By Wandoo Sombo

Mr Abdullahi Usman of Taraba, has petitioned the Acting Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) Mr Folashodun Shonubi over alleged plans by Gov. Agbu Kefas to access a N206 billion loan facility.

Usman alleged that the governor planned on getting the loan from commercial banks in violation of laws guiding the process of loan application by the various tiers of government.

He urged the acting CBN governor to, as a matter urgency, instruct the affected commercial banks to suspend any consideration of granting the requested loan.

“If the CBN governor does not urgently wade into this matter, the state will be thrown into a perpetual state of abject poverty.

“The state will also be saddled with an excruciating debt burden and an inability to meet its financial obligations, which will impact negatively on the capacity of the state to remain a viable entity,’’ he said.

In addition to the suspension of the loan request, the petitioner also prayed the CBN governor to instruct the affected banks to present copies of relevant approvals from all agencies.

“They should also present limitation of use of commercial bank loans to fund capital expenditures and state budgets and finally, restriction of all loan facilities to Taraba until after the final determination of the ongoing gubernatorial litigation by the Supreme Court,’’ he said.

The petitioner, through his counsel said that the petition became necessary in order to draw the attention of the CBN governor to the planned contravention of the law.

He said the petition was also necessary to enable the CBN to take proactive steps and investigate the matter with the aim of discouraging the affected banks from getting involved in the process.

Copied in the petition were President Bola Tinubu, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Ministry of Finance.

Others are the Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), amongst others.

According to Usman, the loan facility requested by the Taraba government from some commercial banks is hasty, ill-conceived and a wasteful venture that is politically motivated.

“This is to consolidate the power of an embattled governor and an attempt to put Taraba in a state of perpetual servitude of paying debts beyond its means and penury.

“All this under the guise of embarking on purported developmental activities,’’ the petitioner said.

The petitioner said that the Taraba House of Assembly’s prompt approval of the governor’s letter read on the floor of the house by the speaker with regards to the loan was hasty and ill-advised.

He said that one of the grounds on which he was challenging the proposed loan was that the process was shabby and had a defective risk assessment for the loan facilities.

He further argued that the loan was unrealistic and had an unsustainable repayment plan just as it had political inducement and motives.

“ Taraba is one of the poorest states in Nigeria, and is already overburdened with humungous debts and repayment of various facilities.

`How then can any commercial bank in Nigeria resort to inaccurate, unsustainable and unrealistic cash flow projections to avail Taraba any loan facility at the moment?

“All the cash flow projections for Taraba cannot adequately accommodate the repayment plan of a loan of N206 billion for a tenure of four years at 23 per cent interest rate,’’ he said.

The petitioner expressed concerns that the governor was currently defending his election at Taraba Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which had yet to deliver judgment.

“The loan amount from Taraba government can easily be diverted to other projects unconnected with what the loan is meant for.

“Since the position of the current government is shaky and may be set aside by the court, what will happen to the repayment of the huge loans granted to Taraba ?”

He decried what he described as the incessant attitude of commercial banks giving loans to state governments without following due process.

“In fact, it now appears that this form of armchair banking is what has been adapted by many commercial banks in going after states with meager and unsustainable cash flow.

“It is an easy way of making huge profits at the detriment of the state governments and their poor citizens.

“It is also to the detriment of the Federal Government and all Nigerians, who will bear the burden of bailing out failed states, when they cannot meet their financial obligations to the commercial banks.”

The petitioner also said that he had instructed his counsel to take necessary steps required by law, including instituting legal action, to restrain the affected banks from granting the loan to Taraba.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Oluwatope Lawanson

The Executive Chairman, Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Mrs Samiat Bada, has gifted 250 General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms to indigent students in the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was held at the council’s secretariat on Monday in Lagos.

NAN reports that out of the 250 indigent students, 50 forms were given out to Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).

Bada said the gesture was aimed at boosting and sustaining education in the council area by raising resourceful youths.

The council boss said that her administration was committed to the welfare of the people.

She added that the act would help the students achieve their academic goals while reducing the cost on their parents.

Bada assured that education would continue to be her top priority, hence the distribution of the 2023 GCE forms.

According to her, no amount of money expended in education can ever be enough.

“l believe education is the best legacy that we can give to all at every given time, which anyone that is offered will live not to regret.”

Bada said that free Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms would also be given to indigent students who passed the GCE exam without going through any form of screening.

She, however, advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the gesture, reiterating that education was the best legacy.

Bada urged the students to justify the huge amount of public funds expended in procuring the forms by ensuring that they prepared very well for the exam.

“I encourage you to continue to strive to get better education and be good ambassadors.

“I implore you to refrain from all forms of examination malpractice, l wish you the best and l pray you shall all be successful,” Bada said.

In his remark, Mr Dayo Ogunleye, Head of Department, Education, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, said the aim of giving out the free forms was to give succour to indigent parents due to the economic challenges in the country.

“It also explains the commitment and investment of our Mayoress in education while ensuring that our youths are academically and morally sound.

“This is a laudable gesture which she began since her inception in 2021 and she has not relented thus far.

“I, therefore, commend her because she is ever-ready to support the teeming youths when it comes to education.,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Olutayo Victor, said the free form he received had given him a chance to sit for the examination.

Victor added that his parents could not afford the money for the form.

He lauded the chairman for her kindness, and promised to study hard and excel in the examination in order to make her proud.

NAN reports that in attendance at the event were the Deputy Chairman, Mr Olayinka Ogunleye, Council Manager, Mrs Bola Adeyemi and HOD Education, Mr Dayo Ogunleye, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Florence Onuegu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has appointed six Special Advisers (non-cabinet) to serve in various capacities across the ministries.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, made this known in a statement on Monday.

Salu-Hundeyin said the newly appointed Special Advisers were Mrs Iyabo Ayoola, as Special Adviser, Central Internal Audit and Mr Olalekan Balogun, Special Adviser, Economic Planning and Budget

She added that Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe had been appointed as the Special Adviser, Community Development, while the Very Rev. Bukola Adebiyi, as Special Adviser, Christian Religion

According to her, Dr Abdullahi Jebe is the Special Adviser, Muslim Religion and Mr Ismail Odesanya is the Special Adviser, DAWN Commission and S/W Integration.

The SSG congratulated the appointees and encouraged them to align their contributions with Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s vision for a Greater Lagos.

She said that the appointments take immediate effect. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Abigael Joshua

Director of Special Projects, TEXEM UK, British Caroline Lucas, says that only digitally strategic leaders will be able to thrive in the face of constant advancement in global technology.

Speaking on the forthcoming leadership development programme of TEXEM, Lucas said that in the ever-evolving digital age landscape, the need for strategic leadership has become more critical than ever.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website, www.texem.co.uk, she said the programme “Leadership For Success In A Digital Age” will take place from Aug. 21 to Aug. 24, at the prestigious Double Tree by Hilton, London Elstree.

“The relentless pace of technological advancements and the constant influx of information demands a new breed of leaders who can navigate the complexities of the digital era.

“To thrive in this digital age, strategic leadership is not just an option; it is an absolute necessity,” it asserted.

According to the statement, the programme offers an exclusive opportunity for executive directors, non-executive directors, CEOs, chief investment officers, COOs and top managers to unlock the full potential of strategic leadership.

It affirmed that the programme will also drive their organisations to success in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The TEXEM UK statement noted that staying ahead in the digital age “requires more than just an understanding of cutting-edge technology”.

It added that the programme focuses on empowering participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to become exceptional leaders who can drive their organisations to unparalleled success.

The programme will offer actionable insights that will help leaders harness the opportunities of President Tinubu’s proposed policy of creating one million digital jobs.

Another key highlight of the programme is the involvement of eminent and notable experts, each renowned in their respective fields.

Participants will build their social capital via enduring relationships with other participants.

Another benefit of participating is that leaders will enhance their digital credentials for better decisions.

During the TEXEM programme, leaders will challenge assumptions and gain fresh insights into leading effectively in a fast-paced and increasingly complex world.

The faculty includes Prof. John Peters, a former chair of the Association of MBAs that accredits Harvard, Standford and London Business School.

He brings unparalleled strategic acumen from his experience as a soldier and prisoner of war.

There is also Prof. Paul Griffith, the world’s first Professor of Management to lead a team to launch a rocket into space, offering unique insights into leadership and innovation in volatile times.

Oxford alumnus Prof. Roger Delves, who was a global board director at the age of 30 and consistently help organisations to win, is also a faculty.

Sir James Duddridge, a Member of the UK Parliament and former Minister who has served under the cabinet of three Prime ministers with a wealth of experience in strategic decision-making, will also speak.

These illustrious faculty will leverage TEXEM’s methodology and deploy diverse learning tools, including discussions, role-play, presentations, company visits, short videos, and games, to foster a rich and immersive learning experience.

“Our methodology, which involves case studies and tested approaches, will enhance your cognitive skills, analytical rigour, and decision-making capabilities.

“Moreover, it will strengthen your interpersonal skills, stakeholder engagement credentials, communication prowess, leadership quotient, and team spirit,” the statement announced.

The statement quoted testimonials from previous participants on the impact of TEXEM’s programmes.

Sonya Ogunkuade, Hon. Commissioner and Special Assistant to the President said “I’ve enjoyed the presentations of the consultants. I’ve enjoyed the practicability of the consultants. They bring in life examples in all their presentations”.

Prof. Olatunde Atusanya, Hon. Commissioner Tax Appeal Tribunal also endorsed TEXEM saying “…TEXEM, is a good platform for advancing leadership training.

“I would recommend TEXEM for any organisations or institutions that are, desirous for improving their workforce in leadership and strategic policy making”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

GetBundi Education Technology and its corporate social responsibility arm, GetBundi Education Foundation, have appointed Ms Amanda Kasmira Cryer, social impact entrepreneur and consultant, as their Global Ambassador.

Mr Osita Oparaugo, Founder of GetBundi Education Technology, who announced this in a statement on Monday in Lagos, said the appointment takes immediate effect.

Cryer, an Irish Canadian filmmaker and social impact influencer, has been working in the media industry for more than two decades.

As GetBundi’s global ambassador, she will use her influence and network of friends, colleagues and partners to work towards actualising GetBundi’s vision of upskilling 10 million African youths with digital skills over the next 10 years as encapsulated in the “GetBundi Vision 2033”.

“I see the great things that GetBundi can achieve for the people of Africa in addressing major challenges such as poverty, inequality and unemployment.

“I am honoured and grateful to be a part of amplifying this powerful technology as well as supporting the foundation itself,” she said.

Recall that Ms Cryer was one of the speakers at the virtual opening ceremony of TechSis 2023, a free online coding training organised by GetBundi for 500 women across Africa.

The training aimed at empowering women with digital skills and thus prepare them to assume their rightful place at the heights of the digital economy.

Speaking at that event which held on 1st June 2023, Cryer, alongside the Head of Women and Gender Studies at Imo State University, Prof Florence Emenalo, and the Country Manager of Microsoft for Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams, had said she believed that the “empowerment of women is key to the empowerment of Africa”.

Cryer declared that she was excited to collaborate with GetBundi to empower the women and men all over Africa.

“We believe that everyone on this planet has the power to be a big change maker – it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, where you started,” she said.

Oparaugo, in the statement announcing Ms Cryer’s appointment, said she was considered because her values align with GetBundi’s mission and the future the GetBundi Education Foundation is creating across Africa “especially empowering women across the continent with life-changing digital skills that will make them independent”.

“GetBundi is committed to fast-tracking the demographic transition in Africa with digital skills.

“To do so will require partnerships across the Atlantic with individuals, for-profit and not-for-profit organisations, and Amanda Cryer is definitely one of those,” Oparaugo said.

He thanked Cryer for acknowledging and joining the GetBundi vision.

“Together, we will build a new Africa based on technology, equipping African youths with digital skills,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GetBundi education technology is an online education technology outfit committed to equipping African youths with technological expertise to enable them compete in the ever changing world. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai