The Kano State government on Thursday announced the reopening of 26 entrepreneurship institutes closed by the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

The Commissioner for Works and Housing, Marwan Ahmad, disclosed this at a news conference in Kano.

“Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf has direct that all the 26 Entrepreneurship Institutes established by Sen. Kwankwaso’s Administration which were abandoned by the previous administration, are hereby reopened,” Mr Ahmad said.

He said Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s administration established the institutes to equip youths and women with different skills.

“The institute includes Journalism, Horticulture, Poultry, Driving, Reformatory, Hospitality and Tourism, Animal Husbandry, Sports, Informatics, and Corporate Security, among others,” he said.

According to him, the institutes will be optimally used to address drug addictions and thuggery, posing serious concern to state residents.

He said the governor had also ordered contractors handling 5-kilometre road projects initiated by Mr Kwankwaso’s administration across the 44 local government areas of the state to resume work at the sites.

Mr Ahmad further said the state government had equally resumed work at the abandoned Jakara River Project in the Kano metropolis.

The commissioner restated the state government’s commitment to providing infrastructure to improve people’s lives.

“The provision of infrastructure would stimulate the state’s socio-economic activities and revenue base as well as the overall development of communities”.

President Bola Tinubu’s government has condemned the Nigeria Labour Congress’ strike notice as being in contempt of a court order.

The NLC issued a notice to go on a nationwide strike on August 2.

Specifically, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the solicitor-general of the federation and permanent secretary of the federal ministry of justice, said the notice disregarded the order of the National Industrial Court.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday. She drew the attention of the NLC and the public to the pendency of suit number NICN/ABJ/158/2023 (FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR V. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR) before the court.

“His Lordship, J Anuwe, had on June 5, 2023, granted an injunctive order restraining NLC and Trade Union Congress from embarking on the planned industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending motion on notice,” said the federal government.

It added,

“The motion on notice is also praying for an order of interlocutory injunction for parties to maintain status quo pending the determination of the dispute or issues submitted to the court, and the said Motion on Notice is still pending.”

The government noted that the issues of removal of fuel subsidy, hike in petrol prices, and consequential increase in the cost of living, etc., which precipitated the court action, are the same issues over which NLC issued another strike notice.

“The NLC has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and is being represented by the reputable law firm of Femi Falana, SAN. It is, therefore, our minimum expectation that NLC will allow the courts to perform their constitutional roles rather than resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court,” argued the government.

The statement lamented that the “avowed penchant” of the union’s leadership for casting aspersions on the judiciary “is quite worrisome and concerning.”

It said Mr Tinubu and governors had been engaging with stakeholders to cushion the collateral effect of the fuel subsidy removal and petrol price hike.

“It would be a great act of service to Nigerian workers and the nation’s economy for NLC to explore negotiations rather than embark on any strike action.

We, therefore, urge NLC to allow good reason to prevail by adhering to the time-tested principles of lis pendis and rule of law to avert adverse consequences,” the federal government stressed.

On June 5, the NIC restrained NLC and TUC from going on strike to protest the subsidy. In a ruling that Justice O.Y. Anuwe delivered, the court barred the unions from going on strike, pending the determination of a suit brought by the federal government.

Governor Dikko Radda has approved ₦2.7 billion as part of the payment to build 75 new junior and senior secondary schools in Katsina.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ibrahim Kalau, the governor’s chief press secretary, disclosed that the ₦2.7 billion represented only 20 per cent of the total amount to pay contractors handling the construction projects.

He said the approval was to fulfil one of the governor’s campaign pledges.

“Radda has approved the release of ₦2,737,603 billion for the construction of 75 junior and secondary schools across all the 34 local government areas (LGAs) of Katsina state,” said the statement.

“He authorised the contractors to complete the entire project within 12 months.”

The governor added, “Without a doubt, this capital project will significantly boost education in Katsina State.”

The Delta House of Assembly has screened and confirmed 18 out of 26 nominees forwarded to it by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for confirmation as commissioners and members of the State Executive Council.

The confirmation followed their successful screening on the floor of the assembly, presided over by the speaker, Dennis Guwor, on Wednesday in Asaba.

Those screened were the immediate past commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, Samuel Oligida, Johnbull Tonukari, Isaac Wilkie, and Pat Ajudua, the immediate past chief whip of the assembly.

Others were Joan Ada-Anioma, Reuben Izeze, former members of the assembly, Fidelis Tilije, the immediate past commissioner for Finance, Rose Ezewu, Joseph Onojaeme and Pride Uduaghan.

Also screened were Vincent Oyibode, Michael Anoka, Funyei Manager, Daniel Odinigwe, Onoriode Agofure, Sonny Ekedayen and Godknows Angeles.

In his remarks, the speaker congratulated the nominees and urged them to be committed to the service of the state.Mr Guwor also commended the lawmakers for their commitment to screening the nominees.

Earlier, Charles Aniagwu, who spoke on behalf of other nominees, commended the governor for their nomination, adding that the ”MORE agenda” of the governor will, in no doubt, impact positively on the lives of the people of the state.

The assembly will continue with the screening of the remaining eight nominees on Tuesday.

The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nomination for appointments as members of the board of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).

The confirmation is sequel to the screening of the nominees at the plenary on Wednesday.

Those confirmed are Paul Tarfa, chairman for re-appointment (North-East, Adamawa); Gambo Maikomo member (North-East, Taraba); Abdullahi Abbas, member (North-West, Kano ).

Others are Tsav Aondoana, member (North-Central, Benue) Mutiu Lawal- Areh, member (South-West, Lagos); Samuel Onuigbo, member (South-East, Abia); Frank Owhor, member (South-South, Rivers); and Mohammad Alkali, managing director (North-East, Borno) re-appointment.Others are Ahmed Yahaya, executive director of operations (North-East, Gombe); Abubakar Iliya, executive director of admin and finance (North-East, Yobe); and Musa Yashi, executive director of humanitarian affairs (North-East, Bauchi).

Earlier, before their confirmation, Mr Tarfa, chairman designate of NEDC, who was reappointed, pledged the continued commitment of the board to discharge its mandate in line with the act establishing the commission.

Mohammad Alkali, managing director of NEDC, said the board had initiated and has ongoing projects across education, health, and agriculture, among other sectors across the North-East states.

He commended the federal government for its support and commitment, saying that funding was a challenge in the execution of projects.

Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) said the North-East Senate caucus would partner with the NEDC board to ensure the execution of projects.

Ahmed Lawan (APC-Yobe) commended Mr Tinubu for the nomination and said the commission was established to care for the people of North-East.

He, however, said there was an overbalance by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management on the activities of the NEDC.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged the board to also engage state governments and other stakeholders to avoid duplication of projects.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Wednesday swore in 16 commissioners, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and State Head of Service (HoS).

The governor swore them in at the executive chamber of the governor’s office, state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, where the oath of allegiance and oath of office were duly administered on the appointees.

He also presented them with official documentation to validate their new offices.Mr Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing good governance, adding that he would work more in his second term to leave a stronger legacy.

He urged the SSG, commissioners and the new HoS to consider their appointments as a call to hard work and commitment, urging them to create no room for laxity.

According to him, the choice of commissioners cut across all federal constituencies in the state to give equal representation in his cabinet.

The newly sworn-in SSG, Olanike Adeyemo, pledged to put the people’s interest first in all her undertakings, adding that she would work towards the development of the state.

The new head of state is Olubunmi Oni, while the commissioners are Olasunkanmi Olaleye – Agriculture and Rural Development; Dotun Oyelade – Information and Williams Akin-funmilayo – Lands, Housing and Urban Development and Wasiu Olatunbosun – Commissioner for Culture and Tourism.

Others are Daud Sangodoyin – Public Works and Transport; Ademola Ojo – Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives; Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola – Environment; Akinola Ojo – Finance and Biodun Aikomo – Justice, Tunji Babatunde – Budget and Economic Planning; Seun Ashamu – Energy and Mineral Resources, Toyin Balogun– Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Adeniyi Adebisi – Establishment and Training, Segun Olayiwola – Local Government Chieftaincy Matters, Fausat Sanni – Special Duties and Abdulwaheed Soliu assigned as Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology.

The governor also swore in 13 permanent secretaries and administered oaths of allegiance and oath of office to them during the event.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, should be given full protection following a foiled attack by Boko Haram terrorists on his residence.

Felix Morka, the party’s national publicity secretary, said this in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to the foiled attacks on Mr Abubakar’s Yola residence and ABTI University by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

He called on the police and the State Security Service to investigate PDP’s allegation that the APC was responsible for the attack.

Mr Morka described the allegation as a vacuous and mindless campaign of calumny, saying as an old party, the PDP should not indulge in such.

“In continuation of its vacuous and mindless campaign of calumny, the PDP has alleged that suspected members of Boko Haram terrorist group, arrested by the police following their foiled plot to attack the residence of Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president and its presidential candidate, in Yola, were sponsored by the APC,” the statement said.

“Spewing lies and gibberish has become the PDP’s obsessive preoccupation following its crushing defeat in the last February 25 presidential election.”

It added,

“This bizarre and senseless allegation comes only days after the same badly ailing party alleged, without a shred of substantiation, that APC was engaged in a plot to intimidate members of the judiciary.”

The APC statement stressed that Mr Abubakar is a Nigerian and deserves the fullest protection of the law.

“Our law enforcement authorities must protect and investigate any threat to his person, family or assets and prosecute offenders. However, Atiku’s PDP cannot continue to peddle criminal blackmail and wicked falsehoods in the name of opposition politics, unrestrained and without accountability,” stated the ruling party.

“We call on the police, DSS and other relevant security services to investigate the PDP’s wild and bogus allegations, invite its leadership to substantiate these claims and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Governor Alex Otti’s government says an innovation park and a modular refinery will be established in Abia to accelerate economic development.

Information commissioner Okey Kanu stated that plans were underway to build the park and refinery.

Mr Kanu disclosed this during a news conference on the outcome of the State Executive Council at the Government House, Umuahia.He said the decision to embark on the project was informed by the resolve of Mr Otti to fulfil his campaign promises to the people of Abia.

The commissioner added that the initiative would provide an avenue for the Abia government to address the issue of youth unemployment.

“A lot of investors are showing strong interest to partner government to establish the innovation park. The park will house an incubation centre. Those involved in manufacturing, logistics, power, modular refinery will form part of this park,” the commissioner explained.

On payment of pensions, he said that the government was committed to resolving all hitches. Mr Kanu added that the Abia government was making efforts to ensure payment of 100 per cent pension to pensioners.

He, however, apologised to pensioners over the shortfall in the June payment and attributed the shortfall to the historical method adopted by the past administration.

Mr Kanu said the method was being reviewed to ensure that pensioners would be paid 100 per cent of their pension and, subsequently, their outstanding before the end of the year.

The commissioner for petroleum and mineral resources, Joel Ogbonna, said efforts were ongoing to rehabilitate the road leading to the Osisioma depot to make the facility functional and accessible to oil marketers.

Mr Ogbonna said that the Abia government was making efforts to effect repairs on the vandalised Port Harcourt-Osisioma pipeline damaged by suspected vandals.

He added that plans were underway to set up a modular refinery in Ukwa West through public-private partnership as part of the government’s efforts to address the high cost of petroleum products.

The Lagos Division of the Federal High Court has granted embattled CBN governor Godwin Emefiele N20 million bail.

On Tuesday, Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court admitted the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, to N20 million bail.

Mr Emefiele is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on possessing a single-barrel shotgun and possessing 123 rounds of live ammunition without licences.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.After his plea, defence counsel Joseph Daudu who led four other senior advocates informed the court of a bail application filed on behalf of the defendant.

But the prosecutor, N.B Jones, objected to the bail application on the ground that she was served with a copy of the application.

She informed the court that her office had been on the lookout for a possible bail application of the defendant but had seen none.In his ruling, Mr Oweibo agreed with the submission of the defence counsel on the ground that the offence for which the defendant is charged is bailable.

The court held that bail could only be denied where any circumstances set out in section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act are established, stressing that the prosecution did not provide such circumstances before the court.

The court, consequently, granted a N20 million bail to the defendant with one surety in like sum.

The court held that the surety must depose to an affidavit of means and have a landed property.

He asked that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending perfection of bail.

The judge adjourned the case until November 14 for trial.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has congratulated his Ondo State counterpart, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on the occasion of his 67th birthday.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Saturday, also congratulated the wife of Ondo State Governor, Betty Akeredolu, on her 70th birthday.

He commended Mr Akeredolu’s commitment and dedication to the service of the Ondo State people, as well as his great contribution and excellent leadership among the South-West governors.

The governor described Mr Akeredolu as a renowned legal icon, administrator and governor, who had made valuable impact in the lives of many people in Ondo State, South-West and Nigeria.

He said that Mr Akeredolu, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is an advocate of good governance, restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria.

Mr Sanwo-Olu wished Mr Akeredolu and his wife prosperous birthdays and prayed to God to grant them unending peace and good health, as they continue to render service to the people of Ondo State.

He also prayed for fast recovery for Mr Akeredolu, who is currently out of the country for medical treatment.”

On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on his 67th birthday. I also congratulate Ondo’s First Lady, Mrs Betty Akeredolu on her 70th birthday.”

Governor Akeredolu’s input in the growth and development trajectory of Ondo State, formerly as Attorney-General and now Governor, is a pragmatic testament to his visionary leadership,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He said that Akeredolu’s developmental strides in Ondo State and national growth were noticeable in different areas of endeavour.

According to him, Akeredolu has also provided courageous leadership in the South-West, to defend the people of the region on many occasions, especially on the issue of insecurity, restructuring, true federalism and good governance.”

Governor Akeredolu’s penchant for diligence is evident in his contributions toward the development of Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape, based on his profession as a lawyer and service as NBA President, before assuming his current position as Governor of Ondo State.”

I also praise Ondo First Lady, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, for being a pillar of support to Governor Akeredolu. She deserves to be celebrated for impacting many lives positively as First Lady of Ondo State.”

On this occasion of Governor Akeredolu’s 67th birthday and his wife’s 70th birthday, I wish them more years in good health and wisdom, as they continue to render more service to humanity, Ondo State, and Nigeria,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

The federal government on Friday charged states and local government councils to domesticate and implement the revised 2021-2026 National Gender Policy (NGP) for equity and welfare of vulnerable groups.

Monilola Udoh, the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, made the call at a dissemination and sensitisation workshop on the 2021/2026 revised NGP in Abuja.

She said:

“The overall goal of the 2021 NGP is to build a just society in which women, girls, and other vulnerable groups will enjoy the same opportunities, rights and obligations in all spheres of life.

“The policy will also protect women’s human rights and mitigate sexual and gender-based violence through appropriate buffers and related services.”

According to her, the NGP will explore and fully harness women’s human capital assets as a growth driver for national development through women’s economic empowerment, participation and representation in leadership and governance.

She, therefore, urged all gender officers represented to ensure the domestication and full implementation of the policy in their various states for overall impact and national development.

Beatrice Eyong, the Country Representative, UN Women, highlighted the importance of NGP towards setting the tone for meaningful engagements on issues around gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“UN Women has always been at the forefront of the development of the strategy; we feel very honoured to continue to be part of this,” she said.

Ms Eyong, represented by Patience Ekeoba, the national programme officer, UN Women, urged all development partners to continue supporting the review, dissemination and implementation of the policy at all levels.

Olabisi Aina, the executive director of the Centre for Gender, Women and Children in Sustainable Development and Lead of the 2006 Gender Policy stressed the need to mainstream gender equity in all sectors across the states.

“Unless we get all the processes right, we will not make it in terms of development, and this is the reason why the gender policy must be domesticated across all states of the federation,” he said.

Other partners present included the African Development Bank (AfDB), ActionAid, religious and traditional leaders, and women groups.

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has forwarded to the state’s assembly executive bills to establish three parastatals and amend revenue administration law.

This is contained in a statement on Friday by the chief press secretary to the governor, Ibrahim Kaula.

“The bills and amendments are in line with the governor’s unwavering commitment to advancing the state’s development and creating a conducive environment for growth and progress,” he said.

According to Mr Radda, the bills will proactively address security, development management, land administration and revenue generation issues.

He called on the assembly to give expeditious consideration to the proposed bills, in line with the aspirations of the state’s people for a brighter and more secure future.

The governor said the proposals have garnered widespread support from various stakeholders, including community leaders, industry experts and citizens.He explained that they recognised the positive impact of the initiatives on the state’s socio-economic landscape.

“The bills and amendments proposed include a bill to establish the Katsina Community Watch Corps, aimed to enhance the security and safety of communities across the state.

“The bill will allow the establishment of a vigilant and community-oriented watch corps that will collaborate with security agencies to bolster in combating crime, to ensure peace and stability in the state.

“And also a bill to establish the Katsina Development Management Board, which will focus on promoting efficient development planning and implementation.

“The board will play a critical role in coordinating developmental projects and initiatives, fostering collaboration between various stakeholders and ensuring optimal resource allocation for sustainable growth,” he said.

According to him, the third bill seeks to establish Katsina State Geographic Information System (KATGIS) to modernise land administration and facilitate investment in real estate.

The governor added that KATGIS would be established to introduce an efficient and digitised land information system that streamlines land ownership processes and encourages responsible land use.

He said the bill was to amend the Katsina State Revenue Administration (Codification and Consolidation 2021) to strengthen the financial framework of the state and ensure transparent and effective revenue administration.

“The bill seeks to enhance revenue collection systems, optimise tax compliance and improve accountability in financial matters,” said the governor.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Infrastructure Support Fund (ISF) for states as part of measures to cushion the effects of the petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians.

A statement by the president’s spokesman Dele Alake said the approval was disclosed at the monthly meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the new Fund would enable states to intervene and invest in the critical areas of transportation, including farm-to-market road improvements, agriculture, livestock, and ranching solutions.

Other areas are health, education, power and water resources to improve economic competitiveness, create jobs and deliver economic prosperity for Nigerians.

Mr Alake also mentioned that the committee resolved to save a portion of the monthly distributable proceeds to minimise the impact of the increased revenues occasioned by the subsidy removal and exchange rate unification-on money supply, as well as inflation and the exchange rate.

He said out of the June distributable revenue of N1.9 trillion, only N907 billion would be shared among the three tiers of government, while N790 billion would be saved, and the rest for statutory deductions.

He explained that these savings would complement the efforts of the ISF and other existing and planned fiscal measures aimed at ensuring a tangible improvement in the lives of Nigerians.

Mr Alake said the committee commended Mr Tinubu for the bold decision to remove the petrol subsidy and for supporting the states to cushion the effects of the removal.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has directed that states should develop a comprehensive social register for vulnerable people, the target beneficiaries of the government’s cash transfer programme.

Governor Charles Soludo disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the NEC meeting, chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mr Soludo said NEC resolved that the states should develop their own registers, using formal and informal means. He said that all beneficiaries at the subnational level could easily be identified that way.

“We need to face the problem of the fact that we don’t have a credible register,” stated the Anambra governor.

Mr Soludo affirmed that NEC also discussed ways to cushion the impact of the recent petroleum subsidy removal.

“The first question that was raised was in relation to cost of governance. I think it’s an omnibus concept, and it’s not something you sit down in a meeting to legislate for each and every state,” the governor explained.

“But the fact is that the council recognizes that this is an issue that each tier of government should now focus on as an area of concern.”

Mr Soludo added,

“Take the cost of running the state, the way we even live, so, some gave an example of a state governor going with about 20 vehicles in a convoy, and all these have to be fuelled.”

Governor Umaru Bago has directed the immediate sack of all revenue collectors contracted by the Niger state ministries, agencies and departments.

This is contained in a statement by Abubakar Usman, the secretary to the state government (SSG) in Minna, on Thursday.

He said the disengagement aimed to ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency in revenue enforcement and collection in Niger.”

The measure is part of the broader efforts by the present administration to ensure a more organised and accountable revenue generation system that will foster sustainable economic growth in the state,” Mr Bago said.

The governor directed the affected organisations to immediately return official vehicles and relevant documents to the permanent secretary or the most senior director in the respective MDAs.

The governorship election petitions tribunal in Sokoto has adjourned sitting until August 26 for the adoption of addresses in the petition challenging the election of Governor Ahmad Aliyu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tribunal chairman Haruna Mshelia adjourned the case after Mr Aliyu, Deputy Governor Idris Gobir, and APC closed their defence in the petition filed by Sa’idu Umar of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Mr Umar, the PDP candidate, presented 32 witnesses to prove his petition. He prayed the tribunal to nullify Mr Aliyu’s election and declare him the winner.

Earlier, the respondents’ counsel, Yusuf Ali and Wole Olanipekun, led the APC assistant secretary in Sokoto, Yakubu Maccido and presented the headmaster of Model Primary School Sabon Birni, Jamilu Yakubu in evidence.

Mr Yakubu testified that Mr Gobir attended his school and presented a school register admitted as an exhibit.

Mr Maccido testified that the election had complied with the requirements of law and prayed the tribunal to discuss the petition.

During cross-examination by the petitioner’s counsel, led by Garba Tetengi, some school documents were tendered through the headmaster, earlier admitted in exhibits.

After a series of arguments and presentations, Mr Mshelia ordered parties to file written addresses and adjourned to August 26 for the adoption of addresses as required by law.