Day: October 15, 2023

A Political Analyst, Mr Vincent Uba has urged Nigerian politicians to learn lessons from the popular television reality show, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) and translate it to the political scenario.

Uba, who is the National Coordinator of No Alternative to Tinubu 2023 (NATT 2023), spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday following negative criticisms that usually trail the show every season.

He said rather than focus on negativity, Nigerians especially the politicians should pay attention to the integrity of the votes for the housemates.

“The irony is that those who condemn the Big Brother Naija show do heinous things far more than what they condemn about the show in their private and secret lives.

“Truth be said, the show has always portrayed integrity in their affairs all through the duration.

“The organisers usually make sure that the housemates voted for by the public are the actual winners, as against the political scenario where people are always in the habit of wanting to manipulate and subvert the will of the people during elections.

“Critics should hide their faces in shame and stop castigating the BBNaija show, which has shown example and the way in making sure that the wish of the masses counts.

“Some lecturers, employers of labour, top management personnel and heads of agencies who allegedly subject their victims to all manner of vices like sex, bribery, etc, before passing exams, employment/job placement, promotion, etc, should learn from the BBN show.

“Organisers of the show conduct the affairs in a free, fair, just and transparent way to announce winners without resorting to nepotism, tribalism, favouritism and other discriminatory tendencies,” Uba said.

According to him, those who are quick to condemn the housemates for exhibiting conducts that bother on their bodies and dresses, should be concerned about their own actions first.

“We should stop attempting to remove the logs in someone’s eyes when there are big logs in ours; we should stop throwing stones at others when we live in glass houses.

“Is it not said that “those who want to go to equity must go with clean hands”. In Nigeria, we engage in all manner of corruption and cheating and still think we have moral scruples to condemn others.

He, therefore urged those in positions of authority to see the positive of the show and emulate it for the betterment of the society.

Uba noted that the show had helped to fashion and develop skills in some of the housemates and also made some of them popular, entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Lagos State Government has said that the traffic diversion plan for the re-construction of Thomas Ajufo inwards Sheraton Link Bridge axis will last for four weeks.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made this known in a statement in Lagos on Sunday.

He said that diversion, due to ongoing construction of the Opebi Link Bridge, would start from Oct. 16.

Osiyemi said that alternative routes would be available to motorists and other road users during the diversion period.

”Motorists heading towards Opebi Road will be allowed to use one side of the Opebi Road Carriageway as the construction requires the second lane to be closed.

”Also, motorists heading towards Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way from Allen Avenue/Toyin Street will make use of Toyin Street via Ola Ayinde Street to connect Ikeja Under Bridge and continue their journeys,” he said.

He advised motorists to obey traffic signs and the directive of relevant traffic management authorities to ensure a continuous flow of traffic.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Osun Government has advised residents of the state to cultivate the habit of hand washing in order to minimise hygiene-related diseases.

Mr Odelade Olanrewaju, the Special Adviser to Gov. Ademola Adeleke,on Rural, Water and Environmental Sanitation (RUWESA), gave the advice while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of global hand washing day on Sunday in Osogbo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that every Oct. 15 is set aside as the global hand washing day.

Hence,the theme for this year celebration is: ” Clean Hands Are Within Reach”.

Olanrewaju said the state government would continue to raise awareness on the importance of hand washing to an healthy living in line with the cardinal objectives of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to him,the purpose of the annual global hand washing day with soap is an essential step to prevent illnesses and to create awareness on the importance of hand hygiene across the globe.

Olanrewaju said that hand washing would not only prevent diarrhoea, improved hygiene and sanitation, but also cost effective.

He said the state government would continue to prioritise the well-being and the health of the people.

Also speaking, Dr Michael Oyerinde, Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Health Care, stressed that hand washing is most important prevention of germs and staying healthy.

Oyerinde added that hand washing is considered as the best way to safety on health care.

He urged residents of the state to cultivate the habit of hand washing, adding that government would continue to provide quality and affordable health care for the people.

” Washing of hands with soap and water may sound no big deal, but you should know that there are different types of diseases that spread due to unclean hands.

“According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, one in three diarrhoea illnesses and one in five respiratory infections can be prevented by keeping a good hand hygiene.

“Celebrating hand washing day on a global level is an opportunity to educate the masses about significant role of washing hands with soap and water in preventing the spread of germs and associated diseases” Oyerinde said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Royal Ambassadors Charity Home, has called for an end to harmful cultural practices against widows in the country.

The Executive Director of the organisation, Amb. Jonathan Okwudiri made the call during the inauguration of the Abuja executive working team of the charity home, on Saturday.

Okwudiri said that the maltreatment of widows and other vulnerable women in the society should be stopped to enable them exercise their rights as citizens.

He said that those perpetrating the acts were insensitive to the harm done to widows under the guise of culture and tradition.

The executive director expressed concern that the victims have been left to suffer in silence by the society.

“It is a debt society owes itself as a mutually functional growing unit to protect the vulnerable ones among them.

“I have discovered that in Nigeria, widows are neglected, victimised, intimidated and humiliated,” he added.

“Our culture and society are not favourable to them at all. The worst part of it all is that when any widow doesn’t have male children, the relatives of her late husband gives her trouble.

“They disturb and frustrate such widow by trying to possess what their late brother acquired before his death.”

Okwudiri said that the organisation has assembled a team of advocates and human right activists to advocate for the rights of widows, including their protection and welfare.

He said that the advocacy would include pushing for a law by the National Assembly to protect the rights and privileges of widows.

“We are very much aware that there is no specific law in Nigeria that protects widow’s right unlike the People with Disabilities and children that have laws passed for their protection,” he said.

Okwudiri also said that the organisation would undertake regular empowerment of widows through skills acquisition and free medical healthcare services.

He added that the organisation had registered a multipurpose cooperative society to grant loans and agricultural empowerment packages to members.

Okwudiri appealed to government, corporate organisations, civil society groups and individuals to support the empowerment programmes of the organisation targeted at widows.

In her speach, the National Coordinator of People with Disabilities, Mrs Dorcas Ameh called on the public to stop labeling the PWDs, but support them to be self reliant.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated Abuja Chapter executive working team, the Coordinator, Amb. Goodluck Ikiebe appreciated the leadership of the organisation for giving them the opportunity to serve.

Ikiebe lauded the organisation boss for his doggedness and hard work, assuring that they would be diligent in realising objectives of the organisation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Royal Ambassadors Charity Home was set up to help, care and empower orphans, widows, PwDs, abandoned children, destitute, the poor and other vulnerable persons.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Nonso Okpala, the Group Managing Director of VFD Group, an investment firm that focuses in the real sector, says the company plans to source for more capital beyond the shores of Nigeria.

Okpala disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

NAN reports that the VFD Group was listed on the Main Board of Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) on Oct. 6.

According to him, the listing of the group on the NGX will provide the platform for the firm to achieve the target of sourcing for funding beyond Nigeria.

Okpala said that the company’s current position on the exchange would also help it to build the requisite trends and reputation needed for such target.

“It will assist the firm to enjoy more visibility, establish elaborate track-records and get more attention from the public investors,” he added.

NAN recalls that the listing of VFD Group’s shares added more than N45 billion to the market capitalisation of NGX, further boosting liquidity in the Nigerian capital market and providing opportunities for wealth creation.

The management of VFD Group Plc had said it projected N300.61 billion in total assets by 2025 and N5.83 billion dividend payout to shareholders in the same period.

Recalling how the company came into existence 14 years ago with 35 friends who came together as shareholders, Okpala said that the pioneers knew from the inception that the company would be listed on the stock exchange in no time.

He said the group also recognises the positive impact of technology on business operations and believes in utilising these advantages to foster the growth of robust companies.

According to him, access to capital is also a significant consideration for VFD Group which strives to capitalise on such opportunities.

Okpala noted that the company’s strategic approach, commitment to innovation and alignment with young talents had made it an attractive investment option in Nigeria’s emerging market.

He highlighted the importance of acquiring long-term funds for developmental purposes such as infrastructure building and nurturing companies from inception to maturity.

These funds, he said, are considered relatively cheap and provide opportunities for growth and profitability, while emphasising the group’s track-record, skill sets, leadership and industry knowledge, making it capable of effectively utilising such funds.

Okpala said the management of the company saw opportunities in the new ways of doing things, hence its listing on the exchange at a period that the Federal Government embarked on liberalisation of the currency and fuel subsidy removal which were considered as economic challenges.

He added that the company was leveraging these changes and the potential of technology to build stronger companies.

“We are not talking about bank debt, short-term loans, hot money, but long-term funds that are relatively cheap and can be directed towards developmental roles, be it in infrastructure building or a company from inception to maturity.

“Those are the kind of funds that we want. We believe we have the track-records, skill sets, leadership and industry know-how to run such companies to profitability and access to long-term capital suited for developmental growth. This is what we thought we needed to address.

“So, there is no better time to take the step than to do it now.

“We have self-inflicted adherence to governance more that most companies. We have strong leadership levels, bench of very smart and strong proven leaders in our group as well as young professionals,” Okpala added.

He, however, noted that the opportunities from such expansion would be subject to the kind of funding accessible.

The chief executive officer said that with 14 years of existence, the group had remained bullish with market infrastructure through the use of technology and fintech, due to Nigeria’s population and the difficulties of navigating the business environments

“From a logistical stand of point, technology is important and you can understand why someone will embrace digital banking if the option is for him to go through traffic.

“So, we think from a lifestyle perspective; fintech and technology remain key areas for us to keep exploring.

“Our model is that one can easily replicate whatever you do successfully in Nigeria and in many African countries. That’s why we are exploring the model we have in Ghana.

“We are also bullish in real sector, hospitality and lifestyles.”

He also said that one of the clear-point by the group was the plan to upgrade one of its investee companies, Abbey Mortagage, from a mortgage to commercial bank.

Okpala explained that another step to be taken by VFG Group is to pay closer attention to the insurance sector, saying that it complements the other investments by the company, therefore leading to an ecosystem needed in place.

“From a general standpoint, we have talked about an ecosystem being central to our plan as VFD Group, and that ecosystem is based on the fact that we are exposed to different companies which have cross-selling opportunities and collaborative potentials.

Okpala, who said that having an ease of doing business remained imperative for the economy to continue to prosper, noted that conflict resolution was equally necessary.

He said that the ease of resolving conflicts with respect to rule of law is important to any business and transactions.

“We have a lending background as our core. We also have interest in lending space, mortgage and Vbank.

“One of the things we have realised is that it is always difficult to close it on a transaction, especially when you give out to debt. It is also, by extention, difficult when there is a contract failure,” he said.

On sustainable dividend policy and attracting more investors, the group managing director said the most central core value of the VDF is to always be empathetic to investors.

“We treat investors the way we want to be treated. Our destiny is tied to the destiny of other investors, be it in retails, high-networth of individuals or institutional investors.

The objective is to continue to work hard to make some sufficient funds and distribute returns and investment forward in the interest of the company.

To ensure that corporate governance is adhered in managing the group, Okpala said a succession plan had been put in place since fives years ago.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

An All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ forum has urged President Bola Tinubu to set up a mechanism to evaluate the performances of his cabinet members biannually.

The National Chairman of the group, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu-katsina, gave the advice at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja.

“ We are hereby using this medium to request President Bola Tinubu to understand that the success of his administration is largely on the commitment of his ministers.

“We, therefore, request that President Tinubu should introduce measures that will help him to identify performing and underperforming ministers.

“ This will enable the President to know those that are doing well and, if need be, remove the underperforming members of his cabinet.”

Aliyu-Katsina said the APC family would not remain silent to allow any factor undermine the people’s government of President Tinubu.

He called on all APC supporters to continue to support leaders at all levels, adding that Nigerians would soon smile and benefit from the series of economic policies of Tinubu’s administration.

He, however, commended the performance of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

“ Since the relocation of the FCT as the Capital of Nigeria in the 1990s, there has never been a time when any FCT minister achieved what Wike achieved within his first 30 days in office.

“ He has succeeded in pulling out FCT from the the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to be able to source and spent money for the transformation of the nation’s capital.”

He also applauded the collaboration and synergy between the Ministers of Defence, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and Service Chiefs which has greatly enhanced national security.

“This has drastically reduced the rate of kidnapping, banditry and criminality in most parts of the country.

“NSA is tirelessly making a remarkable effort in making sure there is good working relationship among the service chiefs for a successful elimination of bandits and other criminals.”

He also applauded the ministers of Labour, Agriculture and Food Security and Humanitarian Affairs for their commitment toward ensuring the success of the Renew Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Director-General of UK-based Diaspora Grassroots for Better Governance in Nigeria, Mr Ade Adeshina

By Mariam Akande

The Federal Government has been urged to shift significant attention to empowering the local government system and operations, to ensure sustainable national development goals.

The Director-General of the UK-based Diaspora Grassroots for Better Governance in Nigeria, Mr Ade Adeshina, made the call on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said the primary purpose of the government, after ensuring the safety of life and property, was to guarantee improved conditions of the citizens wherever they live in the country.

According to him, many Local Government Areas (LGAs) have not witnessed the dividends of democracy.

He noted that rural communities had suffered the most due to poor governance.

“Simple road networks cannot be built to required standards.

“Local government council officials lack required scrutiny and, are in most cases, incapable of managing public pulse.

“Given Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources, the current state of development is a source of concern.

“We must heed the words of former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who said that Nigeria should not be a poor nation given its vast resources,” Adeshina said.

Adeshina added that the removal of fuel subsidies and the resulting high inflation rate had exacerbated the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.

Similarly, he noted that the exchange rate of one dollar for N1,040 in the parallel market, as at Oct. 12, had also compounded the issue.

To address these challenges and set Nigeria on a path to sustainable growth, Adeshina said the federal government must focus on infrastructure development across the 774 LGAs.

He added that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration must reform the civil service to make every officer accountable for his actions and omissions.

“The transition from a production-oriented economy, as our founders envisioned, to a consumption-based economy in the 1970s has hindered our progress.

“We must return to a production-oriented path, growing and producing what we need locally and embracing our homegrown products.

“This approach will reduce the demand for foreign currencies and make our Naira attractive to foreign investors,” he said.

According to him, central to this transformation is the need for robust infrastructure development.

He called for a standardised road and rail network to open up rural communities for business to enable economic inclusion.

“The deplorable state of infrastructure across the 774 LGAs has hindered progress and economic growth.

“Basic road infrastructure and modern transport systems are essential to alleviate the challenges faced by our densely populated cities and to attract investment to rural areas,” he said.

Adeshina, who is also the Director General of Bola Tinubu Support Organisation, UK branch (BTSO-UK), noted that with improved infrastructure, agricultural products would no longer go to waste due to bad roads.

According to him, this will attract firms to set up production facilities, boost the economy, and provide employment opportunities.

The D-G said the focus on LGAs was pivotal as it was at the grassroots level that the country could begin the restoration of its glory.

“We must empower and hold local governments accountable for creating an enabling environment for investors and fostering development.

“The restructuring of the civil service at all level of governance is equally vital,” he said.

Adeshina explained that civil servants played a pivotal role in policy implementation, and their efficiency was paramount to achieving the goals of the Tinubu’s administration.

“Restoring Nigeria’s glory and rescuing its citizens from hopelessness requires practical steps. It demands more than empty promises.

“It necessitates the eradication of corruption, a commitment to grassroots governance, investment in infrastructure, and civil service reform.

“Nigerians deserve a better future, and it is our collective responsibility to build the Nigeria of our dreams,”Adeshina said.

He called on the Tinubu-led administration to focus on substantial infrastructure development, stressing that it was time for action.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria