President Bola Tinubu has expressed admiration for the creativity and artistic talents propelling Nigeria’s entertainment industry. He congratulated Funke Akindele on the success of her movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ which reportedly grossed over N1 billion within two weeks of its release, making it the highest-earning Nigerian movie to date.
In a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu celebrated Akindele’s record-setting film and commended her contributions to the industry’s growth. He acknowledged the significance of the creative industry as a high-employment sector and a source of soft power and viable export for Nigeria.
Tinubu assured continued support for the thriving creative industry, recognizing its role in providing jobs for the country’s talented youths and contributing to economic growth.
The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has extended heartfelt condolences to the paramount ruler of Igala kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Mathew Opaluwa. The condolences were expressed over the tragic demise of his sister, Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa-Sani, and her granddaughter.
In a condolence message released by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, Prince Audu described the deaths as tragic and sacrilegious. He conveyed his sympathy to the entire Igala Kingdom, urging everyone to stay strong during this difficult time.
The Minister called on security agencies to investigate the alleged arson and ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice, emphasizing the need to discourage such acts of sacrilege in the land.
“It is with a heavy heart that I condole with our father, HRM, Alhaji Mathew Opaluwa, and the royal family over the deaths of his sister and her granddaughter, whose lives were taken in the most painful manner. I also commiserate with the entire people of Igala Kingdom at this time because this is a loss to every one of us.
“I call on security agencies to investigate the alleged arson and bring the perpetrators of this act to book so that it would serve as a deterrent to others. Such acts of sacrilege must be discouraged in our land. I pray that Almighty Allah grants the souls of the late Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa and her granddaughter, Onechojo, Aljanah Firdaus. I also pray Almighty Allah grants the family the heart to bear the loss,” stated Prince Audu.
Late Mallama Opaluwa-Sani, Akwuma Attah Igala, passed away on Thursday, January 4, at the age of 75, along with her five-year-old granddaughter, Onechojo, in a tragic incident where her home in Idah, Kogi State, was allegedly set ablaze by assailants.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr.Muhammed Bello Matawalle has presented two Hi-Tech unmanned water vessels to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in the Villa to help in the fight against insecurity on our waterways in particular and the nation in general. The two unmanned ships were a donation by Swift Ship Company in the USA to the Nigerian Government.
Presenting the two versions of the equipment, the S2 and S3 Swift Sea Stalkers, he said that the hi-tech equipment are the latest technologies that would be deployed in fighting insecurity in the Niger Delta, Lake Chad region, and other maritime regions of the country.
This presentation follows Dr. Matawalle’s productive working visit to the USA, where he inspected advanced military technologies at NEANY, Swift Ships, and OCR Global, Military producing hardware Companies in the US.
Matawalle intimated Mr. President that the tour was aimed at promoting innovative technologies that would enhance the Nigerian military’s efficiency in addressing contemporary security challenges.
In addition, the Minister said that the idea was to encourage partnership with the US companies in the production of Military hardware locally in Nigeria in collaboration with Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
Dr. Matawalle underscored that this partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for national security, offering Nigeria an avenue to adopt and master advanced military production techniques.
The Minister further briefed Mr. President that part of the facilities he inspected while in the US included a rapid deployment mobile RADAR system, unmanned water vehicle, drone ground control station, and compact biometric search-scan system, among others.
He reassured Mr. President that the cutting-edge military and intelligence hardware capabilities presented would significantly contribute to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to ensure national security and stability.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered discussions with Luan Steel Holding Group, a prominent Chinese company, to collaborate on constructing a new Steel Plant in Nigeria and commencing the manufacturing of military hardware at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant. This initiative is in line with the government’s commitment to industrialize Nigeria through the steel industry.
Led by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, along with the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Mary A Ogbe, the delegation visited Luan Steel Holding Group in Hefei and Guangzhou Regions of China.
Prince Audu highlighted that this move is aligned with the goal of revitalizing the Steel Industry in Nigeria, as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” Agenda. The objective is to attract significant foreign direct investments, stimulate the nation’s economy, and generate job opportunities.
The decision to explore the production of military hardware at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant is seen as a strategic response to Nigeria’s security challenges, contributing to efforts against insecurity and terrorism.
Discussions with Luan Steel Holding Group’s leadership, including Chairman Mr. Wang Jianbing and CEO Mr. Xiao Weizhan, focused on the establishment of a new Steel Plant in Nigeria and Luan Steel’s involvement in producing military equipment at Ajaokuta Steel Plant.
Prince Audu expressed confidence in the commitments made during the discussions, stating, “With all the commitments on the ground, we are confident that before the end of President Tinubu’s administration, we will commence commercial Steel Production in some of the government-owned entities in Nigeria.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to expand its efforts in uncovering operators of illegal universities within and outside Nigeria. Expressing concern over the issue, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, mentioned that the treatment given to Benin and Togo republics might extend to countries like Kenya, Uganda, and others as part of a cleanup initiative to address accreditation and validation issues related to certificates from foreign universities.
Mamman described those involved in patronizing illegal universities as criminals who deserve prosecution. He emphasized that no student or Nigerian should engage with such institutions, labeling them as part of a criminal chain.
However, doubts have been raised about the ability of the Federal Ministry of Education and the Department of Security Service (DSS) to conduct a proper investigation. Some individuals raised concerns about the potential involvement of quack graduates employed by the DSS and urged a careful approach to the investigation.
Observers in the education sector have also called on the minister to extend the scrutiny to the activities of some tertiary institutions within Nigeria. The rise of illegal institutions issuing fake certificates poses a significant challenge, and there are calls for a thorough examination of local institutions engaging in similar practices.
This development underscores the need for comprehensive measures to address issues related to fake certificates and illegal educational institutions, both within the country and internationally. The government’s commitment to cleaning up the system and holding those involved accountable is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the education sector.
The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended two individuals, Abdullateef Yakubu and Yakubu Olanrewaju, residents of Shao Garage area, Ilorin, in connection with the alleged slitting of a neighbour’s throat following a disagreement.
The incident occurred around past 12:00 am on Monday at Shao Garage area, Ilorin, in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State. A brother of the victim, AbdulRazaq Babatunde, discovered his younger brother, Abubakar Babatunde, in a critical condition, with his throat slit, after being alerted by a resident’s shout.
The injured individual was promptly rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident, stating that it was reported, and the two suspects were arrested. She assured that thorough investigations would be conducted, and appropriate actions taken based on the findings.
The motive behind the attack and the specifics of the disagreement leading to such a violent act are yet to be disclosed as the police continue their inquiries into the matter.
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has issued an apology for declining the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Farouq, who was summoned to address questions regarding the alleged laundering of N37.1 billion during her tenure, expressed regret for not appearing before the commission.
According to Dele Oyewale, the spokesman for the EFCC, Farouq communicated her apology to the anti-graft agency, citing her current unavailability to attend the scheduled session. Despite her explanation, the EFCC has instructed her to promptly honor the invitation without further delay.
In a related development, the suspended National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has voluntarily reported to the EFCC. While providing necessary information to the agency’s interrogators, Shehu is not detained and is expected to report to the commission daily until the investigation concludes.
The unfolding events indicate an active pursuit of accountability by the EFCC in addressing allegations of financial irregularities, underscoring the commitment to a thorough and transparent investigative process.
Nigeria’s Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) are grappling with a substantial capital deficit estimated at N2 trillion (approximately $2.5 billion), highlighting the challenges in the industry to adequately supply power to over 200 million citizens. The Special Adviser on Energy to President Bola Tinubu revealed this in an interview with Bloomberg.
To address this deficit, the adviser emphasized the need for policies facilitating reorganization, recapitalization, and the infusion of new partners with fresh capital. The proposed recapitalization is intended to align with plans to make electricity tariffs cost-reflective, ultimately enhancing the liquidity and viability of the power sector.
While the adviser did not provide specific details or a timeline for the recapitalization plan, President Tinubu had previously pledged to improve electricity supply in the country on January 1.
The electricity industry in Nigeria underwent privatization of generation and distribution in 2013. However, tariffs are regulated by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), a government agency. Power firms face challenges as they are not permitted to charge rates sufficient to cover the cost of distributing electricity, leading to the government subsidizing the sector.
In the absence of tariff adjustments, external factors such as the devaluation of the naira and rising inflation could increase energy subsidies from N600 billion in 2023 to an estimated N1.6 trillion this year, according to NERC. The current fiscal constraints make it challenging for the government to cover this shortfall, exacerbating financial-liquidity challenges in the power sector.
It’s worth noting that, of Nigeria’s installed capacity of 13,000 megawatts for electricity generation, only 4,000 megawatts are distributed to homes and businesses, highlighting the significant gap in power supply.
In a significant development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, announced the disbursement of N50 billion by the Ministry of Finance for ongoing capital projects in the FCT. This release constitutes 50% of the N100 billion 2023 supplementary budget approved by the National Assembly.
Following an inspection tour of various projects, Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and directed the prompt disbursement of payments to contractors involved in the projects.
“I am happy to announce to you that the Ministry of Finance has released 50% of the national supplementary budget. That, in a way, has given us hope that the contractors will be paid anytime from now,” stated Wike.
He also highlighted that the FCT Statutory Budget had received assent, ensuring that no project would be left incomplete. Wike emphasized his commitment to fulfilling promises, assuring residents that the renewed hope agenda was more than mere rhetoric.
Despite acknowledging challenges encountered during project delivery, Wike expressed optimism, stating, “With the kind of support from President Bola Tinubu, there are no challenges that would not be surmountable.”
Projects inspected included the Outer Southern Expressway, Northern N-20 Expressway, and the Vice President’s residence. Contractors, including China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Limited and Gilmor Construction firm, reassured the minister of meeting project timelines.
Yong Hong, Area Manager of CGC Nigeria Ltd., pledged the timely delivery of the Outer Southern Expressway before May, while Julius Berger’s representative, Mr Oliver Berger, highlighted progress on the Vice President’s residence project, affirming readiness to transition plans and procurement into action.
In his concluding remarks, the minister reiterated the commitment to residents, stating, “We are happy with what we have seen, and we will continue to do things to the satisfaction of the residents of Abuja and assure them that the renewed hope agenda is not a mere talk. So, it is a promise and a promise kept.”
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to completing the remaining section of the Abuja-Kaduna road by the end of 2024, according to statements made by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi. Despite previous assurances since the road contract was awarded on December 20, 2018, the government is determined to fulfill this promise.
Minister Umahi conveyed this commitment during a meeting with directors of the Ministry of Works in Abuja. He emphasized the readiness of the ministry to overcome contractual challenges and ensure the timely delivery of the project for the benefit of Nigerians.
Highlighting the specifics of the project, Umahi mentioned that there are approximately 1.7 kilometers left to be completed in two sections. The ministry is actively engaged in supervisory activities and is seeking expert advice on the actual designs for these sections.
Funding remains a critical aspect of the project, with Umahi acknowledging the financial constraints. The road project falls under the presidential development fund initiative sourced from recovered looted funds. Minister Umahi has discussed the project’s significance with the President, emphasizing its importance for Northern Nigeria.
However, challenges arise as the initial cost of the project increased from N165 billion to N655 billion after a review, and the contractor is currently requesting N1.35 trillion, a figure deemed unaffordable by the government. Despite these financial constraints, Umahi expressed his determination to find solutions, including exploring the possibility of using existing sub-grade and engaging Dangote for the first 40km under the tax credit scheme. He assured that, regardless of the challenges, the ministry is committed to completing the road within the year.
