…Presents First Year’s Scorecard

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed that his administration inherited 34 uncompleted projects, valued at over N225.279billion spread across 13 local government areas of the State.

The Governor also disclosed that under his watch, the Rivers State Government has awarded nine new road projects, valued at N534.332billion.

This is even as he described as vicious and existential in nature, the political crisis that was waged against his administration, barely three months after take off on May 29, 2023.

The Governor, however, said that the worst was over because his administration has successfully defended the rights and privileges to govern the State and advance its progress in liberty and freedom without compromise.

Governor Fubara said these while presenting an Account of Stewardship and Scorecard to mark One Year Anniversary of his administration at Dr Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The Governor said: “We started this journey with a bang. We were focused. We were determined to make the change we promised with a sense of urgency.

“But then, somehow, we suddenly found ourselves in the cesspit of crisis barely three months into our tenure. It was not just an ordinary political crisis. It was a vicious existential crisis.

“But thank goodness, the worst is over. We have successfully defended our rights and opportunity to govern our State and advance its progress in freedom, and we will continue to prevail.”

Governor Fubara stated that since then, a lot has changed in the political landscape, adding that he remains committed to the covenant taken a year ago to put Rivers State first, defend her interest, and ensure that the people get the dividends of democracy and good governance.

He said, “For us, any government worth its name must be accountable, responsive, and responsible for the security and well-being of the people.

“Having managed the affairs of our State for one year, including dispensing public resources, it is only proper that we render account with a public presentation of our performance record.

“I am, therefore, pleased to stand before you to present our Scorecard for the first year we have been in office as the Executive arm of the Government of Rivers State.”

Governor Fubara reflected on his promise to deliver on the core priorities of economic growth, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture, as contained in his Blueprint as a resolve to building a virile, resilient, and progressive State that caters to the needs of the people.

The Governor said, he was proud to report that, despite the unprecedented challenges, his first one year in office has witnessed significant achievements visible to everybody.

Governor Fubara particularly said that he inherited a State, whose economy was on a declining trajectory despite its growth potentials, but within one year of his administration, the negative narrative has changed for the better.

The Governor revealed that he set up an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)/Investment Advisory Committee that he chairs to coordinate activities in the sector that has increased inflow of economic investments to the State.

He said: “We also needed to attract investments into the State and increase our internally generated revenue base as too much reliance on federal allocations was a challenge to the realisation of our development goals.

“We, therefore, set up an IGR/Investment Advisory Committee, which is helping us to navigate our course for increased economic investments and internally generated revenue to accelerate economic growth, create jobs and advance the welfare and well-being of our people.”

Governor Fubara emphasised: “Our liberalised business-friendly economic policies and programmes are boosting confidence and attracting local and international investors and investments into the State, judging by the expression of interest offers we receive every month.

President Bola Tinubu made a notable appearance in the green chamber of the House of Representatives today, arriving at 12:31 pm for a joint session with the National Assembly to address the lawmakers and unveil plans for an upcoming 2024 Supplementary bill.

The session was attended by high-profile figures, including Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress; Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the governor of Borno State; former deputy Speaker Patricia Etteh, and other dignitaries. 

In his speech, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to focus on building a nation for future generations, highlighting the responsibility of the current administration to lay a solid foundation for prosperity and stability.

According to Vanguard, the President also said in his address that he would soon introduce the 2024 Supplemental Bill.

In addition to discussing future legislation, the session also served as a platform for the official flag-off of the new National Anthem, following President Tinubu’s assent to the bill.

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio mentioned that the President’s visit was to address the lawmakers and commission the National Assembly Library.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas clarified earlier misconceptions about the purpose of President Tinubu’s visit.

He apologized for the misinformation that was initially circulated, explaining that the President’s engagement was primarily to inaugurate the new National Anthem.

Briefing the lawmakers, he thanked them for their efforts in sustaining the nation’s democracy for over two decades.

He said, “Out of respect, I want to say thank you very much. This is the institution building the country. 

“Our friends, old and new, to every Nigerian, I say congratulations on 25 years of unbroken democracy.”

According to the President, the new National Assembly represent the diversity in the country.

He also commended the federal lawmakers for collaborating with the executive in building the nation, saying no foreign aid will be enough, and All Nigerians must work to make the nation for generations yet unborn.

Significant discussions and speeches were postponed to June 12, which is recognized as Democracy Day in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government is taking action to address the plight of Nigerian students facing potential deportation from Teesside University in the United Kingdom.

THE WHISTLER had reported protests held on May 22, by Nigerian students at Teesside University after university authorities issued them with deportation orders, citing alleged unpaid tuition fees.

A virtual meeting held on Sunday brought together Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chair/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), representatives from the Nigerian High Commission UK, the Nigerian Students Union UK, and the affected students themselves.

During the meeting, the affected students openly shared their experiences and expressed hope for a positive outcome.

The NIDCOM boss, urged the students to remain calm and avoid taking any actions that could violate the law. She also appealed to Teesside University to treat the students with fairness and consider their circumstances.

A delegation led by representatives from the Nigerian Embassy in the UK and the Nigerian Students’ Union UK will visit Teesside University management. The aim of this visit is to negotiate and advocate for the students facing deportation.

The Federal Government has lauded Governor Ademola Adeleke as the Osun State government relaunched the free school feeding programme for school pupils.

The FG noted that Osun is the only state with an ongoing school feeding programme out of the 36 states of the federation.

A statement by the spokesperson to Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed on Wednesday that the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, Dr Yetunde Adeniji, described the state government’s gesture as a rare show of love for the growth and development of the young ones.

“The SSA was speaking at the commencement of a pilot study ‘value for money’ of which Osun was selected for its passion and high standard in the running of the school feeding programme.

“Governor Adeleke has meanwhile re-launched the programme on a new note, reaffirming his belief that the young ones deserve all the support for orderly transition to youth rank.

“The O-Meal programme is ongoing even with more features. I am proud my state stands out among the 36 states on the O-Meal programme.

“I call on the opposition to at least see this new reality. We should put politics aside and commend this programme which benefits all pupils irrespective of political affiliations.

“Our administration equally reassures the Federal Government and the mandate ministry that Osun will continue to implement the programme under very high standard,” he said.

The Federal Government has appealed to organized labour to be considerate and patriotic with their demands in the ongoing negotiation for a new national minimum wage.

The FG appealed through the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Olajide Oshundun, on Wednesday in Abuja.

During the Tripartite Committee on the Minimum Wage negotiation meeting on Tuesday, the Federal Government offered Labour N60,000 as the new minimum wage for workers.

However, Organized Labour rejected the offer and presented N494 000 as the new national minimum wage for workers in the country.

Reacting, Onyejeocha said the federal government had consistently taken steps to secure a fair and realistic wage for Nigerian workers.

The minister urged labour to recognize that the nation’s economy was still recovering from the devastating effects of the pandemic and other economic distress.

Onyejeocha added that the government recognized that Nigerians’ economic challenges were complex and multifaceted and called for the collective effort of all stakeholders to overcome them.

The statement read, “We appeal to organized labour and other relevant stakeholders to be considerate and patriotic in their demands, recognizing that our economy is still recovering from the devastating effects of the pandemic and other global economic shocks.

“We are committed to putting the people first and ensuring that our economic policies benefit all Nigerians, not just a select few.

“The government remains dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of our citizens, and it wants to urge all relevant parties to demonstrate patriotism and understanding.

“This is particularly during this critical period when the President, Bola Tinubu, is working diligently to revitalize the economy.” 

The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to look into the circumstances that led to the recent sacking of about 600 staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance moved by the member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, Mr Jonathan Gbefwi, on the floor during plenary on Wednesday.

Recall that the apex bank last week anchored its decision to lay off some of its staff members on the need to reposition the bank for effective operation.

Addressing the House, Gbefwi noted that the CBN as part of an extensive reform, has been downsizing the workforce “Which has affected close to 600 employees including directors and nearly all staff members in the Governor’s Directorate being terminated.”

According to him, the recent downsizing by the apex bank has raised significant concerns and controversies among stakeholders, including the affected employees, labour unions, and the general public.

He lamented that those affected by the CBN’s action are top-notch professionals whose skills may be lost to Europe and America, thus, leaving the country short-changed.

He said, “We are worried that these retrenchments, without any sort of fair hearings or panels, could cause the nation a lot in settlements. 

“A director’s tenure according to the civil service rules is two terms of four years or 60 years of service, whichever comes first. This makes them like permanent secretaries. The capacity being thrown away be easily replaced?

“The House is worried about staff morale and progression. People choose careers in civil service so that they can end careers like their superiors and mentors who trained them. Seeing their bosses being treated with disregard and like criminals will send a message that professionalism is not rewarded, as well as, meritorious service to our great nation Nigeria.”

Following the adoption of the motion, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu who presided over plenary, mandated the Committees on Banking Regulations and Federal Character to look into the CBN reforms which led to the downsizing of staff members and report to the house within four weeks.

Foreign exchange turnover increased by 81.59 per cent to $328 million as the Naira maintained its N1339.33 per dollar appreciation mark against the Dollar at the official forex market.

FMDQ data showed that FX transactions turnover rose to $328.32 million at the close of trading on Tuesday from $180.80 million the previous day.

The development signaled renewed activity and demand in the foreign currency market.

Meanwhile, at the parallel market section, the Naira appreciated to N1500 per dollar on Tuesday from N1520 the previous day.

Experts have attributed the Naira’s strengthening against other currencies to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s intervention in the foreign exchange market.

CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso in its 295th Monetary Policy Committee blamed the persistent FX crisis on seasonal fluctuations.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje has said most of the challenges President Bola Tinubu is facing were inherited from the previous administration.

Ganduje urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu as he addresses the challenges confronting them, ranging from the economy to insecurity.

He spoke in Abuja at the presentation of a book, “The 365 Days of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidency: Resetting the Strategic Foundation for a New Nigeria’.

The APC National Chairman pointed out that Tinubu’s hard decisions which had led to the fall of the naira and high prices of foodstuffs were beginning to yield the desired result.

According to Ganduje: “I want to urge Nigerians to show patience and understanding in this administration’s efforts to address some of these challenges ranging from economy, security, and other ones. This I believe has been highlighted by the authors in the book.

“The pronouncement of Emilokan (it is my turn) was made in my presence in Ogun State. I feel highly honoured to chair this book presentation to mark Tinubu’s one year in office. Let me also use the occasion to congratulate Mr President and all Nigerians on this occasion of the 365 days of this golden administration.

“There is no doubt that since his assumption to office, Mr President has faced so many challenges, many of which are global. Some are inherited. But there has been some progress.”

Nigerian iconic table tennis star, Quadri Aruna has reclaimed his spot as the number one table tennis player in Africa.

Recall that Quadri Aruna had a difficult first quarter of the year which forced him to lose the first spot on the continent for two months.

According to the latest ITTF rankings released by the world table tennis ruling body on Tuesday, May 28, Aruna is currently the 17th-ranked table tennis player in the world, and first-ranked in Africa.

The 35-year-old table-tennis icon displaced Omar Assar of Egypt who has now dropped to the second spot in Africa and 22nd spot in the world.

Recall that Assar took the first spot and remained there for two months after winning the 2024 African Games in Ghana.

The Egyptian lost points after the expiration of the quarter-final points he earned at the Durban 2023 World Championships in South Africa.

Egypt’s Mohamed El-Beiali is the third-best player in Africa and he is ranked 49th in the world after losing 4-0 to Quadri Aruna at the 2024 ITTF Africa Cup.

For women’s table tennis, Dina Meshref from Egypt remains the highest-ranked African player according to the latest ranking of the ITTF. She is ranked 24 in the world.

She is closely followed on the continent by her countrywoman, Hana Goda who is currently ranked 31st in the world.

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have failed to qualify for the U-17 Nations Cup despite beating Ghana 3-2 to win the bronze medal at the WAFU B tournament, which serves as the qualifiers for the competition.

Imrana Muhammad opened the scoring for Nigeria in the ninth minute following a goal mouth scramble.

Ghana restored parity when a Golden Eaglets defender diverted the ball into his own net.

Ghana took the lead for the first time in the game in the 27th minute when Harve Gbafa profited from a defensive blunder to beat goalkeeper Dominic Chinedu in goal for Nigeria.

Adeleke brought Nigeria back into the game before scoring a last minute winner to hand the Golden Eaglets a deserved 3-2 win.

The Confederation of African Football has clarified that next year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations will still have 12 finalists in attendance, as against the minimum of 16 teams being projected by African football enthusiasts.

This means that despite defeating host nation Ghana in Tuesday’s third-place match of the WAFU B U17 Championship, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have not qualified for the finals.

CAF’s Director of Competitions, Samson Adamu confirmed that the final competition will have 12 teams and not 16, meaning the Golden Eaglets will miss out on the U-17 Nations Cup and ultimately the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

He said: “The final tournament will still have 12 teams.”

Expectations had been high among African football aficionados that the 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations would be expanded, following FIFA’s allocation, at its Congress in Bangkok, penultimate week, of 10 slots to the continent for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup that Qatar has been designated to host.

Qatar will host five consecutive FIFA U17 World Cup finals beginning next year, each having 48 teams in attendance.