News From Nigeria
. Fubara: Julius Berger has exceptional standards
Managing Director of top notch engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr, Peer Lubasch has reiterated that the company has always have shared commitment with the government and people of Rivbers state, stating emphatically that it has to do with reference to the progress and development of the state.
He spoke at the flag off of the reconstruction of the Buguma-Abalama-Tema-Degema-Abonema road last week even as the the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara declared his trust on Julius Berger to deliver quality job on schedule.
According to Lubasch, we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and the privilege to contribute to improve to your administration’s ambitious developmental initiatives which continue to improve the lives of the good people of Rivers state, adding that this event marks another milestone in our shared commitment to progress and development.
Lubasch said further that over the years, Julius Berger has built a reputation for excellence and reliability in delivering high-quality projects on schedule across the country, and Rivers state inclusive. We assure yiou that this project will uphold the same exceptional standards Julius Berger has come to be known for.
The significant project was awarded to Julius Berger in August with a completion period of 15 months
The project, which is worth N30.4 billion will connect nine separate communities in Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas in Kalabari Kingdom.
“This project is a 19.7km long road. It is awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited at the cost of N30.4billion. We have already paid 30 per cent of this project cost, even at the hit of our trouble when our allocation was withheld. We paid N9.1 billion for you to understand how we feel and how we value the Kalabari people. The contractor has assured us, that it will do a good job, and I believe that before the 15 months are over, life will be different here.
Continuing, Fubara said, we know Julius Berger very well. We know their ability and their good quality. And they have never disappointed us. So, we are not afraid to award them this project.
On the importance of the road Fubara said, the recurring issues of criminality along the bad section of the road will be a thing of the past, and maybe, other development will also come into your kingdom. even as he called for the cooperation of the communities with Julius Berger for a quality and timely delivery.
The former Attorney General of Nigeria who performed the flagging off ceremony, Odein Ajumogobia, Julius Berger is the right company for the job given the bad state of the road.
Abonema was a very active seaport. My father used to tell me as a boy how he used to see huge ships coming to the Abonema Ports. So, transportation and connectivity were at the heart of development. But generations of neglect have brought us to this point. And it is you, Your Excellency, that is restarting the process of development to bring us to where we should be. And we thank Julius Berger for its commitment and assurance to do a good job for us.
Team Julius Berger at the historic event alongside the Managing Director included, Regional Manager, Region South South, Friedrich Wieser, Project Manager, Drodowski Finn and Project Coordinator, Chief Sam Ngbor.
The Alema of Warri, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Monday applauded the Senator Representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her large contributions to humanity
‘’The Ohi Ógu of Ebiraland, Chief Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, is a pillar and special gift to the family and Nigeria’’ the Alema of Warri said.
In a statement Monday in Abigborodo, the Warri High Chief commended the Ohi Ógu of Ebiraland for rendering invaluable service to the North Central geo-political zone.
‘’As a wife, mother and confidant, you have been a friend, adviser and lover’’
The successful and highly respected industrialist also praised the Senator Representing Kogi Central for her strong commitment to the pursuit of realistic, attainable goals.
‘’On this special occasion of your 45th birthday, I pray that the Almighty God will increase you in strength and wisdom’’
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi State Chapter described Akpoti-Uduaghan as an icon of humility, selfless service and patriotism.
A statement signed by the State Chairman, Hon Enemona Anyebe, State Secretary, Sunday Olufemi and State Organizing Secretary, Hon Abduladir Ibrahim praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for turning around the state’s fortunes through people oriented, socio-economic development schemes.
‘’Your contributions to Senate debates are laced with nationalistic opinions. You have taken the initiative in facilitating projects to Kogi State, building educational capacity amongst the disadvantaged in Kogi Central Senatorial District through scholarship programmes and other support for youths and women. Certainly, you are a blessing to our party’’
Similarly, Kogi Central Stakeholders praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for her good works and leadership
‘’Your emergence as the First Female Senator in Kogi State is a remarkable feat and confirmation of your admirable leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District’’
A statement signed by Patrick Adaba, Phillip Salau, Moses Okino, Abdulmalik Abduraheem, Senator Ahmed Ogembe, Hon Bode Ogunmola, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya Karaku, Alhaji Adomu Etudaiye, Engineer Samuel Uhotu and Abdulraheem Badamasuiy described Akpoti-Uduaghan as ‘’the pride of Ebiraland.
Nasarawa State PDP governorship candidate in 2019 and 2023, Rt Hon David Emmanuel Ombugadu praised Akpoti Uduaghan for championing development and empowerment in Kogi Central and beyond.
He also applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for her for uplifting her constituents and fighting for equity and progress.
‘’May this new year bring you abundant joy, wisdom and strength to continue your exceptional service to humanity’’
A major construction company in Nigeria, Webster Global Ventures, applauded Akpoti-Uduaghan for her dedication and outstanding commitment in service.
A statement by the Managing Director of Webster Global Ventures Limited, Architect Adara Opeoluwa praised the senator’s commitment to justice, equity and the empowerment of the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
‘’As a devoted wife, mother and leader, your remarkable strength, compassion and generosity of spirit have touched the lives of many. Your tireless efforts to uplifting and transforming your community from education and healthcare to infrastructure development and economic empowerment are a testament to your visionary leadership’’
The Itsekiri Nation also described Akpoti-Uduaghan as a good mother and dutiful wife.
According to the leadership of Abigborodo Community in Warri North ‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is an outstanding Nigerian in many respects who has touched many lives in a very positive manner’’
‘’Your beauty, submissive personality, exceptional leadership and people-oriented programmes continue to excite all’’
The Alema of Warri, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Monday described the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, as ‘’a great source of joy and inspiration to all’’
Uduaghan in a congratulatory message on Akpabio’s 62nd birthday commended the Senate President for contributing immensely to the development of Nigeria, assisting the nation in achieving unparalleled results in terms of economic growth and rebuilding the trust reposed in Nigeria by countries and international organizations.
‘’On behalf of my humble self and family, I wish to heartily congratulate my dear brother and our visionary Senate President, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio GCON CON on the occasion of his birthday’’
The statement emphasized disciplined leadership, vision, efficiency, transparency, doggedness and commitment to the tested tenets of good governance.
‘’Congratulations on this very important occasion and may God continue to grant you the wisdom to handle the affairs of the Senate’’.
His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe was on Saturday praised for his visionary, exemplary, inspiring and transformational leadership.
‘’His Royal Majesty is quite amazing and still doing a wonderful job at 78’’
He was also commended for serving the Okpe people with respect and love, protecting the rights of every family and changing the face of Okpe Kingdom.
In a statement issued in Sapele on the occasion of his 78th birthday, the family of Ebireri showered encomiums on the monarch’s unassuming nature, his fatherly disposition and his knack for perfection.
The notable Niger Delta family applauded the Okpe monarch for his wonderful and impressive contributions to the Nigerian State.
‘’His Royal Majesty has contributed significantly to the growth and development of Africa. He has demonstrated eloquently that there is nothing as good as a monarch writing his name in gold in the hearts of his people by keeping faith with them’’
The statement signed by Renowned Journalist, Henry Ebireri, praised His Royal Majesty to high heavens.
‘’His Royal Majesty, Orhue, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom is an accomplished Nigerian and a firm believer in Okpe and development’’ the family of distinguished bright minds said..
The statement emphasized the good works His Royal Majesty is doing in the Niger Delta region, sheer intelligence, courage and determination.
“It’s a proud moment for our family and the good people of Ugbeku and Igbimidaka,” the statement said.
“We wish His Royal Majesty a very special 78th birthday, many more years of peace, joy, good health and achievements” the statement added.
Lagos politician, Olanrewaju Bashir Oshodi will on Saturday, December 7, 2024, begin free medical outreach for residents of Surulere.
‘’BLO in conjunction with Havana Specialist Hospital free medical outreach is aimed at improving life expectancy, complementing the efforts of the Lagos State Government in improving the health sector and enhancing healthcare access in Surulere’’.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in a statement on Tuesday said the free medical outreach will start from 10:00 am at Samshonibare Park, Surulere.
’The free medical outreach is aimed at helping Surulere residents to understand their health status and to offer free doctors consultations.
He listed free physiotherapy consultations, stretching courses for chronic pain, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound scans and subsidized blood tests for PSA, full blood count, genotype and malaria.
’’The Challenge Initiative (TCI) will train residents on family planning.
He also listed medications for conditions like hypertension, diabetes and malaria.
‘’ ‘There will be free temperature, blood pressure, weight, height, BMI and blood sugar checks. There will also be free counselling for various health issues including hypertension and diabetes.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has been commended for promoting the well-being of the people and keeping Delta State strong.
“Delta State is moving at blazing speed with a big appetite for growth”
He was also praised for the improvements in infrastructure, security, education, economic development and healthcare.
The commendation came from a notable family in the Niger Delta region.
A statement on Tuesday by the highly respected Ebireri Family described Governor Oborevwori as the best thing happening in Delta State.
The statement expressed delight and satisfaction with the high degree of determination so far exhibited by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The Niger Delta giant family praised Oborevwori for his profound understanding of issues, vision of a greater Delta State and concern for excellence.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a man of integrity, wisdom, courage and discipline. His goal is to make sure Delta State is safe, prosperous and respected.
The statement signed by the Family’s Chief Political Mobilizer, Mr Darlington Ebireri, applauded Oborevwori for putting into place some of the best policies and programmes for the development of the state.
It described Oborevwori’s MORE agenda as “a realisable and practicable solution to the challenges facing the oil rich state.
On the issue of appointing highly gifted persons, the family praised Oborevwori for considering a thoroughly decent man, Mr Sunday Ebireri, for the job of Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission.
“We have a tested, wise, strong, courageous, steady hand on the throttle. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has a firm hand on the controls”
The statement emphasised Sunday Ebireri’s leadership style, temperament, intellect and wisdom.
“Mr Sunday Ebireri is down-to-earth, engaging and approachable. He possesses the right temperament for the job”
It also praised Sunday Ebireri for keeping the family strong, grounded and committed to one another.
“As we celebrate your appointment, we are confident that those values which encouraged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to appoint you as the Chairman of the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission will be maintained and even exceeded. We pray to God to give you the strength to work diligently with others in repositioning the Commission’
Particularly, the statement praised voters in Delta State for making the right choice in 2023
”Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has come to work, serve and make Delta State great”
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday said the State is ready to partner with Bulgaria in agriculture, food security, commerce and other critical areas for the benefit of the citizens.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Nigeria, Mr Yanko V. Yordanov, at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
The Governor said Lagos, a former capital of Nigeria, has a long history with Bulgaria, and the State Government will advance conversation to improve the mutually beneficial relationship.
“We know that agriculture and food security are very critical to every country right now. We have seen a lot of global disruption; there have been a lot of logistic nightmares in Europe and other parts of the world. So, we all need to be able to think outside of the box on how we can efficiently utilise our input and expected output from our food security initiatives.
“We have a massive logistics hub that we are building that we believe will help to safely keep Lagos on the map of regions and cities that are not just paying lip service to food security. Let us see how we can further develop the partnership between Bulgaria and Lagos on agriculture,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who expressed his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling business environment and ease of business for any country willing to invest in Lagos State, said the State Government is ready to advance conversation in business, trade and investment.
He also promised to support the Nigerian-Bulgarian Business Council when it becomes fully operational. “The Nigerian-Bulgarian Business Council is long overdue, and it is something that we will love to support and encourage whenever that Council is given life. We will always want to support and encourage such a business council.
“There are things we can develop further. I am hoping that your tenure and time as the Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria will further deepen the relationship between the two countries, and it will grow on a mutually beneficial basis,” the Governor said.
Speaking earlier, the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Nigeria, Mr. Yanko V. Yordanov, said his country is interested in engaging and seeking partnership with Lagos for more cooperation, noting that Bulgaria is willing to partner with Lagos on agriculture and food security.
He said Bulgaria, which already had a good relationship with Lagos State, is willing to deepen investments in trade and development, football, aviation, cosmetics, and many other projects.
“We are making very good progress in establishing the Nigerian-Bulgarian Business Council that would be headed by a renowned Lagosian, and there would be a reciprocal organisation in Bulgaria, which will be the Nigerian-Bulgarian Business Council. We can also focus further on agriculture and security. We are interested in establishing bigger cooperation with Lagos State,” he said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
03 DECEMBER 2024
OVER 2,000 STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM LAGOS TECHNICAL COLLEGES
In line with the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to education and technology, over 2,000 students from the five Government Technical Colleges in Lagos State on Monday graduated as skilled professionals at the Year 2024 Graduation of Technical College students.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony coordinated by the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), held at De-Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reiterated his administration’s commitment to more collaboration with captains of industries, private sectors and artisans to create employment opportunities for students who acquired skills from LASTVEB.
Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the graduates to look beyond the present challenges and strive for excellence using the skills garnered to compete favourably with their global counterparts in various vocational skills.
He said, “Today, we celebrate not just the academic and technical achievements of over 2,000 graduates but also the remarkable potential they represent for the future of Lagos State and Nigeria.
“The significance of technical and vocational education cannot be overstated. Institutions like LASTVEB equip young people with practical, industry-relevant skills that meet the demands of an evolving economy. Across trades such as engineering, construction, ICT, business, and the creative arts, our graduates have acquired the tools not just to participate in the workforce but to transform it through innovation and dedication.
“This achievement aligns perfectly with our administration’s commitment under the Education and Technology pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda. By investing in the skills and capabilities of our youth, we are building the foundation for a prosperous, inclusive, and self-reliant society.
“Beyond these individual accomplishments, technical and vocational education drives community development, reduces unemployment, and ensures our graduates are competitive globally. For instance, technical education has been shown to increase graduation rates, improve employability, and foster entrepreneurship. Many of our graduates today will step into the world as job creators, while others will fill critical roles in high-demand industries, bolstering Lagos State’s economic standing both nationally and internationally.
“This event also underscores the importance of collaboration between government, industries, and educational institutions. Through our partnerships, we have been able to ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with current industry standards and that our students receive hands-on, experiential learning.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while congratulating the graduating students, urged them to use their skills for societal transformation.
He said, “As you step into the next phase of your lives, remember that your skills are powerful tools—not only for personal success but for societal transformation.
“I congratulate all our graduates and thank the management and staff of LASTVEB, parents, and stakeholders for their tireless contributions to this achievement. Together, we are shaping a future where technical education is celebrated and valued as a cornerstone of sustainable development.”
Speaking earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, urged the graduating students to think deeply, aim higher and strive for excellence in their career path and help in stimulating the economic growth of the country, noting that no nation develops without an adequate and robust technical education for advancement of skills, knowledge development.
“I know that turning your dreams into reality is not always easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It demands that you be focused, disciplined, and committed to your goals. It necessitates that you be willing to take risks, to face your fears and overcome them, and to push beyond your comfort zones.
“Our ever-dedicated, amiable Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has created leverage through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Ministry of Wealth Creation to further empower you to greater heights in your career path. So that you can fit into the labour market, be self-employed, and eventually become employers of labour,” the commissioner said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), Ms. Moronke Azeez, noted that Sanwo-olu’s administration is tackling unemployment challenges through different initiatives, producing skilled technicians for technical development to create more employment for youths and make them self-reliant.
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Miss Daniella Okpako, thanked Lagos State Government for its unwavering commitment in advancing technical education in the State and advocated scholarship for deserving students to further their education and build on the skills acquired.
During the event, David Uchendu, who majored in Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice from Government Technical College, Ikotun, emerged as Best Overall, while Daniel Salami from Government Technical College, Agidingbi, who studied Instrument Mechanic Works emerged as Best in Innovation.
Ifeoma Abalogun, from Government Technical College, Epe, who majored in Painting and Decoration, and Daniel Okpako, who studied Blocklaying, Bricklaying and Concreting from Government Technical College, Ikotun, were also honoured as Best Female in Construction.
Benedict Wisdom (Electrical Installation and Maintenance Works), Oluwapelumi Adedeji (Garment Making), Babatunde Boyejo (Electrical Installation and Maintenance Works), Moyosore Odofin (Instrument Mechanic Works), and Grace Arebisola (Garment Making) were also recognised as Best Students from the five Government Technical Colleges in Ado-Soba, Agidingbi, Epe, Ikorodu and Ikotun respectively.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
02 DECEMBER 2024
PRESS RELEASE
LSSTF POSTPONES TOWN HALL MEETING ON SECURITY WITH GOVERNOR TO DECEMBER 18
Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) on Monday announced the postponement of the “Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor” initially slated for Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island.
The Fund, in a statement signed by its Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, to announce the postponement of the meeting, said the new date for the event is December 18, 2024.
Balogun said the event, which is expected to be attended by Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, heads of security agencies, and critical stakeholders, among others, will now be held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, by 11 am prompt.
The Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor is an annual event where the Lagos State Security Trust Fund gives an account of its stewardship in the last one year.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu “to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly probe allegations that over N57 billion of public funds are missing, diverted or stolen from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021 alone.”
SERAP said, “hundreds of billions of naira are also reportedly missing in other ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs].”
These damning revelations are documented in the 2021 audited report released last week by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
SERAP said, “Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
SERAP urged him to “use any recovered stolen funds to fund the deficit in the 2025 budget, and to issue an immediate moratorium on borrowing by the Federal Government to ease Nigeria’s crippling debt crisis.”
In the letter dated 23 November 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The allegations amount to stealing from the poor. There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations.”
According to SERAP, “The allegations also suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anticorruption legislation and international anticorruption obligations.”
The letter, read in part: “Poor Nigerians have continued to pay the price for the widespread and grand corruption in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviations and other ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs].”
“According to the 2021 annual audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, [the Ministry] in 2021 failed to account for over N54 billion [N54,630,000,000.00] meant to pay monthly stipends to Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and non-graduate trainees between August and December 2021.”
“The money was ‘not directly paid to the beneficiaries.’”
“The Auditor-General is concerned that the money ‘may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. He also wants suspected perpetrators of the diversion to be sanctioned in line with the Financial Regulations.”
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for over N2.6 billion [N2,617,090,786.00] of public funds meant for the ‘home grown school feeding programme during Covid-19’, as ‘the programme was never executed.’”
“The money was allegedly paid to five contractors to ‘procure, package and distribute Covid-19 palliatives to Kano, Zamfara and Abia states,’” but without any trace.
“The Auditor-General fears the money ‘may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Ministry also reportedly spent over N78 million [N78,373,909.74] to ‘carry out a survey on the Ministry’s Covid-19 response to states and vulnerable groups’ but without any approval or document.”
“The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing or have ended up in the pockets of ‘incompetent contractors’. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for N39.5 million [M39,500,000.00] ‘personal donations to different personalities’. The money ‘was paid directly to the minister as reimbursement’.”
“The Auditor-General fears the ‘money may have been diverted’, resulting in ‘the loss of public funds.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for N400 million [N400,000,000.00] meant to pay ‘stipends to 4450 independent monitors for October, November and December 2021.’”
“The Auditor-General fears the money ‘may have been diverted’. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Ministry also reportedly paid over N287 million [287,628,300.00] contractors ‘without any document and justification.’ The Auditor-General fears the money ‘may have been diverted’ and wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“These allegations by the Auditor-General are different from the allegedly missing or unaccounted for N729 billion which is the subject-matter of the judgment by Justice Deinde Dipeolu.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The country’s wealth ought to be used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people, and for the sake of the present and future generations.”
“These allegations can promptly be investigated and suspected perpetrators named and shamed. Taking these steps would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition.”
“Prosecuting the allegations, and recovering any missing public funds would improve the chances of success of your government’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption and end the impunity of perpetrators.”
“SERAP urges you to address the widespread and systemic corruption in ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs], as documented by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, including in the 2021 audited report and previous reports.”
“Tackling corruption in MDAs would go a long way in addressing the budget deficit and debt problems.”
“SERAP urges you to immediately enforce the judgment by Hon. Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, ordering your government to release the spending details of N729 billion by Mrs Sadia Umar-Farouk, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development.”
“Investigating the allegations and naming and shaming and prosecuting those suspected to be responsible for the missing public funds and recovering the funds would end the impunity of perpetrators.”
“SERAP notes that the consequences of corruption are felt by citizens on a daily basis. Corruption exposes them to additional costs to pay for health, education and administrative services.”
“SERAP notes that the Senate and the House of Representatives recently approved a $2.2 billion loan request from your government. The loan, equivalent to N1.767 trillion, would be part of the funds used to finance the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget.”
“According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), the national debt increased from ₦97.34 trillion in December 2023 to ₦121.67 trillion in March, partly due to exchange rate fluctuations.”
“The total domestic debt stands at ₦65.65 trillion (46.29 billion dollars), while the total external debt is ₦56.02 trillion (42.12 billion dollars) as at June 2024.”
“A moratorium on borrowing would create a temporary debt standstill, and free up fiscal space for investment in Nigerians’ needs.”
“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”
“Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’
“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”
“The UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party obligate your government to effectively prevent and investigate the plundering of the country’s wealth and hold public officials to account for any violations.”
“Specifically, article 26 of the UN convention requires your government to ensure ‘effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions’ including criminal and non-criminal sanctions, in cases of grand corruption.”
“Article 26 complements the more general requirement of article 30, paragraph 1, that sanctions must take into account the gravity of the corruption allegations.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
24/11/2024
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
The stage is set for the biggest gathering of local and international entertainers in Lagos.
December 13-14, the National Theatre will play host to high-ranking personalities. The country’s commercial nerve centre is expected to have a rendezvous with history.
“The National Theatre Festival of Unity will begin on Friday, December 13, 2024, in Lagos” a statement by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Yunusa Mohammed said.
The statement issued in Lagos on Friday said the National Theatre had proved itself a force for the promotion of unity in diversity.
“The National Theatre Festival of Unity is to foster better understanding among the people with a view to evolving improved unity in the country”
The statement said rebranding boundless opportunities: a new era of unity and inclusivity, which is the theme of the annual event, had “become the dominant reality of our age”
Top government functionaries in Nigeria, business moguls and members of the diplomatic community will look forward to the cultural parade representing Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Tagged NATFU 2024, this year’s festival, according to the Chairman of the Planning Committee, promises to be the most spectacular.
“It will feature exciting performances and special appearances by theatre heavyweights.  Industry stakeholders from theatre, music, film and art sectors will discuss how cultural rebranding can drive inclusivity, economic growth and innovation”
The statement listed short film screening and roundtable aimed at solving pressing societal issues, driving positive change in Nigeria and growing young people.
It also listed a live concert featuring an array of emerging and established artists from around the world as a key programme.
“All eyes will be in the direction of Nigeria’s greatest stars and young performers as they showcase their talents in music, spoken word, dance and theatre”
Mr Yunusa Mohammed
Chairman, Planning Committee
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