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*Governor Bago Leading Niger State to the Promised Land – MBYC*
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Middle Belt Youth Council (MBYC) has applauded Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State for his dedication to transforming the state and improving the lives of its citizens.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Danladi Lami, the group said Bago’s leadership has been a breath of fresh air, acknowledging the positive impact of his policies and programs on the state.
Lami said the governor has made significant strides in urban renewal, agriculture, education, security, transportation, and communication.
He noted that the expansion of major cities, provision of social amenities, and rural transformation programs demonstrate Governor Bago’s inclusive approach to development.
“The acquisition of over 1,000 tractors to boost mechanized farming and enhance food production is a laudable initiative. This move is expected to revolutionize agriculture in the state, creating jobs and increasing food production,” he said.
“The procurement of security vehicles and investment in education infrastructure also showcase his administration’s resolve to address critical sectors.
“Governor Bago’s leadership has restored sanity to the state, evident in the clearance of debts owed to utility companies, payment of outstanding debts to examination bodies, and the establishment of a university of education.
“His community approach to security has also yielded positive results, with a significant reduction in crime and criminality in the state.
“The renovation of the Minna Airport renamed the Bola Ahmad Tinubu International Airport, is another testament to Governor Bago’s commitment to infrastructure development.
“Additionally, the distribution of 20 operational vehicles to security agencies has enhanced their capacity to combat crime and maintain public safety.”
Lami added that Governor Bago’s financial discipline has saved the state N10 billion in just four months, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He further said: “The enforcement of the 2022 Revenue Law, freezing the state’s account to create a single dashboard for the state’s finances, is a laudable move.
“The automation of salary and pension payments has also ensured prompt payment of workers’ entitlements. We applaud Governor Bago’s efforts to empower media outlets, ensuring transparent communication with the public.
“The upgrade of Radio Niger, NSTV, and the Newsline newspapers will enhance public awareness and engagement with the government’s programs and policies.”
The group, therefore, urged Governor Bago to continue his excellent work while calling on his counterparts from the zone to emulate him.
News
Just in: Plateau Govt Approves N70k Minimum Wage for Civil Servants
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In line with discussions reached after consultation with relevant stakeholders, the Plateau State Government has approved immediate implementation of the N70, 000 minimum wage for the workforce in Plateau State.
The cheering news is contained in a Press Statement signed by the Head of Civil Service in the State, Stephen Pam Gadong.
Full text of the statement reads in part:
Following the Agreement of the Committee on Consequential Adjustment on Salaries on 13th, November, 2024, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, has approved the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers in the state.
The Implementation is a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of the workforce in acknowledgement of their invaluableble role in driving the State’s developmental goals.
As the new wage policy is administered, Civil Servants are encouraged to embrace this gesture by recommitting to their duties with renewed dedication and zeal in order to foster a culture of productivity and excellence in service in the State.
News
Before final liquidation, NDIC set to auction Heritage bank properties
In a bid to ensure timely declaration of liquidation dividends to uninsured depositors of the failed Heritage Bank (In-Liquidation), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the process of auctioning the landed properties and chattels of the defunct bank.
According to the Corporation, this exercise is in line with its statutory powers as the Liquidator of failed banks under section 62 (1)(d) of the NDIC Act, 2023, noting that; “This is another follow-up action sequel to the disposal of physical assets and chattels belonging to the defunct bank at its leased locations nationwide”.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Communication and Public Affairs Department, Bashir A.
Therefore, the auction of the landed assets shall be by competitive bidding in sealed bids scheduled to take place at the six (6) selected locations of the Corporation across the country, for the affected 36 branches of the failed bank beginning from Wednesday 4th December 2024.
“Buyers who wish to participate in the auction are expected to follow laid down guidelines purposely aimed at ensuring transparency, fair competition, equity, and accountability to enable recovery of commensurate values from the exercise. This is critical for the payment of liquidation dividends to eligible claimants.
The Corporation shall give preference to financial institutions who are willing to buy at the highest auctioned value to allow for the continuation of provision of banking services to the Nigerian public at the designated locations”, adding; “This is desirable towards bolstering financial inclusion as envisaged by the financial system regulatory authorities.
“However, Corporate bodies and Private individuals willing to compete are equally eligible to compete in the process without prejudice, the auction shall be open and competitive to all bidders.
Furthermore, bidders will be allowed to inspect the properties and chattels across all locations one week before the date of disposal.”
Importantly too, the statement said; “All interested parties are to make available 10% bid security of the value of their sealed bids to be dropped in the bid box provided at the specific centre out of the six locations of the Corporation as contained in the published advertisements.
“All interested bidders are advised to submit their bids only at the designated NDIC offices covering their choices amongst Abuja, Lagos, Bauchi, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt.”
Meanwhile, the Corporation has vowed that there would be no hiding place for debtors of the defunct Heritage Bank whose financial obligation portfolio is in the region of over N700 billion.
News
Naira slumps in parallel market
The Naira experienced a slight depreciation yesterday, slipping to N1,740 per dollar in the parallel market compared to its previous rate of N1,735 per dollar on Tuesday.
According to data from FMDQ, the indicative exchange rate for the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) strengthened, rising to N1,645.4 per dollar from Tuesday’s rate of N1,689.88 per dollar. This marks an appreciation of N44.48 for the Naira.
The market also saw a significant increase in dollar trading activity, with turnover climbing by 122.5 percent to reach $236.84 million, up from $106.44 million the previous day.
As a result, the gap between the parallel market and the NAFEM exchange rate widened, now standing at N94.6 per dollar, up from N45.12 per dollar recorded on Tuesday.
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