FG to begin enrolment of the third batch of N-Power next week Friday

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has said that it will commence the enrolment of the third batch of N-Power beneficiaries next week.
According to the ministry, the decision to enrol the third batch of the scheme was made following consultations and a review of the submissions on the reform of the programme for greater efficiency.
It also explained that the enrolment will provide opportunities for more Nigerian youths to access the programme, in furtherance of the President’s vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.
The ministry said the current enrollees of the scheme (Batch A) will exit June 30, 2020 while (Batch B) will exit the programme on July 31, 2020.
This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Friday by the Deputy Director Information of the ministry, Rhoda Iliya.
According to the Minister, Sadiya Farouq, “We have commenced the transitioning of beneficiaries from Batches A and B into government entrepreneurship schemes and engaging private sector bodies to absorb some of the beneficiaries after the completion of psychometric assessment to determine competency and placement into various opportunities.
“The Federal government is committed to the continuation and expansion and as such will now begin enrolment and onboarding of a new Batch of beneficiaries. Skills acquisition for entrepreneurship and job creation are critical for an economy that will require a boost post-COVID-19 and we are gearing up proactively for the challenge.”
On the mode of application, the ministry said: “Applications will be conducted using a hybrid system of enrolment to ensure that all Nigerians are given an opportunity to participate. As a Ministry that caters for the vulnerable, we will also make special considerations for Persons living with disabilities.
“The online portal would be open to receive applications from noon on June 26, 2020 and will provide a level playing field for all applicants.
“As part of the Ministry’s reforms to make the programme more efficient, all applicants must supply their Bank Verification Number (BVN) in their application to ensure a streamlined and transparent selection process.”
The ministry further explained that once applications are submitted, it will review submissions and publish a list of successful applicants.
It also stated that comprehensive details for the new batch will be announced in the coming weeks.
It however noted that past beneficiaries will not be eligible to participate in the application process.
The N-Power Programme was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) with the mandate of lifting citizens out of poverty through capacity building, investment, and direct support.
The programme has enrolled 500,000 beneficiaries so far with 200,000 from Batch A which started in September 2016 and 300,000 from Batch B which kicked off in August 2018.
The beneficiaries were supposed to spend not less than 24 months on the programme and were spread across the key industries targeted by the programme; agriculture, health, education, and tax.

Governor Obaseki officially joins PDP – Newsjaunts

The much-awaited day finally came as Governor Godwin Obaseki formally joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after his recent resignation from the All Progressives Congress.
He was received by the leadership of the party led by the state Chairman of the PDP, Hon Tony Aziegbemi.
He  arrived the state Secretariat of the PDP along 1st East Circular Road with many of his followers and appointees.
Details later

Oil prices appreciate Friday after OPEC oil cut pledge

Oil prices rose more than one per cent on Friday, adding to gains in the previous session, after OPEC producers and allies promised to meet commitments on cutting supply and two major oil traders said demand was recovering well.

Brent crude LCOc1 futures rose 61 cents, or 1.5 per cent, to $42.12 a barrel by 0639 GMT, the highest in more than a week.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude CLc1 futures climbed 60 cents, or 1.5 per cent, to $39.44 a barrel.

Both contracts rose about two per cent on Thursday and are heading for weekly gains of nearly nine per cent.

Plans by Iraq and Kazakhstan to make up for overproduction in May on their supply cut commitments supported the market.

The promises came out of a meeting by a panel monitoring compliance by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, a grouping called OPEC+.

Prices are showing “solidity at these levels, as oil markets ignore the concerns rolling across other asset classes at the moment,” said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

“That suggests that prices are supported by physical buyers (which) is welcome as it implies that physical demand across the globe is recovering, with its implications for economic growth,” he added.

Brent moved into backwardation on Thursday for the first time since early March, with the August contract rising to 9 cents above September LCOc1-LCOc2 on Friday.

Backwardation occurs when near-term contracts are trading at higher prices than outer months, compared with a contango market structure where outer months trade at higher prices.

Fears about dwindling storage capacity had sent the market into steep contango, as wide as $5, as coronavirus lockdowns hit near-term demand and Saudi Arabia and Russia glutted the market with crude in April.

Comments from global oil traders Vitol and Trafigura on a rebound in oil demand in June, reported by Bloomberg, also buoyed the market, ANZ said.

Traders shrugged off another build in U.S. crude inventories to a new record.

Crude stocks USOILC=ECI rose by 1.2 million barrels last week to 539.3 million barrels, compared with expectations from a Reuters poll for a decline of 152,000 barrels.

On the technical side, CMC Markets chief strategist Michael McCarthy pointed to strong resistance in the WTI contract between $40 and $41.

Analysts see that level as the point at which more U.S. producers will revive shut-in wells. 

(Reuters)

Nigerian agency clears N1.16trn IT-related projects

NITDA

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through its IT project clearance mandate, had assessed and cleared 62 IT related projects worth N1,168,145,213,150 from January to May.

The Director-General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, disclosed this in a virtual meeting monitored in Abuja, organised by the agency’s subsidiary, Office for Nigerian Content (ONC) development.

Inuwa, represented by Dr Usman Gambo, Director, IT Infrastructure Solutions, said clearing of the projects was a prove that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was committed to digitalise government services, as most of the projects were service based.

The meeting which focused on “Harnessing Indigenous Solutions for Public Sector Innovation and Digital Development”, was targeted at assessing the nation’s digital experience.

“The assessment shows that about N64,878,725,488 was generated from software products and software enabled projects.

“This has shown that more can be achieved with a deeper collaboration between the public and private sector going forward using technology as a driver for public services.

“For successful development and delivery of government digital services, it is significantly important that innovative Nigerian companies are engaged very early in the project from the conceptualisation and design stages”, he said.

He added that the effect of the pandemic on the economy, governance and public service delivery has spurred a greater urgency for the development of government digital services and digital economy for the country.

Inuwa further said that NITDA would soon issue frameworks for the development of government digital services, public-private sector partnership in its products.

According to him, there is an urgent need for government to accelerate the delivery of government digital services for the benefit of Nigerians.

The director-general said that collaborations would deepen the opportunity for learning and create domesticated solutions for societal problems.

The National Coordinator of ONC, Mr Kassim Sodangi, in his remarks said the key objective for clearing IT projects was to ensure consolidation of Federal Government’s adopted solutions.

“We want to encourage solutions beyond issuing procurement notices, adverts, while Ministries, Departments and Agencies will be able to sit down with indigenous content providers to discuss and come up with a plan or strategy to drive the development of the solution,” he said.

Sodangi added that indigenous content development and adaptation was the pillar of ONC which focused on building local capacity, adopted and deployed as central plan for the development of digital economy.

The coordinator also said that they would assess the Public Procurement Act, explore and examine the Presidential Executive Order 003 and 005 as it affects planning, execution of projects and promotion of Nigerian content in contracts, science, engineering and technology.

“These documents will form the fulcrum for discussing on what can happen and what are the opportunities in the bylaw and policy that will drive the development of co-creation and co-planning of projects.”

He urged MDAs to synergise and explore the frameworks, policy and laws available which could be incorporated in designing programmes and solutions addressing our local problems.

Scores of APC Members decamped to PDP in Ogun

Members of the All Progressive Congress in Abeokuta South Local Government earlier today dumped the broom party for the Peoples Democratic Party.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions the decampees were represented by selected people from the fifteen wards in Abeokuta South Local Government.

The defection process was witnessed by Alhaji Fasiu Ajadi, Hon Akeem Amosun, Hon Dele Oyetoro, Alhaji Ola, Hon Jamiu Animoowo, Hon Kamorudeen Sodipo, Chief Taofeek Aare, Mr Jamiu Adebayo, Mr Segun Shodeinde and Mr Moruf Olajide.

The decampees promised to work with stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party to achieve success as the All Progressive Congress is no more progressive or democratic.

Ladi Adebutu Group Debunks Decamp Rumour – tells fabricators of the rumour to retrace their steps

The mainstream of PDP in Ogun State also referred to as Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu group has debunked the defection rumour which was sponsored and published by some unreliable blogs and variously posted on social media platforms recently. 
The unfounded publication reported falsely that the PDP mainstream has defected to Action Alliance (AA).
When contacted, the media aide to Hon. Ladi Adebutu, Mr. Afolabi Orekoya dismissed the claim, saying the story was far from the truth and gibberish.
Orekoya maintained that, Hon. Adebutu remains a PDP member and leader, his supporters are much intact.
He noted that, Hon. Adebutu remains a staunch member of PDP who is ready to salvage the party from the hands of oppressors.
He said “The report cannot be true. Hon. Ladi remains a PDP member, being a staunch member and leader, he can not dump his house for a makeshift political party.
“For your information, the LADO group is intact and just recently, to show commitment to members of our party, we empowered members with 100 brand new motorcycles and 100  vehicles in the state complementing the over N100m spent on palliatives distributed during the lockdown period; so the news of dumping the party for an unpopular party is untrue.  Please ignore it.”
Also, a PDP Chieftain, Mr. Waliu Olawale Oladipupo whose name was purportedly listed as one of the new executives of Action Alliance debunked the rumour.
Oladipupo said, “it is highly ridiculous to have mentioned my name as the publicity secretary of a party which I was never a member. The mischief makers are purely behind this dastardly act. I am a strong member of PDP and a prominent stalwart who has held several vintage positions in  the party. Equally served in many committees even  at the national level” 
“I was in Edo State this week for the conduct of wards adhoc delegates congresses and by the grace of God I am going to be in Ondo State for another PDP national assignment next week
From across the states in Nigeria, calls have been made to confirm the authenticity of the information. 
 “I was called by a correspondent of DailyTimes who wanted my clarification on whether Adebutu group of PDP was planning a defection to other political party and specifically mentioned Action Alliance (AA). I told him in clear terms that I am a member of PDP and that there was never an action plan for any defection and I asked the source of the information which he did not supply as requested”
“It actually came as a surprise when it was all over the news. This is highly mischievous and I condemn it in entirety and I am going to file legal suits against the publications”
How would I leave a party with such promises for another party?

Strengthen Democracy In Nigeria – ELFON President tells Nigeria Leaders

The National President of Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON); his youthfulness, Rt.Hon. Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel today at his Zion Boulevard, Estate LA Virginia in Owerri, the Imo state capital, answered salient questions from Nigerian journalists concerning Nigeria’s democracy.
Below are the questions and his responds:
What impact has the change in democracy day recorded?
If the relevance of June 12 to the entire Nigerian state is resuscitated just to spite some people, that is the politics of Nigeria which means that anything whether necessary or not, can be used to intimidate and run down opponents so that political point can be scored.
No Nigerian citizen, tribe, religion, state or zone should be given reasons of believe why fair play, equity and justice isn’t obtainable in Nigeria.
The material problems that face us today are not such as they were in 1st Republic, but the underlying facts of human nature are the same now as they were then. Under altered external form we war with the same tendencies toward evil that were evident in 1st Republic’s time, and are helped by the same tendencies for good. It is about some of these that I wish to say a word today.
Nigeria’s problems are indeed complex and multifaceted and that constitute the major stumbling-block on the path of the country’s progress in many ways and sectors of development. As a result of these cumulative problems over the years, the country has become very difficult to rule or control, as many people have for long indulged in unpatriotic habits, on which they are addicted as their ways of earning a living, at the expense of million others. In the same vein, as the country wallow along its growing problems over the years, it is also left lagging behind other nations that were hitherto either trailing Nigeria from behind or at the same par with it economically or otherwise. This is our present condition, which warrants the intervention of a savior in the scene. Such a savior can be in a metaphorical form of either the entrenchment of a viable socio-political system which is also being dedicatedly practiced or the emergence of a set of responsible and responsive leaders and leadership that would deliver the country to the proverbial promised land of advancement and glory. This cannot just happen in a dream, but it would have to be worked out through a communal effort of action and willing by plan and design, not just by accident.
How would you describe Nigeria’s Democracy following the 2015 election?
I would say the 2015 election got Nigeria’s democracy a 79% victory though worrying cases of intimidation of officials of the election management body added to a pattern of orchestrated attempts at undermining key democracy institutions.
When President Muhammadu Buhari won his first election in 2015, he became Nigeria’s first political leader to succeed an incumbent via the ballot box. This was a milestone for multiparty democracy in Africa. The recent election, on the other hand, represents a setback for Nigeria—and for Africa as a whole. Indeed, there is reason to fear that if the decline in standards is not urgently addressed, it could be the beginning of a progressive decline in the quality of elections throughout the region (take note of the APC primaries and general  election in Imo state 2019, the recent general election in Kogi state and the forthcoming election in Edo state).
In the face of these challenges, civil society groups like ELFON throughout the country still worked diligently on behalf of Nigerian democracy, partnering with institutions focused on the nuts and bolts of the electoral process. They also developed a so-called threshold document to outline a set of conditions that electoral institutions, political parties, and security agencies must fulfill to give credibility to the electoral process. Despite these laudable efforts, however, there is no denying that, by the standards of an open society, the election was a failure. The rule of law should be strengthened, security issues must be taken serious and provision of adequate power supply (electricity) must stop being a routine campaign promise, corruption must stop and education must be made free.

To cushion further electoral malpractices, what’s your advice?
First, there must be a comprehensive audit and review of what happened in the 2019 elections. This process must be independent and driven by the Nigerian people (in close collaboration with international experts). It is imperative to identify what went wrong with the electoral process and to examine the influences in Nigerian political society that makes electoral malpractices acceptable.
Second, Nigeria’s government should establish an electoral offenses commission which is empowered to hold accountable those that committed offences during the election process. To be sure, given the government’s obvious interest in avoiding scrutiny, the international community should join with those of us in Nigeria who are calling for such a commission.
Lastly, the independent national electoral commission (INEC) should be totally independent except in funding. The president of Nigeria shouldn’t be the one to appoint the INEC chairman.
Strengthening Nigeria’s democracy doesn’t just stop at changing democracy day from 29th May to 12th June, Nigerians and her leaders should also changed the old ways of doing things to move forward. Having changed the date of Nigeria’s democracy day, our leaders and Nigerians should change their old unproductive ways of doing things too.

Democracy day: Nigerians in U.S. advocate ideology based politics

Nigerian flag

Some Nigerians based in the United States have urged the nation to jettison tribalism, ethnicity and embrace ideology based politics to move the nation forward.

The Nigerians voiced mixed feelings as the nation marked her 21st Democracy Day anniversary.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York, they said the country had made progress since the return of democracy in 1999.

According to them, Nigeria is not where it was 20 years ago in the areas of civil liberty, rule of law and socio-economic development.

However, they pointed out some shortcomings, especially “lack of ideology” in the nation’s politics with a call for reforms and change of mindset.

Dr Seun Sowemimo, a New Jersey-based bariatric surgeon, noted the stability in the system since 1999 as something worth celebrating.

“One of the positive things is that at least there has been stability in government.

“There has been one democratically elected government handing over to the other, and that is something we can point at,” he said.

Sowemimo, however, noted that the country had a lot of “maturing to do” in terms of building a strong ideological base for its politics.

“The politics in Nigeria has been very complex in terms of our mix of ethnicity.

“Our politics has been largely tribal, and we have not been able to base it on philosophies and ideas.

“It is more about affiliating ourselves with where we feel the next block of power will come from, and a lot of that has to do with ethnic origins.

“We have to continue to dialogue with ourselves, educate and orientate ourselves that for us to achieve great things we have to improve the level of our politics,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, Mr Ugo Nwaokoro, former Deputy Mayor of the City of Newark in New Jersey, differed with the notion that Nigeria is complex.

“People often say Nigeria is complex. No! Nigeria is not complex. It is just the mind of our people to be sincere in governance.

“Another problem with us is our ethnic and religious differences, which should not be. Those things can actually be our strength.

“Diversity is a big source of national strength. But how you use it is what matters.

“If we keep seeing ourselves based on the ethnic groups we are from, then there is a problem,” he noted.

Nwaokoro, a writer and policy strategist, also called for attitudinal change among the political elite and the masses to advance the nation’s democracy.

On his part, Mr George Onuorah, a New York-based social justice activist and community leader, pointed out that the challenges in Nigeria’s democracy were not peculiar.

He noted that democracy is “an imperfect system of governance as evidenced from what we can see in so-called advanced democratic countries.”

However, Onuorah called for restructuring of the political and governance systems in the country to “reflect how we live, relate and interact”.

He also advocated investment in civic and voter education, and discouragement of politics based on ethnic, religious and selfish considerations.

Mr Obed Monago, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Americas, said Nigeria had made great improvement in the area of freedom of expression.

“Nowadays, people are freer to express themselves with little or no fear of retribution as opposed to the days of Dele Giwa, the late Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine.

“But we can do better if we are able to overcome the obstacles of ethnic, religious and tribal sentiments in our politics,” he said.

Monago also emphasised the need for national rebirth, with a call on Nigerians to sink selfish interests for the good of the country.

Also speaking, Mr Basil Njoku, a community leader, wished Nigerians would exhibit the same level of unity and patriotism in politics as they do in sports.

“The bane of Nigeria’s democracy is the problem of tribalism. We are balkanised into regions.

“We have not been able to come together to understand ourselves as an entity.

“I have not seen Nigerians profess their country except when the nation is in an international soccer competition.

“When there is a goal, a Yoruba does not care whether it is an Hausa man that is with him; they hug and you see the passion.

“I wish we can replicate that in the politics and governance of the day whereby we see ourselves as one and our destiny as one,” he said.

Njoku, who is the President of Mbano National Assembly, an association of U.S.-based Imo indigenes, called for inclusive governance at all levels to foster unity in the country.

Democracy Day: Hon. Ladi Adebutu urges Nigerian Leaders to make policies which will sustain Democracy

Member 8th House of Representatives and Chairman, House committee on Rural development, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu has urged Nigerian leaders to make policies which will sustain, he said this in his message to commemorate the 2020 Democracy day which is in Honour of the acclaimed winner of the 1993 Presidential election,  late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
The release signed by Afolabi Orekoya, Media Consultant to Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, he said “I am using this opportunity in the spirit of true democracy to appeal to all leaders in our country to embrace what today, June 12, represents in our nation’s democracy by respecting the wishes and will of the people by making policies that would be of direct benefit to the masses and would sustain our democracy”.
“Twenty-seven years ago, Chief M.K.O. Abiola fought and became victorious in bringing true democracy to Nigeria, but even then, democracy is yet to mature in our Nation, the true democracy fought by Chief M.K.O. Abiola was meant to yield the dividends of Democracy to the people and not for personal gains”
Honourable Adebutu also said Ogun State is very lucky to have produced many heroes who had performed tremendously, locally, Nationally and Internationally, he also urged the government of the day in Ogun State not to derail from the good will and legacies of the past heroes like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Olukoye Ransome Kuti, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo and many others.

NAOSS President Gets Ultimatum to Retract False Allegation

With respect to the fallacy heating up the polity on the press release targeted towards discrediting Royal Institute of Health Technology. Ifo written by Comrade Gbemileke Ogunronmbi of NAOSS alleging the institute of reopening for academic activities against the directives of the state and federal Governments to shut down school during this global COVID-19 pandemic.
The entire Alumni body of this great institute hereby stands in its defence of our Alma-mata in the face of this malady to direct this primarily to Comrade Gbemileke Ogunronmbi the claimed President of NAOSS to retract/reverse his fallacy within 72hrs.
In the light of this issue the institute is still under closure as directed by government and there’s no student gathering in or a around the school premises nor any academic activities within the school.
As a law abiding body and institute, we hereby write toake our terms clear in consonance with the governments order and wish to reemphasize the fact that the write up against the school by NAOSS president should be withdrawn and necessary apologies made to the right quarters within the next 72hrs.
We hereby write to reiterate our stand that the Alumni association pledge to avoid any form communication or confrontations against comrade Gbemileke Ogunronmbi as long as he reverses his earlier statement and make necessary apologies in compliance with our demands.
Signed: Comrade Kehinde Damilola Olorunjubelo
The Alumni Association President,
Royal Institute of Health Technology, Ifo. 
08100864776
damilolaolorunjubelo@gmail.com
E.signed:  Comrade Oyelakin Oluwatobiloba Eniola
The Alumni Association General secretary, Royal institute of Health Technology, Ifo.
08109400346
rihtalumni@gmail.com
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