The Federal Government has dismissed all directors of civil aviation agencies in the country following the sacking of the chief executive officers of the same organizations.
In a statement sent to Channels Television by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Federal Government said all the affected directors should hand over to the most senior officer in their various directorates with immediate effect.
The statement was signed by a spokesperson for the minister, Odutayo Oluseyi.
The affected agencies include the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Metrological Agency (NiMET), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigeria Safety and Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
The government said the move was aimed at repositioning the aviation industry and ensuring a safe and efficient air travel experience for Nigerians in line with the agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
South Korea’s military said Thursday it scrambled fighter jets as two Chinese and four Russian military planes entered its air defense zone, an area wider than the country’s airspace.
The Chinese and Russian planes entered and exited the Korea Air Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ) in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, from 11.53am (0253 GMT) to 12.10pm, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said.But “there was no invasion of airspace,” it added, and the South Korean military identified the planes “before they entered KADIZ and deployed air force fighter jets to take tactical measures in preparation for contingencies.”An air defence identification zone is a broader area than a country’s airspace in which it tries to control aircraft for security reasons. Still, the concept is not defined in any international treaty.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, described the incident on Thursday as “a routine flight activity.”
“As far as I know, I think this was a routine flight activity by Chinese military aircraft above international waters, which is understandable and under international law,” she told a regular press briefing.
China and Russia are North Korea’s traditional allies, and Washington warned last month that military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow were “growing and dangerous.”
The United States has called on Beijing, the North’s biggest economic benefactor, to restrain Pyongyang.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said last week that Washington and allies Seoul and Tokyo would “stand up” for stability across the Taiwan Strait, a sensitive waterway separating Taiwan from China.
The three allies also reiterated their commitment to freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea.
China has in recent years ramped up military and political pressures on democratic Taiwan, which it claims as its territory.
To reinforce that the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea are international waterways, Washington and its Western allies have increased “freedom of navigation” crossings by naval vessels, angering Beijing.
Nuclear-armed North Korea last month put a military spy satellite into orbit, with Seoul saying it did so with Moscow’s help in return for supplying weapons for use in Russia’s war with Ukraine.
The satellite launch fractured an inter-Korean military agreement established to de-escalate tensions on the peninsula, with both countries ramping up security along the demilitarize zone separating them.
In June, South Korea deployed fighter jets in response to Chinese and Russian warplanes near its airspace as the two countries conducted joint air force patrols over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea.
Military jets from Moscow and Beijing also entered and exited Seoul’s KADIZ in November last year, prompting the South to scramble its fighter jets.
The Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacheaus Adangor, has resigned.
His resignation was communicated in a letter dated November 14, 2023, and addressed to Governor Sim Fubara. He noted that his exit from office was based on personal principles.
“I hereby give Your Excellency Notice of my resignation as the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State with effect from the date of this letter.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my resignation from the said office is based on personal principles
“I wish to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity and privilege granted me to serve in your administration as a member of the cabinet. My Family and I are indebted to Your Excellency in gratitude,” the letter read in part.
Adangor was one of the cabinet members of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, re-appointed by Fubara. At the early stage of the crisis in the state, there were rumours that the former Attorney General, perceived as an ally of the now Minister of FCT had been sacked by the governor. However, that was denied by the state government.
There were reports that the crisis in Rivers State assumed another dimension early on Wednesday when the state government demolished the state legislative chamber. Justifying the demolition, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, in a statement on Wednesday, said the place was unsafe for human habitation because of the recent explosion and fire incident there.
The demolition of the chamber came as the four lawmakers loyal to the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, led by factional Speaker, Edison Ehie, held a plenary at the Government House, Port Harcourt, while the demolition was ongoing.
On Monday, 27 members of the House elected on the Peoples Democratic Party platform defected to the All Progressives Congress and threatened to reject any request by the governor for approval.
The lawmakers in their letters written to the factional Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, and read on the floor of the House on Monday, stated that they defected because of the division in the party over the tussle for the position of the National Secretary.
…Abba community rejects olive branch extended by neighbours
Anambra State Government has sued for peaceful resolution among communities having boundary disputes in the state.
Deputy Governor of the state, Dr OnyekaChukwu Ibezim, who made the call at the Anambra State Boundary Committee meeting held at Government House, Awka, frowned at the number of boundary disputes in the state, but stressed that his committee is deeply committed to resolving them.
He noted that the committee’s target is to settle protracted land disputes amongst communities and enthrone peace across the state before the end of next year.
Deputy Governor Ibezim, who is also the Chairman of the committee called for peaceful co-habitation among communities, noting that conflict is never an option, rather would hinder development and progress.
According to him, Governor Soludo is doing a lot in attracting investors to the state but no investor would be interested in investing in anarchy no matter how attractive the business is.
Revealing the eagerness of the state boundary technical team in bringing lasting solution to land disputes, he disclosed that the team would by next year embark on delineation of disputed areas and establish monument on boundaries, in order to avert future disputes.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Mr Ekenechukwu Okoye explained that the small land mass of Anambra State is partly responsible fot the high number of boundary disputes across the state.
He recommended prioritization of peace education and advocacy by conducting constant conferences, trainings and seminars on peace and conflict resolution for communities especially the youthful population and other stakeholders.
In a remark, the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Umuonyia, Igwe Peter Ezeamama, emphasized the need for the warring communities to give peace a chance, reminding them that peaceful settlement of issues, especially land related issues is key to achieving sustainable development.
He pointed out that disputes disrupt development, scares investors away, and above all leads to preventable destruction of lives and property.
During the meeting, members of some communities in boundary disputes in the state; including Amudo Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area and Egbeagu/Okukwa Amansea in Awka North, as well as Abba; in Njikoka Local Government Area and Ukpo and Ukwulu communities in Dunukofia Council Area were invited.
On behalf of their communities, the representatives gave their consent on the decision of the state government to delineate the boundaries and establish monuments on them.
However, the representative of Abba community rejected government’s request that they accept the olive branch extended to them by their neighbours, insisting that the community has series of court case against Ukpo on their disputed boundary.
Credit: Chisom Okpala, Ministry of Information, Anambra State
… as BDFCG denounces exploitation of ordinary citizens
The Nigerian ruling class and privileged business elites have been accused of orchestrating a nefarious scheme to perpetuate the subjugation of ordinary citizens as their economic slaves.
Pro-Biafran group, Biafra Defacto Customary Government, BDFCG, which made the accusation, also alleged that Alhaji Aliko Dangote, colluding with corrupt politicians, has clandestinely seized control of economic institutions and solidified his position as a market monopolist.
BDFCG said the unholy alliance manipulates market dynamics, thereby dictating prices and production quantities to the detriment of the populace.
In a statement issued by BDFCG Spokesperson, Prosper Odinga, the group noted that the recent assertion by NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, regarding the operationalization of a refinery, adds another layer to this scheme.
It advocate a breakaway from historical patterns of deprivation and assertion of control over (our/Biafran) resources, thereby ensuring that the benefits of the so-called national wealth, exemplified by crude oil, are equitably distributed across society.
The statement reads in full:
BDFCG Exposes Nexus Between Nigerian Ruling Class and Dangote’s Economic Monopoly, Denounces Exploitation of Ordinary Citizens
The Nigerian ruling class, in tandem with privileged business elites, has orchestrated a nefarious scheme to perpetuate the subjugation of ordinary citizens as their economic slaves. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, colluding with corrupt politicians, has clandestinely seized control of economic institutions, solidifying his position as a market monopolist. This unholy alliance manipulates market dynamics, dictating prices and production quantities to the detriment of the populace.
The recent assertion by NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, regarding the operationalization of a refinery, adds another layer to this scheme. His claim, made on Arise television on Thursday, June 1, 2023, that petrol prices would remain unaffected despite domestic production, is not only regrettable but also grossly misleading. This fallacious statement is to send the wrong narrative for a sustained and wicked exploitation of the oppressed.
What is particularly egregious is the blatant insensitivity and avarice exhibited by these elites, who seem determined to perpetuate poverty among Biafrans. Their intention to sell crude oil to local refineries at international prices, rather than at locally agreed rates, exacerbates economic disparity and reinforces a system of oppression.
The looming monopolistic control of the petroleum industry poses a grave threat, turning our resource, meant to be a blessing, into a tool of suffering for us. This, combined with the complicity of the federal government, paints a dire picture of the struggle faced by the Biafran people. It is imperative to expose and resist this manipulation, advocating for transparency, fairness, and equitable distribution of the so-called nation’s resources for the benefit of all citizens.
The aspirations of Biafrans for political and economic freedom within Nigeria are threatened by the actions of these capitalist elements masquerading as democrats.
The BDFCG advocates for affordable fuel, setting a maximum price of N70 per litre, and reasonably priced kerosene capped at N60 per litre. Biafrans refined their crude products during the war and refining them in the 21st century is not rocket science! Why are these political and economic buccaneers making simple things look complex? Biafraland is blessed with milk and honey with enough human and material resources to build a modern and prosperous society.
The call for accessible fuel and kerosene at fair prices is intricately linked to the larger demand for political and economic autonomy. The exorbitant prices currently faced by Biafrans for petrol and petroleum products exemplify the need for urgent and meaningful changes that empower the region, fostering political and economic freedom.
The Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) advocates for increased control over Biafra’s natural resources through regional autonomy, emphasizing the right to manage and benefit from these resources.The recent assertion by NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, regarding the operationalization of a refinery, adds another layer to this scheme.
The National Vice President of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Mr Mark Ifezue, has called for computerization of working system of judiciary staff to further address the challenges of missing or delay in transmission of case files.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of JUSUN, Anambra State chapter, Mr Ifezue, was a Chairman of the union in the state, said though most cases of missing or delay in transmission of case files are not from the judiciary, there’s a lot benefits in computerizing the working system for improved service delivery.
He urged members of JUSUN, especially those that received various awards at the event to continue to raise the bar in upholding work ethics and service delivery, just as he urged the leadership of JUSUN in the state to continue to be the mouthpiece of workers.
Contributing, the pioneer Chairman in Anambra and National Secretary of JUSUN, Chief Basil Mbanefo, said he is happy that the legacies they kept are still being upheld, and that the present leadership of JUSUN in the state has surpassed expectations.
On his part, the Anambra State Chairman of JUSUN, Comrade Henry Ezeoke, said funding and the issue autonomy of the judiciary are still challenges to workers, and urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to take actions to address the problem of underpayment of judiciary workers in the state.
He explained that the annual general meeting was organised partly to recognize and encourage members from various judicial divisions to continue to improve in service delivery
One of the awardees at the event, Mr John Enebeli; from Onitsha judicial division, who said that cases of missing files give him concern, asked government to help digitize their working system, and to assist in organizing regular workshop to enable new intakes acquire technical know-how in handling case files.
Progress in the Anambra State sports sector, especially at the grassroots level, has attracted commendation of the state chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN.
Chairman of SWAN in the state, Chimezie Anaso, who gave the commendation at the 2023 SWAN Week Lecture/Award Night held in Awka, explained that from the rebirth of school sports, success at the National Youth Games, formation of a state-owned football club and just-concluded traders competition, the Anambra State Government had proven that it meant business with sports development.
He said the SWAN Week is an annual event that provides stakeholders the opportunity to evaluate activities in the sector during the outgoing year, and set the agenda for the coming year.
In his lecture, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Tony Nezianya, said sports has so much benefit for the society, adding that grassroots sports development is a worthy path to toe; as it would activate the abundant talents of Anambra and Nigerian youths in general.
Nezianya, represented by a sports enthusiast and Lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Chris Abakare, suggested a redesign of the education system to incorporate mandatory physical education programmes that focus on skill development, knowledge of sports fundamentals and creation of opportunities for students to participate in competitive leagues.
He described grassroots sports as a means of identifying, nurturing, and supporting young athletes at the grassroots level; who have the passion and raw talents but lack the necessary resources, facilities, and opportunities to excel.
To develop the sports sector, Nezianya called for an increased investment and active collaboration between government and the private sector, adding that provision of sports infrastructure in sufficient quantity and quality will increase access for young athletes.
He said there should be a strong support system for athletes; which include access to quality coaching, sports medicine, and professional guidance.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, was given an award of recognition for his contributions to sports development in the state through creating a safe environment for sports to thrive.
Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Enugu Depot, Mr Chinedu Anyaso, received an award for sponsoring the Odiofele Football competition in his community, Ekwulummiri for years.
The Anambra Cricket Association; under the chairmanship of Chuma Anosike was honoured with Most Grassroots Oriented Sports Association award for planting the game in many secondary schools in the state
Acting Registrar of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, Obini Onuchukwu, was installed as patron of the association.
Being the Text of a Speech Presented by Governor Alex Otti, OFR, to the Abia State House of Assembly on the Occasion of the Presentation of the Draft of the 2024 State Budget on December 12, 2023 at the House of Assembly Complex, Umuahia.
Protocol,
1. I stand before you, Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, fellow Abians, friends and well-wishers with a great sense of responsibility, grateful for the sacred honour to present the 2024 budget proposal to this Honourable Assembly and offer our people at home and in the diaspora, an insight into our holistic plans and programmes for the rebuilding and restoration of our advantages as a state, in ways that stimulate the economy, create jobs for our teeming youth population and set us on a new development trajectory, in line with the promises that brought us to power.
2. Twelve months ago, we were in your communities and clans selling our ideas for a New Abia to the electorates, making a strong case that we must take a new direction in order to fulfil the inherent promise of this great land. Three months later, precisely on March 18, 2023, you elected us to lead the state. The message of our electoral victory was direct: the people wanted a clear break from the past. They want a New Abia, a state where government works in service of the common people, and not just the privileged few.
3. We took office on May 29 this year with a firm resolve to commit everything at our disposal to the service of our great state. I consider the opportunity to serve our people at this time the greatest honour of my life.
4. It would be proper at this point to commend the leadership and members of the State House of Assembly for the smooth and harmonious relationship that exists between the executive and legislative arms of government. The judiciary in the state has also been very outstanding in the very challenging work of setting the tone for the New Abia, a land where justice would be the first condition of humanity. The understanding and respect that underpin our relationship as different arms of government have been very central to the modest progress that has been recorded across critical sectors in the last 6 months.
5. While it is true that we hit the ground running from the very minute the oath of office was administered, setting out the appropriate institutional frameworks for immediate evacuation of the mountains of refuse that had taken over the streets of our major cities, amongst other key deliverables, we were also not unmindful of the fact that the budgetary foundation of the government for the 2023 fiscal year did not come from us. We were therefore constrained in so many ways, even when we tried as much as the law allowed us to redirect government expenditures to areas of utmost priorities to meet the immediate demands of responsible governance.
6. Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, we are fulfilled to announce that several roads that were previously impassable, including MCC by Old Express, Umuimo and Udeagbala roads in Aba have been completely reconstructed and opened for public use. To mark our first 100 days in office, we rehabilitated and commissioned Cemetery Phase 1, Shallom and Emelogu Roads, all in Aba.
7. In October, we made good our promise, shortly after our electoral victory, to contract a reputable civil engineering company for the rehabilitation of the long- abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba. Mr Speaker, Honourable Members and fellow Abians, it gives me great joy to report that for weeks now, Julius Berger, one of the biggest names in road construction and civil engineering projects have been at work on Port Harcourt Road, deploying the most sophisticated equipment and engineering professionals to the job because we made it clear that in the New Abia, we either get the best or nothing.
8. With a completion timeline of not more than 18 months, our expectation is that by the beginning of 2025, we shall see a boom in economic activities along that corridor, with many of the businesses that left years ago returning, in addition to several new ones.
9. In Umuahia, we are speedily completing the Ossah- Abia Tower/Okpara Square road reconstruction and expansion project for smooth flow of traffic into the capital city. It is our firm belief that the major entry points to the capital city should make a statement. It is in the light of this that work would soon start from the boundary in Onuimo to the Abia Tower. This is in addition to several palliative works going on in most parts of the city to improve intra-city transportation, as well as support business activities along important economic corridors.
10. Beyond our modest progress in the restoration of urban road infrastructure, we are also working in several communities across the state to enable the seamless movement of our people and transportation of agro-commodities from the rural to the urban centres and improve travel experience from one part of the state to another. With the coming of the new mayors, we hope to see even greater progress in the rehabilitation of rural roads.
11. We are very particular about road construction because of our understanding that roads are major economic enablers, aiding trade and commerce, supporting agriculture as well as boosting the appeal of our major cities to both residents and investors.
12. Our ambition has been constrained by the very limited resources at our disposal but we have been very innovative in our approach to dealing with the challenges that confront us. To make up for the shortfalls in resources, we returned the core engineering team of the State Ministry of Works to the field, under the Direct Labour Agency, creating an environment that encourages them to deploy their professional expertise more practically and I can tell you that the results have been fantastic.
13. In addition to expanding the network of motorable roads in the state, we have also taken special interest in healthcare delivery services and education. In health, we have successfully renovated the long-abandoned Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostics Centre, the Eye Clinic at the facility can now compete favourably with the best anywhere in the country and across the state, gradual renovation and rehabilitation works are taking place across the general hospitals.
14. Furthermore, access to healthcare in the state has improved especially with the free medical services initiative of the administration which will run until the end of the year in all public healthcare facilities. Thousands of Abians in rural and urban communities have benefited from this project which covers diagnostics and laboratory services, counselling and supply of drugs.
15. In the education sector, we are also making tremendous improvements in the teaching and learning environment with strategic investments in the renovation of schools across the 17 LGAs of the state. We are also working hard to return professionalism to the teaching profession through regular training and retraining programmes. We are determined to improve the competences of our teachers in tune with the demands of the modern world.
16. For our administration, the focus is to turn the schools into a fit-for-purpose environment for the training of world champions, young men and women with the skills to compete with their peers from all parts of the world.
17. We are working to phase out rote learning and over the next few years, we shall migrate to new learning platforms and methods that are designed to not just make learning more effective, but also prepare the pupils and students for the realities of the world they are living in.
18. In the education and health sectors, the morale of the personnel has been boosted with regular payment of salaries and other entitlements. Our teachers and health workers, like their counterparts in other sectors, now know when to expect their salaries and can plan accordingly. Not for once have they been disappointed in the last 6 months.
19. Umu nne m Ndi Abia, we have also made great strides in security through proper support to the security agencies including procurement of operational vehicles and other hardware necessary for effective security operations in all parts of the state, including prompt response in periods of emergencies.
20. We launched Operation Crush in August this year to deal with the menace of violent crimes. I am glad to report that our determination to make the state safe for residents and investors has seen us diminish the capacity of the criminals to strike in any part of the state. Although we still have pockets of challenges in a few places, the verdict is that Abia is now one of the safest places to live and do business.
21. Our Light UP Abia has seen us invest extensively in the procurement and installation of solar-energy powered lights for major streets in our urban centres. We have since extended the project to LGA headquarters across the state and the logic is simple: in addition to extending business hours for our entrepreneurs, proper street lighting also aids security as no criminal likes to operate under the light.
22. I promised on my inauguration that our government shall work to expand the frontiers of opportunities for our youth population. I am glad to report that in the last 3 months, we have, through the ministries of digital economy and SMEs, budget and planning and several other organs of the executive arm of government pioneered initiatives that are structured to improve the skills of our youths, especially their ICT skills, to enable them profit from the boundless opportunities of the new global economic system.
23. Working in conjunction with major partners including global tech giants, the state has successfully trained thousands of youths in various ICT skills to support their readiness for the global job market.
24. We are desirous to see a boom in the ICT space in the state and this explains why we have created a robust system that exposes our young people to the abundance of opportunities in the sector for gainful employment and successful entrepreneurship. The target is to steer our young people away from the temptations of dishonest living and offer them a platform to apply themselves to dignifying ventures.
25. Across communities, we have expanded the structure of our partnership programmes with multilateral organisations to promote transparency and accommodate more vulnerable households in the light of the continuing shocks of the post-COVID-19 pandemic and the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government. We have committedly supported as many vulnerable households and individuals as our resources can carry in pursuance of the administration’s social support system aimed at reducing extreme poverty which continues to assault the dignity of our people in several communities.
26. Today’s budget presentation is therefore significant in many ways; first it is the first full year budget by our government. We have deliberately structured the key items in the budget to reflect the priorities of the administration on very important frontiers especially road infrastructure, human capital development, health and human services, social support initiatives, digitalisation of the service delivery mechanisms of the government for efficiency amongst other objectives which are strategically tailored towards opening up the economy to local and global investors.
27. Our goal is to consolidate on the modest gains made in the 2023 budget cycle, especially in the last six months where our strategic investments in public infrastructure and social services, in addition to consistently meeting our obligations to civil servants and pensioners have combined to enable us keep the economy afloat in what has been a very difficult season as a result of certain realities that are not of our making, especially the removal of fuel subsidy, massive depreciation of the Naira and the many other economic headwinds the country is grappling with.
28. As Mr Speaker and Honourable Members of this House are also aware, we have seen a steep rise in inflation which has distorted economic plans and projections made by businesses, governments and households at the beginning of the year. Adjusting to this sharp rise in prices of goods and services has been very demanding especially for a new government with immense responsibilities on its shoulders, working with a budget made by its predecessor on the basis of assumptions that no longer hold.
29. On the basis of facts available to my office, we have done quite well in the implementation of the 2023 budget of N160.5 billion and the projection is that we would go well past the 60% budget implementation mark achieved in 2022. We have remained transparent and open in the presentation of our budget performance report and this has helped in giving the citizens a good understanding of how public resources that belong to them are being used. The target is to do better in 2024 by making the most of the feedback we got from the public over the last two quarters.
30. The 2024 budget proposal which we christened the “Budget of New Beginning” targets the expansion of our public infrastructure in line with our new development targets, scaling up access and quality service delivery in the social sector, with special focus on education and health where we are proposing to commit more than 20% and 15% of the aggregate budget spending respectively.
31. The State is proposing a total expenditure of Five Hundred and Sixty-Seven Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Million, Ninety-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Two Naira (N567, 240, 095, 972. 00) in the 2024 fiscal year.
32. The above figure, in nominal terms, represents more than N400 billion rise from the 2023 estimate of N160.5 billion although when adjusted for inflation and fall in the value of the naira, the reality becomes starkly different.
33. The key distinction in the 2024 budget estimate, however, is in the direction of spending. While the 2023 projection allocated 53% of the entire budget for capital expenditure, our target in the 2024 fiscal year is to spend 84% of the total expenditure on capital projects and commit 16% to recurrent expenditure, as against 47% in the 2023 estimates.
34. Of the proposed figure, government’s estimated total revenue is N166,077,717,058 including earnings from our IGR channels, Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), grants from multilateral organisations and income from other revenue sources that will be available to the state government over the course of the accounting year.
35. We plan to finance the deficit of N401, 162, 378, 914 partly by new borrowings estimated at N385, 271, 027, 214. 50% of this borrowing will be sourced externally, whilst the balance will be procured domestically.
36. It must at this point be stated that all borrowing in the 2024 fiscal year would be committed strictly to capital development projects with direct impact on the economy of the state, especially roads, schools and medical facilities. The projection is that the impact of these projects on the general economy in the medium to long term would generate the sufficient returns that would enable the state meet her obligation to the creditors smoothly and ultimately pay off the loans in due course.
37. The assurance I want to give Mr Speaker, Honourable members and to every Abian is that under my watch, not a dime shall be borrowed to finance recurrent expenditure. All borrowing will be negotiated on terms that are favourable to the state.
38. Rebuilding the state’s public infrastructure requires the sort of targeted financing we cannot immediately access within the state so there is the need to borrow to fund the projects that would kick-start the economy and make us competitive on a global scale.
39. More importantly, the citizens and other stakeholders would have the opportunity to monitor how the funds are being spent and the impact of the projects on their communities, from inception to completion. This is very important to guarantee transparency and as a listening government, your inputs would always be very important in our decision making process.
40. In the 2024 fiscal year, the state proposes to commit 44.76% of the budget on the economic sector with the larger chunk of the resources going into works, (16.97%), land and housing (9.9%), agriculture (5.12%), and finance, (5.23%).
41. We shall be committing major resources in the 2024 financial year to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some of the most important roads along the major economic corridors of the state. The budget has provided for completion of some of the projects we started in 2023 including Port Harcourt Road Aba, Ossah Road, Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abariba-Ohafia Road, Ozuabam-Ndi Okereke- Arochukwu Road, the dualisation of Umuikaa-Umuene-Omoba Road, Dualisation of Owerrinta-Umuikaa Road, Nunya-Eluama-Isuikwuato Road, Onuimo-Abia Tower Road amongst others as well as the commencement of new road projects in parts of the state.
42. For housing, the state shall be partnering with reputable private developers to develop new mass housing projects in our major urban locations. We are not just looking to erect blocks of flats; our target is to develop sophisticated urban locations that answer to the housing needs of our upwardly mobile youth population, young families and diaspora population.
43. In agriculture, we are proposing to designate Bende, Ukwa and Umunneochi LGAs as Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ). Our SAPZs will be structured to serve as major hubs for the production, aggregation, processing and distribution of major agro-commodities produced in these areas for improved value in the local and international markets.
44. The government proposes to commission Site-dedicated infrastructure in each of the zones including gas-solar powered energy plants, quality road infrastructure, optic fibre, water treatment facilities and ancillary support structures to drive the activities along these agro corridors.
45. In the same vein, 40.07% of the total budget is proposed to be committed to the social sector with the bulk of the resources going into education (20%), healthcare (15.04%), youth and sport development, (3.17%).
46. Items proposed in the social sector include the renovation of 300 public primary and secondary schools across the 17 LGAs of the state, infrastructure upgrade at the State College of Education, the retooling of 3 technical schools across the 3 senatorial districts, the procurement and installation of world class modern health facilities at 3 general hospitals across the 3 senatorial districts of the state, the construction of a standard medical village to stem the tide of medical tourism, the construction of the Nsulu Sports and Entertainment Complex, construction of community sports hubs in all the 17 LGAs of the state, construction of digital skills and innovation centres across the 3 senatorial districts and many, many more.
47. Our intent is clear: we are prioritising the projects that have direct impact on the economic and social life of the citizenry in line with our commitment to using the levers of government to serve the needs of the common people.
48. Mr Speaker, I want to specially appreciate this Honourable House for the speedy passage of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) Bill. I am also glad to announce that I have signed the bill into law and going forward, GADA will serve as the administrative vehicle to drive the social and economic development of Aba in line with my campaign promise to give priority attention to the rapid development of Aba and ultimately return it to its glory days. There has never been any doubt about what we intend to do in Aba and I am expectant that with the setting up of GADA as a legal administrative structure, developments in Aba will be better streamlined as we find in other major cities across the world.
49. As I promised at a media briefing earlier in the month, we shall be implementing a pay rise for our civil servants to reflect the present economic realities in the country. This shall be implemented in the New Year and provision for that has been made in the 2024 budget. The government will continue to prioritise the welfare of its employees even as we expect to see greater commitment from our civil servants who are major stakeholders in the implementation of our governance agenda.
50. We shall continue to support the conventional security establishments to improve the security of life and property in all parts of the state. Let me repeat my earlier warning that criminality in whatever guise shall have no place in the New Abia. We are open for business and any threat to this goal shall be met with the full weight of the law.
51. We understand the economic realities in the country and shall continue to do everything in our powers to support individuals seeking to make an honest living through hard work in legitimate endeavours. The government is already making arrangements to revive as many of our moribund industries as available resources and economic rational permit.
52. We are currently in discussions with those with stakes in these companies to see how we can restructure the existing agreements and have the establishments come back on stream because we are a pro-business government, committed to actively supporting the private sector to massively create jobs for our people.
53. Mr Speaker, Honourable Members and Ndi Abia, I invite us all to look to the future with great optimism. We are coming from a very difficult place but none of the difficulties of the past can diminish the potentials of this great land. A new beginning awaits us and I request everyone to come on board as we work to rebuild and restore the glory of our fatherland.
54. As I lay this bill before this Honourable House, may I reassure you, Mr Speaker, and the Honourable members, that you will get all the necessary cooperation from my team as Abians look to the speedy and diligent consideration of the 2024 budget proposal.
55. Mr. Speaker, Honourable members of the house, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, thank you for listening and may our good God continue to bless you all.
Following the political crisis over his continued absence from official duty, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has proceeded on a fresh medical leave outside the state.
Governor Akeredolu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, also asked his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to take over power in an “acting capacity” while he was away on a medical trip.
In the statement, the ailing Ondo governor said a letter regarding his medical leave and a notice formally transferring power to Aiyedatiwa in line with the constitution would be transmitted to the State House of Assembly.
He revealed that the medical vacation would start by Wednesday (December 13, 2023) in continuation of his medical treatment.
“Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, will commence his medical leave on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, as a follow-up to his medical treatment.
“During his medical leave, Governor Akeredolu will prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties.
“A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.
“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in an acting capacity.
“Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.
“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations. This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations,” the statement read.
The development came after President Bola Tinubu for the second time within a month summoned all the political actors in the state to a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has signed the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) Bill, recently passed by the State House of Assembly, into law.
Governor Otti, speaking Monday after assenting to the bill, his first since assuming office May 29, 2023, said the establishment of the Greater Aba Development Authority was to give Aba, the commercial hub of Abia, indeed South East Nigeria, a special focus in terms of development.
“Everyone who had followed the process of the campaigns and elections would have remembered that we had said that we needed a special focus on Aba which is a commercial nerve centre of the State,” Governor Otti said in a tone filled with reassurance.
According to the Governor, Aba, beyond being a trading zone, is also an industrial base, where all kinds of light and heavy manufacturing; micro small and medium scale businesses are conducted.
“Virtually every street in Aba is a market, eventhough we are working at organising them, but it is a strength that we recognise,” he said, adding, “when we invest heavily in infrastructural renewal in Aba, it is because we recognise the potentials that Aba has and we believe that if we improve on ease of doing business, we attract a lot of businesses.”
He congratulated the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emmanuel Emeruwa; Deputy Speaker, Hon Austin Okezie Meregini; the leadership of the House and other members; and Members of the State Executive Council on the passage of the executive bill.
He stated that with the law now in place, Aba rejuvenation has got a legal backing to bring about the needed development in the commercial capital.
Earlier, while presenting the Bill to the Governor for assent, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, noted that the executive bill was passed into law by the State House of Assembly on 8th December, 2023.
Uwanna said that the Greater Aba Development Authority is now the first bill Governor Otti was signing into law and congratulated the Governor on achieving that feat.
Giving insight on the newly signed law, the Director General of the Greater Aba Development Authority, Mr. Uche Ukeje, described the law as a special vehicle that would drive the development of Aba to realise the Governor’s vision about the Enyimba City.
Ukeje, an architect of many years repute, described GADA as an integrator, that would coordinate all the efforts of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government in a bid to bring the needed development in Aba.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Kenneth Kalu; Commissioner for Digital Economy and SME, Dr. Matthew Ekwuribe; Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr Ikechukwu Monday; and Senior Special Assistant on Legislative Matters, Hon. Luke Ukara Onyeani, among other senior aides of the Governor witnessed the bill signing ceremony.
KAZIE UKO
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Abia State
December 11, 2023
