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Federal Government Allocates N19.24bn For N-Power Training And Infrastructure Upgrades
The Federal Government has allocated a substantial sum of N19.24 billion for N-Power beneficiaries and important upgrades to the country’s infrastructure.
The decision was reached during the Federal Executive Council chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House in Abuja.
The allocation includes a provision for the training of 50,000 non-graduate N-Power beneficiaries.
These individuals will benefit from specialized training programs organized by four federal agencies, namely the National Institute of Transport Technology, Industrial Training Fund, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, and the Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute.
Also, a considerable portion of the allocated funds will be utilized for crucial infrastructure upgrades.
Specifically, the procurement of a taxiway lighting system is planned for the Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja airports.
This modernization effort aims to enhance safety and efficiency in air travel across the country.
The Federal Government has also recognized the importance of the Dadin Kowa 40MW power project in Gombe State.
To ensure its success, the approved funds will cover consultancy services. The independent consultant will oversee the project’s operations and income generation, playing a pivotal role in its development.
Additionally, a significant allocation of N1.3 billion has been set aside for the furnishing of a new 10-storey headquarters for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency in Victoria Island, Lagos.
This investment signifies the government’s commitment to providing a conducive and modern work environment for the agency’s operations, contributing to enhanced maritime safety and security.
The decision to allocate N19.24 billion also reflects the government’s recognition of the importance of education. With this in mind, the establishment of 37 new private universities nationwide has received approval.
This strategic move aims to expand access to higher education opportunities and meet the growing demand for quality tertiary education across the country.
Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the ruling party had a debt of N8.9 billion when he assumed office.
Ganduje took over from Abdullahi Adamu, who was the national chairman of the APC until his resignation in July 2023.
Speaking during the APC’s NEC meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the former Kano governor said the expenses were incurred during pre-election legal battles, election cases, and appeals for legislative, governorship, and presidential elections.
“The current NWC inherited debts and legal liabilities to the total tune of N8,987,874,663, arising from various legal engagements,” Ganduje said.
However, the APC chairman said Kareem Kana, the national legal adviser, has been working to reduce the debt burden.
“We still passionately appeal to the national executive committee to intervene accordingly,” he said.
Earlier today, the chairman said the party is making efforts to mend internal divisions and bring aggrieved members back into the fold.
Ganduje explained that the APC had initiated high-level discussions among party leaders and stakeholders to address lingering disagreements and strengthen party unity.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦1.38billion, $ 1 million and £34,537.59.
Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge
One of the counts read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Another count read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Lid to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with the intention of concealing that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, applied for a date for hearing as well as for the remand of the defendant in the correctional facility pending trial.
The defendant’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of a pending bail application. He asked for a short date for the hearing. Effiong also asked that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing of the application.
Aso objected to the request for the defendant to be remanded in the EFCC custody. He argued that the EFCC custody was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment. He urged the court to remand the defendant to the correctional facility since he had taken his plea.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 28 for bail hearing and April 14 for trial.
He also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional facility.
The wife of Niger East Senator, Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa 313, has been conferred with the prestigious title of “Yeye of Yorubas”, meaning “Lover of the Yorubas”, in recognition of her outstanding generosity and unwavering support for Yoruba cultural activities in Niger State.
The honorary title was bestowed upon her by the Kabeyesi of Niger State,(Sarkin Yarbawa of Minna )Alhaji Abdulrazak Abdulkarim (Iyayi), in appreciation of her continuous contributions to the Yoruba community within the state. The Yoruba Forum, a prominent socio-cultural group, formally presented the title to Hajiya Sa’adatu at her Abuja residence on Wednesday.
During the ceremony, members of the Yoruba Forum lauded her commitment to fostering unity and cultural inclusivity. They assured her of their unwavering support in promoting good governance and leadership, not only for the people of Niger East but for the state as a whole.
Speaking at the event, Senator Sani Musa 313, alongside his wife, expressed gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming their dedication to the Yoruba community and other ethnic groups in Niger State. The senator highlighted the importance of unity among Nigeria’s diverse cultures and pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote harmony and development.
The conferment of the “Yaye of Yorubas” title underscores Hajiya Sa’adatu’s significant role in bridging cultural divides and fostering peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups in the state. It also reflects the growing appreciation of individuals who contribute to the welfare and unity of Nigeria’s diverse communities.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, traditional leaders, and members of the Yoruba community, further solidifying the bond between the Yoruba people and the leadership of Senator Sani Musa.