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Author: Val Kosi

  • Osun: Adeleke Imposes Curfew on Ifon and Ilobu Over Renewed Land Dispute

    Osun: Adeleke Imposes Curfew on Ifon and Ilobu Over Renewed Land Dispute

    Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the Ifon and Ilobu communities in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas following renewed clashes over a land dispute.

    The two communities have reportedly conflicted since 2023, with tensions escalating in recent days.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, Kolapo Alimi, the state’s commissioner for information and public enlightenment, announced the curfew, which is in effect from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily.

    “Sequel to an outbreak of yet another communal misunderstanding between Ifon and Ilobu communities, the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered that a curfew be imposed on the two warring communities with immediate effect,” the statement read.

    “To forestall further escalation of the crisis, the governor has approved that a 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. curfew be imposed.”

    The state government has also deployed security operatives to maintain order and prevent further violence in the affected areas.

    Alimi disclosed that the state government will establish a committee of stakeholders to address the dispute and seek a permanent resolution.

    The committee will include representatives from both communities, heads of security agencies, the council of Obas, and other relevant bodies.

    “The state government is committed to resolving this issue permanently and calls on the indigenes of Ifon and Ilobu to cooperate fully in the process,” Alimi said.

    The commissioner also issued a stern warning to those inciting violence.

    “Anyone caught instigating further violence, knowingly or unknowingly, would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

  • Ondo Declares Friday Public Holiday Ahead of Local Government Elections

    Ondo Declares Friday Public Holiday Ahead of Local Government Elections

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared Friday, January 17, 2025, a public holiday to enable residents to participate in the upcoming local government elections.

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has scheduled the elections to take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, across the state’s 18 local government areas.

    In a statement issued by Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor’s chief press secretary, the holiday is aimed at allowing citizens to travel to their respective local government areas to cast their votes.

    “The local government election in Ondo State has been scheduled by the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) to hold on Saturday, 18th of January 2025,” the statement read.

    “To this end, the Ondo state government has declared Friday, 17th of January 2025, as a work-free day for public servants in the state to enable them to travel to their various communities to exercise their civic responsibilities.”

    Governor Aiyedatiwa urged all citizens, stakeholders, and political parties to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process.

    “Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa urges all stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful local government election across the state,” the statement added.

  • Enugu State Partners with Landmark Africa Group to Revamp Nike Lake Resort

    Enugu State Partners with Landmark Africa Group to Revamp Nike Lake Resort

    The Enugu State Government has signed a landmark deal with the Landmark Africa Group to transform the iconic Nike Lake Resort into a premier destination for tourism, business, and hospitality.

    The agreement, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), grants Landmark the management and operational responsibilities for the resort. As part of the deal, the state government is contributing to the resort as an asset, while Landmark will invest ₦10 billion in the first phase of the project to restore the facility to its former glory.

    Governor Peter Mbah described the partnership as a significant step towards achieving his administration’s goal of growing Enugu’s economy to $30 billion within six years.

    “Landmark Group is a known name in the hospitality sub-sector. Your reputation and experience precede you. So, I was glad when I became aware that you indicated interest to come and manage and run the Nike Lake Resort,” Mbah said during the signing ceremony at the Government House in Enugu.

    He emphasized the importance of the Nike Lake Resort to the state’s tourism and economic development, describing it as “iconic” and integral to the administration’s vision of making Enugu a premier destination for investment and tourism.

    Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure to support the partnership.

    “This year alone, we have earmarked ₦800 billion to provide various forms of infrastructure – physical, social, and digital. We are spending hugely to ensure that this place becomes the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living,” he said.

    He highlighted the ongoing dualisation of the Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road, a project aimed at boosting ease of doing business and attracting more investors to the state.

    Paul Onwuanibe, Founder and CEO of Landmark Africa Group, expressed excitement about the partnership, praising the governor’s efforts in improving infrastructure and security in Enugu.

    “I know this is one of the states that not only has the position as a good governance state but also one that has made great progress in a short period under this administration. We want to be greatly part of it and part of that transition that takes Nike Lake to its past glory,” Onwuanibe said.

    He assured that the company’s investment would bring significant economic benefits to the state, including job creation, increased tax revenue, and a boost in tourism, with a target of bringing two million visitors annually to Enugu.

    “We intend to invest over ₦10 billion in the first phase of the partnership. From the employment perspective, supply chain and value chain improvements, tax contributions, and increased international visitors, this will be a big win for Enugu State,” Onwuanibe added.

  • FCT Minister Wike Revokes 568 Land Allocations Over Unpaid Fees

    FCT Minister Wike Revokes 568 Land Allocations Over Unpaid Fees

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the allocation of 568 plots of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, citing non-payment of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees.

    The announcement, made through a public notice issued by the FCT Administration (FCTA), stated that the affected allottees had failed to meet payment obligations despite the expiration of a grace period.

    According to the notice, the revocation aligns with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which authorizes the withdrawal of land allocations when the terms of the grant are violated.

    “The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plot(s) of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, who have failed to pay for their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) bills after the expiration of the grace period granted by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory, that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn, according to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of the grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills,” the notice read.

    The FCTA clarified that the decision only affects those who had not made full payments by January 15, 2025, allowing compliant allottees to retain their allocations.

    “The general public is, however, invited to note that allottees/title holders who have completed their payments on or before 15/01/2025 are not affected by this publication,” the notice added.

    For transparency, the FCTA has published the names of the affected allottees on its official websites, including the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) portal.

    “For ease of reference, the names of the allottees/title holders whose titles have been withdrawn are: For further information, kindly visit AGIS Website: https://agis.fcta.gov.ng/ or FCTA Website: www.fcta.gov.ng,” the notice concluded.

     

  • ‘Third Mainland Bridge Not Shaking’ – FG Assures Lagosians Amid Social Media Panic

    ‘Third Mainland Bridge Not Shaking’ – FG Assures Lagosians Amid Social Media Panic

    Third Mainland Bridge

    The Federal Government has dismissed rumors circulating on social media claiming that the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos is shaking and unsafe for use, describing the claims as baseless and malicious.

    The rumors, which surfaced on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, alleged that a section of the bridge had opened up and was unstable.

    During a tour of the bridge with journalists on Thursday, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, assured the public of the bridge’s integrity and safety, urging Nigerians to disregard the false messages.

    “The honorable minister has directed that I come out and tell Lagosians and Nigerians that there is nothing wrong with the bridge. The rumor is the handiwork of mischief columnists – those who are idle and those who think that the political atmosphere is too quiet for them,” Kesha said.

    She added, “That is why we have come here. I took time with you people (journalists) to go through the entire length of the 11km bridge. We drove round this, we came back, and we saw that there is nothing amiss.”

    Kesha emphasized that the Third Mainland Bridge remains structurally sound and is safe for motorists.

    “We are using this opportunity to tell the motoring public, Lagosians, and all Nigerians that the bridge is safe, the integrity is not in doubt. After all, it is the same bridge that we ply, Lagosians ply, and the ministry’s officials ply,” she reiterated.

    The controller noted that ongoing maintenance work on the bridge includes asphalt overlays, lane markings, guardrail installations, and underwater repairs. Efforts are also underway to address deflections in specific areas, particularly between the Adekunle and Adeniji junctions.

    “You will observe that there is a deflection in some parts of the bridge; that is, from Adekunle to Adeniji. It is some of the slabs that are deflecting. There is a contract for that now to stop further deflection of this slab. Even if we cannot reverse what has been done, we can stop further deflection,” Kesha explained.

  • DHQ Blames Sahelian Fighters, Local Collaborators for Borno Attacks

    DHQ Blames Sahelian Fighters, Local Collaborators for Borno Attacks

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has pledged to intensify its fight against terrorism and its collaborators following a resurgence of attacks in Borno State attributed to foreign agents and local informants aiding the insurgents.

    Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, DHQ spokesperson, revealed that the recent wave of attacks in the North-East is linked to an influx of foreign fighters from the Sahelian region, who are bolstering the ranks of terrorists operating in the area.

    “I will say that the resurgence of these attacks by these terrorists is attributable to an influx of foreign fighters that come in as reinforcement for these terrorists. These foreign fighters are from the Sahelian region, and this situation is made worse by local collaborators that form a support base for these terrorists,” General Buba stated.

    He further noted that the collaborators act as informants, providing critical intelligence on troop movements to the terrorists. Despite the challenges, Buba reassured Nigerians of the military’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism.

    “Troops are profoundly cautious of their role and responsibilities in fighting insurgency across the nation,” he added.

    Recent Attacks in Borno State

    Buba acknowledged recent attacks in the Damboa, Chibok, and Gwoza areas of Borno State. He disclosed that an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents in Baga, near Lake Chad, resulted in casualties, with several military personnel missing.

    Reports indicate that soldiers were ambushed while attempting to recover the bodies of 40 civilians who had been killed by the insurgents. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in additional losses of military personnel.

  • Nigerian Airlines to Receive Boost from Afreximbank Aircraft Financing

    Nigerian Airlines to Receive Boost from Afreximbank Aircraft Financing

    The Nigerian aviation sector is poised for a significant boost, with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) pledging crucial support for aircraft financing. This commitment, announced during a productive side meeting at the ongoing Aviation Economic Conference in Dublin, Ireland, will provide Nigerian airlines with much-needed access to aircraft, enabling them to expand operations and enhance connectivity both domestically and internationally.

    A key aspect of this support will be the launch of an Afreximbank leasing subsidiary. This initiative will soon see the delivery of 25 aircraft for lease to African airlines, including those operating within Nigeria. This access to dry-leased aircraft is expected to be a game-changer, particularly for Nigerian airlines seeking to effectively service routes covered by Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) and strengthen their domestic networks.

    “At the meeting, Afreximbank, led by its Director and Global Head of Project and Asset-Based Finance, Helen Brume, agreed in principle to collaborate with Nigeria on aircraft financing,” stated Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

    Brume, highlighting Afreximbank’s successful track record of supporting airlines such as Arik Air, Kenya Airways, and TAG, emphasized the critical role of robust aviation infrastructure in enhancing the competitiveness of African airlines.

    The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Helen Brume from Afreximbank and Lereece Rose, Boeing’s Senior Director of Finance.

    Keyamo underscored the importance of strong partnerships to address the challenges faced by Nigerian operators in securing aircraft financing. He emphasized the government’s dedication to creating a more conducive environment for aviation investment by streamlining policies and improving airport concession agreements.

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    Lereece Rose commended Nigeria for its significant progress in improving its Cape Town Convention score, a crucial step towards creating a more favorable environment for aircraft financing and leasing. This increase from 49.5 percent to 75.5 percent demonstrates the government’s commitment to implementing international best practices in this area.

    This collaboration between the Nigerian government and Afreximbank marks a significant turning point for the nation’s aviation sector. By providing access to much-needed aircraft financing, this partnership promises to increase capacity, enhance passenger experience, and solidify Nigeria’s position in the global aviation landscape.

    A follow-up committee has been established to ensure the swift and effective implementation of this crucial partnership, translating the commitment into tangible solutions that will benefit Nigerian airlines and passengers alike.

  • FAAC Shares ₦1.424 Trillion Federation Account Revenue for December 2024

    FAAC Shares ₦1.424 Trillion Federation Account Revenue for December 2024

    The Federal Government, state governments, and local government councils (LGCs) have shared a total of ₦1.424 trillion from the December 2024 Federation Account Revenue.

    Contents

    This was disclosed by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), following the January Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting held on Friday in Abuja.

    A communiqué released after the meeting detailed that the total revenue comprised the following:

    • Statutory revenue: ₦386.124 billion
    • Value Added Tax (VAT): ₦604.872 billion
    • Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL): ₦31.211 billion
    • Exchange Difference revenue: ₦402.714 billion

    Key Revenue Figures

    The communiqué highlighted that the gross revenue for December 2024 stood at ₦2.310 trillion, but deductions for cost of collection and transfers, interventions, and refunds totaled ₦84.780 billion and ₦801.175 billion, respectively.

    “Gross statutory revenue of ₦1.226 trillion was received for December 2024, a significant drop of ₦600.988 billion from the ₦1.827 trillion received in November 2024. Conversely, gross VAT revenue increased to ₦649.561 billion in December, up by ₦20.588 billion from ₦628.973 billion in November,” the communiqué stated.

    Revenue Distribution

    From the total distributable revenue of ₦1.424 trillion:

    • The Federal Government received ₦451.193 billion
    • State governments received ₦498.498 billion
    • Local Government Councils (LGCs) received ₦361.754 billion
    • ₦113.477 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was allocated to benefiting states as derivation revenue

    Breakdown of Major Revenue Components

    • Statutory Revenue (₦386.124 billion):
      • Federal Government: ₦167.690 billion
      • State Governments: ₦85.055 billion
      • LGCs: ₦65.574 billion
      • Derivation (13%): ₦67.806 billion
    • VAT Revenue (₦604.872 billion):
      • Federal Government: ₦90.731 billion
      • State Governments: ₦302.436 billion
      • LGCs: ₦211.705 billion
    • EMTL Revenue (₦31.211 billion):
      • Federal Government: ₦4.682 billion
      • State Governments: ₦15.605 billion
      • LGCs: ₦10.924 billion
    • Exchange Difference Revenue (₦402.714 billion):
      • Federal Government: ₦188.090 billion
      • State Governments: ₦95.402 billion
      • LGCs: ₦73.551 billion
      • Derivation (13%): ₦45.671 billion

    The communiqué noted significant increases in VAT and EMTL collections for December 2024. However, revenues from oil and gas royalties, CET levies, excise duty, import duty, petroleum profit tax, and companies income tax witnessed considerable declines.

  • Lagos Health Commissioner Praises LASUTH Team After Successful Eye Surgery

    Lagos Health Commissioner Praises LASUTH Team After Successful Eye Surgery

    Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, has successfully undergone an eye surgery at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

    Abayomi shared the news in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), where he expressed appreciation for the professionalism and expertise of the LASUTH medical team that carried out the procedure.

    “Huge thanks to the incredible oculoplastic surgeons in the Eye Department, especially Prof. Mrs. Bola Adekoya and Dr. Rosemay Ngwu, for their expertise and for making the procedure painless,” Abayomi wrote.

    The commissioner extended his gratitude to the nursing staff and the hospital leadership for their commitment to patient care and excellence.

    “A special shoutout to the amazing nursing care led by Apex Nurse Adejoke Okeowo—you truly made a difference!

    “Deep gratitude to Prof. Adebowale O. Adekoya, Director of Clinical Services and Training at LASUTH, for leading such an excellent team.

    “And a big thank you to the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabanwo, for steering the ship towards excellence in healthcare,” he added.

  • Tinubu Hails Governors for Backing ‘Pro-Poor’ Tax Reform Bills

    Tinubu Hails Governors for Backing ‘Pro-Poor’ Tax Reform Bills

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

    In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the tax reforms as “pro-poor”, emphasizing their role in promoting national interests, enhancing Nigeria’s economic competitiveness, and attracting local and foreign investments.

    “Thursday’s productive consultation between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy is a commendable example of cooperation between the Federal and State governments,” the statement read.

    The president lauded the governors for their leadership and commitment to transcending regional, ethnic, and political differences to advance Nigeria’s development.

    “President Tinubu extends special commendations to the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for successfully galvanizing support among his peers for these transformative tax bills to rejuvenate the national economy and enhance Nigeria’s investment climate,” Onanuga added.

    Tinubu also praised the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and other groups for reaching a bipartisan resolution on the bills.

    He stressed the importance of updating Nigeria’s outdated tax laws as part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth.

    “The primary aim of the Tax Reform Bills, which is pro-poor, is to promote national interests, improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy, and attract both local and foreign investments,” Tinubu remarked.

    The president highlighted the power of constructive dialogue, pointing to the recent collaboration between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform as a model for resolving national challenges.

    “President Tinubu regards the governors as vital contributors to nation-building and affirms his commitment to partnering with them to promote economic growth, national harmony, peace, and stability,” the statement noted.

    He urged other stakeholders with ideas for refining the bills to engage with the legislative process and called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the reforms.

    “Finally, President Tinubu urges the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process for these crucial bills so that the country can swiftly reap the benefits of the reforms,” the statement concluded.