The Olisa Agbakoba law firm has called for a review of the Student Loan Act recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, particularly the sections that listed the criteria for accessing education loans.
The Student Loan Bill which was sponsored by the former speaker of the 9th House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, was signed into law by Tinubu as part of the federal government’s measure to boost access to higher education for Nigerians.
The development has, however, drawn mixed reactions from the relevant stakeholders in the education sector, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
As stipulated in the Act, for one to be eligible for the loan, the following criteria must be met:
“Applicants must have been admitted into any Nigerian university, Polytechnics, College of Education, or any Vocational School established by the Federal and State Government of the Federation.
“Applicant or family income must be less than N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) per annum.
“Applicants must provide at least Two Guarantors. Each of the Guarantors must be a Civil Servant of not less than 12 years in service, or a Lawyer with at least 10 years post-call experience; a Judicial Officer, or a Justice of Peace.”
Section 18 of Act also stated that repayment of the loan will commence two years after completion of the beneficiary’s National Youth Service Corps programme, to which a two years imprisonment or fine awaits defaulters.
The act was analysed by Babatunde Ogungbamila, a partner at Olisa Agbakoba Legal, who heads the firm’s Dispute Resolution Practice.
Ogungbamila wrote that while the Act is innovative, its implementation and operations will be difficult for indigents.
On the requirement that loan is accessible by students whose parents earn below 500,000 annually, the firm’s partner said the Act set out the financial benchmark based on current realities without anticipating future improvement in standards of living.
“The threshold for financial qualification is that applicant and their families who earn less than five hundred thousand naira every year may make the vast majority of the vulnerable unqualified. Whenever the minimum wage is reviewed for an increase, most students would be ineligible to apply for a loan because they would no longer qualify due to the increase in the minimum wage.
“The Act also fails to take into account parents who have many children attending higher institutions and are making more than Five Hundred Thousand Naira a year.
“Parents who earn above five hundred thousand naira per annum with more than one child in higher institutions may be unable to take advantage of the law,” he stated.
He advised the government to reconsider the financial threshold for qualification, so as to accommodate even parents who earn above N500,000 monthly.
He added, “The Act may have unwittingly destroyed the very fundamentals of its creation by leaving many vulnerable outside its net. With the enactment of this Act, there is a great possibility of an increase in school fees, making it difficult for individuals who are not eligible to apply for loans to pay their tuition.”
Ogungbamila explained that it will be very difficult for poor Nigerians to get lawyers with ten years of post-call experience as their guarantors.
“Further, given that the Student Loan Act is to assist poor Nigerians, the stipulation that the applicant must furnish at least two guarantors, each of whom must be a civil servant with at least 12 years of service may be an herculean task for the poor.
“It may be a big challenge for the poor to get a lawyer with ten years of post-call experience as a guarantor. How is a student who lacks the funds to complete his study going to be able to find a lawyer with ten years of post-call experience to serve as a guarantor?
“The statute has to be reconsidered because few poor Nigerians will be able to utilize this student loan program as a result of this clause,” he added.
He maintained the repayment plan is “impractical” because there is no possibility that those who pass out from the NYSC will get a good job after two years of service.
“It is not news that some graduates struggle to find employment in the years following NYSC due to a lack of job opportunities in Nigeria,” the partner stated on the firm’s official website.
…Seeks Severe Sanctions For Culprits
Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA), on Saturday, called on President Bola Tinubu to set up an independent panel to unravel the unending mystery surrounding oil theft in Nigeria and probe oil bunkering and allied crimes, especially from 2015 till date.
HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the government must not spare the culprits identified at the end of the probe but name and shame them and sanction them severely.
The group’s call comes hours after the allegations by prominent Niger Delta leader and former agitator, Mujahid Asari Dokubo, who accused the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy of being culpable of oil theft in the oil-rich Niger Delta area.
Dokubo, who met the President on Friday at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, said, “The military is at the centre of oil theft and we have to make this very clear to the Nigerian public that 99 per cent of oil theft can be traced to the Nigerian military, the Army and the Navy especially.”
“The Army and Navy are behind oil theft. They intimidate civil defence, who are by law expected to protect installations. They tap directly from the oil head. What has been happening in the last eight years is unprecedented anywhere in the world.
“The livelihood of the people is being destroyed. The main culprits are the army and navy. There are notorious army commanders who are known to be the ones behind oil bunkering,” the former militant stated.
The Nigerian Army has since responded to the allegations, saying it has been vigorously engaged in the fight against illegal oil bunkering, oil theft, illegal oil refining and other sundry crimes in the region with positive results.
Also, the Nigerian Navy has challenged Dokubo to produce the names of officers involved in crude oil theft.
In its reaction, HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “The allegations by Dokubo are startling and damning and these allegations must be thoroughly investigated.
“We ask that the President set up a seven-man independent panel of criminologists drawn from reputable global fora to investigate the larger cases of crude oil thefts from 2015-2023.
“The panel should identify, prosecute and sanction culprits in the severest of mechanisms and recover to the last dollar public funds diverted through those stolen crude oil by these rogues no matter their statuses.
“Also, Dokubo who made the allegations must provide irrefutable evidence or be prosecuted for providing false information which is a criminal offence.”
Oil theft has become a malignant cancer in Nigeria for years. Last October, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited said it uncovered an illegal oil connection from Forcados Terminal that operated for nine years with about 600,000 barrels per day of oil lost in the same period.
Similarly, former militant leader, Government Ekpemepulo, popularly known as Tompolo said about 58 illegal oil points have been discovered so far since the operation to end oil theft on the waterways of Delta and Bayelsa states began.
The arrest was made while the criminals were pumping crude oil from an illegal connection which they had fixed to a Chevron pipeline in the Warri River.
One week later, another illegal oil pipeline was uncovered which was used by criminals to steal crude oil from Forcados Terminal in Delta State.
The illegal pipeline was located in
Okuntu Community which is a few metres away from the Forcados crude oil export terminal
The illegal 6 inch pipeline was connected to the 48 inch Trans Forcados Export Pipeline connecting the high sea where crude oil is being loaded into vessels.
It was connected with the primary intention to steal crude oil from the main pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company and Agip.
The distance from where the illegal pipeline was connected and where it was being used to load stolen crude oil into the ship is between five to six kilometers.
So far, Tantita Security Services working in collaboration with NNPC has discovered over 60 illegal connections to the trans-Escravos, trans-Forcados, and other major trunk lines by oil bunkers in Delta and Bayelsa states.
The Chairman of Heirs Holding Ltd had on Wednesday during the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) 2023 Annual Value Assurance Review (AVAR) in Lagos lauded the NNPC for the effort it is making in curbing crude oil theft.
According to Elumelu, due to the efforts of the NNPC Ltd, Heirs Oil & Gas has witnessed 96 per cent recovery rate.
Elumelu said, “When I listened to the Group CEO speak today (Wednesday), talking about us moving to 2.5 million barrels we challenge him to do more. I believe that it is achievable. From losing 97 per cent of our 50,000 barrels production, interestingly and it will be bad of me to have this platform and not share this here.
“That day, I got a call from the GCEO and I thought he was going to kill me for speaking up, to my greatest surprise, he said to me Tony we are sorry about what is happening, we are doing something about it, it will be corrected.
“They worked as a team and the Board of the NNPC, the FG, the security agencies, and last month our recovery factor was 96 per cent. So GCEO NNPC, you have delivered.
“I speak from experience, a beneficiary and one who cried out before and today standing up today to say we have improved our production and that is what we need to encourage more investments in the industry.”
He added, “Today (Wednesday), we lifted 501,000 barrels of oil bringing our total lifting this year alone to 2.6m barrels of oil. I am a great beneficiary of the new NNPCL
The Central Bank of Nigeria on Friday said that the 43 items restricted from accessing Foreign Exchange from the official window remain banned from the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window.
This means the restriction of foreign exchange allocation for the importation of the 43 items still stands.
The bank said this in a series of Q&A tweets Friday afternoon to explain the operational changes to the foreign exchange market.
“The status quo remains on the 43 non-eligible items. The items are not permitted to be funded from the I&E window,” the CBN said.
The apex bank had Wednesday announced the collapse of all forex windows into the Investors & Exporters (I&E) window in its efforts to unify all segments of the Nigerian forex market.
“All transactions will now be done through the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window, where the exchange rate will be determined by market forces. Applications for medicals, school fees, BTA/PTA, and SMEs would continue to be processed through deposit money banks,” the bank said in a statement.
In June 2015, the Central Bank announced that some 41 items were “Not Valid for Foreign Exchange”, on the grounds that they could easily be produced in Nigeria rather than being imported into the country.
Some of the affected items include rice, cement, margarine, palm kernel, palm oil products, vegetable oils, meat and processed meat products, vegetables and processed vegetable products, poultry, tomatoes/tomato paste, soap and cosmetics, and clothes.
Other items include private airplanes/jets, Indian incense, tinned fish in sauce, cold rolled steel sheets, ggalvanised teel sheets, roofing sheets, wheelbarrows, head pans, metal boxes/containers, enamelware, steel drums and pipes, wire mesh, steel nails, wood particle boards, and panels.
Equally affected were security and razor wire, wood particle and fiber boards and panels, wooden doors, furniture, toothpicks, glass/glassware, kitchen utensils, tableware, tiles (vitrified, ceramics), textiles, wooden fabrics, plastic/rubber products, polypropylene granules, and cellophane wrappers.
The apex bank subsequently added fertiliser and maize/corn to the list of banned items.
According to the apex bank, the I&E market functions by a “willing buyer, willing seller” system, where an entity with demand for FX seeks out another entity with FX to sell at an agreed price through an authorised dealer.
The Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Eze Anaba, has been elected President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE). He polled 250 votes to defeat his opponent, the former Managing Editor of THISDAY, Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, who polled 81 votes.
The NGE is the umbrella body of the highest strata of working journalists who have attained the exalted position of editors in the journalism profession.
The election took place at the NGE’s Biennial National Convention which was held in Owerri, Imo State from 15th to 17th June 2023. The convention held at the Rockview Hotel was declared open by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Sheddy Ozoene
The Director of News, Radio Nigeria, Mrs. Husseina Bangshika was elected unopposed as Deputy President while the Editor of Guardian newspaper, Kabir Alabi Garba and Umoru Ibrahim of Triumph Newspaper Kano were also elected unopposed as Vice President (West) and Vice President (North), respectively.
In a keenly contested election for the Vice President (East), the Editor-In-Chief of People&Politics, Sheddy Ozoene defeated Mrs Boma Nwuke of Rivers State Radio Corporation by 204 to 119 votes.
Editor with THISDAY Newspaper, Iyobosa Uwugiaren defeated Lanre Oyetade to be re-elected as the Guild's General Secretary. Others elected include Steve Nwosu as Treasurer, Gabriel Akinadewo as Assistant Secretary and Charles Kalu, formerly of Silverbird TV, as Social/Publicity Secretary.
The Managing Director of Sun Newspapers Onuoha Ukeh, Rose Moses and Oluwole Sogunle of the News Agency of Nigeria were elected members of Standing Committee (West). Others are Chinedu Egere and Dom Isute as members of Standing Committee (East) while Muhammad Sanusi and Paulyn Ugbodaga of AIT/Raypower Abuja are members of the Standing Committee (North).
The results were announced by the Chairperson of the election committee, Maimuna Garba.
Anaba takes over the Guild presidency from Mustapha Isah of Voice of Nigeria. The new exco would pilot the affairs of the NGE for the next two years.
Over 400 editors are in Owerri for 2023 NGE biennial convention with the theme: ‘Post 2023 Election: Promoting Professionalism for Enhancement of Democracy and Good Governance.”
The Convention had the Vice President, Kashim Shettima as Special Guest of Honour while the Keynote Speaker was Dr. Chido Nwakanma; Father of the Day was the former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, while Dr. Tony Onyima was the Chairman of the Convention.
Speaking after his election, Mr Anaba thanked members of the Guild for the confidence reposed in him and promised not to let the Guild down. He thanked the outgoing president, Mustapha Isah, for his leadership attributes and for organising a successful elective convention.
Yesterday, there were varying responses to the suggestions put forth by the Policy Advisory Council established by President Bola Tinubu. The recommendations included advocating for a state of emergency to be declared in the areas of revenue generation and national security.
An anonymous source has revealed that a council, allegedly established by Tinubu during his tenure as president-elect, has made a recommendation to merge three government agencies. These agencies include the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Further investigation is required to confirm the authenticity of this claim.
In a recent report by the council, it has been revealed that three organisations are set to undergo a transformation into the Nigerian Revenue Service. The council, which is chaired by Senator Tokunbo Abiru and has Sumaila Zubairu, Dr. Doris Anite, and Dr. Yemi Cardoso as members, has made this announcement. Upon further investigation, it has been discovered that the document in question was created through a collaborative effort involving KPMG, a prominent consulting firm.
The council's recommendation to implement the Stephen Oransaye report on the rationalisation and restructuring of government ministries, agencies, and parastatals is worth investigating further.
An ambitious revenue target of $1 trillion has been set within a relatively short timeframe of eight years following the proposed merger of three agencies. The question remains: is this target achievable, and what factors have been taken into consideration to arrive at this figure? Further investigation is needed to determine the feasibility of this goal.
The government has been advised to take action in order to increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to the gross domestic product. This includes providing incentives and forming partnerships with strategic trading partners. The goal is to accelerate the growth of key sectors such as light electronics assembly, garments, fertiliser, refined sugar, oil palm, and automotive. The ultimate target is to generate an output of over $50 billion annually.
The document reveals some ambitious targets, including a plan to increase the current growth rate of 3.25 percent to an average annual growth rate of 7 percent. Additionally, the plan aims to lift 100 million people out of poverty and create an environment that will generate 50 million jobs. The ultimate goal is to achieve sustained inclusive growth.
According to a document, there is a recommendation for the passage of an Emergency Economic Reform Bill. This bill would grant the president special powers to drive the economic reform agenda. Further investigation is needed to determine the specifics of this bill and the potential implications of granting the president such powers.
A proposal has surfaced regarding the creation of a strategic coordination organ. This organ would serve to ensure that monetary and fiscal policies are in alignment. The proposed members of this organ include the president, vice president, minister of finance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, minister of trade and investment, and chief economic adviser to the president.
In a recent development, the council has put forth a recommendation that has caught the attention of many. As per the council's suggestion, it is imperative to domesticate a minimum of 50 percent of the value chains of the three largest manufacturing sub-sectors, namely food and beverages, chemicals and petrochemicals, and textiles, apparel, and footwear. The total value of these sub-sectors is estimated to be a staggering $17 billion.
Investigative journalists have uncovered a proposal for a consumer credit scheme that includes housing and consumer goods such as automobiles and furniture. The scheme is said to be funded by either utilising 20 percent of the Cash Reserve Fund of N5 trillion in the CBN or leveraging pension funds of N9 trillion. The proposal aims to promote long-term mortgages and affordable consumer credit. Further investigation is needed to determine the feasibility and potential impact of this proposal.
According to Professor Nwokoma, the task at hand is expected to be arduous and difficult.
According to Ndubisi Nwokoma, a professor of economics, the proposed merger of three agencies appears to be a cause for concern. He believes that the merger could potentially create an excessive amount of bureaucracy, making the process more complicated than necessary.
The individual claimed that the integration of large-scale corporations may result in the formation of bottlenecks. Could this idea potentially have negative consequences? Further investigation is needed to determine the potential risks and drawbacks associated with this proposal. The purpose of this strategy appears to be aimed at enhancing the organization's operational capabilities by emphasising various revenue-generating aspects. Further investigation is needed to determine the specific methods and techniques being employed to achieve this goal. Could the consolidation of multiple organisations into one mega organisation potentially have negative consequences?
The director of the Centre for Economic Policy Analysis and Research (CEPAR) at the University of Lagos, Nwokoma, has brought attention to the foreign exchange policy. Nwokoma has recalled that during the tenures of Charles Soludo and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as CBN governors, there were multiple rates in place. However, the margin between these rates was very narrow.
Are there underlying issues that are causing problems beyond just policies? Are policies truly effective? This is the question that begs to be answered. It is important to investigate whether policies have been successful in achieving their intended goals. Under whose leadership did things go haywire? The answer seems to point to Buhari. What exactly happened during his tenure that caused this? Could political interference be the reason behind the issue? Could it be that there are templates under Soludo and Sanusi that could be adopted?
As an investigative journalist, it appears that the individual is suggesting that the concept of obtaining an object from the moon is not a novel idea and therefore does not require a complete overhaul. The source suggested reverting to successful methods from previous experiences and implementing them.
The university don has made a bold statement regarding the employment target set by the government. According to the don, the target is not feasible and he has advised the government to address certain factors that contribute to job creation. Further investigation is needed to determine the specific factors the don is referring to and whether the government has taken any steps to address them.
Has the issue of security been adequately addressed? The question remains: has there been any progress made in addressing the issue of infrastructure? The issue of multiple taxes: has it been resolved? Investigative journalist version: The investigation should focus on growth-inducing factors as they have the potential to create jobs through increased production and expansion.
Manufacturers seem to be constantly complaining about the difficulty of getting rid of their products. Multiple agencies are reportedly involved in the clearance of goods. Further investigation is needed to determine the identities of these agencies and their roles in the clearance process. Is it possible that clearing goods from the port in Nigeria costs more than the actual transportation of the goods from China? Upon further investigation, it has been discovered that a multitude of factors require attention. Did Buhari make a promise about creating 3 million jobs? They are now talking about creating 50 million jobs. Did they manage to accomplish that goal?
Nigeria's future prospects appear to be precarious, with a high population growth rate and a decreasing gross domestic product per capita.
What are the specific high-impact initiatives that are needed to achieve a 7 percent average annual GDP growth rate and reach a $1 trillion GDP in the next eight years? Who is responsible for implementing these initiatives and what steps are being taken to ensure their success? What are the potential challenges and obstacles that could hinder the achievement of this goal? These are important questions that need to be answered in order to fully understand the feasibility and likelihood of achieving this ambitious economic target.
The former president of CITN endorses the proposed plan and emphasises the need for cautious integration.
Our correspondent had a chat with Adesina Adedayo, the former president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), regarding the merger of three agencies. Adedayo expressed his opinion that the merger could be a wise decision, but he also stated that Nigeria may not have the necessary structure in place to support such a move.
As an investigative journalist, it is crucial to uncover the truth behind the issue of governance cost and duplication of duties. To gain a better understanding of this matter, it is essential to examine the directional flow of revenue sources. As an investigative journalist, it has been brought to my attention that in other developed countries, there are measures in place to monitor the importation of equipment into companies through customs. It is imperative to investigate whether such measures are present in our country and if not, why not. The lack of control over imported equipment could potentially lead to illegal activities and must be addressed.
Who exactly is responsible for overseeing the customs and revenue levels in Ghana? According to sources, it appears that the Ghana Revenue Service holds the technical authority in this matter. As an investigative journalist, it appears that there may be potential for optimising our revenue flow to maximise profits. Further investigation is necessary to determine the most effective strategies for achieving this goal. From an investigative journalist's perspective, it appears that the mergers in question may be a wise decision. Is there a deeper issue at play here? Are there measures in place to prevent conflicting objectives among the parties involved? The individual made a statement.
The individual stated that in the event of a merger, it is imperative that it is executed with precision. They emphasised the importance of ensuring that all parties involved are treated equally and that there is no hierarchy established.
Adedayo suggests that Nigeria should focus on its comparative advantage in manufacturing and invest in those areas to generate employment opportunities.
The individual in question has made a statement regarding job targets, emphasising the need for clear and specific information regarding the nature of the jobs that are intended to be generated. Are the 50 million jobs being referred to limited to those that require a college degree or do they also include positions in the lower ranks? The individual stated that there must be a sense of reasoning behind the sequence of events.
According to Babatunde Adeniji, an economic analyst, there seems to be a lot of merit in the idea of merging government agencies. This is due to the bloated nature of many government agencies, and the need to make the government more nimble and efficient.
The source suggested that the government could potentially generate additional employment opportunities, provided they possess the necessary political determination.
The National Population Commission (NPC) has reportedly disclosed that a whopping sum of N200 billion has been expended over the course of eight years in preparation for the census.
The Director of Public Affairs for the National Population Commission (NPC), Isiaka Yahaya, has refuted claims that the commission spent a large sum of money in recent years. Yahaya stated that the commission has been making preparations for the census since 2014, and therefore, the insinuation that the sum was spent in the last few years is inaccurate.
During a press conference held on Friday in Abuja, he made this statement.
The Daily Trust Saturday has reported that Nigeria's census, which was supposed to be conducted in accordance with United Nations guidelines since 2016, has been postponed for various reasons since its last occurrence in 2006.
Investigative report reveals that a whopping sum of N200bn has allegedly been expended on preparations for the 2023 Census. It has been discovered that the aforementioned fund was not utilised in recent weeks, months, or even years. Shockingly, it has been revealed that the fund has been in use since 2014, during the initial stages of preparation for the highly anticipated 2023 Census.
It has been revealed that a portion of the N200 billion was spent prior to the current commission's arrival. This commission was inaugurated twice between 2018 and 2020, and even before the Buhari Administration began. These findings raise questions about the allocation and management of funds prior to the current commission's tenure.
According to Yahaya, a significant amount of money was allocated towards various preparatory measures to guarantee the accuracy and legitimacy of the upcoming operation.
According to his statement, a significant portion of the spending was allocated towards the demarcation of the country into enumeration areas, which facilitated the clustering process and subsequently provided the country with valuable data on the number of houses present.
Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's inauguration, his administration has made several noteworthy decisions that have garnered praise from Nigerians.
Since Tinubu's inauguration on May 29, 2023, there have been some surprising developments in the country. The President has made some unexpected decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the suspension of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
In a recent development, the Central Bank of Nigeria has received the attention of Tinubu. This comes after the suspension of Godwin Emefiele, who has been in charge of the country's monetary system for the past nine years. The reason for the suspension is said to be due to Emefiele's abysmal handling of the system.
Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has received a treatment similar to that of other high-profile individuals who have been accused of corruption. The allegations against Bawa are weighty and have prompted an investigation into his conduct.
Is the President truly conscious of the Nigerian situation? This is the question on the minds of many citizens who have been observing his speeches. Some are convinced that he speaks with assurance about the issues plaguing the country, not as an aspirant but as a sitting President. But is this really the case?
Could it be possible that decisions that were neglected or took years to be made during the past administration have been swiftly executed by the current administration in just a matter of hours or days? This is a view held by some Nigerians.
Could it be that Nigeria's success is a result of carefully calculated economic decisions?
The government has implemented several policies including the removal of fuel subsidy, signing of the Electricity Act 2023, Data Protection Act, Student Loan Act, unification of the foreign exchange market, and other measures.
Reports suggest that the President Bola Tinubu Policy Advisory Council may have made a recommendation regarding the merger of key Nigerian agencies. Specifically, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are said to be the agencies in question.
Why did the council propose the merger? According to sources, the aim was to facilitate the streamlined collection of both direct and indirect taxes, as well as levies, on behalf of the federal government.
As the president's plans and direction remain shrouded in ambiguity, there is a growing sentiment among Nigerians that his rhetoric aligns with what one would anticipate from a conscientious leader committed to nation-building.
What are the potential ramifications of this on the cost of goods and services for the Nigerian populace? In his Democracy Day broadcast, Tinubu implored the public to persevere for a brief period.
Former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adigun Agbaje, has commented on the impact of the student loan scheme. According to him, the bill has been received with open arms and is considered a positive development.
The individual claims that Nigeria is in dire need of a government that can effectively tackle the multifaceted challenges plaguing the education sector.
"This initiative is a step in the right direction." It’s a meaningful step, and it tells the story that perhaps this government is going to take on critical issues from the previous government and make advances in terms of moving the country forward.
"It is a welcome development; there will always be challenges, but they will be tackled as they come." This is a step in the right direction, but it can only make more impact when we begin to address the majority of the leakages in our economy," he said on Arise TV.
Here is how some Nigerians reacted to Tinubu’s economic decisions on social media:
@AyoBankole, "I must commend President Tinubu for quick decision-making. I mean, you can critique his decisions and policy thrusts and the eventual implications of them, but at least you can’t criticise him for his initial inaction, especially compared to the sleepy retiree we had with Bubu."
@Obi_Nwosu, "When President Tinubu said he would hit the ground running, he was not lying."
@Ogenidipo, "Subsidy, gone. Multiple exchange rates are gone. Education loan bill signed. The Data Protection Bill was signed. A labour strike was averted via dialogue.
"Bola Ahmed Tinubu has started on a good footing. Long may progressive actions in the interest of the people continue."
@Akin Oyebode, "Subsidy and the exchange rate peg will be gone in two weeks. PBAT’s economic agenda is well and truly on. It’ll be a bumpy ride for a few months for sure, but two necessary actions for long-term macro and fiscal recovery are done."
@GoziconC, "With barely 11 days in office, President Tinubu is already working like he’s been in Aso Rock for 4 years.
"President Tinubu has met with governors from 36 states; he has met with the oil marketers; he has sworn in the SGF; his aides are up and running.
"The Nigerian GDP is rapidly growing; our economy is gaining ground again. I swear we made the right choice."
The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, will on Monday meet President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
Dangote disclosed this after a closed-door session with Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Vila on Friday.
“I did not come to do much. I only came to inform the President about our visit with Microsoft co-founder and my friend Bill Gates. We will both see the President on Monday when we come together,” he told State House correspondents.
Although Dangote did not reveal the purpose of Monday’s visit, it is believed to be part of ongoing consultations Tinubu is having with key leaders within the local and global business community.
Your claims ‘spurious’, name military officers involved in oil theft, Navy tells Asari Dokubo
In his inaugural speech on May 29, Tinubu promised local and foreign investors that he will “review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions.”
“We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard-earned dividends and profits home,” he added.
The President also promised to pursue industrial policies that will “utilise the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.”
While targeting a higher GDP growth and lower unemployment rates, he said “We intend to accomplish this by taking the following steps; first, budgetary reform stimulating the economy without engendering inflation will be instituted.
“Second, industrial policy will utilise the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency. Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike.
“Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.”
A former deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, says he’s too old to be jostling for appointment under any government.
This is as he refuted claims that he is looking for appointment under President Bola Tinubu.
He, however, stated that he will be willing to nominate competent hands from his party if approached for such purpose.
George made this known in an interview with Punch on Friday.
George, who had been a vociferous critic of Tinubu, disclosed that he ended his feud with the President, not because he wanted to be in his good graces or seek favour, but for peace to reign, and as a sign of respect to those who intervened in the matter, at on behalf of Tinubu.
He stressed that after some senior indigenes of Lagos State and a delegation from the All Progressives Congress visited him to end the longstanding rift and sought his support for the Tinubu government, noting that he could never have desired anything more at his age.
He stated, “On this, people are only talking rubbish and they need to shut up. This man (Tinubu) is just starting and we said my party was still in court. They said we should let bygones be bygones. In the Bible, it is very clear that vengeance is only with God Almighty and you don’t continue fighting when everybody has persuaded you that it’s enough.
“All those saying I want an appointment don’t know what they are saying. What exactly do they want to happen to the young ones coming up? I said I have forgiven him. We had an issue and people settled it for us and I have forgotten about it.”
Asked whether or not he would accept an appointment from the government if offered, he stated, “I will give him people that have the knowledge from the party having been a manager of the party for years. If he says he wants me to help him get someone, there are millions of young people who still have all the energy to run around and not me.
“It is not for me, because I am not looking for a job. But if he calls me, we will discuss it before the party leaders, put heads together and nominate from our side somebody who is still young, agile, has the knowledge and can add value to this country.”
He said he could not congratulate or visit Tinubu at the villa while his party, the PDP, was still in court challenging the outcome of the presidential election. This, he said, would amount to betrayal of his party
The federal high court in Gusau ordered all vehicles confiscated from the two mansions of the former governor, Bello Matawalle, in the Gusau and Maradun Local Government areas. The Zamfara State Police command claims that it has followed with the court order.
On June 6, security personnel entered two homes owned by Bello Matawalle, the recently-retired governor of Zamfara State, on the basis of a court order, and removed some vehicles.
According to the Zamfara state Government’s spokesperson Suleiman Idris, forty vehicles were seized from the two former governor’s mansions a few hours after the operation.
But, on Thursday,15th June, a federal high court sitting in Gusau again ordered all parties involved in seizure of the vehicles to return all and other items taken from the ex – Governor Matawalle’s Houses to the court premises within forty eight hours
Yazid Abubakar, the Zamfara state Police Command’s spokesperson, claims that the command has followed with the directive and has begun bringing the vehicles back to the Federal High Court’s grounds while waiting for the court’s decision.
The Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police, the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, the Department of State Services, and the NSCDC were listed as respondents. The court issued an order of interim injunction prohibiting them from acting in any way related to the case while the motion is heard and decided.
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On Friday, the Lagos condition Government’s Building Control Agency, LASBCA, identified at least 17 buildings in Alaba International Market, Ojo Local Government Area, as being in an advanced condition of distress and in need of immediate removal.
Gbolahan Oki, the LASBCA’s General Manager, said this after agency representatives marked the buildings for ultimate demolition on Friday.
The state administration responded quickly, stating that the identified buildings would be removed soon in order to prevent them from collapsing on inhabitants and reduce the number of damaged structures throughout the city.
Indications emerged that the state government had earlier concluded plans to demolish the buildings before Monday, June 19.
Some of the shopping plazas marked for demolition by LASBCA include; G80 Alaba Rago Road, Good Season Shopping Complex, the building on 840 Ojo Igbede and the structure behind Oba Oseni Plaza, among others.
According to Oki, the buildings were identified and marked for demolition several days after the state government identified locations of over 340 distressed buildings across the metropolis to be demolished in order to prevent loss of lives and property in the state.
Former Chief of Staff to the Imo State government, Uche Nwosu has said that the allegation of tribal sentiment surrounding the recent appointments of aides by President Bola Tinubu is unwarranted.
He insisted that the appointments were based on competence, and to prevent political distractions.
He noted that the appointees may have been so appointed to draw up a blueprint for the lifetime of the administration.
Speaking on the need for a job safety net to absorb beneficiaries of the new education loan scheme signed into law by the president, Nwosu urged for increased education of Nigerians, warning that “it is more dangerous not to go to school.”
He said, “It is good to go to school and come out and start looking for jobs. The boys that are being recruited by Boko Haram, it is because they didn’t go to school. And somebody can easily psych their brains. And before you know it, they take guns and join Boko Haram.
“An educated man who has gone through the walls of a university, it is difficult for someone to convince him to take guns and enter the bush and start shooting.
“But it is easier to convince someone who has never seen education at all. For me, let’s educate as many as we can, and let it be that we’re now looking for a job for them.
“Education remains the best thing that could happen to this country. It is more frustrating not to go school, and be pushing wheelbarrows or be a Bus conductor.”
Chief Olabode George, a former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has refuted allegations of seeking an appointment under President Bola Tinubu. He has stated that he is too advanced in age to be considered for such a position.
The individual in question made it clear that while he has not been approached for any political position, he would only consider assisting in the nomination of qualified candidates from his party.
In a recent telephone interview with our correspondent, George, a former critic of Tinubu, revealed that he has put an end to their rift. He clarified that his decision was not based on any appointment but rather to promote peace and out of respect for those who intervened in the matter at the request of Tinubu.
The octogenarian expressed satisfaction after a group of prominent Lagosians and a delegation from the ruling All Progressives Congress paid him a visit to resolve a longstanding conflict and seek his endorsement of the Tinubu administration. He deemed this development as a desirable outcome, given his advanced age.
The individual made a statement indicating that the current discourse on the matter is nonsensical and those engaging in it should refrain from doing so. The individual in question, Tinubu, appears to be in the early stages of his political career. Meanwhile, it should be noted that the party in question is currently involved in legal proceedings. The call to let bygones be bygones was made. The user's statement highlights a biblical perspective on the concept of vengeance, emphasising that it is solely within the purview of God. The user also suggests that once a resolution has been reached, it is important to refrain from further conflict, even if others may encourage it.
The individual in question has made a statement regarding those who have expressed a desire for an appointment. They appear to be dismissing such requests and suggesting that those who make them are misguided in their intentions. What are their proposed policies regarding the future generation? The individual in question has reportedly been granted forgiveness, according to sources close to the matter. The individual in question has seemingly dismissed a previous matter, attributing its resolution to the actions of others.
When questioned about the possibility of accepting a government appointment, the individual in question responded by indicating a preference for recommending individuals with extensive experience managing the party and possessing a deep understanding of its inner workings. The individual in question has expressed a desire for my assistance in securing a target. However, it is worth noting that there exists a vast population of youthful individuals who possess the requisite vigour to engage in such pursuits, as opposed to myself.
The statement suggests that the speaker is not interested in seeking employment. In a statement, the individual expressed their willingness to engage in discussions with party leaders regarding the nomination of a young, knowledgeable, and capable candidate who can contribute to the betterment of the nation. They emphasised the importance of collaboration and consultation in the decision-making process.
The individual in question has declined to extend congratulations or pay a visit to Tinubu at the villa, citing the ongoing legal challenge mounted by his party, the PDP, against the results of the presidential election. According to the source, the individual in question stated that such an action would be considered a disloyalty to their political affiliation.
Nigerian chef, Damilola Adeparusi, popularly known as Chef Dammy, has revealed plans to displace Hilda Baci as the world record holder for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.
Chef Dammy, who spoke to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, said the concluded 120-hour cook was not registered with the Guinness World Record (GWR).
She, however, said after completing the 120-hour cook-a-thon, she is ready to apply for the Guinness World Records.
Vanguard correspondent confirmed that she plans to cook for 150 hours in the new challenge set to take place next month.
“I know the question that has been surrounding the minds of many people online and offline is what is next for Chef Dammy after the 120-hour cook-a-thon? What will become of Chef Dammy after the world has known her and she has been put in the spotlight? Well, Chef Dammy is open to exploration! I am open to new opportunities and new experiences in life. Now that the world knows what I am capable of doing. I think it’s high time everyone started giving me a chance to explore in diverse ways and capabilities.
“Finally, I know there have been many speculations about me not registering this just-concluded cooking, but my team and I have decided to embark on this new challenge next month.
“After the support I have received from fans, well-wishers, and many highly notable individuals in the society. I, Adeparusi Damilola popularly known as Chef Dammy and my team have decided to hold another cook-a-thon programme next month.
“This time, it will be held for a 150-hour, and it will be duly registered with Guinness World Records. Chef Dammy is coming back!