BudgIT said its open-source service delivery monitoring platform, Tracka, has discovered an allocation of N732.5 billion for empowerment projects in the 2024 budget by the federal government. 

According to a statement released by the organization on Monday, the amount allocated for the empowerment projects, which it described as vague, is higher than the N646.5 billion allocated to health projects. 

It added that despite the 2023 record of Nigeria having the second-highest child mortality rate in the world, the government has shown no signs of tackling these critical emergencies head-on, as the allocations in the 2024 budget do not reflect priority in the health sector. 

“Tracka maintains that empowerment projects are vague and challenging to track due to their nature. They are also used as a funnel to transfer public resources to party loyalists, resulting in the misuse of public funds,” the organization stated.  

4,440 empowerment projects 

BudgIT said its Tracka discovered a total of 4,440 empowerment projects in the 2024 budget. While noting that empowerment projects were previously limited to constituency projects, it said over the years, they have gradually seeped into capital projects through insertions by the National Assembly.  

“For instance, the National Assembly inserted 7,447 projects valued at N2.24 trillion in the 2024 budget. Tracka identifies this as a problematic trend, considering the nation’s huge infrastructure gap and budget deficits,” it said.  

Wrong allocations 

The organization said further analysis of the budget also showed that over 2,558 projects worth N624 billion were allocated to agencies outside their mandate. 

“An example is the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)-ERGP20241489-allocated N5 billion for the Procurement and Distribution of Official Vehicles to Selected Traditional Rulers in the Six Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria (Multiple Lots).  

“Another is the Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NiOMR)-ERGP20245718–allocated N2.32 billion to construct a 3.5km Road from Methodist Church lbu to the Eri River,” it added. 

Commenting on the findings, BudglT’s Country Director, Gabriel Okeowo, expressed concern over this development. According to him, the implications of assigning projects to agencies outside of their mandate are that it undermines the monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability of these projects. 

“These agencies lack the expertise and personnel to ensure quality service delivery for these projects, leading to under-delivery another colossal waste of taxpayers’ money and Scarce resources,” he added. 

BudgIT called on anti-graft agencies to probe the anomalies in the 2024 budget to forestall diversion, misappropriation, and embezzlement. It also called on elected representatives and Ministries, Department and Agencies to provide timely updates to the public and ensure the quality implementation of these projects to ensure Nigerians derive maximum benefit from public funds. 

[Nairametrics]

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the National Assembly to collaborate with the tripartite committee on the new minimum wage to establish a system for regular and systematic wage reviews.

This initiative aims to align wages with the prevailing inflation rates and cost of living in Nigeria.

During a national retreat organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja, NLC President, Joe Ajaero highlighted the necessity for legislative interventions to ensure that wage adjustments are timely and reflective of economic realities.

The event, themed “Labour Reforms and the Quest for a Living Wage in Nigeria: A Focus on Legislative Interventions,” served as a platform for Ajaero to voice the concerns of workers.

In his goodwill message, Ajaero pressed lawmakers to consider updating the country’s labour laws to safeguard workers effectively.

He emphasized that the current economic challenges faced by workers due to inflation and rising costs of living necessitate robust legislative frameworks.

Ajaero urged the lawmakers to “review and update our labour laws to reflect the realities of today’s economy and protect our people.

“This includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against unfair labour practices. We call on the National Assembly to join us in calling on the executive to transmit to the Assembly the bill on the reviewed labour administration laws which had gone through the tripartite process some years back but seemed to have been impounded by the executive.

“NASS should work with the tripartite to establish mechanisms for regular and systematic review of wage levels to ensure they keep pace with inflation and the cost of living.

“Workers are not beggars neither are they slaves. We create wealth and we deserve a healthy portion of it. The present angst in the country can only be assuaged by reasonable income to Nigerian people and workers.

“Our lawmakers should lay more focus on strengthening social security systems to provide a safety net for workers during times of economic hardship, unemployment, or health emergencies.

“Seek ways to make laws for effective social dialogue which will foster an inclusive dialogue between the government, employers, and labour unions to ensure policies are balanced, fair, and effectively address the needs of all stakeholders.

“The legislature should make laws that encourage continuous investment in education and vocational training to equip our workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic and evolving job market.”

[NaijaNews]

Renowned Islamic scholar and leader of Tijjaniyyah adherents, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, has reached the milestone age of 100 years according to the Islamic calendar. Born on the 2nd of Almuharram 1346 A.H. (equivalent to 100 years yesterday , Sheikh Bauchi’s contributions to Islamic scholarship and education have been widely celebrated.

Born in Nafada, initially part of Bauchi State but now under Gombe State, Sheikh Bauchi currently resides in Kofar Gombe.

He began his Islamic education under the tutelage of his father, Alhaji Usman, becoming a Hafizul Qur-ān (memoriser of the Glorious Qur-ān) before the age of 20. He furthered his studies under numerous esteemed Islamic scholars both within and outside Nigeria, with Sheikh Ibrāhīm Inyass being his most influential teacher. His profound knowledge led to his recognition as a Professor of Qur-ānic memorisation and education, and he has been honoured as one of the world’s greatest Mufassirun (translators of the Glorious Qur-ān).

Sheikh Bauchi commenced his Tafsīr (Qur-ānic exegesis) in Bauchi State in 1948, dedicating 76 years to translating the Holy Qur-ān. His Tafsīr broadcasts began on Bauchi Radio Corporation in 1976, and later on Radio Nigeria Kaduna in 1980. Today, numerous radio stations across northern Nigeria air his teachings, especially during Ramadan.

With a large family comprising 100 children, 406 grandchildren, and 100 great-grandchildren, Sheikh Bauchi’s legacy of Qur-ān memorisation continues. Remarkably, 78 of his children, over 199 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren are also Hafizul Qur-ān, balancing both Islamic and Western education.

Sheikh Bauchi has performed Hajj 55 times and Umrah (lesser Hajj) 205 times. He has also provided 1,000 houses in Bauchi and Kaduna states, among other northern states, for his children and students to live in free. He has established numerous Islamic schools and farmlands.

Sheikh Bauchi is recognised for his wisdom in preaching, which has led countless individuals to embrace Islam, particularly during Ramadan. He advocates for worshiping only Allāh, seeking forgiveness, and expressing gratitude for divine blessings while sending salutations to Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). As Deputy Chairman of the Fatwa Committee of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, his influence is profound.

While there was no formal celebration for his centenary, disciples and clerics offered special prayers in mosques, expressing gratitude for his life and achievements. They praised his unblemished record of service to Islam and humanity, highlighting his role as a selfless and steadfast leader.

Mallam Ahmad Tijjani Saeed noted, “Maulana Sheikh, as he clocks the century age in good health, leaves a rich legacy of a life lived in the service of Allah, his nation, and humanity.”

Others, including Mallam Ahmad Tijjani Kolo, Sanusi Ahmad, and Muhammad Sogiji, commended Sheikh Bauchi’s courage in speaking against tyranny, corruption, and social ills like immorality, cultism, and drug abuse.

[DailyTrust]

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Command has arrested no fewer than 100 traffic offenders in the last one week during the ongoing “Operation Green Light Enforcement” in the city centre.

FCT Sector Commander, Muta’a Chorrie, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Chorrie lamented that most motorists, especially commercial drivers, have made it a habit to disregard traffic lights.

He warned that the Corps would continue to sanction traffic offenders, regardless of their status, to ensure sanity on the roads.

He also addressed the issue of indiscriminate parking by commercial drivers, saying that the Corps had increased the mobility of patrol personnel to check the excesses of road users. 

“The FCT Command has been engaging with Transport Union Leaders in regular meetings to address the menace in the six area councils of the territory.

“We arrested 100 traffic offenders within seven days in FCT. We will not relent until sanity is restored on our highways,” he said.

Chorrie however, appealed to motorists to avoid overloading, as the Corps would not tolerate those who dent the country’s image.

The FRSC boss also advised Nigerians to avoid boarding overloaded vehicles, as they were difficult to maneuver during emergencies.

“With the rainy season setting in, we urge road users to drive within approved speed limits and park at convenient places when the rain is heavy,”he said.

(NAN)

U.S. President, Joe Biden’s personal physician on Tuesday stated that the president had not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical examination.

This was as a result of the U.S. media reports about a Parkinson’s specialist visiting the White House multiple times.

Biden’s personal physician, Kevin O’Connor, said in a letter published on Monday that neurological specialist Dr Cannard examined President Biden for each of his annual physicals.

“Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical,” he said.

O’Connor said Cannard had been visiting patients at the White House for a dozen years and was not chosen because he was a movement disorder specialist.

The statement by Biden’s personal physician comes after a heated debate had broken out at a press conference between journalists and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

The New York Times, citing official visitor logs, reported that Cannard had visited the White House eight times since last summer.

Jean-Pierre refused to respond to questions about why Cannard had been visiting the White House regularly over the past few months.

According to O’Connor, the results of the neurological examination by Cannard were made public each time, most recently at the end of February.

The published health report stated that there were no indications of possible strokes or Parkinson’s disease, and that the president showed “no tremor, either at rest or with activity,” the letter said.

Biden, 81, has increasingly faced questions about his mental fitness since his TV debate with Republican challenger Donald Trump.

A debate was sparked in the U.S. over whether Biden is the right Democratic presidential candidate for the November election due to his age.

Biden has rejected any doubts and refuses to take a cognitive health test to assess his mental abilities.

The White House’s recent action is uncommon and indicates the increasing pressure.

The release of the letter likely aims to dispel any rumours suggesting the possibility of Parkinson’s disease.

Jean-Pierre told the press briefing that he was not being treated for the disease.

(dpa/NAN)

The Nigerian Bar Association has clarified that Nigeria does not recognise same-sex marriage, addressing the recent controversy surrounding the Samoa agreement.

In a statement signed by NBA President Yakubu Maikyau on Monday, July 8, he emphasised that contrary to widespread belief, there is no provision in the agreement requiring Nigeria to accept LGBTQ or gay rights as a pre-condition for a $150bn loan.

It said, “Instead, the agreement was expressly made subject to the local laws and the sovereignty of the contracting Nations.

“That is to say, the SAMOA agreement recognises, for instance, Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023 and of course, the Supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

The NBA asserted that if the agreement had mandated Nigeria to endorse LGBTQ rights, the association would have advised the Federal Government against entering any partnership that could undermine national sovereignty.

It said, “To avoid any doubt, the SAMOA agreement does not, in any way, seek to compromise our existing legislations nor undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria.

“Before the signing of the SAMOA agreement, the Hon. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning requested the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), as a major stakeholder in the polity, to look at the agreement. Consequently, I constituted a committee chaired by Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State and Chairman of the NBA Law Reform Committee, to vet, evaluate and advise on the agreement accordingly.”

The SAMOA Agreement, named after the country of Samoa where it was signed, is a broad legal framework between the European Union member states and over half of the 79 members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS). It serves as a basis for negotiating specific agreements between the EU, the Federal Government of Nigeria, its sub-nationals, and the private sector.

The agreement, according to the Channels TV report on Tuesday, covers six main areas: democracy and human rights, sustainable economic growth and development, climate change, human and social development, peace and security, and migration and mobility.

Maikyau called on the government to continue public enlightenment efforts and urged other stakeholders to join in countering the negative perception being promoted about the agreement.

[Punch]

Former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has embraced a new calling, announcing his ordination as an evangelical pastor at the age of 32.

The Brazilian footballer shared the news on his social media accounts, revealing a significant transition in his life.

Firmino, alongside his wife, was ordained as a pastor at the church they founded three years ago. The dedication ceremony took place last Sunday in his hometown of Maceio.

“Since our encounter with Christ, a longing burns in our hearts… that people may know this love that has reached us. Now we have another responsibility… To be pastors according to the heart of God and to cooperate with the Kingdom,” Firmino stated.

He also extended his gratitude to pastors Jairo and Keila for their belief and encouragement in his spiritual journey.

Firmino enjoyed a prolific career at Liverpool from 2015 to 2023, during which he secured seven major titles, including the 2019/20 Premier League and the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League.

One of his standout moments was scoring the decisive goal in the 2019 Club World Cup final, securing the title for the Reds.

Last season, Firmino played 34 games for Al-Ahli, scoring nine goals. He also represented the Brazilian national team, participating in the 2018 World Cup.

Currently, Roberto Firmino continues his football career with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, where he played 34 matches in all competitions last season, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists.

Vanguard News

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed the request of Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for the release of his international passport.

In an affidavit filed at the federal capital territory (FCT) high court, Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal, Emefiele’s counsel, sought the release of his client’s passport to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) for medical treatment.

In a counter-affidavit, Muhammad Abbas Omeiza, the prosecution counsel, told the court on Monday that there is no medical report before the court showing Emefiele’s ailment profile.

Omeiza said there is no evidence to support the claim that Emefiele’s ailment could not be treated in Nigeria.

The prosecution counsel said the former CBN governor deposited his passport with the court as part of the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

He added that Emefiele might be tempted to jump bail if granted.

“The defendant has co-conspirators all over the world. One Anita and Tony are all aides of the defendant who are currently in the UK,” the counsel was quoted in a statement by the EFCC.

“The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts.”

After listening to all the arguments, Hamza Mua’zu, the presiding judge, adjourned the ruling on the application to July 16.

Emefiele is facing multiple counts of alleged fraud and abuse of office.

[TheCable]

Every presidential election cycle in the US comes with its own peculiar dramas that sometimes influence the outcomes of the race. Usually, these dramatic events come up in October, a month to the election, giving rise to the term ‘’October Surprise’’ coined in 1980 by William Cassey when he served as Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign manager. But even before 1980, there had always been unpredicted political developments that affected the results of elections. This year, the October Surprise came in June and President Joe Biden is fighting hard to save his legacy and reelection bid. I stayed up late to watch the Biden-Trump debate on June 27 (1am Nigerian time) and was surprised at how poorly the President performed, especially in the first few minutes. He stared blankly into space, stumbled on words, lost his trend of thoughts and left sentences uncompleted. On the other hand, his opponent, Donald Trump, was in his elements, lying through his teeth and looking more determined and stronger. The difference was stark and I was embarrassed for the President.

As soon as the debate ended, a fierce political firestorm erupted in the Democratic party, with many leaders, commentators and analysts asking the president to drop off the race because he had showed signs of cognitive decline during the debate. For the first five days, the administration was besieged, the Biden campaign was unsettled and the President himself was quiet. He later acknowledged that he had a bad night due to a cold, sore throat and jet lag. He had just returned from a G7 Summit and had gone straight to attend a fund raiser a day to the debate. Yet the calls for him to exit the race was growing louder and louder. They claimed that an afflicted Biden would not be able to beat Donald Trump in the November 5 election. But the president quickly recovered from the shock and embarrassment, and insisted that he’s the only one who can defeat the Republican nominee, recalling how he came out victorious in the 2020 race and the 2022 midterms despite similar negative predictions.

It's been two weeks since the debate, and in terms of public relations and crisis management techniques, how has President Biden and his team handled the situation? Crisis management is anchored on deployment of effective communication strategy and broadly, there are ways of doing that: The five C’s of crisis communications developed by Prof. Joe Zaldarriaga, a renowned communications specialist. They are: care (concern for the wellbeing of the customers); commitment (relevant, factual and updated information); competency (a team of competent and credible staffs should be out there to speak for the organization); community (stakeholder relationship-building) and continuity (continued and consistent engagements). In the last two weeks, the Biden team has been more focused on fending off calls for him to drop off than amplifying the president’s major achievements and laying out his vision for the next four years. In his first term, the president has recorded important legislative achievements like gun control and climate control bills; got more people working than at any point in US history; rescued the economy and changes the course of the COVID-19 pandemic; rebuilt infrastructure; lowered costs of medications and expanded benefits and services for veterans exposed to toxic veterans. It is a surprise that the president did not tout these in the debate and so far, the campaign is not pushing them aggressively. A major drawback in crisis management is allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by the talking points of the opposition, instead of focusing on your own records and agenda.

But Biden and his team have done well for acknowledging his pitfalls and being truthful to the public. The president earned my sympathy when he announced at a campaign rally soon after the debate, ‘’I don’t debate as I used to; I don’t walk as swiftly as I used to, but I know how to do this job and I will always tell Americans the truth’’, an indirect dig at his opponent. Truthfulness, forthrightness and admitting your wrongs are good in crisis management.

The White House Communications team has also been very professional under intense media scrutiny, upright, forthcoming and factual. They have not issued threats to the media as we saw in Nigeria in 2022 and 2023 when Bayo Onanuga, the spokesman for the Tinubu campaign, was busy threatening the media and insulting people of different ethnic backgrounds. Over one year after the elections, our media is still under constant threats, intimidation and assaults, with many journalists detained or kidnapped or killed in Nigeria. President Biden has also been busy in the last one week granting interviews, addressing rallies and speaking to donors and party leaders. On Monday, he wrote a beautifully worded letter to party chieftains, urging them to close ranks and get ready for the election.

 This week, Biden will host a NATO summit in Washington during which he will meet world leaders and address the US and international media. The summit is an opportunity for the president to showcase his foreign policy credentials for which he’s well renowned. Fixing a PR crisis is all about taking action and proving your point to counter the negative narratives. It is also notable that the major leaders of the Democratic Party, including House Majority Leader, Hakeem Jefferies; former Speaker Nancy Pelosi; Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer; majority of the Democratic governors and even former President Barack Obama are with the President. Building a formidable stakeholder relationship is an important ingredient in managing a crisis. As a leader, you must build a consensus, lay out your gameplan and motivate the team to follow you to the battle.

As you execute your plans, there may be slips on the way. You have to recover quickly and move ahead. Joe Biden told ABC News interview over the weekend that if he ends up failing the election, he’d be satisfied that he had done his best. That turned out to be a dump answer, given the circumstances. To fix it, he called into a talk show on Monday morning and was asked the same question. He bellowed: ‘’I will not lose the election. The question of losing does not arise. I am the man to beat Trump’’. His supporters loved that. In all, the president has managed this crisis fairly well. In our last general elections, Bola Tinubu failed to show up for the debates with his opponents. His team accused the media of bias, but we knew better. Looking back and taking everything into consideration, we can now understand why presidential candidates should subject themselves to the scrutiny that a debate offers.