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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday said that contrary to the view held by most people, recession was not a crime but a period that calls for government at all level to rearrange its expenditure and give more priority to capital expenditure. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); being presented with books by Prof. Oshiotse Andrew Okwilagwe (right), while former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh (left); President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mrs. Funke Egbemode (middle) and Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria & representative of Minister of Information & Culture, Mr. Bayo Onanuga (2nd right), watch during the NGE 2017 Biennial Convention with the theme A Nation in Recession: Whither the Nigerian Media? at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, on Saturday, April 29, 2017. Governor Ambode, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held in Ikeja, Lagos with the theme, "A Nation in Recession: Whither the Nigerian Media?" sighted example of the steps the former U.S President, Barak Obama took few years ago to save the ailing American economy, saying that Nigeria must be ready to toll such line.
The Governor said, "Recession is not a crime, it's just a notice to say that you rearrange the way you do your public expenditure. That's what President Obama did. Yes, there was a burst in 2008 and 2009 but he was very bold enough to put public money into General Motors and even the airlines and that is what is missing in this country.
"You need to increase the capital expenditure to help companies, to help other people and even help the government to get the system out of recession. That's the only template that works." Governor Ambode said the State stood in the gap for Nigeria during the period of the economic recession, assuring that his administration would continue to show leadership, demonstrate capacity and be relentless in its pursuit of excellence despite the daunting challenges.
He said the current recessionary climate not only taught some hard lessons but presented a new challenge as well as an opportunity to think outside the box to change Nigeria's story from "business as usual" to "business unusual".
He said with the recession, the rate of unemployment soared as a result of the economic outlook, lay-offs and shut-down of businesses stating that the national unemployment rate rose to 13.9 percent in 2016 from 10.4 percent in 2015; while the unemployment rate in Lagos State increased from 18 percent in 2015 to 27 percent in 2016.
But the Governor said that his administration took definite steps to arrest the trend, recalling that on assumption of office, he created new ministries while some while realigned in a bid to fashion out ways of creating job opportunities for residents.
Besides, Governor Ambode said what his administration did in the last two years was to commit huge resources to capital projects, premised on the fact that the nation had no choice but to spend its way out of recession and create platforms that will stimulate job creation and decidedly reflate the economy.
"Today, with our GDP at US$136billion, Lagos is Africa's fifth largest economy just because we have been prudent and resilient as well as taking on board the useful opinions and analysis that the vibrant media have ceaselessly provided.," the Governor said.
Governor Ambode also said that despite the shortfall of federal transfers occasioned by the dip in oil prices, his administration made conscious decisions to partner with the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to bridge the funding gap to deliver key/strategic infrastructure projects especially the Fourth Mainland Bridge; Oshodi Transport Interchange; Badagry Deep Sea Port; Lekki free trade zone, and Lagos Smart City projects, among others.
While commending the Guild of Editors for its outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the growth and development of the media and free speech in Nigeria, Governor Ambode tasked the media to live up to its major responsibility of advancing the cause of good governance.
"Your role in this pursuit of resilience, therefore, is to lend the needed support in bringing our noble efforts to public consciousness. With your vital partnership, we are hopeful that other governments can borrow a leaf from the Lagos Model and translate same in their respective domains to promote good governance to the greater benefit of humanity," he said.
He assured that the State Government would not rest on its oars, but would continue to initiate and execute programmes that will make Lagos the investment haven of Africa and the tourism destination of the Continent.
Earlier, President of the NGE, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, said the Convention afforded members to rub minds and fashion out strategies that would help to stabilise the nation's economy, but also the media industry in business.
The event which attracted the who's who in the Nigeria Media Industry also saw the Guild conduct elections into various offices.
…FG commences review of pricing template By Michael Eboh
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, weekend, hinted that the price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, is rising above the current pump price, but that there might not be an upward price review because the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, is currently absorbing the differences in the prices.
In a podcast posted on his social media account, Kachikwu, however, stated that the Federal Government would undertake another review of the pricing template for petrol, to remove several multi-layered charges and costs that affect the pump price of petrol at retail stations.
Kachikwu stated that due to the rising cost of PMS, also known as petrol, a number of oil marketers had stopped importing the commodity, leaving the NNPC as the major importer of majority of the product into the country.
He said, "The environment has since changed. When we did all these, pricing for crude was more in the $25 to $30 per barrel; today, it is in excess of $54, which is fantastic because it means that our revenue stream is improving.
"But, it is a twin window, whenever the price of crude goes up, obviously the price of refined petrol goes up and we begin to have systemic challenge in terms of the pricing on the local base. So that gap has begun to return and today what you find is that the NNPC continues to import massively on behalf of the Federal Government. It has gone back to about 90-95 per cent for the whole country and therefore its books are absorbing some of the cost implications of this.
“The second is that once this happens the marketers begin to shift backwards. Participation by individual marketers to help us continue the normal business and marketing cycle that should be what you expect is no longer existing. Most of them are not importing."
On the Federal Government's plans, Kachikwu stated: "One of the things we are doing is that we are looking at our existing template position, and what we are doing with that is first addressing some of the soft ends of things that affect pricing.
"We are removing too many multi-layered charges on importation. We are working with the ministry of transport to reduce those to what was initially approved by the president, and as such, we should take away a good chunk of the expenses. We are working to see how the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, can provide us with a fairly subsidised foreign exchange, FX, for products priced in dollars."
He further stated that the Federal Government is considering a situation whereby over a period of time, marketers would take over the responsibilities of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, PEF, of funding trucking and keeping prices stable across the country.
He also disclosed that in the long run, the NNPC would have to reduce its presence in the country's petroleum downstream sector because of the cost on its books, adding that the NNPC would have to begin to operate as a profit entity.
He assured that there is adequate quantity of petrol in the country to prevent a recurrence of fuel scarcity.
He said, "There isn’t fuel scarcity, we are not short of products, but yet the downstream and midstream sectors continue to remain challenged. And what we are going to do is to analyse what we have done so far and begin to throw solutions to some of these challenges.
"We had issues of pricing efficiency and governance, for at that time the prices we were selling at were so ridiculously below what the sustainable prices are. And you find a situation where basically marketers disappeared from the industry. So, we had massive shortages, queues and everything seem to be breaking down. We’ve since come out from that.
"First we have moved from a fully subsidy based sector to a partially liberalised sector. I say partially because we haven’t quite achieved the template to have a fully liberalised sector. What that has done for us is that it had reduced consumption from 50 million litres to 37 million litres a day.”
Former Minister of Aviation, Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Osita Chidoka, has said administration after administration Nigerians have failed to build a modern Nigeria.
Osita made this known in an opinion tiled ‘My Thoughts on Nigeria’
Osita Chidoka
He said that at independence our leaders failed to define the qualities of an exceptional country so diverse yet so similar that other African countries can discern a Nigerian no matter the ethnic origin.
Read full opinion below
At independence our leaders failed to define the qualities of an exceptional country so diverse yet so similar that other African countries can discern a Nigerian no matter the ethnic origin.
The emphasis was on replacing the colonial masters and enjoying the benefits of a distributional and extractive governance philosophy primarily designed to enrich the home government of the colonialist.
In adopting that philosophy without the administrative competence of the colonial administration it was only a matter of time before the vacuous organising principle of the new state led to Africa's worst pogrom and civil war.
The end of the civil war offered an opportunity for the wining coalition to redefine the organising principle of the Nigerian state and propose new ideals upon which, a state exceptional in its combination of three strong and many other small ethnic groups that had overcome a civil war, can be founded.
Yet again we missed it. Administration after Administration we have failed to build a modern Nigeria based on ideals that derive from our essence and quest for nationhood.
Today, confronted by a dire economic situation; antagonised by separatist agitations and religion inspired terror; and challenged by weakening subnational governments and global hostility another opportunity presents itself to redefine the essence of the Nigerian State.
This redefinition is not all about restructuring (if we can agree on the definition) but may include it, it is not all about governance structure and distributional formula, though it may be an aftermath, it is principally about a union freely founded on ideals of respect for individual rights, freedom to achieve individual potential and respect for multi-cultural, multi-ethnic union that allows for unity in diversity indeed.
The Nigerian state so redefined and freely subscribed to by a majority would definitely endure and overcome all the challenges that plague any nation so constructed.
Bayern Munich were crowned Bundesliga champions for the fifth straight season on Saturday after Robert Lewandowski scored twice in a 6-0 thrashing of 10-man Wolfsburg.
Bayern’s team celebrates with a mock-trophy becoming the new German champion after the German first division Bundesliga football match between VfL Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich on April 29, 2017 in Wolfsburg, northern Germany. Bayern Munich won a fifth consecutive German league title. / AFP PHOTO
After second-placed RB Leipzig were held to a goalless draw by Ingolstadt, Bayern wrapped up the title with a thumping away victory that left them 10 points clear with three games left.
“Five times in a row, that’s unbelievable. We completely deserve to be champions,” Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Sky.
Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a 27th league title in his first season as Bayern’s head coach.
“I am very happy, this win was important and it’s a fantastic experience,” said the Italian.
Ancelotti has now won four national league titles after also lifting the Premier League with Chelsea, Serie A with AC Milan and Ligue 1 with Paris Saint Germain.
“I want to thank this great club,” he said. “We deserved the title and have played good football, now is the time to celebrate.”
Lewandowski’s brace leaves the Polish predator on 28 goals this season, one more than Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the race to be the league’s top marksman.
The league triumph is consolation for Wednesday’s 3-2 German Cup semi-final defeat at home to Dortmund, which denied Ancelotti the chance of emulating predecessor Pep Guardiola with the domestic double in his first season.
It also goes a small way towards making up for the disappointment of going out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League to Real Madrid.
Bayern were barely made to work for their win as David Alaba drilled home a trademark free-kick on 19 minutes to put the visitors 1-0 up after a foul on Thomas Mueller.
Lewandowski doubled the lead on 36 minutes when Kingsley Coman’s cross was flicked on by Mueller and the Poland hot-shot fired home.
He bagged his second and Bayern’s third just before the half-time whistle after Coman delivered another cross from the left wing.
The floodgates opened late on as Arjen Robben netted on 66 minutes before Wolfsburg’s Luiz Gustavo, a former Bayern player, was sent off for a second booking on 78 minutes.
Bayern exploited their numerical advantage as Mueller banged home Lewandowski’s pass before Joshua Kimmich sealed the rout.
– Leipzig slip up – Bayern’s latest comfortable title win was made possible by Leipzig’s draw at the Red Bull Arena, where Ingolstadt defender Alfredo Morales was sent off with four minutes to play.
Dortmund, who face Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Cup final on May 27, hold on to third place, which would mean a direct Champions League place next season, despite their goalless draw at home to Cologne.
Both Aubameyang and Cologne’s Anthony Modeste, who has 23 league goals, drew blanks at Signal Iduna Park.
Hoffenheim, coached by Julian Nagelsmann, 29, the youngest coach in Bundesliga history, can leapfrog Dortmund if they beat Eintracht in Frankfurt on Sunday.
Werder Bremen’s remarkable finish to the season continues as they earned a 2-0 win to home to Hertha Berlin to stay sixth.
Bremen remain on course for a Europa League place having risen from bottom in September after losing their first four games.
Werder striker Max Kruse’s dream April continued as he netted Bremen’s second after Fin Bartels’s opener for his eighth goal in six games this month.
Bremen are unbeaten in their last 11 games.
Mainz remain just a point from the bottom three after Japan striker Yoshinori Muto scored their consolation goal in a 2-1 home defeat. Lars Stindl and Nico Schulz scored for Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Plucky bottom side Darmstadt again delayed their relegation with a 3-0 win at home to Freiburg.
Torsten Frings-coached Darmstadt picked up their third straight victory thanks to goals by Felix Platte, Jerome Gondorf and Sven Schipplock.
Darmstadt are still eight points from safety with three games left.
Stuart Attwell’s final whistle confirmed that Sunderland FC will not continue their run as a top-flight club having stayed 10 consecutive seasons in the Premier League.
Sunderland relegated
A late goal from Joshua King sealed Sunderland’s fate in a 0-1 loss to AFC Bournemouth.
David Moyes’ side’s campaign has been woeful partly because of wrong players recruitment and injuries. Their last win was a 0-4 victory over Crystal Palace on the road in a week 24 game.
The club Chairman in a statement made bare what the future holds for the Club. He said ” Like any supporter, my initial reaction is one of sadness, disappointment, anger and frustration. After 10 consecutive seasons as a top-flight club, the second longest in our 138-year history, it is hard for everyone to take.
"It is an especially cruel blow for our supporters, who have shown tremendous faith in the club. They backed the team, home and away, in huge numbers throughout the season and it is fair to say this season they have once again been relentless in their support. I am truly sorry that we have not been able to retain our top-flight status for them.
"I acknowledge that during my ownership mistakes have been made, particularly in the area of player recruitment, and as a result we have found ourselves struggling to survive in recent seasons. We had massive disruption during the summer transfer window and an unprecedented number of injuries throughout the season. These are difficulties which we have been unable to overcome and we are paying the price for that now.
"We need to improve, both on and off the field, and despite the bitter disappointment of today there is a strong determination to do so throughout the club. There is significant work to be done over the summer and when the season is concluded, we intend to share our plans to move forward with our supporters".
Sunderland will hope to follow the footsteps of neighbours Newcastle United who immediately gained promotion back to the Premier League after getting relegated last season.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated his declaration that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris plans to kill or silence him politically because of the political directives that the police chief has received.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wik
He further declared that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has concluded plans to plant guns and other incriminating items at his Asokoro Extension Residence in Abuja.
Addressing journalists at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Saturday, Governor Wike said that the Inspector-General of Police on Friday approved the raid of his Abuja residence.
According to the governor, the Police will be in court to get a search warrant on Tuesday. He said information available to him indicated that but for the May Day Public Holiday, the Police would have obtained the search warrant on Monday .
He said: “All attempt is being made so that they will go and plant either AK47 or one million dollars in the governor's house. They can even plant costly wrist watches as a propaganda tool.
“I said I have to let Nigerians know that this is not the way to go about in democracy. Rather, this is an attempt to truncate democracy. That someone differs on issues does not mean you have to go after the person’s life”.
Governor Wike said this is the latest in the series of planned propaganda by the police to sow devilish information against him.
He said because of the unconstitutional nature of the raid, the police refused to indicate that the house to be raided belongs to the Rivers State Governor.
“Nigerians should be aware that should they raid my house in Abuja and claim they found anything, it is incorrect. I have not been going to Abuja, but I will be in Abuja to wait for them to see how they plan to plant guns in my house”, Governor Wike said.
While maintaining his position that the Inspector-General of Police is after his life, Governor Wike stated that this recenta plot is aimed at silencing him because the Rivers State Government claimed the Ikoyi Billions, which was reportedly left there by the former Rivers State Governor.
He decried the pattern that has been adopted in the nation's democracy, saying that it will negatively affect the growth of democracy.
“Our democracy cannot survive if we continue with this line of action. If the Inspector-General of Police wants to play partisan politics, let him remove his uniform and join us in the arena. He should not continue to wear uniform and do the bidding of politicians like a stooge”, he said.
The governor added: “I want to reiterate, the Inspector-General of Police is after my life”.
He regretted that security agencies have adopted the unwholesome method of planting guns and cash when the owners of the houses are not at home, simply for political reasons. He cited the case of Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam and Senator Danjuma Goje.
On the Ikoyi Billions, Governor Wike maintained that Rivers State lawyers are working on the matter, stating that the money belongs to the Rivers State Government.
Factfile on Bayern Munich after they were crowned Bundesliga champions on Saturday:
Full name: Fussball-Club Bayern Munchen e.V.
Nicknames: Die Bayern (The Bavarians), Stern des Sudens (Star of the South), Die Roten (The Reds)
Founded: February 27, 1900
Ground: Allianz Arena
Capacity: 75,000
President: Uli Hoeness
Chairman: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Shareholders: FC Bayern Munich (75 percent), Adidas (8.33 percent), Audi (8.33), Allianz (8.33)
Squad:
Goalkeepers – Manuel Neuer, Tom Starke, Sven Ulreich
Defenders – David Alaba (AUT), Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Javi Martinez (ESP), Juan Bernat (ESP), Philipp Lahm, Rafinha (BRA), Holger Badstuber (on loan at Schalke)
Midfielders – Kingsley Coman (FRA), Douglas Costa (BRA), Joshua Kimmich, Thomas Mueller, Renato Sanches (POR), Franck Ribery (FRA), Thiago Alcantara (ESP), Arturo Vidal (CHI), Xabi Alonso (ESP)
The police on Saturday said they had arrested six suspects in connection with an assassination attempt on Sen. Dino Melaye in his home in Kogi on April 15
Lagos – Malam Kabiru Yusuf, Chairman, Daily Trust Newspapers, on Saturday called on editors, journalists and media owners to work together to bring the nation and the media out of recession.
Yusuf made the call at the Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos.
The Convention Chairman said that the media industry began to experience recession long before it hit the nation's economy.
He lamented that newspaper readership was on the decline and called on stakeholders to adopt strategies to save the print media.
Yusuf, however, noted that the social media was not responsible for the decline, as according to him, the decline started long before the advent of the social media.
He urged the stakeholders to collaborate to rekindle the interest to read newspapers again in Nigerians, in order for the media to continue to remain relevant.
He said that due to the decline in the purchasing power of the Naira, Publishers now published fewer copies and scrambled for adverts to survive.
"I look forward to a time when these organisations can work together,'' Yusuf said. He urged the NGE and other stakeholders to place the interest of readers above that of the political office holders, who they had a tendency to want to impress.
Mr Ronald Kayanja, Director, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos while delivering his goodwill message, urged the NGE to promote ethical journalism standards.
Kayanja said that the priority of the UN was to help Nigeria achieve its agenda 2030 and urged the NGE to attend a UNIC programme coming up in New York in July.
"I will like to request the NGE to take the issue of Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030 seriously.
"We know that you editors should be the ones that know about this programme because you are the gate keepers and we, therefore, request that you set aside a session to discuss the sustainable development goals and the UN will work with you on that,'' he said.
Earlier, the NGE President, Mrs Funke Egbemode, in her opening speech, urged media practitioners to be resilient as the nation was depending on journalists for its rapid development.
Egbemode said that the progress the nation had achieved so far was due to the devotion of journalists and appealed to editors to put the NGE first by upholding high ethical standards.
"This nation has come this far and will go very far because of the thoroughbreds in this room,'' she said.
Egbemode urged editors to continue to unite in the passion for nation building.
"Our nation is depending on us because of the power we wield with finesse and ethical maturity. Let us use those same qualities to nurture what is ours,'' she said.
The NGE president said that considerations were ongoing to conclude the ongoing review of the NGE constitution, to give the organisation a better legal framework for its activities. (NAN)
Global Youth Peace Empowerment and Development Initiative (OGYPEDI) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to step down to enable him concentrate on his failing health.
Buhari
The National Coordinator oft the group, Mr.Japhet Omene made the statement yesterday in Osogbo during the organisation's emergency meeting on state of the nation.
His words:”Since the President came back to the country from his medical leave abroad he has been inactive and silent which is a bad omen for the country. It is very glaring and conspicuous that the President needs rest to recover well, but we advise him to resign on health issues.
“The President needs to address some issues facing the country that made Nigerians lose faith in him. Nigerians are still waiting for the change he promised.
Also speaking, Mr.Mark Ayasal, North West Coordinator of the group, said Nigerians need a strong, active and healthy president who can tackle the problems of the country.
His words:”Let us not forgot we are currently facing a lot of problems ranging from economic downturn,herdsmen menace,uprising from different angles in the country and high level of unemployment. We advise the president to step down in the interest of Nigerians who voted for him and wanted change.
“If the President should resign, he will always be remembered and celebrated for solving one of the country's problem. We urge Nigerians to continue to pray for our leaders and the country at large, they should also maintain peace in all circus and make love reign irrespective of party and religious affiliations.”
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The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said it had so far registered 1.5 million candidates for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across the country.
The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this in an interview with the newsmen on Saturday at side line of activities marking the pre-JAMB mock examinations.
It will be recalled that the JAMB mock examinations earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday May 8 had been postponed to ensure smooth conduct of the exam.
Oloyede said: "So far, it has even been better than our expectation, it was a mock, the intention was to test the technology and it proved to be perfect.
"I think from what we are seeing, we are more than ready for the main examination.
"At least 90 per cent of the examination centres have reported positively, there have been proper downloading and preparation; even after the exam we had uploaded responses of 80 per cent.
Cross section of candidates during an exam
"We have done it to show that what works elsewhere across the world should work in Nigeria; we believe we can do it efficiently; we will continue to do our best.
"We have registered over 1.5million candidates in less than five weeks; we believe that the reality we have put in place is good enough.''
Oloyede said that 633 centres were used to conduct the mock examination for 153, 000 candidates across the country.
In separate interviews, some of examination centre coordinators and candidates lauded JAMB for the mock initiative geared towards equipping the candidates to do better in the main exam.
Mr Abdul-Aziz Olasoyinka, Technical Research Officer of Digital Bridge Institute, commended JAMB for the mock examination.
He said it was apt in terms of preparation for future exams.
Olasoyinka said: "Mock is a good experience because it will help the candidates to adequately prepare for the forthcoming examination.
"It helps to evaluate how well the candidates have prepared and to improve themselves ahead of time."
Mr Olajide Adisa, Director of Outstations at JAMB, said although there were 230 capacities at the Computer Based Test (CBT) centre, plans were on to upgrade to 250 them before the main exam.
"Even with that our specification is that at least we should have 10 per cent of same capacity as back-up in case of any breakdown.
"We have already put measures in place to test them in the course of the mock examination, they will be ready before the main examination," Adisa said.
A candidate, Miss Hadiza Abdullahi, told NAN that the mock examination had improved her level of confidence ahead of the main exam.
She described the examination as encouraging, adding that she expects to sit for the main examination well-equipped.
Abdullahi, however appealed to the board to put measures in place to enable candidates wanting to register for future exam to do so with ease.
Neswmen report that the mock examination held in three sessions, including the JAMB headquarter and CBT centre in Kogo community.
Bwari – The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said it had so far registered 1.5 million candidates for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across the country.
JAMB candidates
The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this in an interview with the newsmen on Saturday at side line of activities marking the pre-JAMB mock examinations.
It will be recalled that the JAMB mock examinations earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday May 8 had been postponed to ensure smooth conduct of the exam.
Oloyede said: "So far, it has even been better than our expectation, it was a mock, the intention was to test the technology and it proved to be perfect.
"I think from what we are seeing, we are more than ready for the main examination.
"At least 90 per cent of the examination centres have reported positively, there have been proper downloading and preparation; even after the exam we had uploaded responses of 80 per cent.
"We have done it to show that what works elsewhere across the world should work in Nigeria; we believe we can do it efficiently; we will continue to do our best.
"We have registered over 1.5million candidates in less than five weeks; we believe that the reality we have put in place is good enough.''
Oloyede said that 633 centres were used to conduct the mock examination for 153, 000 candidates across the country.
In separate interviews, some of examination centre coordinators and candidates lauded JAMB for the mock initiative geared towards equipping the candidates to do better in the main exam.
Mr Abdul-Aziz Olasoyinka, Technical Research Officer of Digital Bridge Institute, commended JAMB for the mock examination.
He said it was apt in terms of preparation for future exams.
Olasoyinka said: "Mock is a good experience because it will help the candidates to adequately prepare for the forthcoming examination.
"It helps to evaluate how well the candidates have prepared and to improve themselves ahead of time."
Mr Olajide Adisa, Director of Outstations at JAMB, said although there were 230 capacities at the Computer Based Test (CBT) centre, plans were on to upgrade to 250 them before the main exam.
"Even with that our specification is that at least we should have 10 per cent of same capacity as back-up in case of any breakdown.
"We have already put measures in place to test them in the course of the mock examination, they will be ready before the main examination," Adisa said.
A candidate, Miss Hadiza Abdullahi, said that the mock examination had improved her level of confidence ahead of the main exam.
She described the examination as encouraging, adding that she expects to sit for the main examination well-equipped.
Abdullahi, however appealed to the board to put measures in place to enable candidates wanting to register for future exam to do so with ease.
The mock examination held in three sessions, including the JAMB headquarter and CBT centre in Kogo community.
By Dennis Udoma UYO – Fresh trouble erupted again on Saturday as armed youths, from Ikot Offiong in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, reportedly killed scores of fishermen during another attack of Ikot Ada Akpan Community in Oku-Iboku, Akwa Ibom State on Saturday.
Dr. Demson Ekong, an indigene of the area told Vanguard that, the attackers came in six speed boats from Ikot Offiong in Cross River and opened fire on the fishermen.
Though, the death figure could not be ascertain at the time of filling this report but, the source said, "Some fishermen have been killed as the actual number of casualties are yet to be determined.
"There is a serious attack on Oku-Iboku this morning. The attackers came in six speed boats but, were repelled by the military.
But the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Akwa Ibom State police Command, Mr Chukwu Ikechukwu, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent said ''No death was recorded''.
''What I know is that, the youths from Ikot Offiong went to Ikot Ada Akpan community again and opened fire on the people and went back'', he said.
However, his counterpart in Calabar, Cross River State, Irene Ugbo told our correspondent on the telephone that, Cross River State Police Commissioner, Mr. Hafiz Inuwa had met with Odukpani community leaders and youths yesterday, warning them to desist from further troubles in the area again.
It would be recalled that, Governor Udom Emmanuel had visited the area last Sunday to caution the youths to be law abiding, while government was working on finding a lasting peace to the age-long communal dispute involving the communities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
David Moyes would not confirm whether he will remain Sunderland’s manager next season following their relegation from the Premier League on Saturday.David Moyes
Sunderland’s relegation to the Championship, after 10 years in the top tier, was confirmed after they lost 1-0 at home to Bournemouth and fourth-bottom Hull City drew 0-0 at Southampton.
“To think about it and talk about it now is just too quick,” Moyes said when asked about his future by a television reporter at the Stadium of Light.
“They’re questions for a week or two down the line. I’m not sure it’s for now. I’d like to make sure we get Sunderland back in the Premier League.”
Moyes, sacked by Manchester United after just 10 months in charge in April 2014, was appointed Sunderland manager last July.
He inherited a team who had narrowly avoided relegation under Sam Allardyce and quickly found himself facing an uphill battle.
Sunderland have been in the bottom three since September and have propped up the table since January.
“I’m really disappointed,” Moyes added. “I feel for the supporters. They put their heart and cash into the team and my thoughts are mainly with the supporters.
“It’s a collective thing from top to bottom –- it’s wrong to blame any individual. Clubs are much stronger than any one individual.”
Sunderland captain John O’Shea said the close season would provide an opportunity for the northeast club to take stock.
“There’s going to be changes in the summer,” said the former Manchester United defender.
“I’ve never been in this situation before in my career. It’s obviously disappointing, but it’s a chance for the club to take stock of everything and bounce back and give the fans what they want: Premier League football.”
David Moyes’s sorry Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League after a 1-0 home defeat by Bournemouth at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Allied to Hull City’s 0-0 draw at Southampton, the result left Sunderland 13 points adrift of safety with only 12 points to play for this season.
“I’m really disappointed,” said Sunderland manager Moyes. “I feel for the supporters. They put their heart and cash into the team and my thoughts are mainly with the supporters.”
Josh King scored the goal that condemned Sunderland to the Championship, converting a pass from Ryan Fraser after a sweeping counter-attack in the 88th minute.
Southampton had a chance to give Sunderland a stay of execution, but Dusan Tadic’s stoppage-time penalty was saved by Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.
Ask if he will remain in his post, Moyes replied: “To think about it and talk about it now is just too quick.
“They’re questions for a week or two down the line. I’m not sure it’s for now. I’d like to make sure we get Sunderland back in the Premier League.”
Sunderland have been in the Premier League since 2007, but their return to the second-tier Championship has long appeared only a matter of time.
They have been in the relegation zone since September and have not moved off the foot of the table since January.
“The league table never lies,” said Sunderland captain John O’Shea. “Performances and results are the obvious thing that have brought us down.”
Victory effectively secured Bournemouth’s safety, catapulting Eddie Howe’s side up the table to 10th place, 10 points above the relegation zone.
Hull’s draw at Southampton left Marco Silva’s side three points clear of danger, ahead of third-bottom Swansea City’s trip to Manchester United on Sunday.
– ‘Finish on a high’ –
After a forgettable encounter at St Mary’s, Southampton were awarded a penalty at the death when Alfred N’Diaye was penalised for holding Maya Yoshida.
Tadic drilled his spot-kick towards the bottom-right corner, but Jakupovic plunged low to his left to turn the ball away and condemn Sunderland to the drop.
“It’s a really important moment. If they had scored, they would not deserve it,” said Hull manager Silva.
“It is a good result. You want more, but it’s a good point.”
With Stoke City and West Ham United also drawing 0-0, the only other goal in the four afternoon games came in outgoing champions Leicester City’s 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion.
Jamie Vardy settled the game in the 43rd minute, rifling home his 15th goal of the season from Shinji Okazaki’s pass down the inside-right channel.
After an arduous season for Leicester, last season’s fairytale champions have now reached the 40-point mark that usually guarantees survival.
“I want Jamie Vardy to finish on a high,” said Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare, whose side sit 11th. “He’s scored quite a few of late and I want that to continue.
“It will be a difficult end to the season and we have to try and win every game we can.”
Burnley, two points above Hull, visit Crystal Palace in Saturday’s late game.
Leaders Chelsea travel to Everton on Sunday looking to preserve their four-point lead over second-place Tottenham Hotspur, who host Arsenal in the last north London derby at White Hart Lane.
An Igbo socio-cultural association, Nzuko Umunna, has warned against the further abuse of the rights of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Independent People of Biafra, IPOB even as it expressed satisfaction that Kanu has been released after a protracted detention by the federal government.
In a statement signed by the association's Coordinator, Ngozi Odumuko, and the Secretary, Paschal Mbanefo, the group lamented the stringent conditions attached to the bail conditions of the IPOB leader and expressed happiness that it was eventually met.
It thanked all those who made this possible but was also very quick to add that unless the three others, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, charged alongside Kanu were released, and all charges against all of them dropped, justice would still not have been seen to have been done.
It therefore urged the federal government to take the necessary steps to respect the rights of Kanu and his colleagues and ensure that the issues fuelling agitations in the South Eastern part of the country are addressed urgently rather than attempt to suppress such agitations with brutal force.
Nnamdi Kanu
Below is the full text of the press release.
"With great sense of responsibility, Nzuko Umunna join other well-meaning Nigerians to welcome the smooth perfection of the bail granted the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, despite the stringent conditions attached to the bail which havealso been questioned by many Nigerians and some of which have the semblance of infringement of fundamental human rights of Mazi Kanu.
"As we welcome Kanu's bail, we wish to state clearly that bail should be extended to his colleagues too, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, as has been previously granted by the court.
"We also wish to commend the efforts of Kanu's legal team and all those who have been steadfast and supportive in the call for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu and his colleagues.
"Nzuko Umunna salutes the timely response of the South East Caucus of the Sneate especially Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and also the two others who signed the bail bond for the release of Kanu, Tochukwu Uchendu and Jewish Chief High Priest, Immanuel-El Shalom Oka-Ben Madu.
"We appreciate the various groups and leaders who showed and have continued to show solidarity to kanu and others in the course of this trial.
"Finally, it will be recalled that Nzuko Umunna has earlier called for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu and his colleagues and we are not reneging on that until justice is seen to have been done.
"We wish to reiterate our stand that the rights of Kanu and his colleagues must be respected and that the government should as a matter of urgency look into the numerous issues that have given rise to the unprecedented upsurge in agitations in the South East part of the country instead of using brutal force to suppress peaceful protests, an action which would always be counterproductive."
The former governor of Anambra state, Mr. Peter Obi said he is happy over the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday and ask the federal government to consider other Biafra detainees languishing in prison custody.
He made this known to journalists yesterday through a statement issued by his media aide. According to him, "I wish to appeal to the Judiciary and the Federal Government to equally consider the other Biafra detainees for bail and release since, to the best of my knowledge, they have never resorted to violence in their agitation.
Nnamdi Kanu
While expressing his concern for the unity and peace of the nation, Obi said that the federal government should engage in dialogue with Biafra agitators. He pointed out that tension will be high in the South East zone over the continued detention of other Biafra activists and the release of Kanu. "As I counselled previously, the Federal Government should engage the Biafra agitators in dialogue. Every agitation in the world is resolved through dialogue, he said.
However, Obi, expressed his happiness over Kanu’s release, thus states that the federal government has listened to the voice of reason. Furthermore he appreciated the effort people rendered in ensuring the release of Kanu. According to him, “I am happy that the Federal Government this time listened to the voice of reason.
"I congratulate Kanu on his release and wish to commend all those who played one role or the other to ensure that he met his tough bail conditions and was actually released.”
As Kanu regains freedom, recall that there are more four conditions given to him by the presiding Justice Nyako Binta of a federal High Court in Abuja, to keep. These conditions are:
*Must not attend any rally or grant an interview
* Must not be in a crowd exceeding 10 persons
* To surrender his Nigerian and British passports
* Must be available for trial at all times
Though he has regained freedom but should be careful of his actions to avoid breaching courts order, Vanguard reports.
A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
Contrary to report making the round, Sterling Bank Plc, has said that it did not sack 650 staff but only returned them to service providers that had earlier assigned them to work with the bank.
The company made the clarification in a statement made available to …. yesterday. Although, the lender said it had initially refrained from issuing a statement to counter the mischievous claim, "the spread of the falsehood by online reporters have compelled us to come up this statement to put the record straight."
Explaining the true state of things, bank said: "Specifically, the 650 staff being reported are not staff of Sterling Bank Plc. They were assigned to the bank by our service providers and as contained in the Service Level Agreements (SLA), they can be returned to the service providers for reassignment to any other institution by the service providers as they deem fit.
"As an organisation, we have, over the years invested heavily in making Sterling Bank a great place to work for our staff and this has endeared them to the Bank."
Sterling Bank said the number of staff from other banks willing to join Sterling Bank has also remained on the high. "Despite the poor economic situation with institutions laying off staff, Sterling Bank in the last 11 years of its corporate existence, has established itself as institution that is employee's delight.
"Indeed, if you are looking for an institution that cares about its people, Sterling Bank is it. The bank has continued to build its staff into the best they could be and recognises their contributions to its success," the bank said in the statement.
It further stated that Sterling Bank is managed as a business "that cares about its people though operating in an industry that is known for empathy towards employees."
Apart from paying what could be described as decent wages, Sterling Bank said it has an outstanding record of winning and growing while giving employees an incredible opportunity to grow and develop.
"Apart from having retirement plan; a good healthcare facility and the introduction of flexi time and place to enable staff chose the preferred time and place to discharge their responsibility.
"To build capacity for its people, the Bank has instituted excellent training and developmental programmes such as the Sterling Graduate Associate and the Sterling Management Associate programmes targeted at identifying, grooming and developing young talents for leadership positions in the bank," the statement added.
FBN Holdings Plc, the parent of FirstBank of Nigeria yesterday released its operating results for the year ended 2016 which revealed further deterioration in the quality of its loan.
The results revealed that losses to bad loans jumped by 90 per cent to N226 billion from N118.8 billion in 2015, implying the bank lost N344 billion to bad loans in two years.
The result also showed that ratio of Non Performing Loans (NPL) to total loans worsened from 18.1 per cent in 2015 to 24.4 per cent in 2016. The company's NPL ratio is 19.4 percentage points above the regulatory maximum of 5 per cent, and also 9.6 percentage points above the industry NPL ratio of 14 percent at the end of 2016.
This unprecedented deterioration in asset quality, the bank stated is: "largely driven by the translation effect of the foreign currency portfolio due to the Naira devaluation as well as one-off exceptional credit charge from legacy exposures in subsidiaries."
It stated: "Credit losses are predominately driven by the oil and gas sector exposures and to a lesser extent real estate/residential mortgages, general commerce and the general sectors. As a result, Cost of risk increased to 10.4 per cent , (Dec 2015: 5.7 per cent), while NPL ratio closed at 24.4 percent (Dec 2015: 18.1 per cent).
"We have remained focused on remediation and recovery activities towards declassifying non-performing accounts and driving asset quality improvements. In line with this, we have made significant progress on remediation and recovery of NPLs in the last nine months. One of the three major accounts contributing to the NPL has been fully restructured and will be reclassified as a performing loan in 2017 in line with IFRS guideline, while asset realization is at advanced stage on the second material NPL. Resolution on Atlantic Energy has taken longer than expected but despite the delays we are confident in achieving a positive outcome in the near future."
Despite the deterioration in quality of loans, the company recorded 15 per cent increase in gross earnings, from N502.7 billion in 2015 to N581.8 billion. Profit after tax rose by 10.3 per cent to N17.1 billion from N15.5 billion in 2015.
Furthermore, the company achieved customer deposits of N3.1 trillion, up 4.5 per cent from N3 trillion in 2015, as well as loans and advances of N2.1 trillion, up 14.7 per cent from N1.8 trillion in 2015.
Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings Plc, Mr. Uke Eke, the said: "2016 has been a year characterised by significant uncertainty in the operating environment. Despite this, FBNHoldings has delivered a solid performance while focusing on addressing the pre-existing issues in the loan book which resulted in the current loan loss.
"This performance has been achieved through ongoing initiatives in driving efficiency across the various businesses, transforming the risk management and control environment, containing cost, as well as enhancing revenue generation from the banking and non-banking subsidiaries. We expect an improved economic environment through 2017 and are confident that the foundations we have put in place will drive improved financial performance and consequently enhance shareholder returns."
… lauds Fayose for identifying with IPOB leader The Igbo community in Ekiti Thursday showered heroic welcome on Governor Ayodele Fayose for identifying with the pro-Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu in court on Wednesday, saying he has indeed proved to be their own brother from a distant land.
R-L: Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose; The Eze-Ndigbo of Ekiti state, Mr. Nathaniel Uzoma; and Mr. Onoha James, during the Ndigbo in Ekiti State Solidarity rally for the Governor over His Support for Nnamidi Kanu on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti.
Fayose had attended the court trial of Kanu and also appealed to President Mohammadu Buhari to use his veto power to order an unconditional release of the pro-Biafra leader. Kanu had been charged with tresnable felony for declaring support for Republic of Biafra and calling for succession of the Igbo tribe in Nigeria.
Welcoming Fayose into Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital yesterday evening, the excited and jubilant Igbo people sang the governor’s praisechants, drummed local instruments and danced in their cultural way to appreciate what they describe as a deed that can only be done by one who truly loves them as a brother. Leader of the Igbo group, Chief Nathaniel Uzomah, President Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said: “We have come to appreciate you for identifying with our dear brother, Nnamdi Kanu. We have called you Nwanne di Nanmba, meaning our brother from a distant land for this singular act, you have proved to be our own brother indeed.
“Igbo people made a good choice when they conferred the title on Fayose and we regret not because you have proved to be a true and real friend of Igbo people.
“Nobody doesn’t know that Nigeria is currently sick. And a sick man seeks for a doctor. The doctor advises him and the advice we are giving to government to heal Nigeria is demand dialogue. Former President Goodluck convoked a sovereign national conference and issues raised were resolved.
” We don’t know why this government is not implementing the reports and recommendations of that conference. But if you don’t want to adopt that conference recommendation, convoke your own and resolve issues that we have. Let us come to a round table to discuss. This country belongs to all of us. ”
Responding, Fayose said he identified with Kanu because he believed the pro-Biafra leader was being unfailry treated: “We are Nigerians and this country belongs to all of us. I don’t want the division of this country but the unity. But as much as we don’t want the division of this country we don’t want oppression. We are not in military era. Not in 1984, we are in a 21st century when only dialogue is the way forward in a situation that we have found ourselves.
“We urge Mr. President to show mercy to all the people in jail now for no just cause. God has shown mercy to him by granting him recovery after he has been sick. He should therefore show mercy to Kanu, Dansuki, ElZakzay and others.
I believe he is a gentleman and he would release them unconditionally.
I believe in justice and fairness. For Nigeria to move forward we have to dialogue, we have to restructure this country.
” We have to come together and dialogue on how we can be together. We cannot continue to jettison the fact that all Is not well. A lot of people are not happy. We are from different ethnic backgrounds. We have to come together and dialogue.
” We cannot say we would use force to make people believe in what we want them to believe in. And the moment you try to stop people from agitating, you would be creating more problems. You don’t know what would happen tomorrow, an Hausaman is there today. An Ijaw man was there yesterday, another person would be there tommorow. But if the framework is there for everyone to co-exist as a nation, it would be easy for us to stay together. As it is now, all is not well. I went to court to identify with Nnamdi Kanu because I felt that he is currently being unjustly treated. If nobody stands for somebody, they would think it is normal for them to continue to oppress us.
” You would recall that I have warned many months back that the current administration has come for vendetta. They do not represent the collective interest of Nigerians. They wanted power at all cost and the way they use the power today is a clear indication that they don’t want anyone to question them.
They are here to silence everybody with brute force and I want to remind them that this is democracy and everyone has a right to association, good life must remain. Don’t go and clamp people into jail because their voice is not what you want to hear.
” Our judiciary must be given free hand to dispense justice for all. As it is now, the way they are operating in this country, the average man will continue to suffer.
I want to assure that Kanu will one day walk into freedom. God has a way of solving our problems in this country. When Obasanjo and others were incecerated and it appeared they would rot in jail, God miraculously freed them and Obasanjo did not only walk free, but he walked into the Aso Rock as President.
Unfortunately, when such people see others now being oppressed, they are keeping quiet. When the likes of Obasanjo keeps quiet in the face of this oppression, the innocent would suffer. When you have gone through an experience, you are supposed to use it to assist others. Obasanjo keeping quiet on this matter is not fair.
Reacting to critical views from APC on his incentives for youths registering for Voters cards in the state, he said: Those criticising me for giving stipends to those coming to register for voters’ card do not know what they are saying.
Are we voting now?As it is now, so many people do not even have the money to go to where they would register. They are so poor that they cannot afford to take ordinary commercial bike to where they would vote.
Do we leave them and say they should forget it? Even those who are above 18 and are graduates but have no jobs cannot afford to transport themselves to go and register. Our duty is to provide means for them to get to where they are going to register and vote. That is what we are doing.
I want to also say that the huge turn-out you have seen today is as a result of that mobilisation. The turn-out is huge and as a state that is having elections next year, we are fully ready. If APC was doing what I am doing, they would not be complaining. But they are doing nothing here
April 27, 2017 Residents of Zaria and its environs in Kaduna State on Thursday jubilated over the first rainfall in 2017.
The rain, which started at about 4:40p.m., lasted for almost one hour.
Some farmers told NAN that they were highly elated with the experience.
Malam Haruna Sidi-Makarfi, a Makarfi-based farmer in Makarfi Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to God for the rainfall, which he described as "a blessing from our creator."
"Whenever rain starts, as farmers, we must be happy and we must appreciate God Almighty for his blessings.
"A starts clearing his/her farmland preparatory to cultivation'', Sidi-Makarfi said.
He appreciated the efforts of the Federal Government in providing fertilisers called "Nagari" at a controlled price of N5, 500, saying that the commodity had reached the grassroots.
The peasant farmer, however, appealed to government to supply improved seeds and chemicals at subsidised rates to further boost agricultural participation.
A Zaria-based farmer, Malam Musa Dogara, observed that with the commencement of the rain, farmers would be encouraged to actively prepare for bountiful cultivation.
"We are not only to start preparation for a new farming season, but to also look forward to producing more food for the country.
"I want to appeal to farmers to consider farming as a business not just a traditional thing. Remember, prices of farm produce are on the high side this year.
"Therefore, as farmers, it will be part of patriotism to take advantage of that to produce more for the country to enable it attain food sufficiency", Dogara said.
He advised the citizens not to relent in praying for God's blessing for bumper harvest and peace in Nigeria.
Malam Ibrahim Mohammed, also a Zaria-based farmer, appreciated God for what he described as a succour not only to farmers but to all residents.
"May God allow us to see the end of the season in good health and bountiful blessings. Ours is just to plant, but it takes the blessing of God to have bumper harvest", Mohammed said.
The residents also expressed gratitude to God for the cooling effect of the rain on the environment.
Speech by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at the Annual National Conference and General Meeting of the NIPR in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday, 27 April 2017
PROTOCOL
Lai Mohammed
I am most honoured to be here today to attend the annual national conference and general meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Let me say that my presence here today is a measure of the importance I attach to this conference. Due to competing assignments and tough logistics, I virtually had to jump through hoops to be here. Without equivocating, however, I will say that I am glad to be among you all.
There is no better occasion that this to examine the increasingly tough, and almost impossible, job of a public relations practitioner. Tougher still is the task of the Government Perception Manager, whether he or she is the Minister of Information, Commissioner for Information, Spokespersons for the President or Governor or for any government agency.
The challenges faced daily by the perception managers have been exacerbated by the Social Media. Today, the challenges have defied everything the practitioner may have been taught about perception management, public relations and all. Therefore, the government spokesperson, in order to succeed, must be a Cicero, a Socrates, an Albert Einstein and a Machiavelli all rolled into one.
The perception manager today is engaged in an unending war with an opposition that is amorphously defined, an opposition who never sleeps, an opposition that has no rules of engagement, an opposition that has power without responsibility or control, one whose objective is not to inform, educate or provide constructive criticism but to set their own agenda from their own ethnic, religious, ideological and economic perspective, irrespective of what the challenges of government are.
Today's perception manager, especially at the government level, can be likened to one who has signed a contract, the terms of which he or she is not aware of. As I said earlier, the opponents are not clearly defined. They could be friends today and opponents tomorrow. They are not interested in the vision of the government nor the welfare of the people. They insist on being heard and seen, and the privacy, reputation or integrity of the public official are of no consequence to them. As far as they are concerned, government and its leadership must be annihilated. It is not about logic, reason, intellectual discourse or professionalism. It is about viciousness and bitterness that are hard to fathom.
Today, anyone with a phone and data is a journalist, a blogger, owner of an online publication, an opinion molder, etc. They invent stories and even spend money to push such phantom stories. Their mantra is to lie, misinform, malign and confuse. And they do all this simply because they can. No regulations, no sanctions. The spokesperson is at their mercy. Regrettably, they have a fanatic followership in the largely uninformed masses, whose experience over the years has primed them not to trust government and public office holders.
The masses are daily served incredible menu and unbelievable tales which they swallow hook, line and sinker. How else can you explain that people will believe and circulate a fake report that the
Minister of Information and Culture, that is yours truly, has 1.2 billion dollars in his imaginary bank account? Let's examine this for a moment. 1.2 billion dollars is about 400 billion Naira. The entire yearly budget of the Ministry of Information and Culture, where I preside, is under 15 billion Naira, and these include salaries, overhead and capital projects. Assuming, without conceding, that the Minister somehow manages to transfer the entire budget into his personal account, it will take 25 years for him to amass 400 billion Naira. Yet, this disinformation was lapped up by the public. Similar imaginary huge sums of money have been credited to other Ministers.
This is not a surprise, because the more vicious and irreverent a blog or website is, the more the followership. The more the naysayers can invent stories or malign government officials, the more their ratings. They do not wait for the weekly Federal Executive Council to end before they put out their version of what transpired there. Only yesterday, even after I had briefed the State House Correspondents on the outcome of the day's meeting, my views were still misrepresented.
I had said President Muhammadu Buhari chose to rest and work from home for that day, hence he has asked the VP to preside over the day's FEC meeting. By the time this was reported, a section of the press simply quoted me as saying the President will henceforth be working from home. Even when they are corrected, they are neither sorry nor remorseful. They just move on, to do something worse the day after!
One may be tempted to ask: Why do these naysayers do what they do? It is partly to distract government, to force the government perception spokespersons to be fighting bush fires and then lose focus. It is therefore imperative for government perception managers to be keenly aware of this, so as not to fall prey.
As spokespersons for the government, you must not allow yourselves to be distracted. You must be proactive rather than defensive. You must refuse to allow them to set your agenda for you.
You must not allow them to turn you to a fire brigade, fighting bush fires all over. You must stay true to your calling to inform and educate, and to telegraph the achievements of your principal and the intentions of government. You must neither be intimidated, cowed nor be overwhelmed by the cynics. You must set your own agenda and daily review such, with a view to improving on them. You must never lose touch with your traditional constituents. You must understand the tactics of the opposition, which is ambush and irrational.
For example, when we inform them of the rot we met in government and the unimaginable body blows that the economy has endured, blows that would have shaken even the strongest economy in the world, they shrug it away, saying cynically 'we know that, and that's why we voted you into office'. When we tell them how we created 200,000 jobs in one fell swoop, they pretend not to hear. When we inform that our gallant military has captured Ground Zero of the Sambisa Forest, they are not interested. When 21 Chibok Girls were released, they say it's a lie.
When our Euro-bond was oversubscribed eight times over, they do not consider that news good enough. When we recorded a month-on-month reduction in inflation, they sneer at us. When we said we have saved over 9 billion Naira from travels and estacodes in one year, they feign ignorance and when we said the government is taking unprecedented steps to fight corruption, they accuse us of being selective.
The government information managers must not allow themselves to be discouraged by this. They must continue to trumpet the achievements of their governments and the challenges they face in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people, because this is their role, to inform, educate and to polish the image of government.
Today's government information manager, whether he is Minister or Commissioner in charge of Information, must equip himself with qualities such as integrity, courage, abnormal capacity for hard work, ingenuity, resourcefulness, ability to think out of the box, encyclopedic knowledge of all things under the stars, incorruptibility and, above all, passion about the job.
Tough times require tough people, and tough challenges require hard work. In the end, success is guaranteed, irrespective of the antics of the naysayers.
I wish you a successful deliberation, and I thank you for your kind attention.
A protest by French youth against the centrist candidate, Emmanuel Macron and his far-right rival, Marine Le Pen, turned violent on Thursday, local report said.
The report stated that hundreds of school students took to the streets of the French capital saying, "Neither Le Pen nor Macron," whose projects they said did not meet their expectations.
It noted that "on the sidelines of the demonstration, the hooded young people threw projectiles at riot police who replied by using tear gas to disperse the crowd."
The local report added that anti-fascist and anti-capitalist rallies were also reported in Nantes, Toulouse and Rennes.
At the end of the first round of French elections on Sunday, centrist Macron and anti-immigrant Le Pen reached the run-off, knocking out traditional right and left parties.
In spite of unstable momentum, Macron is predicted to defeat Le Pen with 59 per cent against 41 per cent on May 7.
The re-arraignment of Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa State, and others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before Justice Babatunde O. Quadri of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja was on April 26, 2017 stalled with fresh motions by Lamido’s counsel, Joe Agi, SAN, who is seeking the return of the case to the former trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola.
*Sule Lamido
The prosecution had after the arraignment of Lamido alongside his sons: Aminu Sule Lamido; Mustapha Sule Lamido; Aminu Wada Abubakar and their companies, Bamaina Holdings Limited and Speeds International Limited, in 2015, called 18 witnesses in support of its claim against the defendants.
However, further hearing on the case was stalled following the suspension of Justice Ademola, by the National Judicial Council, NJC, for alleged breach of professional ethics.
Consequently, the case was reassigned to Justice Quadri and trial had to start de novo.
However, the re-arraignment of the defendants slated for Tuesday, April 11, 2017, could not go on as planned following an application by Agi urging the Chief Judge of Nigeria, CJN, to return the case to Justice Ademola following his acquittal by Justice Jude Okeke on the corruption charges preferred against him by the federal government.
Agi argued that it was in the interest of justice and fair hearing to hear his application, which was brought pursuant to Section 98 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
"My Lord, justice and fair hearing, according to our constitution includes the determination of rights within a reasonable time. The matter commenced two years ago, in 2015. The prosecution had already called 18 witnesses. It would be most unfair and bring undue hardship to the defendants for the matter to begin again and take another two years. Therefore, we humbly apply that your Lordship exercise your power by referring the matter back to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, for reassignment to Honourable Justice Ademola for conclusion of hearing", Agi pleaded.
At this point, Justice Quadri confirmed the receipt of a copy of the letter addressed to the CJN applying for reassignment of the case and showed same to the prosecution.
M.S. Abubakar, counsel to EFCC, opposed the application arguing that the defense ambushed them by not putting them on notice, after applying to the CJN.
Both counsels subsequently agreed to return on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 for further mention pending further directive from the CJN.
At resumed hearing, Agi notified the court of his intention to file another motion challenging the power of the CJN to transfer the matter to Justice Quadri for hearing. Citing Section 98 of the ACJA 2015, Agi argued that, "The CJN does not have the power to transfer a criminal matter in which witnesses have already been called. At the time I wrote to the CJN, I had not taken consideration of this provision. This is no longer an administrative matter. The law says he cannot do what he has done in this case and it is my duty to bring this to the notice of the court."
Responding, Abubakar submitted that the motion made does not qualify as a legal submission. He stated that the seal on the document expired on March 31, 2017, thereby rendering the document invalid.
He urged the court to proceed with the arraignment pending further directives by the CJN.
Justice Quadri, thereafter, adjourned to Wednesday May 3, 2017 for hearing on the application.
The National Conscience Party (NCP) on Thursday said it had concluded arrangements to sue the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for mandating candidates for the forthcoming council polls to pay nomination fees.
Mr Fatai Ibu-Owo, NCP`s state chairman disclosed the party`s intention in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said the suit would be filed at a court in the state between Thursday and Monday.
Ibu-Owo said the step became inevitable as the party had written to the commission twice on the illegality of the fees.
The NCP Chairman wondered why LASIEC would charge chairmanship aspirants, N100,000, Vice – Chairmanship aspirants, N75,000 and Councillorship, N50,000 as nomination fees, when it had enough budget to conduct the polls.
"This is clearly illegal as the participation in the election should be free for all aspirants. We are surely going to resist this and sue LASIEC.
"The state government already budgeted N3billion for LASIEC for the conduct of the election and additional N360 million for its recurrent expenditure, so why the illegal fees?
He said the payment would shut out some political parties as it would mean candidates aspiring for the various positions across the 57 councils would have to pay.
"This cannot stand as there are two court judgments already against the fees. We are going to challenge the illegality in court again," he said.
Ibu-Owo, however, said apart from the issue of nomination fee, the party was ready for the polls and would present candidates for positions in all 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA).
On the flag off of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, the NCP chairman said it was a good development.
He, however, faulted the use of local government offices of INEC for the exercise, saying the method would deny many residents registration.
Ibu-Owo suggested that the registration should be done at the various polling units so that every qualified Lagosian could register and participate in elections.
NAN reports that LASIEC has fixed July 22 for the council elections and July 29 for run-off elections, if need be.
The government of China on Thursday provided life saving nutrition assistance worth eight million dollars to support the United Nations World Food Programme's (WFP) response in drought-hit Ethiopia.
The contribution from China would enable WFP to provide specialised treatment for over 277,000 moderately malnourished children and women due to the ongoing drought that affected parts of the east African country.
La Yifan, the Chinese Ambassador in Ethiopia, said during the handing over ceremony that China is a friendly country, providing support to its best ability.
"We are a developing country, but we obliged to provide assistance to other countries through the World Food Programme,'' he said.
The ambassador appreciated efforts made by the Ethiopian government to reach out to the emergency needs of its drought affected citizens.
He also called on the international community to fulfill the commitments made in the fight against climate change, as a sustainable solution to minimise the occurrence of natural disasters.
John Aylieff, WFP Ethiopia Representative and Country Director, appreciated China's contributions to support people in drought affected Ethiopia.
Aylieff said that the support had come at a crucial moment as the east African country endures the worst drought in 50 years.
"While the government did so much itself, support from the international community was needed.
"It was at this moment that China came forward,'' he said.
Tadesse Bekele, Advisor at Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management, also appreciated the contribution from China, saying that "China is very generous to Ethiopia."
"I am very much delighted that this supplementary food assistance will help those desperate people, and we will be able to save the lives of children and lactating mothers,'' he said.
According to Tadesse, the Ethiopian government is working on proactive measures to minimise the effect of the drought in its effort to save the lives of millions of people.
The Government of Ethiopia and its humanitarian partners had in January officially launched the Humanitarian Requirements Document (HRD) for 2017.
Tadesse, however, said the government was also looking for 948 million dollars to reach out to 5.6 million people with emergency food and non-food assistance.
Presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, says there is no need for apprehension over the health of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
He explained that Buhari's absence at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), meeting on Wednesday was a last minute decision; otherwise, the cabinet and the public might have been alerted in advance.
"As eager as he is to be up and about, the President's doctors have advised on his taking things slowly, as he fully recovers from the long period of treatment in the United Kingdom some weeks ago.
"President Buhari himself, on his return to the country, made Nigerians aware of the state of his health while he was in London.
"Full recovery is sometimes a slow process, requiring periods of rest and relaxation, as the Minister for Information, Lai Mohammed, intimated in his press briefing after the FEC meeting on Wednesday.''
According to him, in spite of the President's lack of visibility, Nigerians should be rest-assured that Buhari has not abdicated his role as Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria.
"The President receives daily briefings on the activities of government, and confers regularly with his Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
"His private residence, in which he has been spending the majority of his time recently, also has a fully equipped office.
"God is the giver of life and health. We are grateful that He has seen our President through the worst period of his convalescence in London. "We are thankful that the President has passed a number of benchmarks already.''
The presidential aide prayed that God continues to see the president through this period of recuperation.
The National Economic Council (NEC), presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday set up a nine-member ad hoc committee to audit the ecological fund.
The Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra, who disclosed at the end of the NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa Abuja, said that this was part of resolutions of the council.
He said that the Accountant General of the Federation had told the council that as at March 31, 2017 the balance of the Natural Resource Fund was N70.9 billion while that of Ecological Fund was N33.6 billion.
R-L; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, NSA Major General Babagana Monguno and minister of State, Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed during the NEC Meeting at the Council Chambers Abuja. photo; sunday aghaeze.
"Council decided that an audit of ecological fund be carried out.
"Ad hoc committee comprising of Oyo, Borno, Imo, Kaduna, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue and Ministers of Finance and Environment has been set up to do the audit and come up with recommendations on how the fund shall be managed.''
Obiano said that the essence was to re-establish that the balance in the account was correct since it had stood on same amount for many months.
He said that council also resolved that states and local governments should now keep their shares of the funds for interventions as the needs arose in their various jurisdictions.
Obiano also said that Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun also gave an update on the disbursement of the Paris Club Fund refunds and preparations for the next round of payments to the states after the first disbursements.
He also said that the minister disclosed that the Excess Crude Account had a balance of $2.2 billion as at April 26, 2017.
On the operation of efficiency unit of the ministry, he said Adeosun reported that the unit had saved N17 billion for the Federal Government since it was established.
Obiano said that NEC urged states to also establish efficiency units in order to improve efficiency, reduce costs and block leakages in line with the fiscal sustainability plan.
Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau noted that the Paris refund said that the states were complaining about the delay in the release of the remainder, adding that the fund had helped the states to pay salaries and for the country to come out of recession.
He thanked the president for the timely disbursement and said the fund would be used not only for salaries but for projects completion.
He said there were procedures to deal with states which failed to utilize the Paris Club money judiciously.
Lalong said that the VP updated NEC on the progress in the implementation of the Social Intervention Programmes (SIPs) and on some impediments in the implementation by both the federal and state governments.
He said the council resolved to upgrade the states' coordination units for the SIPs to the governors' offices for better collaboration between the Federal and States' governments.
He further said that the Health minister, Prof Isaac Adewole, updated the Council on the outbreak of meningitis in the country.
He said the minister reported that there were 9,646 suspected cases in six states of Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi and Kaduna with about 767 deaths as at April 25.
He said that the minister noted that about N46.7 billion was required for vaccination of the vulnerable population.
He said the council expressed concern over the ravaging effects of the outbreak and directed the Health Ministry to intensify its intervention efforts "to contain the embarrassing epidemic while advocating for increased funding for health''.
He said that the minister had requested for the establishment of a national health emergency fund to be domiciled in the presidency under the supervision of the NEC Chairman.
The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, said he also briefed NEC on the general security situation in the country.
He said he gave detailed brief on the prevailing situation between cattle rustlers, herdsmen and farmers, particularly in Kaduna, Taraba and Benue States.
The NSA said that security agencies had begun a nationwide crackdown against gunmen, cattle rustlers, armed militants and other militia groups in the country.
He said that NEC resolved to hold extra ordinary session dedicated to security in the country.
He said there was a consensus for security agencies to collaborate with the various states to deal with security issues.
Russian authorities raided the central Moscow office of an organisation run by one of President Vladimir Putin's most vocal opponents on Thursday ahead of planned protests this weekend across the country.
The organisation, Open Russia, run from abroad by businessman-turned-activist Mikhail Khodorkovsky, was blacklisted by the Prosecutor General's Office earlier this week as "undesirable."
"Officers who specialise in countering extremism in the country raided Open Russia's office and seized documents'', state media reported.
Open Russia said on its website that officers were taking computers, while the group also described the operation as state-sponsored theft.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned activists that any unauthorised rallies would be dispersed by authorities.
Open Russia has planned to hold protests in dozens of cities, including Moscow, on Saturday.
Khodorkovsky, a former oil tycoon, was Russia's richest man until he was thrown in jail in 2003 on tax evasion charges that his supporters have denounced as an attempt to thwart his political ambitions.
Khodorkovsky was imprisoned for a decade until Putin pardoned him in December 2013 and he fled the country.
Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo says his administration is for all Edo people irrespective of party affiliations and ethnic backgrounds. The governor, represented by his Deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu, stated this while interacting with a delegation of Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), in Benin on Thursday.
Shaibu when a government had been formed after election, the next stage is for the government to be all inclusive by allowing collaboration. According to him, "we have our ideology, which is clear but that does not mean we will not allow other political parties which admire our leadership style and ideology or who have something meaningful to contribute.
Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki
"We are ready to welcome any member of other political parties with meaningful contributions and ideas.
Chairman of IPAC, Mrs Tracy Agol, said their mission was to promote inter party dialogue and interactions among political parties. She urged Obaseki to be magnanimous enough to accommodate members of other political parties who have something meaningful to contribute in his government.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said 1, 466 Nigerians died in road accidents in the first quarter of 2017, according to its Road Transport Data.
The NBS Road Transport Data for the 1st Quarter of 2017 posted on its website stated that 1,363 of the 1,466 Nigerians that got killed in the period were adults.
"It represents that 93 per cent of the figure are adults, while the remaining 103 Nigerians, representing seven per cent of the figure are children.
"1,164 male victims, representing 79 per cent got killed in road accidents in the quarter while 302 females, representing 21 per cent got killed,'' it stated.
Similarly, the report said that a total of 8,672 Nigerians got injured in the road accidents in the first quarter.
The report stated that 8,151 of the 8,672 Nigerians that got injured represented 94 per cent of the figure.
The report said that 94 per cent of the accidents victims showed that they were adults while the remaining 521 Nigerians, representing six per cent of the figure were children.
It stated that 6,422 males, representing 74 per cent, got injured in road accidents in the quarter while 2,250 females, representing 26 per cent got injured.
According to the report, a total of 2,556 road accidents occurred in the period.
It however, attributed the cause of accident to speed violation, which accounted for 42.69 per cent of the total road accidents reported.
"Loss of control and dangerous driving followed closely as they both accounted for 12.73 per cent and 7.34 per cent of the total accidents recorded.''
The report said that the estimated vehicle population in the quarter was put at 11,458,370.
"Commercial vehicles accounted for 53.8 per cent of the total vehicle population, private vehicles accounted for 44.5 per cent, government vehicles accounted for 1.65 while diplomat vehicles accounted for 0.1 per cent.
"With the total population of the country put at 193,392,517 in 2016, Nigeria's vehicle per population ratio is put at 0.06.
"Data on the category of vehicles involved in the road accidents in the quarter reflected that 59 per cent of vehicles are commercial (2,428), 40 per cent are private (1,617), one per cent are government (55) and the remaining are diplomat (3).''
It further stated that FCT recorded the highest number of road accidents in the period, closely followed by Kaduna and Niger States while Borno and Bayelsa States recorded the least.
"A total of 220,736 national drivers licences were produced in the quarter.
"Lagos and FCT produced the highest number of drivers' licences, while Yobe and Kebbi States produced the least number of national drivers' licences.''
Similarly, it stated that a total of 113,358 vehicle number plates were produced in the period.
"Ebonyi and Anambra states produced the highest number of vehicle plate numbers, while Lagos and Sokoto States produced the least number of vehicle plate numbers.''
Access Bank on Thursday announced impressive performance in all performance indicators as shown by its unaudited result for the first quarter which ended on March 31, 2017.
The bank posted profit after tax of N26 billion during the period compared with N19.4 billion achieved in the same period in 2016, an increase of 34 per cent.
The first quarter results of the bank released in Lagos on Thursday also reported that its profit before tax increased by 38 per cent to N31.2 billion against the N22.6 billion in the same period in 2016.
The bank's profit before tax rose by 38 per cent to N31.2 billion in contrast with N22.6 billion in the same period in 2016.
The bank's gross earnings for the period grew by 44 per cent to N116.0 billion against N80.3 billion recorded in the same period in 2016.
Its balance sheet closed positively with two per cent growth in total assets to N3.54 trillion from N3.48 trillion posted in 2016.
The group' recorded capital and liquidity ratios of 21.0 per cent and 46.3 per cent, respectively.
Mr Herbert Wigwe, the bank's Group Managing Director, was quoted by the statement as saying that 2017 marked the end of its third five-year transformation journey.
Wigwe said that the bank would, in the coming months, focus on its strategic objective of improving profitability.
He said that the bank would continue to improve on profitability and shareholder value by maintaining its capital and liquidity positions.
Wigwe said that the company would implement cost management strategy and exploit retail business opportunities using its digital platforms to deepen market share of the wholesale business.
The Bill for a Law on prohibition of abduction, hostage-taking/kidnapping, cultism and similar activities was passed by the Benue State House of Assembly in Makurdi on Thursday.
House of Representatives
Newsmen, report that during the consideration of the bill, which went through public hearing, the Speaker, Mr Terkimbi Ikyange said it received overwhelming acceptability by the Benue people.
Participants at the hearing agreed that the bill should spell out stiffer punishment for persons convicted of abduction, hostage-taking, kidnapping, cultism and similar activities, to serve as deterrent to others.
The participants also agreed that the bill should provide death penalty for persons convicted of the crime that involved the loss of life.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday said it had offered 100 million dollars to authorised dealers as its intervention to stabilise the foreign exchange market.
Mr Isaac Okorafor, Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department of CBN. disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
Okorafor, however, said that no intervention was made in the retail window in Thursday's auction.
The Central Bank of Nigeria head office in Abuja.
He said that the bank continued its weekly sale of foreign exchange to the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment to meet the needs of low-end users.
The CBN spokesman further said that the bank had observed that quite a good number of dealers were adhering to the forex guidelines.
Okorafor said the CBN would continue to monitor activities of authorised dealers to ensure that no outfit or individual circumvented laid down forex rules.
He urged all concerned to put the Nigerian economy first, adding that the CBN was determined to guarantee the international value of the naira.
The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) on Thursday in Abuja called on the Federal Government to urgently review the National Minimum Wage.
Mr Peters Adeyemi, Chairman, Joint May Committee of NLC and the Trade Union Congress(TUC) made the call at a news conference where he outlined activities for the commemoration of the 2017 Workers Day.
"The May Day is an auspicious occasion for the working people to reflect on their struggles and make their demands.
" We shall use this opportunity to renew the call for the review of the National Minimum Wage that is overdue for review considering the current economic trends.
"Inflation has increased, the naira has lost its value and the current minimum wage has been completely eroded.
"Therefore, the need and urgency for the review of the current National Minimum Wage, "he said.
Adeyemi also said the celebration was an opportunity to call for the continuous search and eventual release of the remaining Chibok school girls abducted over three years ago.
He said that the event would be used to commemorate victims of the Nyanya bomb blast that occurred on May Day three years ago and other victims of the Boko Haram insurgency.
Adeyemi, who is also NLC Deputy President, announced that workers would hold rally at the Eagle Square Abuja and in all the capitals of the 36 states of the federation.
He disclosed that the theme of the 2017 May day is `Labour Relations in Economic Recession: An Appraisal', with a lecture on the topic to be delivered by Prof. Toye Olorode.
"The theme suggests that this is a time for us as working class to look at the present economic situation that has witnessed negative downturn and the reality of the moment.
"We need to critically look at the opportunity afforded to us to work towards achieving economic revival.
"We also need to chart a way to a national rebirth, economic recovery and advocate for the engendering of socioeconomic policies that are pro-poor, "he added.
He said that the May Day was a day to honour the heroes who fought for justice across the globe.
Adeyemi called on the state councils of the NLC and TUC to mobilise workers and groups to actively participate in the May Day rally
The senior special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, has said that president Muhammadu Buhari’s absence at the FEC meeting yesterday was a last minute decision. He made this know to newsmen in his tweeter handle on Thursday. Bellow are his tweets:
The Federal Government says it has commenced a detailed cost analysis and financing plan, to achieve the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udo Udoma, said this at the 2017 Annual Public Lecture of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) on Thursday in Abuja.
The Theme of the Lecture is "Economic Management under an Era of Downturn''.
Udoma, represented by his ministry's Director, Macroeconomic Analysis, Mr Tunde Lawal, said a team of experts had been put together to work on the plan in collaboration with the budget ministry and relevant bodies.
"We have commenced the development of the ERPG implementation plan. The implementation roadmap will provide more detailed strategies, timelines and deliverables of the plan on a year-by-year basis.
"The team of experts is expected to work out a more detailed cost estimate and financing plan with detailed key performance indicators for implementing the plan,'' he said.
Udoma said that the government was committed to providing an enabling environment for business to strive and for that reason, it would continue to priotise spending on critical infrastructure.
Udoma said Nigerians would soon begin to feel the impact of the Presidential Enabling Environment Council, which aimed to improve the country's ranking on ease of doing business.
"Furthermore, there is a number of Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects included in the 2017 budget in the areas of critical infrastructure.
"This is aimed at creating opportunities for the private sector to participate in the development of the country.
"Therefore, while government is committed to finding the resources to invest on infrastructure, the private sector and well meaning Nigerians should collectively create jobs and put our people back to work,'' he said.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Economic Society, Prof Ben Aigbokhan, tasked the Federal Government to identify and promote the development of sectors which Nigeria had comparative advantage over others.
Example of the sectors are the manufacturing and industrial areas.
He said it was important for the government to implement policies that would lead to the industralisation of the country.
To do this, he said it was still necessary for the Central Bank of Nigeria to review its current exchange rate policy, to favour exporters and industrialists.
Aigbokhan also called on the Federal Government to fine-tune the ERPG, which could take the country out of recession and ensure a more sustainable growth in future.
President Mohammadu Buhari, earlier in April, launched the 2017-2020 ERGP, seeking to restore the nation's economic status following the high rate of inflation and recession.
It projects that Nigeria will make significant progress to achieve structural economic change with a more diversified and inclusive economy in five key areas by 2020.
The areas are stable macro-economic environment, agricultural transformation, food security, sufficiency in energy and improved transportation infrastructure.
