Business and Economy
2019 Budget: Senate Uncovers N42 billion fraud by Ministry of Trade and Investment.
The Senate Committee on Trade and Investment chair by Senator Sabo Mohammed on Monday has uncovered a N42 billion misappropriation from the 2019 budget proposals by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
This was revealed when an illegal company, Special Economic Zone Company listed for N42 billion popped up during the presentation of 2018 performance leading to rejection of N15, 633 billion 2019 budget proposals.
Informavores gathered that the Chairman of the Committee Senator Sabo Mohammed, APC member, representing Jigawa North West pointed the attention of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelama to item number 2 on page 7 which has N42.091 billion budgetary allocation for Nigeria Special Economic Zone Company not known to be one of the 17 agencies under the Ministry .
The Minister in his response said “the exercise was established through Presidential initiative and approval given it at Cabinet meeting in May 2018” .
“private partnership is one of the areas that this government is focused for infrastructure, and the second area is industrialization and the two have something in common.” , Dr Okechukwu Enelama continued.
“If the government tries to do it alone, it would be extremely tasking. So the President directed that we should bring other partners that can combine with whatever monies we have to build world class infrastructure which led to the establishment of the company in partnership with other investors. ”
Meanwhile, According to the document containing information on the establishment of the company as obtained from Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by Chairman of the Committee, the company was registered as Nigeria Sez Investment Company Limited and not Nigeria Special Economic Zone Company listed the documents presented by the Minister .
He said, “Ownership of the company as clearly stated in the document obtained from CAC on the 26th of last month designated as Directors are Dr Bakari Wadinga , Mr Olufemi Edun and Ms Oluwadara Owoyemi .
“The document clearly States that the company is a private company and that liability of the members are limited by share which as also shown, gives federal government 25% and 75% to the private individuals ” he continued .
Despite the effort of Dr Enelama to convince the chairman and other members of the committee that the initiative was driven by the federal government, they all declared that the process of putting it up “is misnomer and nothing but financial ambush to the Nigeria “.
The committee subsequently instructed the embattled Minister to forward detailed written explanation on how the company crept into appropriation list.
It also directed him to forward its management staff, list of its staff strength and statement of account as pre-requisite for consideration of the 2019 budget proposals .
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Business and Economy
Kogi GOBO Initiative Empowers Petty Traders in Kabba Central Market, Reinforces Support for Governor Ododo
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Kogi Forum of Senior Special Assistants (KFSSA) and leaders of the Governor Ododo Business Outreach (GOBO) today 22-11-2024 visited Kabba Central Market to empower local traders and engage community leaders.
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Led by Hon. Yahaya Shehu Ahmed, Chairman and Director General of GOBO, the delegation began their activities with a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi. The traditional ruler commended the initiative and the foresight of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in appointing competent individuals dedicated to improving the lives of citizens.
The team then visited the official residence of the Executive Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of KFSSA and GOBO, noting that the outreach was a commendable step toward bridging the gap between government appointees and the grassroots.
At Kabba Central Market, the GOBO team provided direct financial support to 20 petty traders, including sellers of berneseed, tomatoes, and roasted plantains. Each beneficiary received 50,000 naira to expand their businesses. The gesture aimed to improve the economic situation of the traders and inspire confidence in the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.
The initiative also included plans to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries, ensuring that the financial assistance achieves its intended purpose. Hon. Femi Esemikose and Hon. Augustine Egbebi were tasked with following up on the traders’ activities.
The success of the Kabba-Bunu outreach is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of Kogi West Senatorial District and the state. As the GOBO program continues to expand, more communities will benefit from its efforts to empower individuals and enhance economic development.
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Business and Economy
Naira appreciates N28.85 against dollar at official market
The Naira on Thursday, November 21st, 2024 appreciated at the official market trading at N1,658.67 against the dollar.
Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange, revealed that the Naira gained N28.
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This represents a 1.7 per cent gain, compared to the previous trading date on Wednesday when it exchanged at N1,687.52 to a dollar.
However, the total daily turnover reduced to 163.66 million dollars on Thursday, down from to 173.29 million dollars recorded on Wednesday.
At the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the Naira traded between N1,707.50 and N1,631.00 against the dollar.
Source: NAN
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Business and Economy
Governor Ododo Endorses GOBO Initiative, Empowering Small-Scale Entrepreneurs and Vulnerable Populations
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo has thrown his weight behind the Governor Ododo Business Outreach (GOBO) initiative, a program aimed at uplifting marginalized groups and providing economic opportunities at the community level.
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During a strategic meeting with the Kogi State Forum of Senior Special Assistants in his office on 06-11-2024, the Governor expressed his support for GOBO, which aligns with his vision of inclusive governance.
Launched on October 31, 2024, GOBO has already shown positive impact, with increased visibility and support among petty traders and small businesses. The initiative provides sustainable business avenues for those previously lacking access to financial resources and market opportunities.
Hon. Yahaya Shehu Ahmed, Chairman of the Kogi State Forum of Senior Special Assistants, thanked the Governor for his encouragement and support.
The Governor commended the forum’s dedication to GOBO and its commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life, assuring continued support and encouraging ways to deepen GOBO’s impact across the state.
The forum also presented an award of excellence to former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, recognizing his contributions to the state’s growth and effective governance , particularly the choice of Gov Ododo and his Deputy.
This development is consistent with research highlighting the importance of government support for entrepreneurship development in Kogi State.
Shehu noted that Small and medium-scale enterprises have significantly contributed to the state’s economic growth, stressing that the GOBO initiative demonstrates the power of grassroots-driven solutions and inclusive growth, marking a step towards sustainable development in Kogi State.
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