FEATURES
Only four states—Lagos, Rivers, Oyo, and Bayelsa—received less than they contributed.
An analysis of revenue allocation data from Nigeria’s Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has highlighted some disparities in the redistribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) proceeds among states.
Agora Policy, in a data analysis shared on its X account on Tuesday, highlighted inequalities in VAT distribution among states.
Data analysis from the policy think tank highlighted how Lagos State, the top VAT contributor for the first 10 months of 2024, was allocated 16.78 per cent of its contributions. Meanwhile, Imo State received a staggering 1,715.98 per cent of its contributions during the same period.
The data, which covers VAT contributions and disbursements from January to October 2024, reveals some distortions in how funds are distributed under the federal system.
Lagos contributed N2.21 trillion in VAT, accounting for the highest share of the total pool. Meanwhile, Imo’s contributions stood at N3.33 billion, the lowest among the states. But Imo received N57.09 billion, a figure significantly higher than what it contributed.
The report categorised states based on the proportion of VAT they received relative to their contributions.
Only four states—Lagos, Rivers, Oyo, and Bayelsa—received less than they contributed.
Seventeen states, including Kano and Kaduna, received between 101per cent and 300 per cent of their contributions, while eleven states, such as Bauchi and Ekiti, were allocated 301 per cent to 500 per cent.
Four states—Imo, Abia, Cross River, and Kebbi—benefited the most, each receiving more than 500 per cent of their VAT contributions.
Agora Policy’s analysis highlights Lagos and Imo as outliers.
For the ten months under review, the highest total VAT allocation to a state was N371.09 billion. In contrast, Nasarawa received the least allocation, totalling N47.07 billion with a difference of N324.02 billion.
Value Added Tax (VAT) remains a crucial revenue source in Nigeria’s fiscal framework, with collections distributed among the federal, state, and local governments through a set formula.
The federal government currently retains 15 per cent, states receive 50 per cent, while local governments are allocated the remaining 35 per cent.
Critics argue that the current inter-state sharing formula—based on factors such as population, equality, and landmass—does not favour high-revenue states like Lagos and Rivers which contribute significantly to VAT collections.
Earlier in October, President Bola Tinubu submitted four fiscal bills to the National Assembly, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 and the Tax Administration Bill.
Among the proposed measures is a plan to reduce the federal government’s VAT share to 10 per cent, while states’ allocations would reflect a derivation principle, allowing states to earn more based on the revenue collected within their borders.
However, the new tax proposals have generated controversy, particularly from northern elites, who fear the reforms could place their region at a disadvantage.
The Presidency on Wednesday highlighted reasons every Nigerian may need to acquire the soon-to-be-launched general multipurpose ID card of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
In a sensitization video posted on X by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre, the Presidency noted that the card will provide access to government interventions, reflecting efforts to enhance transparency in social contracts with citizens.
In addition, it said the cardholders can easily access loans from any government and other financial institutions as they come with verifiable credit scores based on their past financial records.
Recall that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) recently announced that it has entered into a partnership with NIMC to fast-track the building of credit scores for all Nigerians with the National Identification Number (NIN).
Driving financial inclusion
While noting that the multipurpose card would soon be available to the general public, the Presidency emphasized its resolve to bring more Nigerians into financial inclusion through the multipurpose card.
“The National ID Card aims to bring over 100 million Nigerians into the banking sector as it automatically bestows on them an inclusion that has evaded more than half of the country’s population for a very long time,” it said.
“Users also have the option of requesting either credit or debit cards,” it added.
While the NIN is already a prerequisite for obtaining an international passport and driver’s licence, among others, the Presidency said this will now be required to apply for government jobs as well as private sector jobs.
It said this would give employers confidence on the profile of the job seekers as verified citizens without questionable records.
How to get the card
Explaining the modalities for the distribution of the cards during a media workshop in Lagos last week, the Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, Dr. Peter Iwegbu, noted that while the NIN is mandatory for every Nigerian, those who need the card would have to request for it.
While noting that the multipurpose cards would launched in a matter of weeks as the sample test cards had been received, Iwegbu, said NIMC has also decentralised requesting and collecting the banks to make it easy for Nigerians.
According to him, the NIMC is working with banks across the country, which will make it possible for people to walk into any bank closest to them and request a card.
He said the Commission would also ensure that the cards are issued at uniform price across the banks.
Backstory
The NIMC in April this year announced plans to launch a multipurpose National ID card that can serve the purpose of identity verification, payments, and even government services.
The card to be powered by AfriGO, was launched in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS)
Information released by the NIMC reveals that the card will be enabled for all government intervention and services across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA).
Among other capabilities and functionalities, it will also be enabled for the eNaira in compliance with the EMV operational and security standards.
Nigerians Are More Loyal To Their Ethnic Groups Than To Nigeria – Ex-President Jonathan Calls For Unity
AFOLABI
The former president emphasised the critical role of leadership at all levels of government, urging leaders to implement policies and projects that promote unity over short-term praise.
Former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, has stated that Nigerians are more loyal to their ethnic nationalities than to the country which has prevented a collective approach to move Nigeria forward.
Speaking at a forum in Effurun, Delta State, Jonathan disclosed the importance of the federal legislators also seeing themselves as representatives of the entire nation rather than their individual states or ethnic groups.
"You are a member of the Nigerian National Assembly, either the Senate or the House of Representatives. You are not a member of the assembly of your people at the state assembly," Jonathan stated.
"We must begin to take the whole country as our people if we are to get out of this quagmire."
"Nigeria is not the only country with multiple nationalities, but it remains a place where people have yet to see themselves as common citizens of one nation. As long as this persists, genuine development will remain elusive.
"After over 100 years of amalgamation, Nigerians should have recognized the benefits of unity, especially given our geography and ecological diversity," he said.
"Yet, from that time to now, we have failed to develop the sense of unity required to see ourselves as one.
“Currently, the forces pulling us apart are too strong. We must weaken the divisions along ethnic and regional lines and embrace the idea of a united nation.
“We are more loyal to our ethnic groups than to the nation. Nigeria, as it stands, is a collection of small ethnic nationalities, each prioritizing its interests. Over time, the divisions between these groups have only deepened.
“Other countries with diverse nationalities have managed to overcome these barriers, evolving into unified nations. Until we achieve this transformation and break down these ethnic boundaries, progress will remain elusive,” he stated.
The former president emphasised the critical role of leadership at all levels of government, urging leaders to implement policies and projects that promote unity over short-term praise.
“Under the constitution, it’s straightforward to appoint one minister per state, given there are 36 states. However, it becomes more complex when appointing heads of agencies and parastatals, as this often attracts accusations of favoritism or nepotism,” he explained.
Saint Rachael’s Pharma has urged National Assembly to expedite action on establishment of a Health Development Bank.
This comes as the country marks 2024 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW).
In a statement, Chairman, Akinjide Adeosun, said the proposed bank would provide medium and long-term credit facilities to health institutions, fostering industrialisation, medicine manufacturing, and medicine security while creating employment.
Adeosun noted the need for the specialised bank to address rising costs of healthcare and antibiotics in Nigeria.
He said a full dose of antibiotics is N20,000, making them unaffordable for many.
This situation, he warned, could exacerbate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to suboptimal dosing, increasing morbidity and mortality rates.
The enactment of Health Bank Bill would enable stakeholders in the value chain – manufacturing, wholesale, and retail – to access single-digit lending rates, reducing business costs and enhancing medicine accessibility. Adeosun noted that inflation, high energy costs, fluctuating currency values, and others have compounded affordability crisis for essential medicines.
He called for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle AMR, urging professionals, from pharmacists to environmentalists, to collaborate in combating the menace. According to him, AMR threatens not only human health but also animal, plant, and environmental safety, posing a grave risk to life expectancy in low-income countries like Nigeria.
Nigeria’s healthcare-associated infection rates and high antibiotic usage – ranging from 65% to 79% in hospitalized patients – are significantly above global averages, exacerbating AMR.
The lack of potable water and poor sanitation further aggravates the spread of resistant microbes. Aligning with the WAAW 2024 theme, “Educate, Advocate & Act Now,” St. Racheal’s Pharma reiterated its commitment to improving Nigerians’ life expectancy through quality, affordable pharmaceuticals.
St. Racheal’s Pharma, headquartered in Lagos, is dedicated to enhancing life expectancy through top-quality, affordable antibiotics.
In addition to its pharmaceutical operations, the company’s Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF) supports free medical missions and leadership education in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 4.
[TheNation]
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, said the payment of accrued rights of pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme is subject to the availability of funds from the government.
The OAGF made this known in a memo signed by Musa Raheem, Director of Administration addressed to the National Union of Pensioners.
“I am directed to inform you that the January – March and April to June 2024 allocations have been released to the National Pension Commission. Subject to the availability of funds, efforts are also ongoing to make further releases before the end of the year in order to reduce the outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
“Please, accept the assurances of the warm regards of the Accountant-General of the Federation.”
The PUNCH reported on Wednesday that the pensioners threatened to occupy the Ministry of Finance on December 16 should their 21-month backlog pension not be paid.
The pensioners had earlier staged a peaceful rally at the Ministry of Finance on November 12, 2024 and had written the Coordinating Minister of Finance and National Economy, Wale Edun, expressing appreciation for the minister’s “mature and civilized“ handling of their grievances.
However, they lamented that despite promises, the accrued rights account remained uncredited.
The pensioners are demanding the immediate release of the outstanding 21 months of accrued rights to retired public workers from March 2023 to November 2024.
They are also seeking payment of unpaid pension increments, including a 15% increase in 2007, a 33% increase in 2010, and a 20% to 28% increase in 2024.
They called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the CPS sector and take immediate steps to clear all government liabilities before December 16, 2024.
The pensioners’ union leadership stated that they had the mandate of their members nationwide to take this action, and they would not back down until their demands were met.
[Punch]
Former Head of state and elder statesman, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has given insight into why he championed the creation of states in Nigeria, among others, while he was in the office as head of state, even as he urged Northern elites to build a consensus around issues that would better serve the greater interest of Nigeria as a whole.
He spoke when a delegation of the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats, LND, visited him yesterday at the Yakubu Gowon Centre, in Abuja.
Gowon who governed between 1966 and 1975, told his visitors that it was aimed at dousing tension and removing the fear of northern domination by other component parts of the federation.
According to him, “May I thank you sincerely, as a former governor and now the chairman-am I correct?-of the League of Northern Democrats. I hope you’re not suggesting that Baba Tafawa Balewa was not both a northern and a national democrat.
“I firmly believe, as I have always said, that the responsibility of maintaining Nigeria’s true democracy rests on the north, and Baba Tafawa Balewa embodied this ideal.
“Let me also say that I hope your visit is not just about returning to the old thinking where the north prioritises the north, the west prioritises the west, and the east prioritises the east-until, of course, the Mid-West emerged to think for itself.
“My position has always been that whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria.
“From your speech, I understand that this is your intention-to ensure the north, in its current state, focuses on national unity.
“It was for this reason that I supported the creation of multiple states, to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful and threatening the country’s unity.
“This perspective was born out of extensive discussions with political leaders, chiefs, and various groups.
“The north had to make sacrifices to address fears of domination by one region, especially given the size and population of the north.
” At that time, there was considerable anxiety from the south about the north’s dominance, which nearly led to calls for secession from all regions-the west, the east, and even the north.
“This deeply worried me. I was born in Nigeria, raised in Nigeria, and served a profession that represented the country’s collective interest.
“My decision to advocate for states creation stemmed from a desire to prevent the fragmentation of our nation.
“Even now, I recall that at one point, people believed the north wanted to secede, just as similar claims were made about the east and the west. This fear of disintegration weighed heavily on me. If we had allowed it, what would we call ourselves today? We might have ended up with separate nations-whether Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or otherwise. I hesitate to say more, as I might risk offending someone here.”
Why I opted out of partisan politics
“You know I’m not affiliated with any political party. My only allegiance is to Nigeria. My profession shaped my belief in serving the country above all else, and I’ve avoided partisan politics.
“I encourage others to think beyond regional interests and focus on Nigeria as a whole. Differences in opinion are natural, but they should never prevent us from working together to resolve issues for the good of the country.
“Nigeria’s population and diversity are strengths. If we can unite despite our differences, we can build the Nigeria we all envision. You have shared your paper with me, and I’ll review it carefully. As you mentioned, you can return at any time for further discussions or my thoughts on your proposals.
“I joked earlier that your League of Northern Democrats isn’t yet a party. It appears to be a northern group, but it’s made up of individuals from all parts of the country.
“The north is incredibly diverse, encompassing various tribes, such as the Igbo-speaking communities in Benue and the Yoruba presence there as well. These differences enrich our region and should encourage unity rather than division.
“The northern identity, however, is often associated with the Hausa-Fulani. Even within that label, there is significant diversity. For instance, among the Angas people, we have distinct names like “Ngas,” and they call us “Ngali.” The cultural nuances are fascinating and a testament to our rich heritage.”
On current security challenges
“Unfortunately, I feel saddened by the challenges currently facing the north, such as the emergence of groups like the Lukurawa from Mali. Their activities have only created more problems for us.
“Nonetheless, I’m honoured and delighted by your visit. Your introductions touched me deeply. Many of you are descendants of respected leaders such as Tafawa Balewa and Shagari. I see this gathering as a continuation of their legacy.
“I must commend your group’s efforts to bring over 700 members together. It’s a remarkable achievement. However, I urge you to remember that the north’s division into states was meant to preserve national unity.
“Whatever you do, always prioritise the nation’s interest. While cooperation among states is vital, it should never compromise Nigeria’s collective good.
“I’m impressed by your initiative and wish you success. Perhaps your movement will evolve into a national party that unites all Nigerians. While various groups work on a new constitution, I encourage you to engage with them to ensure their proposals serve the country’s best interests.
“I’ve always believed in taking the best from all ideologies-be it socialism, capitalism, or others-and applying them for the greater good.
“During my time in government, we valued diverse perspectives, but decisions were always made in the interest of the people and the nation.
“You’ve started something significant, and I hope you’re prepared to collaborate with others for the future of Nigeria. Your dedication gives me hope for the nation’s future.
Earlier, the Chairman of the LND, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, described Gowon as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity, strength and resilience.
While congratulating the retired general on his 90th birthday, he prayed for his continued health and strength to contribute to national development.
Explaining the desire behind the formation of the LND, Shekarau said, “Your Excellency, the League of Northern Democrats was born out of a shared sense of urgency and responsibility among Northern elites to address the critical challenges facing our region.
“Together, we seek to reposition the North as a bastion of political, economic and cultural influence – a North that reclaims its historical role as a beacon of leadership in Nigeria!
[Vanguard]
Shell is starting arbitration hearings over the supply of liquefied natural gas from Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass facility, Shell CEO Wael Sawan has said, according to a Reuters report.
Shell and other companies including BP, Galp and Repsol have also launched contract arbitration cases in the United States over inability to obtain contract cargoes for more than two years.
“Frustratingly, we have got no volumes against our term agreement which underpinned the financing for the project. We’re going through arbitration hearings this quarter,” Sawan said on a call with Reuters analysts.
Shell and others say they have lost billions of dollars in profit from gas promised under long-term contracts but it was not delivered. Venture Global LNG contends it has not fully commissioned the Louisiana plant.
Previously, Venture Global LNG had criticised Shell for its poor performance record at its own LNG facilities.
Industry observers see this accusation by Venture Global as reminiscent of the legal issues faced by NLNG, a Shell subsidiary, where it was found that the company had breached a contract by failing to deliver at least 19 cargoes of LNG under a contract signed in January 2020.
This led to a London arbitration panel and an England and Wales High Court of Justice ruling against NLNG in July 2024.
The arbitration panel included John Beechey CBE, J. William Rowley KC, and Nevil Phillips.
Shell accuses Venture Global LNG of wrongfully earning $3.5 billion, according to an earlier report by the Financial Times.
[TheCable]
The presidency has shared details of what President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, would be doing on a three-day official visit to Paris, France.
Naija News reports Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day State Visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.
Following the arrival, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Wednesday, narrated that during the visit, the Nigerian leader will attend a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée.
Also, President Tinubu, during the visit, will address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills, engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions, while both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.
The presidential aide also highlighted that the French First Lady, and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations.
Before departure, President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner put together by their hosts.
The full statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day State Visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.
“Touching down at Orly Airport around 5:10 p.m., President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard, marking a ceremonial start to his visit.
“The official engagements will begin on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will warmly receive President Tinubu. The visit will continue with a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader.
“The visit aims to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. It promises substantial benefits for Nigeria.
“In collaboration with President Macron, President Tinubu will address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
“The visit includes strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.
“Additionally, both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.
“Brigitte Macron and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria’s First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
“President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner hosted by the French President before their departure.”
[NaijaNews]
The federal government has spent about N8.8 billion to repair and put power transmission towers vandalised across the country into functional use.
The disclosure was made by the managing director and chief executive officer of the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN), Suleiman Ahmed Abdulaziz, at the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting in Abuja.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, also disclosed that the federal government was working in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to make electricity available to 50 million Nigerians by the year 2030.
Abdulaziz, who was represented by the executive director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP) of TCN, Olugbenga Emmanuel Ajiboye, said that between January 13, 2024 and now, 128 transmission towers were destroyed either by vandals or bandits, across the country.
He lamented that when the vandals were apprehended and handed over to police for prosecution, they were bailed out of detention and they would return and continue with the vandalism.
“As I talk to you today, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. Till date, we have spent about N8.8 billion, by our estimation, to put them back to full and functional use. It is so sad that each time the vandals were caught and taken to police for prosecution, police would arrest them for theft, instead of vandalism and they would be bailed. If they are charged for vandalism, they cannot be bailed, but this is where we are. So many of them have been arrested, but each time they will be bailed because police often incident their cases as that of theft.
“When the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna towers were destroyed, we had to get the full military escorts for our contractors to get the transmission lines and towers restored and in some cases, they would tell us that we could only work for two hours on some days. In some instances, they would even tell us that it was not safe to move there. How do we get out of this? How can we deliver electricity to Nigerians under these terrible circumstances? These are part of the challenges we are facing in the power sector,” Abdulaziz said.
For his part, the Power minister, who was represented by his chief technical adviser, Adedayo Olowoniyi, said the Nigerian government was working with the Word Bank and the AfDB to get 50 million Nigerians to have access to electricity by the year 2030.
Hello said the Power Ministry was collaborating with its Finance counterpart to get the process achieved.
“The mission 300 has been driven by the World Bank and the African Development Bank and it is a project that will provide electricity to 300 million Africans and Nigeria will benefit 50 millions from this. Nigeria has a large population that is without electricity and this is a great opportunity for us to be part of this process. The Compact document will be signed by our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Tanzania in January, 2025. We worked extensively with the World Bank, the AfDB and the Ministry of Finance to develop the document with all the countries that will be participating in it.
“The most important thing is that we have to drive the process by ourselves through the private and public sector participation. We will do it through the solar form system, mini and micro grid, grid extension and connection,” the minister said.
He continued: “The reality is that it is not actually feasible, based on the resources we have, to extend the grid to all Nigerians, one, from the funding point of view and secondly, it may not be commercially viable to begin to talk of grid extension to those parts that are not viable, but that does not mean that we should not deliver electricity to them, which is their right and as part of the dividends of democracy. But we will start with the home solar system in those areas where the grid may not work.”
[Leadership]
A former Head of States, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.) has explained why he has so far refused to align with any of the nation’s political parties or joined partisan politics in the country.
The 90-year-old elder statesman gave the explanation on Wednesday in Abuja when he received the League of Northern Democrats (LND) led by a former Kano State governor and Sardaunan Kano, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau.
Daily Trust reports that Gen. Gowon who ruled Nigeria as a military leader for nine years, before being ousted by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida military led junta.
He has since refused to be associated with the nation’s multi-party democracy, unlike some of the nation’s military leaders, who were active in politics.
“I am not affiliated with any political party. My only allegiance is to Nigeria. My profession (military) shaped my belief in serving the country above all else, and I’ve avoided partisan politics.
“I encourage others to think beyond regional interests and focus on Nigeria as a whole. Differences in opinion are natural, but they should never prevent us from working together to resolve issues for the good of the country.
“I’ve always believed in taking the best from all ideologies, be it socialism, capitalism, or others, and applying them for the greater good. During my time in government, we valued diverse perspectives, but decisions were always made in the interest of the people and the nation,” Gowon said.
He expressed hope that the guests’ mission was not just about returning to the old thinking where every region prioritised theirs.
“My position has always been that whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria. From your speech, I understand that this is your intention—to ensure the north, in its current state, focuses on national unity.
“It was for this reason that I supported the creation of multiple states, to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful and threatening the country’s unity,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of League of Northern Democrats (LND), Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, spoke on the 90th birthday of Gen Gowon.
He said, “First, let us congratulate you on your 90th birthday, a milestone that reflects a life of unparalleled service and dedication to our great nation. As Dr. Akinwumi Adesina so eloquently articulated in his paper as Guest Speaker during the celebration, your vision and legacy remain cornerstones of Nigeria’s progress.
“Indeed, as former President Olusegun Obasanjo also aptly observed then, you are one of the few leaders whose exemplary deeds are celebrated during their lifetime.
Sir, we proudly stand with all well-meaning Nigerians to uphold and champion the legacy of unity and integrity that you so manifestly embody.”
Shekarau said that the LND was born out of a shared sense of urgency and responsibility among northern elites to address the critical challenges facing the region.
“Together, we seek to reposition the North as a bastion of political, economic and cultural influence – a North that reclaims its historical role as a beacon of leadership in Nigeria.
“There is very little we can tell you that you may not have averted your mind on. But the challenges we face today, disunity, poverty, illiteracy, insecurity, drug addiction and the erosion of societal values, demand urgent and deliberate action.
“As you have often reminded us, if people do not rise to address their own issues, no one else will. This ethos of self-reliance and collective responsibility inspired the formation of the LND as a platform for proactive and collaborative solutions to our problems,” Shekarau said.
He also said that the organisation is planning a Northern Nigerian Political Summit in Kaduna to bring together stakeholders and leaders of thought to deliberate on their shared challenges and chart a new course for progress.
[Dailytrust]
More...
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Nanfwang Gunat, has sounded a note of caution to legislators across the country against passing a vote of confidence on the embattled National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje.
Gunat said he was cautioning both former and serving, whether in the state houses of assembly, house of representatives or senate.
Gunat who was a member of Support Groups Coordination (North Central) for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), stressed that such endorsement would amount to betraying the North Central region which has been pushing to reclaim the chairmanship seat after the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu, who is from the North Central.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Jos the Plateau State Capital, the Chieftain revealed that rumours making the rounds are that Ganduje is planning to organise both former and serving legislators across the country to get their support for the chairmanship seat to remain in the North-West where he is from, and that they should also endorse him for the position.
According to him, “that position has been constitutionally agreed by the party to be for the North Central which has contributed greatly towards the progress of APC, but Ganduje is trying everything possible to twist that fact.
“But the North Central region, wouldn’t concede that position to another region within the party structure”, he maintained.
The party chieftain disputed the credit given to Ganduje on the victory of the APC in the Edo and Ondo governorship election, saying that the people voted for the party because of their belief and trust in the party and not because of Ganduje who could not deliver his home state of Kano to the APC.
“I wish to call on President Bola Tinubu and leaders of our party to immediately convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to address this issue of the Chairmanship position accordingly so that it doesn’t tear the party apart”, he admonished.
Gunat pointed out that convening the meeting to address that vital issue is key to the party’s unity and success towards the 2027 election because the North Central region is already feeling marginalized and relegated to the background.
[DailyPost]
Actress and filmmaker, Mary Njoku, has raised concerns about the increasing trend of young women opting for Botox injections.
On her Instagram page, Njoku questioned why 21-year-olds are undergoing a cosmetic procedure typically used by women in their 40s and 50s to reduce wrinkles.
She wondered about wrinkles women in their early 20s could possibly need to hide.
The actress urged young women to embrace their youth and natural beauty, reminding them that many people would give anything to relive their 20s and cherish the youthful glow that comes with it.
Njoku also addressed parents, encouraging them to instill in their daughters a love for their natural selves.
She stressed the importance of building self-esteem and promoting positive body image from a young age.
She wrote: “Botox at 21? Really, why?
“Is having a lifeless face now the new trend?
Older people, those in their 40s and 50s use it to reduce wrinkles.
“But at 20s, what wrinkles could you possibly be trying to hide? Embrace your youth while you still can.
“If only they understood how much people would give to be in their 20s again. They’d cherish their youthful beauty even more. Let’s teach our daughters to embrace and celebrate their natural selves. Self-esteem is everything.”
[TheNation]
‘Our country cannot sustain the numbers,’ UK Party leader Kemi Badenoch vows to limit immigration
Admin
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has pledged stricter immigration policies, warning the UK can no longer sustain current levels.
Badenoch admitted past Tory governments failed to curb migration effectively but vowed to address the issue “without fear.”
Proposing a hard annual cap on legal immigration without specifying a figure, Badenoch also insisted the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) would not hinder necessary actions.
“Immigration is at a pace too fast to maintain public services,” she said. “For decades, the political class has presided over mass migration… The system that replaced free movement is not working.”
Badenoch stressed the importance of integration, saying migrants must adopt British values.
“Without a shared national identity, our country will suffer,” she warned, criticising the strain on housing, healthcare, and wages caused by mass migration.
She pledged to review policies, treaties, and laws, emphasizing transparency and stricter visa limits.
New migration figures tomorrow are expected to show a decline, but Badenoch cautioned against complacency.
“We can no longer be naïve,” she said, hinting at reforms to prevent legal loopholes and misuse of the system.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.
Abiola is one of the children of the winner of the 1993 presidential election annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida, the late Chief Moshood Abiola.
He was formerly appointed the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice-President.
In a statement on Wednesday by
Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, Abiola’s appointment was effective from November 14, 2024.
Imohiosen said his appointment was in line with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended.
He said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the appointment of Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.
“The appointment takes effect from 14th November, 2024. This is in line with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended.
“Until his appointment, Jami’u served as the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice President.
“President Tinubu tasks the appointee to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new assignment.”
[Punch]