News
Edo moves to boost potential for economic growth
* Unveils diaspora agency
By Francesca Hangeior
Edo State Diaspora Agency has expressed it’s is determination to ensure that the potential of Edo indigenes in the Diaspora is harnessed to boost the economic, social and cultural development of the state.
The Director General of the Agency, Loretta Ogboro-Okor who stated this during her maiden press conference in Benin, Edo State, also expressed the readiness of the agency to build synergy with other sister agencies to address the menace of trafficking in persons.
Ogboro-Okor while thanking Governor Monday Okpebholo for establishing the agency also noted that focus would be given to the welfare of Edo indigenes in Diaspora, strengthening relations, growing remittance and fostering growth and development.
She said, “From our strategic location in Nigeria, where one cannot navigate the North, South, East and West, without going through Edo State, we draw a parallel in today’s world too with our Diaspora population that have also become the anchor and rallying point of not just Nigerians but Africans across the world more so, blazing a trail of democracy and political consciousness as we can see from our political engagements in our gubernatorial and other elections.
“As Edo State People in the Diaspora, we contribute hugely in remittances to not just our State, but to our country Nigeria, as a whole. We will be economical with the truth if we do not highlight the fact that our sojourns have been fraught with challenges, ranging from but not limited to stigmatisation, racism, marginalization, and stereotypes.
“We are determined to ensure that the potentials of Edo indigenes in the Diaspora are harnessed to boost the economic, social, and cultural development of the state.
“However, through it all, we rise and hold onto the central theme of hope together, we explore our possibilities for the future, and we continue to maintain our shared solidarity, pushing our positive narratives of Edo State’s past, present, and future with no limits.
She further stressed that the agency will also partner with traditional leaders to ensure that Diaspora contributions are recognized, valued and integrated into the broader Edo State development agenda to maximize the transformation agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The Diaspora Agency was established by Governor Monday Okpebholo to serve as a bridge between people in the diaspora and the government at home, ensuring that the skills, resources, and experiences of our global citizens are harnessed for the development of our state.
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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