NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

FG to establish National Council of Special Duties, Inter-governmental Affairs — Minister

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government says that plans are underway to establish a ‘National Council of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs’ for sustainable national development.

Sen. George Akume, the Minister, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, said this at a three-day stakeholders’ conference on Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is “Harnessing grassroots potentials for service delivery and for sustainable national development: The proper place of Local Government Administration and Inter- Governmental Relations”.

Akume said that the national council if established would be the highest policy advisory body to the nation on issues of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

According to him, the absence of a critical structure or vehicle of mobilisation of stakeholders for prompt action has hindered the pace of the Ministry in discharging its activities.

“This realisation has thus informed my decision to establish the National Council of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

“The proposed council in its form, structure and function would resemble national councils of other ministries.

“It is also pertinent to state that the need for this council was mentioned as far back as 2008, during the bi-annual conference of key functionaries of local government administration in Kaduna State,” Akume said.

He said the gathering was to enrich the process that would eventually lead to the formal establishment of the national council.

Akume urged the participants to utilise their experiences, backgrounds and professions during the deliberations to ensure a convergence of ideas and the eventual seamless take – off of the council.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ibiene Roberts, while thanking the participants, expressed hope that the discussions would help birth a successful national council.

“As seasoned administration that we are, our key responsibility is to ensure that government institutions work optimally in service delivery in an efficient and effective manner.

“I recognise you as the pillars and as such, integral part of the ministry. It is the resolve of the ministry to work with you to enable us achieve our deserving citizenry,” Roberts said.

On his part, Sen. Yusuf Yusuf, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, said that there was need for proper sensitisation on the local government potentials at the grassroots.

Yusuf said that there were lots of potentials at the local government areas, saying that harnessing the potentials would enhance national development.

“The potentials must be unlocked through proper sensitisation; government has to create proper avenue, and mobilisation of the grassroots is the key for national development,” he added.

Similarly, Sen. Abba Moro, the Chairman of the Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, said the local government administration was the foundation of government worldwide.

Moro, while commending the ministry for the initiative, pledged to support the ministry in its activities, saying that local government autonomy was the bedrock for national development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Razak Owolabi

NIES 2023: Osinbajo lauds Nigeria’s energy transition plan

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo has described the country’s energy transition plan as “bold and innovative.”

Osinbajo said this when he declared open the exhibition of the ongoing 2023 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) at the International Conference Centre, on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Our energy transition plan is bold and innovative, it calls for the ramping up of solar cells and we are going to be doing 5.3 giga watts per year until 2060, and we think the plan is perfectly achievable,” he said.

Osinbajo said efforts had been geared towards developing the energy sector to ensure the country’s energy plan transited smoothly to renewables.

“The production of over 6 billion litres of bio fuels annually to green is the part to e-mobility and the transition of at least 2 million Nigerian households annually to cleaner cooking fuel such as LPG and electricity every single year.

“I think these ambitions are achievable if we set our minds to it.

“We are also part of the important initiatives around carbon trading and I believe that this holds important opportunity for those of us in the oil and gas sector.

“I have in the past year been working with a dedicated team of individuals and companies named ‘The African Carbon Market Initiative’ and the point of this committee is to open up the tremendous potential in carbon market trading.

“This is something we need to work on seriously and we have the Nigerian Carbon Market Initiative; we think that it is a win-win for everyone especially the oil and gas sector because of the carbon market trading opportunities in the sector.

“Also barely two weeks ago, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Fund and its partner launched the ‘Carbon Vista Joint Venture Fund’ that will invest in carbon emission reduction projects in Nigeria and promote the Nigerian Carbon Market Initiative,” Osinbajo said.

According to the Vice-President, the initial fund is for 50 million dollars and that stakeholders in the industry have been challenged to put more money into that purse so that the set objectives can be achieved.

He urged the private sector to articulate its own sustainable energy ambitions in alignment with the energy transition plan of the federal government.

This, he said, would enhance the cooperation and joint venture between government and the private sector in the oil and gas sector.

“It is the energy sector working with government that can muster the human and material resources and move the needle on this kind of ambition.

“Honestly, Africa is the place where we can sensibly and economically go ahead with green civilisation, nowhere else has that potential.

“Everywhere else today, we are the lowest emitters today and because we are the lowest emitters and possibly some of the largest natural resources that will aid that journey.

“We can be much more effective and we can do more in developing our own agenda for a great future more than starting that journey elsewhere.

“The greatest emitters in the world are the global north countries, so if you are going to do anything on a green energy future, you start from a low emission base and that low emission base is here in Africa.

“We have the natural resources to do so. So, if we focus on those natural resources, we will move very fast and I think we have started well,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

Afriland Properties shareholders approve N137m dividend for 2022

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By Ginika Okoye

The shareholders of Afriland Properties Plc, a property management and investment company, have approved a total of dividend of N137 million for the financial year ended Dec. 31, 2022.

The company said this in a statement on Tuesday after its10th Annual General Meeting in Abuja.

The statement said that the company’s total revenue at the period stood at N1.9 billion representing a 19 per cent increase from N1.6 billion earned during the corresponding period in 2021.

The company said it was focused on delivering adequate returns to shareholders, while still growing its retained earnings.

The company also said that its profit before tax rose to N1.8 billion from N1.6 billion achieved in the previous year.

The company’s total assets grew by 12 per cent to N19 billion from N17.3 billion in 2021.

It said that the shareholders expressed delight about the financial performance of the company highlighting increased revenue, and earnings per share as a positive development.

According to the company, the shareholders attributed the successes of the company to hardwork, dedication, and purposeful leadership of the Board and Executive Management of the company.

”This year is a special one for us as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.

”Over the years, we have remained consistent in our promise to deliver and sustain value through people and projects.

”Our records speak to notable achievements in the real estate sector and we have remained resilient to record significant milestones.

”In line with our growth strategy, we plan on commissioning some of our projects this year and believe they will bring real value to investors and stakeholders,” it said.

The statement quoted the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Uzo Oshogwe, as saying that the company would remain committed to enhanced return to shareholders.

Oshogwe lauded the company’s efforts in the past year, acknowledging the efforts of staff as well as support from the Board of Directors and shareholders as key success drivers.

“This year is a special one for us as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.

“Over the years we have remained consistent in our promise to deliver and sustain value through people and projects. Our records speak to notable achievements in the real estate sector and we have remained resilient to record significant milestones.

“In line with our growth strategy, we plan on commissioning some of our projects this year and believe they will bring real value to investors and stakeholders,” Oshogwe said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the company is a property management, investment, and development company, offering end-to-end services across the real estate value chain.

It has a portfolio size of over N12 billion and one of the largest land banks in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Empowerment: Okadigbo seeks active women participation in oil, gas industry

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By Emmanuella Anokam

Sen. Margery Okadigbo, Board Chairman, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has called for empowerment and active women participation in oil and gas industry to spur economic development.

She also urged female professionals in the industry to perceive women economic empowerment as a call for lifting one another not only a mere finance.

Okadigbo said this on Tuesday in Abuja at a Female Powered Breakfast Meeting, tagged: “Engaging the Female Potential” a session at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2023).

The summit with the theme “Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future” would hold from April 16 to April 20.

Okadigbo expressed dissatisfaction that only three female senators were representing their people in the senate, adding that women should be encouraged for active representation in leadership positions.

“In economic empowerment, women should be interested in the positive ideas to sell and what to offer to the public for development and not only money aspect of it.

“It is a matter of what you do that is impactful on people around. Women should also support one another, express pleasantries and admiration and avoid fanning enemity,” she said.

Speaking, Mrs Nkechi Obi, Group Managing Director, Techno Oil Limited, urged women in the sector to be focused and foster hardwork.in all ramifications.

Obi, who described hardwork and focus as key to success in life, advised women to nurture the younger ones to be successful in life.

Also, Dr Lami Ahmed, a Board Member of the NNPC Ltd, advised women to have value to attract those in need of their various services.

Ahmed decried poor participation of women at the National Assembly and called for active participation, especially in formulation and implementation of policies.

She said active participation would enable women to strategically identify policies inhabiting growth or creating barriers to ensure their eradication.

Dr Zainab Gobir, Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning Directorate, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulation Authority (NMDPRA), advised women on collaboration and networking to develop themselves and society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the event was presentation of awards to Sen. Okadigbo, professional women in the industry and others for their contributions to the industry. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rabiu Sani-Ali

NAN receives major boost, signs working agreement with Italian news agency

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By Maureen Okon

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday received a major boost in its operations with the signing of a working agreement with the Italian news agency, Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA) in Abuja.

NAN reports that ANSA, the leading news agency in Italy, is a not-for-profit cooperative, founded in 1945 whose members and owners are 36 leading news organisations in the European country.

Its mission is the distribution of fair and objective news reports.

The Managing-Director (MD) of NAN, Mr Buki Ponle signed the agreement for NAN while the Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr Stefano De Leo signed fon behalf of ANSA at the NAN headquarters.

The signing of the agreement was witnessed virtually by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ANSA, Mr Stefano De Alessandri and the Nigerian Ambassador to Italy, Mr Mfawa Abam.

Speaking during the agreement signing ceremony, De Alessandri said the event was timely and was made possible through the efforts of both the NAN management and the Italian mission in Nigeria.

He said ANSA has a cooperative of 26 publishers of newspapers and magazines and the most important national and regional newspapers.

According to him, ANSA has correspondents in more than 50 countries around the world.

“We are a traditional news agency that disseminates information via news wire, photo and video services.

“We do not publish only in the Italian language in Italy but we publish on five international websites in English, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and German.

“I am very pleased to sign this agreement with NAN. Nigeria is the country with the largest population in Africa and is one of the most important countries in the continent of Africa.

“Starting in 2022, we have been renewing our collaboration agreements with international news agencies and we are also opening new partnerships,’’ he said.

Also speaking, the NAN MD said that the signing of the agreement was a milestone in the history of the largest news content provider in Nigeria.

He added that the news exchange agreement with ANSA marked another defining phase in NAN’s continuous engagement with like-minded institutions.

“It is my hope and belief that this landmark event will signal the beginning of a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship.

“With ANSA’s presence in more than 81 cities across more than 50 countries in the world, and a production capacity of 3,500 news items daily, this partnership agreement will no doubt offer the diverse clientele of both wire agencies enriched content and plurality of reading and viewership experience.

“Since my appointment as MD in Sept. 2020 by President Muhammadu Buhari, we have put in place programmes and processes to boost the editorial and operational efficiency as well as to enhance the visibility of the agency.

“From a six-zone structure, the agency now has 12 zonal offices in the country while it is set to reopen its foreign bureaux in Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Abidjan.

“This is in addition to its New York Bureau currently covering North America,” he said.

Responding, Nigerian Ambassador to Italy, Abam, commended the managements of both agencies for what he described as “laudable agreement”.

He said the event marked a milestone in Nigeria-Italy relations.

He expressed optimism that both agencies would take advantage of the new opportunities that abound in the media sector as both agencies enter into the historic era of the partnership.

“I say this in acknowledgement of NAN’s reputation for media excellence and historic commitment that connotes international presence.

“Likewise ANSA which has earned its pride of reporting fair and objective international news.

“As the saying goes: “no man is an island” no matter how well-endowed.

“In this era of globalisation and inter-dependence, cooperative partnership such as this with other institutions in the world is not an option but a necessity.

“Thus, the signing of this agreement today demonstrates the importance of what our two countries attach to our relationship and our commitment to further strengthening it,’’ he said.

On his part, the Italian ambassador to Nigeria described the agreement between ANSA and NAN as an important step in further proving both countries’ already existing relations.

He observed that the exchange of information and knowledge is key ex-specially when done with Nigeria, ”the giant of Africa and the most populous country in the continent.

“This event…is the first positive sign of other events that we will highlight in the future such as the opening of the Italian Trade Agency in Lagos and hopefully, very soon, a direct flight between Nigeria and Italy.” (NAN)

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Railway corporation generates N715.09m from passengers in Q3 2022 – NBS

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) generated N715.09 million in revenue from passengers in Q3 of 2022, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says.

This is contained in the NBS Rail Transportation Data for Q3 and Q4 2022 released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The report showed that the figure dropped by 60.52 per cent compared to the N1.81 billion received in Q3 of 2021.

Similarly, it showed that N101.84 million was collected in Q3 2022 as revenue from goods/ cargos, this dropped by 7.04 per cent from N109.56 million received in Q3 2021.

“Also, other receipts grew by 707.31 per cent in Q3 2022 from the N14.61 million recorded in Q3 2021.”

The report further showed that the number of rail transport passengers in Q3 2022 dropped by 500,348.

“This is lower than the 696,841 recorded in Q3 2021, representing a growth rate of -28.20 per cent. ”

In addition, the report showed that 33,312 tonnes of goods were transported in Q3 2022, compared to 51,726 tons reported in Q3 2021.

The report said the corporation generated revenue of N1.15 billion from passengers in Q4 2022, which indicated a decrease of 39.54 per cent in Q4 2021 which recorded N1.91 billion.

Also, it said revenue generated from goods in Q4 2022 was N157.23 million, which was higher by 63.56 per cent compared to the N96.13 million reported in Q4 2021.

It said other income receipts stood at N382.17 million, an increase of 3,316.18 per cent from the N11.19 million recorded in Q4 2021.

The report said in Q4 2022, the number of passengers increased by 30.10 per cent from 1.03 million persons recorded in Q4 2021 to 1.34 million persons in Q4 2022.

It said the volume of goods transported decreased by 1.50 per cent in Q4 2022.

“However, on an annual basis, the number of passengers increased by 18.36 per cent.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Independent petroleum producers, others set agenda for incoming administration

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) has called on the incoming administration of Sen. Bola Tinubu to address the bottlenecks mitigating against industry growth and energy security.

The IPPG Chairman, Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, made the call on Monday in Abuja at the sixth edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES).

Isa said the administration’s agenda for the industry should be geared toward improving investor confidence through the effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and strengthening regulatory institutions.

He said the incoming administration should arrest the menace of crude theft across the Niger Delta which still lingered in spite of the recent successes recorded by the Federal Government.

Isa listed others as harnessing the nation’s hydrocarbon asset, particularly gas, to catalyse and rapidly industrialise the economy, building a broader value-creating midstream (gas processing plants) and downstream (refineries) and transforming Nigeria into a product supplier.

He emphasised the need to eliminate industry-wide subsidies for all hydrocarbon and refined products as they remain detrimental to the growth of a vibrant industry.

Isa also called for an immediate repositioning of the industry.

“The Nigerian oil and gas industry has a very limited window to get things right and must work toward the rapid exploitation of its vast hydrocarbon assets for the socio-economic transformation and deploying same to guarantee our energy security.

“It is instructive to note that this edition of the NIES will be the last of this current administration.

“It is on that note and on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Governing Council of the IPPG I commend President Muhammadu Buhari, for his unwavering commitment to the survival and growth of our industry.

“Under his leadership, his administration has delivered unprecedented milestones across the entire industry, notably, the enactment PIA in 2021 which has boosted investor confidence after a two-decade lull in activities.

“This landmark legislation has begun the transformation of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and laid a solid foundation for the growth and development of the industry for future generations,’’ he said.

Also speaking, Dr Omar Farouk, the Secretary-General, African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), called for enabling environment for African energy security.

Farouk listed challenges in the African energy industry as lack of funding, technology and reliance on foreign markets.

He said for seven decades that Africa had been producing petroleum; it had relied essentially on external finance and always depended on foreign technology and to some extent expertise to produce the products.

Farouk said that these three challenges had been the focus of APPO in the last three years and it had concluded that the future of the industry lied on the hands of Africans.

“For the funding of the oil and gas projects across the continent, we have gone into partnership with the African Export-Import Bank to establish Africa Energy Bank with objective of financing oil and gas projects in the continent.

“For technology and expertise, the APPO secretariat has just concluded a tour of institutions of oil and gas training in some of our member countries for centres of excellence in petroleum industry.

“We want to banish the mindset that our people are too poor to buy energy and empower people to have access to energy,’’ he said.

The event also featured remarks by the Secretary-General of Gas Exporting Countries Forum, Mohamed Hamel, and Chairman, Oil Producing Trade Section, Mr Rick Kennedy, among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ongoing summit which ends on April 20, has its theme as “Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future“. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Global energy demand to increase by 23% to 2045 – OPEC

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says global primary energy demand is forecast to increase by 23 per cent in the period to 2045, which necessitates utilising all forms of energy.

The OPEC said based on its World Oil Outlook (WOO) forecast, resultantly, many of its Member Countries had invested heavily in renewables, which had received a positive endorsement from the G20 developing nations.

OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais, made this known in Abuja on Monday at the sixth edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 20223) with the theme: “Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future,”.

The summit, scheduled to hold from April 16 to April 20, was declared open at the Presidential Banquet Hall by President Muhammadu Buhari through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha.

Al Ghais listed the renewables as solar, nuclear, wind and waste-to-energy power, in addition to Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and hydrogen projects, as well as the Circular Carbon Economy.

“At OPEC, we recognise that the scope of the climate challenge requires comprehensive solutions. There is no panacea that can solve it alone.

“The oil and gas industry can foster its resources and expertise and help unlock our emissions-free future, through its role as a powerful innovator in developing cleaner and more efficient technological solutions.

“A diverse range of mitigation measures are necessary.

“The capacities and national circumstances of developing countries must be taken into account in all actions. We should never forget that climate change and sustainable development are two sides of the same coin,’’ he said.

He said that OPEC, as an intergovernmental organisation, composed exclusively of developing countries, seven of which are African, would want all voices included in discussions on energy transitions.

He said it had been directly involved in the evolution of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), from the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in 1990, to COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022.

“We are delighted that COP28 will be hosted by our Member Country, the United Arab Emirates.

“In addition to being involved in climate negotiations, OPEC and its Member Countries are proactive in looking for a diverse range of energy sources to meet the needs of the future,’’ he said.

The Secretary-General further said that the global oil sector alone would need cumulative investment of 12.1 trillion dollars through to 2045.

However, he said in recent years, it had heard calls from some to limit or stop funding for new oil and gas projects which was disheartening, and particularly impactful on developing countries with oil and gas resources.

“This great continent, Africa, has 120 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 18 trillion standard cubic metres of natural gas.

“For countries to properly utilise these resources for the benefit of their people, investment levels must be adequate, whilst taking actions to reduce the carbon footprint of the oil industry.

“However, movements by financial institutions to limit and stringently control how money is invested into fossil fuels under environmental, social and governance (ESG) constraints impedes the realisation of this potential.

Al Ghais, while commending President Muhammadu Buhari for being a strong supporter of OPEC, also looked forward to a continued cooperation with the incoming administration led by President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Gas utilisation: NNPCL deepens investments in AKK, OB3, others – Kyari

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd) is deepening investments in the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline and OB3 gas interconnector to support five billion standard cubic feet per day domestic gas utilisation.

Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive, NNPC Ltd., made this known in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the sixth edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2023).

Kyari explained that the company was investing heavily in critical infrastructure.

He added that it was also investing in five giga watts of power generating capacity by developing power plant projects along AKK pipeline corridor and across the country to complement the existing ones.

Kyari said that the company was also investing in five giga watts of power generating capacity by developing power plant projects along AKK pipeline corridor and across the country to complement the existing ones.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit declared open by President Muhammadu Buhari, through Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to Government of the Federation.

NAN also reports that the theme of the summit: “Global Perspectives for a Sustainable Energy Future.”

Kyari was represented at the event by Mr Mohammed Ahmed, Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, NNPC Ltd.

He said the company would continue to support the Federal Government toward the realisation of key initiatives such as the Decade of Gas and the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP).

These, he said, sought to deepen natural gas utilisation as an alternative transportation fuel, virtual gas supply to off-pipeline grid gas customers and gas utilisation as feedstock for the development of gas-based industries.

Kyari said this was evident in the definite actions taken to utilise Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to power vehicles, buildings and power plants.

He said the world had recognised the need for ensuring sustainability in the energy landscape in line with the current realities.

Kyari added that as key players in the sector, its mandate of providing energy for Nigeria still remained a priority.

According to him, NNPC is poised to reliably deliver energy to its stakeholders through efficient utilisation of hydrocarbons and other new energy sources which the country was blessed with.

“Oil and gas remains a significant component of the global energy mix, therefore we are unlocking more opportunities across both the oil and gas value chain spanning from supply and infrastructure to the markets,” he said.

Speaking on the gas export market, he said the ongoing Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas company Train Seven would expand Nigeria’s LNG production capacity to about 30 million tonnes per annum (30 MTPA).

This, he said, was in addition to the planned Nigerian Morocco and the Trans Sahara Gas Pipeline projects which would supply gas to sub-regional African countries and subsequently Europe.

“In addition to our existing upstream activities, we are also deepening exploration activities of the nation’s frontier Basins using the best industry standards and technologies which is already yielding results such as the Kolmani discovery.

“And we are hopeful that the recent spud-in of the EBENYI – A in Nasarawa State will yield positive result as well.

“NNPC will continue to leverage partnerships with the industry, government, research institutions and the academia to ensure energy security and sustainability,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

May 29: Stakeholders express optimism in Enugu economy

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By Emmanuel Afonne

Development stakeholders in Enugu have expressed optimism for a quantum leap in the state’s economy in the first two years of the governor-elect, Mr Peter Mbah.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mbah and his deputy governor-elect, Ifeanyi Ossai, will be inaugurated as helmsmen of the Coal City following their victory in the March 18, 2023 governorship polls in the state.

The stakeholders expressed the optimism in separate interviews with NAN on Monday in Abuja.

The Director-General, Peter Mbah Support Group (PMSG), Chief Emeka Ogbu-Nwobodo, expressed optimisim of a prosperous economy from May 29.

Ogbu-Nwobodo told NAN that he relied heavily on Mbah’s manifesto to grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state from $4.4 billion in 2022 to $30 billion by 2031.

“This is a very ambitious mission statement. It is indeed desirable to return Enugu state to its post independence era growth and retain it as the investment destination of Eastern Nigeria.

“Peter Mbah is capable of raising the bar in two years.

“He has demonstrated this in his Pinnacle Oil prior to his emergence as the governor-elect,” he said.

The director-general said it was thoughtful of the incoming governor to propose targeted policy incentives for public-private sector investments in key growth enabling sectors.

Ogbu-Nwobodo listed the sectors as: energy and natural resources development; agro-allied industrialisation and rural development; private sector development and integrated productive infrastructure development.

Chief Jude Aninta, the Abuja Coordinator of the group, said they looked forward for a prosperous Enugu economy from May 29.

Aninta told NAN that the incoming administration would surprise the citizens with “systematic, sustained and forward looking aproach”, to the development of the state.

“I am excited by the governor-elect’s plans in commerce and industry with focus on thriving Special Economic Zones to accelerate Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) development.”

Aninta said that Mbah’s promise to partner venture capital firms to create over N100 billion venture capital for MSME’s per annum would help turn around the state’s economy in the shortest time possible.

Also, a development expert, Mr John-Kennedy Chime, noted that the governor-elect had set a target of providing portable water to inhabitants of the capital city in his first 100 days and construction/expansion of 10,000 kilometres of road across the state.

Chime also expressed optimisim that Mbah and his team would drive the administration’s urban renewal, roads and bridges, public transportation, creative industry, tourism and ICT initiatives as spelt out in the mission statement.

“I want to see a lot of developments in the rural areas in order to harness the agro-potential of our state and give the rural dwellers a real sense of belonging.

“Mbah has promised to apply modern technologies to provide security, job creation for the teeming youth, massive improvement of education; healthcare delivery, women and sports.

“Enugu people will derive the joy from their Mbah/Ossai choice.

“We do not expect less and I am sure that the incoming Mbah administration will be unique and break many new grounds,” Chime added.

Chief Emeka Aba, an industrialist and astute businessman, said the likes of Peter Mbah were not easily found.

Aba noted that Mbah’s humility, discipline, foresightedness, industry, business acumen, integrity and spirit of accommodation would be deployed to governance to uplift the standard of living of Enugu people.

He urged other stakeholders in the Enugu to sink their differences and partner the new administration to bridge the infrastructure deficit of the state.

“Today it is Mbah. It could be you tomorrow,” Aba added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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