The Lagos State House of Assembly has amended the Appropriation Law of 2024 that has a size of N2,267,976,120,869.
The reordering is sequel to a letter dated August 9, 2024 and sent to the House by the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The House at plenary on Thursday gave the approval after the Chairman of the Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Lukman Olumoh, presented the report and recommendations of the Committee which were adopted as the resolution of the House.
Though the total budget size remains the same, the recurrent expenditure was reduced from N952,430,566,998 in the original budget to N935,377,028,422 while the capital expenditure was increased from N1,315,545,553,871 to N1,332,599,092,448 following the reordering.
“That a bill for a law to authorise the issuance and appropriation of N935,377,028,422 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for Recurrent Expenditure and N1,332,599,092,448 from the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure thereby totalling a revised budget size of N2,267,976,120,869 for the year ending 31st December, 2024 be passed into law,” the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, announced to his colleagues who unanimously voted in favour.
The Speaker, thereafter, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to forward a clean copy of the bill to the Governor for his assent.
Prior to the passage of the reordered budget, Hon. Olumoh reminded the House that in the letter sent by the Governor, the latter explained that the rationale for the request to redistribute the budget included the need to boost the appropriation to some Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals.
The letter requesting the reordering had also emphasised the need to meet the State Government’s commitments to the residents through the budget.
L–R: Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Adamu Lawani; Executive Director, Mr. Akin Ogunranti; Managing Director, Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Alhaji Abba Bello; Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON; Secretary, National Action Committee, AfCFTA, Mr. Segun Awolowo; Executive Director, Mrs. Adobi Nwapa; Executive Director, Mr. Henry Oroh; and Executive Director, Mr. Louis Odom at the 9th Annual Edition of the Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar on Non-Oil Export held in Lagos… yesterday.
STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR A RE-AWAKENING IN THE NIGERIAN NON-OIL EXPORT INDUSTRY AT THE 2024 ZENITH BANK INTERNATIONAL TRADE SEMINAR
Stakeholders unanimously called for concerted efforts towards adding value to non-oil export products by processing them into semi-finished and finished goods in order to unlock significant economic benefits for the nation. This clarion call was made at the 9th Edition of the Annual Zenith Bank International Trade Seminar themed “Nigerian Non-Oil Export Industry: Awakening the Giant”, which was held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos and virtually.
In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, highlighted the importance of non-oil export as a catalyst for job creation. According to her, “Our theme “Awakening the Giant,” speaks directly to the untapped potentials within the non-oil segment of the economy and how to optimize them. This involves an increase in the number and volume of exportable non-oil items and value addition to exportable items into finished products. Increasing the number and volume of exportable non-oil products implies more business for you, our esteemed exporters, and increased foreign exchange earnings for our country. In addition, this sector will drive employment generation for Nigerian youths who constitute 60% of the estimated 233 million population, and Zenith Bank is committed to being at the forefront of these efforts.”
Delivering his keynote address, the Secretary, National Action Committee, AfCFTA, Mr. Segun Awolowo, commended Zenith Bank and its leadership led by the Founder and Chairman of the Board, Jim Ovia, CFR, for its laudable initiative in organizing an annual export seminar targeted towards exploring opportunities for growth in Nigeria’s non-oil export industry and for its consistent exploits in supporting the implementation of the AfCFTA. Commenting on the theme of this year’s export seminar, he added that “In awakening the giant, we must focus on scaling production, productivity and value addition for some specific export products with high potential across three main sectors – solid minerals, agriculture and petro-chemicals. We should also aim to capture at least 5% of the global trade and export volumes for these products. Additionally, in the genie bottle is the services sector, which is not only a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP but also a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and innovation.”
Also in his keynote address, the Managing Director of Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Alhaji Abba Bello, emphasized the need to amplify the export of services in order to facilitate economic growth. In his words, “A key area that needs mentioning is the need to intensify efforts to support the promotion of export of services to leverage on the sector’s economic strength in which the services sector annually contributes over 50% to the GDP. Specifically, strategic frameworks need to be developed to complement current Government’s US$620 million programme under the Digital and Creative Enterprise (IDiCE), which is designed to empower youths to create IT and skilled / technical jobs that could promote and expand export of ICT and creative industries products and services.”
In his goodwill message, the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, highlighted the efforts of the Lagos State Government in facilitating non-oil export for the growth of the Nigerian Economy. He said, “This seminar’s theme resonates deeply with the strategic objectives of the Lagos State Development Plan 2052. Nigeria’s creative economy is a powerful engine of growth and a key pillar of our export diversification strategy. Our focus is on value addition—transforming raw agricultural products into finished goods that command higher prices in international markets. For instance, Lagos State is rapidly becoming a hub for the processing of cocoa, cashew nuts, palm oil, and sesame seeds. These products, when processed and packaged to international standards, can significantly boost our export revenues and create thousands of jobs for our citizens. The manufacturing sector offers another promising avenue for export diversification. Our vision is to transform Lagos into a global manufacturing hub, where high-quality, made-in-Lagos products are exported to every corner of the globe.
Also in his goodwill message, the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir, represented by the Special Adviser, State Affairs, Usman Bala Muhammad, emphasized strategic advantages in economic diversification in non-oil exports. In his words, “Our strength begins with agriculture, which has been the cornerstone of our economy for decades. Kano’s agricultural sector has a strong base that we are leveraging for diversification. However, diversification is not just about increasing crop yields; it is about adding value. Through strategic investments in agro-processing, we are converting raw agricultural products into finished goods, creating jobs, and enhancing local consumption. By aligning our export diversification strategies with global market trends and standards, and leveraging opportunities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we can significantly expand Nigeria’s non-oil exports to African markets and beyond.
Speaking on diversification, the Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, represented by the Commissioner of Finance, Abdullahi Bello Auta, urged stakeholders to explore other untapped areas for export. According to him, “One major important sector which contributes to non-oil export which is not harnessed and which is giving us a lot of trouble simply because it is not organized is the mining sector. I can tell you with all sincerity and courage that once we are talking of mineral resources in Nigeria, Zamfara state is the hub. There is no single solid mineral that you can talk of that you cannot find here in abundance and in good quality.”
Zenith Bank launched the Non-Oil Export Seminar in 2015 as an initiative to deepen the discourse on promoting the non-oil export business in Nigeria, and remains committed to promoting the non-oil export sector in Nigeria by identifying emerging opportunities which help stimulate non-oil exports and develop robust financial products as well as incentives for operators in the sector.
Unidentified gunmen early hours of Wednesday attacked and destroyed facilities of the Obowo Police Division in Obowo Council Area of Imo state.
This was according to an eyewitness who spoke to Vanguard in Owerri.
He also said the same gunmen had allegedly killed a resident said to be a police officer, at NEPA bus stop in the same Obowo LGA, last Tuesday night.
Also, in another development, an eyewitness, a resident of Isiala Mbano Local Government of Imo state, said: “The secretariat of the Isiala Mbano council Area was attacked and set ablaze including vehicles and some buildings by hoodlums and many were injured. We heard two members of the vigilante group were killed, during a gun battle between the security operatives and hoodlums.”
Narrating how the incident happened, while he pleaded not to mention his name for security purposes, the eyewitness said: “This young police officer was killed at NEPA bus stop where he is residing. It happened by 8 pm on Tuesday. The gunmen came and spent more than forty-five minutes in that house. They took their time to identify who is a student and a police officer in that compound before killing him after identifying he was a police officer.”
“He was slaughtered. But we have a military presence in the same Obowo and three Police formations in the area. None of them came to the rescue of this officer. After 1 hour, and 30 minutes the military came and not the police. This sad.
“This happened in a place where we have area command, Ishinweke Police Division and Obowo Police Division. They still returned this early morning and burnt down the police division,” he said.
Reacting, the Imo state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye, said: “The Command has deployed tactical teams to apprehend those responsible for this crime.”
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, on Wednesday notification of a planned massive shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, effective September 15, 2024.
The student body said the protest is in response to the recent fuel price hike and the perceived incompetence of the NNPC Director General, Mele Kyari.
The union equally demanded an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and the removal of Kyari as the NNPC DG.
The notice was signed by Okunomo Henry Adewumi, President of the Senate (NANS).
According to the notice, the students plan to occupy all major cities in the country on September 15, 2024. The notice assured that the protest will be peaceful and lawful.
“We write to notify you of an impending massive shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, effective 15th September 2024, in protest of the recent hike in fuel prices and the gross incompetence of the NPC Director General, Mele Kyari.
“The incessant increase in fuel prices has brought untold hardship to the masses, and we can no longer stand idly by while our future is mortgaged by the actions of a few. We demand an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and the removal of Mr. Kyari as the NNPC DG.
“We call on all Nigerian students across the country to wake up to this clarion call, as we will be occupying all major cities on the 15th of September, 2024. We shall not be silenced, and we shall not be intimidated. We shall rise in unison to demand a better deal for Nigerian students and the masses.
“We urge you to take necessary measures to maintain law and order during the shutdown, as we assure you that our protest will be peaceful and lawful,” the notice read.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has emphasised the need for a proactive approach in addressing domestic and sexual violence in the state.
At a sitting presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the House stressed the importance of establishing guidance and counseling units in schools and religious institutions as a way to reach out to the public and prevent such violence.
The House also called on the Ministry of Information to continue its enlightenment campaigns.
In his position, Dr. Obasa pointed out the complexities involved in cases of domestic violence, particularly the impact on children.
“We thank the agencies in Lagos for their continuous efforts in raising awareness among residents.
“However, no law can entirely eliminate any crime. We must go beyond sensitisation and help people understand why relationships, which should be loving, sometimes turn sour,” Obasa said.
He questioned the effectiveness of interventions that involve removing children from their homes, asking, “If we take children away from their parents, who will care for them as their parents would? Even when NGOs intervene and ensure separation, what happens after the separation?”
The Speaker also expressed concerns about the lifestyle choices of some young people, particularly boys in their teens doing everything they can to own homes in affluent areas like Lekki, and young girls who spend days out of school in a bid to make money.
He advocated for educational programmes that would go beyond mere enlightenments to actively teach children about domestic violence.
Moving a motion under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Hon. Omolara Olumegbon, representing Lagos Island 1, highlighted the necessity of educating children about domestic violence.
She urged that the existing laws be given the needed spark while there should be improvement in sensation and enlightenment.
She further emphasised the urgency of sustaining awareness and educating the youth. She called on the relevant ministries to intensify their efforts.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) expressed concern over the high incidence of domestic violence in the society.
While distinguishing domestic violence from parental discipline, he stressed the importance of prevention and the enforcement of existing laws.
On his part, Hon. Abiodun Tobun underscored the importance of teaching values and norms in schools and religious institutions.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Rotimi Ajomale urged the concerned agencies to increase their efforts in encouraging victims to speak out.
Hon. Aro Moshood highlighted the alarming statistics of women being the primary victims of domestic violence. He called for stronger laws to address the issue while his colleague, Hon. Funke Osafile, advocated for the strengthening of laws and policies.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru FNSE visited the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein in Abuja yesterday.
During the visit, they both engaged in a productive discussion on initiatives that will positively impact communities, aligning with their shared vision for a better future.
They explored potential projects that will drive meaningful change and development.
Ashiru also looks forward to their continued collaboration in making a lasting difference in the lives of the people.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court have ordered that 9 of the 10 EndBadGovernment suspects be remanded at Kuje prison till September 11.
Also, one of the suspects, a pregnant lady, has also been remanded at Suleja Correctional Service till the next adjourned date.
The ruling followed the arraignment of the suspects by the Federal Government following the last month EndBadGovernment protest across the country.
The suspects were arraigned on six count charged bothering on treason and inciting to mutiny, destabilizing the country, intimidating the president and destruction of public property. When the charge was read to them, the suspects pleaded not guilty.
Counsels to the defendant moved the oral application for bail on the ground that they are presumed innocent but was countered by the prosecution Counsel stressing that they were charged for offence with Capital punishment.
The Defence Counsels prayed the court to remand the suspects with the police. Justice Nwite in his ruling adjourned hearing of the bail application till 11th of September and ordered that the 9 male suspects be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre and the female suspect, at Suleja Correctional Service, that has facilities for females.
Counsels to the defendants expressed satisfaction with the arraignment of their client by the Police.
The Nigeria Police Force on Monday declared Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey), a British national, wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government led by President Bola Tinubu. Not only that, the Police Force said it has apprehended ten suspects accused of receiving financial support from foreign sources to destabilize the country.
It added that that a comprehensive investigation has begun into how foreign mercenaries and other subversive elements conspired to undermine Nigeria’s democratically elected government. The Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, revealed this information at Force Headquarters in Abuja, while speaking with Journalists.
He stated that Wynne rented a space at Labour House in Abuja for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities. Adejobi added that documentary evidence and confessions indicated that Wynne issued directives and monitored the progress of the protests that took place in August.
He further revealed that Wynne provided funding and operational guidance aimed at achieving an unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria. Adejobi said IGP reassured the public that the Force will exhaust all avenues to ensure that individuals or groups threatening national security, peace, and democratic governance are brought to justice. He emphasized that any movement seeking to undermine the government through unconstitutional means will be dealt with decisively.
Over 1,000 individuals have benefited from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) eye-care services.
The company flagged off the third edition of the Vision First Programme, as part of comprehensive community-focused healthcare outreach targeted at the Ilaje community and its environs in Bariga, Lagos State.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye made this known in a press statement yesterday.
The Vision First programme is a continuation of NNPC Ltd/ SNEPCo Production Sharing Contract (PSC) commitment to advancing health and well-being within its host communities.
The statement said: “Through this initiative, over 1,000 individuals will receive free eye care services, alongside a range of general healthcare provisions.”
The services include cardiovascular screening, BMI assessments, laboratory services, consultations, treatment of mild and chronic diseases, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.
Since its inception, the Vision First programme has made a significant impact, with over 1,853 individuals benefiting from free eye care services.
The Lagos edition, which began in 2022, has screened 2,000 people, provided 1,199 prescription glasses, administered medication to 1,310 beneficiaries, and facilitated successful procedures for 189 individuals.
The initiative is also aligned with the Mallam Mele Kyari-led Management commitment of making positive impact in NNPC Ltd’s host communities and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians through sustainable partnerships.
In his remarks, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (CUIO – NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti stated that the Vision First Plus programme represents a commitment to restoring hope and improving lives within NNPC Ltd commour communities.
“Through this programme, we aim to ensure that preventable vision challenges do not hold anyone back. By providing eye screenings, corrective lenses, surgeries, and general healthcare, we’re dedicated to bringing clarity and brighter futures to those who need it most,” Wunti, who was represented by Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, added.
The outreach emphasized the significance of proactive health management, highlighting that healthy eyes lead to a brighter future. Attendees were encouraged to protect their vision through regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate rest.
The Vision First programme embodies the spirit of collaboration and the essence of giving back to the communities where NNPC Ltd operates. It also signifies the Company’s commitment to investing in social initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.
The Vision First programme embodies the spirit of collaboration and the essence of giving back to the communities where NNPC Ltd operates. It also signifies the Company’s commitment to investing in social initiatives that leave a lasting positive impact.
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, Life Bencher, was sworn in as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at the Lagos Continental Hotel. The inauguration ceremony marked the beginning of a new era for the NBA, as Osigwe outlined his vision and plans for the association in his inaugural speech.
In his address, Osigwe expressed his gratitude to the members of the NBA for entrusting him with the enormous responsibility and honour of serving as their President. He acknowledged the challenges facing the nation and the legal profession, emphasizing the critical role of legal practitioners in effecting positive change and upholding the principles of justice, equity, and fairness.
Osigwe announced a comprehensive agenda for a proactive Bar, which includes addressing the recurrent delay in the issuance of NBA Stamp and Seal, introducing the NBA Digital Signature, and proposing amendments to the NBA Constitution to address various issues. He also highlighted the need for quarterly reviews of appellate courts’ decisions, justice sector reforms, and ensuring compliance with the Continuing Professional Development Programme.
The new NBA President also pledged to establish various committees to tackle specific issues, such as monitoring local governments, protecting legal businesses from encroachment by non-legal practitioners, and ensuring the protection of lawyers from harassment by law enforcement agents. Osigwe further emphasized the importance of upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in the legal profession.
In his commitment to consolidating the efforts of previous NBA administrations, Osigwe acknowledged the significant contributions of his predecessors and expressed his determination to build upon their legacy. He extended his appreciation to his family, colleagues, and campaign team for their unwavering support throughout his journey to the presidency.
Osigwe concluded his speech by quoting Nelson Mandela, stating, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” He called upon the members of the NBA to approach their tasks with this mindset, emphasizing that with collective resolve, they can overcome any challenge and achieve greatness for the association and the nation.
