Photos of the week – Tinubu, Ikpeazu’s son…Multi-millionaire palm wine tapper…Soludo’s tax waivers and cuts…Imo on “great economic march”…Soludo’s free health insurance…plus South East Digest…

Photos of the week – Tinubu, Ikpeazu’s son

Tinubu

 

 

Governor Ikpeazu’s son

One of the leading trending videos during the week was that of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s son cruising with full complement of security details and convoy to attend a social function.

 

Obiozor to be buried February 10

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, says its demised President-General (P-G), Prof. George Obiozor, will be buried on February 10, 2023 in his home-town Awo-Omamma in Imo.

The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Amb Okey Emuchay, announced this in a press briefing after the Ohanaeze’s second emergency meeting of National Executive Council (NEC) held at Ohanaeze National Secretariat in Enugu on Saturday.  According to him, at the meeting NEC was informed of the new date for the burial of our P-G; Ambassador and Professor George Obiozor, which will be on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Awo-Omamma in Imo State.

Amb Emuchay also disclosed that the Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze, High Chief Joel Kroham, who died last year will be buried on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Ahoda in Rivers State.

2023 Population Census

The 2023 national population and housing census will hold from March 29 to April 1, 2023.

The Chairman, National Population Commission, Nasir Kwarra, disclosed this to State House Correspondents on Friday shortly after an audience with the President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the technological tools to be deployed will be able to code building and land mass, detailing information such as location, landscapes, etc. 

FEC approves 1,374km roads across 9 corridors, to generate N11.54trn – ICRC

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, approved the construction and maintenance of nine road corridors under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) under the regulatory guidance of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).  According to a press statement Thursday, issued by Mr. Manji Yarlin, head media and publicity ICRC, the projects which will utilise the Public Private Partnership Model will generate over N11.54 trillion (N11,543,821,736,086) in the 25 years concession period for the projects.

The release also maintained that the highway development project which was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, originally targets 12 road corridors within which there are 13 routes, however three corridors and one route had yet to reach the FEC approval stage 

The projects also, aim to ensure the management and development of the Nigerian Federal Road Network with the ultimate aim of achieving adequate highway services across the entire network through construction, rehabilitation and management of the road pavement in line with the Federal Government economic reform agenda and global best practices.

The statement also read in part, “The aim of the partnership is to develop and manage the federal road network, thereby supplementing the federal government’s budgetary allocation for infrastructural development. 

Some key objectives of the projects include: Leverage private sector investment to improve facilities and operations on the selected routes, infrastructural development using a commercial approach that bridges funding gaps, maximise the revenue-generating potential of the routes and achieve equity in road charges as overloaded and heavy vehicles which cause more wear and tear on roads can be charged a higher fare.

“The routes that were approved include: Benin-Asaba (Route 1), a 125 km road which has been granted concession for a 25 year period and is expected to generate N1,588,774,183,303 (1.58trn) within the period. The concessionaire is Africa Plus Consortium. Route 2 is the 195km Abuja- Lokoja road which also has a 25-year concession period and is expected to generate N1,762,597,600,000 (N1.76trn). The concessionaire is Avia Infrastructure Services Limited (AISL). 

“The 161.2km Onitsha-Owerri-Aba route, which is the 4th route, will generate N706,129,383,000 (N706bn) in the 25-year concession with the private sector investor being Eyimba Economic City Consortium. 

“Route 5 is the Shagamu – Benin 258km road which also has a concession period of 25 years, with AFC/Mota Engil Consortium as the concessionaire, is expected to generate N2,049,036,914,300 (N2trn).

“The Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga 175.9km road is the Route 6 which has gotten approval for a 25 year concession and an expected revenue of N540,568,857,116 (N540bn) within the period. The concessionaire is China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC).

“The Kano-Shuari 100km road is the first of two routes on this road corridor and is tagged as Route 7A. The concession period for this route is however 27 Years and Dafac Consortium as the concessionaire while expected revenue within the period is N813,463,452,806 (N813bn). The second Route (7B) on this corridor is still undergoing the PPP process.

“Route 9 is the Enugu – Port Harcourt 200km road which also has a 25 year concession term and expected revenue is put at N1,154,416,153,000 (N1.15trn) and the concessionaire is Eyimba Economic City Consortium. 

Route 11 is the 80km Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road which is expected to generate N1,575,841,857,561 (N1.57trn) in the 25-year concession period. The concessionaire is Africa Plus Consortium. 

“The 12th route which was approved by the Executive Council is Lagos-Badagry-Seme Border, a 79km route with a 25-year concession to AFC/Mota Engil Consortium and expected revenue of N1,352,993,335,000 (N1.35trn).

“Negotiations on Route 3 which runs through Kano-Katsina and Route 7B: Kano-Maiduguri (Potiskum – Damaturu Axis) are still ongoing. In the same vein, two other corridors: Route 8, Lokoja-Benin and Route 10, Ilorin-Jebba will be re-advertised in the second phase of the HDMI Project procurement process.

With the approvals, a total revenue generation of N11,543,821,736,086 is targeted.

“Some other benefits of the project include: job creation, bringing order on the routes, accountability and profitable entrepreneurship to the operations and overall better management and maintenance of federal highways. This is consistent with the provisions of the ICRC Establishment Act 2005; National Policy on Public-Private Partnership (“N4P”); Federal Roads and Bridges Tolling Policy of August, 2021 and Federal Highways Act CAP. 135, 1971, which grants the Honourable Minister of Works the power to administer tolls on federal highways. The emergent Concessionaires will recoup their investment through the use of road tolls as well as other land value capture infrastructure, inclusive of, but not limited to rest areas, advertisement infrastructure and vehicle towing services.

 

Soludo chairs Governors committee on CBN withdrawal limit

The 36 governors in Nigeria, Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) have resolved to set up a six-member committee led by the Anambra State, Governor Charles Soludo, to engage the Central Bank of Nigeria in addressing issues pertaining to the country’s monetary management and financial system.

The governors also resolved to collaborate with the CBN and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit in advancing genuine objectives within the confines of Nigeria’s laws. 

The Governors arrived at the resolutions arising from its first meeting in 2023 held on Thursday, January 19, under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. 

The NGF in a communiqué issued on Saturday signed by the its chairman, the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, noted that the recent NFIU advisory and guidelines on cash transactions were outside the NFIU’s legal remit and mandate.

The NGF said the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, briefed it on the Naira redesign, its economic and security implications, including the new withdrawal policy.

The Governors stressed that they were not opposed to the objectives of the naira redesign policy, however, observed that there were huge challenges that remained problematic to the Nigerian populace.

Speaking further the governors expressed the need for the CBN to consider the peculiarities of states especially as they pertain to financial inclusion.

The Governors therefore resolved to “set up a six-member Committee to be chaired by Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and the governors of Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Borno, Plateau and Jigawa as members, to engage the CBN in addressing anomalies in the country’s monetary management and financial system.

“Work closely with the CBN leadership to ameliorate areas that require policy variation particularly the poorest households, the vulnerable in society and several other citizens of our country that are excluded.

“Collaborate with the CBN and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit NFIU in advancing genuine objectives within the confines of our laws, noting that the recent NFIU.” 

 

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

ABIA STATE

Abia partners CCFNG on HIV treatment to achieve 98% suppression rate

Abia State Health Commissioner, Dr Joe Osuji, said that the State within the past 14 months has collaborated with the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFNG) achieved 82.8% HIV Treatment Current (TX CURR) and 98% suppression rates.  He made this known during

a Stakeholders’ Forum that featured the formal kick off of the Accelerated Control of HIV Epidemic and Sustainability Solution (ACCESS) project at Umuahia, the State capital

He said that following the excellent performance of CCFNG, the state has done excellently well within 14 months and achieved Treatment Current (TX CURR) of 48,288 (82.8% Treatment Saturation) with 71% Viral Load Coverage and 98% Suppression rate.

He however said “CCFNG was opportune to operate in an existing structured HIV/AIDS platform set by the state government through the Ministry of Health and implemented a massive community incentives drive that carry the programe to the rural and hard to-reach areas of the state.

He also said that before 2021, many implementing partners supported the state and listed two namely; FHI and Federal Government through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) through funding from the Global Fund.

The Commissioner who canvassed for more collaboration with CCFNG in line with the tripartite agreement, added among others, that the state Health Ministry in June 2021 trained 40 Doctors, 40 Pharmacists, 40 Laboratory Scientists and 60 Nurses and Midwives on Differential Service delivery with focus on Community ART and Community Pharmacy Model to ensure ease of accessing treatment.

According to the Commissioner, the state also in 2022 inaugurated 30 member team for Integrated Specimen Referral Network who visited 14 Facilities/ Hubs, created a Budget in the State Budget, formed partnership with 133 Private Laboratory Owners. 

The Executive Director of CCFNG Rev. Father Uche Obodoechina who challenged Nigerian leaders to work for the welfare of the people, assured that through the ACCESS Project, Nigeria would be provided a sustained strategic implementation of the organization’s goals with support from the government of America. 

ACCESS Project Director Dr Amana Effiong who said that the five year ACCESS Project that began in October, 2022, to accelerate the war against HIV, said that emphasis would be increased on provision of anti-retroviral drugs, more free testing, HIV medical outreaches in hinterlands, training of more health workers, provision of test kits, increased enlightenment campaigns etc.

It was gathered that HIV prevalence rate in the State dropped to 1.7 % from it’s previous 2.1%. 

ANAMBRA STATE

Soludo suspends Tax Payment for Heavy Duty Vehicles, slashes rates for Transport Operators

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has suspended tax payments for heavy duty loading and offloading in the transport sector.  Governor Soludo also approved weekly payments applicable to tricycle (keke), shuttle buses and other transport operators.

This was disclosed after the State Government, transport operators, and other key stakeholders met at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women's Development Center in Awka to brainstorm and agree on the new modalities.

While keke operators will now pay N2,500 per week or N10,000 per month, shuttle bus drivers will pay N3000 per week or N12,000 per month and Mini Truck drivers to pay N3,750 per week or N15,000 per month.  Motorcycle riders (Okada) are to start paying N1000 per week or N4000 per month, while taxi drivers will now pay N3,000 per week or N12,000 per month.

The Governor stated that the meeting was convened to inform them that he had heard their complaints about the method of tax collection.  Governor Soludo also stressed that he understood their concerns raised regarding rate reduction, mode of payment (daily or weekly), and the issue of multiple taxes.  He assured them that his government is determined to institute a progressive tax system because APGA is a party for the common man.

Anambra Govt asks stakeholders in Anambra West to assist Contractor complete Mmiata-Anam-Nzam Road

Anambra State Government has urged the people of Anambra West Local Government Area to help the contractor handling the Mmiata-Anam-Nzam road complete the job on specification.

The Commissioner for Works, Engineer Ifeanyi Okoma stated this soon after a closed-door meeting with stakeholders from the area in his office in Awka.

According to Engineer Okoma, the Mmiata-Anam-Nzam road would be among the sixty kilometers road to be commissioned by Governor Chukwuma Soludo within his first one year in office. 

Commissioner Okoma charged them to ensure that the road is completed by cooperating with the contractor, ensure their safety and that of their equipment.

On his part, the Site Engineer of Kanubean Construction firm, Engineer Jonny, appreciated Anambra state government for assisting to ensure their work is moving smoothly noting that the cooperation of the stakeholders is needed if the project will be completed on schedule.

The Transition Committee Chairman for Anambra West Council Area, Mr Felix Okechi who was part of the meeting assured that they will give the contractor uninterrupted support to ensure that the job is completed even as he urged those cursing security bridge to stay away henceforth as they will not hesitate to deal with anyone stunting pace of development in their area.

Soludo’s free health insurance

Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, Executive Secretary of Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA), last Thursday urged artisans who were granted health insurance payment waivers to embrace the Governor’s goodwill en masse.  Speaking on an ABS Radio-TV programme last Thursday, Dr Onyemaechi disclosed that less than 2,000 of keke drivers had taken advantage of the Governor’s offer. 

EBONYI STATE

INEC amends Candidates' List  

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has delisted the name of Ifeanyi Ọdịi, the Peoples Democratic Party's governorship candidate in Ebonyi State.   Ọdịi's name alongside that of his running mate, Igwe Nwagu, is missing from the list updated by the electoral body on its website.

Ten candidates have been delisted from contesting elections at various levels in Ebonyi state.  A check shows the names of three other candidates contesting for three senatorial seats - Sam Egwu (Ebonyi North), Lizy Ogbe (Ebonyi Central) and Ama Nnachi (Ebonyi South) - were also missing from the INEC's updated list of candidates for the 2023 general election. 

Other names missing from the list are those of six PDP members contesting for seats in the House of Representatives. They include Idu Igariwey (Afikpo North/South), Jerry Obasi (Ọhaozara/Onicha/Ivo), Ogbonnia Nwanne (Ikwo/Ezza South), Chukwuma Ofoke (Abakaliki/Izzi), and Victor Aleke (Ebonyi/Ohaukwu). A further check showed that the electoral body also had Emmanuel Nwoke listed as the new PDP candidate for the Íshíelu/Ezza North constituency in place of Obinna Nwachukwu who had earlier made the list of candidates released in September 2022 while Henry Udeh of the Labour Party was listed as the party's senatorial candidate for Ebonyi south in place of Linus Okorie who won the run-off primary.

INEC says the updated list is in line with court orders In its reaction, INEC said that the list of candidates contesting various positions in the 2023 general election was updated by the commission in line with several court orders made.   INEC's secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, in a statement said that the electoral body is bound by law to abide by the court orders.

ENUGU STATE

Palm Wine Tapper buys Benz, builds mansion, and trains wife up to University

A Nigerian man who started tapping palm trees and producing wine at the age of 12 has used it to build a mansion. The man named Utobo, who has become a professional tapper, is from Amufi, Enugu Ezike, Enugu state. The Enugu palm wine tapper has been described as an inspiration.

In a video interaction with popular comedian, Mama Uka, Utobo said he initially stopped the business but nothing else worked for him.  Apart from using the business to build a fine house, Utobo has also used it to buy a brand-new Mercedes Benz.  Utobo's wife also went to school up to the university level and he used the business to train her all through.  When he was asked the number of trees he currently taps, the native wine merchant said he taps 56 at the moment.   He said he spends 19 hours daily climbing trees. Utobo's story has surprised people who have often regarded wine tapping as a business meant for the poor.

 

IMO STATE

We are achieving economic greatness in Imo, says Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has said that with the standard of governance he has put in the administrative cadre, the State is on the march to economic greatness.  Uzodimma disclosed this in his broadcast to mark his three years in office, having been pronounced by the Supreme Court, in January 14, 2020, as the duly elected governor in the March 2019 Governorship election, sacking Emeka Ihedioha.  He was subsequently sworn-in on January 15, 2020, at the then Heroes Square, Owerri (now Rear Admiral Ndubusi Kanu Square, Owerri).

Uzodimma said he has forgiven those behind what he called “electoral fraud,” stressing: “As I have said many times before, I have forgiven all perpetrators of that heinous electoral fraud. That is now history, even if not a too pleasant one. What matters now, which is the most important information you need, is what my government has done with your mandate, three years on. On this I am glad to state that we have made you proud through the huge difference we have made between the Imo State we met on January 15, 2020, and today.”

“Indeed, the difference is obvious and pervading, that even the blind can feel it.

“So, we trudged on with determination and zeal. Three years after, it is clear to all and sundry that we have not only secured our state, we have made life far better for citizens and residents of the state. What is more. 

“The state is looking up to the future with greater confidence, knowing that glorious days lie ahead.

“From the recovery and restoration of our commonwealth to rebuilding of our infrastructure, from restoring our civil service to securing our cities, from health to education, from growing our economy to saving our traditional institutions, I can tell you, my beloved Ndi-Imo, that we have delivered, to the chagrin and utter dismay of our detractors.”

The governor scored himself high on achievements he has recorded in road infrastructure, health, education and workers’ welfare within the period under review.