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Osun Govt Installs Ex-APC Chair, Famodun As Owa Of Igbajo
Workers in Osun have extolled Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for restoring their lost glory as his administration lived up to its word by swearing in 30 Permanent Secretary to crown the promises he made to them at this year’s Workers’ Day.
The governor had also kept his promise to end the era of Coordinating Director which had hitherto been the nomenclature for same status.
Governor Oyetola charged the new Permanent Secretaries on competence, dedication, loyalty, discipline and effective service delivery as they assume the pinnacle of their career.
The State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jacob Adekomi, lauded the Governor for his faithfulness to all the pledges made to workers, saying he has successfully restored their lost glory.
Recall that on the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day, Governor Oyetola had promised among other things to conduct outstanding promotions nominally from 2019 to date and to appoint Permanent Secretaries to put an end to the use of Coordinating Directors in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The new Permanent Secretaries are: Engr. Kamoru A. Babalola; Engr. S. O. Ajao; Mr. M. A. K. Jimoh; Mr. R. A. Popoola; Dr. D. O. Ogunrinade; Mrs. J. K. Odediran; Mr. Oyesiku Adelu; Mr. Babajide Falade; Mrs. Funmilola Oyewole; Mr. O.A. Ogundun; Mrs. Bukola Aderibigbe; Mrs. Taiwo Oladunjoye; Dr.A. A Oni; Mr. Lekan Babalola.
Others are: Mrs. Sola Akinsola; Mr. K.N. Akintola; Mr. J. S. Adekomi; Mrs Jibola Falode; Mis AY Esan; Mrs C O Falade; Mr C O Fasina; Mrs Gbemisola Fayoyin; Mr MA Olawale; Mr SA Raji; Pharmacist Kunle Adebayo; Mr TO Akinwumi; Mr Richard Oyegbami; Mr Fatai Adekilekun; Mr. M.O. Obidiya; Engr. I. A Babalola
Inaugurating the newly-appointed senior proletariats, Governor Oyetola said the appointment was made having found them worthy both in character and performance to be appointed to the administrative pinnacle of the State’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Oyetola noted that his administration has successfully implemented all that it promised workers in May this year regardless of the outcome of the Governorship election.
This, according to him, is a clear indication that his administration is not a vindictive government but rather, one that has demonstrated within four years, the progressive ideals of the All Progressives Party despite paucity of funds.
The Governor further noted that the appointment of the new Permanent Secretaries had proved the doubting Thomases and naysayers who had wickedly portrayed his administration as being anti-workers wrong.
He called on the new Permanent Secretaries to consistently imbibe the principles of strategic thinking/planning and prompt implementation while rallying their subordinates to embrace same and global standards for optimal results.
“The position of Permanent Secretary is a position of trust, responsibility and leadership. By attaining this status, your sphere of responsibility and leadership has expanded as you are expected to lead your respective MDAs to success by leading from the front at all times.
“The Osun civil service you are invited to lead at various levels is a significant part and driver of the knowledge-and technology-driven bureaucracy that has delivered sustainable good governance, award-winning programmes and innovative policies in the past four years. You are invited to further fortify the team and raise the bar of service delivery in the State.
“As an administration, we envision the civil service as an effective driver of sustainable development, and successful service delivery as a process and not a destination. Therefore, you must realize that in a world governed by the New Normal and rapid changes, what got you here cannot achieve the effective service delivery we all seek and desire.
“You must, therefore, consistently imbibe the principles of strategic thinking/planning and prompt implementation while rallying your subordinates to embrace same and global standards for optimal results.
“The civil service of today has engaged in a paradigm shift whose contents are knowledge, technology, innovation, effective time management and results orientation. You must realize that when these new nuggets are mixed with the statutory kernels of competence, dedication, loyalty and discipline, effective service delivery will be on autopilot.
“The tool for constantly achieving and sustaining the above-mentioned skills is capacity building. I, therefore, charge you to constantly build your capacity and those of your subordinates so that together, you can consistently drive and deliver the Osun of our collective dream”, he said.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr. Festus Olowogboyega Oyebade, had applauded the Governor for appointing best of the best to the position of Permanent Secretary.
Olowogboyega further appreciated the Governor for his unalloyed support and kind gesture that had turned around the socio-economic fortune of the workforce since his assumption of office.
Speaking on behalf of the newly-inaugurated Permanent Secretaries, Comrade Jacob Adekomi, described the appointment as a round peg in a round hole saying Oyetola has restored their lost glory.
Adekomi who is the State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said their appointment is a testimony of the fact that Oyetola is a man of honour whose words are his bond.
“You have restored our lost glory. This has not happened in the last 10 years. There was even a time when promotion became a thing of difficulty, when half salary was the order of the day, when conversion became difficult, when three square daily meal became difficult for workers.
“You are creating hiOsun Govt Installs Ex-APC Chair, Famodun As Owa Of Igbajostory and removing stigma from the civil service. We can’t thank you enough. You have brought joy and happiness to us. Indeed, you are epitome of happiness. We shall not forget you. You made a promise to the whole world at our last Workers Day Celebration, and you have fulfilled your promise”, he added.
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has embarked on his annual vacation, handing the ship of state to his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakp.
He made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Monday morning.
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Diri wrote, “With effect from today, November 25, 2024, I am proceeding on my annual leave.
“It has been a very busy year for me since our inauguration for the 2nd term in February this year.
“My absence will not in anyway affect governance in the State as the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, @iamElaw has the mandate to take charge of all state functions.
“Also, my absence shall not in anyway cause delay in the execution of all ongoing projects and programmes by various ministries, agencies and departments.
“On the prolonged blackout in the State, I am happy that our intervention in the repairs of the vandalised towers is yielding result with the completion of restringing of the damaged Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line.
“In as much as the transmission line does not belong to the Bayelsa State Government, our intervention was purely in the interest of the people.
“I understand the pains and the economic loss our people have been subjected to due to the blackout. The business owners are the worst hit!
“With the comprehensive repair works done so far, I am hopeful power will soon be restored once the recently vandalised conductor at towers 29 to 31 is replaced.
“I have also been reliably informed that both conventional and local security have been engaged at Ula Ikata and Ihuike communities in Ahoada-East LGA of Rivers State to secure the site until other repair works are completed.
“While we battle to restore public power, our government has commenced a process to develop our own Independent Power Plant through the procurement and installation of new Gas Turbines.
“We are committed to ensuring steady electricity supply in the State in line with our ASSURED Prosperity Agenda.
“Happy New Week all as I officially proceed on my leave. Nua!”
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly probe allegations that over N57 billion of public funds are missing, diverted or stolen from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021 alone.”
The SERAP alleged that, “hundreds of billions of naira are also reportedly missing in other ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs].”
It maintained that the damning revelations are documented in the 2021 audited report released last week by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
The SERAP said, “Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
Consequently, the SERAP urged him to “use any recovered stolen funds to fund the deficit in the 2025 budget, and to issue an immediate moratorium on borrowing by the Federal Government to ease Nigeria’s crippling debt crisis.”
In the letter dated 23 November 2024 and signed by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the SERAP stated, “The allegations amount to stealing from the poor. There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations.”
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According to the SERAP, “The allegations also suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anticorruption legislation and international anticorruption obligations.”
The letter, read in part: “Poor Nigerians have continued to pay the price for the widespread and grand corruption in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviations and other ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs].”
“According to the 2021 annual audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, [the Ministry] in 2021 failed to account for over N54 billion [N54,630,000,000.00] meant to pay monthly stipends to Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and non-graduate trainees between August and December 2021.”
“The money was ‘not directly paid to the beneficiaries.’”
“The Auditor-General is concerned that the money ‘may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. He also wants suspected perpetrators of the diversion to be sanctioned in line with the Financial Regulations.”
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for over N2.6 billion [N2,617,090,786.00] of public funds meant for the ‘home grown school feeding programme during Covid-19’, as ‘the programme was never executed.’”
“The money was allegedly paid to five contractors to ‘procure, package and distribute Covid-19 palliatives to Kano, Zamfara and Abia states,’” but without any trace.
“The Auditor-General fears the money ‘may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Ministry also reportedly spent over N78 million [N78,373,909.74] to ‘carry out a survey on the Ministry’s Covid-19 response to states and vulnerable groups’ but without any approval or document.”
“The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing or have ended up in the pockets of ‘incompetent contractors’. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for N39.5 million [M39,500,000.00] ‘personal donations to different personalities’. The money ‘was paid directly to the minister as reimbursement’.”
“The Auditor-General fears the ‘money may have been diverted’, resulting in ‘the loss of public funds.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for N400 million [N400,000,000.00] meant to pay ‘stipends to 4450 independent monitors for October, November and December 2021.’”
“The Auditor-General fears the money ‘may have been diverted’. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Ministry also reportedly paid over N287 million [287,628,300.00] contractors ‘without any document and justification.’ The Auditor-General fears the money ‘may have been diverted’ and wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“These allegations by the Auditor-General are different from the allegedly missing or unaccounted for N729 billion which is the subject-matter of the judgment by Justice Deinde Dipeolu.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The country’s wealth ought to be used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people, and for the sake of the present and future generations.”
“These allegations can promptly be investigated and suspected perpetrators named and shamed. Taking these steps would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition.”
“Prosecuting the allegations, and recovering any missing public funds would improve the chances of success of your government’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption and end the impunity of perpetrators.”
“SERAP urges you to address the widespread and systemic corruption in ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs], as documented by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, including in the 2021 audited report and previous reports.”
“Tackling corruption in MDAs would go a long way in addressing the budget deficit and debt problems.”
“SERAP urges you to immediately enforce the judgment by Hon. Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, ordering your government to release the spending details of N729 billion by Mrs Sadia Umar-Farouk, the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management and Social Development.”
“Investigating the allegations and naming and shaming and prosecuting those suspected to be responsible for the missing public funds and recovering the funds would end the impunity of perpetrators.”
“SERAP notes that the consequences of corruption are felt by citizens on a daily basis. Corruption exposes them to additional costs to pay for health, education and administrative services.”
“SERAP notes that the Senate and the House of Representatives recently approved a $2.2 billion loan request from your government. The loan, equivalent to N1.767 trillion, would be part of the funds used to finance the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget.”
“According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), the national debt increased from ₦97.34 trillion in December 2023 to ₦121.67 trillion in March, partly due to exchange rate fluctuations.”
“The total domestic debt stands at ₦65.65 trillion (46.29 billion dollars), while the total external debt is ₦56.02 trillion (42.12 billion dollars) as at June 2024.”
“A moratorium on borrowing would create a temporary debt standstill, and free up fiscal space for investment in Nigerians’ needs.”
“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”
“Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’
“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”
“The UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party obligate your government to effectively prevent and investigate the plundering of the country’s wealth and hold public officials to account for any violations.”
“Specifically, article 26 of the UN convention requires your government to ensure ‘effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions’ including criminal and non-criminal sanctions, in cases of grand corruption.”
“Article 26 complements the more general requirement of article 30, paragraph 1, that sanctions must take into account the gravity of the corruption allegations.”
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
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“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
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