Zacch Adedeji

By Abigael Joshua

TEXEM UK, a renowned UK leadership development organisation, has congratulated Zacch Adedeji on his appointment as Special Adviser to President Ahmed Tinubu on Revenue Matters.

TEXEM’s Director, Special Projects Caroline Lucas who spoke on behalf of the company said Adedeji’s exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication to driving revenue growth have made him an outstanding choice for the crucial role.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website, it was recalled that in 2011, Adedeji made history by becoming the youngest person ever appointed Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State.

“During his tenure, his visionary leadership inspired and led to the introduction of a series of brilliant, forward-thinking reforms that elevated the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to unprecedented heights.

“By plugging financial leakages, implementing best financial practices, and spearheading a remarkable financial turnaround, Adedeji showcased his unparalleled ability to innovate and generate revenue.

“TEXEM UK is proud to have played a small part in Adedeji’s journey of excellence,” the statement announced.

It further recalled that in October 2015, Adedeji attended the prestigious programme, Leaders in Oil and Gas programme, which TEXEM organised in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, held in London.

“This programme allowed Adedeji to expand his strategic outlook and acquire valuable insights into leadership and how to do more with fewer resources.

“His attendance demonstrates his commitment to personal growth and professional development, which undoubtedly contributed to his outstanding achievements.

“Following his remarkable success in Oyo State, Adedeji was appointed Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council in March 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari,” the statement explained.

It recalled that for over two years, he has worked diligently towards Nigeria’s ambitious goal of achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production through faithfully implementing the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan.

The statement added that Adedeji’s unwavering dedication and strategic acumen have propelled Nigeria closer to this vital objective.

“As a Fellow of Chartered Accountants (FCA) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Adedeji possesses a formidable wealth of knowledge and expertise in the financial sector.

“His deep understanding of finance and taxation is an invaluable asset that will drive revenue growth and economic stability under his guidance.

“One of the most striking aspects of Adedeji’s leadership is his versatility and ability to reinvent himself in the face of challenges,” it disclosed.

The statement asserts that the new presidential adviser has a unique talent for transforming revenue challenges into impactful growth and innovation opportunities.

It affirms that Adedeji’s strategic outlook and his unwavering commitment to excellence distinguish him as a transformative leader capable of driving financial change and shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape.

TEXEM, UK’s founder, Dr Alim Abubakre, says that “Mr Zacch Adedeji’s life and ethos reflect the words of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who said that a ‘true leader has the confidence to stand alone”.

Abubakre said such leader has the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.

“Such leader does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.

“TEXEM implores Adedeji to take this well-deserved appointment to consolidate his impact and secure his legacy as the technocrat who developed actionable policies on the nation’s quest to achieve inclusive and sustainable prosperity,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Gov. Umar Bago has expressed his dissatisfaction over inadequate tents and poor facilities at the Niger pilgrims camp in Mina, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Bago, who stated this while addressing newsman shortly after inspecting the tents for Niger State pilgrims tent.

He threatened to report the matter to President Bola Tinubu for necessary action.

The governor also lamented the sanitary condition of the tents, saying that the facilities at Niger State tents fall below standard.

He emphasised the need for the decentralisation of certain hajj responsibilities from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the Hajj management body in Nigeria.

” First and foremost, I want to express our dismay as a state for the kind of ill-treatment our pilgrims got. The tent is over populated and very filthy.

” The facilities here are not enough you can see people lying down outside which is not good enough.
Secondly, we need to take this issue up with NAHCON.

” As as state we are going to take over certain responsibilities from NAHCON and we are going to meet President Tinubu on this issue.

“For instance, Niger pilgrims cimplained that the food they are given is unsuitable to ingest

”This is not human, it is inhuman. This is not ok for us and we are not going to accept it.

On his part, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Dantoro and Ameer Hajj Niger State 2023 said Niger state pilgrims paid for conducive tents, good food but unfortunately they did not get what they paid for.

”We will write our report on this. You can even see where I’m staying as an Ameer Hajj very close to the toilet.

”I said I’m not going to leave this place because I prefer to stay with my people so that we will experience it together.

”Take it from me and the entire pilgrims. It is a disgusting situation and unfortunately there is nothing to write home about.

”But as a Muslims anybody who intends to perform hajj whatever he sees is only Allah that will reward him/her.”

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, had expressed dissatisfaction over inadequate tents for Nigerian pilgrims at Mina by the Saudi Company vested with the responsibility of securing enough facility in the area.

Hassan stated this while answering questions from journalists after inspecting the situation at Muna on Monday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He also said that the commission was was not pleased with the feeding arrangement which, he said, the meals were inadequate and were served late to the pilgrims.

He said NAHCON envisaged that the problem was most likely to occur and earlier suggested that the commission be involved, but the Saudi authorities concerned insisted they had a mega kitchen and about three alternate plans to deliver to the satisfaction of all.

Hassan revealed that the commission had already notified the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah over the Nigerian plight over tents and feeding.

He further stated that there has been a standing rule that only satisfactory services provided would be charged and paid for, while refunds were made for those poorly handled.

NAN reports that a total of 95,000 pilgrims from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Armed Forces contigent and tour operators are currently undergoing annual hajj ritual in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Gov. Umar Bago of Niger has promised to build a first-class Hajj transit camp for the state pilgrims to ease their movement to Saudi Arabia.

Bago made the promise in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Muna, an outskirts of the holy city of Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The governor revealed that his administration had opened discussion with Saudi Arabian authority to procure 100 gas powered buses to ameliorate the stress pilgrims go through during the core Hajj period.

“I have been opportune to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj severally. Alhamdulillah, this is one of the smoothest we have had despite the population.

“The arrangement has been very wonderful. We have done our Hajj rites. We have been to all the places we are expected to visit as pilgrims. So far so good, everything has been going on very well,” he said.

Bago called on all the state pilgrims to pray for President Bola Tinubu’s good health, prosperity and wisdom to lead the country.

“They (pilgrims) should pray for peace in Nigeria, we have been battling with insecurity, and we pray to Allah to grant us his mercy and bring an end to the insecurity in our state and country.

“We are appealing to Nigerians to be patient with different policies of the government that aim at bringing economic prosperity. It is going to be tough from the begging, but am sure by the grace of God we will surmount it.

” And as a people from Niger State, we are very sure that as we have started, we are going to hit the ground running. With Allah on our side, we will succeed,” the governor assured.

He said that approval have been secured for Minna Airport project on the eve of the last administration.

Bago said: “Unfortunately, the people who handled the Minna Airport project were not serious about it from the beginning. The approval was done on the eve of the last administration.

“The contract was awarded for the drainage to the runway. But we have met with the contractor, we have gone very far and we are very optimistic that, by Allah’s grace, in 2023 pilgrims will fly from Niger State to Saudi Arabia.

“And above that, we are going to build a first class Hajj camp, just within the airport to reduce the hardship of Muslims.

“We are in discussion with Saudi Arabia authority so that we are going to buy 100 gas powered buses so that pilgrims won’t suffer anymore.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has advised Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and extend love for one another irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliations.

Mohammed, who is one of the 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims currently performing Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Muna, Makkah, on Thursday.

The governor emphasised the need for Nigerian pilgrims to use the opportunity of this year’s pilgrimage to pray for the country to overcome security and economic challenges confronting the nation.

“So we need to pray for our leaders, pray for unity and guidance, especially for all our new and old leaders. We should pray for development, peace, and unity, we should pray against insecurity and of course bad governance.

“We should be ready to sacrifice and extend love for one another in respective of tribe, religion and political association. We must always remember that we are all one as humanity.

“You see the beauty and the commonality. Hajj is so excellent that it has shown the universality of mankind. And so my message is that we should tolerate one another and love each other.

“We should wish the best for each one of us so that together we can build a nation that will be the pride of everybody. We should pray for each other and pray for our leaders, and for the entire country,” he urged.

Besides, the governor called on leaders at all levels to shun greediness and promote good governance.

Mohammed said: “Some of us that have been given leadership, definitely have our shortcomings, limitations and our inadequacies. Some of our shortcomings are bothered by greediness. May God make us overcome all these challenges and limitations.

“May we have security, and may our economy be good so that we can take care of the vulnerable and the disadvantaged, the teeming youths and women that are looking for self-actualisation.

“Of course, is a new beginning and Nigeria needs a lot of prayers, African continent requires prayer, we need to see beyond our country. Because there is a lot of hope on Nigeria and we cannot afford to disappoint.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Isaiah EkaT

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom Council, has barred its members from covering the activities of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly with immediate effect.

The directive is contained in a communique issued at the end of its Wednesday’s state Congress held at its Secretariat on Information Drive, Uyo.

The communique was signed by the council Chairman, Amos Etuk, Secretary, Dominic Akpan, Chairman and Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee, Iniobong Ekponta and Dianime Uko, and member, Emem Okon.

The council hinged its action on the appointment of a non-journalist, Mr Nkereuwem Udom, as the Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong.

According to the communique, the union warned that any member that defaults the congress will face servere sanctions.

It also called on the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency to take immediate action to end the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the Atiku Abubakar Way.

It maintained that the unhealthy act was blocking the drainage and causing flooding in the area.

It further called on the Federal Road Safety Corps and other agencies involved in traffic management in the state to henceforth enforce the law, arrest and prosecute drivers, who drive against traffic.

It contended that the illegal practice always caused road crashes.

The communique further called on the state Police Command and other security agencies in the state to step up their surveillance and come up with measures to arrest the increasing cases of cell phone theft in Uyo metropolis. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

Bolanle Oniyangi

By Abigael Joshua

Dr Alim Abubakre, British – Nigerian and founder, TEXEM UK has described Bolanle Oniyangi, newly appointed Director at Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as a visionary leader driving landmark judgments and transforming taxation.

While congratulating Oniyangi on her recent appointment on behalf of TEXEM, Abubakre told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it is a testament to her exceptional skills, dedication, and visionary outlook towards driving transformative change in taxation.

He said that Oniyangi is an alumnus of TEXEM, he added that “she attended our executive development programme, Effective Leadership for Sustainable Success, held between June 12th – July 24th, 2021”.

Abubakre said the remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional skills, dedication, and visionary outlook towards driving transformative change in taxation.

“Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi’s journey to this esteemed position has been characterised by unwavering determination and remarkable accomplishments.

“As a seasoned counsel, she has displayed an outstanding commitment to justice, consistently securing numerous landmark judgments for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Ms Oniyangi’s promotion to the exalted position of Director is well deserved because of her excellent analytical credentials, charismatic yet humble mien, inspiring audacity, uncommon patriotism and impeccable moral compass that sets her apart,” he said.

Abubakre said her ability to make good decisions, outstanding coordination credentials, profound positive impact and unwavering dedication led to her appointment as the Coordinating Secretary of the Tax Appeal Tribunal.

He added that this has further expanded her influence and solidified her reputation as a legal luminary and goal-getter.

“In fact, the President of the Lower Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Higher Tax Appeal Tribunal in the UK has praised the Tax Appeal Tribunal under her leadership, acknowledging its superiority in areas such as the deliberation and disposition of justice.

“The Nigerian system’s speed and efficiency in recruiting and retaining commissioners surpass the UK’s, making it more effective in delivering judgments.

“This recognition is a testament to Oniyangi’s exceptional leadership and the positive changes she has brought to the tax appeal system,” Abubakre said.

He said that beyond her professional achievements, Oniyangi’s personal story is an inspiration to all.

Abubakre recalled that as a single mother who tragically lost her husband many years ago, she has demonstrated unwavering strength and resilience in raising her family while excelling in her professional endeavours.

“She is an outstanding role model in stability and integrity, embodying the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

“Sir Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” These words aptly capture the spirit of Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi.

“She embodies the characteristics of a driven and determined individual who consistently delivers exceptional results, regardless of the challenges or targets,” the TEXEM founder said.

Abubakre said that Oniyangi’s appointment as a Director at the FIRS is a significant milestone for her and for the advancement of tax administration in Nigeria.

“Her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence will propel FIRS towards greater heights, facilitating economic growth and promoting compliance in the Nigerian tax landscape.

“We are confident that under her guidance, the FIRS and the Tax Appeal Tribunal will continue to contribute substantially to the nation’s development and fiscal stability.

“Her appointment is a testament to her strategic leadership and illustrious career, exemplified by many landmark judgements she has secured for the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

Abubakre said that Oniyangi’s personality epitomises Peter Drucker’s wise statement that the effective leader sees leadership as a responsibility rather than rank and privilege.

“I encourage her to continue her penchant for good judgement, excellent collaborative streak, diplomatic outlook, impressive self-awareness, and the awesome collaborative quotient that will serve her well in her pursuit of enduring impact.

“She should see this elevation as a call for more distinguished service to society and seize this unique opportunity to complete the journey of writing her name in gold,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

President Bola Tinubu, in company of several dignitaries, immediately after arriving in Ijebu-Ode on Thursday. Photo: NAN

By Abiodun Lawal

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday arrived at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode on his way to private visits to some traditional rulers in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu alighted from a presidential chopper in Ijebu-Ode in company of his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

He also had with him the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategies, Dele Alake.

The President, after arriving at exactly 10.17 a.m, inspected the guard of honour.

He was received by Gov. Dapo Abiodun, his deputy, Noimot Salako -Oyedele, a former Ogun governor, Olusegun Osoba, some House of Representatives members and several All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters.

Tinubu, thereafter, left for the residence of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, where he would have a private meeting with the traditional ruler.

Tinubu is also expected to have another meeting with the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in his palace in Abeokuta the state capital later on Thursday.

NAN reports that Tinubu is scheduled to hold a private meeting with Oba Gbadebo, during which issues on Nigeria’s development and growth are also expected to be discussed.(NAN)

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

By Hamza Suleiman

By Ruth Oketunde

Former Director-General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Julie Okah-Donli, has urged Rotary clubs in the country to carry out more humanitarian projects.

She said this at the Valedictory Fellowship and Formal introduction of the President-Elect, Rotary Club of Abuja, Aso-Golf, in Abuja.

Okah-Donli, who doubles as the outgoing president of the club, said it was necessary for Rotarians to pay particular attention on the seven key areas of focus of the Rotary International.

She said that water and sanitation, healthcare, education, economic and community development projects, among others, would go a long way in impacting the lives of a lot of people.

“We had just one year but I tell you, it was one very successful, difficult and impactful year.

“I met people from different part of the world, different part of Nigeria, Rotary taught me to be patient and tolerant.

“Rotary International is at the forefront of ending polio, malaria, water and hygiene and we have seven areas of focus and we are deliberate about it.

“So every club is expected to fulfill those seven areas of focus,” she said.

She advised the incoming President to encourage and foster the ideals of the club and ensure more service to humanity.

Mr Clement Chinaka, President-Elect of the club, assured of his readiness to continue with the successes recorded by his predecessor.

“Rotary is all about service to humanity and what we do in Rotary is to come together, contribute and jointly organise a project to make impact in the lives of people in different communities.

“Rotary is famous for reaching the poorest of the poor and as my outgoing president has worked very hard to get us to this height, it means that we have to work harder and show good results at the end of our tenure,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Goddy Nnadi, District Governor, Rotary International District 9125, lauded the club for its numerous and impactful projects.

“This club is a very young club and they have carried out more than 17 impactful projects under the outgoing President.

“This is to celebrate what she has done and to remind the incoming president that he has a responsibility to continue with the successes recorded by the outgoing president,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne