Business and Economy
$311 Million Recovered Abacha Loot: Nigerians WillI Hold Your Administration to Account – Social Action Tells Buhari
A Non-governmental Organisation(NGO), Social Action Nigeria has said the recently recovered three hundred and eleven million dollars loot of the former Nigeria’s military dictator, General Sani Abacha by the Nigeria government headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, is yet one of the key points upon which the present administration in the country will be assessed in terms of transparent and accountable use.
It said, the era and practice of frittering away Nigerians’ common patrimony through contrived and bogus means was over as citizens would keep close track on the returned funds and insist on justified and transparent use.
According to the Head, Social Action, Nigeria, Vivian Bellonwu-Okafor, “apart from the accountability demands of the citizens, and the gaping need for the resources by the country, it is instructive to note that even the sovereign entities that returned the money to us have warned that Nigeria will refund the money if it fails to keep to the terms of the repatriation agreement, that is, using it judiciously for what it was meant for.
“And so it was from all angles, pertinent on the federal government to ensure it does not go the ignoble way of many of the country’s recovered assets and resources, which till date cannot be properly accounted for”.
Bellonwu-Okafor further stated that coming at a time as this, when the country is grappling with the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic and the multi-faceted socio-economic challenges, arising therefrom, including with global dynamics of same, a conscious effort must be made by government to bring development to critical sectors of the economy including the health sector, of which the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the inherent weakness in the sector and the dire need for critical intervention to re-position it to play its vital role in the polity, as well as bring discernible improvement to the lots of the Nigerian masses, who has been the victims of orchestrated corruption and looting of the nation’s resources over the years.
“The federal government must ensure prudent utilization of this fund. To this end, it must be applied to specific projects that Nigerians can see and benefit from. This is against its touting of being used to finance the budget. Such amorphous nature of deployment is what engulfs resources in intractable non-clarity and ultimately end in pillaging. The government must, therefore, publish list of specific projects it intends to utilize the fund on and with concrete timelines for its implementation.
It is noteworthy, however, the pledge Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, that the Federal Government would ensure the transparent use of the returned assets. It is, therefore, our hope that the authorities concerned, would follow through on this commitment towards ensuring that the purposed intendment of the return of the funds was not lost on both the country and its citizens.”, the statement concluded.
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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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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Business and Economy
Kogi State Government Suspends Mining Activities Over Security Concerns
By Abdulrahman Obaje
The Kogi State Government has suspended all mining activities in the state due to the influx of bandits and negative elements in the sector.
This decision was reached during today’s October 4th, 2024 Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Alh.
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Usman Ahmed Ododo in Lokoja the Kogi State Capital.
While briefing News men after the State Executive Council Meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo said the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources will profile legal mining companies to ensure genuine mining data. This clean-up aims to minimize criminal activities.
He further noted that the State Government would collaborate with federal mines officers and security agencies to enforce strict compliance. “We urge all mining companies to cooperate, as we prioritize security”.
We implore all mining companies to bear with us in this circumstance, as we prioritize security” he said.
The Kogi State Government reassures of its commitment to security and will not condone any form of infiltration or illegal activities.
The suspension has been welcomed by stakeholders, who hope it will address long-standing security concerns in the mining sector in Kogi State.
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Business and Economy
Infrastructure Upgrade: Zenith Bank Apologizes for Disruptions, Assures Customers on Improved Services
by Abdulrahman Obaje
Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank, has reassured its customers of improved services following recent infrastructure upgrades.
In a message posted on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 the bank apologised for the service disruptions experienced across its e-channels during the upgrade period.
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The bank clarified that the glitches were a result of routine information and technology maintenance, which is essential for optimizing service delivery.
Zenith Bank emphasized its commitment to ensuring 100% uptime, stating that it takes this responsibility “very personally” and continuously allocates resources to maintain uninterrupted service availability.
In the statement, the bank expressed its sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused to customers during the upgrade process, highlighting that the information technology enhancements are designed to improve the quality of service for its esteemed clientele.
The message reads in part: “Dear Valued Customer, We sincerely apologise for the service disruptions you experienced recently on our banking channels. This was due to an information Technology upgrade aimed at improving the quality of service we provide.
“We have made significant progress with the upgrade and you can now perform transactions conveniently with the following Zenith bank Channels:
Your Zenith Bank Debit Card
The Zenith Bank Mobile App
The Zenith bank Internet Banking Platform
Zenith Agents nationwide (Agent Banking)
“You can also visit any of our branches nationwide to perform your transactions
Please direct all enquiries to Zenith Direct on +234 201 278 7000, 0700ZENITHBANK, 0904 085 7000 Or via email at Zenithdirect@zenithbank.com. Thank you for banking with us”
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