News

Comrade Ike Extols Leadership Quality Of Speaker Abbas+PHOTOS

Published

4 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

Core Public Servants hail Tinubu for appointing thoroughbred Procurement officer, Adedokun as BPP DG

Published

1 hour ago

November 15, 2024

Austin Ojomah

A group under the aegis of Core Public Servants, CPS hail President Bola Tinubu for appointing Dr Adebowale Adedokun, a thoroughbred Procurement officer as the Director General of Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP.

CPS in a congratulatory letter signed by Kudirat Akindero to Adedokun lauded President Tinubu for following due process and picking the most qualified to run the affairs of the soecialised agency.

In the letter, the ADSC said:

“Congratulations to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, PhD (MCIPS, CMILT), on his appointment as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“This significant achievement reflects his extensive expertise and unwavering dedication to advancing public procurement in Nigeria.

“With over 20 years of robust experience in public service, Dr. Adedokun has made substantial contributions to procurement reform.

“His distinguished academic background includes a doctorate in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, complemented by four master’s degrees in Procurement, Finance, Technology, and Transportation Management.

” This diverse educational foundation equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in procurement processes.

“In his career, Dr. Adedokun has held pivotal roles, including serving as a National Consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on public procurement reforms.

“He represents Nigeria in the International Research Study on Public Procurement (IRSPP) and serves as a World Bank Resource Person on Sustainable Procurement. His commitment to capacity building is evident in his training of over 4,000 federal and state government procurement professionals nationwide.

” Additionally, he has been instrumental as the focal point officer for the UN Women Project aimed at empowering women in procurement in Nigeria and as the Project Coordinator/Procurement Node for the SPESSE – World Bank Project.

“Dr. Adedokun’s professional affiliations are extensive, including membership in the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), UK; Chartered Membership in the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT); Fellowship in the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (ISMN); Fellowship in the Institute of Management Consultants (ICMC), Nigeria; membership in the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACArb); Fellowship in the Nigeria Institute of Training & Development (NITAD); membership in the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM); and membership in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

In recognition of his consistent contributions to reform, Dr. Adedokun was honored with a Certificate of Special Recognition by USAID’s Nigerian Reforms Project in July 2009.

As he assumes the role of Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adedokun’s extensive knowledge and experience are anticipated to significantly contribute to the agency’s strategic repositioning.

” His leadership is expected to advance efficiency, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s public procurement system.

Once again, congratulations to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun on this well-deserved appointment.

News

Brain Drain, Infrastructure, Resource Allocation Challenges Of Health Sector – Reps

Published

2 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has highlighted the detrimental impact of the mass migration of health workers from Nigeria, describing it as a major challenge to the country’s healthcare system.

The Chairman, House Committee on Health Institutions, Rep. Amos Magaji, stated this during a public hearing on 16 bills aimed at establishing various health institutions, on Thursday in Abuja.

Rep. Magaji underscored the need for better distribution of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, to address population growth and healthcare gaps.

He noted, “Recently, there has been an enormous migration of doctors, nurses, and other health workers in search of ‘greener pastures,’ leaving Nigeria’s health sector severely understaffed. To improve the sector, we must invest in human resources, medical intelligence, and the administrative appointment of capable persons based on merit.”

The Chairman also brought to light the infrastructural deficiencies in healthcare institutions across the country, citing inadequate funding, lack of maintenance, and insufficient equipment as recurring issues.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, represented by Dr. Jimoh Olawale Salahudeen, in his submission warned against the duplication of health institutions, and stated that such efforts would strain the already scarce resources.

He explained, “Existing Federal Teaching Hospitals and Medical Centers in Nigeria, including those in the North West, already provide cardiovascular care and related services. Establishing a new institute would add financial burden without addressing the core issues.”

Pate also acknowledged the migration of health workers and the need for a stronger workforce to handle emerging health challenges.

“The Federal Ministry of Health supports the establishment of new institutions but insists on considering geographical spread, population density, and disease burden in proposed locations,” he added.

The hearing emphasised the need for balanced development in the healthcare sector, adequate funding for existing institutions, and policies to retain health professionals in Nigeria.

News

Access Bank (UK) Limited to Acquire AfrAsia Bank Limited

Published

2 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Access Holdings PLC has announced that its subsidiary, The Access Bank UK Limited (“Access UK”), has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in AfrAsia Bank Limited, the third-largest bank in Mauritius by total assets.

Mauritius, known for its strong financial sector, which contributes 13.4 per cent to its GDP, offers Access UK a strategic base to grow its personal and corporate banking services.

This was contained in a statement by its Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, made available to Naijablitznews.com on Thursday.

According to Ekwochi, the acquisition will also position Mauritius as a hub for Access Bank’s trade finance operations, enhancing its ability to manage cross-border transactions across Africa and internationally.

AfrAsia Bank, as of June 30, 2024, reported total assets of over $5.7 billion and a net profit after tax of $152.4 million, underlining its solid financial position.

**Key statements on the acquisition:**

– Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, speaking on the acquisition said: “This acquisition is a crucial step in our African growth strategy, strengthening our position as a top Pan-African financial institution. Mauritius’ role as a financial hub aligns with our vision to unlock opportunities that drive trade, support businesses, and promote economic inclusion across the region.”

Also Managing Director of Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, stated: “AfrAsia Bank’s strong balance sheet and established brand in Mauritius give us a solid platform for sustainable growth. This deal supports our strategy to diversify earnings and provide clients with seamless access to global markets.”

Access Bank UK aims to promote sustainable growth, deliver innovative financial solutions, and support trade between Africa and the world.

The acquisition process will be finalized in the coming months, with updates provided as needed.