Anticipation grows as FG, ASUU set for another meeting

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are scheduled to meet Tuesday in another round of negotiations on how to resolve issues surrounding the ongoing strike embarked upon by the lecturers two weeks ago.

Government delegation at the meeting which was called by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, are the Ministers of Education and Finance, Mallam Adamu Adamu and Mrs. Kemi Adeosun respectively, Chairman, National Income Salaries and Wages Commission, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), and the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba.

A statement signed by Samuel Olowookere, Deputy Director, Press in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Monday in Abuja read:

“In furtherance of efforts at resolving the lingering industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, will tomorrow (Tuesday) by noon meet with the President and Executive of ASUU.

“Government delegation at the meeting will include Minister of Education, Minister of Finance, Chairman National Income Salaries and Wages Commission, Executive Secretary National Universities Commission and the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.

“The minister recalled that ASUU had earlier promised during the last meeting held on Thursday, August 17, 2017, to take the offer of the Federal Government back to its members and get back to the Federal Government within a week.

“Senator Chris Ngige calls on ASUU to show good faith as the Federal Government had already demonstrated commitment to addressing the grievances of the Union.”

Breaking: 21 things Acting President Osinbajo said after signing 2017 budge

Breaking: 21 things Acting President Osinbajo said after signing 2017 budge - Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday, June 12 signed the 2017 appropriation bill into law - Osinbajo said details of the budget will be made available by the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning - The acting president said the 2017 Budget, which he signed into law, is christened “Budget of Economic Recovery and Growth” Nigeria's acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday, June 12, finally signed the 2017 appropriation budget into law after months of delay. After signing the 2017 budget, Osinbajo addressed Nigerians on how he feels after signing the document. Below are 21 key things he said after assenting the budget. 1. A few minutes ago, I signed the 2017 Appropriations Bill into law. This is an important milestone in our economic recovery and Growth plan laid in April by President Muhammadu Buhari. I would like to express my appreciation to the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as the entire leadership and members of the National Assembly for completing work on the 2017 Appropriation Bill. And I will return to this point presently. Acting President Osinbajo surrounded by top government officials as he signs the 2017 budget 2. The process of preparing and processing this Bill was much smoother than the 2016 Appropriations Bill. On the executive side, there were no allegations of errors, or mistakes, and there was a significant improvement in the quality of the preparation, as well as the presentation. 3. I wish to commend the Ministry of Budget and Planning for such a remarkable improvement over a single budget cycle. On the side of the National Assembly, I wish to commend the collaborative spirit of the engagements our MDAs had with their various committees, and with the leadership, during the budget defence sessions. There were far fewer reported cases of acrimony, or hostile wrangling this year, than in the past. From the reports we received, the sessions were generally conducted in a friendly atmosphere. There is no doubt that our democracy is maturing. 4. However, the final presentation and the signing of the budget has been considerably delayed. This was largely due to disagreements we had about the changes introduced to our 2017 Budget proposals by the National Assembly. html. The executive took the view that the changes fundamentally affected some of our priority programmes and would make implementation extremely difficult and in some cases impossible. I must say that the entire leadership of the National Assembly led by the Senate President and the Speaker, adopted a commendably patriotic and statesmanlike approach to our engagements on resolving these critical issues. 5. In sum, the engagements yielded acceptable results. The most important being that the leadership of the National Assembly has given us a commitment that the National Assembly will re-instate the budgetary allocations for all the important executive projects, such as the railway standard gauge projects, the Mambilla Power Project, the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway etc. which they had reduced to fund some of the new projects they introduced. 6. This re-instatement will be by way of an application for virement by the Executive which they have agreed will be expeditiously considered and approved by the National Assembly. It is as a result of that understanding and the outcome of our detailed engagements that we feel able to sign the 2017 Appropriations Bill into law today. 7.I am also pleased to mention that, in our discussions with the leadership of the National Assembly, we have jointly resolved to return to a predictable January to December fiscal year. It is a particularly important development because this accords with the financial year of most private sector companies, underscoring the crucial relationship between government and the private sector. 8. Therefore, on the understanding that we will be submitting the 2018 Budget to the National Assembly by October 2017, the leadership of the National Assembly has committed to working towards the passage of the 2018 Budget into law before the end of 2017. I must, once more, express my appreciation to the leadership of the National Assembly, for the collaborative spirit in which these discussions were conducted. 9. The 2017 Budget, which I have signed into law today, is christened “Budget of Economic Recovery and Growth” and reflects our commitment to ensure strong linkage between the medium-term Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) recently launched by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari and the annual budgets. 10. It is designed to bring the Nigerian economy out of recession unto a path of sustainable and inclusive growth. The budget has a revenue projection of N5.08 trillion and an aggregate expenditure of N7.44 trillion. The projected fiscal deficit of N2.36 trillion is to be financed largely by borrowing. 11. Let me assure those who have expressed concern about the growing public debt that we are taking several actions to grow government revenues as well as plug revenue leakages. This is because, notwithstanding the fact that our borrowings are still within sustainability limits, we are determined, in the medium term, to reduce our reliance on borrowings to finance our expenditures. Details of the budget, as approved by the National Assembly, will be made available by the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning. 12. As you are all aware, our economy is already signaling a gradual recovery as growth is headed towards positive territory. First quarter GDP, at -0.52% compares favourably with -2.06% in the first quarter of 2016. Inflation is declining – down to 17.24% from 18.74% as at May 2016. Our external reserves are now US$30.28 billion as at June 8, 2017 up from US$26.59 billion as at May 31, 2016. 13. We are also gradually instilling confidence in our exchange rate regime. This improvement in GDP growth and other macro-economic indicators is largely attributable to our strategic implementation of the 2016 Budget as well as stronger macroeconomic management and policy coordination. 14. I am confident that the 2017 Budget will deliver positive economic growth and prosperity – one that is self-sustaining and inclusive. In this regard, the 2017 budget will be implemented in line with our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. 15. Over the 2017-2020 plan period, we are focusing on five (5) key execution priorities, namely: a.Stabilizing the macroeconomic environment b. Agriculture and Food security c. Energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products d. Improved transportation infrastructure e. Industrialization through support for micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs). 16. The 2017 budget includes provisions that reflect these priorities. To demonstrate our commitment to following through our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, the 2017 budget allocates over N2 trillion to capital expenditure, principally infrastructure. For instance, we are committing over N200 billion to improve transport infrastructure such as roads and rail; over N500 billion for investments in works, power, and housing; and N46 billion for Special Economic Zone Projects to be set up in each geopolitical zone. 17. The signing of the budget today will trigger activities in the domestic economy which will lead to job creation and more opportunities for employment, especially for our youth. And, as I indicated earlier, we will be returning to the National Assembly to seek upward adjustments by way of virements in relation to a number of critical projects which have received inadequate provision in the budget just passed by the National Assembly. 18. We acknowledge that government alone cannot achieve the overarching goal of delivering inclusive growth; that is why the 2017 budget provides a lot of opportunities for partnerships with the private sector. To help the private sector thrive, we are determined to create an enabling business environment. We are already recording verifiable progress across several areas ranging from a new Visa-on-Arrival scheme to reforms at our ports and regulatory agencies. The Online business registration process has reduced time required for business registration from 10 to 2 days. It is expected that the Executive Order on transparency and efficiency in the business environment will make it even easier for investors to get the permits and licenses they require for their businesses. 19. Pursuant to our commitments to the Open Government Partnership, we recently issued an Executive Order that will promote budget transparency, accountability and efficiency. We want to make the Federal budget work more efficiently for the people. Thus, beyond the huge provisions for investments in critical infrastructure, we have mandated Government agencies to spend more of their budgets on locally produced goods. This will open more opportunities for job creation with benefits for government in form of tax revenues. 20. We are also working hard to improve our revenue collection efficiency so that we can achieve our revenue projections. While we are deploying technological tools to enhance collections, the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) will continue to contribute significantly to improving transparency and accountability over government revenues. Our fight against corruption is yielding positive results. Some of the recoveries are included in the 2017 Budget which will be expended on identifiable capital projects. html

Forbes reveals net worth of RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Adeboye

Forbes has revealed the net worth of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. According to Forbes, his net worth is valued at between 39 to 65 million dollars. His churches give him at least two million dollars in revenue per year. Pastor Adeboye and his family own about 65 million dollars, a private jet and several houses. Forbes also revealed his three top cars ranging from Rolls Royce Phantom, with starting price of $400, 000. Land Rover Discovery worth about $80, 000. And Mercedes Benz Gelandewagen with starting cost of $100, 000. Forbes also reports that the revered pastor has several houses and at least one in the Great Britain.Pastor Adeboye also owns a new 65-million-dollar private Jet, Gulfstream G550 made in Georgia USA.

Federal Government To Setup A $1bn ICT Company

Federal Government To Setup A $1bn ICT company. The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja said it would build a one billion dollar ICT company to boost indigenous technology. The Acting President Yemi Osinbajo made this known in his opening address at the 2017 Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition. The theme of the event is “the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Getting Africa Ready“. According to him, such feat will make Nigeria no longer a dumping ground for ICT products and services. “ The Nigerian government is committed to encourage the growth of indigenous ICT companies to world standards by proving policies that will help them thrive. “With the mantra of change, the Nigerian political milieu will be recalibrated for the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “So that both the executive and legislative will be more responsive and responsible in addressing the major global challenges staring us in the face,“ he said. The acting president, who was represented by the Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu said that the event was to seek ways of leapfrogging development. The Minister of Communication, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Sunday Echono, said the government was preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution predicted to happen globally in the very near future. According to him, the Federal Government has conceived a National ICT Park and Exhibition Centre in the Federal Capital Territory. “The establishment of the centre will encourage investment in ICT sector and complement the proposed University of ICT which will also produce required skilled manpower for Africa to partake in inevitable Fourth Industrial Revolution.’’ In his welcome address, Dar Evan Woherem, Chairman Digital Africa Global Consult Ltd. said the gathering was to move Africa from its current technological position forward. “It will move it to a point of singular where it will adopt technology to drive for its growth and development. “In the First Industrial Revolution, we shifted from reliance on animals, human effort and biomass as primary sources of energy to the use of fossil fuels and the mechanical power that this enabled. “In the Second Industrial Revolution, we had major breakthroughs in the form of electricity distribution, both wireless and wired communication, and new forms of power generation. “The Third Industrial Revolution began with the development of digital and communication systems, bringing about advances in computing power, which has enhanced new ways of generating, processing and sharing information,“ he said.

‘What My Father Did When A Pastor Told Him To Sow His New Car As A Seed’ -Yomi Fash-Lanso

‘What My Father Did When A Pastor Told Him To Sow His New Car As A Seed’ -Yomi Fash-Lanso Nollywood actor, Yomi Fash-Lanso has taken to Instagram to share what his dad did when a Pastor told him to sow his new car into his life. Here’s what the actor said his dad taught him, it’s quite hilarious; “ “When I was a kid, my dad bought a new car and drove us to church one Sunday. It was a prophetic service and our pastor was being used by God that day to deliver people from poverty. Suddenly, our pastor looked at my dad and said, “Mr. Alamu, God is set to bless you” my mum jumped up and shouted excitedly, “Amen!!!” My dad was excited too. The pastor then came closer, placed his hand on my dad’s head and prayed for him. As our pastor turned to climb the altar, the spirit of God told him something. He stopped, looked at my dad and said, “Mr. Alamu did you buy a new car last week?” “Yes sir” my dad responded with much surprise on his face. Then our pastor said; God said I should tell you to sow your CAR KEY into my life” I was shocked that my dad did not argue with the pastor, he just put his hand in his pocket, brought out the car key and gave it to our pastor. Chai… Aiyeeee ooooo…Mogbe After about 5 minutes, my dad stood up, went outside the church, he didn’t even wait till the end of the service. I could see him entering Okada going home. “He must be very worried” I reasoned in utter fear and confusion. After a while he returned to church with the SPARE KEY of his car and drove the car back to the house. I was so stunned at what I was seeing. So when I asked him why he acted that way he said: “Oluwayomi” always use your brain, the pastor asked for the KEY and NOT the CAR”! Thanking you so much my BABA for impacting knowledge.

Sheriff, Makarfi Kick As Dokpesi, Others Float New Party

The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) eventually tore the umbrella apart yesterday as a chieftain of the party, Chief Raymond Dopkesi, officially unveiled the much talked about Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) in Abuja. Aside Dokpesi, who is prominent member of the Sen. Ahmed Makarfi led National Caretaker Committee, some establishment staff of the party and PDP youths were present at the formal unveiling of the party. But the factional chairmen of the major opposition party in the country led by Sen Ali Modu Sheriff and Sen Ahmed Makarfi swiftly kicked against the unveiling of the new party, which has Mallam Shitu Mohammed Kabiru as its interim national chairman. While Makarfi denied floating the party, Sheriff, in response to the unveiling of APDA, decried the proliferation of parties without ideology. This is even as former chairman of Labour Party, Dan Nwanyanwu, who is a member of the political association, said the APDA was the first political party to introduce biometric membership card and electronic voting for all its elective positions. In his speech, Nwanyanwu said, “This means that it will be impossible to impose any person who is not the choice of the members. It will be impossible to rig as results of all elections in the party will be transmitted real time at all levels of the party and across the party simultaneously”. In his welcome address, the interim National Chairman of the party, Mallam Shitu Mohammed Kabiru, promised that if APDA is elected into office, it would give the nation a new beginning. He explained that 25 per cent of elective positions in the party will be reserved for the youths, while the women and physically challenged will get 30 and five per cent respectively. Kabiru said, “APDA is an actualization of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians to determine their national destiny. It is also in recognition of the general hopelessness brought upon the people by mal-administration and the urgent necessity to give Nigerians fresh opportunities and new platforms to re-direct their electoral mandate to a dependable, committed and capable generation of leaders ahead of the 2019 general elections. “Our priority is to fight unemployment and ensure that our societies and markets become fairer. We are determined to restore the hope and trust of Nigerians for the future of our country. But in a swift reaction, Sheriff who spoke through the national publicity secretary of PDP, Hon Bernard Mikko, told LEADERSHIP the solution to the country’s political crisis was not proliferation of political entities. “I don’t think the solution to Nigeria’s political problem is the proliferation of political associations that is lacking in ideology and virtue”, he stated. Reacting also, spokesman of the Makarfi led PDP, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said, “In the last few hours, we have received numerous calls from our party members, concerned citizens and well wishers on our association or otherwise of the Advance Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) which was unveiled today at Abuja. “For the avoidance of doubt, we reiterate once again that we are not in any way associated with the new party in any form or guise. The APDA is neither an offshoot of the PDP nor its alter ego as some are speculating. “This statement is made purely to set the Records straight and to avoid unnecessary innuendos, speculations and ambiguity that may threaten the continued unity and solidarity of our Party members. “We thank millions of well-meaning Nigerians for their concern and commitment to the defence of our nascent democracy. In the end, this democracy cannot survive without a strong and vibrant opposition”. 95 Intending Political Parties To Know Fate Tomorrow Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will tomorrow give a status report on the 95 political associations seeking to become political parties. This is coming just as the commission declared that its decision to review its communication policy is driven by its need to interface effectively with relevant stakeholders ahead of the 2019 general elections. Chairman of the electoral body, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, stated this at a workshop to review the commission’s communication policy, sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held in Kaduna State. Reacting to questions over the fate of political associations seeking registration, Yakubu said, “Let me say this and to assure Nigerians that under the electoral act, the commission is required to register new political parties and the guidelines are very clear for registration. As at last week we received 95 applications for registration as political parties. “At the end of this workshop, there is going to be a retreat on Wednesday to review the ongoing voters registration, followed by a meeting of the commission here in Kaduna, and there will be a statement on the issues of parties after the meeting of the commission”. He also stated that the commission will give further updates on the status of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR). On the forthcoming Anambra governorship poll, the INEC boss explained: “We said that we will register continuously for three months. After three months we will then do a due duplication, print voter cards and update the register. So, for those who have registered before this first quarter they will have their cards before the Anambra governorship election. But in addition to that the commission is also committed to devolving the registration in Anambra State to ward levels and we will soon announce the date for the commencement of the exercise.