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FG TO LAUNCH $617M INVESTMENT IN DIGITAL, CREATIVE ENTERPRISES PROGRAMME

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FG TO LAUNCH $617M INVESTMENT IN DIGITAL, CREATIVE ENTERPRISES PROGRAMME

…VP Shettima directs technical committee to ensure inclusivity

By: Our Reporter

Determined to deliver on the promise to create millions of jobs in the technology space, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has proposed November 2023 to launch the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) programme.

To ensure this unfolds into a reality, Vice President Kashim Shettima has given marching orders to members of the i-DICE Steering Committee, tasking them to make sure the programme starts before the end of November this year.

The VP gave the directive on Friday when the i-DICE team gave him an update on the progress made so far during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

At the meeting, Sen. Shettima emphasised the importance of the initiative to Federal Government’s digital jobs drive, saying the administration is keen on delivering on its promises to Nigerians.

Accordingly, he urged all partners in the i-DICE programme to ensure judicious utilisation of the funds, noting that the $617.7 million scheme could be a game changer.

The Vice President stated: “The peculiarity of the challenges we face in the country demands that we have to create jobs for our teeming youths to address the crises associated with youth unemployment. I want to appeal to all of us here to unite and see that this programme takes off latest by the end of November this year.

“I am interested in getting a weekly update on what is being done to kick-start this programme. We also need to spread out to cover the whole country so that there is inclusivity. If we judiciously utilise these funds, the target impact and anticipated benefits will be immense.
“I want to assure the technical committee, all those working on this programme and our international partners, that you will get all the support that you will need. We mean business. My boss, President Bola Tinubu, is passionate about the transformation of this country. So, you have nothing to worry about the government’s support”.

Speaking with State House correspondents shortly after the meeting, Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun described the project as “very key to the promise of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly to the youth, for the creation of 1.2 million digital jobs.

“This $617 million project will go a long way to achieving the President’s priorities on job creation and economic growth, particularly inclusivity. One of the major elements is going to have 50% participation by women,” he added.

On his part, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani, said the scheme is a unique opportunity.

He noted: “The Nigerian technology and creative ecosystem has been doing well and is the best on the continent. We actually want to be a leader globally. And there’s no other way to do that than investing in the technology startups that are building these solutions.

“So, the government is putting its skin in the game to say ‘we want to support; we want to see more local confidence building’. And there’s no other way to show that than by putting money in some of the startups.”

For his part, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Mr Kayode Pitan, hinted that the Vice President gave them marching orders to start by next month.

He said, “The Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) Programme programme is actually a $617 million programme. The funding has been concluded with African Development Bank (AfDB), the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

“BOI (Bank Of Industry) also will put in some part of that funding. It will cover the digital area, the creative area and entertainment area, especially the areas that the youth are interested in. So, this is actually for the youths – people below 35. We have some grants, we have some loans. There’s some equity, and for the startups, government is hoping that some new unicorns are going to emerge from this particular programme”.

Also present at the meeting were the Ministers of Science and Technology Innovation, Mr Uche Nnaji; Industry Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hajiya Hannatu Musawa, among others.

FG TO LAUNCH $617M INVESTMENT IN DIGITAL, CREATIVE ENTERPRISES PROGRAMME

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BOSEPA Concludes 2024 Sanitation Exercises with Stern Warning and Commendations

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BOSEPA Concludes 2024 Sanitation Exercises with Stern Warning and Commendations

By: Our Reporter

The Borno State Ministry of Environment, led by Dr. Juliana Bitrus, Permanent Secretary, and Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, General Manager of BOSEPA, concluded the final sanitation exercise for 2024 with a strong warning to defaulters on 7th November 2024.

The team supervised the sanitation vanguard in Maiduguri and its environs, ensuring compliance with sanitation regulations.

During the exercise, Dr. Bitrus and her team inspected various markets and locations in Maiduguri and its environs, ensuring compliance with sanitation regulations. The team issued stern warnings to defaulters, including the three chairmen of Tasha Kangaluya Market, who were cautioned to comply with sanitation regulations or face legal consequences.

Dr. Bitrus thanked the trade unions operating in the markets for their cooperation, which contributed to the success of the exercise.

Additionally, bean cake sellers along Roadside were taken to the sanitation court for engaging in illegal activities and neglecting to clean their environment.

The exercise was commended by Alh. Musa Goma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, who thanked individuals and clubs for their continued support. He called on other clubs and associations to participate in the sanitation exercise to help make Borno cleaner and more peaceful.

Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar, General Manager of BOSEPA, emphasized the importance of proper waste management, warning against dumping refuse into drainages and waterways. He announced that those found guilty would face legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution.

Suleiman expressed his gratitude to the Executive Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State House of Assembly, the state Executive council, Clubs/Association and all other individuals who contributed to the success of the exercise throughout the year.

The sanitation supervisory team also witnessed key officials such as the General Manager of BOTMA, Engr Babashehu Tijjani, and other senior members of the Ministry of Environment and security personnel.

Shortly after the exercise the team visits Borno State Environmental Sanitation Court, where they discussed potential reviews of environmental laws with the judge.

BOSEPA Concludes 2024 Sanitation Exercises with Stern Warning and Commendations

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Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team

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Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Yobe state government, through the office of the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, has received a reputable consulting team who were engaged to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and technical designs for the successful implementation of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) project in the state.

The SSG who received the team on behalf of the state government highlighted three priority areas identified by the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, to be handled under the project.

He articulated the three key areas to include: infrastructure, agriculture, and energy, which were strategically selected to improve the livelihoods and promote the economic growth of the citizens.

While making his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government has called on the consultant to justify the conference reposed on them by the government.

Earlier speaking, State Focal Person BADEA, Idriss Mohammed Yaro Gumsa, told the SSG that consultants were in Yobe for the past couple of days as he took them round for a sightseeing visit to some of the proposed project sites.

Also, as part of the mandate for the consultants visit to Yobe, the state government conducted a high-level stakeholder engagement aimed at preparing necessary requirements for securing alternate financing to drive sustainable development and enhance the quality of lives of Yobe communities through funding from  BADE.

The session chaired by the SSG, represented by the Hon. Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha Geidam, was meant to deliberate on the technical aspect of the project proposal.

“Under agriculture, the proposed initiatives include supporting 20,000 smallholder farmers across the 17 LGAs of the state with essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, including solar-powered water pumps and hand-push tillers, among others.

“Establishing 50 small-scale irrigation schemes in Yobe State to facilitate year-round crop production, targeting over 14,000 individual beneficiaries.

According to him, the focus for infrastructure development in the project involves the construction and rehabilitation of 253 kilometers of rural and urban roads across the state.

Others include drilling and installing 200 hybrid solar-powered boreholes in urban-rural communities, boarding secondary schools and primary healthcare centers, as well as construction of 200-bed capacity hostels in the designated tertiary institutions across the three senatorial districts.

While the energy sector intends to provide solar and renewable energy solutions for boarding schools, specialist hospitals, healthcare centers, and modern markets and promote energy efficiency through advanced technologies and practices.

He urged the consulting firm to work in line with the state government’s priorities and ensure due diligence in the conduct of their assignment.

Meanwhile, in his presentation on the overview of the BADEA project in Yobe, the State Focal Person, Idriss Mohammed Yaro, highlighted the deliberate efforts made by the Yobe state government towards attracting the BADEA project, which include an official visit to the Arab Bank’s headquarters in Riyadh by our leader and people-oriented governor, His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON.

The consultant assured the government of their commitment to deliver the assignment according to standard specifications.

Yobe received the Arab Bank consulting team

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Zulum felicitates with CEO Matrix Ltd, Alhaji Adisa at 50

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Zulum felicitates with CEO Matrix Ltd, Alhaji Adisa at 50

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has felicitated with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matrix Limited, Alhaji Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

Governor Zulum in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, described the celebrant as a distinguished philanthropist whose commitment to education support, job creation, and equal opportunities has left an indelible mark on society.

The governor further lauded Alhaji Aliu’s ingenuity as an entrepreneur who has taken the Matrix Group to the apex of its business, thereby creating jobs in the process for the teeming unemployed youth in the country.

“Let me join family, friends, and associates to celebrate you as you turn 50,” Governor Zulum stated. “Indeed, you have positively impacted the lives of many. Happy 50th birthday.”

He expressed gratitude to Allah (SWT) for Alhaji Aliu’s good health, strength, and longevity while urging him to remain steadfast in his values and service to humanity.

Zulum felicitates with CEO Matrix Ltd, Alhaji Adisa at 50

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