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Comrade Ike Extols Leadership Quality Of Speaker Abbas+PHOTOS

Published

9 months ago

July 11, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as he inaugurate the newly renovated press center

By Gloria Ikibah

The Outgoing Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Comrade Grace Ike has commended Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for providing quality leadership since his election into office.

Comrade Ike applauded the Speaker while delivering her valedictory speech after the inauguration of the newly renovated House of Representatives’ Media Centre and swearing in ceremony of the new Executive

She stressed for the need to provide a fully digitalized Media Centre, to enable the HoR Pressmen discharge their duty in new reportage.

Ike said: “The inauguration of this edifice- our renovated Media Centre is a testament to the Right Honourable Speaker’s and indeed the leadership of the House commitment to our well-being and the importance of a free press in our democracy.

“We are deeply grateful for your generosity and vision. This modernised facility is a beacon of hope for our profession, enabling us to discharge our duties more effectively. Your support is a reminder that a free press and a functioning democracy go hand-in-hand.

“Mr. Speaker, please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support to the Press Corps. May this gesture inspire future leaders to emulate your example. We pledge to utilise this facility to promote truth, accountability, and the public interest.

“Thank you for your continued support and encouragement; and to the Deputy Speaker who started with us as Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs we say a big thank you.

“However, additional working materials such as laptops to work with will go a long way to help us improve our skills and report effectively.”

Giving an account of her 5-years leadership, Comrade Ike, who was excited for the successful completion of her tenure, said: “In June 2022, you renewed that trust, allowing me to continue our journey together. Today marks the end of this significant chapter in our shared history and the beginning of an exciting new era.

“Before my election in 2020, I had the privilege of completing the tenure of the former chairman Umar Puma. This opportunity has not only prepared me for the role but also made me the longest-serving chairman of our esteemed Press Corps. This extended period of service has given me a deep understanding of our mission, challenges, and the remarkable potential we hold as a united body.

“Over these years, our journey has been marked by a series of notable achievements. Together, we have made significant strides in improving the welfare of our members, ensuring that the dignity and respect owed to each journalist in our corps are upheld.

“In my four years as chairman, together with my exco, we have worked tirelessly to promote the values of transparency, accountability, and fairness in our reporting. We have strived to be the voice of the voiceless, to hold those in power accountable, and to shed light on the stories that need to be told.

“Our retreats have fostered a sense of unity and provided a space for reflection and growth, while our training programs have equipped us with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in our demanding profession.

“Our collaborations with MDAs and top government organizations have strengthened our influence and extended our reach, ensuring that our voices are heard and our work recognized at the highest levels. One of our crowning achievements, the launch of our new magazine, “The Green Sentinel,” stands as an affirmation of our commitment to innovation and excellence in journalism.

“To the incoming leadership, my expectations are simple yet profound. Continue to prioritize the welfare of our members, ensuring that they are supported and valued.

“Expand our training programs, providing opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. Organize more retreats, fostering reflection. Embrace collaboration, forging new partnerships that will propel our corps to greater heights.

“I urge you to remain steadfast in your pursuit of truth and excellence. I want the new exco led by the incoming chairman to know that effective press corps leadership requires a combination of skills, traits, and practices. First, you have to be visionary: Set clear goals and objectives, and work towards achieving them—also, endeavour to make informed, timely, and decisive decisions.

“Secondly, you have to foster open and transparent communication with the leadership, lawmakers, members of the corps and the public. Motivate and inspire members to strive for excellence

“As we stand on the threshold of this new beginning, let us remember that our strength lies in our unity, our commitment to truth, and our unswerving dedication to the principles of journalism. Let us continue to strive for excellence, to uphold the highest standards of integrity, and to be the voice of the people.

“Reflecting on the past years, I am reminded of the challenges we faced and the victories we celebrated. Each step, each achievement, has been a collective effort. The support and trust we have shared have been the bedrock of our success. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your chairperson, and I am confident that our future is bright with promise and potential.

Comrade Ike who is also the Vice Chairman of FCT Correspondents Chapel, bagged the award for “Democratic Heroism” by AREWA Journalists forum worldwide.

In his remarks, speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said the media plays a significant role in fostering democracy and enhancement between those in positions of authority and the public.

The Speaker, while commending members of the Corps for their services to the Nigerian society through the reportage of the House over the years, urged them to keep the flag flying with a view to holding public office holders accountable in an objective, balanced and accurate manner.

He said: “The role of the media within a democracy cannot be overstated. As the fourth estate (of the realm), the media plays a pivotal role in fostering public engagement and upholding democratic values. The cooperation and collaboration between the media and the legislature, as outlined in our House Legislative Agenda, are essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and effective governance. By working together, we can ensure that the public remains well-informed and actively engaged in the democratic process.

“I commend the Press Corps for your dedicated reporting on the activities of parliament. Your efforts to keep the public informed about our work are invaluable. It is essential that your reportage remain well-researched and balanced, providing accurate and fair coverage of our proceedings. This commitment to journalistic integrity helps to maintain public trust and ensures that citizens receive reliable information”.

Speaking to the issue of resourcefulness of the media in the process of informing the public and Abbas reiterated his commitment of the House under his leadership to support the Corps.

He further acknowledged the need for the provision of a conducive environment and capacity building for effective service delivery.

“A well-resourced Press Centre within parliament is crucial for enabling the media to perform its duties effectively. This renovated Press Centre is yet another evidence of our commitment to providing you with a conducive work environment. I encourage you to make full use of this facility to enhance your reporting and facilitate meaningful dialogue between the legislature and the public.

“Continuous capacity building for the press corps covering the National Assembly is of paramount importance. The House of Representatives is committed to supporting your professional development with the help of our partners. We will work together to provide training programs and resources that will enhance your skills and ensure high-quality reporting on parliamentary activities,” he said.

News

FAAC shares N1.578tr to federal, states, councils for March 2025

Published

2 hours ago

April 16, 2025

Admin

Monthly disbursements to the federal, states and local government areas dropped for the third consecutive time yesterday. The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) shared N1.58 trillion to the three tiers for March

The committee announced N2. 411 trillion as the total revenue generated in March at its April meeting in Abuja yesterday.

The total distributable revenue comprised N931.325 billion from statutory sources, N593.750 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), N24.971 billion from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and N28.711 billion from Exchange Difference revenue.

According to the communiqué issued by FAAC, the gross revenue available for March stood at N2.411 trillion. The deductions for cost of collection stood N85.376 billion, while N747.180 billion went to transfers, interventions and refunds accounted consumed.

Despite the lower net revenue available for distribution, the March statutory revenue of N1.718 trillion showed an increase of N65.422 billion over the N1.653 trillion received in February.

However, revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT) dropped to N637.618 billion last month from the February figure of N654.456 billion – a decrease of N16.838 billion.

From the total distributable sum of N1.578 trillion, the federal government received N528.696 billion; states collectively got N530.448 billion, while the 774 local government areas received N387.002 billion. Additionally, N132.611 billion – representing 13 per cent of mineral revenue – was allocated to oil-producing states as derivation revenue.

The breakdown of the N931.325 billion statutory revenue shows that the federal government took N422.485 billion, the states got N214.290 billion and N165.209 billion shared to the councils. The oil-producing states received N129.341 billion from this component as derivation revenue.

From the VAT pool of N593.750 billion, the federal government got N89.063 billion, states got N296.875 billion and the local government areas got N207.813 billion.

For the EMTL revenue of N24.971 billion, the federal government took N3.746 billion, states received N12.485 billion and local government areas went home with N8.740 billion.

In the case of Exchange Difference revenue of N28.711 billion, the federal government received N13.402 billion, states N6.798 billion and local government areas was allocated N5.241 billion. A further N3.270 billion from this revenue was distributed as 13 per cent derivation to oil-producing states.

A deeper look into the revenue trends shows that while Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Companies Income Tax (CIT) increased significantly during the month under review, several other key sources witnessed declines.

These include Oil and Gas royalty, EMTL, VAT, Excise Duty, Import Duty, and Common External Tariff (CET) Levies.

News

Nigeria Police face backlash over viral cash gift video

Published

3 hours ago

April 16, 2025

Admin

A viral video showing several Nigerian police officers allegedly receiving N5,000 each from a Chinese man and his family has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over corruption and ethics in the Nigeria Police Force.

The footage, which surfaced online, shows uniformed officers lining up as a Chinese man hands them cash gifts.

The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from the public and human rights advocates, who described it as disgraceful and damaging to the image of the police.

When contacted by Vanguard, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said he was unaware of the viral video or the incident.

Similarly, the Lagos State Police Command distanced itself from the footage. Its spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the incident did not occur in Lagos, contrary to claims circulating online.

Public figures have also weighed in. Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), described the video as “shameful” and called for the removal of the IGP.

“This is why I keep saying illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun must leave the police force. It is the shame of the nation,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

Popular social commentator and human rights activist Martins Victor Otse, also known as VeryDarkBlackMan, called the act “disgraceful, disrespectful, and degrading,” urging the police leadership to address the matter transparently.

The incident has intensified calls for accountability, with many Nigerians demanding disciplinary action and systemic reforms to restore public confidence in the police force.

News

Easter celebration: FG declares Friday, Monday public holidays

Published

4 hours ago

April 16, 2025

Admin

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, 2025, as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday.

He emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, who had to die for the redemption of man, while greeting Christians on the joyous occasion.

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.

He reassured citizens of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national growth and development.

“Furthermore, he encouraged Nigerians to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity.

“The minister wished all Christians a blissful Easter celebration and extended warm holiday greetings to all Nigerians,” the statement added.