1.The Communique from the South East Governors Forum agreed that the request from Imo State to complete its term of office on the 10th January, 2024 should be accepted; however they underpinned their acceptance with the statement that all transactions associated with the process must adhere to the constitution of Ohanaeze. Unfortunately, the adherence to the constitution of Ohanaeze,during the Ime Obi/ General Assembly meeting, was hardly observed.
2.The meeting that was held on 14th December,2024 was neither an Ime Obi meeting nor a General Assembly meeting primarily because there was neither a quorum for the Ime Obi (membership of Ime Obi is about 91) nor that of the General Assembly (membership,which is about 594).
Hereagain, only about 57 people attended the irregular combined meeting of Ime Obi and the General Assembly.
Ndiigbo in Rivers are deeply worried about these misguided developments.Indeed ndications are beginning to emerge that there are hidden agendas that are associated with the consuming quest by the Imo State to do things unconstitutionally.
3.The irregular meeting was to be chaired by an Acting President General as outlined in the Ohanaeze constitution; article 13 of Ohanaeze constitution provides “In the absence of the President-General and the Deputy President-General, the Vice President, whose state is next in alphabetical order,shall act.”Consequently, Dr Kingsley Dozie,as the acting President General from Abia state,should have chaired the irregular meeting.Unfortunately, he was not allowed to guide the deliberations of the meeting.
4.The proposal by Imo State to be given an opportunity to replace the late immediate Past PG, despite its acceptability, unfortunately the proposal was presented to an unconstitutional body. It was rather curious, pertinent & instructive to observe that the communique of the SEGF did not allude to the request by the Rivers state Ohanaeze to be allowed the liberty to replace its Late Deputy President-General; similarly, the irregular constituted meeting also refused to allow Chief Jackson Omenazu’s insistence, at the meeting, to allow Rivers State Ohanaeze to replace the position of its DPG. We will resist the attempt to be treated like orphans because we are not less Igbos than our brothers in the SE region.
5.The invocation of doctrine of necessity is allowed to safeguard or mitigate some unforseen situations in life. But, ” A doctrine of necessity that is not embedded on justice is tantamount to doctrine of malice and confusion” as quoted by Chief Omenazu during the meeting.
6.Finally,it is instructive to note a fundamental mistake that was made by the newly(replaced) elected PG at the irregular meeting when he announced that the constitution of the membership of the Electoral Committee would be considered in a meeting on Sunday,15th December,2024 by the NEC.The Rivers State Ohanaeze would not accept any electoral committee constituted by NEC.Every State must be allowed to submit names of competent,qualified &
experienced candidates,wherein Ime Obi will grant approval to the composition,inclusive of its chairman & secretary.
7.In conclusion,Rivers state will not accept to emback on an important journey of this magnitude;which is to provide leadership to 80 million Igbos with a poisoned chalice.
Ndigbo ekele Kwan unu-dum
High Chief Omenazu Jackson.
Chairman, Elders council Ohanaeze Ndigbo Rivers/Bayelsa States
08037346760
Comprehensive tax reforms in Nigeria is long overdue. Under existing laws, taxes like Personal Income Tax (PIT), Company Income Tax (CIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT), Value-Added Tax (VAT), Tertiary Education Tax (TET), and other taxing provisions in numerous laws are administered separately, with individual legislative frameworks. The proposed reforms seek to consolidate these numerous taxes, integrating PIT, CIT, CGT, PPT, VAT, TET, excise duties, etc, into a unified structure to reduce administrative fragmentation. While there may be differences in approach to the understanding of the specific provisions of the new tax bills, what is not in contention is the need to review the tax laws and how we administer them to serve the nation’s overall national development agenda. Presently in Nigeria, there are more than 100 different taxes on individuals and corporate bodies extorted from Nigerians by various legal and illegal entities thereby creating a toxic environment for business.
The tax bills before the National Assembly aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax administration processes, completely overhaul the nation’s tax operations, and align them with global best practices. President Tinubu set up the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform in August 2023, and had only one objective: to reposition the economy for better productivity and efficiency and make the operating environment for investment and businesses more conducive. The Oyedele-led committee is responsible for transforming revenue generation for sustainable development to achieve at least 18% Tax to GDP ratio within the next three years, that is, by 2026. Subsequently, in early October 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitted the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 to the National Assembly.
The four bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. The Nigeria Tax Bill seeks to eliminate multiple taxation and make Nigeria’s economy more competitive by simplifying tax obligations for businesses and individuals nationwide. The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB) proposes new rules governing the administration of all taxes in the country. Its objective is to harmonise tax administrative processes across federal, state and local jurisdictions to ease taxpayers’ compliance and enhance the revenue for all tiers of government. The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill seeks to re-establish the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) to better reflect its mandate as the revenue agency for the entire federation, not just the Federal Government. The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill proposes creating a Joint Revenue Board to replace the Joint Tax Board, covering federal and all state tax authorities, and will also establish Tax Tribunals, and the Office of Tax Ombudsman to protect taxpayers’ interests and facilitate dispute resolution.
The advantages of these bills are obvious. The bills are expected to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal framework and establish a comprehensive legal framework governing taxation of incomes, transactions, and instruments. They will harmonise multiple taxes and levies at all levels of government and also will be responsible for the unification of revenue collection functions as well as modernisation and simplification of the tax system, including the use of technology for revenue collection.
Unfortunately, like most of what this regime does, consultation with stakeholders was inadequate. They need to know more to support the amendment. The National Executive Council (NEC), made up of the 36 Governors and headed by Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, pleaded with the President to withdraw the bill for further consultation. This agreement was announced by Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State. Even the traditional rulers of Oyo State pleaded for further consultation and information before the bills are forwarded to the National Assembly for passage to no avail. PAYE and VAT are state taxes. It’s preposterous that their advice and consent will not be sort before passing an Act that will affect their economy. Tinubu bluntly stated that any further consultations and engagement with key stakeholders to address any reservations about the bills should go on while the National Assembly considers them for passage.
This great speed to pass the bills created the impression that the government had a lot of things hidden in the bill that are targeted against certain sections of the country. They range from the sublime to the ridiculous. The first impression was that the tax regime was targeted against the North and was skewed to favour Lagos State. After a careful observation, the reverse was actually the case. The Northern Governors created the impression that the VAT regime was designed to be shared based on where the headquarters of the businesses reside. But the actual situation is that derivation formula will apply in the new bill for the collection and sharing of the VAT revenues, which meant that every state will receive the VAT revenue based on what is consumed in their states. No reasonable person can fault this arrangement. However, how can they understand if they are not informed.
The refusal of the government to consult has led to the opponents of the bills alleviating some obvious bad provisions to a level of intolerance. Section 146 of the bill, which should rank as the worst provision in the bills, seeks to raise the value added tax (VAT) from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent by 2025, with further increases to 12.5 per cent from 2026 to 2029, and 15 per cent from 2030 onwards. How can a government which increased the price of fuel from N195 at inception to more than N1,000 now, increased electricity tariff, depreciated the naira from about N450 per a dollar to about N1,650 per a dollar, etc, be contemplating increasing taxes on Nigerians? This is unconscionable and insensitive. This government seems poised to make 90% of Nigerians very poor before leaving office, God forbid. If this government had dialogued with all the relevant stakeholders, such provisions will not find a place in the bills. For the avoidance of doubt, any law that increases the tax of Nigerians by even one kobo now is a bad law and should be discarded by the legislature. The idea of taxing the rich and exempting the poor is not a clever excuse because if the rich can not afford the tax, they will not be able to employ the poor or pay them well if employed. If the rich becomes poorer, the poor become poorest. Every person needs reduction and relief from tax payment instead of increase in tax burden.
The tax reform bills also pride itself for exempting the poor from taxation. In pursuance to this, it stipulated that anyone earning N800,000 or below per annum will be exempted from taxation. The problem with this provision is that the minimum wage is N70,000 per month which totals about N840,000 per annum. This means that even the lowest earning worker in Nigeria is not qualified to gain anything from the exemption from paying tax. Who then can benefit from it? Consultation would have saved the executive from such little little embarrassment. When these bills were initially introduced to the National Assembly for passage what happened first was apprehension due to lack of adequate consultation and information about the bills. This apprehension later grew into resentment when the executive resisted or rejected further consultation with relevant stakeholders before submitting to the National Assembly for approval. The resentment was so palpable that some religious fundamentalists even fabricated that some of the provisions of the tax bills are against the sharia law. They insinuated that the bills contain provisions which will tax inherited assets by 24%. Till date nobody has pointed out such provisions. When there is information vacuum, ignorant and dubious men will fill it with fabricated lies.
This government has not learned any lessons from its past failures in consultation. President Tinubu declared that fuel subsidy was gone on the inauguration ground without consulting any human being, and went further to depreciate the naira mercilessly without a cabinet. He boasted to remove the Nigerien Military Head of State by force within seven days if he does not step down as Head of State after a successful military coup in Niger Republic, without consulting the Senate which constitutionally has the power to approve any military action outside Nigeria. He closed the boarder with Niger Republic for months without consulting the Governors of the seven northern states sharing border with Niger because of the coup even before exploring diplomatic means of resolving the problems, etc. Nigerians have been suffering from the consequences of such decisions till date.
This government must learn that it’s not a sign of weakness to consult with the people before presenting any bill to the legislature. Democracy is the rule of the people and the Constitution mandated the government to ensure and guarantee the participation of the people in their government. (See section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended). It’s also good politics to carry all the political actors along while seeking approval of executive bills on the floor of the National Assembly. Shettima and the Governors must have been visibly embarrassed by the action of President Tinubu to treat their request for more consultation on the bill before legislative passage with absolute contempt. These bills contain some good provisions and deserve to be passed with desired and negotiated amendments.
The problem with our current political class is greed and abnormal appetite for consumption and perhaps building an unsustainable consumption pattern.
The northern and south western political and military Elites are using the advantages of civil war that ended in 1970 to exploit and enslave the victims of that war and sadly the entire Nigerian masses ended up being the victims. The political and military elites have continued to use unitary constitution in the name of federal constitution to retain political power at the centre ,thereby frustrating innovation and creativity that would have enhanced a productive environment where every Nigerian would be engaged in viable and productive activities with a rewarding incentive system . The political ruling elites abhor true federalism which will guarantee equitable redistribution of our human and mineral resources.
The political ,business, military and religious elites have amassed so much wealth for the generations of their children and grand children, hence the widening income inequalities that have threatened the corporate existence of Nigeria.
Everything is wrong with current Nigeria system.The system is designed and structured to keep the working class in perpetual slavery while the poor are abandoned in state of penury . They have used public wealth to hold the masses on endless game of divide and rule adopting tribal and religious weapons as instrument of division.
Millions of youths in Nigeria are jobless and those in Europe and America work as modern slaves . These political and military elites are heartless and most wicked that they have sold their souls to the devil! The current fuel price as well as energy cost will prove to all that these people have sold their hearts to the devil. God blessed the indigenous people in Nigeria with oil and gas but these people in partnership with the former colonial masters have vowed that the masses will remain in perpetual rat race. Oil has become a curse than blessing!
Sadly,millions of Nigerians are too docile when it comes to the issue of politics ,governance and holding people in Government accountable,hence GGM has come to give the working class and the ordinary people sense of direction .
GGM is here to engineer the building of modern society that will meet the expectations of 21st century and beyond . GGM working with a revolutionary online media – BVI Channel 1 and with like-minded people across our political space is determined to take Nigeria political class by storm and like rampaging soldiers will bulldoze the entire criminal political structures in Nigeria . We have proven that the power of the people is supreme and we shall continue mobilizing the people in line with Constitution of FGN chapter 14(2a &b).
We have learnt an obvious lesson : that the leader of GGM – Chinedu Asuzu or any chosen candidate can win the Governor of Anambra State or any chosen State : for the power of the people is the greatest. They have been deceiving and dividing the people with money , ethnicity and religion . Now ,we are wise ,we will choose our Leaders goingforward no matter how long it takes!
The awareness has been created and people eyes have been opened to know that political power belongs to the people . It is not a rocket science to industralize our cities and create millions of jobs for our energic youths ,afterall , government is about creating happiness and economic prosperity.
Good Governance Ministry is here to organize the people to pursue ideological politics . The Nigeria politicians could disappoint the people but GGM will always be there for the ordinary people.
We are on the part of history. We can do it together. You can be a GGM Ambassador in your Street/Community/LGA/ State. Step out to be counted . Contact us via 08104207522 or send email to ggovernanceministry@gmail.com
The value of the Nigerian currency, the naira, improved in the official and parallel markets as demand for the dollar declined. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) shows that the naira appreciated by 0.85% to gain N13 in the Electronic Foreign Exchange Marching System (EFEMS).
Buyers quoted the dollar at N1,532 on Thursday, December 12, 2024, relative to N1,545 recorded the previous day.
In the parallel segment of the foreign exchange market, the naira also appreciated, trading at N1,680 per dollar as against the N1,715 recorded on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
Experts believe that the gain was due to moderate demand for the US greenback despite the presence of speculators in the black market. Authorised dealers in the official market priced the dollar at a high of N1,550 on Thursday, December 12, 2024, higher than the N1,557 recorded the previous day.
Dealers quoted the dollar at an intra-day low of N1,515, the same rate as the previous day. The naira reversed its five-day gains earlier on Monday, December 9, 2024, as demand increased for the dollar among end users, leading to depreciation across all markets.
Barrister Amara Joy Muojeke, MCArb, has been sworn in as the new Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria, Anambra State Branch.
Barrister Muojeke, an Assistant Chief State Counsel, Anambra State Ministry of Justice Awka, also heads the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Women Forum, Anambra State.
Other members of the new executive body were Lauretta Ikwuka – Vice Chairperson, His Worship, Maria Anyabolu – Secretary, Sylvia Ogbuagu – Assistant Secretary, A. C. Peters – Financial Secretary, Chioma Okolo – Treasurer, Chinelo Akorah – Publicity Secretary, Ginikachukwu Olisa – Welfare Secretary.
In her address at the event held at FIDA office in Awka, Barrister Muojeke assured that she and her team will spare no effort in upholding the ideals and principles of FIDA in their service to humanity.
She noted that “FIDA Anambra has consistently been at the forefront of advancing the rights and welfare of women and children in the state” by providing free legal representation to victims of gender-based violence and organizing community outreaches, thereby giving human face to the principles members hold dear.
“Our legal aid services, sensitization campaigns, and advocacy programs have left indelible marks in various communities across Anambra State. We have championed causes that uplift the marginalized, offered hope to the hopeless, and lent our voices to the voiceless”.
The new Anambra FIDA Chairperson however noted that the scope of the challenges requires collaboration in order to reach people at the grassroots, reason the group is seeking active partnerships with the government, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups and other stakeholders.
“Together, we can provide not just legal assistance, but also critical support services such as shelter, rehabilitation, and empowerment programs. This synergy is essential for addressing the complex needs of the vulnerable in our society”.
To ensure effective execution of FIDA’s programs across Anambra State, Barrister Muojeke announced the appointment of Lauretta Ikwuka – Onitsha, H/W Maria Anyabolu – Onitsha, Lizzy Umeh – Awka, Chinelo Akorah – Awka, Dr. Modesta Muoneke – Nnewi, and Ada Egwu Samuel – Nnewi into the Programs Committee of the group.
“These capable women will organize activities for the United Nations international celebrations in their respective cities and surrounding environments. FIDA Anambra will provide the necessary IEC materials and other support to ensure the success of these programs”.
For the FIDA Week 2025, Barrister Muojeke announced the appointment of Chioma Okolo Esq. as the Chairperson; who will be responsible for appointing her committee members and organizing the event.
Describing “Litigation Committee” as a vital arm of FIDA in Anambra, Barrister Muojeke announced that it will be chaired by Lauretta Ikwuka Esq., MCArb; who will later appoint other members of the committee.
She added that the group under her leadership will continue to recognize the invaluable contributions of senior FIDA members, and will actively involve and encourage their participation in all FIDA activities, while embarking on robust membership drives to increase capacity and ensure the sustainability of FIDA Anambra’s impact.
Earlier in their remarks, the National Publicity Secretary, FIDA Nigeria, and former FIDA Chairperson in the state, Barrister Mrs Chineze Obianyo, a Professor of Law, former Anambra FIDA Chairperson and Chairperson of the Election Committee that produced the Muojeke-led exco, Barrister Mrs Ogugua Ikpeze, and another member of the Election Committee, Barrister Lizzy Umeh, charged the new executive members to continue to consolidate on the achievements of past leaders of the association, even as they called for more advocacy on the activities of the group.
… restate commitment to ensuring access to justice for the less-privileged
By Joseph Albert, Awka
The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Anambra State Branch, has held lectures, luncheon and presented awards to deserving individuals, part of activities marking her 2024 FIDA Week in the state.
Honourable Justice Nkemdilim Izuako chaired the event held at FIDA office in Awka, during which a former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Paul Odidigwe, Dean of Law Faculty, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Mrs Ogugua Ikpeze, Anambra State Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, Acting VC, COOU, Professor Kate Omenugha, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of State CID Awka, Mr. Akin Fakorede, were presented with various categories of award.
Other award recipients at the event were the retired HOD, Optometry, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr Mrs Agatha Muoka, Barr. Hilary Asiegbu, Barr. Dr. Uzoma Dioha, Barrister Ifeoma Cyprain-Okonkwo.
In her keynote speech on the theme of the event, “Innovate, adapt, thrive: female lawyers in a changing economy”, a Professor of Law and former High Court Judge, Mrs Nkiru Obumneme-Okafor, noted that the present economic reality in Nigeria is affecting legal practice and practitioners, and urged the female lawyers to, among other things, take advantage of technology and social media in surmounting present economic challenges.
Earlier while declaring the event opened, the Anambra FIDA Chairperson, His Worship, Genevieve Osakwe, said the non-governmental, non-profit-oriented and non-political organization is committed to ensuring adequate and timeous access to justice for women, children and less-privileged people in the state, and have sensitized community leaders on FIDA objectives.
On her part, the Chairperson, 2024 FIDA Week Planning Committee, Barrister Amara Muojeke, noted that the annual event offers opportunity to reflect on FIDA shared values and recognize those who have championed the course of justice and equality in the society, especially for women and children, adding however that many of their cases are resolved in favor of men.
She disclosed that on yearly basis, FIDA Anambra handles over a hundred cases brought by the less-privileged individuals; who they in FIDA often have to address their urgent need for food and shelter before any legal process starts, reason they group needs support to continue and expand their work.
Performance by Law Students of COOU, Igbariam Campus, and Anyabolus added glamour to the event which also featured health talk.
As the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence count, a non governmental organization, NGO, Onúrúbé, which has presence in Southeast states, has called for strengthened collaboration between relevant stakeholders to prevent the menace.
The call was in reaction to alleged abuse of a 2-year-old pupil, name withheld, by her 19-year-old teacher, which was reported to the NGO by Sisters With A Goal (SWAG) on Friday, 22nd November 2024.
In a statement issued on behalf of ONÚRÚBÉ Coalition Against Gender-Based Violence, Marjorie N. Ezihe restated the importance of aligning with statutory frameworks in ensuring justice and protecting children’s rights.
The group however commend the police for being professional in handling the matter, especially by referring the victim to FUTHO for ‘transparent accountability’, adding that the medical report from the institution cleared the school and the accused teacher of any wrong doing.
The NGO further advised that the victims in the case can approach the court for justice.
It was gathered that after investigative protocols were ignored and single-sided narrative sent to the public, ONÚRÚBÉ initiated a fact-finding mission on Monday, 25th November 2024 to address these gaps, ensure justice and align with statutory provisions for gender-based violence and child protection.
In the instant case of child sexual abuse, the NGO made the following key findings:
1. Compromised Investigation and Reporting: Chidiebube Okeoma, a journalist, prematurely uploaded unverified details, including the victim’s identity, to social media. This act breached investigative and ethical journalism standards, violating Section 24 of the VAPP Act, which prohibits secondary victimization of survivors.
2. Unjust Detention: Miss Uba’s extended detention violated the principle of proportionality under the Child Rights act, Section 16, which calls for evidence-based processes when dealing with minors’ cases.
3. Procedural Delays at FUTHO: Bureaucratic inefficiencies at the hospital caused significant delays in releasing the medical report, hindering timely investigation. The Child Rights Act, Section 14, emphasizes prompt and efficient mechanisms in cases involving children’s welfare.
4. Family’s Non-Cooperation: The family failed to act on the proforma medical directive, limiting the investigation’s scope and contributing to the sensationalism that derailed procedural integrity.
5. Violation of Victim’s Rights: Publicizing graphic allegations and the child’s identity violated her dignity and privacy under Section 11 of the Child Rights Act.
It therefore made following recommendations:
1. Strengthening Gender-Based Violence Protections: Authorities must ensure adherence to Sections 24 and 25 of the VAPP Act to prevent secondary victimization and malicious accusations.
Law enforcement should adopt trauma-informed approaches when handling allegations involving minors.
2. Reinforcing Child Protection Mechanisms: Reporting protocols under Sections 13 and 14 of the Child Rights Act should be strictly followed to protect children from harm during investigations.
3. Ethical Media Reporting: Journalists must comply with ethical standards, prioritizing child protection over sensationalism.
Relevant authorities should sanction those who breach media guidelines to deter similar occurrences.
4. Reforming Bureaucratic Processes: Hospitals must streamline medical reporting processes in sensitive cases to avoid unnecessary delays.
The victim’s mother, Victoria, had claimed that while bathing her daughter the evening the incident reportedly happened, she alleged that her teacher inserted scissors into her private parts, reason she, Victoria, confronted the school the following day after observations made.
It was equally gathered that despite efforts by the school Proprietress and Headmistress to engage the victim’s family, they remained uncooperative.
Sources disclosed that the school Proprietress was later arrested on 20th November and released on bail to facilitate police investigation.
Continuing, the source said that on the same day, the police issued a ‘proforma’ invoice requesting further medical examination of the victim at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri (FUTHO), but the victim’s mother, Victoria, bypassed this step, opting instead to take the matter to social media on Friday, 22nd November.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, an intervention agency set up by the Federal Government, has disbursed over N104bn to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions across the country since inception, data obtained from the Fund revealed on Tuesday.
The disbursed funds encompasses institutional fees paid directly to the institutions of applicants and upkeep loans paid directly to the account number provided by the applicants.
According to the data provided by the Fund, a total of 320,837 applicants applied for institutional fees and the sum of N33.9bn disbursed while N70.2bn was disbursed as upkeep loan to 292,897 applicants.
Total disbursed so far as of November 29,2024 stands at N104,245,064,954 in terms of institutional and upkeep loans.
A beneficiary of the scheme, who simply identified himself as Tomi from the University of Ilorin hailed the Federal Government for the intervention.
“We are grateful to the Federal Government for the intervention. Personally, I am grateful for the upkeep loan. I have no reason to be broke or disturb my parents for upkeep. I have enough to take care of myself every month.”
Another student, Muhammed Ibrahim from the Usman Dan-Fodio University, Sokoto, said, “The intervention has lifted burdens from the shoulders of parents. Parents no longer have to worry about sourcing for funds. I encourage people who have not taken the loan to do so. There is no interest and repayment is going to be easy.”
President Bola Tinubu, on April 3, signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, into law.
The assent was sequel to the separate considerations by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
The executive bill titled, ‘A bill for an Act to repeal the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 and Enact the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Bill, 2004 to Establish the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a body corporate to receive, manage and invest funds to provide loans to Nigerians for higher education, vocational training and skills acquisition and related matters,’ was signed in the presence of the leadership of the National Assembly, ministers and major stakeholders of education.
The Act empowers the Nigeria Education Loan Fund to provide loans to qualified Nigerian students for tuition, fees, charges and upkeep during their studies in approved public tertiary institutions and vocational and skills acquisition establishments in the country.
Since its launch, individuals who benefited from student loan schemes in the past have made repayment to the Fund. In September, Adegboyega Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former beneficiary of the defunct Federal Government Student Loan Scheme in the 1970s refunded the sum of N2m to NELFUND.
Earlier in August, a former member of the House of Representatives, Lanre Laoshe repaid his N1,200 student loan received between 1976 and 1979 with N3,189,217.00 to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
The Managing Director of the Fund, Akintunde Sawyerr has continued to embark on visits across tertiary institutions to sensitise students on the benefits of the scheme.
The Alaigbo Development Foundation has issued a stern warning against any attempt to deny Rivers State its constitutional right to produce the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the January 2025 elections.
In a statement on Wednesday, signed by its President, Nze Coleman Chukwudelunzu, the ADF described those seeking to undermine the Ohanaeze Constitution as the “number one enemies of the Igbo nation.”
Chukwudelunzu stressed the importance of adhering to constitutional principles and maintaining fairness in Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leadership.
“Whoever wants to deny our brothers in Rivers State their right to produce the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is an enemy of Ndigbo and the Igbo nation. We must resist them,” he said.
The ADF leader identified two major challenges undermining Ohanaeze Ndigbo: external forces attempting to control Igbo affairs and internal actors seeking federal appointments at the expense of Igbo unity.
Chukwudelunzu alleged that powerful individuals from other ethnic groups had, in the past, influenced the selection of Ohanaeze President-Generals and criticised some Igbo governors for prioritising personal gains over regional interest.
“Tragically, some so-called Ohanaeze chieftains act as errand boys to governors and ministers instead of speaking truth to power as great leaders like Akanu Ibiam and Z.C. Obi once did,” he lamented.
Despite these challenges, Chukwudelunzu expressed gratitude for the resilience of patriotic Igbo leaders within the ADF, emphasising the need for Ohanaeze Ndigbo to remain a vital socio-cultural institution for Igbo unity and progress.
Reflecting on historical moments of Igbo unity, Chukwudelunzu recalled the efforts of Igbo delegates during the 1994-1995 Abuja National Constitutional Conference.
Leaders such as Okogbule Wanodi, Peter Odili, and Emeka Ojukwu stood together to defend Igbo interest against divisive agendas like the Justice Mamman Nasir Committee’s state creation plans.
“At that conference, Igbo delegates showcased an unbreakable bond of unity that Justice Mamman Nasir himself could not ignore,” Chukwudelunzu reminisced, calling for similar unity as the January elections approach.
By Damian Egwuonwu, Onitsha
Teachers House has won the 2024 inter-House Sports competition of lrene menakaya schools onitsha.
Pupils of the Victorious House scored the highest points to cart away the giant Trophy, while lawyers House came second, Engineers House settled for the third position.
Chisom Ebele emerged as the best female athlete and Chima Edeogu of lawyers House named the overall best athlete of the sports fiesta.
In his address, the chairman Anambra state sports Development commission Mr Patrick Estate onyedum represented by a gold medalist at the last National youth Games in Asaba, miss lfechukwu Esther nwankwo of Ryders sports Academy, noted that irene Menakaya schools onitsha came top in the last schools sports competition in Anambra state, that featured six hundred and seven schools involving sixteen thousand pupils, adding that opportunities are there for promising athletes to express themselves in sports.
Speakers at the occasion, which included Mrs chieze nzegwu, leader of umuada Odozi obodo onitsha Branch, Barrister festus Afubera,the chairman of parents Teachers Association, representatives of umuada umunya led by Mrs Florence chidiogo Anene and mrs Bridget okoye, Mrs Azuka okagbue and Mrs christy chukwukelu,a staff of the schools in their respective speeches, commended the schools for providing an enabling environment for the pupils to express themselves, adding that physical activities are vital for the full development of the child. The sports jamboree featured short-put, middle and short distance races, including Relay event, parents and staff races formed part of the closing ceremony.
Trophies, medals and prizes were given to victorious athletes.
Iyom Ngozi Ebosie Trophy was handed over to mothers House team,umuada umunya prize goes to the best teacher 2024, while Honourable Chris Nonyelu prize was for the best House.
Kpajie onyechi Egwuonwu prize was won by the best sports child in lawyers House,who will now enjoy his scholarship for the second term.Dr Devon Bannister Trophy was for the first position, while Alfa papaTrophy for the second position was sponsored by Dr Philip Akinmurele.
Irene menakaya schools onitsha is at the verge of celebrating fifty years of existence as a leading primary and Nursery private schools in onitsha.
