Business and Economy
What Dr. Yakub Ugwolawo Told ICDA on Economic Empowerment and Political Strategy
The President, Buhari Agriculture Revolution Network (BARN), Dr. Yakub Ugwolawo has charged the Igala Nation to think outside the box in the drive towards economic empowerment.
The Elder Statesman made this statement while addressing the monthly meeting of the Igala Cultural Development Association, ICDA, FCT Chapter. js">
He said, “You should focus on building the revenue generation of the Igala Nation as statistics available shows that the Igala Nation only generates between 10% and 20% of the entire Internally Generated Revenue of Kogi State, but we have the highest number of Applicants.”
“There is no value in human lives because poverty has already take over the land. We need to review the state of economy of the Igala Nation.”
“Cultism and gruesome killing and maiming of innocent lives now thrives in our land.”, he continued.
He said we should leverage our geographical location to greater economic achievement.
“We should leverage our geographic location for the development of the Igala people. We don’t have any facility that turns raw material to finished products in Igala Land.”, Dr. Ugwolawo laments.
Dr. Ugwolawo while lamenting the state of the Igala Nation said that, “Are you thinking that there is still Igala voice in Nigeria? There is no Igala voice anymore. There is no Igala Governor, Igala Minister, Just recently we have a Permanent Secretary and we can’t blame it. We should be able to rekindle a system of economic empowerment.”
“You (ICDA) should form a think tank. At this point, I am suggesting that anything anybody say, don’t dismiss it, take it and store it.”
He also said that, “We have not integrate properly with other tribes in Nigeria. We should integrate with other tribes and people so that we can be exposed to the way of economic success.”
While talking about eligibility of membership and freedom of association.
He said, “We should register every igala sons and daughters in and outside of Nigeria, because by right they are entitled to be members of ICDA.”
“However, other people will go and register other association. You don’t have the right to stop them by the constitution. But if they come, you should also register them under the ICDA body because ICDA is the recognized umbrella body for the Igala Nation, just like the Afenifere is to the Yoruba, The Arewa Consultative Forum to the Hausa and the Ohaneze to the Igbo people.”
“We have the pre-requisite to mobilize our people. This message will also be propagated to other branches of ICDA so that togetrhter we can move the Igala Nation forward.”, he continued.
Comrade
Yunusa Mohammed however added that for the Igala Nation to be prosperous and
successful, we need to be more proactive in politics.
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Business and Economy
FG, Afreximbank Assess Nigeria’s Readiness for Africa Energy Bank Commencement
Ahead of the commencement of operations of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) in Abuja, the Federal Government and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) teams have assessed the country’s readiness to host the bank.
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A statement issued on Thursday by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), stated that the assessment followed the visit of Dr. Benedict Oramah, President, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
According to the statement, the visit/assessment was in furtherance of ongoing engagements towards the commencement of operations by the Africa Energy Bank, a landmark initiative expected to transform the continent’s energy landscape.
“The establishment of the bank is a collaborative move between Afreximbank and the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), which will see the bank take off with an asset base of five billion dollars.
“It is projected to grow to 120 billion dollars in five years’ time, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s quest for energy security and sustainability.
“Afreximbank, as a key partner, is transferring her full equity investment in the oil and gas sector, underscoring its commitment to driving energy infrastructure development across the continent.”
Okafor quoted Lokpobiri as reiterating during the meeting, Nigeria’s strong support for the AEB and its pivotal role in unlocking Africa’s energy potential.
He called on industry stakeholders to engage proactively and explore the vast opportunities this initiative presents.
“The bank represents a bold step in ensuring that Africa controls and finances its energy future. It is an avenue for stakeholders to invest in a self-sustaining energy sector that will drive industrialisation, job creation and economic prosperity.
“Nigeria, as a leading oil and gas producer, is well-positioned to leverage this transformative initiative. We encourage industry players to seize this opportunity to invest in Africa’s energy future,” the statement quoted Lokpobiri as saying.
Following the discussions, the minister and Afreximbank president proceeded to the AEB Headquarters for an inspection to assess the level of readiness ahead of the commencement of operations.
The visit provided first hand insights into the bank’s operational preparedness and strategic alignment with Africa’s broader energy development goals.
Speaking on the significance of the AEB, The Afreximbank President, Oramah, emphasised the bank’s role in bridging Africa’s energy financing gap.
According to him, the establishment of the AEB is a game-changer for the continent.
He commended Nigeria for taking the bull by the horn in hosting the AEB headquarters and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas portfolio, as it would not only benefit the sector, but would guarantee immediate benefit for Nigeria.
The bank was initially scheduled to commence operations January this year. (NAN)
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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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