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ICPC Commends National Productivity Centre for Embracing Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit
The Chairman, Independent corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has commended the Director-General of National Productivity Centre, Dr Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi for supporting the Anti- Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to fight corrupt practices in the Centre.
The Chairman, who was represented by the Director, System Study and Review, Mr Olusegun Oguntade, made this commendation at the annual sensitization programme organized by the Centre’s ACTU in Abuja, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. He was accompanied by NPC ACTU Desk Officer, Mrs Ajoke Ifejika and some other members of the Commission.
” I wish to commend the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre for the support he has been giving to the ACTU in the Centre”, he said.
Speaking on the role of ACTU as an in-house check mechanism for curbing corruption and building ethical public institutions, the chairman said:
“ACTU is an initiative of the Commission. It is the ICPC engagement platform for public sector organizations established to assist the ICPC in curbing corruption and establishing standards in Ministries, departments, and Agencies (MDAs)”.
Emphasizing the support of the management, he explained that “the support of the management is key to the successful operation of the unit.” He therefore requested more support from the management .
Earlier, while thanking the ICPC team for the sensitization and the good working relationship between the two agencies, Dr. Dan’ Agundi stated that his leadership has zero tolerance for corruption and all related practices, citing practical examples of his activities since taking over the helms of affairs of the Centre.
While expressing his appreciation to directors for their continuous support, and the staff for their adherence to the rules of engagement, he advised them to desist from doing anything that would undermine their integrity, tasking them to always do the right thing to avoid getting into trouble.
“Do not get yourself involved in anything that will make you not to speak with confidence when answering questions concerning your job”.
He, however, expressed confidence in the Centre’s transparency and accountability.
“Now that I’m in charge, I make sure
we do not cross any line.
“When I saw your letter requesting for information about projects, I sent them directly to the appropriate person and directed him to supply all the information needed because from what I know, they have done their job well, especially in the procurement process.
Being an Ambassador of EFCC, Dr Dan’ Agundi said he would not cross the line, recognizing that the activities of the Centre were being monitored.
“Your coming reminds us that we are being monitored, and this will prevent people from being tempted to do the wrong thing” he added.
The exercise aimed to promote transparency, integrity, and accountability in public service.
The NPC Anti Corruption & Transparency Unit (ACTU) sensitization exercise targeted all members of staff, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards in public administration. The goal was to enhance the understanding of anti-corruption measures, promote the fight against corruption, and encourage reporting of malpractices.
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, announced that she would not back out on her plan to return to her constituency for the Sallah break.
The senator also urged her supporters to disregard speculations making the round that she has cancelled her scheduled visit.
She disclosed this in a statement issued by her media team in the early hours of Tuesday.
The statement read, “We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central Senatorial District will proceed as planned.
“Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.”
While stating that she has a statutory function in her capacity as the lawmaker representing her constituents, the senator encouraged her supporters to troop out en masse to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her.
“As the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to engaging with her community and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation.
“Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.
“We would like to assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a successful and joyous event. We invite all members of the community to join us in marking this special occasion,” the statement added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s homecoming notification comes a few hours after the Kogi State Government banned rallies and public gatherings in the state over security reports.
The government also stopped fishing and other activities, lamenting that they resulted in the loss of two lives in Kasemiya, Katubo and Umozu Ette, all in Kogi Local Government Area in Kogi West.
In a statement issued on Monday, the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the move was to prevent any form of security breach that might destabilise the state.
Fanwo added that intelligence reports indicated that some persons were planning to “stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations” in Kogi Central.
The Nigerian electricity sector slowed in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with the electricity production index declining by 1.64% year-on-year (y-o-y).
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says this marks a reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).
Average estimated electricity generation rose by 2.34% to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024.
Similarly, electricity consumption saw a modest increase of 2.63%, reaching 4,105.66 MW/h from 4,000.24 MW/h in the preceding quarter.
This is as the Nigerian economy witnessed widespread expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with 21 out of 22 subsectors recording positive growth.
On a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) basis, however, the subsector showed signs of recovery, as the index rose by 22.50% compared to a significant decline of 49.46% in the previous quarter.
The broad-based economic expansion in Q4 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including improved business confidence, increased consumer spending, and enhanced performance in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
The government’s fiscal and monetary policies, aimed at stabilising inflation and boosting investment, also contributed to the positive momentum.
According to the CBN, the improvement was largely attributed to enhanced gas supply to thermal power stations and the continued implementation of the Siemens Power Project, which has positively impacted power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
Notably, the oil and gas sector benefited from relatively stable crude oil prices and improved domestic production, which provided a boost to overall economic output.
The data also stated that the non-oil sector, particularly fintech and digital services, also played a significant role in driving economic activities.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara speaking when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups in Port Harcourt.
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.
Urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constitutional authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, declared their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.
Alhaji Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.
He noted that unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.
Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for suspended Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.