News
AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:
AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:
- President Tinubu Taking Wise, Statesmanly Decisions – Assures VP Shettima
- Lists subsidy removal, other policies as options taken to save Nigeria
- Says nation’s economy will witness positive changes after the sacrifices
By: Our Reporter
Again, Vice President Kashim Shettima has implored Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he steers the ship of state through the economic turbulence and storm he met on ground on assumption of office.
“Soon, Nigeria’s economy will experience significant growth once we’ve overcome these sacrifices. Positive changes will soon be evident across all economic indicators – inflation, per capita income, GDP numbers, poverty reduction, food security, and all aspects close to the hearts of our people,” he declared.
Senator Shettima made the appeal on Thursday during the 2nd Chronicle Roundtable organized by 21st Century Media Services, publishers of 21st CENTURY CHRONICLE, as part of its public service enlightenment series, at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.
The Vice President who was the Guest Speaker at the roundtable explained some key policy decisions taken by the Tinubu administration as well as its Economic and Social Agenda, including the removal of subsidy on petroleum products, which he described as the ‘biggest elephant in the room’ before President Tinubu took charge.
Appealing for patience and time to address the serious challenges he said they met on ground, especially the nation’s ailing economy which was already tottering towards an eclipse, Shettima said, “We look forward to the positive impact on the economy that will be brought by some of our new initiatives in the oil and gas sector, creative arts sector, the newly rejigged steel and solid minerals sectors, our housing sector, the blue economy, and the digital sectors, to mention but a few.
“There is no doubt that there’s a time to plant and a time to reap. In between those times, we appeal for patience and seek collective sacrifice from all, especially from us. We wish there were a way to treat this ailment without surgery”.
While delivering his speech titled, “Because These Shortcuts Are Not The Right Ways,” the VP noted that though the decision to remove fuel subsidy was quite tough considering its negative impact on the lives of the citizens, it became an inevitable option when it was discovered that the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari did not make provision for it in the 2023 budget.
He explained: “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, chose the option that would save the life of the nation, instead of one that would merely prolong its imminent and predicted economic death. Before we took charge, the biggest elephant in the room was the question of fuel subsidy removal.
“We understood why our predecessor made the decision to remove it and refused to budget for it in their final fiscal year. The year before we took office, Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio had grown to 111.8%. The anticipated debt crisis may sound like fancy economic jargon to the man on the street, but you and I are in a better position to understand how such miscalculations have played out in other countries. It’s an economic death sentence.
“In plain terms, our debt servicing was such that if you earned, say, N100,000, the entirety of the money wasn’t only paid to your debtor; you were forced to borrow an additional N11,800 to pay the debtor. How do you intend to survive this, and how many more loans before you become a pariah?
“We are not even discussing the nation’s budget deficits, diversions of resources from critical sectors of the economy, and corruption masterminded in the subsidy regime.”
Acknowledging that government is a continuum, the VP said whoever had “succeeded the previous government would have either chosen to steer the ship through the storm as President Tinubu is doing or jumped ship and let the country implode.”
He observed that those who contested the presidency with President Tinubu did not feel morally justified to question the decision to remove fuel subsidy because it was part of the solutions they also tabled before Nigerians.
“This was because, whether in handling the subsidy matter or the forex crisis, they had also promised the solutions we had adopted. Those who attempted to eat their words were instantly proven wrong by data, history, and their antecedents—those emotionless reality checkers,” he pointed out.
Senator Shettima regretted that for long Nigeria had endured economic sabotage, leading to the resolve by Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, “to take matters into their hands to neutralise the overpowering influence of currency manipulators who had conspired to frustrate our reforms.
“Today, I stand proud to say that their interventions have translated into desired results, and Naira’s pushback against all odds is an inspiring journey that doesn’t have to be learned in Buenos Aires, as some would want us to do,” he added.
Earlier in his opening remarks, chairman of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and former Finance Minister, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, praised the content of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, describing it as one of the most detailed and carefully crafted policy document in the history of the country.
He stressed the need for the Renewed Hope Agenda document to be reviewed and integrated into the medium and long-term development framework of the country, noting that policy consistency with a long-term vision to transform critical sectors of the economy, is the way to go.
Dr Usman also commended the administration’s establishment of a central coordination delivery unit to track the performance of programmes, policies and key interventions of the Federal Government, insisting that the monitoring of key performance indicators in the policy document was critical to the success of the government.
On his part, the CEO of 2nd Chronicle Newspaper, Malam Mahmud Jega had while welcoming guests to the event, said the need to critically analyse government policies and programmes was not just an expectation from the media but indeed borne out of the necessity to collectively contribute in shaping the nation’s development trajectory.
Also present at the event were the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed; Chairman of 21st Century Chronicle, Amb. Gbara Awanen; notable leaders in the media industry, Dr Ishaq Moddibo Kawu; Mallam Garba Shehu; Mr Segun Adeniyi, and Malam Mahmud Jega, among others.
AT 2ND CHRONICLE ROUNDTABLE:
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
… Condemns Country’s Military Coup
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s Former President Goodluck Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau, the Federal Government has announced.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa made the announcement on Thursday. He said: “He (President Goodluck Jonathan) left with a special flight with members of his delegation including, former President, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Ibn Chambas.”
Jonathan, who is the head of ECOWAS Election Monitoring Mission to Guinea Bissau, was tramped along with members of his team in the country when military suspended democratic process and took over government.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria’s government has condemned the military coup d’etat in Guinea Bissau.
The Nigerian government in a statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has learned with profound dismay and deep concern the unfortunate military coup which has led to an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region. This coup d’état represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained and the full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau.”
The statement added that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally calls on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country on official assignment.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria urges all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau as expressed through their ballots and the peaceful conclusion of the election with the announcement of results by the electoral management body.
“We warn that those behind this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy.”
It further added that: “Nigeria, as a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, will work closely with our regional and international partners to take all necessary measures to ensure the swift return to normalcy and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion of democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.”
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
Federal Government Commissions Public Toilets in Nasarawa
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government on Thursday inaugurated a new smart toilet in Nasarawa State, calling for stronger sanitation efforts across the state to ensure Nigeria exits her unenviable position as one of the top nations with open defecation.
Few days ago, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal decried that just about 25 per cent of Nigerians have access to safely managed sanitation facilities leaving over 45 million Nigerians still practice open defecation.
The Federal Ministry of Environment on Thursday called for stronger sanitation efforts across the states at the commissioning of new smart public toilets at Orange Market, Mararaba, in Nasarawa state to mark the 2025 World Toilet Day
The Director General of the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority (NASWAMSA), Hon. Muhammad Isah, warmly welcomed dignitaries and partners to the 2025 World Toilet Day commemoration, expressing deep appreciation for the strong support the state has continued to receive toward improving sanitation and environmental health.
Addressing the Governor of Nasarawa State, the Honourable Minister of Environment, the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, the Commissioner of Environment, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment, and other distinguished officials and partners, the DG extended his gratitude for their presence and ongoing collaboration.
Isah said “on behalf of our Authority, I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Governor, for his strong support toward improving sanitation and environmental health in our state.” He applauded the Federal Ministry of Environment for its continued partnership, noting that the provisioning of smart toilets being commissioned at the event, as well as an earlier air pollution monitoring facility, have contributed meaningfully to improving community well-being.
According to him, “our deep gratitude also goes to the Honourable Minister of Environment and the entire staff of the Federal Ministry of Environment for their continued partnership. The provision of the Smart Toilets we commission today, as well as the air pollution monitoring facility earlier provided, are meaningful contributions that strengthen our work and improve the well-being of our communities.” The DG also highlighted new collaborative initiatives between NASWAMSA and the Ministry, particularly in waste-to-energy development and job creation. He noted that the Ministry requested ten locations for public toilets between Mararaba and Masaka, areas where sanitation facilities are urgently needed.
He explained that “NASWAMSA worked with Orange Market management to provide two suitable sites for modern public toilets. These are the facilities being commissioned today.” Hon. Isah further expressed sincere appreciation to Dr. Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, describing her as “maman talakawar jahar Nasarawa,” for her consistent support of women’s engagement and youth initiatives in the state. He stated, “your dedication is having a significant impact, and both the government and the people of Nasarawa State are truly grateful for your contributions. Thank you for your commitment to improving our environment and community.” The DG reaffirmed NASWAMSA’s commitment to continued collaboration with partners in pursuit of a cleaner and healthier Nasarawa State,
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Karu Local Government Council, Barr. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki, described the newly commissioned Public Toilet Project at Orange Market, Mararaba, as a significant milestone in efforts to promote public health, environmental sanitation, and community wellbeing in Karu Local Government Area. During the Community Engagement/Sensitization Campaign and Commissioning of the Public Toilet Project organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment, he expressed appreciation to the Ministry for selecting Karu as one of the beneficiaries of the initiative.
He said “it is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today on behalf of Government and the good people of Karu Local Government Area.” He noted that the commissioning marks “another significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote public health, environmental sanitation, and community wellbeing in Karu.”
Madaki emphasized that Orange Market, being one of the busiest commercial hubs in the Local Government, attracts thousands of traders, buyers, transporters, and visitors daily, which creates the urgent need for proper sanitation facilities to prevent pollution and disease outbreaks. Describing the facility, he said, “This Public Toilet Project is therefore not just a building but it is an investment in public health, dignity, and environmental protection. It provides a safe, hygienic, and accessible facility for all market users, and supports our ongoing efforts toward a cleaner and a healthier Karu for everyone in line with the vision of His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State.”
He outlined recent efforts of the Local Government Council toward improving sanitation, stating that “over the past months, we have intensified efforts to improve waste management in markets and across communities, strengthen environmental monitoring and compliance, support community-based sanitation initiatives, and promote health education and community awareness.” Madaki assured the Federal Ministry that Karu Local Government would ensure the facility is well managed, adding, “Karu Local Government Council will take full responsibility for the maintenance, security, and effective use of this facility.” He urged traders and residents to safeguard the facility, saying, “this facility is yours. I urge you to take ownership of it. Let us use it properly, keep it clean, and protect it from vandalism.”
In his remarks, he expressed special appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Environment, the Honorable Commissioner of Environment, the DG NASWAMSA and their staff “for the support and dedication to environmental sustainability nationwide,” and stated that Karu Local Government remains open to more partnerships aimed at uplifting the health, economic, and social wellbeing of the people.
As the ceremony concluded, the Chairman reminded attendees that “development is meaningful only when it touches the lives of the people directly,” urging renewed commitment toward a cleaner society. He added, “Together, let us continue to promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier Karu for us and the future generation to come,” and ended with, “Thank you and may God bless us all. God bless Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Federal Government Commissions Public Toilets in Nasarawa
NESREA, Ogun State Seal Recycling Facilities
…Quarry Shut after Flying Rocks Injured School Students
By: Michael Mike
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with Ogun State Ministry of Environment, on Thursday sealed off recycling facilities in Ogijo community in Ogun State.
The sealing followed the failure of the operators to comply with the provisions of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and the Protocol developed by NESREA to ensure environmentally sound management of used lead acid batteries and safeguard the health of residents and the environment.
Under the protocol, the facilities committed to manage ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe, environmentally sound and socially responsible manner, and also prioritize staff health and safety including an annual blood lead testing and provision of Personal Protective Equipment.
The recyclers, as duty to the host community and environmental responsibility are to conduct annual environmental impact audits on surrounding communities, transition to cleaner recycling technologies and participate in pilot projects for slag reuse for bricks and cement raw materials.
NESREA in collaboration with Ogun State government and other partners under the Project for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET)had carried out extensive assessment and sensitization of the operators in the sector on international best practices in the recycling sector.
In the same vein, official of the agency have shut down Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry in Dutse area of Abuja on Wednesday, after flying rocks from a blasting operation injured staff and students of Graceland High School, and damaged the school properties as well.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the agency, Nwamaka Ejiofor, Investigations by NESREA showed that the students were in their various classes writing exams when they heard a bang at about 12.30 pm, followed by flying rocks which destroyed the school buildings, with 11 students and 2 staff of the school sustaining various degrees of injury. Nearby shops were also affected by the flying rocks.
Deputy Director, Conservation Monitoring, Glory Uboh. said the agency took the step to shut down the facility as their operations were contrary to the provisions of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
She said, “What happened is life threatening, that was why we had to move in immediately to seal the facility. Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry, which carried out the blasting operation will be sanctioned because our preliminary investigation shows contradiction to Quarry operating procedure and regulations. We will continue with our investigations and the facility will definitely be sanctioned in line with the National Environmental (Quarry and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013”.
NESREA, Ogun State Seal Recycling Facilities
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
Federal Government Commissions Public Toilets in Nasarawa
NESREA, Ogun State Seal Recycling Facilities
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