Ghana to export electricity to Nigeria…Rewa, simply Uncommon…Dame Patience is back!...Igbo Day…”Is ANSIPPA still taking partnerships?”…plus South East Digest

Photos of the Week 

Dame Patience Jonathan brings back sunshine and laughter

Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan was on a courtesy call to Abia State Governor Alex Otti last week.  As usual, she dropped a few lines for Nigerians.  “…There is no more dirty….no more smelling….the roads are going…”

One Day Governor of Kano State

The social media can be sometimes misleading!  Less than 12 hours after the judgment on the Kano Governorship election held in February 2023, the public was served with the photos and video of a dancing gentleman purporting same to be that of the new Governor-elect. 

The President is unyielding

It appears to be a “no retreat, no surrender” situation for President Tinubu and those who are after his academic records.

Ghana to export electricity to Nigeria

Ghana is actively strategizing and implementing policies and initiatives to advance its power sector to achieve “100% universal energy access” and potentially export electricity to its “big brother” neighbour, Nigeria.  Mr. Hanson Monney, the Head of the Generation and Transmission Unit at the Ministry of Energy in Ghana, conveyed this during his presentation in Lagos on the 2nd Day of the Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit.

Monney highlighted that Ghana has already achieved a remarkable 80% to 85% universal energy access within its borders through robust policy formulation and implementation.

In his words,“So, we are working on all these things to make sure that the power system of Ghana continues to be as good as it is or even better, and then, maybe, we can be exporting more to our big brothers in Nigeria when the grid is finally settled.

So, ladies and gentlemen, this is an overview of the Ghana power system and challenges.”

This statement comes in the wake of Nigeria, Africa’s largest nation and leading oil producer, experiencing its second national electricity grid collapse, resulting in a complete blackout for homes and businesses.

Subsidy Removal:   Actual Policy or Mere Pronouncement?

By

Our Special Correspondent

Removal of fuel subsidy means, in simple terms, that the Federal Government will no longer pay for the difference between the actual cost of importing fuel and the pump price, also referred to as a full deregulation of the downstream sector. 

On 29 May 2023, when the President announced the removal of fuel subsidy, pump prices tripled to reflect the actual cost of importation, as was expected. However, despite its good intention for the economy of Nigeria in terms of increased savings, attracting foreign investment, diversifying the economy, generating employment and so on, the announced subsidy removal was purely ‘elitist’ that was meant to gain popularity with the wrong audience. There were no plans towards its implementation, no support from the National Assembly, and no consultation with either his team or with a team of professional experts. Thus, the economy reacted negatively to the kneejerk increase in pump prices, which affected the price of food, transport, and all other goods and services. The subsidy removal should have undergone a process that includes ensuring that Nigeria produces enough from its refineries and implementing a staggered removal agenda that could have aligned with the planned opening of the Dangote refinery at least. Subsidy removal is not done by a pronouncement alone, and that’s why despite the Presidents statement, it was never removed in the first place!

Recall that fuel was about ₦400 on 29 May, crude oil price was $75 a barrel and exchange rate was $/₦460 official. After inauguration, fuel became ₦610 when subsidy was removed. Fast forward to today, crude oil price has risen to $97 a barrel and the official exchange rate is $/₦780. But guess what? Fuel is still around ₦610. So, who has been paying for the subsidy that has kept pump prices constant for almost 4 months despite the significant increase in the other variables i.e. forex and the international oil price, which would have resulted in pump price changes when these variables change?

As an oil producing nation, the citizens of Nigeria deserve certain entitlements, and so a form of subsidy, allowance, appropriation, assistance, palliative, bonus, whatever we want to call it is not asking for too much. It will be nice if we do not try to appease the elitist western world, and for once put the interest of our people first! 

We Use Igbo Day to Reflect On Our Origin, Existence, Says Anya-Ndi-Igbo

An Igbo group, Anya-Ndi-Igbo, says Igbo people use the Igbo Day, celebrated on Sept. 29 annually, to reflect on the essence of its existence, and origin and deplore the sad state of things in the South East zone.  The President of the group, Chris Okoye, disclosed this in a statement in Enugu today.

According to him, it is an occasion Igbos in Nigeria and the Diaspora pause and reflect on their origin, identity, present circumstances, and what the uncertain future holds in store for them.

He stated that the day was for Igbos to remember their fathers who created the institutions and values of Igbo life and rededicate themselves to respect for human life as well as fortitude in the face of danger.

Others are their selfless devotion to the family and the community, discipline, moderation and integrity as the anchors on which their lives rest.

“It is the day we pay tribute to the great Igbo men and women who fought bravely against British oppressors and those who even sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Nigerian freedom.

“A day we commemorate those who were maimed, murdered and mutilated in the various massacres in Nigeria from 1952 to date and those who paid the supreme sacrifice for our continued existence as Ndi Igbo during the Nigeria/Biafra war.

“It is also a day we think about our children, grandchildren and the calamities which, if we do not take sufficient and effective care to address, may befall them in the ever-changing dynamics of Nigerian politics,” Okoye said.

He further described Igbo Day as a time for sober reflection and prayer to Almighty God to guide Igbo people in all their endeavours. 

“It is refreshing to recall that Ndigbo entered the 20th century as a proud race.

“Regrettably, we ended it as an endangered culture. Some of us had expected that the beginning of the 21st century would have ignited a sustainable period of self-reclamation.

“Unfortunately, we have not been able to begin that process because of our failure to take our destiny in our hands.”

Okoye explained that the history and the development of Nigeria would have been quite different without the pioneering roles played by many Igbos in various spheres of human endeavour.

“It is when we look back that we ask what social set-up and value system that must have produced such greats, in contrast to what is happening to Ndigbo today.

“We have the potential and resources but, unfortunately, we have not been able to harness the tremendous potentials we have in the development of Ala-Igbo 

“This thus creates the agenda for the mobilisation of our people to look inwards to harness our inner strengths and resources in order to shape our collective destiny,” the president said.

He explained that Church services were usually held in every Church in Igboland, other parts of Nigeria and in the Diaspora, while an exhibition of Igbo contributions to world civilisation and a special prayer for the survival of the Igbo nation also featured prominently.

Anya-Ndi-Igbo is a non-partisan, socio-political and economic development-oriented organisation. 

NBA to adopt Igbo apprenticeship scheme in legal profession reform

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has thrown its weight behind the Igbo apprenticeship system (IAS) also known as ‘Igbaboi’ as part of efforts to develop and reform the legal profession in the country.

Speaking at the endowment launch for the ‘Igbaboi’ by Igbo lawyers under the umbrella of Otu Oka-iwu Abuja, at the weekend, President of NBA, Yakubu Maikyau, who hailed the lawyers for the initiative, described the scheme as the best way to transfer skills, character and knowledge. 

The endowment fund is a legacy project aimed at replicating the success of Ndigbo in business within the legal profession by institutionalising mentorship and career development for young lawyers.

Present at the event were former Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the federation, Kanu Agabi, the Senator representing Anambra Central, Ben Obi, senior lawyers of Igbo extraction, among others.

FG to terminate N6 trillion abandoned road projects

says that it is considering the termination of some abandoned projects worth about N6 trillion inherited from previous successive governments that have no clear source of funding.

This was made known by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who disclosed the figure while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Umahi revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the use of concrete technology instead of asphalt for the construction and rehabilitation of roads nationwide, adding that the president had also approved some road construction projects and plans to toll some roads in the country.

He argued that concrete will be more durable and cost-effective than any other alternatives, urging all contractors working in Nigeria to ensure that global best practices are adhered to.

Rewa, simply Uncommon

She is one of the “100 Women impacting Africa”.  Well, outstanding, but we can deal with that.  Art and Finance are miles apart.  It is therefore highly uncommon to find a man or woman who straddles both professions at the highest level.

Rewa Udoji is a Director in Investment Management in Chapel Hill Denham.  She is the founder of Cranstoun Corporation; a global equities fund focused on offering African clients access to international capital markets and providing tangible value to her investors by way of returns.  She is a leading African finance expert with an extraordinary journey into the visual art world.

Rewa is a globally celebrated visual artist whose heritage-inspired art has been featured in fairs, museum and gallery exhibitions across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

Odaa Opuo is Rotary Club President

Chika Ibeneme, with strong experience in Banking and Finance, and Sales and Marketing Management, but better known as Odaa Opuo, Communications and social media expert was yesterday formally installed as the 40th President of the Rotary Club of Awka.  The occasion was also used to honour a few outstanding Rotarians including Chief Tony Oli, as well as a few new members, including Chief Chido Obidiegwu.  We bring you some of the photos:

 

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

ABIA STATE

Abia government to begin compensation payment to property owners ahead of demolition

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has approved the full payment of compensation to owners of 130 structures to be demolished in Umuahia for the construction of a 6-lane Ossah-Okpara square road in the State capital.

The government claims property owners in the designated areas will start receiving their payment credit alerts from today, Friday, the 22nd of September 2023.

The State’s Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chika Chukwumerije made this known at the International Conference Centre Umuahia while addressing the owners of the affected buildings.

He also announced that the demolition exercise would begin in a few days.

The Commissioner, who disclosed that the initial plan was to pay the compensation in instalments, announced that Governor Otti approved that full payments be made to every affected property owner, explaining that payments would be given as recommended by estate valuers. 

He assured the property owners that only the structures that are captured for demolition would be pulled down, adding that the list of affected owners has been put together to qualify them for financial compensation.

Due process:  Six indigenous firms win bid for waste management in Abia

Six “Grade A” indigenous companies have won the bid to evacuate waste in Abia State.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process and Procurement, Dr Oluebube Chukwu, who disclosed this in Umuahia, said that a total of 171 companies bided for the private sector participation.

Recall that Governor Alex Otti had at his inaugural speech, declared state of emergency on waste management.

The Governor’s Aide spoke during a Technical Section and handing over of the successful bidders to the General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA, Mazi Ogbonna Okereke, at ASEPA office in Umuahia.

He explained that only six companies were successful after passing through all the crucibles of the screening and selection exercise by the Due Process Selection Committee, adding that four other companies were placed on standby list.

The SSA emphasized that no charges or kickbacks were collected from the bidders, “rather experience and competence were considered, as government is more concerned about timely, efficient, dignifying, and sustainable Waste Management in the state, hence their engagement to serve Abians creditably”.

He said that the companies would partner Abia State in its Waste Management Strategies towards giving the state “a cleaner, greener, and highly aesthetic environment in line with the initiative of Governor Alex Otti- led administration.”

Dr Oluebube charged the successful firms to live up to expectations, stressing that the State Government would not compromise standards in its waste management efforts.

We’ll reshape tourism industry in Abia – Otti

Governor Alex Otti of Abia has expressed readiness to reshape the hospitality industry and tourism sector through creative strategies to boost the state’s economy.

Otti said this on Thursday during a meeting with members of Nigeria Hotel Association and Hotel Proprietors Association in Umuahia.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba, said that he was desirous to develop and strengthen the hospitality industry as well as tourism sector to meet global standards.

He said that the rebuilding agenda of the government was focused on achievement of even distribution of socioeconomic development and added that the hotel owners had a vital role to play in this regard.

ANAMBRA STATE

Anambra State to recruit 3,000 more Teachers

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma  Soludo has stated that his administration will soon recruit a minimum of 3000 additional teachers to be posted exclusively to public schools in the state. It will be recalled that about 5,000 teachers were recruited last year when the administration was barely nine months old in office.

Governor Soludo made the announcement to recruit an additional 3,000 teachers on Friday, during a visit to the Community Secondary School, CSS, Isuofia, Aguata Council Area of the state.

According to the Governor, the recruitment of these additional teachers is part of his agenda to end the era of PTA Teachers and provide accessible, qualitative education for all children in the state. 

He revealed that the public sector sets the standard and model for education and that his mission is to take public sector education to enviable heights, transforming it into pacesetters for education. 

The Governor added that his administration is working round the clock to provide accessible and quality education as the foundation for the future. 

Soludo flags off Federal Government's Special Economic Intervention for 18900 Households in Anambra

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo (CFR) on Friday, September 22, 2023 flagged off the 2023 National Special Economic and Livelihood Intervention (NSELEI) Item distribution to 18,900 households affected by the 2022 and the most vulnerable in the State.

Speaking during the symbolic item distribution programme held at the State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA) office in Awka, Mr. Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, described the 2022 flood as devastating and a force majeure which threatened the livelihood and lives of people in 10 out of the 21 local government areas in the state.

Mr Deputy Governor, enumerated the programmes and efforts the state government embarked upon in order to alleviate the suffering of those most affected by the recent flood and the vulnerable in the state, these he listed as road infrastructure, construction of bridges, employment of teachers and health care workers in the state.

Dr Ibezim while appealing to the beneficiary  to make the best use of the empowerment items to better their lives, noted that Soludo's administration, has started getting holding centres accros the riverine areas ready for this year's flood, declaring that the centres will start receiving displaced persons soon.

On his part, the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

Alhaji Mustafa Habib Ahmed, represented by Mr. Olusegun Afolaya, stated that the National Economic Intervention Fund was approved by the Federal Government specifically for 660,884 households affected by the 2022 flood and most vulnerable families across the 36 states and the Federal Capital. 

EBONYI STATE

17, 834 people apply for 1,454 jobs in  Ebonyi

… Only 5,352 meet basic requirement

The Ebonyi State Civil Service received an overwhelming 17,834 applications after it recently made a call to fill 1,454. 

Francis Nwifuru, the state governor had called for the recruitment of fresh graduates in the state to address unemployment in Ebonyi with a population of 3,242,500.

Jude Okpor the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Thursday told journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital that out of the 17,834 applicants who submitted employment applications, only 5,352 met the requirement of submitting Original Certificates, with their applications while the rest submitted their statements of results.

Okpor said the council resolved to uphold the submission of Original Certificates criteria for eligibility for shortlisting with a provision that opportunities should be given to those who did not attach their certificates but can provide theirs before the screening date.

He explained that Nwifuru who is the Chairman of the executive council emphasised that the recruitment should be merit-based to give all applicants equal opportunity to compete for the job, adding that the council has urged the Civil Service Commission to fast-track the recruitment process to ensure that the exercise was concluded as soon as possible. 

ENUGU STATE

Enugu Government to revive N4.5bn Akwuke water project

The Enugu State government has announced its intention to revive the abandoned Akwuke water project, which had an initial budget of N4.5 billion.

This project, located in the Enugu South Local Government Area, is set to be revitalized, according to Felix Nnamani, the commissioner for water resources.  

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Nnamani made this declaration during a meeting with the State House of Assembly’s water resources committee, chaired by Obiajulu Ugwu, and the Ministry of Water Resources in Enugu on Thursday. 

Nnamani explained that the project, which was initially managed by the Anambra-Imo River Commission, will when completed, provide a sufficient water supply for the residents of the Enugu metropolis.   

He disclosed that significant efforts are currently underway to ensure the Adada water scheme operates at full capacity, which will address the water needs of thousands of residents in Nsukka.  

Enugu Government’s efforts to expand water access

In the short term, Nnamani added that the state government is procuring high-quality pumps and other necessary equipment to revive the Oji River and Ninth Mile water schemes.  

He highlighted that the Ninth Mile water scheme is currently supplying 60,000 cubic meters of water daily, demonstrating Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises. 

Nnamani also expressed regret that most taps in the state’s 473 communities are no longer functional, assuring that these faulty taps will be repaired and restored to working order soon. 

Call for sustainable water infrastructure maintenance in Enugu State

Eteta Eta, the program monitoring evaluation officer of WaterAid Nigeria, urged the government to focus more on sustaining and maintaining existing water schemes.

He attributed the poor water supply in some communities in the state to a lack of maintenance and protection of water installations.  

Eta encouraged the benefiting communities to cultivate a culture of protecting water installations in their areas to ensure efficient and consistent water supply. 

“Is ANSIPPA still taking partners?”

Tidbits

·         A record 2,700 individuals participated

·         120-130 Diasporans flew in

·         People are very interested in what Anambra State can offer

·         In future more time and indeed more interactive will be featured (possibly two days)

·         ANSIPPA is building from the lessons learnt from the Summit

·         The Twitter (X) Space held last Friday is part of ensuring better understanding of the Summit and its outcomes.

“Is ANSIPPA still taking partners?”

Yesterday, I saw a video of some tourists who were visiting a tourist resort in one of the South South States of Nigeria.

The journey from the State Capital took over nine hours!  And it was nine hours of wading through ponds and navigating one of the worst roads in Nigeria.

By the time they arrived the resort that evening, there was no electricity in the whole facility.  It took quite some time before the management could provide electric light in their apartment, one of about 40 such apartments without electric power.  Some other apartments, of the 40, were at various stages of squalor and destruction.

I know you are wondering what type of tourism adventure this is!  Yes, no sane and genuine tourist would embark on such an adventure!!  You are quite right.  The team was a film crew trying to document how we squander our riches.

No doubt, the development of such tourism site on one the highest parts of Nigeria, was a good one but not backed with the requisite planning.

Governor Soludo’s presentation at the ANINVEST 2023, and Mark Okoye’s presentation at the same event as well as the Twitter Space held last Friday evening became very clear enough:  “Anambra does not want abandoned projects!!!”  This is why all the projects for which Agreements/MoUs were signed at the ANINVEST 2023 are anchored on Due Process, completed feasibility studies, and Master Plans. 

It is interesting, however, that a good number of people who seem to have been following the ANINVEST 2023, including some who attended the Summit do not understand some specific issues.  This may be why ANSIPPA organized the Twitter Space event of last Friday.

I found it really interesting when one of the participants at the Twitter Space event asked:  “Is ANSIPPA still taking partners?”  Of course, ANSIPPA continues to welcome more and more partners every week.  Connect with ANSIPPA on their email address and social media handles.

Without running the risk of over-communicating, we summarise below the key highlights of the six projects discussed at the Twitter Space held last Friday evening:

1.0       Onitsha River Port

Universal Elysium Limited are the owners of the concession from the Federal Government.  The MOU signed with Universal Elysium Ltd is for the development of Onitsha River Port and the dredging of  the River Niger.  The core essence of the MoU is to help determine how Anambra State can benefit from the port as well as how Anambra State can support its effective operation, given the ports importance to the realization of ndi Anambra’s goals.

There is an ongoing study commissioned by Universal Elysium which will be ready in about three months.  The results of the study will determine to what level the State Government can provide support.

2.0       “New Jersey-based Doctor”

This refers to the MoU signed for NKO Agro Park by NKO Farms.  The collaborative MOU was signed with NKO Agro Park CEO on developing regenerative agriculture, agro processing and agro institute. It is based on a recommendation from the draft PWC forensic audit on ANSIPPA MOUs. The promoter had deposited $1.5M in a no-interest yielding account since 2016 as per the instructions from ANSIPPA.

The promoter (the New Jersey-based Doctor) is willing to invest the funds and more in Anambra State, and is ready to commit to investing in yam and cassava cultivation and processing. The promoter is setting up an agriculture training institute, and is a proposed anchor for the Anambra Export Emporium.

3.0       Afrieximbank

The Agreement with Afrieximbank is primarily for a) pre-project feasibility, project feasibility, master plans, etc. b) explore debt financing for Anambra investors and others; and c) for Diaspora funds.

The MoU is  to the value of $200m.  

4.0       Anambra Light Rail

This is where Wish and Need meet reality.  The MoU was signed with Mahindra (Artelia) Consulting Engineers Ltd for a complete feasibility study, including Environmental Impact Assessment, procurement advisory, up to Master Plan.  It will among others lead to technology and knowledge transfer.

5.0       Awka Shopping Mall

This is part of the “livability” segment of Governor Soludo’s Vision for Anambra;  things that make life fun.  The MOU was signed with Sundry Markets Limited for the development of Awka Shopping Mall through a Joint Venture Partnership. The promoter restated his commitment to complete the Awka Shopping Mall within 15 months.  It is envisaged that total investments would reach around N5 billion.

            

 

 

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