News
Obasanjo commissions Owerri Central Market Complex
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State have commissioned the Owerri Central Market Complex, describing it as a blessing to Imo State and Nigeria.
Obasanjo, who arrived in the state to grace the occasion, expressed confidence in the project’s potential to attract investors and create jobs, wealth, and development.
The former president made the remarks on Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony of the market project at Umuohiadagu Umualum in the Nekede area of Owerri.
He said: “The Owerri Central Market Complex has been planned to attract businessmen and women from across the country and beyond.
“It will create jobs, wealth, harmony, unity, and development for Imo State and Nigeria at large.”
Obasanjo commended the governor for his efforts to develop Imo State and expressed confidence in the project’s potential to recoup investments through profit. “The money invested will be recouped through profit from the investment,” he said.
He described Owerri as the Eastern Heartland and recalled how Nigerian troops, under his command during the Nigeria/ Biafra war, needed to conquer Owerri, to conclusively bring the civil war which he said was necessary to unite the country, to an end.
Speaking, the Governor appreciated Obasanjo’s support for Imo State and promised to provide an enabling environment for the project’s success.
“We will encourage you to climb. Don’t be afraid, we will support you,” he told the project’s promoter, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu.
“This market will be a source of blessing to Imo State and Nigeria at large when completed,” Governor Uzodimma said at the ground-breaking ceremony.
The Governor regretted that the construction of the Owerri Central Market Complex was stalled for a very long time as a result of many challenges, including illegal balkanization of the land.
He said in the wisdom of the government, a Commission of enquiry was set up which led to the recovery of the land, noting that going forward, the government will play its role not to betray the confidence of those who have elected to invest in the project.
In their separate but similar remarks, Nze Chukwu, the promoter of the project and the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Barr. Rex Anunobi thanked Governor Uzodimma for his untiring effort to see Imo State experience development in all areas and expressed confidence that the Owerri Central Market Complex would change the business and commercial outlook of Imo State when completed.
Other dignitaries at the occasion, including the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru; Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe; Senators Ezenwa Onyewuchi; and Patrick Ndubueze, expressed support for the project and appreciation for Governor Uzodimma’s development efforts.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sum of One Hundred And Ten Billion Naira (N110bn) to be shared to 18 universities. The move according to pundits is to boost medical education following the recent ‘japa’ trend of doctors and other health workers.
Each university will receive about N4 billion, including N750 million for hostel construction, to support eight simulation labs across the zones and increase enrolment in medical sciences.
The 18 universities benefiting from the N110bn grant are:
1. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
2. Bayelsa State University
3. University of Lagos
4. Ahmadu Bello University
5. University of Benin
6. Imo State University
7. University of Ibadan
8. University of Medical Sciences, Ondo
9. Benue State University
10. Umaru Musa Yaradua University
11. University of Nigeria
12. University of Calabar
13. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
14. University of Jos
15. University of Ilorin
16. Gombe State University
17. Usmanu Danfodio University
18. University of Maiduguri
This initiative is designed to improve infrastructure in medical schools through the rehabilitation of lecture theatres and laboratory facilities, thereby enhancing capacity to take in and produce more doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists for the nation.
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a six-week notice to unregistered businesses to register with the Commission.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the CAC on Tuesday, titled: “PUBLIC NOTICE: CARRYING ON BUSINESS IN NIGERIA UNDER AN UNREGISTERED NAME OR ACRONYM.”
In the statement, the CAC said failure to comply with the notice will attract a jail term or prosecution.
The commission informed the general public that it is a criminal offence under Section 863 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020, to carry on business in Nigeria as a company, limited liability partnership, limited partnership, or under a business name without registration. It is also an offence to operate under a name (or acronym) other than the one registered under the Act.
The public was further advised that Section 729 of the Act requires every registered company to display its registered name and registration number at every business location.
“In addition, the company is required to state its registered name and registration number on all its official publications, including letterheads, signage, marketing, and publicity materials,” the statement added.
The CAC emphasised that non-compliance with business registration requirements may result in prosecution and a conviction that carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment.
The statement continued: “In particular, the general public should note the provisions of Section 862 (1) of the Act, which state that any person who, in any document required under the Act (including the aforementioned official publications of a company), knowingly makes a false statement in any material respect commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of two years, in addition to a daily fine imposed on the company for every day the offence continues.”
In light of the above, the CAC stressed that all companies, limited liability partnerships, limited partnerships, and business name proprietors must comply with the provisions of the Act within six weeks of this notice.
Failure to comply will result in enforcement actions, including prosecution, the CAC stressed.
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, May 1, 2025, as a public holiday in commemoration of Workers’ Day.
This was announced in a press statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Ndayako, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, conveyed the declaration, emphasising the importance of excellence, efficiency, and fairness in labour.
Tunji-Ojo reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to fostering innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in workplaces.
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