By Ahmed Ubandoma

The National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA) says it is working assiduously to integrate and harmonise the data of all beneficiaries of its programme.

The agency’s National Coordinator, Halima Shehu, stated this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Shehu made the clarification when she paid a courtesy call on the Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, in Abuja.

She sought the partnership of NIMC to effectively administer the process of data harmonisation.

This, she said, would help the agency in its quest to commence the nationwide social investment programme latest by January 2024.

Shehu stated that the meeting was aimed at exploring the potential areas of collaboration between the two agencies.

She said the collaboration would ensure accountability in the distribution of funds by leveraging on the rich national database compiled by NIMC.

” We are hopeful that this meeting will streamline and enhance the implementation of NSIPA’s social intervention programmes.

“My mission is to have a strategic collaboration with NIMC in harnessing data-driven methodologies to ensure effective delivery of social intervention across the country.

”I am optimistic that this collaboration will strengthen NSIPA’s commitment to leverage on the resources provided by NIMC to create impactful initiatives that uplift communities and individuals.”

Responding, Coker-Odusote expressed readiness to support N-SIPA in its drive to ensure effective delivery of social investment across the country.

The D-G said NIMC was determined to work with N-SIPA in the area of data utilisation to ensure accuracy and efficiency to meet the desired target, especially in having precise identification.

” This will ensure better coverage of beneficiaries across various socio-economic segments.

”It is worthy to note that the National Social Investment Programme Agency is the face of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a tool to eradicate poverty in Nigeria.” (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu is already taking measures to address the challenges brought about by the bold reforms introduced by the administration in all sectors of the economy.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, adding that more of such measures would be taken in 2024.

He said Tinubu had never shied away from acknowledging the temporary pains triggered by the reforms, stressing that proactive measures would continue to be taken.

‘’Many of these measures are already being taken and in the New Year, we expect the silver linings, that are at present understated, to blossom into rays of sunshine to be experienced by all Nigerians.

‘’The removal of fuel subsidy and the move to merge foreign exchange rates, two headline reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration since late May.

“(It’s caused by) problems such as high fuel prices and the depreciation of the Naira, two monstrosities which combined to cause a general spike in costs of services and goods,’’ Onanuga said.

He said that the latest NBS report put Nigeria’s inflation at 26.7 per cent in September, which rose to 28.2 per cent in November from 27.33 per cent in October, adding that food inflation remained untamed.

‘’The truth is that the new policies alone are not solely responsible for the economic problems we are facing today. We were destined for the tough and rough patch, where we are today because of the prevailing conditions before Tinubu took over on May 29.

‘’As at June 2023, budget deficit was N10.8 trillion. Actual debt service was 98.95 per cent of revenue, far higher than the projected 59.37 per cent.  Inflow into the country’s foreign reserve came in trickles.

‘’And so bad was the state of affairs that Nigeria could not remit about $800 million fund of foreign airlines. JP Morgan exposed our near insolvency by claiming in a report that our net foreign reserve was just about $3.7 billion, not the $33 billion plus flaunted by Emefiele’s CBN.

‘’President Tinubu, who promised during the campaign to take hard and difficult decisions, moved to tackle the economic problems from Day One, by first dispensing with the wasteful fuel subsidy that was billed to consume about N7trillion this year, five times more than what was provisioned for capital spending.’’

Onanuga said that the situation was, however, taking a positive turn with the NBS report of the third quarter of 2023, adding that the president was focussed on turning the economy round for growth, development and prosperity.

‘’In its third quarter report for the year, the NBS reported that GDP grew by 2.54 per cent. In a similar period in 2022, GDP recorded a growth of 2.25%. To demonstrate that the sun may be shining on us again, the 2.54% GDP growth recorded in Q3, was also higher than the 2.51% recorded in Q2.

‘’The service sector, made up of information and communication, financial and insurance, was responsible for the growth witnessed in Q3. It had a 3.99% growth, contributing 52.7% of the aggregate GDP. The agriculture sector declined from 1.34% growth in Q2 to 1.3% in Q3.

‘’Growth was also recorded in construction and real estate, metal ores (69.76%), coal mining (58.03%), chemical and pharmaceutical products (6.77%), cement (4.2%) and construction (3.89%).

‘’Oil reported a negative growth of 0.85%, a major improvement to the negative 22.67% recorded at the same period last year. It was 13.43% in Q2 of 2022.

‘’The improvement in the oil sector and its contribution to GDP has been attributed to the improvement in the security of oil infrastructure and operations, leading to increased production.’’

He said that there was a big jump in the volume of trade from N12.16 trillion in Q2 to N18.8 trillion, adding that trade volume in the Q2 of 2022 was N12.28 trillion.

‘’We also recorded a trade surplus of N1.89trillion in Q3, an increase from the N708.8 billion in Q2 2023. In Q3 in 2022, we recorded trade deficit of N409.39 billion.

‘’Value of exports in the third quarter was N10.35 trillion, far higher by 60.78 per cent than the N6.44 trillion posted in Q2 2023. Crude oil dominated the export, accounting for 82.5 per cent, a confirmation that our country is pumping out more oil for export unlike the previous years”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday paid a condolence visit to the family of Alhaji Mustapha Mukhtar, the late Waziri of Borno.

Shettima was accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Borno, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, Sen. Kaka Shehu-Lawan, some members of the National Assembly and Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

A special prayer was offered for the reposed of the soul of the deceased by Sheikh Shettima Mustapha, the Imam Idaini of Borno and other notable Islamic clerics in Maiduguri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that late Waziri, who served as the Prime Minister of Borno and Chief Adviser to the Shehu of Borno, died on Dec. 16.

Vice President Kashim Shettima being received by the Deputy Governor of Borno Alhaji Umar Kadafur at the Air Force Base of Maiduguri International Airport, on Friday.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Vice-President, Mr Stanley Nkwocha,said Shettima condoled with the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Elkanemi, the government and the people of Borno , over the loss of Mukhtar.

He said the death of Mukhtar was not only a loss to Borno ,but the entire nation .

“I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt condolence on the loss of a great Nigerian who believed in Nigeria and worked for the nation’s advancement and the Emirate.

“This is not just a loss to the Emirate or to Borno but a great loss to the nation.

” He was a very humble, kind and gentleman who devoted his life to the service of Allah and humanity, ” Shettima said.

The vice president said that although Waziri passed on too early in his prime to the great beyond, the deceased made an impact.

” Those of us who are associated with him are consoled by the fact that he left an indelible mark in the years that he lived in this side of the veil,” Shettima said.

The vice president prayed to the Almighty Allah for the repose of his gentle soul, and fortitude for the family to bear the loss. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has floated a platform for interactions with retired directors to tap into their knowledge and experience as part of initiatives to reposition the Administration.

FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, said during the inaugural meeting with the retired senior citizens on the directorate cadre, in Abuja on Thursday, that their contribution was critical to moving the capital city forward.

The meeting was organised by the FCTA Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement Department (RCSID).

Wike, who was represented by the acting Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Udom Atang, noted that the retirees had played significant roles while working in different sectors.

He added that the retired senior officers contributed immensely to the building of Abuja as Nigeria’s dream capital city from the scratch to its present status.

He expressed his delight over the creation of the platform, which he said would unite the retired directors to continue to contribute to the development of the capital city.

The minister said: “The forum would provide a platform for us to tap into your wealth of experience and knowledge.

“We have seen in many organisations, where the retired officers are invited as resource persons, because of their institutional knowledge and experience to coach and mentor the young ones.

“I think this forum will provide the platform for us to tap into your wealth of experience and knowledge.

“At each of the training programmes, you can be rest assured that in all the professional fields, which are represented here, we will always contact you.

“This is because nobody can do it better than those who have been here before,” he said.

He commended Dr Jummai Ahmadu, the acting Director, RCSID for the initiative, which he described as the “beginning of good things to happen in FCT”.

He reiterated the commitment of the FCTA towards improving the welfare and the general wellbeing of workers in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Earlier, Ahmadu told the retired directors that their contributions to the development of the Administration over the years were invaluable.

“Your wealth of knowledge and experience is an invaluable asset to the FCT Administration, and we are eager to tap into your insights as we continue to work towards the development and progress of the territory.

“Your guidance and wisdom will undoubtedly be instrumental in shaping the future of the FCT, and we are grateful for the opportunity to benefit from your expertise.

“It is our hope that you will share your ideas and collaborate with the current leadership of the FCT Administration.

“This is because your unique perspectives will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and together, we can work towards innovative solutions that will benefit the FCT and its residents,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has called on Nigerians to extend a hand of love and provide warmth to the elderly and the less privileged in the society all year round.

Mahmoud made the call during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, in Abuja on Thursday.

She commended Sen. Tinubu for the initiative, saying, “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our seniors, reminding them that they are cherished and valued members of our community.

“The scheme is not just to distribute items but also to express gratitude and respect for the wisdom and experience that elders bring.

“In the fast-paced world we live in, it is essential to pause and appreciate the pillars of our community—the elderly.

“Their stories, guidance, and enduring spirits have shaped our collective journey.

“A simple gift can bring a smile, warmth, and a sense of belonging to those who may feel overlooked or lonely especially during this time of the year”.

She also said that the mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative was not just about distributing material items, but also about fostering a sense of community, compassion, and respect for the elders, youths, girl child and widows.

She said that Sen. Tinubu’s gesture reflects her commitment to ensuring the comfort and well-being of those who have paved the way for the young ones.

She urged Nigerians to engage with the elders, listen to their stories, and to learn from their rich tapestry of life experiences.

“In doing so, we not only honour them but also create lasting connections that bridge the generations.

“To our dear elders, your presence enriches our lives, and today is a testament to our collective dedication to ensuring your happiness and comfort,” the minister said.

On her part, Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, said that a total of  250 elderly persons from the six Area Councils of the FCT would benefit from the scheme.

Benjamins-Laniyi added that other services lined up for the elderly include free medical checkup and free drugs, free eye check-up and glasses, free high blood pressure check-up and counseling, and enlistment in the National Health Insurance Scheme among others.

She said that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and Mahmoud were vigorously implementing President Tinubu’s  Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This is exemplified in the creation of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, and of course, which culminates in our various intervention programmes we have carried out so far, especially our gathering here today,” she said.

While inaugurating the scheme, Sen. Tinubu explained that the Scheme, with the theme, “Better Days Ahead”, would provide financial and other support to 9,250 vulnerable elderly citizens from age 65 and above across the country.

The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, explained that the economic empowerment programme was borne out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of elderly citizens.

She said that the development marks a significant stride in the collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.

She said that the scheme would support a total of 9,250, vulnerable elderly citizens, aged 65 and above, across the 36 states of federation, 250 from each state and the Federal Capital Territory.

She added that the beneficiaries also include veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

She said that the selected beneficiaries would receive N100,000 each, to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of elders during the festive period.

She added that N950 million would be disbursed under the scheme,  with each state expected to receive N25 million, as approved by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani