By Victor Okoye

Chidi Momah has been crowned champion of the 2023 Captain’s Inaugural tournament at the IBB International Golf and Country Club (IBBIGCC), Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, which began on Tuesday, ended on Saturday with a dinner and presentation of prizes to deserved winners in the various categories.

Momah emerged the overall winner of the event after playing off handicap 18 with a gross score of 84 and overall best nett score of 66.

A very elated Momah told NAN that he played good golf even though it was kind unexpected because he had not been playing well of late.

“So, to play the best golf, I have played in a while and won this tournament is very special.

“I played with two very nice people and we had a good rapport in my route. The weather was very nice which is important.

“My tee-shots, shots on the green and my potting was very good and everything came together.

“Even when I had an initial problem on some holes, I made up for it on other holes. So, it went well and I was very pleased with myself,” he said.

Former Nigeria number one ranked golfer Andrew Odoh won the prize in the professional category after he played 75 gross.

He was closely followed by IBB resident pro Andrew Dominic who played 76 gross to beat his challenger on countback and settle for the runner up prize in the category.

“Whenever you win, it’s a positive feeling that you always get. So, I am very happy that I won the event because it could have gone any other way.

“I feel like it’s one of those ones I just managed to nick off because I played really badly from the start.

“But luckily for me, al ot of the guys were also struggling but the best guy will always come up tops.

“No matter how tough the course is, there is always going to be a winner and I am happy I won,” an excited Odoh told NAN.

Mohammed Suleiman emerged winner of the best gross men after playing off handicap 3 with a gross score of 75.

He was closely followed by Abang Ogah, who played off handicap 2 with a gross score of 81, to finish as runner-up.

Saadu Baloni who played off handicap 4 with a gross score of 82, settled for the 1st runner up position.

In the men’s division 1 category for handicap 0 to 10, Oladipo Sanya was adjudged the winner after playing off handicap 9 with a gross score of 79 and 70 nett.

Ashir Tarfa finished as runner up in the category, playing off handicap 9 with a gross score of 84 and 75 nett.

The IBBIGCC Captain, Banjo Obaleye, settled for the 1st runner up position in the category after he played off handicap 10 with a gross score of 85 and 75 nett.

In the ladies division 1 category for handicap 0 to 18, Past Lady Captain Grace Ihonvbere, emerged winner after playing off handicap 12, with a gross score of 84 and 72 nett.

The IBBIGCC Captain, Obaleye told NAN that despite the heavy down experienced at the closing ceremony, he was grateful to God for the good weather experienced throughout the week-long tournament.

“Everybody was able to complete the tournament without any hitches. Even at the award presentation, despite the weather, we managed to wrap up what was an outstanding tournament.

“Golf is a game for everybody. It is not as elitist as people look at it and not a game for the “big pockets” as many people erroneously believe it is.

“It is a game everyone can participate in. It is game of contest and one that shows who you truly are. It’s even a game you can use to tame your emotional imbalances,” he said.

He also thanked the members of the Organising Committee and the Chairman, Chris Jemitola as well as all the sponsors for their hardwork and support towards a successful tournament.

No fewer than 400 golfers and 100 tennis players from across the country took part in the week-long tournament organised to officially usher in Obaleye as the 26th captain of the prestigious golf club. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

PTAD@ 10: Keeping Nigeria pensioners happy and alive

By Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) administration under the old pension offices faced overwhelming challenges that include accumulation of a number of negative incidents and inactions on the part of the old pension offices that resulted in the absence of a comprehensive database of pensioners, reports of ghost beneficiaries, allegations of pervasive fraud, administrative bottlenecks in accessing pension services, poor funding of pension liabilities, as well as poor delivery of service to pensioners.

For many years, these challenges led to huge losses in government funds and ultimately denied many pensioners their pension benefits for decades. For some unfortunate pensioners, the pursuit of the payment of their entitlements cost them their lives.

These were the scenario that Nigerian pensioners faced before the establishment of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) in August 2013 in compliance with the Pension Reform Act (PRA) of 2004, which was repealed and re-enacted in the PRA 2014.

At a South-East stakeholders engagement forum held in Awka for Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states, the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Dr Chioma Ejikeme, said that the event was periodically organised to meet and interact with pensioners and other Stakeholders in all the geopolitical zones of the country.

‘’At the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, we are aware of the importance of carrying our pensioners and stakeholders along in what we do; and this is why we organize this kind of forum to interact with you, keep you updated on our activities as well as our future plans, and most importantly, get your feedback.

‘’PTAD’s determination to change the narrative as far as pension administration under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) in Nigeria is concerned is irrevocable. It is pertinent to note that PTAD has intentionally and consistently been working on achieving positive and sustainable change in the DBS Pension management for the almost 10 years of its operation. It is worthy to mention that PTAD would be 10 by August of 2023,’’ she said.

Analysts have said that the processes and controls that have been put in place since the establishment of PTAD have contributed immensely to the change being witnessed today in the management of the Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

‘’Our journey from field verifications, mobile verifications, to putting together a solid database of pensioners, benefit computation, ensuring the regular payment of monthly pensions and paying long overdue pension arrears to pensioners, has been a progressive one filled with creativity, dedication, commitment, persistence and resulting in milestone achievements. It is not yet a perfect situation, but PTAD is committed to continuing to make giant strides.’’

In the last 12 months, PTAD has engaged in some major initiatives to improve on the overall welfare of Nigerian pensioners.

Complete payment of arrears arising as a result of the consequential adjustment to pensions as a result of the increase in minimum wage of April 2019 to the four operational departments in the Directorate.

Complete liquidation of the 126 months outstanding liabilities due to ex-workers of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation Complete payment of the 219 months of inherited liabilities to Ex-workers of New Nigeria Newspaper Limited

Complete payment of the 100 months of inherited liabilities to Ex-workers of NICON Insurance Complete payment of the 96 months of inherited liabilities to Ex-workers of Delta Steel Company (DSC)

Implemented the 9.7% increment to Ex-PHCN workers with attendant arrears paid.

Payment of a total of 48 months of the 84 months inherited arrears owed NITEL/MTEL pensioners, leaving a balance of 36 months for complete liquidation. With these payments, we are glad to inform you that PTAD has completely liquidated the inherited unfunded liabilities of all the Defunct/Privatized Agencies handed over to PTAD in 2017, with the exception of NITEL/MTEL with a balance of 36 months, which we are fully committed to liquidating.

‘’Recently, we also commissioned a Mechanized filing system, put in place to safely store pensioners’ physical verification and departmental files. Apart from securing and archiving these documents, this device will make it faster and easier to recall pensioners’ files to reconcile and resolve any complaint.

‘’You may recall that on the 12^th of October 2021, PTAD launched the “I AM Alive” Confirmation Solution and successfully completed the Pilot Phase where we tested the application on 50,000 randomly-selected pensioners from the four (4) Operational Departments and the six (6) Geo-political zones. Following the success of the Pilot Phase, on the 14th of April 2023, PTAD fully rolled out the solution for the use of our Pensioners.

However, to ensure an efficient and effective delivery, and prevent a heavy flow of traffic on the website, we have staggered the use of the Confirmation Solution according to departments as follows:

Similarly, PTAD has provided a six-month grace period for each department and their pensioners to complete their “I Am Alive” Confirmation (IAAC) Solution and trained Pension Desk Officers from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies for pensioners retired from organisations, as well as the various Representatives of Pension Unions on the use of this application, this is in order to assist pensioners who are unable to carry out the confirmation on their own.

So far, three operational departments, namely: Police Pension Department, Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Department, and the Civil Service Pension Department have commenced their Confirmation process, and the reports have been encouraging.

‘’On this note, may I commend the Pension Union Executives who have disseminated information about the I Am Alive Confirmation Solution to their members and have provided assistance to those who need help with confirming their aliveness.

‘’However, more needs to be done and we plead that you help us spread this message to all the nooks and crannies of the Zone and beyond. No pensioner who is alive should be left out of this very critical and important exercise that would determine a pensioner’s eligibility to continue to receive pension.

‘’As part of our resolve to ensure that no eligible pensioner is left out, PTAD wishes to inform all our pensioners in the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, that a Survey is being carried out by the Directorate to ascertain the number of pensioners we have in these countries and their various locations within the countries.

‘’We have a good number of unverified pensioners in these locations. The information gathered during the survey will enable us plan accordingly for Diaspora verification. I therefore enjoin you to inform your members who are living in these countries to visit the PTAD website and take part in the survey. It is very important. They should log on to our website – www.ptad.gov.ng to access the link for the survey.

‘’Furthermore, as we did with the Civil Service Pensioners, PTAD is currently carrying out the re-computation exercise on thousands of files in the Parastatals Pension Department, with a view to resolving their deluge of complaints.

We have held meetings with representatives of Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPAN), The Electricity Sector Retiree Welfare Association (ESREWA), and Concerned Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) pensioners to inform them of the outcome of the Back-End Computation Project carried out for the defunct PHCN pensioners under PTAD.

‘’At the end of the meetings, all the parties agreed that the implementation of the outcome should take effect from June 2023 payroll, which we have done. Some of you may have noticed an increase or a decrease in your pension, which means you were either being overpaid or underpaid, and the Computation project has placed your pension where it rightfully belongs.’’

The project is ongoing and representatives have been informed of the Back-End Computation Project for the Power, and Transport Sectors that it will be implemented this July 2023.

The PTAD boss also expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, given his well-known and commendable antecedents in pension matters, would continue to make pension payment a first-line charge, albeit unwritten, adding that ‘’this we have already started witnessing with the continued prompt payment of monthly pensions to our esteemed pensioners. We cannot afford to go back to the time when the DBS pensioners were owed months of pension arrears and their needs pushed to the back-burner’’.

She also used the stakeholders’ forum to warn pensioners against patronizing pension fraudsters.

‘’They seem to have kicked off their activities again as we are beginning to get reports of pensioners being called by people pretending to be PTAD Staff and soliciting funds from pensioners to enable their entitlements be paid.

‘’No staff of PTAD will call or send any message to you requesting for payment or ask you to call a certain phone number before your arrears or gratuity will be paid. Once you get such messages, you should know that PTAD did not send them and will never do so. Kindly share this important information with your members so they do not fall victim to these fraudsters.’’

The introduction of the ‘I Am Alive’ confirmation solution is another platform that would enable pensioners in the Defined Benefits Scheme to access the full potential of the PTAD services wherever they are and eliminate the challenges faced in the process of getting their pension entitlements.

***If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

By Florence Onuegbu

Civil society organisation, Patriotism Awareness Forum (PAF), has commended Nigerians for their understanding, resilience and patience on the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal.

The Convener, PAF, Mr Nelson Ekujumi, said this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

Ekujumi commended Nigerians for their understanding on the foreign exchange unification policy, amidst falsehood and misinformation by anti-democratic elements to mislead, confuse and incite Nigerians for political capital.

He said some persons were trying to destabilise the country by peddling fake news and misinformation, over the recent rise in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit due to market forces.

According to him, they are trying to incite and cause bad blood between the people and the government over the biting economic conditions.

“It is an indisputable fact that Nigerians across all divide have spoken in unison with one voice to commend and congratulate President Bola Tinubu for the courageous economic decision of fuel subsidy removal.

“Nigerians have also spoken in unison on the introduction of a single foreign exchange system to stop the hemorrhaging of our commonwealth and free resources for the three tiers of government to be able to deliver the dividend of democracy to our teeming masses.

“This bold economic policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has earned it commendations not only from financial experts and bodies at home, but also from international financial experts and institutions.

“This has increased the potentials of Nigeria as investor’s haven to be sought after in the global business environment, with the attendant creation of wealth and mass employment,” he said.

Ekujumi said that the outcome of the economic policy of fuel subsidy removal though painful and inevitable to come with economic pains and hardship for all irrespective of social status, has also brought in significant gains.

He said that the fuel subsidy removal had brought in savings of over N400 billion in June alone, with the World Bank projecting fuel subsidy savings of N3.9 trillion by December 2023.

According to him, it has resulted in an increased FAAC allocation of N1.959 trillion, to the three tiers of government in the month of June, which is unprecedented in Nigeria’s political and economic history.

“As a result of the fuel subsidy removal and forex reforms, investors in the stock market raked in N5.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2023, which represented a gain of 18.9 per cent, which is the highest in 15 years.

“We are also aware that as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy, daily fuel consumption in the country has dropped drastically from 66 million litres to 40 million litres and has in a way curbed the menace of smuggling of the product, which remained intractable till now,” he said.

Ekujumi, however, called on the organised labour to drop its confrontational approach against the policy of the Bola Tinubu administration.

He urged the organised labour to apply rationality and embrace dialogue, putting national interest above any other interest.

Ekujumi commended the National Economic Council for coming up with far reaching decisions to cushion the effect of the pains of the policies on ordinary Nigerians.

He also urged the citizens to remain resolute and unwavering to holding the three tiers of government accountable on the palliatives and other measures.

Ekujumi also urged the three tiers of government to activate their information machinery for aggressive education and sensitisation of the citizenry on the fuel subsidy removal policy.

Ekujumi urged the governments to educate the citizens on their policies and programmes in order to deepen and sustain democracy in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Grace Alegba

The Lagos State Government says recent demolition of distressed buildings in Alaba International Market in Ojo Local Council was neither a witch-hunt nor intended to acquire the land but done to protect lives.

Mr Gbolahan Oki, General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, (LABSCA) said this on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment of the demolition site.

Oki visited the market amid heavy downpour alongside his counterpart in Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authourity (LASPPPA), Mr Kehinde Osinaike, and the seven-man committee set up by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the aftermath of the demolition exercise.

They were led on the trip by Mr Oluwole Sotire, Permanent Secretary of their parent parastatal, the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that South-East traders in the market, led by Imo Governor, Mr Hope Uzodimma, met with Gov. Sanwo-Olu of Lagos to put to rest allegations of tribal bias behind the demolition exercise.

During the on the spot assessment, Oki explained that the demolition was simply to enforce building regulations and laws, to prevent building collapse.

According to him, most of the demolished buildings were without permits, and necessary documentations needed by the state government were also ignored.

“All we are after is that the lives of traders and other Nigerians are extremely important to the Lagos State Government.

“I have seen people painting buildings that are delapidated, that are not good, it is not painting that makes a building new. Our lives are more important,” he said.

Oki urged owners of distressed buildings marked for demolition to remove them within two weeks, to prevent disaster, or else government would move in to take action.

“My mandate is to remove anything that is dilapidated, that is harmful to the people that even owns it,” he said.

The General Manager said Sanwo-Olu set up the seven-man committee to look into the demolition without causing disaffection among the traders at Alaba International Market.

He said LASBCA officials were usually prevented from enforcing laws by people who failed to get building plan approvals or those who did illegal conversion of their properties.

NAN reports that the LASBCA boss waded through flash floods to issue stop work order on a contractor on site from the Ojo Local Government, for amicable resolution of all issues.

He assured protesters carrying placards that government had their interests covered with the appointment of additional 17-man sub-committee compromising their market leadership, for quicker resolution of issues.

Oki explained why distressed buildings were being demolished and the need for some of the traders to do regularisation.

He said this was because of issues of land grabbers selling one land to several people as well as the need to correct haphazard development.

Earlier, the general manager and his team had a meeting with leadership of the Alaba International Market traders at LASBCA head office at Ikeja GRA, before they all embarked on the trip to the market.

During the meeting, the market leaders who are members of the seven-man technical committee set up by to look into the issues of demolition in Alaba International Market discussed the way forward.

The LASBCA boss explained processes and procedures guiding laws on physical developments and what must be done to comply with regulation.

He said that there was no ethnic colouration to the decisions of government, whose only motive was to prevent building collapse, to ensure safety of lives of the traders and other Nigerians.

Mr Chris Maduka, Secretary to the seven-man Technical Committee on Alaba International Demolition, commended action of the government to sanitise the market.

Maduka said it had brought them closer and was in the best interest of everybody, to save traders from touts extorting them with various conflicting taxes and illegal levies.

During the on-the-spot assessment to the market, Maduka appealed for cooperation and understanding of the traders affected by the demolition exercise.

He said that taking to protest or violence would defeat the purpose for which Sanwo-Olu set up the Committee.

Some of the affected traders carrying placards with various inscriptions at the market pleaded with Sanwo-Olu to fast track the assignment of the committee to restore their means of livelihood. (NAN)

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

By Justina Auta

The Federal Government on Friday charged States and Local Government Councils to domesticate and implement the revised 2021-2026 National Gender Policy (NGP) for equity and welfare of vulnerable groups.

Dr Monilola Udoh, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, made the call at a Dissemination and Sensitisation Workshop on the 2021/2026 revised NGP in Abuja.

She said: “The overall goal of the 2021 NGP is to build a just society in which women, girls, and other vulnerable groups will enjoy the same opportunities, rights and obligations in all spheres of life.

“This should be devoid of discrimination; where their needs and concerns are mainstreamed equitably into all sectors of national development.

“The strategic objectives of the revised NGP are to bridge gender and social inclusion gaps and achieve parity in all spheres of life.

“The policy will also protect women’s human rights and mitigate sexual and gender- based violence through appropriate buffers and related services.”

According to her, the NGP will explore and fully harness women’s human capital assets, as a growth driver for national development through women’s economic empowerment, participation and representation in leadership and governance, amongst others.

She, therefore, urged all gender officers represented to ensure the domestication and full implementation of the policy in their various states for overall impact and national development.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, the Country Representative, UN Women, highlighted the importance of NGP towards setting the tone for meaningful engagements on issues around gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“UN Women has always been at the forefront of the development of the strategy, we feel very honoured to continue to be part of this,” she said.

Eyong, represented by Ms Patience Ekeoba, the National Programme Officer, UN Women, urged all development partners to continue to support the process of review, dissemination and implementation of the policy at all levels.

Prof. Olabisi Aina, the Executive Director, Centre for Gender, Women and Children in Sustainable Development and Lead of the 2006 Gender Policy, stressed the need to mainstream gender equity in all sectors across the states.

“Unless we get all the processes right, we will not make it in terms of development and this is the reason why the gender policy must be domesticated across all states of the federation,” he said.

Other partners present included the African Development Bank (AfDB), ActionAid, religious and traditional leaders, as well as women groups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Okon Okon

Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary Service Welfare Office, office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), has lauded Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan HOCSF, for her concern over the wellbeing of workers.

The permanent secretary made the commendation at the sendoff party, organised by the office of the HOCSF for three retired directors at the office namely Mr Augustine Uzoh, Mrs Otelemate Olusanya and Dr Anne Nzegwu.

Kambari said if Yemi-Esan had more opportunities, she would upgrade the welfare of the civil servants to better their lives while in service and during retirement period.

He said that within three months in office as permanent secretary he had noticed with amazement the way Yemi-Esan spoke concerning civil servants showing that “she is interested in the wellbeing of Nigerian workers.

“I thank God for the celebrators who have retired with good health and I also thank God for the kind of Head of Service that we have who shows concern over the working conditions of workers in Nigeria.

“In fact, I came into this office about two or three months ago, but I can see the commitment in her to the welfare of civil servants, I tell you and I mean it.

“And, if somebody like that would have opportunity, believe me, civil servants would be retiring like this our politicians.”

While commending the Directors Forum at the office of the HOCSF, Kambari appealed for the establishment of such forum service wide as that of permanent secretaries so as to carry other retired directors from across MDAs along.

The forum according to him, will serve as a means to coordinate the welfare of retirees and to accommodate them after service.

“I want to advise that the directors’ forum be made service wide as the permanent Secretaries have their own forum to carry others along.

“The only forum to appreciate retired civil servants is the forum like this because they work for the nation and they deserve better treatment while parting from the service,” he added.

Contributing, Malam Baba Mohammed, Head of Directors Forum at the office, expressed joy over the retirees, saying that for the celebrators to reach the peak of their careers, it worth celebrating.

“This is the first time for the office of the HOCSF to gather to send off three directors at the same time.

“You will agree with me that for somebody to work to reach the peak of his career is not a child’s play and as such, it worth appreciating and celebrating”.

Also, Mr Adebayo Adejinmi, who is also a director at the office, appealed to the government to do all it could to add value to both the serving and the retired civil servants in Nigeria.

According to Adejinmi, addressing the poor salary of civil servants while in service could go a long way to better their lives after services to their father land for a good 35 years.

“Please anywhere we are, anything we can do to add value to both serving and the retired civil servants, let’s do it,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Isaac Aregbesola

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Mr Clem Agba, former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, has mourned the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, who passed, on Thursday, at the age of 93.

Agba, in a statement on Friday, said Edebiri’s transition was a great loss to the Benin kingdom and the Palace of the Oba of Benin, where he served with distinction as a chief.

He commiserated with the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Ewaure II, the family of the Esogban and the entire Kingdom on his transition.

He said that the late Esogban, who was a frontline journalist of the anti-colonial struggle and an engaging prose stylist, was a statesman of huge repute who deployed his wise counsel and invaluable guidance in helping the youth and those who looked up to him for direction.

“An iconic statesman, a refined leader, and a great counsellor came, saw, conquered, and has taken his dignifying exit. I was a beneficiary of his wise counsel and his positive influence. I will sorely miss him. The entire Benin Kingdom and Edo State will, also, sorely miss him.

“I commiserate with members of his family and the Edo royalty on his transition. Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, lived a good life. His life and times were characterized by beautiful stories of great accomplishments,” Agba said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Sarafina Christopher

The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance and Equity in Nigeria has commended the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for the approval of funds for palliatives as a magnanimous step to address the desperate needs of the nation.

Mr Adamu Matazu, made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the 10th National Assembly has again demonstrated a penchant for the interest of Nigerians by yielding to the request of President Bola Tinubu to amend the 2022 supplementary budget.

He stated that desperate times demand drastic action from all and the leadership of the 10th NASS has already taken some vital steps to douse the hardship in the nation.

Matazu said: “We recall that both the Senate and House of Representatives under the leadership of Sen. Godswill Akpabio and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas,

”They separately approved the request to extract N500bn from the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act to provide palliatives aimed at cushioning the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

“We salute both chambers of the National Assembly; the Senate, and the House of Representatives, for passing the 2022 supplementary budget.”

Matazu said that the action had further proven the importance of collectivity, saying, ” ‘If everyone is moving forward together, then success will take care of itself.

“We thank you all for prioritizing the growth of our nation at large, irrespective of your political differences, and personal diversities.

“Knowing that Nigeria is blessed with having such visionary leaders, taking a unanimous decision that further solidifies the pillar of progress of this country.

”It is a soothing balm of relief to every citizen, as this budget is understood to assuage the heavy financial burden on our dear nation.”

Matazu also commended President Bola Tinubu for a perfect choice of Akpabio for the position of Senate President and his support for the seamless emergence of Abbas.

“These are trailblazers that have conquered different feats in their respective calls in serving the nation,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Saidu Adamu/Bashir Rabe Mani

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The newly installed President of Rotary Club of Abuja Metro,  Mr Oritsejolomi Ayomike, has promised to provide a responsible leadership for the club with greater impact and increased participation for the year.

Ayomike made the pledge at a fundraising, award presentation and his investiture ceremony as the 14^th President of the club.

The new president took over from the immediate past President, Mr Ifeanyi Nnodu.

He noted that the club had achieved a lot in the last six years with a lot of charity projects across communities in the district.

Ayomike expressed the determination of the club to increase its impact, service to humanity and expand its reach through participation in various projects.

He commended his predecessor for running an open door policy, adding that his administration was built  on integrity, transparency and accountability.

He also pledged to build on the legacies of his predecessors, urging member  to be generous when it is time for the fundraising to be able to  succeed.

While thanking the club for finding him worthy to serve as president, he urged the members to be generous for the fundraising to be able to  succeed.

“My tenure as president will not be successful if I do not enjoy the cooperation of members and as I am soliciting for funds for my plans.

”If I do not get the funds, my plans will definitely fall short in the face of all the things that we are challenged to do.

“Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, as you have heard, is a very prestigious club. We need to keep our status.

“So I will urge all members of the club to do what is needful for them to do so that we will achieve great successes in this rotary year,” he added.

He said that Rotary International as an international service organisation had the purpose of bringing professional and business persons together to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and advance goodwill and peace around the world.

He added that members of rotary shared an uncommon comradeship that was needed to willingly give to charity.

“It gives me great pleasure to humbly accept to act as the 14th president of this very great club. The journey to this day has been long, but it has been worth it.

“All the while I have been observing, learning and imbibing leadership qualities from a lot of our mentors, past rotary international presidents, vice presidents, several district governors from this district and beyond.

“They have all left indelible marks in the good books of Rotary forever. To this great men and women, I say thank you for your service to humanity and to all the members of Rotary Club of Abuja Metro.”

The immediate past president, Nnodu said that leadership, whether in rotary or any other place must follow the tenets of leadership such as accountability and transparency to be able to do well.

According to him, those you are leading must know what you are doing. If they demand accountability, you present it to them and rotary is such an organisation that is well structured.

“You have the constitution, follow the constitution, you have the bylaws follow the bylaws, and the most important then have advisors.

“If you make a mistake, it is not because you took advise from, it is because you took the wrong decision.

“If you do it well, the credit goes to you and I will advise that you be the man of your goal,” he said.

Nnodu advised the new president to run the club following the rules to be able to run the club efficiently and effectively.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured presentation of awards of excellence to some notable individuals such as the former First Lady of Edo, Mrs Eki Igbinedion among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola