I’m More Ready To Continue With My Passion— SiaSia

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August 26, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Gwandu Emirate in Kebbi State, has said it plans to reintroduce “Traditional Annual Horse Racing” to foster unity amongst its subjects.

Chief Coordinator, Horse Racing Committee of the emirate, Alhaji Mustapha Usman-Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

The reports have it that the chief coordinator spoke shortly after a maiden stakeholders’ meeting on the event in Birnin Kebbi.

Usman-Adamu, who also holds the traditional title of Sarkin Bargun Ka’oje, said the essence of the meeting was to deliberate on the annual horse racing scheduled to hold in November this year.

He said: “This is our first meeting on how to organise a successful horse race in November.

”Horse racing is one of the games permitted and allowed by Islam.

“Just like other games, the event will bring people together, mend relationships, and improve people’s economy.

”This will enable those from the royal clan to come together, especially since the Gwandu emirate is very wide.

“The emirate has 10 LGAs under it with 55 District Heads. Therefore, this is an opportunity for them to come together, know each other more and re-establish relationships”.

Usman-Adamu, said the decision to re-introduce the racing was informed by the desire of Gov. Nasir Idris to revive the culture and tradition of the emirate.

He added, ”We are happy, God has blessed us with a governor who knows the value of traditional institutions and respects all manner of people.

‘He has therefore provided an opportunity to the emirate to come up with the event to purposefully foster unity among the people”.

Also in an interview, Alhaji Haliru Abubakar, Sarkin Sukuwan Gwandu recalled that Argungu Emirate has been celebrating Argungu Fishing Festival.

Also, Yauri has been celebrating the Rigata Cultural Festival, while Zuru has been celebrating the Uhola Cultural Festival.

NPC Applauds NEDC’ s Positive Impact on Citizen, seeks collaboration

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August 26, 2024

Joel Ajayi

National Population Commission has heaped huge praises on the North East Development Commission NEDC for its countless initiative, innovation and positive impact on the citizen that bring progress, growth and development to the region

The Chairman of National population Commission Alhaji Issa Kwarra gave this commendation on Monday in Abuja when he led Commission’s management on collaboration visit to NEDC office in Abuja where he reiterates that the Commission is on top of situation to conduct acceptable census in the country.

Kwarra commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for addressing the humanitarian issues in the region.

According to him, NEDC has made significant impact on people in the region and we felt that we need to support what you doing for the betterment of the region and Nigeria at large that is why we are here today to appreciate your selfless efforts and positive impact on people and look at area of collaboration.

He stated that the duty of population is not only census, as he highlighted some of the impactful areas of collaborations that will be win-win approach for both side

Area of collaboration which includees; “Conduction of household surveys and socio- economic assessments to gather data on living conditions, health, education, and more.

“To Develop comprehensive geospatial maps of the North East that highlight population density, infrastructure, and resource distribution.

“Use mapping to identify priority areas for intervention, ensuring that NEDC’s efforts are targeted and efficient.

“Provide ongoing support to ensure that the NEDC can effectively utilize demographic data in its operations.

“Provide baseline data that can be used for monitoring and evaluating the impact of NEDC’s projects.

“Address Climate-Related Challenge with Demographic Insight”

Speaking shortly after the visit, the Managing Director of NEDC Managing Director/CEO, North East Development Commission NEDC Mohammed Alkali said that the commission is ready to collaborate any agaencies that further put smile on the faces of people of the region.

According to him, think it’s all good to create synergy. You know, we are NEDC and NPC are are all created by the same parent government to support operationally and what government is doing.

“And you know, population is very, very important in any case. And we in the North East Development Commission, we value data very, very high. And as I’ve seen, they are very good source of data.

“So it is very necessarily that we should cooperate, collaborate, so that we have enhanced energy in doing our work, so that we don’t need to waste time and energy looking for data elsewhere, since data is just next door.

“This is why we agree, to meet today, understand ourselves, and create a platform whereby in the future, what you are doing, we are able to sort of between the two of us.

“Though we have planning department and they are doing very well, we also employ external consultant, but

sometimes its good to collaborate with the person who has the real data, so that, if you have it, they are out now you can review it, and our team here would analyze for good of the Commission.

“There is no doubt about it, we need data, we need date for all our projects, we need dat for our Mega school, we need dat for IDPs, for flood we need data and is why we are going to sign MOU because in NEDC we dont compromise any that that bring joy to North East we are ready to do it.” He said

Adebayo, Agbo Win 2024 IBB Golf Club Captain, Lady Captain Inaugural Tourney

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August 26, 2024

….As Captain, Lady’s Captain promise to rejuvenate the course

Joel Ajayi

In this year edition in other to add value to the game, the Captain and ladies captain tourneys played together unlike previous years where the tournament played separate.

It was a joyous moment for Mr Shola Adebayo and Grace Agbo on Sunday in Abuja when emerged winners of the 2024 Captain’s and Lady Captain Inaugural tournament at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Adebayo who played off handicap 13 with a gross score of 76 and overall best net of 63 to emerge champion, beating the field of over 200 golfers.

While Agbo who played handicap 9 emerged winner putting a gross score of 84 and 75 net.

The tournament organized to officially usher in Ibrahim Babayo and Julie Donli as the 27th captain and Lady Captain of the prestigious golf club

An exciting 3 days tournament which teed-off on Friday ended on Sundays night with a dinner and presentation of prizes to deserved winners in the various categories at the prestigious IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja

While Speaking IBB Captain Ibrahim Babayo who settled for the 1st runner up position in the category after he played off handicap 21 with a gross score of 90 and 69 net expressed satisfaction and promised to improve in every are of the course.

According to him, It’s a sort of tradition where the new executive is elected. There is this tournament that heralds the new exco and it call captain’s inaugural tourney.

Talking about his plan, Babayo said: “We are bringing in serious reform. We are doing standard operating procedures, we are doing staff enhancement and above all, the main thing that we promise is that we are going to really, really rejuvenate the course to its international standard.

“This involves the clubhouse and the course itself, the playing field itself. So if you go around, you will see some projects already being started and there are many more to come.

“We have zero tolerance for plastic waste on the course. You can go around and see for yourself”.

In her remarked, IBB Lady Captain, Dame Julie Donli, who in her usual joyous mood, explained that exco have already swung the action by supporting and assisting the ladies.

“As lady Captain, first of all, the theme for the year is ladies supporting ladies. We’ve been doing a lot of support towards ladies, the female caddies are being supported by the ladies section.

“The ladies committee also built a toilet to support ladies more. We also have children’s projects like the children’s clinic, which was concluded not too long ago. We also just recently concluded the junior open, which is made of children, young children as well we have a lot in stock”.

However, the elated Adebayo who emerged winner expressed: what inspired me was the challenges encountered on the course was was fierce.

Speaking also was the Omon Isemede, the Social Secretary, Ladies Golf Section, said the competition wouldn’t have been a success without the Captain lady Captain effort and their tremendous initiative to steer the ship of the course. She however wish the new exco the best.

Other winner includes; Godwin Okoko who won the professional category prize after he played 68 gross to beat runner up Kamalu Bako on countback.

Emmanuel Edoka emerged winner of the best gross men after playing off handicap 7 with a gross score of 82.

In the Auxiliary award category, Rachael Danjuma won the prize for the longest drive with a distance of 239 metres, while Kamalu Bako won the men’s category with a distance of 292 metres.

Amina Wilfred won the prize for nearest to the pin ladies with a distance of 7 ft., while Joseph Shuiabu won the prize in the men’s category with a distance of 1.99 ft

Nigeria’s GDP Grows By 3.19% In Q2, 2024 – NBS

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August 26, 2024

As WTO rates Nigeria’s average GDP growth rate since 2014

By Charles Ebi

In the second quarter of 2024, Nigeria grew its Gross Domestic Product ,GDP, by 3.19% on a year-on-year basis in real terms from the 2.51% posted in the same period of last year, and higher than the 2.98% achieved in the first quarter of this year.

This information was revealed by the National Bureau of Statistics ,NBS, in its Nigerian GDP Report Q2 2024 on Monday.

The GDP growth rate surpasses the 2.51% recorded in the second quarter of 2023 and the 2.98% growth seen in the first quarter of 2024.

The GDP performance in Q2 2024 was primarily driven by the Services sector, which grew by 3.79% and contributed 58.76% to the total GDP. The agriculture sector saw a growth of 1.41%, slightly down from the 1.50% growth recorded in Q2 2023.

The industry sector improved significantly, with a growth of 3.53%, compared to the -1.94% decline observed in the second quarter of 2023.

In terms of GDP share, the industry and services sectors contributed more to the total GDP in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

The oil sector contributed 5.70% to the total real GDP in Q2 2024, an increase from the 5.34% recorded in the same period of 2023, but a decrease from the 6.38% contribution in the preceding quarter.

The oil sector experienced a real growth of 10.15% year-on-year in Q2 2024, marking a significant increase of 23.58 percentage points compared to the -13.43% recorded in the same quarter of 2023.

This growth also represents a 4.45 percentage point rise from the 5.70% recorded in Q1 2024.

However, on a quarter-on-quarter basis, the oil sector saw a decline, with a growth rate of -10.51% in Q2 2024.

Nigeria recorded an average daily oil production of 1.41 million barrels per day (mbpd), in Q2, 2024 which is 0.19 mbpd higher than the average 1.22 mbpd recorded in the same quarter of 2023.

However, this figure is 0.16 mbpd lower than the 1.57 mbpd produced in the first quarter of 2024.

The non-oil sector contributed 94.30% in real terms to the nation’s GDP in the second quarter of 2024.

This is slightly lower than the 94.66% share recorded in the second quarter of 2023 but higher than the 93.62% contribution in the first quarter of 2024.

The non-oil sector grew by 2.80% in real terms during Q2 2024.

This growth rate was 0.78 percentage points lower than the 3.58% recorded in the same quarter of 2023, and it matched the 2.80% growth seen in the first quarter of 2024.

The sector’s performance in Q2 2024 was primarily driven by Financial and Insurance (Financial Institutions), Information and Communication (Telecommunications), Agriculture (Crop Production), Trade, and Manufacturing (Food, Beverage, and Tobacco), all of which contributed to positive GDP growth.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the World Trade Organization ,WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has observed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product ,GDP, growth rate on average has been steadily declining since 2014, signalling a downturn in the economic well-being of the average Nigerian.

Okonjo-Iweala, speaking at the annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association ,NBA, on Sunday, noted that the country’s economic fortunes experienced a reversal following the decade between 2000 and 2014, during which the average GDP growth rate was approximately 3.8%.

According to the Director-General of the WTO, this consistent GDP growth outpaced the nation’s population growth, which was only around 2.6% annually.

However, she pointed out that since 2014, the situation has reversed, with GDP showing a negative growth rate of 0.9%, as the government has been unable to sustain the positive growth achieved by previous administrations.

“Many of the big problems the NBA is grappling with today has its root in Nigeria’s failure to sustain rate of economic growth and development that consistently outpaced the growth of our population.

“We have had episodes of reforms and faster economic growth that was not merely a function of the price of oil. But we have been unable to consolidate and build on them and millions of our compatriots have paid the price in terms of diminished job prospects and human well-being.

“For example, in the decade between 2000 and 2014, we have an average GDP growth rate of 3.8% well above our population growth rate of 2.6% per annum, meaning that people were on average truly improving their standard of living.

“During the following decade, average annual GDP per capita has been negative around minus 0.9% meaning people were worse off because we were not able to sustain prior positive growth momentum,” Okonjo-Iweala added.

Speaking further, Okonjo-Iweala said the country needs to sustain good economic policies irrespective of the administration or political party in power in order to foster development in the country.

The former Finance Minister said policy inconsistencies have accounted for the reversal in the fortune of the nation’s economic development.

Furthermore, she advocated for a social contract between the government and the people which will go beyond the political party in power.

According to her, this social contract must be generally accepted on what economic policies should be followed regardless of who is in power.

“Maintaining good economic and social policies; maintaining policy consistency and adding more reforms on top of that will lead us along the path of good progress that we all desire”, she added.

Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product ,GDP, growth declined to 2.98%, lower than the rate recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023 which was 3.46%, according to a report from the National Bureau of Statistics ,NBS.

However, the GDP growth rate in the quarter is higher than the figure recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2023 which was 2.31%.

In the past decades, Nigeria’s economic growth has been moderate as a result of low exports, a reduction in the sales of oil which accounts for about 90% of our revenue as well as other economic challenges in the country.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has continuously said he would increase Nigeria’s GDP to a $1 trillion economy, but many analysts believe such a goal may not the feasible amid growing concerns of high inflation, low employment rate as well and rising national debt.

2027: Why Opposition Cannot Unseat Tinubu – Lukman

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August 26, 2024

By Teddy Nwanunobi

Ahead of the 2027 general election, a former member of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Salihu Lukman, has hinted on why the opposition will not be able to unseat President Bola Tinubu.

Lukman, who was the former APC National Vice Chairman (North West), in a statement, Monday, in Abuja, noted that all the leading opposition political parties are embroiled in some ooembarrassing internal crisis, which has pitched leaders of the parties against each other.

“It is quite appalling, for instance, that leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are antagonistic to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi is in the midst of a helpless survival leadership battle in Labour Party, LP, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is over-sighting a directionless New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, whose roof is being torn apart by no other than its own so-called leaders.”

“All the other parties, including SDP and PRP have adopted a monarchic behaviour, sitting in their comfort zones waiting for disgruntled and aggrieved opposition political leaders to come to them for some ‘royal’ cover,” he said.

The former director-general of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, PGF, also identified the selfish tendencies of opposition leaders and their greed for power as another factor.

“Part of the reality is that opposition political leaders in the country are stuck to old political ambitions and, to that extent, only strategising to manipulate their emergence as candidates for election in 2027. This has become the singular determining factor for political consultations in the country.

“Consequently, there is almost zero trust among opposition political leaders, which has become a thick barrier to political consultations in the country. Despite the dangerous situation in the country whereby Nigerians are not only hungry resulting in malnutrition among millions of children, but also many Nigerians are daily dying on account of hunger and curable diseases, opposition political leaders continue to live in their comfort zones unable to open lines of consultations, which expectedly should produce the roadmap for political mobilisation towards 2027,” he added.

Nigeria’s GDP Rises By 3.2% In Q2’24

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August 26, 2024

By Teddy Nwanunobi

National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, said Gross Domestic Product, GDP, grew by 3.19 percent in the second quarter of 2024.

The report, which was released Monday, indicated that the growth rate was driven by growth in the Services sector.

The growth rate is higher than the 2.51 per cent recorded in the second quarter of 2023 and higher than 2.98 per cent in the first quarter of 2024.

The report indicated that Q2 GDP performance was driven by the Services sector which grew by 3.79 per cent and contributed about 58.76 per cent to the total GDP.

The agriculture sector experienced modest growth, expanding by 1.41 per cent slightly down from the 1.50 per cent growth rate recorded in Q2 2023. Meanwhile, the Industry sector rebounded strongly, posting a 3.53 per cent growth compared to a contraction of -1.94 per cent in Q2 2023.

In terms of GDP composition, both the Industry and Services sectors increased their contributions to the aggregate GDP in Q2 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

In the quarter under review, aggregate GDP at basic price stood at N60.93 trillion in nominal terms higher than the second quarter of 2023 which recorded aggregate GDP of N52.10 trillion, indicating a year-on-year nominal growth of 16.94 per cent.

The real GDP value stood at N18.29 trillion marginally higher than N18.28 trillion in Q1.

In the period under review, the average daily oil production reduced to 1.41 million barrels per day, lower than 1.57 mbpd in Q1 but higher than 1.22 mbpd recorded in the same quarter of 2023.

“The real growth of the oil sector was 10.15 per cent (year-on-year) in Q2 2024, indicating an increase of 23.58 per cent points relative to the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2023 (-13.43 per cent). Growth increased by 4.45 per cent points when compared to Q1 2024 which was 5.70 per cent. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the oil sector recorded a growth rate of -10.51 per cent in Q2 2024.

“The oil sector contributed 5.70 per cent to the total real GDP in Q2 2024, up from the figure recorded in the corresponding period of 2023 and down from the preceding quarter, where it contributed 5.34 per cent and 6.38 per cent respectively,” the report said.

The non-oil sector grew by 2.80 per cent in real terms during the reference quarter (Q2 2024). This rate was lower by 0.78 per cent points compared to the rate recorded in the same quarter of 2023 which was 3.58 per cent and relatively same with the 2.80 per cent recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

This sector was driven in the second quarter of 2024 mainly by Financial and Insurance (Financial Institutions); Information and Communication (Telecommunications); Agriculture (Crop production); Trade; and Manufacturing (Food, Beverage, and Tobacco), accounting for positive GDP growth.

In real terms, the non-oil sector contributed 94.30 per cent to the nation’s GDP in the second quarter of 2024, lower than the share recorded in the second quarter of 2023 which was 94.66 per cent and higher than the first quarter of 2024 recorded as 93.62 per cent.

Firm Pledges To Empower 50,000 Youths On Pineapple Farming

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August 26, 2024

Agricultural firm, Davidorlah Nigeria Limited has pledged readiness to empower over 50,000 young Nigerians on pineapple farming across the country.

The group urged the federal government to ensure an enabling environment in order to address food insecurity.

Speaking at a press conference Monday at the National Assembly Complex Abuja, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the group, Ambassador Oluwasegun Alabi informed that the proposed empowerment plan for youths is meant to ensure food sufficiency across the country.

The firm wondered why Nigeria, as the most populous black nation on earth, should be engulfed in famine and food shortage, observing that it has enough man power and resources, as well as fertile lands to grow farm produce.

Responding to questions about secondary school curriculum were agricultural studies is optional for students, Alabi lamented that the development might affect students view on farming.

The group also advised the federal government to address the pressing issue of food insecurity, maintaining that it is important to always engage the right people in the agricultural sector.

The organisation also informed of its readiness to offer informed and strategic advice to government on how to solve food crisis.

It also advocated collaboration with individuals, companies, government bodies and parastatals to achieve its vision.

Abia: Rep Alerts Public Of Planned Protest Against Him

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August 26, 2024

Stories by Paul Effiong, Abuja

Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Obinna Aguocha has alerted the public to a planned protest against his personality.

A statement signed by his media team which was made available to journalists Monday in Abuja alleged that a group, Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders is being used by some political opponents to question his contributions to his constituents.

The statement titled: “Peaceful Protest and Clarification of Concerns,” blamed the planned protest on his political enemies who lost out in the last general elections.

The statement reads in part: “It has come to my attention that a little known and hastily put together group, Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders is being sponsored by certain individuals I defeated in the last general election and are vowing to declare the Abia State governorship seat vacant in 2027, whilst being in cahoot with an aspirant in the Abia Local Government election to conduct a protest and cast aspersions against Aguocha in Abuja on September 4.

“The said Niger Delta group is being sponsored, all expenses paid, to fly in and host paid agents in posh hotels within Abuja to protest under the guise of lack of constituency projects, accountable representation and the management of rice palliatives in our constituency”.

The lawmaker wondered why the group is concerned about the affairs of his people and constituency.

“The lawmaker fully respects and recognizes their right to peaceful assembly and expression as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 constitution as amended. These rights are fundamental to our democracy. We encourage them to carry out their activities peacefully and in compliance with extant laws.

“Aguocha values the safety and well-being of all his constituents, regardless of their political persuasion and urge them to ensure that their protest remains peaceful”, the statement added.

However, on the issue of constituency projects, he said he has worked hard to secure viable infrastructural projects and human capital development opportunities in the 2024 budget for the benefit of his constituents.

According to him, “these projects will be executed when funds are released by the federal government to contractors for their implementation.

“However, it is significant to note that projects in the Appropriation Act do undergo rigorous due process, including their award to eligible contractors who bided for them.

“It is also significant to understand that no funding at any level is released to the account of any lawmaker.

“We are committed to maintaining transparency and accountability. We will continue to provide regular updates to our constituents”, he assured.

On Independence Day, Ukraine Says It Will Regain ‘Territorial Integrity’

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Victor

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August 26, 2024