Nkechi Obi as “Governor”…20m children out of school...”Na Who Follow Us Go Larry We Go Mally”…32 States without USD investment...plus South East Digest…

Nkechi Obi as “Governor”

Nkechi Obi, easily Nigeria’s No. 1 apostle and advocate for structured development of a vibrant, grassroots based Sports industry that adds value to the Nigerian economy, yesterday played “Governor” of the over eight States of Alaigbo.  Nkechi who is also the CEO of Sport Nigeria Limited, was speaking during the 4^th episode of “If I were Governor” a Twitter Space event which took place yesterday evening, under the auspices of the Society of Igbo Professionals (SIP).  She spoke on “Sports as a Business:  The Case for Investment in Alaigbo”. 

Nkechi called on Governors across Alaigbo to urgently develop their State-specific Sports programmes.  She pointed out that “it is critical that States develop a State Sports Industry Policy as well.  One that situates their goals in line with their comparative advantage on any particular sport or particular objective, be it sports development or sports for development. Kaduna and Lagos are already doing that. States in Alaigbo especially Anambra would do well to take a look at doing this.”

Earlier, Nkechi had explained that the National Sports Industry Policy which is likely to become operational before the end of 2022 would attract “N2 Trillion in revenues annually;

between 200,000 and 300,000 direct jobs annually (mainly in construction and administration) and 300,000 - 400,000 indirect jobs annually; 1.5 - 2% contribution to GDP; between N150 and N200 billion in tax revenues; and increase in the number of people doing sport (mass participation) to create a target market for goods and services of between 80 and 100 million people.”

She added that there are other social benefits which impact the economy including

“an increase in wellness and wellbeing of the citizens leading to a reduction in non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and obesity; increase in number of visitors into the country (sports tourism); increase in infrastructure stock leading to urbanisation of our communities with the attendant benefits such urbanisation delivers; and a healthier fitter country.”

Most discussants at the programme favoured a policy where most States in Alaigbo would invest more in community sports infrastructure such that every local government would have at least two stadiums or community sports venues as this would not only increase the promotion of sports at the grassroots level but also reduce the demand on the few stadiums available, in addition to prolonging the lives of available stadium facilities.

20m children out of school

The number of out-of-school children in Nigeria has risen to 20 million despite the government’s decision to spend N1bn ($2.3m) on feeding school pupils on a daily basis, according to new research by UNESCO.

According to the most recent global data on out-of-school children from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Nigeria today has approximately 20 million out-of-school children (UNESCO).  The UNESCO report stated that there are “244 million children and youth between the ages of 6 and 18 worldwide (who) are still out of school,” using “new and enhanced methodology.”  The data adds that India, Nigeria, and Pakistan have the greatest percentages of out-of-school children in the world.

 

32 States without USD investment

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has disclosed that thirty-two (32) States in the country failed to attract dollar investment from April to June (the second quarter of 2022).   NBS disclosed this in its capital importation report published on its website and obtained by Legit.ng.  The report noted that in Q2, 2022 out of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, only five states which include Lagos, Abuja, Anambra, Ekiti, and Kogi witnessed an inflow of capital.

While in first quarter of 2022, six states which included Abuja, Anambra, Katsina, Lagos, Oyo, and Plateau recorded investment.  According to NBS, a total of $1.54 billion came into the country from April to June.  It noted that Lagos ($1.05bn) is the highest followed by Abuja ($453.95m), Anambra ($24.71m), Kogi ($2m), and Ekiti ($500,000). 

(A digest of latest reports on the Economy, Industry, Politics, Sports, and developments around the South East of Nigeria)

ABIA STATE

Abia first lady lauds passage of disabilities bill by lawmakers

Wife of Abia State Governor, Dr. Nkechi Ikpeazu, has hailed members of the State House of Assembly for passing the disabilities bill into law.  Her Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Chika Ojiegbe, in a statement, last week, stated that the first lady described the House of Assembly as one populated by legislators who have the interest of Abians at heart and are working for them.

He added that Mrs. Ikpeazu commended the sponsors of the bill, Paul Taribo, representing Ukwa East Constituency, the Executive Director of Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, Mr. David Anyaele, the people living with disability in Abia and other stakeholders for their roles in supporting the passage of the bill.

ANAMBRA STATE

500 persons benefit from FG’s electronic conditional cash grant in Anambra

The Federal Government has begun the electronic Conditional Cash Transfer Programme in Anambra with grants to 500 beneficiaries.  The event, attended by some community leaders, government officials and 500 beneficiaries drawn from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state, was held at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka yesterday.

The programme is in collaboration with the Anambra Government and executed by the National Social Investment Programme and the State Cash Transfer Unit.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Umar-Farouq, inaugurated the programme.  She said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s policy to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty within 10 years.

Represented by Mr Kingsley Ngene, Special Adviser Administration in the Ministry, Umar-Farouq explained that 7, 000 households in Nigeria would benefit from the scheme.  She advised the Anambra people to always get involved in numerous social intervention programmes of the Federal Government, to benefit like other Nigerians.  The minister explained that the programme was a support grant of N500, 000 to the vulnerable households affected by banditry and internally displaced persons.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, represented by the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, noted that the State was working round the clock to make Anambra people comfortable.  She said that the present administration would continue to partner the Federal Government and other groups to open more windows of opportunities to the people.

The State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs Chiamaka Nnakie, expressed dissatisfaction over the poor interest on the part of the Anambra people in social intervention programmes of the Federal Government.

“Na Who Follow Us Go Larry We Go Mally”

A supporter of Peter Obi last Sunday proposed to his girlfriend during the rally in Onitsha.  The proposal took many by surprise.   

Many Nigerians who reacted to the proposal expressed excitement while stating that they will be present at the wedding ceremony of the couple 

While kneeling, the man brought out a ring and presented it to the girl who was seen smiling all through as other members of the Obedient team cheered them on. The members of the Obidient team were mostly heard chanting, 'Say yes, say yes', as the girl tried to lift her man off the ground.  Other members of the Obidient team were also seen spraying some Naira notes on the newly engaged couple at the rally.

Ohuoha, Obidiegwu honoured by Rotary

Sir Barr. Emeka Ohuoha, immediate past Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Works, and Chief Sir Chido Obidiegwu, Managing Director/CEO of ABS Radio-TV, were penultimate Saturday honoured by the Rotary Club of Awka Central.  Both gentlemen were honoured with “Vocational Service Awards”. 

The programme for the day also included the installation of Rotarian Maudlyn Ifeoma Ohuoha, Ph.D, as the 9^th President of the Rotary Club of Awka Central.

 

EBONYI STATE

Umahi swears in new acting president, Customary Court of Appeal

Governor David Umahi has sworn in Justice Patrick Uhuo as the Acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal of the State.  Justice Uhuo replaced Justice Connel Ogbonna, who died recently.

The swearing-in ceremony held at the State Executive Council Chambers, Ochoudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, last week.

Umahi charged Justice Uhuo to continue to assist the Chief Judge in the execution of their statutory mandate as the third arm of government.  While commending the state judiciary for its effectiveness in justice dispensation, Umahi urged them to continue to uphold transparency in their judicial undertakings.

ENUGU STATE

Ugwuanyi shuts unapproved private schools

Enugu State Government has directed the immediate closure of all private schools, at basic and post-basic levels, operating in the state without written approval of the State’s ministry of education.

The directive, according to the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, was on the heels of substandard private schools springing up across the State without registration or approval of the ministry as required by law.

Eze stated that the development is a source of concern to government and stakeholders in the education sector in the State.

IMO STATE

Army holds range classification exercise in Imo

The 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Obinze in Owerri, says it will begin its annual range classification exercise from September 5-9, and advises residents to keep off the area.

This is contained in a statement issued yesterday by Capt. Joseph Akubo, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations. 

Akubo said that the exercise would involve the use of arms and live ammunition, thus the need for civilians to stay away from areas around Small Arms Shooting Range, Obinze Barracks.  He explained that the range classification was to test the effectiveness of personnel in weapon handling and firing efficiency, adding that it would be conducted from 6am – 6pm daily.  “In view of the above, the people of Obinze town and surrounding communities are strongly advised to keep away from the Range Area throughout the mentioned period”, he said.