News
Senate makes U-turn passes South-South Devt Commission Bill for second reading
The Senate on Thursday made a U-turn and passed for second reading a Bill which seeks to establish a South-South Development Commission.
The passage of the Bill came a few months after the red chamber kicked against it.
The bill was titled: “A Bill for an Act to Establish South-South Development Commission charged with the responsibility to receive and manage funds from the Federation Account Allocation and other sources, donations, grants, aids for the integration, development, resolution of infrastructural deficit, militancy, communal crises as well as tackle ecological, environmental problems; and for related matters, 2024” was sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC – Cross River South).
The Bill was co-sponsored by all Senators from the South South Region including
Senators Godswill Akpabio, Sampson Ekong Akpan, Etim Aniekan Bassey, Sunday Benson Agadaga and Konbowei Friday Benson.
Others are: Henry Seriake Dickson, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Eteng Jonah Williams, Ede Dafinone, Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, Munir Chinedu Nwoko,
Neda Imasuen, Monday Okpebholo, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, Heacho Allwell Onyesoh, Ipalibo Harry Banigo and Barinada Barry Mpigi.
Following a strong argument put forward by the sponsor of the Bill, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC – Cross River South) and Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP Bayelsa West) during debate on the bill, Senators across party lines and geo-political zones supported the Bill.
Ekpenyong in his lead debate, said: “Now, some may ask, Isn’t the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) already fulfilling these functions? Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues, I will provide some explanations for why the proposed South-South Development Commission is distinct and necessary.
“The NDDC is a multi regional body that includes states such as Abia and Imo from the South-East Region, and Ondo State from the South-West Region. However, both of these regions now have their own dedicated development commissions-the South-East Development Commission which includes Abia and Imo, and the South-West Development Commission which includes Ondo.
“This arrangement has diluted the focus and resources of the NDDC, making it less effective in addressing the peculiar challenges of the South-South. We need a commission that is exclusively dedicated to our region, that understands our unique issues, and can craft tailored solutionsfor them.
“Another distinction lies in the way funds are allocated. The NDDC allocates resources to member states based on the quantum of oil production in each state. While oil production remains crucial, it has led to unequal development, where states with higher oil output rightly receive a disproportionate share of resources, leaving others behind.
“The South-South Development Commission will be funded on the principle of equality among the member states, ensuring that every state – whether a top oil producer or not-receives its fair share of resources for development.
“This new funding structure will focus on regional development, not just oil revenue, and will include other streams of funding such as federal allocations, international grants, and developmental partnerships.
“While the NDDC addresses the Niger Delta oil producing region in a broad sense, the South-South Development Commission will hone in on the specific developmental, economic, and ecological challenges facing the South South.
“This tailored focus will enhance the ability of the commission to deliver timely and effective solutions.
“It is clear that the current developmental apparatus for the South-South is insufficient to meet the needs of our people. We cannot continue to rely solely on the NDDC.
“The creation of the South-South Development Commission will provide a dedicated, well-funded body that is uniquely positioned to drive equitable and sustainable development, resolve ecological problems, and address the root causes of conflict in our region.
“I therefore urge you, to lend your support to this bill and give the people of the South-South the hope and development they deserve.”
Senator Dickson in his contribution to the Bill, said that the NDDC, now being mistaken to be in the mold of zonal development commissions, is a resource based agency, that cut across the South-South geo-political zone.
Dickson said: “NDDC is a resource based commission meant to mitigate against environmental degradation caused by oil exploration across the oil producing state and fast-track development in the region.
“The States covered by NDDC cuts across South-South, South-East and South West, unlike zonal based commissions which the proposed South-South Commission, falls under.”
Senators Barau Jibrin, Ede Dafinone, Sunday Karimi, among others supported the Bill.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau, who also supported the bill, canvassed a name-change for the NDDC to capture every community that produces oil in the country.
He argued that with the coming of the SSDC, the NDDC should undergo a name-change from being an agency for Niger Delta affairs to either an oil-bearing or a resources-bearing development commission.
Barau explained that in this way, states that produce oil but are outside the Niger Delta, will automatically become members of the NDDC.
He cited Gombe, Bauchi, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun and others as states that have oil deposits and should be part of the NDDC in the future after the Act would have been amended.
“That means we have to look at the NDDC’s Act and change the name to oil bearing or producing areas development commission.
“When we have a community or state that has oil any time in the future, they are automatic members”, Barau said.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, agreed with Barau, saying, “That any state that produces oil in commercial quantities in the future will automatically be part of the NDDC. That is what we have to look at also.”
He later referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Special Duties for further legislative work and to report back within one week.
The Red Chamber also amended Northwest and South East Development Commission Acts over positions of Managing Directors and Chairmen.
In his separate lead debate on the amendment to the NWDC and SEDC Acts amendment bills, the leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said amendment on the North West Development Commission Act, 2024, seeks to provide for geo – political representation in the Governing Board of the Commission.
He said the amendment bill also seeks to reconcile the lacuna that exists in the provisions relating to the appointments of the Chairman and the Managing Director of the commission by ensuring that the two are not appointed from the same state of the zone , as well as subject the appointments to the confirmation of the Senate in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria .
For effective representation, and in line with the principles of Federal Character, it is imperative that membership of the commission be extended to other geo – political zones of the country which would be in tandem with extant Acts, relating to the establishment of Federal Commissions “, he said .
The leader gave similar reasons in his lead debate for amendment of the South East Development Commission Acts.
In his remarks after passing the amendments bill for second reading, Akpabio said the proposed amendments to the Acts, were very necessary for smooth running of the commissions across the zones.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Popular Ilorin-born musician cum comedian, Alhaji Mukaila Senwele, is dead
Announcing his death, a friend of the deceased, Alhaji Omotosho Owofitimi, wrote: ‘R.I.P, my friend Mukaila Senwele.’
At the time of filing this report, the cause of his death could not be ascertained
Details soon……
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Federal Government has announced an update to its basic education curriculum, introducing 15 new trades to improve students’ practical skills and employability.
This new curriculum is set to take effect in January 2025 for primary and junior secondary students across the country.
The revised curriculum is expected to improve job prospects for students when it is implemented in January 2025, helping them meet the challenges of a rapidly changing economic environment.
These changes are expected to provide students with a broader range of skills and better prepare them for the job market after completing their education.
New trades introduced in the curriculum
The updated curriculum includes 15 new trades, covering various sectors, including construction, technology, and agriculture. Among the new trades introduced are plumbing, tiling and floor works, and POP (Plaster of Paris) installation.
These skills are expected to give students a foundation for work in the construction and building industries. Additionally, trades like event decoration and management, bakery and confectioneries, and hairstyling have been added to offer students opportunities in the service sector.
The perceived goal is to help students develop skills they can use in their careers, whether they choose to work for a company or start their own businesses,” the National Orientation Agency noted in its post.
The inclusion of these practical skills seeks to meet the growing demand for vocational expertise in Nigeria’s economy.
Preparing students for a changing job market
With these updates, the government aims to make students more competitive in the labour market by equipping them with practical skills. In addition to construction and service-related skills, the curriculum now includes courses on GSM repairs, satellite/TV antenna installation, and CCTV and intercom installation. These technical skills are particularly relevant as technology continues to drive global job markets.
The curriculum also includes a focus on agriculture, with students being taught skills related to crop production, beekeeping, horticulture, and livestock farming, including poultry and rabbit rearing.
These agricultural skills are designed to support the country’s vast agricultural sector, giving students the knowledge to contribute to Nigeria’s food production and rural development.
Incorporating digital literacy and emerging technologies
Another important addition to the curriculum is the inclusion of basic digital literacy, which covers IT and robotics.
The government has prioritized teaching these skills to students from an early age, preparing them for the growing digital economy.
By incorporating IT and robotics into the curriculum, Nigeria drives to foster a new generation of professionals who are well-versed in emerging technologies, ensuring they are ready for the demands of a modern workforce.
The National Orientation Agency highlighted that this update in education will not only provide students with the skills required for current jobs but also prepare them for future opportunities in fields that are rapidly evolving, such as tech and digital services.
Impact on Nigerian youth and employment
The introduction of these vocational skills is also seen as a response to the high unemployment rates in Nigeria, especially among young people.
By teaching students practical trades, the government hopes to reduce youth unemployment by providing more pathways for self-employment and increasing the availability of skilled labor in key industries.
The revised curriculum is expected to improve job prospects for students when it is implemented in January 2025, helping them meet the challenges of a rapidly changing economic environment.
The government’s efforts to provide relevant skills training will hopefully have a long-term impact on Nigeria’s workforce.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Hon. Shola Olofin as Chairman of Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and 44 eminent Nigerians as chairpersons and Chief executive officers into various boards.
Tinubu also appointed Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as board chairman of Federal Airport Authority Of Nigeria (FAAN) and the 2023 governorship candidate of the APC in Kano State, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as the chairman of Federal Mortgage Bank Of Nigeria (FMBN).
According to a statement by the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, made available to journalists on Friday, Senator Magnus Abe was also appointed as board chairman of National Agency For Great Green Wall, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi as board chairman of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and Hon. Hilliard Etta as named Chairman of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The statement read in part: “The President has also appointed a new managing director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a director-general for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).
“President Tinubu directs the board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive”.
See full statement below:
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
APPOINTMENT OF BOARD CHAIRPERSONS AND CEOS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed board chairpersons for 42 federal organisations and a secretary to the board of the Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons Services.
The President has also appointed a new managing director for the Nigerian Railway Corporation and a director-general for the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI).
President Tinubu directs the board chairpersons not to interfere with the management of the organisations, emphasising that their positions are non-executive.
All the appointments take immediate effect:
1. NIGERIAN SOCIAL INSURANCE TRUST FUND
– Hon. Shola Olofin, Chairman (Ekiti)
2. NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
– Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Chairman (Lagos)
3. FEDERAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY OF NIGERIA, MINISTRY OF AVIATION
– H. E. Abdullahi U. Ganduje, Chairman (Kano)
4. NATIONAL SUGAR DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
– Sen. Surajudeen Bashiru Ajibola, Chairman (Osun)
5. NIGERIA BULK ELECTRICITY TRADING COMPANY
– H. E. Sulaiman Argungu, Chairman (Kebbi)
6. NATIONAL AGENCY FOR GREAT GREEN WALL
– Sen. Magnus Abe, Chairman (Rivers)
7. NATIONAL TEACHERS INSTITUTE
– Barr. Festus Fuanter, Chairman (Plateau)
8. NATIONAL BOARD FOR TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION (NBTI)
– Raji, Kazeem Kolawole, Director-General (Oyo)
9. NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION
– Chief Victor Tombari Giadom, Chairman (Rivers)
10. TEACHERS REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF NIGERIA
– Comrade Mustapha Salihu, Chairman (Adamawa)
11. INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND
– Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, Chairman (Gombe)
12. NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
– Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa, Chairman (Abia)
13. SHEDA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX
– Sen. Abubakar Maikafi, Chairman (Bauchi)
14. FEDERAL MORTGAGE BANK OF NIGERIA
– H. E. Nasiru Gawuna, Chairman (Kano)
15. NATIONAL OFFICE FOR TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION AND PROMOTION
– Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Chairman (Lagos)
16. NIGERIAN POSTAL SERVICE
– Chief D. J. Kekemeke, Chairman (Ondo)
17. NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY
– Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, Chairman (Sokoto)
18. NATIONAL STEEL COUNCIL
– Prof. Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Chairman (Nasarawa)
19. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
– Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad, Chairman (Kaduna)
20. NATIONAL BIO-SAFETY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
– Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, Chairman (Niger)
22. FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, GOMBE
– Hajia Zainab A. Ibrahim, Chairman (Taraba)
23. NIGERIAN RAILWAY CORPORATION
– Dr.Kayode Isiak Opeifa, Managing Director (Lagos)
24. FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, IDO-EKITI
– Aare (Hon.) Durotolu Oyebode Bankole, Chairman (Ogun)
25. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ABEOKUTA
– Mr Abdullahi Dayo Israel, Chairman (Lagos)
26. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ASABA
– Dr. Mrs. Mary Alile Idele, Chairman (Edo)
27. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, LOKOJA
– Nze Chidi Duru (OON), Chairman (Anambra)
28. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, OWERRI
– Hon. Emma Eneukwu, Chairman (Enugu)
29. CIVIL DEFENCE, IMMIGRATION AND PRISONS SERVICES BOARD
– Major Gen. Jubril Abdulmalik Rtd, Secretary (Kano)
30. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, UMUAHIA
– Mr. Uguru Mathew Ofoke, Chairman (Ebonyi)
31. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YENAGOA
– Barr. Felix Chukwumenoye Morka, Chairman (Delta)
32. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YOLA
– Alh. Bashir Usman Gumel, Chairman (Jigawa)
33. DAVID UMAHI FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, UBUHU, EBONYI STATE
– Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, Chairman (Imo)
34. NATIONAL OIL SPILL DETECTION AND RESPONSE AGENCY
– Chief Edward Omo-Erewa, Chairman (Edo)
35. NIGERIAN MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AND SAFETY AGENCY (NIMASA)
– Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar, Chairman (Kaduna)
36. NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, NNEWI, ANAMBRA STATE
– Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Chairman (Borno)
37. AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SHIKA, ZARIA, KADUNA STATE
– Hon. Lawal M. Liman (Chairman)
38. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE KATSINA
– Dr. Abubakar Isa Maiha (Chairman)
39. RAW MATERIALS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (RMRDC)
– Isa Sadiq Achida, Chairman (Sokoto)
40. FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE BIRNIN KUDU
– Dr. Mohammed Gusau Hassan, Chairman Zamfara
41. NATIONAL BUILDING AND ROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE
– Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa, Chairman (Nasarawa)
42. SOKOTO-RIMA RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
– Amb. Abubakar Shehu Wurno, Chairman (Sokoto)
43. AMINU KANO TEACHING HOSPITAL
– Augustine Chukwu Umahi, Chairman (Ebonyi)
44. FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP BOARD
– Engr. Babatunde Fakoyede, Chairman (Ekiti)
45. NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS, MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
– Hon. Hillard Eta Chairman (Cross River)
Popular Ilorin based comedian, Mukaila Senwele is d3ad
FG adds plumbing, hairstyling, tilling,, 12 other trades to basic education curriculum(List)
Tinubu names Shola Olofin, Others As Board Chairpersons, CEOs
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