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Agency Urges National Assembly to Support Local Products and Services
By Gloria Ikibah
The Idealab Agency has called on lawmakers, management, and staff of the National Assembly and Nigerians at large to support locally made products and services to boost employment and economic sustainability in Nigeria.
The Agency which established by the federal government, focuses on assisting smallholder farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing intervention funds.
During a press conference in Abuja, the Director-General of the Agency, Emmanuel Aondoakaa, emphasized the need for partnerships to facilitate the disbursement of grants, aid, scholarships, employment opportunities, and loan programs.
He also highlighted the importance of digital skills training in these initiatives.
Aondoakaa also noted that the removal of fuel subsidies has worsened the economic situation for many Nigerians, pushing them below the poverty line.
He said: “In response, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has introduced intervention programs aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly women and youth, through investment in the digital economy and creative enterprises.
“One of these initiatives, the *Federal Government Talent Export Initiative*, aims to equip Nigerians with advanced digital skills, enabling them to tap into the global economy while working remotely and earning as much as N10 million monthly. Additionally, the program offers fully funded sponsorships for those seeking direct employment opportunities abroad with organizations like the World Bank”.
Aondoakaa further urged stakeholders in the National Assembly to promote these programs within their constituencies to help beneficiaries access grants, scholarships, and other resources to combat poverty and build wealth.
Dr. Christiana Solanke-Olajide, Chairman of the Board, expressed concern over the rising grant-related crises in Nigeria and stressed the need for government action.
She commended President Bola Tinubu’s goal of lifting 50 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2027, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative programs and skills development.
Solanke-Olajide outlined the *Vocational and Financial Empowerment (VFE)* program run by the Agency, which operates quarterly to empower both employed and unemployed Nigerians.
“The program provides training in various fields such as catering, tailoring, soap making, and animal husbandry, with a special focus on women and youth”, she said.
She also explained that the second phase of the VFE program, which runs from May to August, is specifically designed to support widows, providing them with agricultural training and tools.
“The third phase, referred to as “Mercy Week,” focuses on offering scholarships, free medical care, and material support to underprivileged children and youth”, she added.
Idealab Agency continues to push for greater awareness and participation in its programs, aiming to drive economic growth and reduce poverty across Nigeria.
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Ex-Gov Obaseki on EFCC Watchlist as Probe of Edo’s Contracts Begins
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, under its watch list as it intensifies its probe into financial activities during his administration.
The EFCC’s investigation, which is focusing on contracts and transactions awarded during his two terms in office, has heightened political tensions in the state.
Obaseki, who completed his tenure on November 12, is facing scrutiny over alleged irregularities in the management of state resources.
While the EFCC has not directly linked him to any criminal activity, sources within the anti-graft agency revealed that the investigation is far from over.
A source close to the commission stated, “An investigation into his administration has started, but he won’t be invited until we reach an advanced stage. So far, many transactions are not directly tied to him, as he delegated responsibilities to others. Our team is pursuing leads on contracts and other financial activities under his watch.”
In early November, the EFCC detained five senior officials from the Obaseki administration, including the state’s Accountant General, Julius Anelu. The officials were interrogated over large-scale withdrawals from the state treasury, which occurred in a compressed period before Obaseki’s exit from office.
Obaseki, however, has expressed confidence in the probe. On November 8, he publicly declared that he was prepared to face any scrutiny. “I have no fears about the EFCC’s investigations,” he stated, emphasizing his readiness to account for his eight years in office.
Despite his assertive stance, insiders within the EFCC have revealed that former governors, including Obaseki, are routinely placed on a watchlist.
This measure, according to the source, ensures that they remain within reach throughout the investigation process, particularly to prevent them from fleeing the country while cases are ongoing.
“All former governors are monitored by the EFCC, regardless of active investigations. This prevents them from leaving the country while cases are ongoing,” an EFCC source disclosed.
The probe into Obaseki’s administration has also been fueled by claims made by his successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, who has set up a 14-member committee to review the assets of the former administration.
The committee is tasked with examining the financial and contractual dealings of the past government, which some allege have left the state saddled with a heavy debt burden.
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Tinubu Endorses Elevation of 11 Directors for Permanent Secretary Roles
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved the elevation of 11 directors, who are part of the 19 candidates selected for the final stage of the permanent secretaries’ qualifying examination. This development, which follows a rigorous selection process, was confirmed in a memo issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
According to a report by Gists9ja, this confirmation comes after the initial stages of a highly competitive process aimed at filling vacancies for permanent secretaries across various federal government ministries. The announcement also highlights the continued efforts of the Tinubu administration to ensure that capable and qualified individuals are appointed to crucial civil service positions.
The process began earlier in October when the Federal Government, through the OHCSF, initiated the appointment procedure for new permanent secretaries, focusing on addressing vacancies in eight states. A memorandum issued by the OHCSF and signed by Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, outlined the terms for the selection. Notably, the memo specified that individuals under any form of disciplinary action would be ineligible to apply for the permanent secretary roles, ensuring the integrity of the recruitment process.
The official memo from the OHCSF, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, announced that the 11 directors, who had excelled in the initial stages of the examination, were invited to the next phase. The document read: “The under-listed eleven (11) candidates are invited to the oral interview stage of the process for the appointment of Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service, following their successful performance in Stages I and II of the exercise.”
Initially, 38 directors participated in the first stage of the process. Out of these, 19 directors advanced to the second stage, and following their exceptional performance, 11 directors were shortlisted for the final stage. These individuals are now set to face the oral interview, a critical step before the formal appointments are made.
This move is seen as part of President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of the federal bureaucracy and fill critical leadership positions within the civil service. Upon completion of the recruitment process, it is expected that President Tinubu will officially announce the newly appointed permanent secretaries.
The process of selecting permanent secretaries has always been highly anticipated due to the significant role these individuals play in the day-to-day operations of government ministries and the implementation of key national policies. With the current stage of the recruitment process nearing completion, all eyes are on the final appointments, which are expected to be revealed once the interview process concludes.
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BREAKING: Makarfi dies in Kaduna at 93
Jafaru Makarfi, a respected Islamic leader and retired public servant, has passed away in Kaduna at the age of 93.
Suleman Abdulkadir, who announced the death on behalf of the family, in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna, said he passed away on Saturday night.
Mr Abdulkadir, who is also the Garkuwan Zazzau, said Mr Makarfi was the Chairman of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna State.
He was a prominent figure in the Nigerian Muslim community and he served as a commissioner in the defunct Kaduna state.
Mr Abdulkadir said, “A veteran of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Makarfi joined the corporation in 1950 and had a distinguished career spanning over four decades.
“He was the first Northerner to hold the position of District Superintendent in the Western District of the NRC.”
He said the funeral prayer would be held on Sunday at 1:00 pm at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna.
Mr Abdulkadir added, ”Makarfi is survived by six children.
“We extend our condolences to his family, friends, JNI, and the entire Muslim community.
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