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Buhari, Atiku, govs, others preach love, unity at Christmas

Published

3 years ago

December 25, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari, state governors and top Nigerian personalities have sent Christmas greetings to Christians.

The leaders in their various messages urged Christians and Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, sharing, unity and peaceful co-existence as they celebrate the festival which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

President Buhari expressed confidence that with the renewed commitment and empowerment of the nation’s committed security personnel, all the “issues which inflict pain and trauma on us will soon be history.”

The president who stated this in his Christmas message, urged Nigerians to utilise the opportunity of the festive period to encourage one another so that the “machinations of the wicked ones in their midst would find no place to thrive.”

President Buhari said despite the remarkable successes generally recorded on security, “We still have some challenges.”

He further said, “Christmas is a season when hope is rekindled. Hope, peace, joy, love are the recurring themes of this time. It is in the midst of hardship that the true test of a nation emerges. I urge Nigerians to invoke the indomitable spirit in us and see the present order of things as a phase that will also pass, just like other unsavory situations in the nation’s history. This government will not abandon the promises made to Nigerians for a better lease of life.”

Let’s sow better seeds of harmony – Atiku

Also, a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity at this period and to love one another for the sake of progress and growth in the country as the world celebrates Christmas.

Atiku, in a Christmas message released by his media office in Abuja on Friday, reminded Nigerians that the revival of the country’s glory was everyone’s responsibility.

The Wazirin Adamawa urged citizens to be intentional in thinking good thoughts and sowing better seeds of harmony and unity in diversity which he said would make Nigeria greater today and in the future.

Lawan, Gbajabimila, others preach love, peace, unity

In the same vein, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, and Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, joined in felicitating with Christians in Nigeria on the occasion of the 2022 Christmas.

Ahmad Lawan said beyond the great merriment, Christmas reminded mankind of the humble birth, simple life, teachings and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.

Lawan, in a statement by his media aide, Ola Awoniyi, urged Nigerians to show love to others and continue to pray for peace and unity and engage only in things that would make Nigeria great.

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, his deputy, Ahmed Idris Wase and the House Minorty Caucus have enjoined Christians and all other Nigerians to intensify prayers for peace and unity in the country.

Also, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, called on Nigerians to reflect on the virtues of love, peace and tolerance as exemplified by Jesus Christ in order to build a new Nigeria.

Gbajabiamila in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, said Christmas period called for sober reflection, even as he enjoined Christians to pray for the country amidst challenges.

He said the character of Jesus Christ, who is the main reason for the celebrations, should reflect in the life of every Christian.

Christmas marked with pain, anguish in the last 6 years – PDP

But the leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said it is “deeply worried” that in the last six years Nigerians had been forced to mark Christmas in “gloom, pain, anguish and utter despondency” following “excruciating economic hardship” and “worsened insecurity”.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a Christmas message on Friday, said this was the result of having an “incompetent and insensitive” administration in office.

He said, “The PDP is saddened that while people celebrate in other parts of the world, many Nigerian families cannot afford the basic items of celebration or even travel as they did in the past to meet and bond with their loved ones due to high costs, worsened insecurity and deplorable state of roads which are now death traps in our country under the APC administration.

“However, as a resilient people, the PDP urges Nigerians not to allow the suffering they face today to dampen or destroy their inner personalities as happy people and make them lose sight of the message of hope, salvation and brighter future which Christmas offers.

“We must, therefore, rekindle the light of celebration by showing love and care for one another, especially the less privileged, the sick, as well as victims of mindless violence and acts of terrorism that have ravaged various parts of our country, especially in the last six years under the watch of the APC government.”

FCT minister urges more prayers

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Musa Bello, has asked Nigerians to use the occasion of the Christmas celebrations to pray for Nigeria and its leaders at all levels for the peace, progress and stability of the country now and in the years to come.

In his Christmas message to the residents of the territory, the minister assured them of the continuous commitment of the FCT Administration to ensure the wellbeing and welfare of all.

Kwara, Kaduna, Ekiti, Bayelsa govs, others greet Christians

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in his message, congratulated the Christian community in the state on the Christmas celebration, praying God to make the festive period a joyful one for all.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor said the season brought back good memories of God’s faithfulness and love for all irrespective of whatever the situation might be.

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, in his message, urged indigenes and residents of the state to embrace the spirit of love that Christmas exemplified in their dealings with one another, saying, unity, harmony and reconciliation were key factors for any peaceful society.

In his message, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, called on Christians to keep hope alive as they celebrated Christmas in difficult times.

The governor also said every citizen had a duty of personal responsibility as part of the collective action that was essential to curbing the spread of COVID-19 as they went about the celebration.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in his message, charged Christians to emulate Christ’s love and humility as they celebrate this year’s Christmas, stressing that the birth of Christ was a demonstration of God’s love for humanity.

Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described the lessons of Christmas as very instructive for daily lifestyle of love and peace.

On his part, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, felicitated with the Christian community in the state as they joined other faithful all over the world to celebrate this year’s Christmas.

In a goodwill message issued by his spokesperson, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor urged them to use the period to pray for peace, security and prosperity of the state and the nation.

He enjoined the Christian faithful and the entire people of the state to re-dedicate themselves and remain steadfast in prayers against all the challenges bedevilling the state.

Kano: Police ban knockouts, call for peaceful celebration

Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command has banned the sale and use of fireworks popularly known as knockouts, burning of tyres during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement, said road users were also advised to continue abiding by all traffic rules and regulations, drive carefully, avoid dangerous driving, car racing, unsecured loading and operating unserviceable vehicles.

FRSC deploys 1,250 men in Edo

In Edo State, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it has deployed 1,250 officers across the state with a view to ensuring an accident-free Christmas celebration.

The Edo State FRSC Sector Commander, Henry Benamaisia, disclosed this yesterday while speaking with our reporter on the corps’ preparation for Christmas in the state.

He said the command had also deployed 25 vehicles and three toeing trucks for quick removal of obstructions on roads.

SSANU asks FG to act fast on increasing security threats

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), in their Christmas message, called on the federal government to act swiftly and ensure growing security challenges confronting the entire country, particularly in the Northern part, were tackled headlong.

The university workers also cautioned Nigerians to take responsibility individually and resist the strong temptation of compliance-fatigue of the recommended protocols put in place by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and beat the ravaging pandemic, especially the Omicron variant.

The association in a Christmas message issued by its President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, while felicitating with Christians and all Nigerians, explained that national and state institutions were trying their best to comply with all the protocols.

-Daily Trust

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Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Trends Admin

Adebayo Ogunlesi

Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

Forbes has unveiled its 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list, celebrating the achievements of the wealthiest and most influential Black Americans.

Among the honorees are three Nigerians—Adebayo Ogunlesi, Tope Awotona, and Wemimo Abbey—whose groundbreaking contributions and entrepreneurial successes have earned them places on this prestigious list.

The ForbesBLK 50 is a reimagining of Forbes’ 2009 Wealthiest Black Americans list, which then featured figures like Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson.

While net worth remains a core metric, the new list also highlights innovation, societal impact, and leadership across diverse industries.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, with a net worth of $1.7 billion, stands out as a pioneering force in global infrastructure investment. As chairman and cofounder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Ogunlesi led the private equity firm through a transformative acquisition by BlackRock in 2024 for $12.5 billion.

Ogunlesi, a Harvard-educated lawyer and banker, previously spent over two decades at Credit Suisse before launching GIP in 2006.
His influence extends beyond business, as he has become a key figure in reshaping infrastructure investment on a global scale.

Also, Nigerian entrepreneur,Tope Awotona, the founder and CEO of Calendly, has redefined efficiency in scheduling and holds a net worth of $1.4 billion.

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Born in Lagos, Awotona moved to Atlanta as a teenager and pursued business and management information studies at the University of Georgia. After early entrepreneurial setbacks, he launched Calendly in 2013, driven by frustration with cumbersome meeting coordination. The platform, which raised $350 million in 2021, is now valued at $3 billion and serves millions of users worldwide.

Although not a ranking, Wemimo Abbey, at just 32, is the youngest Nigerian on the list and cofounder of Esusu, an African fintech company addressing financial inclusion. Esusu helps renters build credit by reporting rent payments to credit bureaus, a service utilized by more than 20,000 properties and benefiting 1.8 million Americans.

In 2022, Esusu achieved a $1 billion valuation following a $130 million funding round. Abbey, who grew up in Lagos, has a background in mergers and acquisitions consulting and a passion for leveraging technology to drive social impact.

These three Nigerians show innovation, resilience, and the drive to address pressing global challenges. Their inclusion on the ForbesBLK 50 list is a foretelling of their entrepreneurial vision and the increasing influence of Nigerians on the global stage.

The ForbesBLK 50 list, launched under ForbesBLK, aims to go beyond net worth to measure impact and influence within the Black community and beyond.

Adebayo Ogunlesi, 2 other Nigerians make Forbes 50 wealthiest Black Americans list 2024

News

Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2024

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

Coalition of Northern Groups, Taraba State chapter, has expressed concerns that the proposed Tax Reform Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is cunningly designed with all premeditated intent and purposes to further develop the southern Nigeria at the expense of the north.

The northern youths, who lamented the economic hardship in the country, concluded that the effect bears more scars on the region than any other.

Aside from the new Tax Reform Bill, the group also condemned the federal government’s land-border closure, alleging that the ideas favour the South more than the North.

The group, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Comrade Idris Ayuba, made available to Vanguard Correspondent in Ilorin alleged that most difficulties the North faces are the repercussions of the decisions, citing the effect of Petroleum subsidy removal, land border closure and the new tax regime as few examples.

He noted in the statement that”reduction in the consumption of a capital commodity like petroleum occasioned by the subsidy removal is not a manifestation of a positive policy impact; it rather indicates reduced economic activities that force people out of energy consumption,”

On the land border closure, Idris said: “One of the primary concerns is the impact of this policy on the regional economy, which has been heavily reliant on cross-border trade with neighbouring countries. The closure has resulted in significant losses for traders and business owners in the region, exacerbating poverty and unemployment.

“The policy has given undue advantage to Southern Nigeria, for instance, the closure has led to an increase in demand for locally produced goods in Southern Nigeria, which has boosted the southern regional economy.

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“Additionally, the Southern region has benefited from the increased revenue generated from customs duties and taxes on imported goods.

“The closure has also created an imbalance in the distribution of economic opportunities, with Southern Nigeria having greater access to ports and international trade routes.

” This has resulted in a concentration of economic activity in the Southern region, further marginalizing Northern Nigeria,” Idris explained in the statement.

According to the coordinator, one of the primary concerns is the impact of the land-border closure on the regional economy, which they claimed has been heavily reliant on cross-border trade with neighbouring countries.

They said that the closure has resulted in significant losses for traders and business owners in the region, saying: “The policy has given undue advantage to Southern Nigeria, for instance, it has led to an increase in demand for locally produced goods in Southern Nigeria, which has boosted the southern regional economy.

” Additionally, the Southern region has benefited from the increased revenue generated from customs duties and taxes on imported goods.

“The closure also created an imbalance in the distribution of economic opportunities, with Southern Nigeria having greater access to ports and international trade routes.

”This has resulted in a concentration of economic activity in the Southern region, further marginalising Northern Nigeria,” the Northern youths also posited in the statement

They stressed that the new tax reforms, particularly its revenue sharing formula will disproportionately affect Northern Nigeria, saying:

“One potential impact is a reduction in the region’s revenue allocation, which could hinder its ability to fund development projects and provide essential services to its population.

“Northern Nigeria is already grappling with significant development challenges, including poverty, infrastructure deficits, and limited access to education and healthcare. A decrease in revenue allocation could exacerbate these issues,” it said, urging the federal government to retrace and reconsider certain conditions before taking certain steps in certain directions.

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Still, on the tax reforms, the group said it would widen the economic gap between Northern and Southern Nigeria since the Southern region is already home to many of Nigeria’s major industries and economic hubs, noting that a more favourable revenue-sharing formula could further consolidate its economic advantage.

“This could lead to a brain drain and talent flight from Northern Nigeria, as individuals seek better economic opportunities in other parts of the country.

” This policy if allowed to pass, will bring about national disintegration, strife and bad blood between the North and South.

“The tax reforms could also hurt the region’s agricultural sector, which is a significant contributor to its economy,” it said.

Urging policymakers to consider the potential impacts of these reforms and work to ensure that they do not exacerbate the existing economic inequalities, the group advised that the North’s contribution to the nation’s coffers should not be solely measured by its economic output.

“The region’s agricultural sector, for instance, is a vital component of the national economy. The Northern farmers produce a significant portion of the country’s food, which deserves recognition and compensation.

“It’s essential to recognize the historical and structural inequalities that have hindered the North’s economic development. The proposed tax reform bill should aim to address these disparities rather than perpetuate them.

“A more equitable revenue-sharing formula would acknowledge the North’s unique challenges and contributions, ensuring that the region receives a fair share of the national revenue.

They however, lamented many abandoned federal government Projects in North, mentioning the Mambila hydroelectric project that has been in the works for over 40 years, with the first feasibility study conducted in 1972; “the project has faced unexplainable delays.

“The Mambilla Hydropower Project is estimated to cost around $5.8 billion, with the Chinese Export-Import (Exim) Bank funding 85 per cent of the project, while the Federal Government of Nigeria provides the remaining 15 per cent.

“The project is expected to generate 3,050 megawatts of electricity, making it the largest power-generating installation in Nigeria.

“The Jalingo-Numan Road project has equally lingered for more than 15 years without a tangible commitment to even start it. It’s essential to note that the project is crucial for connecting the Taraba State to other parts of the country.

“The failure to complete these projects perpetuates the existing disparities between the North and the South. The lack of investment in critical infrastructure hinders the region’s ability to attract businesses, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth,” they said.

Northern youths say new tax regime bill designed to ruin region

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BREAKING: National Assembly extends lifespan of 2024 budget

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Trends Admin

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

BREAKING: National Assembly extends lifespan of 2024 budget

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has explained that the impressive performance of the 2024 national budget encouraged members of the National Assembly to extend the lifespan of the 2024 budget beyond December 31 this year.

Akpabio gave the explanation Wednesday in his welcome address during the presentation of the 2025 national budget to the joint session of the federal parliament.

He said, “We have noted the 2024 budget performances of 50% for capital expenditure and 48% for recurrent expenditure respectively.

“Given these great achievements, we have deemed it necessary to extend the life of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025.

“The enabling law for this extension has already been put in place by this patriotic Assembly, as a testament to our appreciation for the great performance of the budget, ensuring we build upon your momentum.

“We commend your steadfast commitment to collaborate, cooperate and work with the National Assembly to achieve your grand vision for Nigeria.”

As the red chamber planned to start deliberations on the budget proposals, Akpabio warned heads of the various ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to make themselves available for the budget defence.

He said: “Let me take this opportunity to stress the importance of the honourable ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments being prepared to respond promptly to requests for them to come and defend their sectoral allocation in the exercise of our legislative oversight.

“We have observed concerning the behaviour from some ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments, who sometimes neglect their duty to promptly submit to legislative oversight, sometimes even disregarding invitations from relevant committees of the legislature.

“It is imperative they understand that we will not condone such breaches of the constitution going forward.”

Akpabio noted that under the President Bola Tinubu administration, Nigerians has “witnessed remarkable strides in economic reforms, aimed at enhancing our nation’s stability and growth”.

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According to him, “The courageous decision to remove fuel subsidies, though challenging, showcases your (Tinubu’s) unwavering commitment to redirecting resources to critical sectors such as education and healthcare.

“Your collaboration with the Central Bank has cultivated an environment ripe for investment, and your focus on infrastructure development reflects a visionary commitment to improving the connectivity that fuels our economy.

“Furthermore, your initiatives to strengthen our security framework stand as a testament to your resolve in tackling the pressing challenges of our time.“

The chairman of the National Assembly commended Tinubu’s efforts in the era of security.

“We commend your tireless efforts, along with those of our brave men and women in uniform, for liberating our lands from the grip of terror.

“Today, no community is under the threat of terrorism, a monumental achievement we celebrate together.

“The reduction in kidnapping incidents and the neutralization of over 11,000 terrorists and insurgents is a testament to patriotism, strength and determination,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President said Tinubu’s dedication to fostering international relations paves the way for fruitful partnerships that will propel the nation forward.

He said: “We are witnessing a resurgence in foreign direct investment, made possible by your visionary directives that ease the visa processes for Nigerians travelling to other countries, and at the same time welcome investors and tourists alike to our country.

“Your innovative approaches in our embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have opened new doors for Nigeria and its people. For this we thank you.”

He said the introduction of social welfare programmes embodies the president’s unwavering belief in uplifting the living standards of our citizens.

“You remind us that our nation is not merely constructed of bricks and mortar, but of the resilience and determination of its people.

“Nigerians are taking notice of your remarkable achievements. You have doubled aggregate government revenues to over NGN 18.32 trillion, reduced debt servicing expenditures from 97% to 68%, fulfilled $7.5 billion in foreign exchange obligations, increased oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, and launched the Compressed Natural Gas initiative.

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“Your administration has processed over N45.6 billion for student payments, signed the National Minimum Wage Law, and raised the national minimum wage to N70,000 a month, all while providing over N570 billion in financial support to the 36 states,” Akpabio said.

He commended the groundbreaking tax reform initiative including the four tax reform bills, namely the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

He said the tax reform bills represented a monumental shift in the country’s fiscal landscape and that its critics haven’t read the proposed legislations.

The Senate President said: “It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics.

“I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office, to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully.

“This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.”

Akpabio said the infrastructure renaissance has paved the way for many roads, including the coastal road and crucial arteries in the Abuja capital city and other parts of the country.

“These developments are not merely about concrete and asphalt; they represent the lifeblood of our economy, connecting our people and fostering growth,” he added.

He urged Nigerians to bear with the president whose economic reforms had imposed hardship on Nigerians but noted that: “We are light-years away from where we began, though some rivers remain to be crossed.

“The pains we feel are not merely the pains of hardship; they are the pains of childbirth. When that season arrives in Nigeria, when this administration births that season, we will rejoice for the struggles endured.

“For now, I ask for your patience and urge all Nigerians to cooperate with the president and maintain faith in his vision.

“Mr. President, while you cannot be everywhere, you have eyes everywhere. We, the distinguished senators and honourable members of the House of Representatives, are your eyes in our constituencies and every corner of Nigeria.

“When our constituents struggle to afford rice, they come to us. When their shoes pinch, they seek our assistance. When the economic alarm sounds, they turn to us.

“Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that you touch the hearts and pulse of Nigerians through these appropriation bills resonating with the sounds of hope and signalling the dawn of Nigeria’s economic rebirth,” he added.

Akpabio ended his speech by leading the members of the National Assembly to sing for the president as they all chorused, “On your mandate we shall stand” to the admiration of the legislatures and the guests.