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Breaking : Fire guts Local govt secretariat

A part of the building housing the Dunukofia Local Government Area secretariat in Ukpo, Dunukofia, Anambra State, has been gutted by fire.

It was gathered that the fire outbreak, which occurred late on Wednesday, was a result of bush burning close to the local government secretariat.

We had earlier reported that two separate fire outbreaks were also recorded at the Timber Market in Nnewi and behind the Sinai Gas Plant in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The fire, which occurred at different times on Tuesday, raged for hours but was controlled by the intervention of the men of the Anambra State Fire Service.

The Anambra State Fire Chief, Martin Agbili, who confirmed Wednesday’s incident at the LG secretariat, said it started around 6:53 pm on Wednesday.

Agbili said, “At about 18:53hrs (6.53 pm) of Wednesday, Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of a heavy fire outbreak at Dunukofia.

“Immediately, we deployed our fire truck and gallant Firefighters to the scene of the fire and fought, controlled and extinguished the fire.

“The cause of the fire was a bush fire which was started by unknown person(s) and encroached into the local government council secretariat.

“During the firefighting operations, we were able to control and extinguish the fire and prevent it from destroying a lot of things at the local government council.

“We withdrew from the fire scene at about 20:30hrs after fighting the fire to a standstill and calming the situation.

“It is also important that we clear all bushes around our environment, especially at this dry season and harmattan, to avoid ‘had I known’. Fire kills but you can prevent it.”

AFCON 2023: Nigeria Triumphs Over South Africa in Thrilling Semi-Final Clash

In a nail-biting encounter at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, the Super Eagles of Nigeria emerged victorious over South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the semi-final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023. The match culminated in a penalty shootout, showcasing the resilience and skill of both teams.

With an electrifying atmosphere, Nigeria secured their spot in the AFCON 2023 final by prevailing over South Africa on penalties.

Details shortly

The Failure Of Soludo Administration

Tension as Anambra not listed amongst states capable of paying workers’ salaries in 2024.Anambra State is missing among 11 States in Nigeria Capable of Generating enough income to pay workers’ salaries in 2024 fiscal year.

This was gathered from comparing the 2024 personnel costs and revenue estimates for the 36 Nigerian states in the country.

Recall that since the Chris Ngige administration in 2003, Anambra State has been paying workers’ salaries regularly. Under Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s government, workers and pensioners in the state receive their salaries regularly on or before the 25th of of every month.

But in the recent report,FIJ found that only Kaduna, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, Rivers, Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Zamfara states will generate enough money to offset personnel costs in the 2024 fiscal year.

For most of the remaining states, however, federal allocations constitute more than 50 percent of their total revenue for the 2024 fiscal year. By implication, these states cannot fund the salaries of their workers without federal government disbursement or a loan.

STATE IGR (Naira) PERSONNEL COST (Naira)
Kaduna 120,001,818,558. 76,206,260,777

Edo 71,691,130,754.62 65,167,577,994.68

Gombe 22,318,245,500. 21,925,000,000.

Kano. 101,956,874,541. 87,465,825,287

Rivers 231,057,836,945 99,588,939,939.39

Kwara. 71,788,763,444. 50,997,629,672.

Lagos 1.251 trillion

Ogun. 240,538,655,485. 122,400,076,062.

Osun 104,770,526,130. 82,361,903,000

Zamfara 55,534,775,000. 35,579,537,000.

States with Higher Revenue Than Personnel Cost in 2024

The report also compared the revenue estimates of the 36 states to their total recurrent expenditures to determine which of the states would be self-sufficient. It found only Lagos, with a N1.25 trillion revenue, and Enugu, with a N252 billion revenue, can fund their 2024 expenditures comfortably.

Only Rivers State and Lagos have revenue projections that exceed the federal allocations budgeted for them in 2024.

On the other hand, six states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Nassarawa, Rivers, Plateau, and Yobe state will spend more than their independent revenue in 2024 to service both foreign and domestic loans.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the cumulative revenue of the states in Nigeria increased by more than N1 trillion in 2022, with Lagos and Rivers as the top two earners for that fiscal year.

States in Nigeria generate revenue from services provided by MDAs, taxes and fines paid by citizens and industries local to their respective states.

Anambra State Government Stops Salary Of Medical Officer For Absconding From Duty

… pay more attention to COOUTH/Amaku, other health facilities in rural communities – Okeke

Following discovery made from the biometric (clock in) devices installed across government-owned facilities by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration to monitor activities of health workers, the state government, through the Ministry of Health, has stopped salary of a medical officer for absconding from his duty post.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, who disclosed this on his Facebook page, explained that on visits to Comprehensive Health Centre Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area, it was discovered that the Chief Medical Officer in charge of the facility (name withheld) only attended work once in a week, reason he instructed Dr. Adaobi Igwebuike to take over as the new Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Obidike expressed regret over nonchalant attitude of some health workers in discharging their duties, especially those in government hospitals, and reemphasized that monitoring activities of health workers is never meant to witch hunt anyone, insisting that it is the duty and responsibility of the government to ensure that people have access to quality, affordable healthcare in all government-owned hospitals.

He warned that going forward; any hospital that fails to meet government standards, the person in charge would be stepped down with immediate effect.

The Health Commissioner further explained that the reason Dr. Igwebuike was directed to take the position of the CMD of Comprehensive Health Centre Awkuzu was because of her dedication and commitment to duty in the hospital, which he said that people working at the facility can attest to.

At General Hospital Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka LGA, the Health Commissioner expressed joy that health workers at the facility were at their duty posts attending to patients; even though he did not inform them about his visit.

He reiterated the commitment of the Soludo administration in repositioning the healthcare sector of the state, urging all healthcare givers to double their efforts so as to meet the daily needs of people seeking medical attention.

Commissioner Obidike promised to continue his unannounced visits to government hospitals; so as to fish out health workers who earn salary without working.

Reacting to the development, a Facebook user with the name, Basil Okeke, urged the Commissioner to pay more attention to Amaku (Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka), and other health facilities in rural communities.

He alleged that the hospital (Amaku) has the pride of being the worst medical institution, as they display nonchalance and unprofessional acts with pride and disgust.

Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today-5/2/24

The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players buy a dollar for N1430 and sell at N1440 on Sunday 4th February 2024, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks

Governments In Nigeria Are Most Irresponsible – GGM

Those with political power today don’t know what God has done for them especially when such power comes from the people. Political power is to be deployed for the good of the people,to inspire the people into productive society. Good Governance is not about building 5-Star hotel ,it is not about building 20 bridges , it is not about building 1000 kilometers of roads , it is not about extorting tax payers to increase IGR. It is not about random and selective empowerment of youths and vulnerable . It is much more especially when the majority of the masses are suffering !

Good Governance is about paying living wage. It is about recognizing and rewarding good behavior and using the instrument of government to go against fraudulent and dishonest people ( ensuring that law and order is maintained all the time) , it is about caring how people put food on the table ( setting up farm settlements in every senatorial zone) , it is servicing the mental health of the people ( through the Governor words of hope on regular basis) .

Good Governance is about intervening in high cost of housing ( government housing scheme), it is about modernizing our hospitals and schools in practical terms with world class equipment(s) and first class service delivery.

Government creates economic prosperity in every society and in return , people will support their Government in every way possible . When people trust their Government,they can go to any length to protect and defend such Government. Our people don’t even expect too much from their Government.

Those in Government who patronize praise singers are trading in perishable commodities. Where is almighty Rochas Okorocha today? Where is the Powerful Wike with tens of bridges to his credit . The reality is that political power is transient! And those who are building political structures without the people will soon lose such structures immediately they are out of power.

We don’t need all the money we are accumulating! Our children don’t need them . They need little to be happy! Happiness is appreciating what you have and not what you don’t have.

Those who walk the street freely after they have left political power are blessed with peace of mind.

Do everything possible to win the love of the people.

This message is from an Ambassador of Good Governance Ministry (GGM)

Ndubuisi Anaenugwu GGM

Anambra Factory Workers Safety Bill Passes Second Reading


A bill for a law to ensure the safety, health and welfare of factory workers and all persons lawfully present at factories and for other connected purposes have been read for the second time by the Anambra State House of Assembly.

The sponsor of the bill Mr. Golden Iloh while leading the debate said the bill seek to ensure that workers in different factories in Anambra State is provided with safety kits.

According to Mr. Iloh, the member representing Ihiala 2 constituency, different factories in Anambra do not protect their workers who inhale chemicals and are left on their fate; nobody bothers about what happens to them.

“These chemicals inhaled by this factory workers are dangerous to health. Most of them operate mechines with bare hands without protective gloves.

“As lawmakers, we owe our people a duty of speaking for them because many of them cannot approach their boss to demand for this kit for fear of losing their job. If passed into law, it will help to protect the lives of workers.”

Speaking in support of the bill, Mr. Nobel Igwe (Ogbaru 1), Mr. Nigeria Mbachu (Awka South 1), Mr. Obi Nweke (Anambra East), Mr. Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North 2), Mr. Emma Nwafor (Orumba South), Mr. Anayo Okpalaeke (Aguata 1) Majority leader, Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme (Ekwusigo), Mr. Tony Mobuike (Aguata 2), Mr. Chidiebere Ibemeka (Njikoka 1) and Mr. Fred Ezenwe (Onitsha South 1) in their seperate submissions maintained that the bill would save a lot of life if passed into law.

“It should be a culture to be kitted with every safety gadget while working in a factory. All safety precutions and provisions should be provided.

“Safety devices such as hand gloves, boots, helmet, nose masks amongst others are vital for factory workers. This is important because the hazards they face has effect on their life spin if not handled very well.

“If a factory worker is not provided with the necessary kit to do their work, there is every tendency of accident. Some get their fingers cut during production and no compensation.

“Fire extinguisher is important also because of fire outbreak. We need to think about the safety of our people. There should be an insurance to back them up.

“Some are working in a high temperature environment and their cells have been condemned and their life expectancy is in jeopardy.

“Some are been discharged and replaced immediately after any incident. The welfare of factory workers is important and will be addressed by this law.

“This bill bothers on the safety, health and welfare of not just factory workers but also aim to protect both the employer and employee.

“This bill is also aimed at domesticating the employment law because when you move round Anambra and beyond, you will discover that there is a lot of issues in our factories.

“Before a contract is issued to an employee, the employer have to make sure that all safety measures are in place. It will encourage workers in discharging their duties.

“There is need for safety training and the emergency action plan such as first aid but
unfortunately, the jobs of factory workers are not guaranteed,” the lawmakers maintained.

The speaker Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze referred the bill to the joint committee on Health and Committee on Commerce, Trade and Industry.

The House adjourned to Thursday February 1, 2024.

Credit: Chizoba Okeke, Anastasia Agunwa and Gloria Abugu, Ministry of Information, Anambra State

CBN Relocation: List of Department Moved to Lagos

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commenced plans to comprehensively “decongest” its head office. This initiative, contained in a circular dated 12th January 2023 from the director of the human resources department to all staff is designed to align with building safety standards and enhance office space efficiency.

The circular noted that the decision was prompted by safety concerns, increased health and accident risks, and the need to comply with building regulations, following repeated warnings from the facility manager and recommendations from the committee on decongestion of the CBN head office building. Here’s a list of departments moving to Lagos: 1. Banking supervision 2. Other financial institutions supervision 3. Consumer protection department 4. Payment system management department 5. Financial policy regulations department.

(Our heritage reporter)

CBN Relocates 1500 Staff to Lagos Amidst Backlash

At least 1,500 members of staff from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are set to resume work at its Lagos office this Friday, having been redeployed from the headquarters.

The move follows the decision of the new management to relocate select CBN departments to Lagos for reasons including staff safety, increased productivity, and decongestion of the head office.

 

An official from the apex bank confirmed the plan, telling Punch, “Yes, the plan is still on, and they will resume work by February 2, which is the first week of next month.”

The decision to relocate departments such as Banking Supervision, Other Financial Institutions Supervision, Consumer Protection Department, Payment System Management Department, and Financial Policy Regulations Department to Lagos has faced criticism from various quarters.

 

The CBN justified the move by citing the need to align the bank’s structure with its functions and objectives, redistribute skills for a more even geographical spread, and comply with building regulations.

 

A memo issued to staff read, “This is to notify all staff members at the CBN Head Office that we have initiated a decongestion action plan designed to optimize the operational environment of the Bank. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with building safety standards and enhance the efficient utilization of our office space.”

 

Despite opposition from Northern Elders Forum and other Northern groups, the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, has continued with the relocation plan, aiming to reduce the HQ occupancy level from 4,233 to 2,733 personnel.

 

Sources indicate that some affected staffers have already started relocating to Lagos, with over 80% of the Banking Supervision Department and the Payment System Department undergoing redeployment.

 

Critics argue that the relocation could lead to increased costs, loss of talent, operational disruption, reduced coordination, regional economic disparities, impaired economic development in Northern Nigeria, and decreased investor confidence in the nation’s economy.

(Jungle Jornalist)

The Media as an instrument of Struggle to build and develop Alaigbo- Asuzu Chinedu Peters

The role of mass media in the struggle for democratic Igbo society cannot be over-emphasized. For decades,we have allowed outside elements to tell our own story and determine our political, economic and cultural narratives. Main stream media platforms under strict control of Government and politicians have influenced and determined public opinion until the arrival of social media . With the arrival of social media , the media war to take charge of our own narrative has just started.

However, the mass media having fought for the nation’s independence stood diametrically opposed to continued military rule and insisted on the country’s return to civil democratic rule. To achieve this, the mass media extensively and effectively employed anti-military publications and reportage mostly at the risk of losing their lives to expose the evil and misrule of military rule in order to mobilize the civil societies against the military juntas. This resulted in series of episodes of mass protest, industrial strife, and civil disturbance across Nigeria by various civil society groups and labour unions. In spite of the hostile environment created by the military such as arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists, political assassination, extra-judicial killings, abuse of human rights, closure of media houses, seizure of publications among others, the Nigerian media kept its resilience in the anti-military struggle.

Therefore ,media is very big instrument to change any society for better.In the recent history when the agitation of Biafra started on the Internet radio, many took it for granted ,thinking that social media has no influence . Today, most States in  south east have lost Mondays to sit at home because of power of media. We all saw how media was used to make fake news  look real.
People were made to believe that Buhari has died . People were made to believe that Trump was supporting Biafra. The same media can be used to push a narrative that will change the society for better.Obidient Movement message of new Nigeria was sold to the entire Nigeria through media . Labour party without any elected public officer became a force to reckon with courtesy of social media.

This is where BVI Channel 1 comes as an instrument to market ADF – Youth League message . A message of hope to the present generation of Ndigbo and generation to come.

It is important to ask ourselves this question: what message is ADF youths selling to the Igbo public . As a media manager, I will go with a message that will give hope to our people – ADF Youths is here to build a modern Igbo society through Love.

Thank you all.

Asuzu Chinedu Peters
BVI Channel 1