth.

    The President’s nominations and the subsequent Senate confirmation proceedings underscore the commitment of the Nigerian government to ensuring a robust and effective financial and monetary system.

    The new leadership at the CBN will play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s economic trajectory in the coming years, making these appointments a focal point of interest and discussion in both domestic and international financial circles.

  • Wike Presents Vehicles To 3rd Class Chiefs In FCT, Promises Improved Welfare

    Wike Presents Vehicles To 3rd Class Chiefs In FCT, Promises Improved Welfare

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Friday presented 10 vehicles to 3rd Class Chiefs in the federal capital and promised improved welfare for traditional leaders.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 3rd Class chiefs were from Gomani, Yaba, Bwari, Pai, Garki, Jiwa, Wako, Rubochi, Gwargwada and Zuba Chiefdoms.

    Wike explained, while handing over the Nissan Semi SUV keys to the traditional rulers in Abuja, that the gesture was part of government efforts to ease the mobility of the traditional leaders.

    He said that the government has a responsibility to encourage traditional leaders by providing them all the necessary logistics to enable them to do their work diligently and with ease.

    “Part of that is mobility. I can’t see how traditional rulers will be boarding taxis or entering public transport. That is unacceptable.

    “President Bola Tinubu has directed that that should not be allowed to continue. Has asked that we must do everything possible to make it convenient and easy for you to do your assignment,” he said.

    He said that in line with the renewed agenda of Tinubu, every stakeholder has a role to play, including traditional rulers, particularly in the area of security.

    “You know your communities better than anybody; you know the people within their communities, so you will be able to identify those who look like strangers.

    “No agency will perform its function without the support of traditional rulers, and we believe that we must partner together to achieve the fight against insecurity.

    “So, today we are going to hand over 10 vehicles to you to please help in supporting the government to fight insecurity in your domain. Be sure that we are going to work together.

    “If we don’t work together, we will not achieve results, because everybody is important in the fight against insecurity,” Wike said.

    The minister also disclosed that Tinubu has directed the FCTA to make traditional rulers very comfortable by augmenting the little allowances the Area Councils were providing them.

    He said: “We will soon meet with the Area Councils’ chairmen and the traditional rulers so that we can work out strategies for the welfare package and what role you will play to assist the government to achieve its renewed agenda.

    “The new agender is that things must work.

    “The Mandate Secretaries have been appointed and sworn in. I don’t want to hear any excuses from any department.

    “We are not here to give excuses; we know there are challenges before we came here. It is our duty to solve these challenges,” Wike said.

    Responding, the Chairman, FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, thanked the minister for the support and pledged the support of traditional rulers to move FCT forward.

  • We’ve Paid 2,730 Pensioners N846.1m Accrued Arrears, Gratuity -PTAD

    We’ve Paid 2,730 Pensioners N846.1m Accrued Arrears, Gratuity -PTAD

    The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has said it had so far paid N846.1 million to 2,730 pensioners of the Civil Service Pension Department.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Gbenga Ajayi, PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, in Abuja on Friday.

    Ajayi said that the sum paid was of an accrued arrears and gratuity owned by the pensioners.

    He also said that the benefitted retirees ranged from previously verified pensioners not on the payroll, as well as those who did not receive their gratuity on retirement, and failed payments on the GIFMIS platform.

    Ajayi said that the acting Executive Secretary, PTAD, Mr Sulayman Shelleng, said the payment was going to be continued until all accrued arrears were paid.

    He assured other pensioners who were yet to receive their arrears to be calm as the directorate was working tirelessly to ensure that all outstanding arrears of pensions and gratuity were paid soon.

    Ajayi quoted Shelleng as assuring the DBS pensioners of the directorate’s continued strive to ensure that their welfare was promoted. 

  • Nigerians In US Pay Tribute To Afrobeats Legend, MohBad

    Nigerians In US Pay Tribute To Afrobeats Legend, MohBad

    Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN), and its partner organisations, have mourned the death of Nigerian Afrobeats Artist, Illerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as MohBad.

    The Chairman, Board of OAN, Mr Olayinka Dan-Salami, in a statement, said that the Nigerian Afrobeat singer would be greatly missed for his contributions to the music industry.

    MohBad passed away on Tuesday at the age of 27.

    Dan-Salami said MohBad was slated to perform at the Nigerian Independence Day Parade and Carnival in New York City on October 7, 2023, on his first visit to the U.S.

    “This event is the largest gathering of Nigerians, outside Nigeria, in celebration of our nation’s Independence Day,’’ he said in New York.

    Dan-Salami said OAN and its partner organisations would pay tribute to MohBad during the celebration he would have headlined.

    “We are, therefore, appealing to MohBad’s fans all over the world to join us at the parade ground in New York City on October 7, 2023.

    “We invited the fans to join us as we pay tribute to the legacy of a young talented artist who was taken away from us too soon,’’ the official said.

    MohBad quickly rose to fame with his hit singles, Ponmo, Feel Good and KPK. His music touched many lives across the globe.

    “He is survived by his parents, wife and their five-month-old son.

    “Please keep his family and friends in your prayers.

    “For more information about the venue for the tribute, please visit our website at www.oanweb.org,’’ he said.

  • Joint Taskforce Destroys IPOB Camp, Shrine In Ebonyi

    Joint Taskforce Destroys IPOB Camp, Shrine In Ebonyi

    A joint taskforce comprising Police operatives, soldiers and officials of the Department of State Service (DSS), have stormed a camp at Eke-agbebor Isu, Onicha Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi state, said to belong to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    This is contained in a press statement issued in Abakaliki by SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state police command in the state.

    Onovwakpoyeya noted that the team also destroyed a shrine at the IPOB camp.

    “On September 13, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, tactical team operatives of the Command in a joint operation with the military and the DSS stormed an IPOB/ESN camp at Eke-Agbebor Isu in Onicha LGA of Ebonyi state.

    “One of the IPOB/ESN members was shot and fatally wounded, while others escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds.

    “Two others were, however, arrested. These are Emmanuel Chinedu ‘m’, aka Patho, aged 26, and Paul Ani ‘m’, aka Osah, 38,” the PPRO explained.

    In another development, Onovwakpoyeya added that another IPOB member was arrested on September 14 by residents of Agba community in Ishielu local government area of the state.

    She said that the suspect was arrested while trying to flee the community and was handed over to the police.

    “The Commissioner of police is using this opportunity to appeal to all hospitals, traditional medicine homes, chemists and all Ebonyi residents to report any one seeking medical attention with bullet wound injuries to the nearest police station,” she stated.

  • System Collapse: EEDC Announces Gradual Restoration Of Power Supply

    System Collapse: EEDC Announces Gradual Restoration Of Power Supply

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has announced the gradual restoration of electricity supply after the total system collapse within the South-East.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the EEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh in Enugu.

    Ezeh said that the company’s Awada Transmission Station had been restored and our Awada, Osamala, 3-3, Army Barracks, Nnewi-Orba, and Obosi 33KV feeders and the PPI and IUNT 11KV outgoing feeders had received supply so far in Anambra.

    “Ugwuaji Transmission Station has equally received supply and Gariki 33KV feeder was restored so far.

    “New-Haven Transmission Station has received supply and Kingsway 33KV Line 1 and Power-House 11KV outgoing feeder have been restored so far.

    “Agu-Awka Transmission Station received supply but is presently placed on station services only.

    “Kindly note that restoration after system collapse is gradual to avoid further collapse or challenges,” he said.

    The EEDC spokesman said that power restoration is ongoing even as “we appeal to our customers in locations that are yet to be restored to be patient as all hands are on deck”.

    “EEDC remains committed to delivering improved services to her esteemed customers,” he said.

    It would be recalled that electricity system collapse was reported at about 12:30 a.m. today, Thursday; which left the entire South-East in total darkness and affected businesses