News

Reps Quiz Health Minister Over Controversial Concession Agreements, PPPs

Published

2 weeks ago

November 5, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to submit relevant documents including evidence of advertisement of Public Private Partnerships/concession/lease, expression of interest on leases made as well as specific achievements recorded by the Ministry.

The House Committee Committee on Public Assets and Special Duties also queried the BioVaccines Nigeria Limited, which is a joint venture between the federal government and May and Baker in 2007 and other partnerships by the Ministry.

Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Dabo Haruna, who initially was the presiding offier, gave the directive during an investigative hearing held in Abuja.

The Committee of the Chairman, Rep. Ademorin Kuye, who gave the directive also directed that the Minister provide the documents supporting the Ministry’s N10b equity contribution.

The Minister was also directed to provide relevant documents over the lease of land to May and Baker in Lagos and tender a document of transfer of shares to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

He said, “I also want to bring to your notice that in the document, part of the document submitted, the equity contribution of the federal government. One is 10 billion Naira.

“We take it as part of the information and documents that will be submitted alongside with the pending documents. We want to know where that money is, the utilization of the funds, when the money is being released, where the money has been domiciled.

“Also part of the agreement, Government gave out a landed property in Lagos. We want to have comprehensive documents

of the agreement and document of the property, the landed property, to be submitted to this Honourable Committee as well.

“Finally, we want you to clarify to us in your next appearance the share capital of federal government and that of the partners, we want documents showing in detail how the shares have been domiciled, what is for the federal government and what is for the percentage that belongs to the federal government and that of the partners.”

In response, the Minister pleaded to be given till the next sitting to provide the relevant documents.

He said, “The ministry has taken due steps to try to collect the documents that are available, but there are still, I believe, important gaps.

“I would like to plead with the committee in order to be very thorough in terms of completeness of what you have requested that we be given more time to be able to come back to the committee with a fuller response that is vetted.

“I would like to personally vet all the documents before they are submitted to you and where they are not in existence to be able to come back to you. As you can understand, many of these were entered into years before we came into office and we’re dealing with the residue of some of those agreements which I believe have been shared with you but admittedly the information is incomplete.

“So Mr Chairman, I will not want to share information with you that is incomplete. And we are working very hard to ensure that we collect all the information that is required and come back to you with indication oof what we have and the gaps that exist in what we have inherited.

“I know that you’ve been patient with us but it’s quite challenging to gather all the documents that go years in the making and we were not here but we are responsible for ensuring that you get all the information that you need to conduct your due diligence.

“So in the context of this process, I plead with the committee to give us a bit more time and I will personally ensure that we compile them and with a tabulation of when the agreements were made,” he said.

The Committee gave the minister until November 19, 2024, to make the submissions and appear before the committee on 26

News

Enugu ready to provide evidence against Ekpa, hails arrest

Published

1 hour ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

Enugu State Government has hailed the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots, Simon Ekpa, describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.

The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.

“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.

“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.

“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.

See also Bauchi: Head teacher bags 11 years jail term for sexually assaulting 6-year-old pupil
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.

News

“Men Need To Submit Too”, says Pastor Olumide, Quotes Bible Passage To Back His Statement (Video)

Published

1 hour ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

A pastor has stated that submission in a marriage is not a requirement for women alone.

Pastor Olumide Emmanuel explained that a Christian marriage is not based on “culture” but on the teachings of the kingdom and as a result, men should respect their wives’ opinions and superior judgment and submit when appropriate.

He said: “Men, I will tell you for free, respect a woman’s sensitivity if you want to do well in life.

“Ask any married man that will be honest with you, there are things that if we did not listen to our wife we’d be in trouble by now. And there are times that we didn’t listen, we enter trouble.

“So if you’re a young person now, don’t let Africa kill you. ‘I’m a man of this house, I’m a man of this house, you can’t tell me what to do’. Forget that nonsense.

“Marriage is not an African culture, it’s a kingdom culture and in the kingdom the bible says, submitting yourself one to another. Mutual submission is a kingdom agenda for the marriage.

“So there are times you need to submit to your wife. Submit to your woman.”

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News

SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today, 22 November 2024

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Friday 22 November 2024 can be accessed below.

NewsOnline Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.

How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?

Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):

According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1750 on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1745
Selling Rate N1750
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.