Ofala 2023: Beyond feferity…Innovation centres coming across Nigeria soon…Ease of doing business – Top 10…plus South East Digest

Ofala 2023:  Beyond feferity

I think it was the defunct National Concord newspaper that said that the problem with Nigerians is not that we copy, but that we are “copy goats” instead of being copy cats.  A good number of communities in the South East have tended to copy the Onitsha Ofala, the problem, however, is that most of their efforts are concentrated towards copying the costumes (omalu nma na ugbene!) which results in feferity instead of going beyond cultural excellence as Onitsha has continued to do strategically year-on-year in the last one decade, at least.

Yes, from the cultural front, Onitsha has continued to up its game like Nn’Emeka Maduegbuna, Chairman of the Strategic Marketing & Communications Subcommittee, Ofala Steering Committee (mark the title – what else can show enlightened management?) says “the Ofala remains  on course to achieving  the objectives of  the Ofala  attracting  considerable national, West African, and international attention, and attaining  the status of a major event in the Nigerian, by extension in the West African cultural/tourism calendar.

“The Ofala has grown steadily over the years in terms of its scope, social glamour, and intrinsic meaning for us ndi Onicha. An international art exhibition, a youths’ carnival, a marathon, a lecture series and a post-Ofala banquet have enhanced the content and attractiveness of the festival.

“With the strides that the Ofala has made, it continues to receive both national and international recognition. The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has endorsed the Onitsha Ofala Festival as a major Nigerian festival and issued a specific mandate in its support. The Ofala has also received a Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Culture from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.  This is in recognition of its Corporate Contribution to the development of culture.”

Like Maduegbuna stated the Ofala “has grown steadily over the years in terms of scope…and intrinsic meaning for ndi Onitsha.”  South East communities would do well to pay attention to this, particularly, as explained by the abridged address of His Majesty, Igwe Nnnaemeka Achebe, CFR, yesterday. 

Speaking at the commencement of the Ofala 2023 yesterday, His Majesty stated that "This year, I have also presented a detailed address which is in the Ofala brochure, and also posted on all Ime Obi social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, the Ofala website (www.ofala.org), and the WhatsApp platforms of all constituents and working groups. Today, for want of time, I will dwell only on the last two sections of that address, namely, our focus for the year ahead and gratitude and appreciation.

“Our Focus for The Year Ahead:

“The last year has been extremely busy during which we consolidated on our past gains, learned from our mistakes, and also broke new ground. We worked more closely together as a community as we continued the journey of re-positioning our homeland to remain fit for this century of rapid change driven by technology. Our development programmes enjoyed endorsements from the State Government and international and national NGOs through their growing partnerships and collaborations.

“Going forward, we will continue on the pathways of consolidation, correction, and discovery. Specifically, we will focus distinctly on the following issues.

* Reviewing our traditional jurisprudence process with a view to speeding up the cases and spreading the burden among Ndichie.

* Adopting the revised Rules and Regulations in line with traditional due process after comments by, and a general meeting with, all constituent groups. 

* Giving greater support to our young entrepreneurs with emphasis on closer supervision, audit, and mentoring. Also, supporting the funding initiatives which will support more women-owned micro-businesses.

* Making our proposed Microfinance Institution (MFI) operational.

* Recovering all outstanding loans from the defaulting cooperative associations.

* Consolidating and expanding the synergies among our various community work groups, as well as sustaining the existing external partnerships even as we seek to build new ones.

* Re-visiting the options for the establishment of a modern cemetery for the community.

* Revitalizing our strategy on the war against illicit drug peddling and addiction, and cultism.

* Completing and equipping the offices, and training and work facilities, in the East Pavilion, including the installation of high-speed internet access for the entire Ime Obi,

* Structurally merging our two vigilante groups under one command and continuous training and discipline in line with the Nigeria Police guidelines; and

* Instituting the Roll of Honour for deserving Ndi Onicha as well as non-indigenes. 

“Gratitude and Appreciation: 

Again, our first and highest gratitude goes to God Almighty, who makes all things possible. The blessings that we have received this year, as in the past, are enormous and well beyond human capacity. We remain ever grateful and humble as we pray for continued guidance and protection.

We also continue to appreciate our ancestors and founding fathers who gave us origin and remain our intercessors to God. We shall continue to uphold the fundamental norms and practices they bequeathed to us whilst meeting the demands of the 21st century.

Our principal partners for the Ofala festival, namely, Globacom Limited and International Breweries Plc, have remained steadfast with us even with the present economic challenges. We thank them exceedingly and trust that our mutually beneficial partnership will continue to grow.

We also thank the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation for its endorsement of the Ofala festival as a national event, Pensions Transition Arrangements Directorate (PTAD) for its regular participation in and support for the Ofala, and Julius Berger Plc for its distinct community social investments in our domain. There are a large number of other supporters for the Ofala, including individuals, corporate bodies, the Onitsha business community, and media, that we owe substantial gratitude.”

 

Nigeria’s top 10 states for ease of doing business in 2023

The 2023 Nigeria Subnational Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Report has shed light on the varying degrees of business-friendliness across different states in the country.

The 2023 report’s indicators and data collection methods and metrics were clearly defined within these six indicators: Infrastructure, transparency and accessibility of information, skills and labour, secure and stable environment, regulatory environment, and economic opportunity.

According to the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) report “Overall EoDB satisfaction in Nigeria saw marginal improvement, but dissatisfaction remains”

Here are Nigeria’s top 10 states for Ease of Doing Business in 2023

Gombe state – EoDB score: 7.15

Gombe state tops the list with an EoDB score of 7.15. The state’s performance is significant for a number of reasons, including its (3rd) position in infrastructure, transparency and accessibility of information (2nd), skills, and labour (9th). It is also praised for its secure and stable environment, ranked (1st), regulatory environment ranked (5th) and (13th) in economic opportunity. These rankings demonstrate Gombe’s dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment.

Jigawa State – EoDB score: 6.88

Jigawa state takes second place with an EoDB score of 6.88. Notably, the state ranks (6th) in infrastructure, (1st) in transparency and accessibility of information, (2nd) in skills and labour, (3rd) in the secure and stable environment, (2nd) in the regulatory environment, and (3rd) in economic opportunity. demonstrating a strong commitment to building a transparent and business-friendly environment. In addition, emphasize the state’s investment in human resources.

Sokoto state – EoDB score: 6.83

Sokoto state takes third place with an EoDB score of 6.83. The state has considerable strengths, ranking (5th) in infrastructure, (6th) in transparency and accessibility of information, (3rd) in regulatory environment, and (5th) in economic opportunity. While excelling in these categories, Sokoto has room for improvement in its skills and labour pool ranking (24th), and secure and stable environment ranking (16th), both of which are critical for attracting and keeping firms.

Kebbi State – EoDB Score: 6.74

Kebbi state ranks fourth, thanks to an exceptional EoDB score of 6.74. The state’s exceptional performance includes (1st) place rankings in infrastructure and regulatory environment. Furthermore, it ranks (3rd) in terms of transparency and accessibility of information, (7th) in terms of skills and labour, and (1st) in terms of economic opportunity. Ranking (2nd) in the secure and stable environment demonstrates the company’s dedication to establishing a favourable business environment.

Katsina state – EoDB score: 6.52

Katsina state takes fifth place with a commendable EoDB score of 6.52. While the state ranks well in infrastructure (11th) and transparency and accessibility of information (10th), it excels in the regulatory environment (4th). Katsina also excels at skills and labour (9th) and economic opportunity (11th). However, there is potential for development in the category of secure and stable environment (29th).

Bauchi state – EoDB score: 6.37

Bauchi state takes sixth place with a commendable EoDB score of 6.37. The state ranks (4th) in infrastructure and (7th) in transparency and accessibility of information, (8th) in skills and labour, (7th) in secure and stable environment, and (6th) in economic opportunity. It also holds the (13th) position in the regulatory environment category.

Anambra state – EoDB score: 6.19

Anambra state is ranked seventh with an EoDB score of 6.19. While the state ranks low in infrastructure (22nd) and secure and stable environment (34th), it excels in transparency and accessibility of information (14th), skills and labour (20th), regulatory environment (19th), and economic opportunity (24th).

Kaduna state – EoDB score: 6.18

Kaduna state is ranked eighth with an EoDB score of 6.18. The state ranks highly in several categories, including infrastructure (10th), transparency and accessibility to information (8th), regulatory environment (7th), and economic opportunity (8th). Kaduna also ranks (14th) in terms of skills and labour and (14th) in terms of a secure and stable environment.

Yobe state – EoDB score: 6.15

Yobe state ranks ninth with an EoDB score of 6.15, ranking (2nd) in infrastructure and economic opportunity. It also ranks high in transparency and accessibility of information (9th), skills and labour (4th), and secure and stable environment (4th). Yobe’s total performance indicates its commitment to establishing a suitable environment for business growth despite maintaining a respectable place in the regulatory environment (8th).

Plateau State – EoDB Score: 5.87

Plateau State is ranked tenth with an EoDB score of 5.87. The state ranks (17th) in infrastructure, (20th) in transparency and accessibility of information, (10th) in regulatory environment, and (13th) in skills and labour. While the secure and stable environment (33rd) and economic opportunity (20th) might be improved, Plateau’s total performance contributes to its position in the top ten states for ease of doing business.

FG orders establishment of innovative centers nationwide - Nnaji

The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology says the Federal Government has ordered the creation of technical and innovative centers across the six geopolitical zones to ensure access to modern technologies to enable the country to benefit from ground-breaking innovations. 

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji stated this during a facility tour at the technology and innovation center of the Raw Material Research Development Center in Abuja.

The Minister said the array of pilot plants established by the council shows the conversion and commercial viability of research and development.

Mr Uche Nnaji said the establishment of the technology and innovative centers would help transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-driven economy.

Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises commits N2 billion empowerment fund for MSMEs

Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has said that is floating an N2 billion empowerment fund to revolutionise the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.

The National President of the association, Dr Abdulrashid Yerima, said this in a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.

Yerima said that the ‘MSME 4.0 Program and Empowerment Funds were designed to help MSMEs leverage the opportunities and benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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

ABIA STATE

Otti flags off reconstruction of 6.7km Port Harcourt Road in Aba

The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has flagged off the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the commercial nerve center of the state.  He expressed his unwavering commitment to bringing the road back to its former glory and enhancing its economic viability.

At the 6.8-kilometer road’s flag-off ceremony at number 1 Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Otti said the reconstruction was not just a political show for short-term gain but rather a comprehensive effort to restore the road’s resilience and economic significance.

The governor was joined by his wife, Mrs. Preciliar Otti, and the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, among other top government officials in the flag off of one of the most deplorable federal roads in the state awarded to Julius Berger.

Symbolically flagging off the project, Otti mounted one of the bulldozers and started the engine while addressing the jubilant crowd who came out in their numbers to herald the flag-off exercise.

He noted that the event aims to take another strategic step toward achieving one of his major campaign promises, namely to permanently break the jinx of Port Harcourt Road and resurrect the long-abandoned commercial activity along that corridor.

ANAMBRA STATE

Anambra State wins award for Best Local Government Service Commission in Nigeria

By Ejike Abana

Anambra State Local Government Service Commission has been awarded the best state local government commission in adoption of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

The award ceremony which was organized by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms of the Presidency under the auspices of Nigeria GOVTECH Public Service Awards, took place at the International Convention Centre, Abuja.

The Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Chief Vincent Ezeaka was given the Distinguished GOVTECH Trailblazers Award for the exemplary leadership demonstrated in advancing GOVTECH initiatives and digital transformation agenda for Nigeria Public Sector.

The Transition Committee Chairman for Aguata Council Area, Dr. Offorbuike was awarded the best Digital Local Government Chairman of the year.

TETFUND, NIMET, NIMASA, FRSC, JAMB, ICPC, among other agencies and individuals received the different classes of award.

 

Speaking to the ABS, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Nawbunwanne appreciated Governor Soludo for the opportunity to serve the state, promising to do more, especially at the grassroot, majorly made up of the poor.

In their separate reactions, Chief Ezeaka and Dr. Offorbuike revealed that alot of innovations have been introduced by the present administration of Governor Soludo into the system, saying that his manifesto is the key to a liveable and prosperous homeland. 

Earlier, the Director General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, D.I Arabi said the efforts of President Tinubu's administration are geared towards improving the life of the common man on the street, leveraging technology.

The member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, Dr. Paschal Agbodike congratulated the award recipients for making Anambra proud.

The theme of the event is "Advancing Public Service Reforms through digital transformation".

Anambra to build crèche in all government offices

THE Anambra State government has set machinery in motion to establish crèche in all government offices as a way to encourage exclusive breastfeeding in the state.

Anambra State is said to have achieved only about 20 percent of exclusive breastfeeding, a situation attributed to the fact that most nursing mothers in the state belong to the working class cadre. 

Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs Chisom Uchem said at a one day workshop for heads of Primary Healthcare Centers in the 21 local government areas of the state in Awka that the proposed facility would also help mothers and their babies during the mandatory six months exclusive breastfeeding.

The workshop was organized by the agency in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF.

Foundation empowers 100 Anambra youths with ICT skills

The Christopher Ndubuisi Foundation has trained no fewer than 100 youths and students in Anambra on entrepreneurial, Information and Communication Technology skills.

The organisers said the training, done in collaboration with the National Space Research & Development Agency and Centerview Business Concept Limited, was aimed at equipping the youths to become job creators and job providers 

Participants, who were selected from different towns in Obizi community in Awka South LGA, were given laptops and were taught the basics of computers, ICT technology, and internet usage, focussing on entrepreneurship/vocational training and ICT programmes.

In his speech at the event in Awka, on Thursday, the founder of Christopher Ndubuisi Foundation and Chairman Pinnatech Group, Dr Christopher Ndubuisi, urged the participants to apply the skills they acquired to establish themselves and become self-reliant.

Ndubuisi expressed gratitude to the resource persons and conveyed his belief in the power of ICT in driving economic development. 

EBONYI STATE

Fuel subsidy removal: Ebonyi govt flags off free toll bus services

Ebonyi State government, Monday flagged off free toll bus services as part of measures to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal carried out by the Federal Government

The 4 number 100-seater buses procured for workers in Ebonyi State by Governor Francis Nwifuru was commissioned by the State’s Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr Stanley Lebechi Mbam .

The buses commenced operations by conveying workers and students from Abakaliki to the Permanent Site of the State-owned University( EBSU), at Ezzamgbo; from Abakaliki to Ikwo; from Abakaliki to Centenary City of the new government house and other places in the State

Mbam said the gesture was in fulfillment of Governor Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs manifesto to make things better for the people of the state. He described the Governor as “talk and do Governor.”

ENUGU STATE

Nigeria@63: Agbaja Professors proffer road map for Enugu, Nigeria

Erudite professors, professionals and statesmen from Enugu state have suggested that for the state and country to move forward in development, the people should be self-motivated to take the bulls by the horns and individually start to remedy what they consider as clogs in the wheels of societal progress.

The academia also noted strongly that no region in Nigeria, such as the south east, should be proud to claim that it is marginalized by the rest of the country, if within its domain some parts of it have equally repudiated on its neighbours and claimed supremacy on their fellow brethren.  They agreed that Nigeria, at 63 years, has lagged behind; far from the position it would have been, if not for the singular and collective undoing of the country by the citizens themselves.

The thought-provoking revelations were made at the 2nd Independence lecture series and Okibe Prize presentations under the auspices of Agbaja Professors Worldwide, convened on October 2nd at the Enugu Sports Club. 

Agbaja Professors Worldwide is made up of the academia from Udi and Ezeagu local government areas in Enugu state, which are culturally referred to as the Agbaja clan in Enugu state. 

Culture on display as Enugu monarch celebrates Iwa Ji Festival

There was rich cultural display at Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday, as the traditional ruler of the community, HRH, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, celebrated his maiden Iwa Ji Festival. 

Subjects, friends and well-wishers who gathered at the festival observed that it was unique because of the special cultural artifacts which included yam barns, masquerades and local hunters which adorned the event.

While performing the Iwa Ji, the traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Asadu, prayed for his subjects, asking God to shower his blessings on the land.

Leading the pack of those who poured encomiums on the traditional ruler, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof Felix Onah, said that God used the Igwe to bring development to the people of Edem-Ani community.

Prof. Onah, said that the traditional ruler was the first in Enugu State to construct tarred road for the people of his community, adding that he equally built food bank where his subjects  receive free meals on a daily basis.

Also, the Onyishi Oha of Edem-Ani community, Prof. Nnanyelugo Okoro, described the traditional ruler as a tool in the hands of God to develop the community.

He also said that the 20-bed specialist hospital which he built for the community continues to carter for the health needs of the people.

In his remarks, a traditional ruler, High Chief Ifediba (Ugo ebe n’aja ) of Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State described the traditional ruler as humane personality who concentrates his efforts in human empowerment and community development.

He further said that the massive show of support by his subjects suggests that the community is at peace.

 

 

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